Cataclysm King

Chapter 314 Intelligence Merchant

“But then again, why is Mr. Xu here?”

Ji Xun saw old man Xu in the slave camp and was not at all worried about the situation of this old acquaintance.

 Other war slaves may face death at any time.

 But this one doesn’t.

 The fate line on this old man is very special.

 He appears here, it must be because he wants to come here.

rather than other factors.

 Being captured as a slave is just a process to achieve the goal.

  rather than the cause.

Ji Xun guessed: "Is there also a [Forbidden Ruins Stone Tablet] on the Rune Highlands?"

 Old man Xu himself forgot what he was looking for, but Ji Xun helped him remember that he was looking for the stone tablets that recorded the truth of history.

 Xiamu City, Shangbang Prison, Mithril Mine Seal.

Ji Xun knew that there were stone tablets in these three places.

 Old man Xu has also been there.

For a moment, he thought of the experience of sealing the mithril veins a hundred years ago, but Ji Xun found that that memory was blurred. The more he thought about it, the stranger he became: "Hey, how do I remember that the big snake said, what does the old man have to do with the stone tablet?"

 The memory has been blurred.

 He couldn't recall what happened.

 But I deduced the cause and effect.

Ji Xun always felt that why the stone tablets appeared in those three places had some direct connection with Old Man Xu.

Thinking about it again, the [God-Stealing Ring] and the God-Stealing Source Card were both brought out of the mine. Later, the series of events in which Orochi decided that Qin Ru was the contract owner seemed to have some inexplicable connection.

The noble young ladies from the Royal Academy are here, and the most talked about topic among the drinkers in the Adventurer's Tavern is the identity of those nobles.

The romantic affairs of the big shots in upper-class society have always been one of the most important topics of entertainment for the people at the bottom.

　What is the love story between the prince and the princess, the countess’ lover, the princess’s evil queen stepmother

Ji Xun also pricked up his ears to listen to these stories, which may be true or false.

  Sometimes he also makes up some ambiguous stories and brags along with them.

 Now that the goal has arrived, he has to wait for the opportunity.

 His current identity is "Sean".

Is one of the most active intelligence traders in the Wailing Valley camp.

Ji Xun felt that those aristocratic young masters and ladies, if they were not stupid, would definitely know the importance of intelligence.

Although the nobles also have their own intelligence system, when it comes to wild adventures, civilian intelligence is often more down-to-earth.

 Especially the Rune Highlands where the casualty rate is extremely high.

 If you want to increase your chances of survival, intelligence is definitely an essential preparation before traveling.

"Information merchants" are also the group of people Ji Xun can think of who have the most reasonable opportunity to contact them.

Things are pretty much as expected.

Just when Ji Xun was drinking and bragging with a group of familiar drinkers in the tavern, an intelligence broker with an official background quietly came to the door and said that a big shot wanted to buy intelligence.

Ji Xun followed the broker out of the tavern and went all the way to an apartment built for nobles in the camp.

Although the apartment is not big, it is magnificent.

 Compared to the simple adventurer's tent, it is already very luxurious.

 There is also a separate study room in the apartment.

 He was taken there.

Ji Xun originally thought that the person he would meet would be a staff member, an intelligence officer or something like that.

However, he did not expect that the person who received him turned out to be Salo, the nineteenth prince of the Red Dragon royal family.

 And there is more than one information merchant.

 A total of seven people came one after another.

Ji Xun glanced at it and saw that the most well-informed "comrades" in the camp were all here.

 Information traders are also very discerning people.

 Everyone looked at this posture and understood the situation.

The red-haired and sturdy young man in front of him is currently one of the very potential heirs to the throne of the Red Dragon Kingdom.

It is said that His Highness Salo's dragon bloodline is very pure and extremely powerful, and he has long been famous in the Imperial Academy.

Although the intelligence businessman usually brags about knowing various important figures, this was the first time for everyone present to be formally summoned by His Highness the Prince.

 While waiting, no one spoke, only nervous swallowing and heavy breathing could be heard.

Ji Xun did not show any abnormality.

