"I only know someone took home a Magic Guided Conductor from the Xinsas Serpentfolk era."
Mr. Reed laughed heartily, "That's Parker's own fault for not learning history well enough."
"Let's get back to the main topic, Mr. Reed."
"Alright, it's actually related to the output of the Earth Element Crystal Mine Veins. In the past decade, the output and quality of Nogness's Earth Element Crystals have significantly declined," Mr. Big Cat turned to look at him, "Do you know what this means?"
"Nogness's Ether Network is weakening?"
Reed nodded.
"In most places around the world, the Ether Network has noticeably decayed over the past fifty years. Initially, the Stars and Moon Council used twelve-circle spells as the standard for Archmages and Elf Users, but in recent years it has been lowered to eleven circles because fewer people can cast spells above ten circles."
"However, the life of the Floating Continent will eventually come to an end, which is why nations are keen to develop the Second World. This process is very slow; we might not even see it in our lifetimes. But I'm not here to talk about that, Ade."
"The Lizardmen say that in the past three months, crystal production throughout Nogness has drastically reduced. Guy Crystal production is decreasing too, and several guilds' mines are producing nothing; hence, the price of Earth Origin Crystals has risen in the market. This is somewhat unusual, and I suspect someone is behind it, taking advantage of the Southern Region turmoil, while the Colin People are too preoccupied to pay attention to Nogness, extracting strength from Nogness's underground Ether Web Pulse."
Fang Hong slightly opened his mouth because it sounded too incredible.
"This sounds a bit bizarre, but it's not impossible. You should remember everything that happened on Fenris Isle. Moreover, where elemental magic power gathers abundantly, is the best environment for crystal growth. If all the magic power extracted from Nogness converges at one location, it wouldn't be surprising to see high-quality Earth Origin Crystals grow there."
Mr. Big Cat held his pipe with his paw and puffed out a cloud of smoke, saying so.
"You mean," Fang Hong listened in amazement, "someone set up a node in Nogness to extract Earth Elemental Magic Power? And the Art of Conflict Guild and the Lizardmen managed to get this batch of Earth Origin Crystals?"
"This is just a conjecture, but it's highly likely."
"This sounds a bit unsettling."
"Indeed, the turmoil and political strife of a region have drawn the full attention of this ancient kingdom. Beyond people's sight, in the borderlands of the kingdom, shadows lurk and evil stirs," Reed stroked his chin, "Sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it?"
Fang Hong looked at him unexpectedly.
Mr. Big Cat answered coolly, "I'll find an opportunity to tell you the story about Rotao. So, what do you think now?"
Fang Hong pondered for a moment, "I'm suddenly curious about the origins of those Earth Origin Crystals."
"It's quite simple to figure out their origins," Mr. Big Cat said, "Do you intend to send Miss Beiji to Golande?"
Fang Hong nodded. This unexpected news made him change his decision. He has a vague feeling that the turmoil in the Southern Region is linked to the unusual occurrences involving Istania and Nogness.
Even though currently the Seven Seas Travel Group is occupied with its own matters, a voice told him that investigating this was at least necessary.
The two of them wandered around the market, while the Lion Paladin consistently claimed along the way that they discovered some truly good things:
"This is an ancient peat, used by Wizards to create transcription; the Xinsas Serpentfolk believed it contained mysterious magic power."
"That's just a rumor, Mr. Reed. It's just an ordinary stone."
"Then this Xinsas Ancient Coin, a rare collectible item."
"The Xinsas Serpentfolk used gold, jade, and crystals for trading; they didn't use currency."
"Ha, I was just testing you to see if you're sharp enough as a captain."
"Ah, Mr. Reed, whatever you say."
Fang Hong sighed.
However, Mr. Big Cat indeed only spoke without buying anything, seemingly making fun of him, eventually buying a batch of unnamed plant roots from a Lizardman.
Fang Hong looked at those black roots and asked, "What are these? Xinsas Serpentfolk's magic plants?"
"Not at all," Mr. Big Cat laughed, "But they are my magic plants. These are rare tobacco roots. After drying them and using a special method to prepare them, the flake tobacco obtained will have a very unique flavor. I thought such things only existed in Rotao, but it turns out here too."
"Watch your lungs, Mr. Big Cat," Fang Hong shook his head, "Smoking less is good for you."
"Your tone is quite close to Atira's. Perhaps you're really her brother, because whether you believe it or not, each of us might have shadows of ourselves in another world." Reed looked at him, "Except for the hair color and ears, you look almost identical to her brother; perhaps in your world, there is another me."
"Our world doesn't have Lion People, Mr. Reed."
"Oh, is that so?" The Lion laughed heartily, unexpectedly having his theory quickly proven wrong.
Fang Hong suddenly thought, his world doesn't have Lion People, but does have lions. He then imagined a lion crouching on the savanna, holding a pipe in its mouth, causing the scene to collapse slightly for a moment.