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As Izroth examined the items Gu Chao removed from his inventory, Gu Chao continued to stand there with a huge smile plastered onto his face as he explained the details of the items he revealed to Izroth. When examining the items, Izroth noticed that the average level was around level 30-35. However, there were a few items that reached into the upper level 30s range.

’Even though it’s only uncommon equipment, the overall quality is much higher than most of the stuff regularly found in dungeons by the average player. Not to mention, a few of them even have a Forged Effect. While it still can’t compare to rare equipment, if one of the top guilds were able to equip their normal guild members with this then their power would soar to a new level.’

The top guilds usually only provided equipment when it came to their core or elite members. As for the rest, unless they achieved certain merits or made some noticeable contributions, they would have to find a way to acquire their own equipment.

This was not due to the leaders of the top guilds being cruel or selfish, but rather, there was still a severe lack of good quality and high-level equipment circulating within RML. When it came to Blacksmiths, there were not many that were capable of passing grade three. That grade was too low to provide any useful equipment to the core and elite members, however, it was also not worth wasting precious resources to forge low quality equipment for the normal members as it would just be easier for them to explore a dungeon.

This caused Blacksmiths to become a huge headache and a sore spot for top guilds and only the Apothecary profession appeared to be more troublesome.

There was one thing Izroth was most curious about. How did Gu Chao manage to get his hands on so many high-level blueprints?

Forging within RML required the Blacksmith to follow blueprints. While it was possible to modify the blueprint, in the end, it should be impossible for any player to forge equipment without one. This was also another big problem most faced when it came to improving their skill as a Blacksmith, the lack of blueprints!

If there were no blueprints, then naturally there was no way for a Blacksmith to improve upon their skills. While the Blacksmith profession building provided one with basic and low-level blueprints, it was not enough to make it past being a grade two Blacksmith. So then, how was this Gu Chao able to forge rare quality armor?

’If I remember correctly, Sleeping Gardenia has a grade three Blacksmith.’

When exchanging some small talk with Mariposa while discussing the arrangement of some resources for crafting pills, Mariposa was proudly bragging about how their Sleeping Gardenia had a grade three Blacksmith. According to Mariposa, a grade three Blacksmith could forge items up to level 30. However, Mariposa expressed her frustration over how difficult it was to find the appropriate level blueprints.

If a grade three Blacksmith could forge armor up to level 30, then... Wouldn’t this mean that Gu Chao was a grade four Blacksmith?! But, Izroth found this somewhat hard to believe. How was this Gu Chao capable of becoming a grade four Blacksmith by himself?

If even a top guild like Sleeping Gardenia had troubles finding blueprints despite their vast resources and a large number of members, then how could one person do so? There were only three reasons Izroth could think of for this.

The first was that Gu Chao had a secret backer who provided him with resources and blueprints. This could be another top guild with hidden intentions, or even someone similar to Kryxelsia who took Valentine as a disciple. Since that was the case, it should be not impossible for Gu Chao to also find someone to take him in as a disciple, even if it was somewhat unlikely.

The second reason was that Gu Chao was just extremely lucky and was able to come by everything he needed by chance. Of course, this was a little ridiculous and so Izroth immediately dismissed this possibility. As for the third reason, maybe Gu Chao located some sort of special treasure trove or possessed a unique trait or skill that allowed him to forge without blueprints. Izroth found this reason to be the most likely scenario.

A few moments later, Izroth finished checking over all the items. In total, Gu Chao took out a massive 335 pieces of uncommon weapons and armor! This kind of number was frightening for a single player to casually take out. To make matters even more bizarre, he was willing to give all the profits over to Izroth. Based on the current price of uncommon equipment Izroth estimated the total value of the 335 uncommon items, including those with Forged Effects, would come out to around 5,025 gold coins or 1,587,900 RMB!

To give nearly 2,000,000 RMB away as a "gift"... Either this Gu Chao was highly insightful or incredibly naive. Of course, Izroth did not want to owe Gu Chao any favors. While he was sure that Gu Chao was not a bad person, he did not believe there was such a thing as a free meal within this world.

"Alright, everything you’ve shown me has good quality. I see no trouble in putting them up for sale in my Mystical Realm Palace. As for the profit... I will take 20% and the other 80% will go directly to you. This part is, of course, non-negotiable. Since you’ve spent your time forging them, I won’t allow you to receive nothing in return for your efforts." Izroth stated.

Gu Chao looked as if he wanted to tell Izroth that he did not mind giving over these profits, however, after seeing that look in Izroth’s eyes, he had a feeling that he would be instantly shot down.

Gu Chao released a sigh as he replied, "Since you’re the big brother, this little brother won’t argue with your decision."

"Now that that’s settled... Why don’t you tell me the true reason behind your visit?" Izroth asked.

"W-" Just as Gu Chao was about to speak, he was interrupted by Izroth.

Izroth held up a single finger as he said, "One chance. I’ll give you one chance to tell me the truth. If I discover that you’re lying or hold any ulterior motives, then I won’t hesitate to kick you out of my Mystical Realm Palace. So I’ll say this only once... Choose your next words carefully."

Gu Chao felt an overwhelming pressure descend upon him after those words left Izroth’s mouth and he almost took a step back instinctively. At the moment, Izroth was looking at him with a gaze that seemed as if it had the power to pierce through anything that stood before its path.

