After everything was explained, Zhou Yan returned to his territory and went to the [Emperor's Heavenly Palace]. He saw Cai Yan and Wei Zifu still strolling in the garden.
"Lord." The two women smiled and walked towards Zhou Yan upon seeing him.
"Sister Diao Chan mentioned that the Lord has reached a cooperation with a City Lord from Yunxin City," Cai Yan said, her curvaceous figure mesmerizing as she came to Zhou Yan's side.
Zhou Yan put an arm around Cai Yan and the other around Wei Zifu.
The two women blushed and quickly said, "Don't let anyone see."
"What are you afraid of? You are both my women, the mistresses of this territory. What is there to worry about?" Zhou Yan embraced both of them and they sat down on a pavilion.
"The cooperation has been settled, and the mining is also stable. Everything is going smoothly now. I won't need to go there anymore," Zhou Yan said.
Wei Zifu picked up grapes from the stone table, peeled them, and offered them to Zhou Yan's mouth. She then asked, "The Lord went to such great lengths to mine there. The materials there must be no ordinary ones, right?"
Flicking Wei Zifu's cute little nose, Zhou Yan replied, "That's for sure. If it were ordinary materials, I wouldn't have bothered. What's produced there is Spirit Stones, and there are many Nine-Star Spirit Stones. Although we've only just started mining, the intelligence is not wrong."
"Why don't the people of Xuanfeng Dynasty mine it themselves?" Cai Yan was very curious.
"Those countries are different from our territory. Those countries, although they have vast territories, also have a limited population. Coupled with various talent reasons, it's difficult for them to conduct large-scale mineral exploration."
"But our Lord is different. We have professional life-profession talents, and our mineral exploration is more professional."
"Therefore, those City Lords are willing to cooperate with our Lord. Anyway, both parties will sign a contract, and there is a time limit. Once the time is up, even if the resources in the mine haven't been fully excavated, they will eventually belong to them. So, no matter what, they won't lose out."
Zhou Yan explained briefly. This kind of cooperative relationship is applicable in many countries. After all, a country cannot be good at everything, and every country has its own cooperative methods.
"I heard some sisters say they want to go to Xuanfeng Dynasty to take a look," Wei Zifu looked at Zhou Yan with anticipation.
"You want me to take you there, don't you?" Zhou Yan understood Wei Zifu's thoughts immediately.
"Since the Lord is here, even if I don't say it, Sister Diao Chan will tell you tomorrow," Wei Zifu replied with a charming smile, looking very alluring.
"I don't know when the mining in that place will be finished. During this time, we can indeed travel in Xuanfeng Dynasty."
Zhou Yan nodded. This could be considered experiencing foreign scenery.
"That's great. There are so many sisters, the Lord needs to keep a close eye on us," Wei Zifu teased.
"You dare to flirt with me? Let's see how I'll deal with you!" Zhou Yan said and immediately pulled the two women into the room.
The next day, Diao Chan indeed found Zhou Yan with several women and mentioned their desire to visit Xuanfeng Dynasty.
"Of course, I don't restrict your freedom. However, you must bring some Martial Generals along," Zhou Yan said.
"We will obey the Lord's arrangements," Diao Chan and the others were very happy, cheering like a flock of larks.
There weren't many people going on the trip: Diao Chan, Cai Yan, Zhao Min, Xiao Zhao, and Wei Zifu. Diao Chan also managed to bring Chang'e, which made Zhou Yan very happy. Diao Chan truly understood his heart.
After confirmation, Zhou Yan called a few people. Initially, Zhou Yan wanted to call Li Yuanba and Lu Bu, but they had only recently arrived at the territory, and their cultivation was too low. Their strength wasn't great at the moment, so he didn't call them.
He definitely couldn't call the generals from the various legions. He had to choose from the remaining Martial Generals.
Dian Wei, the simple-minded fellow, would be fine. Then there was Meng Tian. Meng Wu could also be called.
Next, Zhang Xiu and Wen Pin could also be brought along. Zhang Wuji's strength was also good, so he could bring Wei Xiaoxiao and Yang Xiao along as well.
That made seven people. Zhou Yan thought Wu Song could also be called, followed by Hou Junji and Yang Zaixing.
That should be enough. As for Jin Ye, he wouldn't be brought along this time. He would be made to cultivate properly in the territory. After all, he would be entering hibernation soon.
However, he would definitely bring his two bodyguards, An Tian and Liu Li.
Zhou Yan wanted to bring Nan Gong Pusi, but she wasn't interested in traveling, so he let it go.
Zhou Yan had finished assigning all matters related to the territory.
After everything was confirmed, they began to prepare.
However, Zhou Yan noticed that Zhao Min was still disguised as a man, wearing all white and holding a folding fan.
Zhou Yan was a bit surprised. He hadn't seen her dressed like this in a long time.
"Why do you suddenly want to go out dressed like this?" Zhou Yan asked.
"Isn't this how we looked when we first met? I'm just reminiscing, is that not allowed?" Zhao Min said with a smile, looking not only beautiful but also incredibly charming.
"Of course, it's allowed," Zhou Yan nodded.
The others quickly changed their attire. When they saw Zhao Min, they all found it very interesting. Xiao Zhao quickly said, "I'll go change into men's clothes too."
"Me too," Diao Chan also went.
The other women made no move and remained in their women's attire.
Zhou Yan looked at Chang'e. She was still as pure and refined as a fairy. This time, she wore a veil, making her appearance hazy and exuding a unique, alluring beauty.
Nineteen people mounted their mounts and headed towards the border of Xuanfeng Dynasty.
Their numbers were not large. Many people came and went, including lords and soldiers. They were not far from the border city, all within about a hundred kilometers.
After paying the entrance fee, they put away their mounts and started exploring the city.
The city was vast and prosperous, with a large population comprising various races such as Orcs, Elves, Dwarves, Centaurs, Catgirls, Demons, Monsters, Ghosts... it was like a city of ten thousand races.
Their attire was also a motley assortment, including suits, cheongsams, clothes resembling Hanfu, modern casual wear, and many outfits Zhou Yan had never seen before. Some people also concealed their faces.
This border city offered a dazzling array of goods. Diao Chan and the others encountered many curiosities and bought quite a lot along the way.
Zhou Yan led everyone around, sampling various delicacies and enjoying the scenery.
They soon came across a very lively arena with many stages. Challengers stepped forward to fight, and the victors received a reward.
The rewards were all placed inside jars, so no one could see what they were. However, each item was worth more than one hundred thousand Spirit Coins.