blogombal Chapter 95 of the First Person
Chapter 95 of the First Person
"Sect Master! The Star Luo Royal Family has sent you an invitation, saying they're hosting a welcome banquet for you at the palace. Would you like to attend?"
"An invitation!" Hu Jie's eyes lit up when he heard that the Star Luo royal family had sent him an invitation. No wonder the Dai family could become emperors; look at their awareness and insight. They're much better than those nobles.
"Go! Why wouldn't we go? This is a token of the Star Luo royal family's goodwill, why wouldn't we go?"
After the other party took their leave, a glint of light flashed in Hu Jie's eyes. Just as they had planned yesterday, Zhang Geyang was destined to display his Limit Douluo cultivation level and put pressure on the Star Luo Royal Family.
After failing to secure cooperation with the Spirit Pagoda, the Tang Sect became the best, or perhaps only, option for the Star Luo Royal Family. That would be the time for Hu Jie to enter the scene.
As night fell, Star Luo City remained as bustling and vibrant as ever. However, beneath the surface, a turbulent undercurrent was stirring. News of Zhang Geyang's breakthrough to the Limit Douluo level had already spread throughout the entire Star Luo Continent.
Upon receiving the news, many nobles immediately brought gifts and money to the Spirit Pagoda, hoping to forge a closer relationship with it.
Yuan Entian calmly walked to the side and observed the visiting nobles. Under the pressure of his powerful aura, some nobles who had initially been arrogant and ready to force their way in immediately became obedient.
In the past two years, the Yuanen clan has made a name for itself on the Star Luo Continent. In order to repay the kindness of the Spirit Pagoda.
If anyone dares to cause trouble at the Spirit Pagoda, the entire Yuanen clan, except for Yuanen Zhentian, the Limit Douluo, will mobilize to seek justice from the forces or families behind the troublemakers.
Even excluding Yuanen Zhentian, the Yuanen clan's strength still ranks among the top in the Star Luo Continent. Through their military confrontations, many of the troublemakers' families or factions had a change of heart and chose to "voluntarily" compensate them for the emotional damage caused to the Spirit Pagoda.
Thanks to the powerful fighting force of the Yuanen clan, the influence of the Star Luo Spirit Pagoda actually increased during Zhang Geyang's seclusion.
As one antique painting after another, along with rare and precious medicinal herbs, were acquired by the Spirit Transfer Tower, the gratitude of the Yuanen clan members towards the tower deepened even further.
If it weren't for the Spirit Pagoda, how could they possibly have such a good life?
Zhang Geyang and his companions paid no attention to the commotion below. Their focus was entirely on the Star Luo Imperial Palace.
Hopefully, after the pressure just now, the Star Luo royal family will be more willing to compromise in their future cooperation with the Tang Sect. This would allow Hu Jie to gain a foothold in the Star Luo Continent and make it easier for them to advance their plans.
I wish Brother Hu all the best!
Hearing Zhang Geyang's remark, Han Tianyi laughed heartily: "Don't worry! You should have faith in the people of our Body Sect. When it comes to making money, our Body Sect is the real expert."
Robbing money? Is it really that blunt?! Yuan Enzhen's eyes twitched. How come he only realized today how straightforward Han Tianyi was?
Hu Jie arrived at the Star Luo Imperial Palace at the agreed time. Looking at the magnificent palace in the distance, his eyes gleamed even brighter. The Star Luo royal family is quite something!
They're just a bunch of deserters, yet they're so rich. Looks like we can keep raising prices on our business.
Dai Tianling and the Empress, dressed in solemn, majestic, and extremely gorgeous formal attire, quietly awaited Hu Jie's arrival.
A man and a woman below also looked curiously towards the entrance. The girl, dressed in court attire and with long, dazzling golden hair, looked at her brother beside her: "Brother! I heard this is the new leader of the Tang Clan. Why do you think Father suddenly invited him to the palace this time?"
"Shh! Keep your voice down, little girl! Sect Leader Hu might be here any minute now." The blond youth, whom Dai Yun'er called brother, glared at his sister with annoyance. Couldn't this girl behave herself at a time like this?
