The first sub-division of the God-given seed had branched into three, while the second and third subdivisions each had one branch. Together with the mother plant, there were currently nine plants, with four of them fully grown. Standing at a height of around 30, their deep green leaves were slender and sturdy, reminiscent of orchid leaves. At dusk, the veins of the leaves emitted a golden-purple halo, exuding a unique sense of elegance.

Zhonglou and several spiders of various sizes stood at a distance, fearing to damage the grass leaves as they observed.

A senior warrior named Luoshi, puzzled, asked, "Mountain Lord Bambu, did your God-given seed derive from orchids? May I inquire about the specific variety?"

These traveling merchants traversed various regions and had seen all sorts of plants. Despite his contemplation, Luoshi couldn't discern the variety of the God-given seed.

Equally puzzled, Zhonglou said uncertainly, "Each plant has its unique aura. Based on the aura, it doesn't seem like orchids."

Bambu replied, "It's Xun Grass."

Understanding dawned on Zhonglou. "Ah, Xun Grass! The annual grass that seeds in autumn. That's excellent, Mountain Lord Bambu. You are truly fortunate. Nature has favored you. Your God-given seed has boundless potential!"

Luoshi chimed in, "Judging by its growth, you'll be able to harvest the first batch of grass seeds this autumn. Mountain Lord Bambu, your growth rate will surpass all the warriors of the cockroach tribe, quickly advancing to become an outstanding Mountain Lord!"

Traveling merchants, having dealt with various races, had a knack for conversation and dealings. They were quick to shower praise regardless of the circumstances.

Bambu wasn't easily swayed by flattery and pondered: The common Xun Grass indeed seeded in autumn. However, the Xun Grass managed by the Red Cockroach tribe seemed somewhat different, yielding crops twice a year. Would his Xun Grass, both the cultivated and God-given seed, also yield twice a year?

Not receiving a response from Bambu, Zhonglou continued, "Mountain Lord Bambu, your God-given seed is currently in its vigorous growth stage. I have a small suggestion. You can collect some animal dung, dig a small hole, and bury it next to each plant. This will help them grow even stronger."

Collect dung? Gather manure? Ridiculous!

Bambu earnestly replied, "Thank you for your suggestion. I will try it. I believe this method will indeed help them grow better."

Changing the subject, Bambu asked, "Mountain Lord Zhonglou, the Mountain Lord of Flower Cypress Peak has recently fallen. As a newly promoted warrior, I am just starting out and possess nothing. I wonder what brings you here..."

Merchants pursued profits, and if the trade wasn't profitable enough, they might not return. They chose routes with higher profits, even if it meant bypassing less profitable territories like those of ordinary senior warriors in the Iron Knife Mountains.

Pu Tao qualified for trade, albeit as a "small customer." The colorful silk bag she used to preserve Force fruit was a gift from the merchant caravan.

Zhonglou explained, "Our caravan passes through the Jinpin and Iron Knife Mountains every three years, en route to Lady Chijian's territory. During our last journey, I made some trade agreements with the Mountain Lord of Gold Bamboo Peak."

Zhonglou lamented, "I ordered a batch of bamboo seeds from the Mountain Lord of Gold Bamboo Peak. Among them, the seeds of Gold Bamboo and Flax Bamboo were particularly popular. During the three-year journey, I made pre-sale agreements with dozens of lords. You understand, in trading, reputation is paramount. If we fail to deliver as promised, our reputation will be tarnished."

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Luoshi interjected, "We came to inquire, Mountain Lord Bambu, if you have collected seeds of these three types of bamboo?"

Bambu found it strange that they came to collect Gold Bamboo seeds despite knowing that the Mountain Lord of Gold Bamboo had passed away. It turned out they were here for the Gold Bamboo seeds.

Bambu replied, "Last year's drought threatened the survival of many bamboos, leading them to flower and seed at the cost of their lives. I did manage to collect a batch of seeds. As for Gold Bamboo and Flax Bamboo seeds, I have a few, but not many."