When everyone arrived, Prince Salo didn't even open his eyes to look at the group of intelligence merchants. He just lazily opened his mouth and said: "I heard that you are all the most well-informed intelligence merchants in the camp. I need some information. As long as I feel Those who are interested will be rewarded generously.”

 “It is our honor to serve His Highness.”

Ji Xun and several intelligence dealers listened to the flattered expressions of each of them, and immediately came to flatter him.

 Members of the royal family want to buy information, which can be sold at a good price.

 What’s more, this may be the only opportunity in their lives to curry favor with such a top powerful person.

Everyone knew that the nineteenth prince had called them together to save trouble, and also to let the seven people compete with each other to get more useful information.

Merchants are also rushing to share their information, fearing that the reward will be gone if they tell them too late.

"Your Highness, yesterday the meerkat group's small adventure group discovered a cave called 'Sennas Cave' in the highlands. There is also [Ghost Mist Grass], a spiritual herb that has a miraculous effect on the fusion of dragon blood and the ancestors. But the cave There are also six-level nightmare spider groups. Your Highness, this is the latest information, and it is my exclusive information."

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　)

"Your Highness, the leader of the Giant Ax Mercenary Group is my cousin. They have explored deep into the Rune Highlands. Two days ago, they discovered a bone dragon nest, and found a seventh-level bone dragon inside. There are a lot of necromancy crystals."

“Hmm. That’s good news. I’ll give the coordinates to the steward later. Reward!”

"Your Highness, I know a lone adventurer in the camp. He has a treasure map in the highlands. It has been initially confirmed that it is an ancient gravedigger's route map, which seems to point to a mysterious treasure. But That area is dangerous, and the adventurer is recruiting people in the camp."

 “Reward!”

"Your Highness, I accidentally bought a few pieces of mysterious metal that cannot be burned in the Adventurer Market in the camp. I suspect it is the legendary [Arcane Gold]. I have inquired about the source, and it was brought back by the Lynx Hunter Group. We have purchased all the relevant information and no one else will know about it.”

 “Reward!”

ˆ “.”

There were all smart people present. They knew that His Highness the Prince was definitely not interested in ordinary information, so they all told the information at the bottom of the box.

 Professional intelligence dealers also have their own sources of information.

 They have information that even the authorities don’t know about.

As they said, most of the information is exclusive information that is not known to outsiders.

 Don’t say it.

 There are many things that Ji Xun has never heard of even after asking about them for so long.

Prince Salo was also very generous and rewarded bags of gold coins on the spot.

 This is a much better reward than selling information to adventurers who bargain for a low price.

 The businessmen chatted for most of half an hour, and each one of them made a lot of money.

 His Royal Highness the Prince was also very satisfied.

 Both parties were very happy.

Ji Xun occasionally interjected a few pieces of information that few people knew, but did not appear too conspicuous throughout the process.

“Have you seen the reward notice? Have you found any suspicious persons?”

 “Unfortunately, Your Highness, no.”

ˆ “.”

 After a while, the intelligence exchange ended.

 The merchants turned around and were about to leave.

 If Ji Xun leaves like this, this opportunity that has been prepared for a long time will be missed.

 He walked last on purpose.

The Prince of Salou was smart and perceptive, and he saw the complicated expression on "Shaun's" face that was hesitant and eager to show off his merits.

Prince Salo showed another arrogance that could see through people's hearts. He sneered and asked proactively: "Do you seem to have some information that you haven't finished telling me just now?"

 A small information dealer is not qualified to make detours in front of him.

If time is wasted on worthless information, he will not look good.

 “Yes, Your Highness.”

Ji Xun also took advantage of the situation and explained: "I'm sorry I didn't say it bluntly just now, because I want to tell you information, it's of great importance."

"oh?"

 Prince Salo looked interested.

Ji Xun also knew not to whet his appetite in front of this person, so he dropped a bombshell and said: "Based on my observations during this period, I suspect that the Luen Highlands may be related to the royal tombs of the Talon period!"

ˆ “.”