"They're here!" Enci, who was sitting in her seat with her eyes closed, suddenly opened them and looked solemnly toward the door.
"Your Majesty! This Hall Master Hu is a top-tier expert at level ninety-eight."
Level 98! Upon hearing Enci's soul power transmission, Dai Tianling was also startled, and he valued the upcoming cooperation even more. The Tang Sect is indeed the Tang Sect, with profound foundations.
As Hu Jie, with a large pregnant belly and a kind face, walked in, Dai Tianling and Enci came to greet him.
"Seeing is believing, Sect Leader Hu, welcome to the Star Luo Continent." Dai Tianling warmly extended his hand.
Hu Jie reached out and shook hands with her. As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face, and since Dai Tianling was being so polite, Hu Jie naturally wouldn't refuse.
"Then it seems this is the Holy Dragon Douluo." Hu Jie smiled as he looked at Enci, who was standing next to Dai Tianling.
"My reputation is insignificant. How can it compare to the prestige of Master Hu?"
"Not at all! I admire people like His Majesty the Holy Dragon the most."
"These are all empty titles for me; the reputation of Master Hu, with his golden belly and silver buttocks, is equally renowned throughout the continent."
"No, that's just an empty title!"
..............................
Seeing the two already offering commercial praise, Dai Tianling clapped his hands to signal the staff to start serving the dishes.
"Come on, Master Hu, let's eat first! I wonder if the food will suit your taste this time."
Dai Tianling sat at the head of the round table, with Hu Jie and Enci on either side of him. At Dai Tianling's signal, one exquisite dish after another was served.
Once all the dishes were served, Dai Tianling took out his treasured wine and poured it for everyone except Dai Yun'er.
"Come! Let's raise a glass to celebrate Sect Master Hu's arrival on our Star Luo Continent!" Dai Tianling was the first to stand up and raise his glass. The others followed suit and clinked glasses with him.
Hu Jie sipped his wine, his eyes deep and thoughtful. It seemed this Emperor of Xingluo possessed a certain shrewdness.
He's been here for so long and we haven't even discussed any cooperation yet. But that's alright, he has plenty of time.
Thinking this, Hu Jie put down his wine glass, picked up some food, and began to savor it. Of all things, eating is the most important. Since they weren't in a hurry, he'd fill his stomach first.
Watching Hu Jie praising the delicious food as he ate, Dai Tianling, though still smiling, felt a growing anxiety. Why wasn't this Sect Leader Hu in a hurry to discuss cooperation, but instead was enjoying his meal?
Enci winked at Dai Tianling, signaling him not to rush. It was precisely at this moment that they couldn't let the other party see the anxiety of their Star Luo Empire.
Otherwise, given the Tang Clan's style, Enci feared they might demand an exorbitant price. That would be a huge loss for their Star Luo Empire.
Chapter 182 Chen Xinjie, whose ancestors were insulted for eighteen generations
"Oh my! This chicken soup is so delicious! And this Longjing shrimp is also so fresh and sweet. The tenderness of the shrimp and the slightly bitter fragrance of the tea leaves intertwine in the mouth, making it delicious without being greasy at all. Your Majesty, the imperial chefs in your palace are truly amazing."
Listening to Hu Jie's praise of the dishes, Dai Tianling nodded and agreed with a forced smile. Enci watched Hu Jie eating and drinking heartily, feeling a headache coming on.
His and Dai Tianling's original intention was to give Hu Jie a hard time, so that the Star Luo Empire could gain a certain advantage in the subsequent transactions.
But Hu Jie seemed completely indifferent to the cooperation between the two major forces. He was only focused on cooking. The imperial chef's spatula was almost smoking from all the whirring, but Hu Jie's movements didn't slow down in the slightest.
Having finally made it to the Star Luo Imperial Palace, Hu Jie was determined to eat his fill. With that in mind, he began to eat to his heart's content.
Seeing that Hu Jie hadn't mentioned cooperation for a while, Dai Tianling was getting anxious. The Spirit Pagoda on the Star Luo Continent already had two Limit Douluos. Why wasn't Hu Jie, this member of the Tang Sect, in a hurry at all?
