In the eleventh year of the Divine Descent, on December 31st.
The clan world had entered winter, delicate snowflakes dancing through the air, reddening the faces of the people.
Yet, upon embarking on their vessels and traversing the nexus between the two realms, they would need to shed their fur coats and hats, for here it was the late summer.
With the spaces interconnected and the flow of time synchronized, the climates of both miniature worlds influenced one another. However, achieving true seasonal unity would require the passage of many long years.
An aluminum-hulled warship reached Peaceful Island, and the workers of the three races busily coordinated the loading and unloading of goods.
This island serves as the divine realm's first foothold in the Gulf world, and its name, "Peaceful," was collectively decided upon by the high-ranking leaders of the three races to commemorate the splendid peace following the victory of the anti-invasion war.
Through the diligent efforts of the artisans of the Nalan clan over the course of a month, a cluster of buildings had begun to rise on the island.
They had referenced the layout of the God-given city, planning streets that were straight and intersecting, with houses aligning neatly, and had constructed complementary drainage systems, creating a visually pleasing environment.
Although the current scale was not overly vast, it was certain that in the near future, this place would blossom into a remarkably prosperous new city!
"What new delights has Reverse Wind Port brought? Are there any of those doll toys like last time? I want to buy one for my daughter."
"It seems so! Just earlier, while I was moving boxes, I spotted the sign of Old Tom's Toy Shop!"
"Hah! What a boastful Storm Kingdom! They came here to attack us, only to have their territory taken by us instead~"
"Shh... Speak softly, we are citizens of the divine realm now. How can we claim we have occupied their land? The clever leader has said this is mutual benefit and collaboration for prosperity!"
...
After unloading a ship's cargo, the workers gathered together to rest and chat, their faces alight with happiness and pride.
Peaceful Island had become a transit point between the divine realm and the Storm Kingdom, with numerous vessels arriving and departing daily, enriching the lives of the three races with everyday goods and crafts from Reverse Wind Port.
Meanwhile, the primary exports from the divine realm included jade wheat and crystal vine skins.
The improved cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers with body-enhancing properties, developed by Wang Hui, formed the foundation for the transcendence of the three races, and thus were not included in the trading list.
As for the jade wheat, there was no need for concern, it was a pure hybrid variety of the clan world's barley and external corn, devoid of any enhanced primal energy infusion, categorically ordinary nourishment.
Each year, the three races enjoyed bountiful harvests, rendering them incapable of consuming it all, so they willingly transported the surplus jade wheat to Reverse Wind Port, capturing the market with its uniqueness!
Regarding crystal vine skin, it was the resilient outer layer left after juicing the crystal vine, devoid of any potential for primal energy extraction. However, it possessed remarkable toughness and was a rare material in the Gulf world.
Due to its potential use in the winches of heavy crossbows, the crystal vine skin had a degree of sensitivity, and thus was only traded for the Seventh Prince's domains at Reverse Wind Port, not to other regions of the Storm Kingdom.
To maintain the mystery of the divine realm, the shipping route from the three races to Peaceful Island and Reverse Wind Port remained entirely under their control, with aluminum-hulled warships making the trek.
No matter how envious the merchants of Reverse Wind Port might be, they dared not send their own vessels for trade.
Just look at those warriors of the divine realm, fully armed and patrolling throughout the harbor, their shining armor penetrating to the core, who would have the audacity to haggle with them?
As for the ordinary citizens of Reverse Wind Port, after the initial days of unease, they gradually realized that life had not changed significantly.
In fact, they had gained a delicious and affordable new staple food, "jade wheat," and the streets soon regained their former vibrancy, though it was inevitable that they would clandestinely discuss the mysterious realm across the waters during their meals.
After all, the only change was that the lord had a new title, and the port now had some imposing armored strangers patrolling, nominally, Reverse Wind Port remained under royal dominion, seemingly having little impact on the common folk.
Unbeknownst to them, the new lord, Prince Sean, was, in reality, a seed planted by the divine realm, its roots slowly spreading to absorb nourishment, poised to eventually overturn the entire Storm Kingdom…
The initial step of Wang Hui's "Divine Right of Kings Plan" had been successfully achieved!
That evening, along a winding street in Reverse Wind Port.
Justin, dressed in a black tailcoat, with his hair neatly groomed, carried several bags filled with freshly purchased jade wheat and vegetables, embodying the essence of a diligent steward, preparing to return home to cook dinner for his master.
As he passed a fisherman's residence, he seemed to glance casually, not lingering in his steps, and leaving with an unchanging expression.
That house belonged to Fisherman Bernie and his daughter, Vira!
Over a month ago, player Liang Xiaohong had infiltrated the *Belmou* as a laborer, seizing the opportunity to find a "senior NPC" to trigger a quest, but had been summarily dispatched by the divine servant Hu Yan Wu, who had left him in a state of broken bones!
Strangely, this fellow had managed to cling to life, and was carried away by the local thug Peach, who had brought him back to the fisherman's home for recovery.
Now, he remained in a half-alive state, mentally aware yet unable to do anything beyond lying down and attending to his basic needs…
Justin exchanged a glance with Peach, who was lurking in the adjacent alley keeping watch, their eyes meeting momentarily but without further dialogue.
With the presence of divine realm inhabitants in Reverse Wind Port, all manner of spies had become increasingly active, Justin and his informants were markedly more discreet to avoid unnecessary complications.
Moments later, Justin returned to Liliya's residence, his expression sharpening!
He noticed two cloaked figures standing at the door, seemingly intent on paying a visit.
Meanwhile, the burly Maris stood in front, adhering to his duties, wearing a fierce expression and preparing to drive them away.
"My master is not at home! My lady is busy! My steward has yet to return! You cannot enter!"
Maris placed a hand upon the shoulder of the tall cloaked man, exerting force, yet found he could not budge him in the slightest!
"Eh?"
He felt he was witnessing a specter, and just as he was about to try out some of the grappling techniques he had recently learned from Peach, he saw Justin stride toward him purposefully.
"Steward!"
Maris exclaimed, finding a pillar of support, rushing closer to report, "These two are utterly lacking in manners, I am standing here barring their entrance, yet they insist on pushing through!"
"If they truly wish to force their way in, you cannot stop them."
Justin handed the bags of vegetables to Maris, instructing him to prepare the seafood in the kitchen, while he himself stood before the two uninvited guests.
"May I ask the purpose of your visit?"
"I am known as the finest merchant in Reverse Wind Port, surely you have heard of me."
The shorter figure slightly pulled back his hood, revealing a face that appeared somewhat haggard.
Justin's expression shifted, it was the witch Mag!
"The court's second-ranking sorceress, who has been absent for over a month, has come to seek an audience with someone as insignificant as myself—what an honor."
He redirected his gaze to the towering figure beside her.
Instinctively, Justin felt that this individual posed an even greater threat than Mag!
Judging by his physique, he was neither the "Storm Knight" Nicholas Geiki, yet he exuded a sense of uncanny familiarity…
"And who might you be, sir?"