Taking an Inch and Demanding a Mile, the Dragon Lord's Question

In the Heavenly Palace Hall, besides Zheng Fa and the Dragon Lord Shuyu, there were also Uncle-Master Pang, Senior Sister Zhang, Xiao Yuying, and other elders of the Nine Mountains Sect.

After hearing what the Dragon Lord Shuyu said, Zheng Fa and the elders of the Nine Mountains Sect exchanged glances, secretly pleased.

What the Dragon Lord Shuyu said perfectly aligns with the Nine Mountains Sect's future strategy:

The Xuanwei Upheaval, and the strategic value of the ocean is different from what it used to be. To put it somewhat incongruously, whoever controls the ocean controls the new Xuanwei.

On the other hand, the Nine Mountains Sect was also limited by its geographical location, forcing it to cultivate its territory in the Sea Region.

Compared to the other Four Sects, excluding the Sea Region area, the land area occupied by the Hundred Immortals Alliance is too small, only one percent of Vast Sun Mountain, and far less than that of the Supreme Dao and Thunderclap Temple.

If the Hundred Immortals Alliance wants to expand its power, it only has three options:

Head south, and follow the Supreme Dao.

Head west, confront Vast Sun Mountain.

Finally, together with the Dragon Lord Shuyu, they hammered the Azure Abyss Dragon King.

If you put these three opponents together, and let the Azure Abyss Dragon King choose for himself, he'd have to slap himself!

Even though Vast Sun Mountain looks extremely weak now, and it's unknown whether he even has any Dao Fruit, Zheng Fa still thinks that Azure Abyss Dragon King, this outsider, is easier to bully.

Of course, they will still push forward with the Base Face-Slapping Plan.

However, everyone in the Nine Mountains Sect understands that Vast Sun Mountain is involved in many things, so they cannot be too optimistic, and rashness is even more unwise. It is best to proceed steadily and surely.

The struggle between the Nine Mountains Sect and Vast Sun Mountain is likely to be a protracted war.

But dealing with the Azure Abyss Dragon King was much easier.

If they really get serious, they'll bring out the un-upgraded Celestial River Legion and use the Universe in the Sleeve Technique; even if the Azure Abyss Dragon King is skinned alive, he won't be able to escape.

However, Zheng Fa did not intend this trump card for those small fry from the Azure Abyss Dragon Palace.

Senior Sister Zhang nodded slightly to Zheng Fa, indicating that they also agreed to cooperate with Dragon Lord Shuyu.

Uncle-Master Pang was overjoyed, and Zheng Fa could see what he was thinking at a glance—the arrival of the Ancient Dragon Clan at the True Immortal level was a sign of the Nine Mountains Sect's great prosperity, truly an auspicious omen!

Zheng Fa also wanted to deal with the Azure Abyss Dragon King first.

Besides the issue of cost-effectiveness, he also had another concern: the Azure Abyss Dragon King was not stupid, and the Thunderclap Temple and Vast Sun Mountain were not blind either. If the parties joined forces, the Nine Mountains Sect would probably be caught in a two-front war, which would put them in a very passive position.

"I understand the purpose of your visit, Dragon Lord." Zheng Fa regained his composure and bowed to Dragon Lord Shuyu, saying, "I am honored by your high regard, Dragon Lord. My Nine Mountains Sect is willing to stand with you in principle."

Upon hearing this, the Dragon Lord Shuyu smiled, showing little surprise.

She probably didn't expect the Nine Mountains Sect to disagree. After all, this matter was indeed only beneficial to the Nine Mountains Sect, gaining a True Immortal subordinate for free, even if it was only in name, was still a great gain.

Both sides were on the same page and quickly moved into the detailed negotiation stage.

"Sect Leader Zheng, you've gone too far."

The Dragon Lord Shuyu's face was extremely cold. He looked at Zheng Fa with eyes that were like two knives, as if he wanted to stab Zheng Dharma Body three times and six times.

Zheng Fa wasn't angry; he simply cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, please don't take offense. I'm just being upfront about this to avoid future conflicts."