Prince Salo’s expression remained normal.

But there was a flash of brilliance in his eyes that was not easily detectable by others.

He still didn't seem to be very interested and said casually: "It's interesting. Where is your source of information? Tell me."

Ji Xun’s current ability is very suitable for intelligence work.

Most other intelligence dealers are engaged in reselling intelligence.

 But he is a person who really understands intelligence.

  There are thousands of tasks in the Adventurer's Guild taskbar, and a lot of new information is updated every day.

The value of this information varies.

 There are failures, miscalculations, and false news.

 Not everyone can tell the difference.

It is a lot of work to sort out the complicated and disordered fragments of information.

This requires extremely careful thinking, logical thinking ability and keen intuition.

All the information in the entire Wailing Valley camp is about Rune Highlands.

 There seems to be no connection, they are all independent news.

 But analyze it from a high enough perspective and a large enough amount of intelligence.

You can see that this information is like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and what is finally put together is the entire Rune Highlands!

 Before the switch, Ji Xun did not have such ability.

 But "I am the world" has it.

Jia Yu’s inexhaustible calculations were largely due to this secret method, which gave him the ability to analyze and deduce intelligence efficiently and accurately.

Ji Xun has used his shadow to inquire overtly and covertly these past few days, allowing him to master a large amount of information.

 Mixed together and analyzed. He guessed and deduced, and came up with some conjectures that were almost close to reality.

Ji Xun directly took out a parchment scroll he drew and began to explain.

This is a map he drew recently based on the intelligence he had.

 In the entire camp, this is definitely the most detailed and accurate map of the Rune Highlands adventure.

 But Ji Xun knew very well that the royal family may not have mastered this kind of map.

 They even have more accurate military maps in their hands, as well as various ancient map relics left over thousands of years ago.

 Instead of hiding it, it is better to show your value.

Anyone who knows the art will definitely be able to tell that the person who drew the map is definitely an expert in intelligence!

as expected.

Just taking out this map, Prince Salo's pupils narrowed slightly as he looked at the densely drawn place names and labels on it.

This time for the first time, I opened my eyes and looked at the information dealer "Shaun".

Ji Xun glanced at the prince out of the corner of his eye and started his performance.

"Seven days ago, the Iron Boots Adventure Group discovered the ruins of a simple village in the Hongyantai mountain area. Although no valuable ancient items were found, in my opinion, the village itself is an important piece of information. Even if it is Talon During this period, this wasteland was not suitable for human habitation, so their identity and motivation for living are questionable."

"Three days ago, 30 degrees west-north of the plateau, a rammed earth layer suspected to be a road was discovered. It has been tens of thousands of years old. I suspect it is a road for transporting materials for some large building complex. But the strange thing is that there are still many layers of rammed earth on the plateau that are still there. No large ruins were found.”

"Five days ago, the Double Swords Mercenary Group found some rusty weapons on the human corpses near the 'Giant Cliff'. I have seen the imprints and coats of arms on the weapons, which are highly suspicious of the royal family of Augustus. It is very likely that a person with this identity appearing in this wasteland is the "mausoleum guard"."

“There are also several recently discovered extradimensional spaces, all of which prove that there are tombs in the Rune Highlands.”

“There is also the ‘gravedigger’s treasure map’ that my colleague Mr. Grandet mentioned before. I have actually heard of it. But I think it is not an ordinary treasure. It may be a tomb robbing map.”

ˆ “.”

Ji Xun pointed at the map and talked.

  Well-founded.

　　It was not just Prince Salo that he was talking about, but also several staff members and guards in the room looked over with obvious surprise.

Ji Xun knew that if he chose to show his face in front of the nobles, he would definitely receive more scrutiny.

 But this was part of his plan.

 A solitary identity that seems easy to imitate and difficult to expose.

The premise is that no one knows that he has infiltrated.

　　This is what Ji Xun did when he infiltrated the Hydralisk Legion before.

 But now the incident in the Plague Swamp has exposed his existence as an "Eastern Wasteland spy" who is good at disguise.

