#649 - Transaction End

Chapter 643: End of the Transaction

Xue Zhonggao's expression was calm, his tone resolute and unquestionable, as he said blandly, "Sect Leader Tang, let's not beat around the bush. I'll be frank, Tang Sect's demands are indeed a bit difficult for us to accept."

He paused slightly, his gaze fixed steadily on Tang Wulin, and continued, "Purchasing weapons but not being able to use them freely, this restriction is simply too harsh for our side."

"If Tang Sect is willing to lift this restriction, our side is willing to increase the previously agreed price by another ten percent. Sect Leader Tang, this is already the greatest sincerity I can show."

Increase by ten percent? At first glance, this proportion may not seem astonishing. However, it should be noted that this transaction involves a large batch of fixed-installation soul-guided weapons, the total value of which can be described as astronomical.

If the situation were not urgent and war imminent, Xue Zhonggao would never have easily offered such tempting terms. Ultimately, the soul-guided technology level of Douling Continent is simply too backward compared to the outside world.

In this era where technology determines strength, the lag in soul-guided technology severely restricts the development of Douling Continent, putting them in an extremely passive position when facing the Federation.

In order to gain a chance of survival in the upcoming war and enhance their own strength, Xue Zhonggao had no choice but to make such a concession.

Given that Douling Continent's national strength is relatively weak and the number of top experts is scarce, Zang Xin believed that in the negotiation process, they could appropriately use coercive methods, or even adopt some other strategies to suppress the other party, thereby gaining the upper hand in the negotiations.

When Tang Wulin first arrived on Douling Continent, she originally intended to act according to plan, intending to use her powerful mental strength to give this new emperor, Xue Zhonggao, a show of force during their first meeting, creating a favorable atmosphere for subsequent negotiations.

However, after being reminded by the Holy Spirit Douluo, Tang Wulin learned that Aponia, the one beside the emperor, was actually a Limit Douluo.

This news was like a heavy hammer, instantly waking her up, making her realize that rashly taking a tough approach under such a strong deterrent would only backfire, so she decisively abandoned those original ideas.

"This new emperor's style is extremely tough, and he seems to be hiding other unknown strengths." Tang Wulin thought to himself, "If I don't lift that restriction clause, judging by his attitude, he might really end the negotiations without hesitation."

At the same time, a trace of doubt still lingered in Tang Wulin's mind, "Moreover, his attitude is indeed a bit strange. Tang Sect has previously explicitly announced that it is responsible for the destruction of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda branch headquarters, and has also publicly revealed the evil soul masters within the Spirit Transfer Pagoda branch."

"Such a major event, yet he hasn't mentioned it at all during the entire negotiation process. Is he really so calm, or is there another hidden reason?"

In an instant, Tang Wulin's mind was flooded with thoughts, and various ideas came one after another. This negotiation is of great importance, and a slight carelessness could trigger a series of unpredictable consequences.

Tang Sect's bottom line, in essence, is that they can actually abandon those restriction clauses. The batch of weapons they provide may indeed have a significant impact on the current stage of the war, and may even reverse the course of the war to some extent.

However, these weapons are ultimately consumables. Although they can help the two empires gain an advantage in this war, they are not enough to allow the two empires to have the strength to counterattack the Federation.

The reason why Tang Sect set those restrictive clauses is more to show its position and attitude to the outside world.

Tang Wulin took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, I can agree to your terms. But in return, I hope you can also guarantee that you will only use this batch of weapons to protect Douling Continent."

Tang Wulin's eyes were like torches, staring intently at Xue Zhonggao's eyes, trying to find out the most genuine thoughts in the emperor's heart.

At this moment, the hall was so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping, and the air in the hall seemed to freeze due to this tense confrontation.

Seeing Xue Zhonggao's previous tough and resolute attitude, Tang Wulin knew in her heart that if she refused, the other party would probably end this crucial conversation without hesitation.

In fact, Tang Sect had intended from the beginning to trade this batch of carefully developed weapons to the Douling Empire. Now that the price has increased by ten percent in the negotiations, it is undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for Tang Sect, and there is naturally no reason to refuse.

Hearing Tang Wulin's response, a well-calculated smile instantly appeared on Xue Zhonggao's face. The smile was like the warm sun of spring, seemingly gentle and harmless, but also making it difficult to see the deep meaning within.

