Borrowing the Tiger's Might

The moment Salas saw the Papal Token, his expression changed. A thin sheen of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead, and he hurriedly rose from his seat and bowed.

"Salas, Platinum Bishop of Spirit Hall, greets the elder."

A smile appeared on Duan Yu's face as he helped Salas up. "Bishop, there is no need to be so alarmed. I did not produce the Papal Token with any other intention. I merely wish to ask you to return and discuss this matter with the elders once more."

With the Papal Token opening the door, the conversation that followed went much more smoothly.

Salas completely changed his attitude, his tone becoming humble and respectful. "Young Friend Nie, even if you possess the Papal Token, the matter of the Time Disk carries enormous implications. An eighty-twenty split is absolutely impossible."

Duan Yu nodded at those words without speaking. Of course, he knew that even with the Papal Token in hand, Spirit Hall would never agree to an eighty-twenty split. If they truly did, he would have to suspect that once Spirit Hall obtained the formula for making the disks, they intended to wipe them out.

Duan Yu took a sip of tea. "The matter of the disks is of great importance. Are you certain you cannot persuade the elders and act as an intermediary for our sect, Bishop?"

"Young Friend Nie, let us be frank. Spirit Hall has never set such a precedent. If we truly have to give up eighty percent of the profits, I fear this cooperation cannot be reached."

Salas said seriously, "Sixty percent. If it is sixty percent, then for the sake of the Papal Token in your possession, I am willing to act as an intermediary for your sect. However, when your sect manufactures the disks, members of Spirit Hall must be present."

"Impossible."

Without even thinking, Duan Yu rejected it outright. "No one will be allowed to participate in the manufacturing process of the Time Disk."

Salas's expression changed. What was this supposed to mean? If they could not obtain the manufacturing process of the Time Disk, why would Spirit Hall insist on cooperating with him?

When the Time Disk had first appeared out of nowhere, Spirit Hall had purchased a batch and brought them back for study. Yet after half a year of research, they had still failed to uncover its principles.

Some of the special metals used were even unknown to them, and they had no idea what purpose they served.

It was only after learning that the disks came from the sect known as Cloud Dream Marsh that the two sides established contact, and the higher-ups approved the cooperation.

The prerequisite was that they had to bring back the manufacturing process.

"That is impossible."

Salas said in a deep voice, "Spirit Hall must bring back the manufacturing process. As for the price, Spirit Hall can make further concessions and add more."

Having heard the answer he wanted, Duan Yu secretly rejoiced, though his expression remained unchanged. He said calmly, "Then how will you add to the price?"

"For one year, Spirit Hall can provide your sect with manpower and financial support. During that year, your sect will not need to spend any funds on producing the disks."

Salas continued, "The only requirement is that the manufacturing process must be handed over, and members of Spirit Hall must be present during production."

"Five years."

Duan Yu said, "I want Spirit Hall's support for three years. During those three years, I can guarantee that the Time Disks produced will be supplied exclusively to Spirit Hall, with Spirit Hall as the sole owner."

Salas did not speak. What could he say now? As a Platinum Bishop, this was the first time he felt as though he were haggling in a marketplace, constantly being dragged around by the other party as they pushed for more, and that party even held the Papal Token.

If the matter of the disks had not been so important, and if the other party had not possessed the Papal Token, Salas would likely have slammed the door and left.

After a moment of silence, Salas said, "I'm afraid that..."

"Bishop, there is no need to rush home."

Duan Yu interrupted him. "You may return and discuss it first, then see what conclusion you can reach."

As he spoke, Duan Yu patted Salas's hand with the Papal Token and continued, "I believe effort is always rewarded. So long as one tries, it does not matter even if the answer is not the one I want."

"After all, what matters is cooperation and participation. I believe you understand that feeling well, Bishop." Duan Yu wore a smile, yet Salas felt a trace of chill from it.

Salas was startled inwardly and forced himself to nod. "Very well, Young Friend Nie. I will return at once to discuss it."

Salas was about to leave when he suddenly seemed to recall something. He stopped and looked at Duan Yu probingingly.

"May I ask which person your sect has behind it?"

On the surface, his status as a Platinum Bishop of Spirit Hall was highly prestigious, second only to the Pope.

However, as the strength of Platinum Bishops had weakened generation after generation, the gap in status between them and the Pope had grown ever wider. Though they appeared to wield great authority, they lacked any true power to make decisions.

Thus, that single step separating a Platinum Bishop from the Pope was like an insurmountable chasm.

So close at hand, yet as unreachable as the moon in the sky.

Moreover, aside from the Pope, Spirit Hall also had a hidden Elder Hall. That was Spirit Hall's true center of power.

Major matters all had to be decided by the Elder Hall. During votes, even the Pope possessed only three votes, while the Elder Hall had as many as seven elders. When necessary, if all seven passed a resolution, they could even depose the Pope.

Those who possessed a Papal Token, while unable to compare in status to true elders, were equivalent to honorary elders and qualified to communicate directly with the Elder Hall.

Most importantly, anyone who possessed a Papal Token was certain to have a powerful backer.

Either the Pope or an elder of Spirit Hall. If he did not clarify it, then should he accidentally offend both sides, his position as bishop would be finished.

Duan Yu looked at Salas and smiled faintly without speaking, but he pointed with his finger.

Salas followed Duan Yu's finger and looked upward. The sky stretched endlessly above, with nothing in sight.

No, it was not entirely empty. There was also a Six-Winged Angel Statue, raising its holy sword high enough to touch the heavens.

Duan Yu was pointing directly at that Six-Winged Angel Statue.

What a joke. If he claimed that the Pope was backing him, what would happen if Salas spoke with the Pope and exposed the lie?

Salas's expression changed drastically, and his tone became even more respectful. "I understand. Elder, please rest here for the time being. I will return at once and discuss this with the elders again."

So it was the Elder Hall—the Elder Hall with the greatest authority. There were seven elders in the Elder Hall. Though Salas did not know which elder stood behind him, it was enough to sound an alarm in his heart.

At least one elder was supporting him. As for the rest, it was up to Salas, this Platinum Bishop, to serve as the intermediary.

After Salas left, the Seven-Leaf Spatial Orchid within the Spiritual Sea looked at someone who was still leisurely sipping tea and asked,

"How can you still be so calm? I can sense quite a few powerful experts near this palace. And..."

The Seven-Leaf Spatial Orchid looked toward the towering Six-Winged Angel Statue in the distance and said gravely, "I can sense an unrivaled expert within it, and even a trace of divinity!"