Looking up at Enci, the other person nodded. We can't delay any longer; if we do, it'll be past midnight.
"Sect Leader Hu, my daughter has admired the Tang Sect since she was a child. I'm planning to have her join the Tang Sect in a while, and I'll need your help to take care of her then."
"Father!" Dai Yun'er pouted, looking at Dai Tianling with dissatisfaction. The Star Luo Emperor looked at his daughter with eyes full of affection.
Because her martial soul is the same as that of Huo Yuhao, the Ice Douluo from ten thousand years ago, Dai Yun'er has wanted to join the Tang Sect since she was a child, hoping to save the entire continent with her own strength, just like Huo Yuhao.
Now that her father had directly exposed her thoughts, this usually unruly little princess felt shy. She buried her face in her empress's arms, who patted Dai Yun'er's back affectionately.
Upon hearing Dai Tianling's request, Hu Jie sensed the soul power within Dai Yun'er's body. He immediately nodded in agreement. So what if they had the same martial soul? Let Huo Yuhao fight Chen Ran with equal cultivation; Chen Ran would utterly defeat him.
"Of course. Princess Yun'er has the same martial soul as Huo Yuhao's ancestor, so she also has a promising future."
"Hahaha! Not at all, not at all. Sect Leader Hu really thinks too highly of my daughter. I just hope that she can live a peaceful, healthy, and happy life from now on."
Hearing Dai Tianling's words, Dai Yun'er looked at her father with emotion and ran over to hug him.
"Father! Yun'er also hopes that you can be happy and joyful in the future."
"Good! I'll take Yun'er's good wishes to heart. Your father will definitely be happy and joyful from now on." Dai Tianling patted Dai Yun'er's back tenderly. Indeed, a daughter is a father's little angel; he truly hadn't spoiled this daughter for nothing.
Enci watched the harmonious family scene with a smile, then looked at Hu Jie. Hu Jie continued to eat and drink heartily, completely oblivious to what was happening before him.
Enci gazed intently at Hu Jie, truly worthy of being someone specially chosen by the Tang Sect. Such a heartwarming scene didn't stir the slightest emotion in him. It seemed this cooperation was something they were determined to achieve!
After the Empress, Dai Yun'er, and Dai Yueyan had all left, Hu Jie stopped eating and took out a damp towel to wipe his hands.
Dai Tianling and Enci exchanged a glance, and the Star Luo Emperor spoke first: "Sect Leader Hu, I wonder what price your Tang Sect is prepared to offer for this weapon?"
Dai Tianling was mentally prepared for the Tang Sect to ask for an exorbitant price; the Tang Sect always demanded astronomical sums. But even if this time the price was astronomical, the Star Luo Empire would still grit its teeth and buy it.
The Federation's actions have become increasingly obvious in recent years, and while the general public remains unaware of the truth, the high command of the Star Luo faction understands that war is imminent. This time, it's no longer a small-scale skirmish, but a true war of life and death.
Having experienced the crushing defeat by the Spirit Pagoda last time, Enci truly realized the gap between the two continents. Although Soul Guidance Technology had been developing rapidly, Soul Masters also saw the emergence of epoch-making products like Battle Armor.
The Star Luo Empire lacks master blacksmiths of divine craftsmanship level, so apart from Enci, no one among their Soul Masters possesses a four-word battle armor. Even Enci's four-word battle armor was created by chance, through a unique and unconventional method.
However, the number of Soul Masters with four-word Battle Armor on the opposing Douluo Continent far exceeded their expectations. If war were to truly break out, even if their Star Luo Continent were to sacrifice lives to face these walking natural disasters, nothing would change.
Therefore, the Tang Clan's weapons are their only lifeline, even though the Tang Clan has set codes on them. Unless under special circumstances, the Star Luo Empire has no right to use them, a situation they reluctantly accept.
But Hu Jie's next words completely stunned Dai Tianling. This renowned ruler of the Star Luo Empire was caught off guard by Hu Jie's words.
"Your Majesty! I am very sorry, but our Tang Clan will be focusing on medicine from now on. We are also helpless in the area of weaponry."