The Dragon Lord Shuyu sneered, "That makes sense, but your appetite is too big. We agreed that the seabed belongs to me, so what do you mean by sending people here? Does your Nine Mountains Sect think that I am being forced by the Azure Abyss Dragon King to be bullied by you?"

The others in the hall remained silent, glancing back and forth between the two. Xiao Yuying's expression unconsciously showed some tension.

Zheng Fa, however, seemed oblivious to the Dragon Lord Shuyu's rage.

He was indeed not very satisfied with the cooperation model proposed by Dragon Lord Shuyu.

The Nine Mountains Sect has too many ideas and plans for the Sea Region; simply maintaining the status quo is not enough to achieve its goals.

Zheng Fa also knew that Dragon Lord Shuyu had come with great sincerity, and if he made any further demands, it would indeed be easy to anger the other party.

But he cannot let it slide:

Previously, the two sides could only be considered strategic partners. The Dragon Lord Shuyu provided the Nine Mountains Sect with maritime protection, and the Nine Mountains Sect nurtured dragon eggs for the Dragon Lord Shuyu. It was simply a matter of each getting what they needed.

But now it's a merger and acquisition negotiation, and balancing the interests of both parties is inherently difficult.

But even when things are difficult, we must find a balance.

Seeing that he was still laughing, the Dragon Lord Shuyu became even angrier and stood up, saying, "If Sect Leader Zheng thinks he can take advantage of someone in distress, then I'll take my leave!"

Zheng Fa advised, "Dragon Lord, I haven't finished stating my conditions yet."

After a slight hesitation, Dragon Lord Shuyu slowly sat down, clearly wanting to hear what conditions Zheng Fa would offer.

"I believe the framework for cooperation between the two sides should have several basic principles:"

"Firstly, the Nine Mountains Sect respects your right to rule over the aquatic Demon Race and will not interfere. However, any future ruler of the Hundred Immortals Alliance's waters, regardless of whether they are Dragon Clan or not, must be officially appointed by the Nine Mountains Sect's elders before assuming office."

"A title?" The Dragon Lord Shuyu finally couldn't help but sneer inwardly, "My Dragon Clan is blessed by heaven and earth, do we need your Nine Mountains Sect to bestow a title upon us?"

Zheng Fa seemed not to hear him and continued, "Secondly, our Nine Mountains Sect will appoint a deputy as the Dragon Lord and all future rulers of the waters. This deputy's role is to coordinate cooperation between the Human Race and the aquatic Demon Race, and to be responsible for communication between the Nine Mountains Sect and the waters."

So, there needs to be a supervisor for the author?

"Thirdly, our Nine Mountains Sect has numerous plans for the Sea Region, and Dragon Lord, you will be responsible for its defense and assistance in its development."

Dragon Lord Shuyu listened, he actually laughed in anger, "Bring that bridle over my head, and I'll pull your Nine Mountains Sect's cart, okay?"

She believed she had come with sincerity, but she could never agree to Zheng Fa's request under any circumstances.

Zheng Fa saw the coldness in her eyes, but he was not prepared to back down.

This is his plan for future Sea Region governance.

It must be admitted that the Dragon Clan is indeed blessed with unique advantages. Human Race find it difficult to adapt to water, and no matter how high their cultivation level is, they will be constrained.

This is the fairness of Heavenly Dao's Way. The seabed, and even other bodies of water, are inherently more suitable for the survival of the Demon Race, and the Nine Mountains Sect has no intention of seizing their living space.

However, Zheng Fa would not actually allow the Sea Region to become a state within a state of the Hundred Immortals Alliance, which is why he put forward these principles.

An inappropriate analogy would be equivalent to the Tusi system in the Nine Mountains, or... the Xuanwei Aquatic Autonomous Region.

"I'd rather marry the second prince of the Azure Abyss Dragon Palace!"

"Dragon Lord, as I said, I'm making this clear from the outset." Zheng Fa laughed. "These are my requests to you, Dragon Lord. How about we hear what conditions I can offer?"

"I will not agree to any of these conditions! The Dragon Clan's rule over the ocean does not need, nor should it be, granted by you, and I do not need a military supervisor."

