章 614: Partnership

Hao staggered backward, clutching his chest as though Northern's words had physically struck him.

His breath came in short, shallow bursts, and for a moment, he felt as if the ground beneath his feet had disappeared entirely.

He turned his gaze back to the crimson terrain surrounding them, his eyes darting wildly between the towering red-crystal mountains.

The metallic clanging reverberating through the air now felt deafening, like the heartbeat of some ancient, omnipotent force.

"No... No. This—this isn't real," Hao muttered under his breath, shaking his head furiously.

"This can't be real. A place that grows and cultivates rift resources? Boy, you're not just talking about trade routes anymore. This... this is something else entirely. This is revolutionary!"

His hand trembled as his voice also did.