Balance and compromise

Despite the strong anti-war sentiment within the Star Luo Empire, both sides have suffered significant losses. If the Star Luo Imperial Family gains nothing and hastily ends the war, it will only push the anti-war sentiment within the country to a fever pitch.

Therefore, Dai Tianfeng must achieve something on the issue of a ceasefire, even if it's just verbal, otherwise it will be difficult to quell the anti-war sentiment in the country.

Similarly, the Heaven Dou Empire must also reap some rewards!

Two Great Empires wanted to gain an advantage, but benefits can't just appear out of thin air, and they certainly couldn't expect the Spirit Hall to foot the bill!

The most important point in Wu Qi's proposal was the Territorial Exchange!

In the past, the Two Great Empires were constantly at war, occupying parts of each other's territory.

The people living in these regions do not consider themselves members of the Heaven Dou Empire (or Star Luo Empire) Empire, but rather want to return to their homeland.

For both sides, these areas were difficult to govern and often resulted in bloodshed. Exchanging these territories was a way of giving an explanation to their respective countries.

Furthermore, Two Great Empires had to announce to the outside world that they would invest in and develop the land they had exchanged for indemnities. Of course, this was just the official rhetoric; in reality, they would each mind their own business and not take advantage of the other.

After reading the contents of the document, Xue Qinghe frowned and immediately objected. "Your His Holiness the Pope, this is unacceptable. The Star Luo Empire is protecting the murderer of my father. If this matter is not resolved, how can I face my ancestors!"

On the other hand, Dai Tianfeng strongly agreed with this.

During the border war, he had already seized a lot of benefits from the Clear Sky Sect. This time, not only did he suffer no losses, but he could also give an explanation to the domestic public opinion, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.

"Hmph, ignorant child. I agree with His Holiness the Pope's proposal, and at the same time, I will demonstrate to the world the Star Luo Imperial Family's determination to cease hostilities."

Xue Qinghe sneered, "You were in the wrong in this war to begin with, so of course you're eager to stop. If you want my Heaven Dou Empire to stop the war, the Star Luo Imperial Family must at least pay my country ten million Gold Soul Coin in war reparations."

Dai Tianfeng didn't argue with him. He looked at Wu Qi, shrugged, and said with feigned helplessness, "Your His Holiness the Pope, I have already expressed my stance on a ceasefire and strongly agree with your proposal. If a final agreement is not reached, it will not be my fault."

"I would also like to state my position here: reparations are absolutely unacceptable!"

Xue Qinghe's entire speech was pre-arranged, so Wu Qi naturally knew what to do next.

His gaze shifted to Xue Qinghe, then he inquired, "Your Xue Qinghe, His Majesty, can the issue of reparations be put on hold? I can coordinate that the Star Luo Empire open up a portion of its Commercial Market, earning some profits from the people to offset the reparations. What do you think?"

The Star Luo Empire has superior geographical conditions and is rich in gemstones. In its trade with the Heaven Dou Empire, it often enjoys a trade surplus. Giving up some market share in some industries is nothing to Dai Tianfeng.

On the contrary, if trade Two Great Empires is promoted, the Star Luo Empire's gems can generate even more profit.

Xue Qinghe remained opposed to the agreement and insisted on paying the indemnity. Dai Tianfeng, who was already powerful, would never sign an agreement that would humiliate and deprive the country of its sovereignty!

As expected, the first round of negotiations between the two sides ended in failure. The Two Emperors left Papal Mountain through different passages, and the eyes of the various powers watching from the outside knew that no agreement had been reached.

Papal Hall.

As Hall Guardian Douluo, Qiangu Changkong Kong listened to the entire negotiation process and couldn't help but ask, "Wu Ge, why did you let Xue Qinghe insist on paying reparations? Wouldn't it have been better to just reach Ceasefire Agreement?"

Wu Qi nodded slightly and said, "That's indeed good. But my previous plans do not support Xue Qinghe signing Ceasefire Agreement today."

"Detonating such a massive bomb isn't something that can be easily dismissed. We'll need some assistance from the Heaven Dou Royal Family."

"Xue Qinghe is raising his bottom line now to prepare for a compromise later."

It's like opening a window in a house. If you do it directly, not all the residents will agree. But if you start by threatening to tear the roof off, the others will inevitably agree to open a window in the house in order to compromise and balance your interests.

Politics is an art of compromise and balance.

According to Qiangu Changkong, signing Ceasefire Agreement now is merely a balance between the Star Luo Empire and Heaven Dou Empire. Only when Xue Qinghe He takes the initiative to back down afterward will there be a true balance between the Spirit Hall and the Two Great Empires!

Qiangu Changkong shrugged and gave a dry laugh to ease the awkwardness.

Previously, their struggle with Bibi Dong was more about personal interests and could not be elevated to the political level.

Qiangu Changkong has his own cleverness, and with his abilities, he's more than capable of avoiding losses in minor matters. However, when it comes to the political level, his qualifications seem far too shallow.

The shift from considering only individual interests to equally distributing greater collective interests is enormous.

"Observe more, learn more, and ask more questions. No one is born knowing these things." Wu Qi chuckled and continued, "Prepare well. The day after tomorrow is your coronation ceremony as a Title Douluo. So many eyes are watching; you must show the style befitting a Title Douluo!"

Two days later, Wu Qi invited the emperors of the Two Great Empires to discuss Ceasefire Agreement.

Xue Qinghe remained adamant about paying reparations. Apart from that, the Two Emperors' negotiations on other matters went very smoothly, without any disagreements.

The mutual opening of Trade Markets by both sides can be seen as an advantage that Wu Qi secured for the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect and the Righteous Unity Sect. After all, these two major sects have become the cornerstone of the Heaven Dou Empire and occupy a significant market share within the empire. The bigger the pie, the more they can earn.

Meanwhile, on the Star Luo Empire side, Dai Weisi can also gain political capital from this, which will help him better counter Dai Mubai.

It can be said that, so far, the negotiation process and the benefits exchanged are all under Wu Qi's control.

Meanwhile, Tang Xiao and Yu Xiaogang from the Clear Sky Sect also arrived in Spirit City.

In contrast to the Star Luo Imperial Family, who were busy with negotiations, they seemed to have nothing to do and were chatting idly in the Hotel.

"Grandmaster, do you know where Bibi Dong lives? I still have some doubts in my mind, and I must get confirmation from Bibi Dong herself." Tang Xiao remained vigilant and couldn't help but ask.

Yu Xiaogang leisurely took a sip of tea and said, "As the Pope, one would naturally reside on Papal Mountain. But now that the Pope Position changed hands, Bibi Dong may have moved to any part of the city."

"We have no informants in Spirit City, and it would take too long to search for her rashly. Sect Master Tang, don't worry. I know the Coronation Ceremony procedure. As the former Pope, Bibi Dong will definitely attend. I can go find her after the ceremony."

Since that was the case, Tang Xiao didn't say anything more.

Since this matter can only be handled by Yu Xiaogang, we should just follow the other party's wishes.