At this point, Hu Jie let out a deep sigh: "You don't know. Chen Xinjie, the commander of the Sea God Legion and the top figure in the Federation military, has gone mad for some reason and directly exposed our Tang Sect's sale of weapons to your Star Luo Empire as aid."
Our Tang Clan has also been having a tough time lately. Not only was our arms deal shut down by the Federation, but this whole affair was also an accident; our Tang Clan was simply dragged into it.
However, after discussions between the two sect leaders, our Tang Clan will ultimately focus on medicine. Your Majesty, Brother Enci, please forgive us; we had no other choice.
"Sect Leader Hu, are you kidding me? What do you mean you've been implicated? With the strength of your Tang Clan, what force could possibly implicate you? Your Tang Clan has been around for so long, why is it only now that trouble has arisen?"
Hearing Dai Tianling's anxious question, Hu Jie shook his head helplessly: "Who implicated him! Shrek Academy! Your Majesty, you don't know, but this Chen Xinjie had a relationship with Long Yeyue, the widow of the previous Sea God Pavilion Master and an elder of Shrek Academy."
Now that Chen Xinjie intends to rekindle his romance with Long Yeyue, how could Yun Ming, the number one person on the continent, possibly allow it? He has already fought with Chen Xinjie over this matter. After the fight, he even mobilized Shrek Academy's resources to politically attack Chen Xinjie.
After being beaten, Chen Xinjie was bound to retaliate, and ultimately he set his sights on our Tang Clan. After all, Shrek Academy has a deep foundation, so even he couldn't easily lay a hand on us, but our Tang Clan is different. Because of their grudges, our Tang Clan has suffered greatly.
After saying that, Hu Jie looked at Dai Tianling, whose face was ashen, and Enci, who also looked angry, and sneered inwardly.
That Shrek dares to disregard the secret techniques of their Body Sect; he's courting death. Since he can't defeat them now, he'll first spread their past exploits across the Star Luo Continent and collect some interest.
Dai Tianling had already cursed Chen Xinjie's ancestors to the eighteenth generation in his mind. "You can find a wife if you want, but why did you have to ruin the Tang Clan's business? If the Tang Clan stops selling weapons, what will happen to their Star Luo Empire?"
Chapter 183 We don't sell weapons, we sell technology.
"Sect Leader Hu, I wonder what kind of medicine your Tang Sect plans to sell in our Star Luo Continent this time! And regarding the arms deal, do you think there's any room for maneuver?"
As an emperor, Dai Tianling quickly composed himself. Although the Tang Clan said they would no longer sell weapons, as long-time partners, Dai Tianling imagined they certainly wouldn't give up such a lucrative business.
"Whether there's room for negotiation is another matter. Your Majesty, please take a look at these medicines first." Hu Jie took out the medicines prepared by the Tang Clan and placed them on the table one by one.
Enci removed one of the bottles, opened it, and smelled it. A rich medicinal aroma wafted out. She poured out a pill and held it to her heart, examining it closely.
Although the effects of this medicine were unknown, its ingredients were all made from herbs that were nearly a century old. Enci couldn't understand where the Tang Clan got so many century-old herbs, and how they obtained so many herbs to make this medicine.
"Your Majesty, let me introduce them to you one by one. The bottle in your hand is the Blazing Heavenly Sun Pill, which is the best choice for nourishing essence and blood, and strengthening the kidneys and enhancing male virility..."
"Aphrodisiac and kidney tonic!" Upon hearing about the contribution, Dai Tianling curiously glanced at the small medicine bottle in his hand. The Tang Clan's business had expanded too rapidly; relying on these medicines alone, Dai Tianling finally understood where their confidence came from.
Aphrodisiac, anti-aging, cultivation aid, healing... the Tang Sect's preparations this time are truly thorough. Moreover, the profits from selling directly to the entire continent are much higher than selling only to the royal family.
Enci and Dai Tianling exchanged a glance. They both saw helplessness in each other's eyes. This time, the Tang Clan was serious; they truly had no intention of selling weapons to the Star Luo Empire anymore.
Even though things had come to this point, Dai Tianling still wanted to try again.