Chapter 643 Farming! Literally
On the city wall, Kazumi waited quietly, her pale fingernails tapping rhythmically on the edge of the wall. In the distance, the newly arrived captives were slowly moving under the herding of ghouls, their wails scattered into the air by the howling, biting wind. Before long, a hunched figure appeared at the steps of the city wall. The person was so thin they were almost unrecognizable, their ribs clearly visible beneath flimsy clothes. They walked like a walking skeleton. Only the darting eyes and obsequious smile made Kazumi recognize this gaunt figure—the big-eared goblin who called himself a lord and merchant.
Pank’s voice was much thinner than before. He walked almost respectfully in front of Kazumi, covering the cold flagstones with his heavily hooded form. He was followed by two emaciated guards, carrying an exquisite silver-plated serving tray. They moved carefully to Kazumi’s side.
Kazumi narrowed her eyes, appraising this captive she had never seen before. The last time she had seen him, this merchant had been a fat man with a face full of fat. Now he was so thin he was skin and bones, looking like a walking, dried-up corpse. However, the rumors about him were indeed true. The Death Crystal that Kazumi had rewarded him with previously had been effective. This guy now looked radiant, even more robust than before.
“My humble shop has returned victoriously, and I have specially prepared the finest White Bone Flower tea.” Pank spread his hands and uncovered an exquisite silver serving tray filled with white petals, emitting a faint, sweet aroma.
Kazumi took the cup. Her fingertips lightly touched the rim of the cup. The cold sensation made her eyes slightly narrow. This tea mixed with the taste of herbs, but it was very special, with a strange aftertaste and an aura of death, as if it could bring some mysterious power. She took a gentle sip. The tea that went down her throat brought a subtle pleasure, making her feel as if the vitality within her was slowly flowing. Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she were sensing something. This tea did not seem simple; its taste and effects were more complicated than she had imagined. She raised her head and looked at the somewhat strange merchant in front of her.
Kazumi gently put down the cup, a hint of thought flashing in her eyes, as if savoring the uniqueness of this cup of tea. Her gaze was deep and sharp, as if she could see through everything. She slowly spoke, her voice low and magnetic: “This tea… is indeed extraordinary.”
Pank smiled slightly, clearly pleased with Kazumi’s assessment. He continued: “I specially collected this tea from the herb mountains in the north and added some rare medicinal ingredients. It can refresh the mind and enhance the physique. However, the production process of this tea is very complicated, and it is difficult for ordinary people to obtain it.”
Kazumi nodded, her gaze still fixed on Pank, as if carefully observing his every subtle expression. She said lightly: “It seems you are indeed not simple. However, I do not fully trust you.”
Upon hearing this, Pank’s smile slightly faded, but he quickly regained his usual confidence. He said sincerely: “Lord Kazumi, I just want to find a foothold in this desolate land and hope to cooperate with you. I believe our cooperation will be beneficial to both parties.”
Kazumi pondered for a moment, then nodded: “Alright, we can try. But you must prove your sincerity.”
Pank immediately nodded in agreement: “Definitely, definitely. Lord Kazumi, I will do my best to fulfill your requests.”
Kazumi smiled slightly, her mind already made up. She knew that this Pank was by no means simple, and he must have a deeper background behind him. However, since he had taken the initiative to show goodwill, she did not mind giving him an opportunity. As for his true purpose, it would require further observation and testing.
“As for your efficiency, Master, it is my honor. This is specially made from the third batch of mature White Bone Flowers. The heat control when boiling the petals…”
He spoke of the planting situation. Kazumi interrupted his incessant chatter, and the maiden Huan Zhen seemed a little embarrassed. She was curious how he knew she was busier than the other party at the time. Kazumi merely gave him a curious look. As expected, under the strong threat of Locke’s manor, even the scum of death erupted with strong potential.
“Yes, yes!” Pank immediately stood up straight and took out a leather-bound account book from his embrace. The cover was written in bright red characters. He opened it to densely packed pages, filled with numerical planting records. “My Lord, we followed your command to search for transplantable crops by the lake. We now have five types of plants that can be cultivated. The yield of White Bone Fruit is very high and can supplement our main food source. As for what truly restores everyone, it requires three to four harvests. The White Bone Flowers are stored in the warehouse. Besides these in your cup, there are no other situations.”
“The yield of Stone Monkeys is currently very low and cannot be supplied in large quantities yet. But this newly discovered Death Enzyme crop has a very high yield, and we have not achieved good planting effects or specific effects yet. We are also working hard to improve the method, so please, Master, give me some time.”
“Fourth, the Willow Vine and Corpse Flesh by the pond.”
The undead crops that once made him vomit were now spoken of as treasured possessions.
“The yield of Stone Monkeys is currently very low and cannot be supplied in large quantities yet. But this newly discovered Death Enzyme crop has a very high yield, and we have not achieved good planting effects or specific effects yet. We are also working hard to improve the method, so please, Master, give me some time.”
The houses drawn above each have ten rooms, and each house can accommodate ten people.
“Considering that you will have more captives entering the residential area, Master, we have been building houses. Please forgive us, Master. Our bodies are too frail. Except for me, everyone else finds it extremely difficult to cut down trees by the lake. Only recently, as everyone gradually adapted to this environment, has our speed slightly increased. We will work overtime to expand the large residential area.” As he said this, Pank knelt down, his own people having rushed over from the residential area. He was afraid that the maiden in front would die while building housing for him. “It’s alright, you’ve done very well.”
Looking at Kazumi kneeling before him, she shook her head and replied. The maiden did not understand Pank’s thoughts, but she had to admit that he was doing quite well. At least the effect was good. What he had done had exceeded her original expectations. After all, the number of captives when he said “two little cats and dogs” back then was completely different from the attention Kazumi had paid to this matter. But it was different now.
The new captives were nothing compared to how desperate Pank and his group were when they first arrived. Many were too weak to stand. She noticed that they had indeed become like the former creation groups, enjoying the twisted sense of power. This former adversary had become her. According to the old rules, only the living could live in the residential area.
“After this, if the increase is even greater…” “Understood, understood, thank you for your grace, Master.” She calmed herself down and then began to produce heavy machinery in the residential area.