 If you continue to keep a low profile and disguise yourself now, you will become more likely to become a target of suspicion.

 So he changed his mind.

And a role like an "intelligence dealer" who has to deal with many complicated people has many causal lines involved.

　　Not only must you imitate the living habits and various personal labels of the deity, but you must also properly handle every cause and effect line. This kind of identity would not be a priority for normal espionage thinking.

 But as luck would have it, Ji Xun chose this way.

 He has mastered enough skills and intelligence.

The almost paranoid self-confidence in his heart made him sure that he would never expose any flaws!

 And this bold attempt will also bring him huge gains in the "acting" approach.

 The proficiency of "I am the world" has also skyrocketed.

Ji Xun also knew it very well.

 This is just the beginning.

 To get close to this group of red dragon nobles, the real test is yet to come.

He continued to point to the map without any fear, drew an area, and said his results: "I have analyzed a lot of intelligence in the past few days. I guess that if there is a mausoleum, 80% of it will be in this area!"

 After Ji Xun finished speaking, the entire study fell into silence.

Even Prince Salo looked sideways and listened carefully to his analysis.

Ji Xun guessed well.

The Red Dragon Royal Family does have ancient maps of the Rune Highlands, as well as professional military maps recently drawn by professional army cartographers.

 Overall, it is even more detailed and accurate than the one in front of me.

 But Ji Xun’s map gave Salo a new idea.

Salo knew in advance that the tomb of King Augustus was somewhere in this highland, so he was not surprised.

 But that is top-secret information that even the top brass of the royal family knows!

The intelligence dealer in front of me actually relied on various intelligence to deduce this point?

  Finally, we came up with an area that is similar to the one analyzed by the royal family’s think tank staff?

Ji Xun has already finished speaking while he is still thinking about the fragmentary information in his mind.

 Prince Salo came back to his senses, took a look, and still said calmly: "Your intelligence ability is very good. A big reward."

As he spoke, the guard on the side took out a large box of treasures.

Ji Xun looked at him without hiding his joy and said, "Thank you, Your Highness."

As he spoke, his face showed the anxiety of trying to hide his "ambition to cling to the powerful" but fearing the other party's displeasure.

Saluo noticed it, and was not surprised. There was always a proud royal smile on his lips.

 Too many people want to contact the royal family through his way, and he has met too many such careerists.

Salo didn't say anything, but said calmly: "In the future, if you have any information, you can report it directly to me. You can retreat."

 “It’s Your Highness.”

Ji Xun listened, a hint of just the right regret quietly passing over his face.

But he reluctantly withdrew.

Ji Xunke never felt that he could explore the tomb of Augustus by himself, and he had to borrow the power of these people.

 To guide people there.

What's more, he can analyze that there is absolutely no shortage of think tanks in the Red Dragon Royal Family, and they will deduce it sooner or later.

Ji Xun walked out of the apartment, the corners of his mouth raised slightly, and he murmured in his heart: "A very conceited guy. Hehe, if I were that guy, what would I do next?"

Some people don’t know the basics until they have seen it with their own eyes.

In this meeting, the information Ji Xun obtained completed some necessary conditions for the deduction.

There were several princes and princesses who came with the Royal Academy Trial Group.

Ji Xun speculated that some of them might know the situation in Rune Highlands.

　　I was not sure who it was before.

 But now, it is basically certain that this Sarn came for the royal tomb.

 Otherwise, he would not be so anxious to summon the intelligence merchant.

 The businessmen took the money and bought out the exclusive information.

 No one dares to resell it.

  In other words, Sarn has more information than the rest of the trial group.

 Ambition, strength, and scheming are all there.

 A very strong opponent.

 The more powerful the opponent, the more Ji Xun's interest was aroused.

 There are no outsiders in the apartment.

 Prince Salo looked at the map left by Ji Xun, and his face finally no longer looked so calm and calm.

He made no secret of his admiration and exclaimed in amazement: "He is a very good intelligence officer. Although he is from Yeluzi and has limited sources of information, it is already good to be able to do this."

As he spoke, he seemed to sense the person coming and said towards the door: "Teacher, do you think so?"

