Zhao Chi headed north.

He kept looking around, trying to avoid the nobles from Zone 7.

The other pedestrians were also hurrying along.

It seemed everyone had received a similar notice.

Fortunately, the road was only filled with dust and horse manure, not nobles.

Zhao Chi needed to buy Silk Stocking Fashion, which the town’s fashion shops might not carry.

Besides, Improving the Fashion required materials, including Rare Materials, which might also be unavailable in this town.

He would have to run to several different places to get everything.

It wasn’t safe outside right now; it wasn’t worth the risk just to save a little money.

He could just buy everything directly at the Exchange.

Although the Exchange charged a Transaction Fee, it had a complete selection of goods.

Zhao Chi arrived at the Exchange.

There were very few people inside. Even the director was just sitting there.

The moment Zhao Chi entered, he immediately drew the gazes of numerous staff members.

When they saw how he was dressed, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

An employee from the entrance came to assist him.

He was led to counter number 14.

Unfortunately, there were no Blueprints here.

That meant he could only buy finished Fashion items.

But when he looked at the available Fashion, Zhao Chi was dumbfounded.

He never expected there would be so many categories of Silk Stockings.

Pantyhose, stockings, knee-highs, ankle socks, thigh-highs, dance tights, toe socks, garter stockings, crotchless stockings, snakeskin-patterned stockings, polka dot stockings...

The list went on and on; there were so many types.

’But can all of these really be classified as Silk Stockings?’

He was hearing many of these names for the first time, but a few of them were quite tempting choices.

Like the crotchless stockings, for instance.

It wasn’t that he had any particular ideas; he just thought they would be very convenient for the women.

However, that would mean the area between their legs would be unprotected, unable to receive the Defense Power Bonus.

And that was precisely their most sensitive area.

So crotchless stockings were a no-go.

Garter stockings and thigh-highs were nice too, but they also had their drawbacks.

’What are toe socks? Why do these even exist? So weird.’

After a moment of consideration, Zhao Chi ultimately chose pantyhose.

After all, while they might not be the most attractive, they offered the most coverage.

They didn’t just cover the legs and feet.

They could even cover the butt and waist.

This way, their entire lower body would effectively enjoy the Defense Bonus.

’This is the one.’

But aside from style, there were also many options for thickness.

Ultra-sheer, sheer, standard, thick, and ultra-thick.

Zhao Chi didn’t hesitate when it came to thickness, picking the ultra-sheer type.

In the end, he bought them ultra-sheer pantyhose.

Next up was buying the materials.

Luckily, they had everything he needed.

He also bought some Energy Pills for the Craftsmen.

He quickly finished his selection.

The staff member said softly, "Sir, please double-check your order. Once you confirm it’s correct, please click to pay."

Zhao Chi checked carefully.

[Shopping List]

[Silk Stocking Fashion] x24

[Silk] x24

[Cotton Thread] x24

[Unreturning Grass Juice] x24

[Basic Energy Pill] x300

[Goods Payment] 850 Silver Coins

[Commission] 25.5 Silver Coins

[Total] 875.5 Silver Coins

Zhao Chi had mentally prepared himself, but he was still a little shocked when he saw the total amount.

The unit for these amounts was Silver Coins.

Whether in this world or his original one, this was the first time he had ever spent so much money at once.

The most expensive item was the "Unreturning Grass Juice," which cost even more than the Silk Stocking Fashion itself.

But it couldn’t be helped. It was a key material for the Improvement and absolutely necessary.

Silk wasn’t cheap either.

The cheapest was the Cotton Thread.

By his calculations, buying one set of Silk Stocking Fashion and then using the materials to Improve it brought the total cost to about 35 Silver Coins.

Still, for a Super-Improved Fashion item, that price was worth it.

And it was definitely much cheaper than buying a finished product.

The Energy Pills weren’t too expensive, but he was buying a large quantity.

The main purpose of these Pills was to Supplement Energy.

Their effect was similar to coffee or tea.

They would allow the Female Craftsmen to eat them to Supplement Energy and stay refreshed.

They could work for long periods without sleep, and do so energetically.

Although this felt a bit like running the women ragged...

...it was the early stages of the territory’s development, and they really needed to put in the overtime.

Later on, he would compensate these heroines doubly for their contributions.

The 10 Gold Coins he had just borrowed were almost gone.

Besides the Goods Payment and Commission, he still had to pay taxes...

Zhao Chi said, "Could you please give me the invoice? I’ll go to the next counter to pay the taxes."

Unexpectedly, the staff member said, "Don’t bother with all that today. I’ll help you pay it quickly. You should leave now, before you run into those nobles."

Zhao Chi couldn’t help but smile. "Alright, then. Thank you."

[Taxes] 119.85 Silver Coins

"What? That much?"

Zhao Chi was stunned.

The tax amounted to a whopping 1.2 Gold Coins!

He knew the taxes would be high, but he hadn’t expected this much.