After saying that, the Dragon Lord stood up and coldly asked Xiao Yuying, "Are you coming with me, or staying here?"

It's clear that Dragon Lord Shuyu is extremely angry; they're almost at the stage of divorcing and dividing the children.

Xiao Yuying looked left and right, completely bewildered.

Uncle-Master Pang's expression grew even more anxious. How could even their previous cooperation be collapsing?

Zheng Fa held up one finger and smiled, "My first condition is related to Xiao Fairy."

What's it to her?

"The deputy I've assigned to you, Dragon Lord, is Xiao Fairy."

"Yu Ying?"

Dragon Lord Shuyu seemed to be deep in thought. He looked at his disciple, and the anger on his face subtly dissipated.

"As long as Xiao Fairy is willing," Zheng Fa nodded. "Xiao Fairy is someone I and the Nine Mountains Sect trust."

Dragon Lord Shuyu remained silent for a moment, and his gaze towards Xiao Yuying softened considerably.

Clearly, she could tell that Zheng Fa had put a lot of thought into Xiao Yuying.

Xiao Yuying is not only her only disciple, but also an elder of the Nine Mountains Sect. In terms of status, ability, and character, she is the most suitable candidate.

Seeing that her complexion had improved considerably, Zheng Fa secretly gave Xiao Yuying a wink.

Xiao Yuying was quick-witted; she stood up abruptly, took her master's arm, and invited him to sit down.

The Dragon Lord Shuyu glanced at his treacherous disciple, who had betrayed him and sided with the enemy to the heavens, and became even angrier. "If I don't agree, will your Nine Mountains Sect still not let me leave?"

"Dragon Lord, you misunderstand. I only want you to hear all my conditions, and then I will let you come and go as you please, I will not stop you."

Dragon Lord Shuyu hesitated slightly before sitting down.

"The Dragon Lord surely knows that Xuanwei is not what it used to be; we are like a tree that wishes for stillness, but the wind will not cease."

"Of course I know that, which is why I came here with sincerity. Who knew that your Nine Mountains Sect was just a passing fancy!"

Despite being directly confronted by the Dragon Lord, Zheng Fa wasn't angry. He simply explained, "But Dragon Lord, if it's just a nominal fusion, how effective can it be?"

"..."

Dragon Lord Shuyu remained silent, clearly already having an answer in his heart.

After a long silence, she sighed and said, "I've thought about this too, otherwise I would never have taken the initiative to go to their door..."

Zheng Fa nodded slightly.

He understood this as well. The Dragon Lord Shuyu was a proud and aloof person. Even though he had cooperated with the Nine Mountains Sect for many years, he had always kept his distance from them, remaining somewhat detached.

Her willingness to proactively discuss cooperation is contrary to her nature.

The reasons for this include both the coercion from the Azure Abyss Dragon King and concerns about the situation in Xuanwei.

Dragon Lord Shuyu explained, "By joining your Nine Mountains Sect, I will naturally receive the protection of Jade Pool and the Supreme Dao."

"Isn't it partly because my Nine Mountains Sect is the weakest?"

Dragon Lord Shuyu was a little embarrassed, but Zheng Fa didn't mind much.

He finally understood why the Dragon Lord had chosen the Nine Mountains Sect, and why he had taken such a proactive approach:

On one hand, the Dragon Lord knew that Jade Pool, the Supreme Dao, and the Nine Mountains Sect had an alliance. She joined the Nine Mountains Sect to use their influence and power.

On the other hand, the Nine Mountains Sect is the weakest of the three sects, so the Dragon Lord is naturally better able to negotiate terms and even maintain his independence.

Uncle-Master Pang felt slightly ashamed.

He was overjoyed when he heard that Dragon Lord Shuyu to surrender, but he never expected that although Dragon Lord Shuyu was detached from worldly affairs, he was by no means a brainless person.

Seeing that the Dragon Lord Shuyu remained silent, Zheng Fa comforted her instead, saying, "The Nine Mountains Sect fully understands what the Dragon Lord is thinking."

