Currency must remain stable—the more stable, the better. Currency concerns the livelihood of the people; the more stable the currency, the more stable the region it circulates in. However, for it to have true credibility, people must trust it. They must have confidence in its purchasing power.
Thus, currency must be tied to the value of goods.This is critical.
For instance, how many Eternal Coins are needed to buy one jin of ferocious beast meat? How much grain can one Eternal Coin purchase? How many weapons? These need to be carefully evaluated, with precise pricing established, thus giving the Eternal Coin a baseline value.
Of course, this valuation is only a basic reference for goods. Actual prices may fluctuate slightly above or below this standard, depending on supply and demand.
"Yes, I've already discussed this thoroughly with Xue Jin and the others," Huang Chengyan said with a smile. "But we still need to refine the details and then have My Lord personally confirm them."When they decided to establish a market, they had already begun planning for this.They had consulted Xue Jin and others, even Master Lu was involved, and the general framework was now in place. It only awaited Yi Tianxing's final approval before implementation.
Once implemented, it would greatly promote the advancement of civilization in Xuanhuang Town.It would be the first step from communal living toward privatization—a crucial cornerstone.
"Once this marketplace is completed," Yi Tianxing nodded, gazing at the rapidly rising construction, "gather Lu Shi, Xue Jin, and the others. We'll finalize the discussions. Once set, I'll deposit a batch of Eternal Coins into the Myriad Treasures Hall, and Xue Jin can oversee their distribution. We'll begin spreading it within the marketplace. If it works well, then we'll expand it fully."
...
Afterward, Yi Tianxing and Huang Chengyan chatted a while longer, catching up on recent events.Fortunately, nothing major had occurred; things were progressing positively.Especially population growth: they had welcomed a large influx of people, bringing the population of Xuanhuang Town close to 50,000—an astonishing number.
At dusk,lamps throughout the town lit up one after another. The enormous lighthouse atop the wall shone like a miniature sun, driving back the darkness and illuminating the way for any humans lost in the wilderness.
Clang!The bell atop the walls tolled.
"What's that? Is something happening again?"
"Not sure. Recently even the fierce beasts seem to sense Xuanhuang Town's strength. They no longer dare to approach casually. Now, hunting beasts has become an organized military effort. Without that, we probably wouldn't even get to eat beast meat anymore!"
"Come on, let's check it out! If it's fierce beasts, I wouldn't mind slaying a few. After all this cultivation, I'm not afraid of a few monsters."
As the evening fell, crowds of townsfolk gathered at the plaza, setting up giant cooking pots.Skilled cooks got to work: boiling rice, washing vegetables, roasting all kinds of beast meats with various methods.
Lai He, the top chef, personally prepared dishes for Yi Tianxing, aiming to showcase his best culinary skills.
Hearing the bell, many people grew curious—some headed for the walls, others toward the gates.
Outside Xuanhuang Town,a group of over one hundred people approached.
This group radiated a fierce aura.Each one wielded weapons—swords, spears—and for those without steel, they carried spears fashioned from bamboo.They wore leather armor made from beast hides, giving them a rugged, intimidating appearance, enough to scare off weaker beasts just by presence alone.
Leading them was a young man in his twenties, long blade in hand, eyes sharp and fierce.The men following him, though rough around the edges, were no less formidable than the elite soldiers of the old world—each hardened by many battles.
"Young master, that's the lighthouse—it must be the city we're looking for. After all these days, we finally found it!" An astute middle-aged man said joyfully.
They mistook Xuanhuang Town for a city at first glance due to its massive walls and scale.
"Wonderful! We actually found a human settlement! I wonder if the people inside will be friendly," someone muttered with slight concern.
"Don't worry. If they set up a lighthouse, they're clearly inviting people. They probably mean no harm. Right now, with monsters everywhere, humans are struggling to survive. We're allies, not enemies."The young man reassured his group.
Truthfully, even if they encountered hostility, they had no strength to resist. They were just grateful to find other humans.
"This is our best chance to establish contact! If we miss this, who knows when we'll find others? Poplar Village desperately needs weapons and food—many of us are starving. Our village's survival depends on this."The middle-aged man said, his voice filled with urgency.
"I know, Uncle Ping. Father entrusted me with Poplar Village's treasures to ensure we survive this calamity. I won't let him down."The young man nodded solemnly.
They hailed from a village called Poplar Village (Baiyang Village), founded by Bai Yang, a martial family scion.Bai Yang had survived the Cataclysm, appearing on Eternal Continent with a basic Village Building Order.Gathering refugees and relying on martial prowess, he established Poplar Village amid the wilderness.However, the village faced constant shortages—food, weapons, medicine—all vital for survival.
Thus, upon spotting the lighthouse, they decided to send an expedition to seek aid and connections.
Leading the team was Bai Yang's son, Bai Lang, accompanied by the loyal and capable steward Bai Ping.
After a perilous journey, they finally reached Xuanhuang Town.
Seeing the towering walls, Bai Lang and Bai Ping both felt the hardship had been worth it.
"Who goes there!!" A voice boomed from atop the walls.
Bai Lang looked up—and instinctively gasped.Soldiers in gleaming armor, long spears and bows at the ready, stood atop the walls.Even civilians gazed down at them with calm, piercing eyes—emitting a chilling aura of steel.
Bai Lang's heart trembled.
These soldiers aren't for show! They must have fought through mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Even the civilians... are terrifying. What kind of place is this?!
Despite his shock, he quickly answered,
"We are from Poplar Village! We came after seeing your lighthouse, hoping to find other humans and seek contact!"
"Ah, brothers from Poplar Village!" A loud, hearty voice replied. "This lighthouse was erected by Xuanhuang Town, exactly to guide other human settlements and wanderers here. Welcome, welcome! As long as you're human, Xuanhuang Town welcomes you!"The speaker was Wang Dahu—big and jovial.
He didn't care if the visitors were sincere or not.Earlier, Huang Chengyan had already instructed them: Xuanhuang Town would open its doors to all human refugees and settlements.
"Xuanhuang Town... It's just a town?" Bai Lang was again taken aback—he had mistaken it for a city!If this massive place was merely a "town," what kind of monstrous power lay hidden here?
As Wang Dahu personally opened the gates, Bai Lang respectfully cupped his fists and asked,
"May I know the general's name?"
"I'm Wang Dahu! You arrived at a lucky time—it's dinner hour. Our town's meals are quite good. Come, have a meal first, then we'll arrange a place for you to rest!"Wang Dahu said with a hearty laugh.
"Many thanks, General Wang!"Bai Lang gratefully replied.After all the hardship on the road, they were exhausted, starving, and desperate for rest.
"Old Feng, take a few brothers and guide the folks from Poplar Village inside!" Wang Dahu ordered.
Old Feng—Feng Yumo—was a diligent, capable officer in the army.Though not talkative, he was hardworking and tough, having already reached the second level of the Divine Sea Realm.