At this moment, an old man wearing a white robe slowly walked into the study.

He looked at the map and agreed: "It's really good."

Prince Salo looked at the map, his ambition undisguised in his eyes, and sighed: "Since a small intelligence dealer can think of it, others must also be able to think of it. When this information about Rune Highlands is sent back to the royal capital, I will Those uncles and brothers are probably going to swarm us. We have to hurry up and explore. If we can successfully find the [Holy Sword of Olympus], all problems will be solved."

"Um."

The old man also nodded, but also reminded: "But the Rune Highlands are very dangerous. Your Highness, you must pay attention to that 'prophecy'."

Prince Salo didn't care, and said: "Prophecy is the future that cannot be changed. If my mother's prophecy makes me encounter danger in a certain adventure, then no matter where I go, what difference does it make?"

As he spoke, he chuckled: "What's more, that prophecy is just a vague direction, not an exact result. My destiny has always been in my own hands. Besides, aren't you still here, teacher?"

ˆ “.”

 The old man was also familiar with the nature of his disciple. He shook his head slightly and said nothing more.

Prince Salo suddenly thought of something: "By the way, teacher, what about Uncle Andre's promotion ceremony?"

 He needs strong help if he wants to ascend to the throne.

If his uncle could take that step, it would be even more reliable than the royal weapon he obtained, the [Holy Sword of Olympus].

Hearing this, a hint of depth appeared in the old man's eyes, and he said: "The Augustus royal family is an orthodox royal family with blood heritage. Such a 'war of annihilation' has extremely high standards, and it will gain a lot of insights into the laws of the planes. It is indeed The opportunity is rare. Once a large-scale war is triggered, the promotion ceremony can almost begin."

 Prince Salo was also happy and said, "Yes. I didn't expect to have such a good opportunity."

As he said that, he seemed to have seen the result of the war, and said: "There is information that another sacred instrument of royal power [Crown of Thorns] is in the hands of the current King Augustus. Tsk tsk, it's a pity that the royal power is not enough now. Stable. Once he has almost integrated the Eastern Wasteland, I don’t mind trying the [Kingslayer] approach.”

The old man said: "The overall power in the Eastern Wasteland is too weak, and it is true that it cannot make any big waves. But some details must be paid attention to. Judging from the news from the Holy See, the destruction of the Hydralisk Legion this time is a big problem. Someone in the Eastern Wasteland seems to have made a contract with a very high-ranking ancestral spirit of the Immortal Family."

Prince Salo said indifferently: "The Bai family, the god-stealers, are indeed very strong. But even the ancestral spirit fairy family can't change anything."

 In his view, the Immortal Family was the most important reason for the destruction of the Hydralisk Legion.

 But the old man obviously saw something deeper.

He said earnestly: "The Immortal Family is only one of the threats. On the contrary, I think the lurking ability of those in the Eastern Wasteland is more noteworthy. They can lurk in the Hydralisk Legion without being discovered. In other words, those people have If the perfect disguise is hidden in our team and causes trouble while we are exploring the imperial tomb, the consequences will be disastrous."

"this"

 Prince Salo also frowned slightly when he heard this.

 He did ignore this item.

As he spoke, the old man added: "The annihilation of the Hydralisk Legion is a lesson. Judging from the known information, the spy used the 'substitution method' to infiltrate. The spy infiltrated alone and cracked an S-level difficulty An extradimensional space. From this point of view, he is thoughtful, crazy, conceited, and not weak in strength. If I were him, now that I know that the Royal Academy Trial Group is coming, I will definitely find ways to contact him."

　　After a pause, his eyes flashed sharply: "We have even seen him."

"oh?"

Saluo also looked thoughtful as he listened, and his eyes turned sinister.

Thinking of something, he shouted: "Come here! Strengthen the defense in the camp, carefully check everyone who comes in and out of the camp, and focus on those suspicious people who have a withdrawn personality and have little contact with others."

As soon as he finished speaking, the guard outside the door responded: "Yes."

 (End of this chapter)