Signing the contract
Several days later, in the Void of the Demon Star Sea.
Su Bai was the only passenger on the Spirit Boat.
Under the escort of the Ancestor Tian Xing, the Spirit Boat sped along at breakneck speed.
"Three thousand miles ahead lies the Sea Star City of the Merfolk Race."
The voice of the Ancestor Tian Xing was cold and stern.
"I can only escort you this far. Beyond this lies the royal domain of the Merfolk Race. For us Nascent Soul Cultivator to trespass is tantamount to declaring war on the Merfolk."
"Thank you for your trouble, Old Ancestor."
Su Bai bowed respectfully.
Ancestor Tian Xing nodded, and the enormous Spirit Boat disappeared into the horizon.
Su Bai took a deep breath, took out a conch Seashell Token that Cang Mingxiao had given him, and infused it with Spiritual Power.
A moment later, the seawater beneath him began to churn, and a huge Whirlpool appeared out of thin air, emitting a soft blue light.
Without the slightest hesitation, Su Bai leaped into the Whirlpool.
After a dizzying spin, the view suddenly opened up before my eyes.
This was none other than the Merfolk Race's encampment in Sea Star City.
As Su Bai was marveling at this, a group of imposing Merfolk Guards came to greet him. The leader was none other than Cang Mingxiao, the Third Prince of the Sea Tribe.
"Alchemist Lu Jiu! How have you been?"
He simply stood there, and the surrounding seawater seemed to bow down to him.
It's the Demon King!
Su Bai's pupils contracted slightly.
The Cang Mingxiao before me is no longer the Demon General of yesteryear, but a genuine Demon King- level powerhouse!
The news that Su Bai had been appointed as an envoy of the Heavenly Star Alliance had already spread.
The Merfolk Race had also received some Transmit Message from the Old Ancestor Heavenly Star in advance, so Cang Mingxiao was already waiting at the camp for Su Bai to come.
"Third Prince, it's been a long time. You're even more dashing than before." Su Bai smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, secretly rejoicing.
Fortunately, the connection we made back then was a positive one.
Otherwise, the pressure of negotiating with a Demon King today would be immense.
"Haha, thanks to Alchemist Lu Jiu, I've managed a breakthrough." Cang Mingxiao laughed and stepped forward, patting Su Bai's shoulder warmly. "Come on, I've prepared a banquet to welcome you back!"
His attitude remained friendly and cordial, showing no signs of alienation despite the change in his status, which dispelled the last trace of concern in Su Bai's heart.
The Main Palace of the Merfolk Race's territory is a magnificent building carved from a single piece of huge blue crystal.
After a simple welcome dinner, the two sides quickly got down to business.
When Su Bai, in his capacity as a "Devourer" of the Heavenly Star Alliance, formally proposed exchanging Human Race Spirit Pills and Law Artifact for the Merfolk Race's Sea Spirit Plant, he had already prepared a complete set of negotiation arguments, ready to engage in a fierce verbal battle with the Merfolk Race Elder.
However, to his surprise, the whole process went by a little too smoothly.
I agree.
Before the Elder could speak, Cang Mingxiao, who had already taken the main seat and whose status was clearly superior, made the decision directly.
"Your Highness!" an elderly Merfolk with a profound aura and coral horns hurriedly spoke, "Large-scale trade with Human Race is a matter of great importance and requires careful consideration!"
"Yes, Your Highness, Human Race are always cunning; we must be wary!"
The Elder all echoed this sentiment.
"I appreciate the Elder ' kindness," Cang Mingxiao waved his hand, exuding an undeniable aura of kingship. "But I took an instant liking to Alchemist Lu Jiu, and I trust his character. Moreover, this transaction is entirely beneficial to our clan."
He looked at Su Bai, his azure eyes gleaming with wisdom. "Although our race possesses Endless Sea Territory, our skills in weapon crafting and alchemy are indeed far inferior to those of the Human Race. High-quality Spirit Pills and Law Artifact are precisely the supplies our warriors urgently need. Using our abundant 'seaweed' to exchange for the most urgently needed strategic resources—this deal is a win-win for us no matter how you look at it."
He paused, then continued, "By order of my Imperial Father, I have just begun to assume power in the clan and need a tangible achievement to solidify my position. The establishment of this stable trade route with the Heavenly Star Alliance is my first gift! You agree, right, Alchemist Lu Jiu?"
His words were well-reasoned and supported by evidence, which not only repaid Su Bai's favor but also demonstrated his political foresight, leaving the Elder speechless.
Soon, a Alliance Pact made of special Sea Beast Hide hide and signed with the Bloodline of Merfolk as the binding force was placed before the two of them.
The Merfolk Race will supply the Heavenly Star Alliance with an unlimited supply of the designated Sea Spirit Plant at 80% of the market price.
[The Heavenly Star Alliance, in turn, must exchange Spirit Pills and Law Artifact of equal value, and guarantee to provide the Merfolk Race with no less than one hundred top-grade Supreme-Grade Spirit Artifact and ten bottles of Fourth-Tier Upper-Grade Spirit Pills annually.]
Looking at the terms of the contract, Su Bai nodded in satisfaction.
It's done!
The next step is simply to wait for the Elite Alchemist of the Star Luo Pill Pavilion to gradually develop the Sea Spirit Pill into a systematic whole.
"Alchemist Lu Jiu, the contract has been signed. The cooperation between our two families has officially begun." Cang Mingxiao put away the contract, his stern expression fading, and he returned to his friendly demeanor.
"Many thanks to the Third Prince for his righteous assistance. Su Bai and the entire Heavenly Star Alliance will forever remember this kindness," Su Bai said sincerely.
"We're brothers, no need for such formalities," Cang Mingxiao laughed. "By the way, Alchemist Lu Jiu, don't rush back now that you've come. In three days, I will be heading to the Senhai to hold the ' Positioning Ceremony ' at the Merman Imperial Palace in the Deep Sea, officially establishing the Heir Apparent's Position. At that time, the emperors and elders of all the Sea Tribe in the Demon Star Sea will come to witness the ceremony. You must stay and have a cup of Sea Wine."
The ceremony to determine the successor's position!
Su Bai's heart stirred.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Cooperation with the Merfolk Race is only the first step. To ensure the long-term stability of this trade route, a clear understanding of the power structure of the entire Demon Star Sea is essential. This grand ceremony is undoubtedly the best stage for him to connect with the high-ranking Sea Tribe and observe the various forces of the Ha clan.
"Since it is His Highness the Third Prince's wedding day, how could I refuse?" Su Bai immediately agreed.