"Tao, are these the serpent eggs?"


    Panda’s face lit up with excitement as he saw the big bag of serpent eggs Tao Yu handed over.


    "Are you all set? Where did you choose?"


    Tao Yu tossed the bag to Panda and asked casually. Discover more stories at empire


    "We chose Forest 01, close to the transfer camp over there. We got it cheap back when the Aliens made trouble, but now its value has skyrocketed."


    Excitement was evident on Panda’s face as well.


    Each world fragment could produce only a limited amount of Yuan Force crops, and the amount differed depending on the fragment. Although the nearby areas were far from reaching their production limit, securing a plot closest to the base in a neighboring fragment was still pretty valuable.


    Otherwise, if it’s too far, it’s hard to take care of.


    One could foresee that for a long time to come, the new Development Zone would struggle with a lack of manpower and wouldn’t be able to extend its influence too far.


    Several old Pioneers also risked farming further fragments, but except for a few who had strong indigenous ties and good relationships, the outcomes weren’t great in the long run.


    Regularly harvested crops also tended to be... regularly ’harvested’ by others.


    In the Abyss, safety always comes first!


    Forest soil isn’t exactly ideal for many Yuan Force plants; it takes a few years of cultivating other preliminary crops first.


    But now, it’s perfect for serpent farming.


    "And according to some specialists we’ve brought in, these serpents are best raised in forested areas. They’re not familiar with other habitats, so it’s best not to change their environment drastically," Panda explained.


    "Hmm, makes sense. I’ll leave it to you. I’ll get those Yuan Force crops to you next time, or I’ll have the next batch of Chosen Ones bring them over," Tao Yu said, patting Panda on the shoulder.


    "This works out since I’m mainly focusing on serpent farming for now. The bullet production line can be left to others to fine-tune," Panda revealed his upcoming focus—the line was from a neighboring world and was actually a complete, qualified production line.


    But with machinery, the discrepancies in tuning and assembly can be significant—even bullet manufacturing, which most countries cannot achieve due to the high craftsmanship required.


    Because of the lack of skilled workers, the current yield of quality products is somewhat lacking, but it’s still much better than reloaded ammo and the overall quality is guaranteed.


    "It’s a pity, though, we have already dug in too much. Actually, that grand, beautiful country still has lots of valuable remains, but now, almost all their military bases are eyed by large teams."


    A gleam shone in Tao Yu’s eyes as he heard this, and then he said,


    "Perfect timing since I’m back. I’ll have to take a long trip soon, so I might as well take care of everything while I’m at it. Which team has messed with us? I’ll sort them out. Pick one that’s close by."


    It was rare for Tao Yu to come back and not cause some stir—wouldn’t it be a waste otherwise?


    "Yes, currently, apart from the initial two from the Suns, there are twelve influential figures from Floating City, divided into three factions. Three of them are direct descendants of the Suns, here only to assist, taking care of some management work and mediating in the gathering places without taking sides, or rather, they only take orders from the two from the Suns.


    "Of the remaining nine, they’re split into two factions, with the Beast Tamers family being the core lineage of one faction, led by Lord Cai Te, with Lord Pavas and Lord Liu Tao assisting. Because Lord Cai Te is strong and assertive, he stands toe-to-toe with the other six lords."


    Panda, after all, has established a considerable industry here and has been very concerned about the changes in the new Development Zone all along.


    Even the relationships between those influential figures from Floating City can be straightened out.


    And to Tao Yu, the fact that the three weren’t at a disadvantage against the six wasn’t all that concerning.


    There are naturally different levels in Floating City; the little rich ones aren’t they suppressing others? The upper and lower limits in the Inner City are frighteningly high; three against six is perfectly normal.


    That at least proves none of the six are much weaker than Cai Te, otherwise, they wouldn’t be engaging in this kind of confrontation.


    "How likely is it that Floating City will get involved?"


    Tao Yu, hearing the name Pavas, recalled his experience in the Divine Sculpture world when those doomed pioneers had used his name, not seeming like a good person at all.


    "If it’s just a clash between Inner City forces, unless it gets too out of hand and they intervene to mediate, they rarely get involved. If Brother Tao only intends to show Gang Qi as a form of deterrence, then there shouldn’t be any worries; that should be enough."


    Panda also shared his thoughts; in fact, even if they really intervened, with Brother Tao’s relationship with the Suns, there would be no need to worry.


    And in Panda’s eyes, that is probably the most that Tao Yu would do.


    Despite appearing quite blustery, from the very first time they met, he had always been very measured in his actions.


    It was the same last time in the real world—initiating a challenge first, yet playing by the rules and not causing any irreversible situations.


    Killing Taff was also done cleanly, without leaving any loose ends.


    "Alright, I understand now..."


    Tao Yu suddenly remembered another issue that he had almost forgotten. Half a year ago, when he left the assembly area, he was followed by a group of people instigated by an Alien tamed wild boar man.


    It was only because it was Little Karami, and he was pressed for time, that he didn’t turn back to stealthily deal with them then and there.


    "Is that Beast Tamers family, by any chance, related to wild boar men?"


    "Uh, one of their main branches indeed prefers to implant that, and the suspected King among them with the strength of a senior partner is actually a rare White Wild Boar, a royal lineage of wild boar men known for their thick skin and immense strength, capable of using both Battle Techniques and bloodline abilities...


    "Brother Tao, you shouldn’t directly confront him. I think that after showing your Gang Qi, he will give you face."


    Panda was still actively giving out his own suggestions.


    "Alright, I understand now..."