"Sect Leader Tang, rest assured, I can guarantee to you that I will definitely not use this batch of weapons casually." His voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the empty hall.

The current Douling Continent is indeed too weak in terms of soul-guided technology and many other aspects compared to the other two continents. Even with the batch of weapons provided by Tang Sect, judging from the current situation, they would never dare to use them casually.

After all, these weapons serve more as a deterrent, and perhaps only when the Federation fleet attacks will they become Douling Continent's last resort.

If they really want to rely on these weapons to counterattack and turn defense into offense, then Douling Continent must at least wait until it has truly grown and has enough confidence.

"That's good." Tang Wulin nodded slightly, his expression still a bit solemn, but also slightly relaxed. After that, he began an in-depth conversation with Xue Zhonggao on various matters.

During the conversation, Tang Wulin seemingly inadvertently probed the Douling Empire's views on the Spirit Transfer Pagoda. The Spirit Transfer Pagoda's influence on this continent is intricate, and Tang Sect naturally pays close attention to the Douling Empire's attitude in this regard.

However, unfortunately, whenever the topic touched upon the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, Xue Zhonggao's attitude became unusually ambiguous. His words flickered, and he was equivocal, neither explicitly expressing support for the Spirit Transfer Pagoda's various actions nor expressing any intention to pursue them.

Tang Wulin tried her best to probe from various angles, but she was never able to get a definite answer from the emperor.

"If that's the case, then we'll take our leave first. Your Majesty, I hope you don't be misled by the appearance of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda."

After a futile attempt, Tang Wulin helplessly cupped his hands to Xue Zhonggao, preparing to leave.

Since she couldn't get the assurance she wanted from this emperor, there was nothing she could do. She couldn't force Xue Zhonggao to express his position with strong-arm tactics, as that would only backfire.

Moreover, there were still many affairs on the Star Luo Continent waiting for her to handle, and she really didn't have time to linger here any longer.

Although Tang Wulin was worried about this Dou Ling Emperor's arrogance and ambiguous attitude towards the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, she could only choose to put it aside for the time being.

"Sect Master Tang, safe travels," Xue Zhonggao said, standing up immediately and displaying extremely high etiquette, personally escorting Tang Wulin out of the palace. This action undoubtedly fully demonstrated his respect for Tang Wulin, the Sect Master of the Tang Sect.

"Well, Your Majesty, you can stop here," Tang Wulin said, seeing Xue Zhonggao's attitude. Her originally slightly solemn expression, due to not receiving a definite answer, eased a lot.

At least, from Xue Zhonggao's behavior, it could be seen that the Dou Ling Empire still attached considerable importance to the Tang Sect.

…

Watching Tang Wulin's departing figure disappear from sight, the gentle smile on Xue Zhonggao's face instantly vanished, replaced by a look of sternness and seriousness.

He turned expressionlessly and walked back to the main hall with steady steps. At this time, Li Xiaochou and Apophis had been waiting there for a long time.

"Hmph."

Xue Zhonggao snorted coldly, recalling Tang Wulin's warnings during their earlier conversation, and couldn't help but slam his palm heavily on the chair.

"Your Majesty need not be angry. This is just a delaying tactic. Our Dou Ling Continent is the weakest of the three continents. Currently, it seems that the Tang Sect's help is essential if we want to resist the Federal Fleet's attack."

"As long as we can get through this most difficult period, it won't be too late to take action against the Tang Sect when our grand plan is accomplished," Li Xiaochou said, standing up immediately and trying to persuade Xue Zhonggao.

Listening to Li Xiaochou's words, Xue Zhonggao also realized his momentary loss of composure. He slightly adjusted his mentality, calmed his emotions, and then asked:

"Prime Minister, hasn't your research on the Ouke finished yet? Didn't you say before that you had developed a virus that could transform ordinary people into Ouke without losing their sanity?"

Li Xiaochou said, "Your Majesty, don't be impatient. After all, the Ouke can't be exposed to the light yet. If we really start manufacturing Ouke on a large scale, there will inevitably be some clues."

"With the Tang Sect's intelligence network, if they find out that the Dou Ling Empire is manufacturing Ouke, they may not support the empire when the Federal Fleet attacks."

