Discussing Strategy

Faced with Xiao Pu's solemn question, Lin Ziyi lightly tapped his fingers against the chair.

After a moment, under Xiao Pu's tense gaze, Lin Ziyi suddenly revealed a gentle smile:

"No problem. I admire your ambition. However..."

"No 'however' needed!" Xiao Pu's face lit up with delight.

"As long as you are willing to help me, I would even be willing to give you half of the Heaven Dou Empire's territory!

"Of course, my promise to you will never be as perfunctory as my promise to Spirit Hall.

"Because in my eyes, you are far more trustworthy than those wolves at Spirit Hall. You are someone truly worth befriending!"

Listening to Xiao Pu's flattering words, Lin Ziyi smiled and waved his hand.

"Don't worry. I have no interest in governing a nation, but I am somewhat curious about commanding troops in battle.

"I do not ask for much. If necessary when the time comes, simply grant me sufficient military authority.

"Also, whenever I need funds or anything else, sorry for the trouble, but provide them for me.

"Of course, if you encounter trouble you cannot resolve, you may notify me at any time.

"The way to notify me is... shout 'Praise the Mist' three times!"

Upon hearing those final words, Xiao Pu froze on the spot!

"Shouting 'Praise the Mist' three times can notify you? Could it be that you are..."

Xiao Pu did not finish his sentence, but his voice now carried a distinct tremor!

After the Misty Auction House's two auctions came to an end.

Both the Misty Auction House's reputation and that publicly revealed incantation gradually spread.

Xiao Pu, who was eager to recruit talent, had naturally learned of the matter long ago. He had even shamefully tried shouting the incantation aloud.

However, when someone who had not attended the auction recited the incantation, it had no effect whatsoever.

Thus, Xiao Pu had naturally received no response...

Seeing Xiao Pu's incredulous expression, Lin Ziyi smiled faintly and did not deny it.

Ever since Bloody Mary had guessed his identity, he had been wondering whether he truly needed to keep it hidden.

Perhaps revealing it at the appropriate time would be a good thing?

After all, besides Bloody Mary, Babitt had probably guessed it before as well.

Though neither had said it outright, Babitt was now practically treating him like a prince!

Thus, revealing his true identity to an appropriate extent would definitely bring benefits.

But he could not let the King of Slaughter know, naturally, because the King of Slaughter had already treated him poorly at the auction house.

If the other party learned that the Black Mist Person was merely a level-twelve little soul master, he would likely immediately send someone to assassinate him!

He might even come personally!

Therefore, unless someone was trustworthy enough, he would never reveal his identity to anyone.

And Xiao Pu before him was naturally worthy of trust.

After all, Xiao Pu had revealed his unspeakable plans to him in their entirety, clearly placing great trust in him.

Letting Xiao Pu realize his true identity would not only increase the man's admiration, but also make him more willing to invest in him.

After all, would a great figure who possessed a bizarre auction house and could make a level-ninety-six Super Douluo willingly bow in submission covet human territory?

Although Lin Ziyi had not directly admitted his identity, his smile already explained everything!

Xiao Pu abruptly rose to his feet, pressed his right hand against his left chest, and bowed respectfully.

"I, Xiao Pu, will wholeheartedly serve you, sir... no, my lord!"

Lin Ziyi was quite satisfied with Xiao Pu's deferential attitude.

He pressed down with his palm, signaling for the man to sit again.

"No need for such courtesy. From now on, you are still the esteemed His Highness, while I am merely a small assistant at your side. Understood?"

Seeing the broad smile on the young man's face, Xiao Pu naturally understood his meaning and immediately nodded.

"Understood!"

Lin Ziyi nodded in satisfaction and continued their previous topic.

"If the three issues I just raised can all be resolved, then once you send out troops, you will have at least a fifty percent chance of victory!

"Furthermore, I also need some time to make more thorough preparations. Only then can I provide you with greater assistance."

Xiao Pu immediately nodded. "No problem. Everything will be as you say, sir!"

After pondering for a moment, Lin Ziyi slowly spoke.

"You said earlier that you have cooperated with Spirit Hall? Then you are truly seeking a tiger's skin.

"You want to use their strength to contend with the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, but why would they not also be planning to send people to seize your base while you dispatch your troops?

"Those people from Spirit Hall are probably even less trustworthy than you!"

Xiao Pu's expression changed, and he suddenly felt that the young man made perfect sense!

After all, no laws or regulations bound his cooperation with Spirit Hall.

Once he sent out his troops, Spirit Hall truly might occupy the Balak Kingdom just as the young man had said!

That would leave him attacked from both front and rear, with no place to turn!

Thinking of such terrifying consequences, Xiao Pu's expression immediately became grave.

"Then what should we do? If we do not cooperate with Spirit Hall, we will have no way to break through the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's line of defense!"

When Xiao Pu saw Lin Ziyi's calm expression, his anxious heart quickly settled.

Though he had lost Spirit Hall's aid, he now had this godlike figure before him helping him.

Did he still need to fear a mere Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect?

As long as the other party was willing to help with all his strength, let alone the Heaven Dou Empire, even unifying the entire Douluo Continent would likely be no challenge!

Seeing Xiao Pu stare at him with blazing eyes, Lin Ziyi sighed helplessly.

He still needed sufficient strength to develop and grow. He was not nearly as invincible as Xiao Pu imagined.

Moreover, without adequate preparations, he would not allow Xiao Pu to dispatch troops.

"Don't worry. Since I promised to help you, I will definitely help you resolve every problem."

Lin Ziyi's words gave Xiao Pu even greater confidence.

"Setting the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect aside for now, have you contacted the other three kingdoms and the sole duchy?"

Xiao Pu shook his head slightly.

"Not yet. However, over the past few years, I have been building good relationships with their kings and princes.

"I planned to notify them before launching the uprising.

"I do not seek their aid. I only ask that they not interfere when I act."

Lin Ziyi nodded approvingly.

"You handled this matter well, but that alone is not enough!

"Although the combined military strength of the three great kingdoms and one great duchy may not surpass Balak's.

"If we can gain their assistance, we can at least greatly reduce the risk of trouble erupting behind us.

"Better still, if possible, have them transfer a certain number of troops to the Balak Kingdom. That can effectively prevent Spirit Hall from launching a flanking sneak attack!"

Xiao Pu's eyes lit up at those words, but he soon revealed a bitter smile.

"You are right, but the kings and princes of the other kingdoms are all shrewd. Why would they readily agree to send troops?"

An incomparably confident smile appeared on Lin Ziyi's face.

"Leave this matter to me. You only need to give me a token that can prove your identity, along with a gift.

"I have a way to make them obediently agree to our terms!"