Chapter 157: The Ancient Goblins' Plan to Create a God
"Magic stones are called 'magic stones' in their world..."
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Upon hearing the words from this high-level goblin, Song Chi's heart leapt with joy.
In the territories of Torch Human Civilization, terra stones had few uses, generally considered as one of the lowest-value ordinary ores, with only a small number of special components requiring them for enhancement.
However, if their value in the Silver Goblin Empire was high enough, then this was undoubtedly excellent news.
Isn't interstellar trade all about profiting from the price difference?
Additionally, a flash of inspiration struck him as he suddenly remembered the orange-quality "Terra Primeval Stone" his grandfather had mentioned before.
Terra stones and Terra Primeval Stones originated from the same mineral, except that Terra Primeval Stones, which could only emerge from super-large terra stone veins after tens of thousands of years, belonged to the top rank of terra stones.
"Perhaps, I won't even need to use the Ruins Market Guest Token to get my hands on that orange radar..."
A bright glint passed through the depths of Song Chi's eyes, but of course, that glimmer was known only to himself, concealed as it was by the Power of Laws, unseen by others.
He organized his thoughts briefly, then softly began to speak:
"Is this object very important to you?"
But that goblin was extremely canny and would not easily reveal the specific price of terra stones in their world. It did not take the bait, instead, it continued to introduce products to the other alien species while occasionally glancing at Song Chi.
Song Chi did not press further, but instead continued in a different manner:
"I know the whereabouts of an orange-quality magic stone."
As he said this, the goblin in front of him became visibly restless, quickly leaving behind the group of alien species who were asking questions and hurried over to Song Chi, ingratiatingly asking:
"Wolf brother, are you serious?"
Of course, their conversation was inaudible to the other alien races nearby, as Song Chi had subtly altered their perception with the Power of Laws.
Why? After all, the Terra Primeval Stone was on display at the Oddity Exchange Shop, and many of the surrounding aliens knew about it. They had not yet noticed the terra stones, so they didn't mention the Terra Primeval Stone, but once they heard the term 'terra stone,' Song Chi would find it much more difficult to extract information later on.
"Of course, it's true, and if you're interested, I can even provide you with the relevant information to ensure you have a chance to get it. But well, you'll have to tell me the specific uses and value of this terra stone."
As for its uses, Song Chi had already made some guesses. Magic stones, goblin magic creations, Magic Energy Armors — it was not hard to figure out that these magic stones were related to such items.
What Song Chi really wanted to know was their specific value. Only with that knowledge could he set a proper price after collecting them from the Torch Human Civilization Territory.
Otherwise, if he priced them too high, the other party wouldn't buy; if too low, he himself wouldn't make much profit.
However, the goblin remained slippery as ever, still not giving a straight answer.
"This magic stone has many uses in our world, though the yield is high, so its value is only so-so!"
Song Chi was obviously not satisfied, but at that moment, an alien species finally took notice of the terra stone and quickly pointed towards the Oddity Exchange Shop.
Seeing this, Song Chi had no choice but to let it be.
Soon after, the high-level goblin swiftly made its way from the free trading area to the Oddity Exchange Shop.
And of course, the booth in the free trading area was already packed up due to its lack of confidence and returned to its portable case in its hands.
As for this portable case, which seemed like a box of treasures, Song Chi's interest grew even stronger.
If it was as he suspected, the value of this space box in the Torch Human Civilization Territory would definitely find a good market.
...
At the Oddity Exchange Shop, when the goblin saw the Terra Primeval Stone at the most prominent place in the shop, clear excitement sparked within its cunning, triangular eyes.
Unsurprisingly, this object was extremely important to it.
Or rather, its uses must be very extensive within the Silver Empire it represented.
While thinking, the goblin softly spoke up:
"Great Ruins Market Lord, may I inquire how this 'Terra Primeval Stone' is for sale?"
This suddenly respectful tone seemed out of place to Song Chi, who was standing at a distance in the free trading area, making him somewhat uncomfortable.
This green-skinned goblin had been nothing but cautious and supercilious since arriving, exuding an air of superiority that screamed noble birth.
Now, out of the blue, it was so polite and humble, even softening its normally sharp voice, which was indeed somewhat baffling.
But after Song Chi's mind raced full circle, he understood. The goblin probably associated him, the Ruins Market Master, with those supreme beings from the Shattered Starry Sea, and being a bully to the weak and a coward before the strong was one of their most notable traits. Hence this change...
Having reached this conclusion, Song Chi then began to respond with the Power of Laws.
"Barter!"
Originally, he had actually wanted to intimidate this despicable little creature with 500 strands of Fourth-Rank Floating Land Origin, but thinking it might not fit the "market norm" he had set for the Ruins Market, he stuck with these usual four words instead.
Then his face turned completely dark.
The stingiest goblin wouldn't do the expected, promptly laying out a bunch of trinkets, one by one bringing them to the counter at the center of the shop, inquiring if they could be exchanged.
Song Chi couldn't help but use a trace of the Power of Laws to brush past the goblin, causing its hairs to stand on end.