"Therefore, we must proceed cautiously with the matter of manufacturing Ouke. Moreover, if we create too many Ouke at once, there will inevitably be problems in terms of management."

After listening, Xue Zhonggao took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and said after a moment of thought, "Indeed, this matter should not be exposed now. At least, we must wait until we have repelled the Federal Fleet before we have time to develop."

Then, Xue Zhonggao changed the subject and asked, "Also, Prime Minister, how is the ultimate zombie virus that you mentioned before progressing? I am still waiting for your research results."

The reason why Xue Zhonggao initially agreed to make the Apocalypse Church the state religion was quite complicated. On the one hand, he hoped to win over Apophis. On the other hand, Li Xiaochou painted a very tempting future blueprint for him.

Li Xiaochou had proposed to him that by turning the entire population of the Dou Ling Continent into Ouke, they could initially grant them soul power. After a period of development, these people would grow into soul masters, thereby enhancing the overall strength of the Dou Ling Continent.

As long as the Ouke can be popularized on a large scale, and a powerful army can be formed from them, the strength of the Dou Ling Empire will be greatly improved.

Even in extreme cases, if the weapons provided by the Tang Sect cannot effectively deter the Federal Fleet, they can turn all the civilians of the Dou Ling Continent into Ouke, achieving a situation where everyone is a soldier.

Once transformed into Ouke, even ordinary people who originally had no soul power will possess soul power.

And the vast population base of the Dou Ling Continent, nearly 260 million people, if all armed, that force would be enough to make any force dare not underestimate it. Even a power as strong as the Federation might be dragged down by such a human wave tactic.

This was also the confidence that Xue Zhonggao had to negotiate with Tang Wulin just now. If the Federation really pushed them into a corner, then he would explode with the Federation.

As for whether those Ouke would rebel, Xue Zhonggao was not worried about this. Because Li Xiaochou had explained the habits of the Ouke to him in detail, saying that they were like soul beasts, inherently obedient to the strong, and must be the strongest among their own kind.

As long as the strongest Ouke appears, the rest of the Ouke will spontaneously submit. This is an instinct deeply rooted in their genes.

And the so-called ultimate zombie virus, according to Li Xiaochou, is the royal bloodline among the Ouke, naturally several times stronger than the other Ouke, and can command the other ordinary Ouke.

As long as he can successfully implant the ultimate zombie virus and turn all the people of the Dou Ling Continent into Ouke, then why should he fear the threat of the Federal Fleet?

Perhaps, by that time, he could lead the mighty Ouke army and directly counterattack the Douluo Continent, and finally bring all three continents into his possession, realizing the great cause that emperors of the past had dreamed of but never achieved.

Whenever he thought of this, Xue Zhonggao's heartbeat would involuntarily quicken slightly, and his eyes would flash with狂热光芒(kuángrè guāngmáng) [fervent light]. He couldn't wait to see that day come. By that time, he would become the veritable "Ouke King."

In terms of soul technology, the gap between the Dou Ling Continent and the Federation is like an insurmountable gap. It is almost impossible to catch up with the Federation.

Unless the Tang Sect is willing to unreservedly share all their scientific research results with the Dou Ling Empire. But this is obviously an unrealistic fantasy. The Tang Sect will never make such a decision.

Even if the Tang Sect is really willing to share, the Dou Ling Empire would also need to spend a lot of time and energy to delve into, digest, and absorb these achievements, and then transform these achievements into actual productivity, and manufacture corresponding soul tools.

This is undoubtedly an extremely large and complex project, which cannot be completed overnight.

Since it is difficult to catch up with the Federation on the road of soul technology, Xue Zhonggao decided to take a different approach. He pinned all his hopes on the power of the Ouke, hoping to use this power to realize the rise of the Dou Ling Continent, and eventually catch up with or even surpass the Federation.

Looking at Xue Zhonggao's expectant eyes, Li Xiaochou smiled slightly and said confidently, "Your Majesty, rest assured, the research on the ultimate zombie virus is nearing completion. As soon as the results are out, I will definitely inform you at the first time."

"That's good," Xue Zhonggao nodded, and he did not doubt Li Xiaochou's answer at all. Deep in his heart, for some reason, he always had a strange trust in the Apocalypse Church.

This trust, like a seed rooted in his heart, had unknowingly taken root and was difficult to shake.