"In this chaotic time, transporting large quantities of food supplies to the ancient land of Loulan is unusually difficult. Sending grain convoys along the border lines of various countries is very unsafe. I suggest going straight through the Land of Fire. This is the fastest method, and it saves a lot of time."
Orochimaru began discussing the requirements proposed by Ryun.
Once the half-month peace period ends, it is highly likely that the various countries will declare war on the Land of Fire. After that, the difficulty of transporting large amounts of food for them will become even greater. Therefore, they must take advantage of the fact that the great war has not yet started to transport as much food and supplies to Loulan as possible.
"The distance is so vast. Even going straight through the Land of Fire, half a month probably isn't enough to make many trips transporting grain. Plus, there are the needs of the people and horses to consider."
Ryun looked at the map and couldn't help but frown slightly. But after a moment, he seemed to think of something. Thereupon, he looked at Orochimaru and instructed.
"How about this, Teacher. Write a letter to the Fourth Hokage in your capacity as the 'Shadow' of Otogakure. Have him contact the Land of Fire to arrange food transport to the ancient land of Loulan. For every ton they send, we will repay them with a ton. Let the nearby Land of Fire handle the food delivery. This way, we won't need to go through great trouble."
Hearing Ryun's words, the Daimyo of the Land of Rice frowned.
"It's true that the Land of Fire is a major grain producer. But their control over food is very strict now. The Land of Fire's Daimyo has even given a strict order forbidding the sale of a single grain to the other four great nations who are short on food. At a time like this, they probably wouldn't agree to such a request, right? Maybe we should offer to repay double the amount of grain. Then perhaps the Land of Fire would be willing to do this business."
"Heh. They wouldn't dare not to help with this." Orochimaru's hoarse laugh sounded appropriately.
Hearing this, Ryun nodded and smiled.
"Tell them that every household faces food shortages sometimes. If they don't help us with this, then from now on, don't come to us asking for grain either. Also, tell them that the Land of Fire is a good friend of the Land of Rice. The Land of Rice is willing to protect the Land of Fire's northern land barrier for them. We will absolutely not allow the Land of Fire's enemies to pass through the Land of Rice to attack them."
Once these words were spoken, the Daimyo of the Land of Rice pondered for a moment, then suddenly understood. He couldn't help but clap his hands and praise the plan. "This move by the Shadow is wonderful. It forces the Land of Fire to help us transport grain without much effort from us. This saves us a lot of trouble."
"Not only will the Land of Fire be willing to help, but the key point is they will also thank us. Our Land of Rice originally does not plan to participate in the war. And we originally would not allow ninja from other countries to borrow our passage."
The Land of Rice today is no longer a war buffer zone living in the cracks between great nations. With the Illusory Sun Dragon God and one of the Legendary Three Sannin stationed in the Land of Rice, the Daimyo of the Land of Rice wouldn't even feel nervous facing the Daimyos of the Five Great Nations. He might even dare to go up and kick someone.
"Teacher, later arrange for the Six Ninja Swordsmen to follow up on the Land of Fire's grain transport mission. Ensure that the ancient land of Loulan receives enough good quality grain." Ryun instructed once more.
"Mm."
"Speaking of which, what is so special about this ancient land of Loulan? That it warrants such attention from you?" Orochimaru ultimately could not restrain his curiosity and asked.
"Underneath the ancient land of Loulan, there is a Dragon Vein. The energy of the Dragon Vein is very suitable for cultivating Sage Arts. It is also extremely suitable for absorption by the human body. Therefore, this country cannot be allowed to perish." Ryun directly stated the real reason. He felt there was no need to hide it.
"Dragon Vein, cultivating Sage Arts. Is that the reason you stayed in Loulan for nearly seven years?" Orochimaru asked in surprise.
"Yes. When you have time, I suggest you go take a look. The energy there has a great effect on boosting strength. Moreover, the power of the Dragon Vein might help you shed your White Snake body and return to being a normal human."
Because Orochimaru was bitten by the White Snake Sage, he became an abnormal, monstrous hybrid.
The power of the Dragon Vein can strongly eliminate the effects of the 'snake venom', allowing his true form to revert to a normal person. It might even help enhance his physique.
Ryun previously used the Dragon Vein energy to refine the Jiao Dragon power within his body.
Doing so not only eliminated the negative effects of the dragonification, but also caused his cells to fully evolve after devouring the Jiao Dragon power.
This led to the complete awakening of his Sage Body, thus stepping into the great accomplishment stage.
There is no free lunch in the world. Those great snakes of Ryūchi Cave are not kind beings. They bite you, and if you survive, they teach you Sage Arts and techniques for free? There is no such cheap thing in the world, especially among strangers. If one isn't careful, one might become food for the sage snakes someday. After all, they can summon you at any moment.
"There really is such a place? Then I will go see it after I finish this busy period."
The hidden pitfalls left by Ryūchi Cave on them can be filled by the power of the Dragon Vein. Orochimaru was very interested in this matter and planned to go see what it was about.
"Mm. After you go there, directly seek out the Queen of Loulan. Tell her you are my teacher, and she will open the Dragon Vein for you."
"Good. I understand."
"The Sound Shadow must not miss the Shadow's wedding. In half a month, we will witness this wedding of the century. You are the officiator for the two newlyweds. You cannot run around everywhere at this time." The Daimyo of the Land of Rice joked.
It is rather strange. The auspicious day set by the Land of Rice for the two of them actually turned out to be the very day Ryun set the peace agreement with the Five Kage.
Ryun's wedding date just happens to be the last day of the ten-year peace period. Not exceeding this day means the two are getting married in a time of peace. This can be considered a good omen.
"I know. Your Lordship has taken charge of all the trivial matters of the wedding. Running around before and after, you have worked hard. Remember to drink a few more cups then." Orochimaru expressed thanks in his capacity as Ryun's elder.
"Haha. That is a must. For the Shadow's wedding wine, I will definitely drink with an open stomach."
The laughter of the Daimyo of the Land of Rice filled the Shadow's tower. Ryun and his teacher also couldn't help but laugh along.
"Keep the wedding as low-key and simple as possible. Don't make it too complicated or troublesome." Ryun repeated his instruction.
He had the Daimyo of the Land of Rice handle this matter. He wasn't afraid of the Daimyo being too low-key, but rather that he might be too high-profile and really create some 'wedding of the century'.
Marriage is a matter between two people. Neither he nor Kushina are ostentatious people. Inviting the whole village to a banquet is already considered very showy in their view.
"I know the Shadow dislikes trouble. Please set your mind at ease. You have emphasized this many times. How would I dare not take it seriously? I have already reduced the wedding procedures as much as possible. There is simply no more to reduce."
"Good. Thank you for your hard work, Your Lordship." Ryun stood up and bowed.
"You are too polite, Shadow." The Daimyo of the Land of Rice hurriedly stood up and bowed in return.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
📖 Like the story? Read 120 chapters ahead!
🔗 patreon.com/atomelectron
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━