Xu Jiawei looked at the black-robed figure suspended in midair. His gaze was calm as he restrained the majesty befitting an emperor. Just moments ago, he had briefly discussed Xia Liang with Yan Shaozhe and gained a basic understanding of his identity.
An extremely reclusive force that had not shown any signs in recent years, yet possessed enough strength to influence the course of a war.
If possible, Xu Jiawei absolutely would not have wanted to intervene. Letting Xia Liang and the White Tiger Duke's Estate settle things themselves and keeping the losses within a limited range would have been the least troublesome option.
However, the safety of the White Tiger Duke's Estate concerned the entire western border defense. If he did not step in, Dai Hao would inevitably develop a rift with the imperial family, something Xu Jiawei would never permit.
The dignified White Tiger Duke commanded three hundred thousand troops guarding the frontier. If a divide arose between ruler and subject and morale scattered, the situation would become difficult to contain.
A Limit Douluo...
Xu Jiawei looked at Xia Liang, a trace of fervor in his eyes. If Xia Liang submitted to him, then the Star Luo Empire would surely rule the Douluo Continent and perhaps even bring the Sun Moon Continent under its command.
"Compensation?"
Xia Liang looked at Xu Jiawei and suddenly thought of something. Then he reconsidered. Snow Empress should not have been captured so quickly, right? Still, he could test the waters.
"I want what is inside the God-Sealing Platform, the Soul-Devouring Blade, and five Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones."
Of the three forms of compensation, Xu Jiawei paid no attention to the latter two. The moment he heard the words "God-Sealing Platform," he froze. His eyes filled with terror, and even his hands began to tremble uncontrollably.
How was that possible? How could he know?
Only he and those few people knew about this matter. How had this World Douluo learned of it?
"Ice attribute. I do not wish to explain any further. If you will not hand it over, then forget it."
Xia Liang raised one hand and extended a finger. The flames atop the nine fireballs became even more violent, as though they would fall at any moment.
"Fine!"
Xu Jiawei gritted his teeth and ruthlessly agreed to the condition. Xia Liang had even stated that thing's attribute, so he truly knew.
Dai Hao, you really had a fine son!
It would have been fine if no one knew about this, but Xia Liang knew. As long as he leaked even a little information, the Star Luo Empire would surely become a target for all.
As for why anyone would believe it?
Nonsense. Why would a Limit Douluo fabricate something out of thin air just to slander someone?
"Since you have agreed, this will be easy. Everyone, stand down."
Tian Meng and Ice Empress withdrew their domains, while Electrolux also recalled his formation.
Xia Liang stretched out his hand and collected the nine fireballs. However, while retrieving the last one, he accidentally dropped the fireball that had been reduced by half onto a part of the White Tiger Duke's Estate.
Boom—
After the explosion, one-quarter of the White Tiger Duke's Estate had been blasted into ashes.
"I am getting old. It has been too long since I last fought, so my hands are a little shaky."
Upon hearing this, everyone present stiffened for a moment. Yan Shaozhe's mouth twitched slightly, while all the guardian Douluo turned their faces away, pretending they had seen nothing.
A Limit Douluo with shaky hands? Even three-year-olds would probably not believe that. No one felt it necessary to argue with a Limit Douluo over one-quarter of a duke's estate.
"Within half an hour, place the compensation before me."
"Sir, I will prepare it at once."
With Xu Jiawei personally handling the matter, the compensation was quickly obtained.
Aside from Xu Jiawei's compensation, there were also three Ten Thousand Year Soul Bones and ten million Gold Soul Coins from the White Tiger Duke's Estate.
When handing the God-Sealing Platform to Xia Liang, Xu Jiawei was deeply unwilling. He had already planned how to use it, yet it had unexpectedly been snatched away.
"How did you learn of this?"
Xu Jiawei asked. After all, those who knew of this matter were either his confidants or had already been silenced. How had Xia Liang learned of it?
"The Extreme North. I have some connections there."
Xia Liang answered, then left with Huo Yuhao. Xu Jiawei's thoughts of keeping Xia Liang behind were extinguished before they could even take shape.
After all, if he could gain Xia Liang's friendship, the Star Luo Empire's strength would rise to another level.
"Your Majesty, what exactly was that God-Sealing Platform?"
Beside Xu Jiawei, Yan Shaozhe asked. Though he did not know what it was, anything Xia Liang wanted had to be extraordinary.
"Ah..."
Upon hearing Yan Shaozhe's question, Xu Jiawei sighed.
"A Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast Embryo. If absorbed, it may grant a second martial soul. Even if it does not, it would still be a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring and a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone."
Yan Shaozhe: "..."
Upon hearing Xu Jiawei's words, Yan Shaozhe's smile froze on his face. He instinctively looked around, cold sweat already forming on his forehead.
Your Majesty! We are still outside. Is it really all right for you to say that?
They were still outside, and most major forces were watching this place. Moreover, the two had taken no precautions while speaking just now. By now, what was inside the God-Sealing Platform was known to everyone.
"I had originally planned to research that embryo together with your school once it stabilized. I did not expect events to outpace my plans."
Xu Jiawei sighed at the right moment, looking as though he were deeply disappointed.
Yan Shaozhe maintained his professional smile upon hearing those words, but inwardly he was already cursing without end.
Research, my ass, you old bastard! Not even ghosts would believe what you said.
Even if Shrek obtained that thing, it would keep it under the highest level of secrecy. It would never bring it out to research with anyone. Xu Jiawei was simply trying to deceive people.
"Now it has become compensation. I wonder how Lord World will handle it."
"That has nothing to do with us anymore."
Yan Shaozhe smiled. He now understood exactly what Xu Jiawei was thinking.
He was unwilling to accept handing the Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast Embryo to Xia Liang, so he had begun making arrangements to spread the information about it completely. In any case, that item was no longer in the Star Luo Empire, so no matter what happened, it would not affect this place.
However, Xia Liang's side would be in great trouble. Perhaps the entire world would begin a carpet search for his force.
Of course, this was also a good thing for Yan Shaozhe. If Xia Liang's force emerged into the world, communication would become much easier.
He believed that even though Xia Liang possessed a hundred-thousand-year embryo, no force would be willing to provoke him. They would only attempt friendly contact to see whether a trade could be made.
The strength of a Limit Douluo was no joke.
"This matter was caused by Dai Hao's second son. I recall that he is studying at Shrek."
As though suddenly recalling something, Xu Jiawei said to Yan Shaozhe.
Yan Shaozhe's expression darkened upon hearing this. If not for that fellow Dai Huabin, this matter would never have happened.
Although Shrek had not done anything wrong in this matter, Huo Yuhao had still been hunted on Shrek's grounds. Compensation was definitely necessary.
"Children are young and hot-blooded. I never expected him to be so vile. When Dai Hao returns, I will certainly have him keep a strict watch over the boy and properly teach him the rules."
While the two were speaking, news of the hundred-thousand-year embryo had already reached the ears of most major forces.
"Investigate! Investigate at once! Find the force behind this World Douluo!"
Before you continue