In Sumeru, pretend to be a scholar!

Chapter 108 Lunar Moment Materials

The merchant ship sailed on the Sumeru River for three days before finally arriving at the port of Omos.

The port of Omos is protected by the natural topography of two trees, and the buildings are divided into two levels, connected by wooden walkways and stairs.

The dock is filled with trading ships, and the market area features a suspension bridge and viewing platform, creating a bustling scene.

Compared to Sumeru City, Omos Port, being far from the political center, was a prosperous commercial center, even during the time of Azhar, and became the most bustling place in Sumeru.

Yun Gui knocked on Wang Yan's cabin door and asked with a smile, "Mr. Wang Yan, the ship will be docking at Omos Port for half a day to load and unload cargo. Would you like to take a stroll around the port and get some fresh air?"

He paused for a moment, then added, "Also, we're changing ships now."

Wang Yan was somewhat surprised: "We have to change ships again?"

Yun Gui smiled and explained, "The ships that navigate river channels are definitely different from those that sail by sea. The section from Tianbi Pond to Omos Port is an inland waterway, which is shallow and has many bends. The ship we are on has a shallow draft and a narrow hull, making it suitable for maneuvering in the waterway."

"But if we really want to sail across the sea to Liyue, we'll have to change to a seagoing vessel, which is wider and larger and can withstand wind and waves."

He paused, then added, "Besides, this ship is too small to carry much cargo. The merchant ships that actually travel between Liyue and Sumeru are always docked at Ormus Port and can't possibly sail to Sky Arm Pool."

This was new knowledge for Wang Yan.

However, upon closer reflection, he recalled that riverboats and seaboats did indeed have different structures and uses, and this distinction also existed in the world before his transmigration.

He nodded: "I see, that was my oversight. Will the voyage change after changing ships?"

Yun Gui said, "Sea ships are faster. If the weather is good, we can reach Liyue Harbor in about five or six days, which will definitely be in time for the Lantern Festival. Don't worry, the ship we transfer to is bigger and more stable, and the cabin conditions will be better."

"I've already made arrangements. Your luggage will be transferred directly to you. You just need to board the new ship at its berth before evening."

In fact, Wang Yan didn't have much luggage, just a few clothes and a box of books.

He always carried a crossbow with him for self-defense.

However, Wang Yan still politely cupped his hands in greeting: "Thank you for your trouble, Manager Yun, to make these arrangements."

"You're too kind," Yun Gui said with a smile. "Then please feel free to browse around. The market in Omos Port is quite interesting, with many exotic goods. Remember to come back here before Shenshi (3-5 PM), and I'll take you to the new ship."

Shenshi is between 15 PM and 17 PM.

Wang Yan agreed and temporarily parted ways with Yun Gui, walking alone along the boardwalk towards the market area of ​​the port.

Port Omos is very large, and it would definitely take several hours to see everything. So, after thinking for a moment, Wang Yan decided on his destination – the Diafa Hotel.

This is the best hotel in Port Omos.

In the story, when Kaiya arrived at Port Ormos, he helped Dawn Winery negotiate a wine business deal with the owner there.

In other words, you can drink authentic Château de la Dawn wines here.

Although Wang Yan wasn't a heavy drinker, he was still very curious about just how good the wines from Chenxi Winery were.

Diafa Hotel.

When Wang Yan arrived, there were already many people there.

Merchants, tourists, sailors, gilded caravans, adventurers—all sorts of people gathered here to drink and chat, creating a lively atmosphere.

The tavern waitress, Nasmir, greeted us with a bright smile: "Welcome! Is there only one guest? May I have a seat here?"

She pointed to an empty seat on one side.

Wang Yan nodded: "Okay, thank you."

After Wang Yan took his seat, Nasmir handed him the menu: "Our signature dishes today are curry shrimp and spiced grilled fish. As for drinks, we recently received a new batch of cider from Mondstadt Dawn Winery, and it's very popular."

"Then let's have a glass of cider from Dawn Winery." Wang Yan closed the menu. "We'll order the food later."

"Alright, a glass of cider, coming right away!"

Before long, Nasmir returned with a wooden cup. The wine in the cup was clear, with a light golden hue, and there was a small piece of ice in it.

Wang Yan took it, sniffed it lightly, and could smell a fresh fruity aroma with a hint of sweetness.

He took a sip and found the alcohol content to be quite low. It was refreshingly sweet with the natural crispness of apples, and the aftertaste had a very faint hint of tartness, which perfectly balanced the sweetness. It was even more refreshing when chilled.

It's really good!

Wang Yan put down his cup and looked out the window at the bustling crowds and ships at the dock, but his thoughts drifted to the upcoming voyage and his plans for Liyue.

Lost in thought, his gaze inadvertently swept across a row of shops across the street from the restaurant, and he suddenly stopped.

A petite, agile figure dressed in bright colors was directing several porters to move boxes into an ordinary shop across the street.

The iconic purple spirit floated to one side.

Who else could it be but Dolly?

"This guy—could he be smuggling?" Wang Yan thought subconsciously.

The reason is simple: with Dolly's financial resources, she could easily buy and sell legitimate goods openly and honestly.