Dragon Lord Shuyu looked at Zheng Fa and listened to him continue:

"But Dragon Lord, it's better to rely on yourself than on others; I think this principle needs no further explanation."

"Seek help from within? How do I do that?"

"Our Nine Mountains Sect's second condition is to cultivate more members of your clan for you, Dragon Lord. Now, that Azure Abyss Dragon King is bullying the younger dragons because he has more dragons than himself. Doesn't the Dragon Lord want his own descendants?"

Upon hearing this, the Dragon Lord's face showed some emotion, clearly disgusted by the Azure Abyss Dragon Palace.

"This is also why I'm willing to join your Nine Mountains Sect, but this was originally our agreement."

"Dragon Lord, we can help with giving birth, but what about raising them?"

"I can afford to raise three dragon eggs!"

Are three enough?

Dragon Lord Shuyu frowned and said, "What do you mean by that?"

"What I mean is, the Dragon Ancestor was able to create his own race, so why don't you, Dragon Lord, want to? Perhaps, in the future, you will be revered as the Xuanwei Dragon Ancestor? The Nine Mountains Dragon Ancestor?"

"..."

Dragon Lord Shuyu looked at Zheng Fa for a long while before saying, "You really think highly of me."

Judging from her expression, everyone in the hall understood that she was tempted!

Her interactions with the Azure Abyss Dragon King likely caused her to lose faith in her so-called kin.

But the loneliness in his heart and the longing for his own kind would not disappear because of this.

Therefore, the allure of creating a race of her own, one she could completely trust, was greater than ever before.

Looking at Zheng Fa, the Dragon Lord Shuyu revealed a strange glint in his eyes. "Your ambition is even greater than that of the Azure Abyss Dragon King."

"With greater ambition, the Dragon Lord will have more freedom in the future." Zheng Fa stood up and laughed, "That Azure Abyss Dragon King's thoughts and ideas are nothing more than following in the footsteps of his predecessors; all he pursues is to attain the Golden Immortal."

"He can only reach the Golden Immortal. As your subordinate, Dragon Lord, you'll at most only reach the True Immortal level in the future."

How is it different now?

Dragon Lord Shuyu nodded slightly.

Putting everything else aside, she wouldn't agree to this alone.

"By joining my Nine Mountains Sect, the Dragon Lord can monopolize all the waters, only needing to cooperate with my Nine Mountains Sect." Zheng Fa paused, then added, "Moreover, this cooperation is not without reward."

"Rewards?"

"Raising dragons is not easy, raising an entire race is even more difficult. The spiritual materials and resources required must be a headache even for the Dragon Lord."

Dragon Lord Shuyu felt that she had been led by the nose by Zheng Fa, but every word he said was the truth, and she could not refute it. She could only nod.

"Our Nine Mountains Sect may not be as good as the Four Sects in other areas, but when it comes to making money, we are absolutely second to none."

Dragon Lord Shuyu wanted to question it, but she also vaguely knew about the profits of the Sea Region trade routes.

Although she was extremely wealthy, it was all accumulated gradually.

How many years has the Nine Mountains Sect been established?

"You mean you'll share some of the profits with me?"

"Of course, for Sea Region trade routes and various industries at sea, as long as the Dragon Lord has contributed, my Nine Mountains Sect will naturally share the profits."

Dragon Lord Shuyu lowered his eyes in deep thought. After a long while, he let out a long sigh and said sincerely, "I must say, the conditions you have proposed are very tempting. I only have one question."

"Please speak, Dragon Lord."

Dragon Lord Shuyu raised his head, looked directly at Zheng Fa, and asked:

"What you've said is good, but you haven't even reached the Dao Fruit yet. What's the use of having ambition? Don't you think you're being too arrogant?"

"Even if the Azure Abyss Dragon King's ambitions are small, he is still True Immortal. Although it is difficult to become Golden Immortal, he can still be considered to have made progress step by step. But what about you?"

"What you're saying is good, but how long do I have to wait? How long can the other forces in the Xuanwei Realm give you?"

(End of this chapter)