Bai Ye said, "Since it's a future technology zone, over fifty percent of the output is black quality. However, due to the entry-level nature of the technology, it's limited to the most basic energy-based firearms."
As Bai Ye spoke, he gestured for Gao Ming to bring paper and a pen.
Bai Ye continued, "I'll write down the information about the restricted zone. I won't include the most basic energy-based firearms, but I will list some valuable items, such as memory erasers, future cars, the atomic ball pistol nicknamed 'Cricket,' the three-tube plasma cannon, and unicycles."
Bai Ye handed the note to Gao Ming as he spoke.
"The information about the items is all here," Bai Ye said, dropping the pen. "Now it's up to you. If the exchange items you provide are satisfactory, I'll write the information on how to open the restricted zone on the back of the paper."
Gao Ming hesitated for a moment, then took out a brocade box, placed it on the table, and opened it.
As Gao Ming opened the box, a ripple-like blue light instantly spread out. Inside lay a flying sword, entirely azure, entwined with strands of purple lightning.
Thunderclap Purple Lightning (Flying Sword) (Red): A thunderclap that shakes the world, lightning that cleaves the void, forged from the essence of the nine heavens' thunder, a perfect pair with the Blazing Phoenix Fire.
Effects:
Thunderclap Purple Lightning, Blazing Phoenix Fire (Collected): 1/2
Inch Thunder (After Thunderclap Purple Lightning strikes a target, there's a 30% chance to paralyze the opponent for 5 seconds).
Flying Lightning (When wielding Thunderclap Purple Lightning with the sword, it can transform into a bolt of flying lightning for attacks. Within a three-meter radius, all are within the splash damage range of lightning arcs).
Nine Imperial Thunder God Sword Array (Thunderclap Purple Lightning transforms into thunderbolts to form an array. Within the coverage area, lightning-attribute attacks gain 100% increased power, and lightning absorption allows for continuous recovery of stamina and injuries. This sword array affects both allies and enemies).
Heavenly Tribulation of Thunder and Fire (Unactivated, requires Blazing Phoenix Fire).
Dual Sword Merge (Unactivated, requires Blazing Phoenix Fire).
Jade Shatter (Unactivated, requires Blazing Phoenix Fire).
...
Bai Ye looked at Gao Ming and said, "A red-quality flying sword?"
Gao Ming smiled and asked, "Satisfied?"
Bai Ye replied, "Can't you tell I'm being sarcastic?"
Gao Ming's smile immediately turned into an awkward grin.
Bai Ye took out Thunderclap Purple Lightning and brandished it. "The sword is good, but Thunderclap Purple Lightning and Blazing Phoenix Fire are a set. You've only given me one. While it's red quality, without the complete set, it's at least one tier lower, not much different from black quality."
Bai Ye finished speaking and gave Gao Ming a look of disdain.
Did he think Bai Ye was an idiot?
Not to mention that for the Ghostly Spirits, the value of the restricted zone wasn't just the rewards, but also the significant opportunity for hunting and plundering God Stone fragments.
Even setting that aside, was Bai Ye trading information for a restricted zone that yielded four black-quality items for a single black-quality flying sword?
Was that a sign of a lack of intelligence?
"A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding," Gao Ming quickly said. "I have the Blazing Phoenix Fire as well."
"Oh?" Bai Ye raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding Gao Ming's intention. He said directly, "You plan to give me the Blazing Phoenix Fire after the restricted zone is opened, right?"
Gao Ming scratched his head sheepishly. "That's right."
Bai Ye grinned, not surprised.
Saying things like "I trust you unconditionally" was either deceiving children or mere pleasantries in the adult world.
Gao Ming clearly intended to hold Bai Ye back before confirming the restricted zone information.
However, Gao Ming's willingness to give half upfront was already a sign of respect towards Bai Ye.
Bai Ye said, "Then it's settled."
Bai Ye reached out and wrote the information for opening the restricted zone, along with some of its contents, on the note.
Gao Ming asked, "Besides this, do you have any other advice?"
Was he being asked to be a consultant again?
Bai Ye smiled and said, "I wouldn't call it advice. Just keep in mind what you need. However, I don't think it's an issue; your leader clearly knows what you need."
Bai Ye said this while shaking Thunderclap Purple Lightning.
Gao Ming's face showed confusion.
Bai Ye smiled and offered no explanation.
Gao Ming's abilities were good, but compared to Harvey Stenson, there was still a difference.
The information Bai Ye provided could allow the Ghostly Spirits to obtain a pile of black-quality items, but they were still just black-quality, the most basic entry-level future technology weapons.
Moreover, what Bai Ye provided was merely information.
In terms of practicality, having a pair of red-quality flying swords right now could instantly elevate one's strength from third-rate to first-rate.
In terms of value, a pile of black-quality items was certainly more valuable. Red-quality items were extremely rare and almost untradeable. But the problem was, Bai Ye wasn't providing items, just information.
So, what was Harvey's intention in making such an exchange?
It was actually quite simple: a pair of red-quality flying swords could only create one first-rate expert for the Ghostly Spirits.
However, a pile of black-quality weapons could help the Ghostly Spirits create a group of second-rate experts.
A single expert couldn't bring much change to the Ghostly Spirits, but a group of experts could.
Harvey Stenson knew very well what he needed. A group's strength was more important than the strength of one or two individuals.
Therefore, since Harvey Stenson was personally making the decision, Bai Ye felt there was nothing more to advise.
Bai Ye said directly, "I need to leave here. Do you have a way to send the remaining sword to me?"
Gao Ming replied, "Don't worry, we have people in the Beast Taming Zone. They there..."
Bai Ye interrupted, "Big Gull Express?"
Gao Ming blinked in surprise. "You really know a lot."
Bai Ye said, "Then it's settled."
Bai Ye stood up, intending to leave, but then paused.
Bai Ye added, "I'll give you information on two hidden quests. Gather some personnel and help me investigate something."
Gao Ming asked, "Hmm?"
As Bai Ye spoke, he took out a piece of paper, wrote down the trigger conditions for two hidden quests, and placed it under his wine glass.
"The vice-leader of the Hidden Dragon Society, Liu Shiyue," Bai Ye said. "I want intelligence on him. Also, if possible, keep an eye on him for me. I want to know where he is."
Gao Ming decisively agreed, "Alright!"
Gao Ming didn't hesitate, and in fact, felt a little pleased.
For the Ghostly Spirits to develop, the Hidden Dragon Society was an unavoidable obstacle.
Now that an expert like Bai Ye wanted to target the Hidden Dragon Society, Gao Ming was naturally eager. Even if Bai Ye was exchanging information on two hidden quests for it, Gao Ming would gladly do it for free.
As for why it was targeting the Hidden Dragon Society...
Wasn't that an obvious question?
If Bai Ye wanted to collaborate with the Hidden Dragon Society, why would he ask for help investigating and tailing someone?
Was Gao Ming lacking in intelligence, or was Bai Ye brainless?
...