He was just buying these things to take back to his territory.

The staff member nodded. "Yes, sir. Most of what you bought are commercial goods, not Living Supplies, so the standard rates apply. Here is the tax invoice, please take a look."

He glanced at the invoice. The tax rates for different items varied, but the total really was that much.

There was no choice but to pay.

The 10 Gold Coins he had just borrowed were now down to just 4.65 Silver Coins.

Adding the money he had left over from before, he now had only 5.54 Silver Coins remaining.

’Damn it.’

"Zhao Chi? What are you doing here? Buying something?"

A familiar female voice called out.

He turned to see Chief Instructor Li Ruanyu.

She was still wearing her instructor’s uniform.

She looked mature and elegant.

Zhao Chi nodded. "Yes, I’m buying some Supplies to take back."

"You’re buying... Silk Stockings?"

Li Ruanyu looked at the goods on the counter in surprise.

In her impression, Zhao Chi was reserved, profound, and not one for chasing women. He was completely focused on his studies and had made great progress.

Furthermore, his personality was good, and he was trustworthy.

Zhao Chi was a bit embarrassed.

The taxes were now paid, so he quickly stored the Supplies in his System Space.

"Um... this is Fashion. It’s for the Heroes and Soldiers in my territory to wear."

Li Ruanyu nodded with a strange expression.

"You should go. It’s already afternoon, and those nobles from Zone 7 are heading to our academy. Be careful on the road."

Zhao Chi nodded. "Okay, Instructor Li. You be careful too."

Li Ruanyu smiled confidently. "They wouldn’t dare do anything to me, so don’t worry about me. You should hurry along. Whatever you do, don’t get into a conflict with them. If you run into trouble on the road, contact me immediately."

Zhao Chi thanked her, "Thank you, Instructor Li. I’ll head back right away."

He turned and left.

But he noticed that all the staff members around them were staring at Li Ruanyu.

Li Ruanyu waved her hand. "Hurry up and go. Don’t look back."

"Alright. Goodbye, Instructor Li."

"Goodbye. And good luck with your development."

There were even fewer people on the road now.

Many of the private shops on both sides had closed their doors.

Zhao Chi couldn’t help but quicken his pace.

Fortunately, his journey was smooth.

He quickly returned home, entering his territory while panting for breath.

Before his vision had even cleared, the sound of battle cries reached his ears.

"KILL! KILL! KILL!"

The Female Soldiers were training very seriously.

They were sweating profusely.

Nearby, BANGING sounds came from the construction team.

Fang Li and the other four female Construction Workers were building a defense tower.

There was plenty of timber now, all ready and available for use.

When Tang Ruan saw Zhao Chi return, she signaled to Gu Qing.

"Sister Gu, he’s back."

Gu Qing turned and saw the breathless Zhao Chi.

She called a halt to the training. "Everyone, take a short break! We’ll reassemble in 10 minutes to continue."

The Female Soldiers all sighed in relief.

Shaking their sore arms, they all went to find some water.

Today, they were equipped with Wooden Shields and Wooden Spears, so both of their arms were getting a workout.

Yesterday, it was just their right arms that were sore and trembling; today, both arms were shaking.

Gu Qing bounded over to Zhao Chi’s side in a few steps. "My Lord! You’re back?"

"Yes. How is the territory?"

"Everything is going smoothly!"

"The two dogs haven’t been barking, have they?"

"No, they’ve been roaming the vicinity. They’ve already integrated into our community."

The two dogs had now recovered their spirits.

But Zhao Chi hadn’t leashed them again. Instead, he let them patrol freely around the territory.

You could tell the two dogs were very satisfied, galloping around and playing freely.

They would bark wildly at any sign of movement.

They had already scared off a few animals.

Zhao Chi said, "Gu Qing, I’ll have to leave the upcoming training to you. I’m going to the tailor shop to make some Fashion for you all."

"Make Fashion? My Lord, you know how to make Fashion?"

Gu Qing was very surprised.

"No, I’m Improving Fashion. I misspoke just now."

"Oh, why not have Feng Xiu do it? Isn’t she a professional Tailor?"

Zhao Chi smiled. "The Level of this technique seems to be very high. It would be too much to ask of Feng Xiu, since she’s only a Junior Tailor. If she tried to force it, she might fail and waste the materials."

Gu Qing nodded. "From the sound of it, you’re actually confident you can do it? You’re amazing, My Lord."

Zhao Chi just smiled and didn’t explain.

Gu Qing asked again, "Tang Ruan is very interested in Sewing. Should I have her assist you?"

"No need, I can handle it myself. Tang Ruan’s Attributes are very high, so let her focus on training."

Gu Qing smiled slightly. "Alright, then I won’t disturb you. I’ll go train them well and forge these young women into qualified Soldiers for you."

"Keep it up. Thanks for your hard work."

"It’s no trouble. I’ll be looking forward to the little stockings you’re making for me, My Lord."