After all, her identity in the Order of the Teachings has already been cleared, and she is even able to collaborate on major projects with the Myo-ron School.

The shop across from the restaurant looked like a general store selling household goods, which didn't suit Dolly's personality.

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

After thinking for a moment, Wang Yan beckoned to Nasmir, paid for the drinks, and then got up and quietly walked through the noisy crowd at the restaurant entrance to the other side of the street.

Dolly, with her back to him, one hand on her hip and the other gesturing, shouted to the porter, "Be gentle! There's something 'good' in here. If you break one, you'll lose a lot of Mora!"

The purple spirit beside him floated in mid-air, swaying up and down as if in agreement, seemingly also suggesting a pay cut.

Wang Yan stopped behind her, cleared his throat, and spoke in a voice just loud enough for Dolly to hear: "Master Sangge Mahabay, what a coincidence, are you delivering goods?"

He deliberately softened his tone when he said "delivery".

"Wow!"

Dolly jerked like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, jumped up on the spot, and almost bumped into the cargo box next to her.

She turned around quickly, her face showing a mixture of shock and guilt.

Upon recognizing Wang Yan, she breathed a sigh of relief, yet remained somewhat incredulous, her voice rising a octave: "You... what are you doing here?!"

As she spoke, she subconsciously shifted her feet, trying to use her petite body to block the boxes being moved behind her. At the same time, her eyes quickly glanced at the chubby little Zi from the town, who was looking at Wang Yan with a seemingly affectionate expression.

Dolly didn't pay attention and glanced at the street behind Wang Yan, as if to make sure no one else was paying attention.

"Stop looking, it's just me, no one else." Wang Yan waved his hand. "I'm heading back to Liyue, passing through Ormus Port."

After saying that, Wang Yan pointed to the cargo boxes: "What are these? I feel like something's off."

He hadn't noticed anything amiss before, but as he got closer to the boxes, he had a feeling that there was something familiar inside.

"Inside? Haha, just some ordinary ingredients." Dolly's shifty eyes completely betrayed her inner nervousness.

"If you don't tell me, I'll have to call the port authority," Wang Yan said calmly.

Dolly's face stiffened: "We've at least been working together, it can't be that bad, can it?"

"You're really smuggling?" Wang Yan asked, sounding somewhat surprised.

He dared not let the port officials see it, for that would be smuggling. Now, Wang Yan hesitated. As a scholar of the Order of the Church, he should report Dolly, but as a partner, it didn't seem right to report her.

"No, no, no, don't talk nonsense. We promised Lord Grass God that we wouldn't smuggle anymore." Dolly quickly waved her hand. "These are materials from Nordkalai—they were ordered by the scholars."

After a pause, she explained, "This used to be my smuggling warehouse, but now it's mainly used to store rare materials."

"Then why are you afraid of the port authority?" Wang Yan asked, somewhat skeptical.

"Hey, the port authority can't come alone. If you call him, he'll definitely bring his gilded entourage. Then the warehouse will be exposed, and who knows if someone will be eyeing my goods."

Dolly said in a very serious tone.

Wang Yan pursed his lips, still somewhat skeptical, but didn't press further. Instead, he looked at the box and asked, "Can I take a look at the materials from Nordkalai?"

He had a strong feeling that something inside Ping had certain qualities that made him very familiar with it.

"Let's look at the materials?" Dolly breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, let's go to the warehouse."

She waved, took short strides, and led Wang Yan into the warehouse behind the general store, then opened a box of materials.

This is a box of Rainbow Crystals. This mineral has excellent toughness and plasticity, and has been regarded by artisans in winter since ancient times as an excellent forging material, even more precious than the Condensed Crystals of the Fontainebleau region.

No wonder Dolly was so nervous about these goods.

This box of iridescent crystals alone is estimated to cost tens of thousands of Mora.

However, Wang Yan was not a craftsman; he had no interest in the ore itself. What attracted him was a certain power contained within the ore.

"This is—the lunar torque."

Wang Yan could clearly sense that if he wanted, he could extract the power contained within the ore.

Feasts, moonlit nights, and dreams.

The goddess of flowers' powers do indeed involve the moonlit night. It is unknown whether the goddess of flowers ever served as a moon messenger, but she probably draws power from the moon.

After staring at the rainbow crystal for a while, Wang Yan looked away and said, "So that's what it is. Okay, you go ahead and do your thing. I'll be going now."

With Dolly and the porters present, Wang Yan ultimately refrained from activating the lunar torque within the ore.

"Huh, you really just want to take a look?" Dolly said, somewhat puzzled.

"Otherwise what?" Wang Yan said irritably, "I can't really report you, can I?"

"Haha, no way, we're partners." Dolly laughed. "Then I won't keep you."

She waved and said, "Have a safe journey, Wang Yan! Happy Lantern Festival!"

Only after Wang Yan turned and walked away did she finally relax completely, wiping away imaginary cold sweat: "That scared me to death! I thought I was going to get caught red-handed—how come this guy walks so quietly!"

As he spoke, he kicked the iridescent crystal box next to him.

The iridescent crystals rolled down, revealing the mechanical parts underneath.