"Unfortunately, I have no Gold Bamboo seeds at all. As you know, Gold Bamboo is the most drought-resistant bamboo, and they are thriving."

Zhonglou exclaimed, "That's excellent. I don't need many."

Bambu said, "Mountain Lord Zhonglou, please wait a moment."

He disappeared into the cave originally excavated by the former Mountain Lord of Gold Bamboo and emerged with a snakeskin bag. Layer by layer, he unwrapped it, revealing dried fruit shells wrapped in cotton wool, storing the seeds.

Bambu said, "I have 99 Gold Bamboo seeds and 99 Flax Bamboo seeds. I intend to keep one of each for nurturing Life Seeds. Before proceeding, how do you intend to make the purchase?"

"Only 99 Gold Bamboo seeds?" Zhonglou seemed slightly disappointed. "I had a deal with the Mountain Lord of Gold Bamboo for 10,000 Gold Bamboo seeds over three years. During this period, I promised to sell more than 10,000 seeds... "

"Such a large demand?!" Bambu's mind raced. "How do you plan to purchase? Perhaps in three years, I can provide a sufficient quantity of seeds."

Zhonglou explained, "For 10,000 Gold Bamboo seeds, we pay 10 original stones upfront, or equivalent goods. Flax Bamboo, being the largest and longest-lived bamboo species, with a flowering cycle of a hundred years, is precious. I'll take as many as you have. For the 98 seeds, I can offer 1 original stone or equivalent goods."

Gold Bamboo, improved by the former Mountain Lord, flowered and seeded every three years. It had been promoted for over 20 years and was no longer very valuable. Instead, Flax Bamboo seeds were precious.

In fact, there were very few Flax Bamboo seeds planted on Gold Bamboo Peak, and many had died in last year's drought. The seeds collected were from those that perished. Bambu hadn't anticipated the arrival of the merchant caravan at the time and hadn't realized their value, only collecting 100 seeds.

Now, in the spring, those seeds had germinated and grown into new plants, a missed opportunity for wealth.

Zhonglou generously said, "Mountain Lord Bambu, I'll pay you 2 original stones for the 99 Gold Bamboo seeds and 98 Flax Bamboo seeds. How does that sound?"

Bambu wanted to haggle, starting with the rarity of the seeds, but then thought better of it and agreed readily, "That's a fair price. Deal!"

The merchants, operating on a yearly cycle, traversed the continent from north to south and then back again, visiting the vast lands of the Flower Cockroach and Fire Cockroach kingdoms. With thousands of routes to choose from, this caravan passed through

the Jinpin and Iron Knife Mountains every three years, primarily heading for Lady Chijian's territory. Along the way, they engaged in trade.

If the profits from trade were insufficient, they might not return next time. They would choose routes with higher profits, still reaching their destination.

"Deal!" Zhonglou didn't conceal his disappointment at being unable to purchase enough Gold Bamboo seeds and said, feigning high spirits, "Mountain Lord Bambu, thank you for the seeds. They will solve my immediate problem."

After thanking Bambu, he continued, "It's clear that you are a straightforward Mountain Lord. Your future is unpredictable. This is our first transaction but certainly not the last. It's the beginning of our cooperation."

Bambu responded, "Pleasure doing business with you!"

Zhonglou instructed the spider warrior beside him, "Xuemai, take out the Fire Oil Pine seeds and give them to Mountain Lord Bambu."

After giving the instructions, Zhonglou explained to Bambu, "The Fire Oil Pine, bred by the Northern Wolf Scorpion tribe, is a precious tree species on par with the Fire Oil Tong cultivated by the Fire Cockroach tribe. The Northern Wolf Scorpion tribe strictly controls every Fire Oil Pine seed produced to monopolize profits and prohibits external dissemination."

"This pine cone was part of the trade agreement with the Mountain Lord of Gold Bamboo three years ago. We paid a considerable price to acquire it. Now that the Mountain Lord of Gold Bamboo has passed away and the new Mountain Lord has taken over Gold Bamboo Peak, I'll give it to you as a gift."