Gu Chao took in a breath of cold air. He knew that Izroth was not simply bluffing when he said those words. Even if the top guilds would fight over him, this person before him would not hesitate to throw him out while ignoring the benefits that he brought along! However, a few moments later, a grin found its way onto Gu Chao’s face.

"I wanted to see for myself what kind of person the owner of the Mystical Realm Palace turned out to be. I can see that my trip to this place was not in vain." Gu Chao stated as there was now a more serious expression on his face.

He then continued, "Most people wouldn’t hesitate to take full advantage of this situation and keep all the profits to themselves, however, you’ve chosen to keep things fair. Also, it’s just like big sis Worldly Skies said, you really do have a certain aura about you. Those without eyes may not see it, but I can see it as clear as day. I’m sure it’s the same thing big sis Worldly Skies saw as well."

Worldly Skies? Was this Gu Chao somehow related to the Pill Emperor Worldly Skies from the Fireheart Apothecary Society?

"I respect big sis Worldly Skies and so I wanted to see what kind of person she respects. If it’s someone she respects, then perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad lending a helping hand to that person. I was even more reassured after I saw what you’ve already managed to achieve within such a short amount of time." Gu Chao said as he was reminded of Izroth’s Sword of The Storm and his Apparel of Insatiable Transcendence. Not to mention, the fact that he owned the first player shop within RML.

He then continued, "Of course, if I had won the Mystical Realm Palace... That wouldn’t have been so bad too. I hope with this that big bro Izroth does not have any remaining doubts about me following him. Though you’re more than welcome to check with big sis Worldly Skies. I’m sure she’ll vouch for me." Gu Chao said with a smile on his face.

’I see, so it’s like this.’

It seemed that talented people truly did attract other talented people. For Worldly Skies to know someone like Gu Chao who was also considered practically at the top of their profession among players, what were the chances? If this was the case, then this was not a bad deal for Izroth. After all, it was just like getting two top talents for the price of one!

’It won’t be too long now. The hidden dragons are starting to leave their caves. Something tells me that the balance of power among the players and guilds within RML is going to experience a drastic shift in the near future. Before that happens, I have to establish a more solid footing.’

Izroth believed that there were more talents like Worldly Skies and Gu Chao out there, however, they were either hiding away or a well kept secret of some guild. It was all about waiting for the right time to reap the maximum benefits. When things were shaken up enough... That would be when the trees standing tall fall down and the new trees full of life rise up!

Izroth gave a small nod of approval at Gu Chao’s honest words. If Gu Chao had lied to him just now, he really would not have hesitated to toss him out of the Mystical Realm Palace and never speak to him again.

"Since you want to follow me, then I’ll gladly welcome you. However, you would do well to remember that I repay kindness tenfold and contempt a thousandfold. As for how you perceive these words... I will leave that much up to you." Izroth said in a carefree manner.

"In the future, you can leave anything related to forging to me. The stuff that this handsome genius born only once in a lifetime creates cannot possibly be compared to the trash found in the auction h-" Gu Chao bit his tongue mid-sentence as he returned to his previous behavior.

Izroth inwardly shook his head as he watched Gu Chao wince in pain from having bitten his tongue.

After he finished his conversation with Gu Chao, just as Izroth promised, one hour later he held a grand sale in the Mystical Realm Palace featuring the uncommon equipment personally forged by Gu Chao.

Needless to say, the Mystical Realm Palace was filled with players who wanted to get their hands on some of the higher level equipment. There were players shoving one another just to get into the entrance. In the blink of an eye, all the equipment sold out and not a single piece was left within the Mystical Realm Palace.

Izroth gave Gu Chao his 80% cut as promised and kept the remaining 20% of the profits for himself. Once this matter was taken care of, Gu Chao decided to bid farewell to Izroth after explaining that he had some other matters to settle.

Gu Chao sent Izroth a friend request as he said, "Big bro Izroth, if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to send me a message and I’ll come running. It may not seem like it, but I have quite a few connections. Ah, I may know a few more Blacksmiths that should be willing to follow big bro Izroth, I wonder if he’s also willing to accept them?" Gu Chao rubbed his hands together with a large smile on his face.

"As long as they’re trustworthy people, there won’t be any problem accepting them." Izroth stated. In truth, Izroth did not care much for talented people. Instead, he wanted trustworthy people. One’s skill could be worked on and improved within RML, however, if someone was untrustworthy then that would most likely never change. Therefore, this was Izroth’s minimum requirement when it came to accepting individuals.

"I know big bro Izroth is busy, so I won’t intrude any longer. I’ll return here in a few days with the others that I talked about. Be sure to give big sis Worldly Skies my greetings when you see her." Gu Chao said as he exchanged proper farewells with Izroth before taking his leave.

’Now, I suppose I should start preparing for tomorrow.’

The raid with Blue Oasis was tomorrow and there was still a lot left that Izroth had to get done before then. While he was a bit disappointed that he had to wait so long to come in contact with the Law of Void, that did not mean that he would set aside increasing the strength of his Boundless Emperor Void Perfection skill. After all, while having the Law of Void was the fastest method, it was not the only one!