A Win-Win Partnership

The radiance gradually faded, and Jun Lin and Shui Linglong landed steadily in the center of the hall. Everyone stared at them in stunned disbelief, their hearts filled with shock and confusion. Some stood with their mouths agape, unable to close them for a long while; others rubbed their eyes, unable to believe what they were seeing. In an instant, the entire Qilin Hall fell silent.

A moment later, the hall erupted into an uproar. Some were so excited that their voices trembled, their faces full of fervor as they suspected the two were immortals. "Those two must be immortals descended upon the world! Such a miraculous entrance, and they can fly through the sky and vanish into the earth—how could ordinary people accomplish such things?" Their eyes brimmed with awe and longing, as though they had seen the first light of hope.

The people beside them chimed in one after another. "Indeed, only immortals could create such a strange sight." Some even dropped to their knees and worshipped, muttering prayers as they begged for the immortals' protection.

Meanwhile, some of the more cautious individuals frowned deeply, suspecting that they might be spies sent by another state. "Appearing in such a bizarre manner, there must be something suspicious about them. Perhaps they are spies from an enemy state." Their eyes were filled with vigilance as they stared intently at Jun Lin and Shui Linglong, afraid the two might make some improper move.

Still, most people fiercely argued over the possibility that they were "immortals." "If they truly are immortals, wouldn't Great Qin soon receive immense blessings?" one man said excitedly, as if he could already see Great Qin's glorious future.

"But how could immortals appear so easily? Could this be some trick from the martial world?" another questioned, his eyes full of doubt.

As the civil and military officials of Qilin Hall continued their heated discussions, all sorts of speculations rose and fell. The generals stood there, their hearts full of uncertainty. While keeping a close eye on the two in front of them, they exchanged looks with one another, unable to figure out where these two fellows had come from. The weapons in their hands were like lifelines, and they did not dare loosen their grips in the slightest. They feared that if those two suddenly caused trouble, it would be difficult to contain.

The civil officials, meanwhile, chattered nonstop. One claimed they were immortals, while another said they might be villains sent by an enemy state. They argued back and forth without reaching any conclusion. The noise made everyone's heads buzz, like a swarm of flies droning beside their ears.

Ying Zheng sat upon the throne, his gaze deep as he too pondered the origins of these two people and what their appearance truly meant. Looking at the noisy, chaotic scene and the many ministers with varying expressions, Ying Zheng frowned slightly, a trace of displeasure and imperial authority showing between his brows.

He gave a low shout. "Silence!" His voice was not loud, yet it carried unquestionable authority. It exploded through the hall like thunder, and everyone immediately fell silent, turning to look toward the emperor on the throne. At that moment, Qilin Hall was so quiet that even a needle falling to the ground could have been heard clearly.

Ying Zheng slowly rose to his feet, his eyes fixed on Jun Lin and Shui Linglong as he said in a deep voice, "Who exactly are you? Why have you appeared within the palace of Great Qin in such a peculiar manner?"

At that moment, Jun Lin looked at Ying Zheng before him and slowly spoke as well. "The Legend of Qin? King Ying Zheng of Qin? Gai Nie of Ghost Valley?..."

Although he had already absorbed the world information provided by the system within the radiance, when he truly faced the world of The Legend of Qin that he had loved in his past life, an indescribable shock still surged through Jun Lin's heart.

Seeing everyone's reactions, Jun Lin frowned slightly before saying, "Your Majesty, this is not a suitable place for discussion. Why don't we go somewhere quiet and speak of this matter in detail?"

Before Ying Zheng could respond, Gai Nie at his side stepped forward slightly. A trace of wariness flashed in his eyes as he said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, this man's origins are unknown. He cannot be trusted lightly. If we rashly go elsewhere, something unforeseen may happen."

Jun Lin looked at Gai Nie with a composed expression. "You must be Mr. Gai Nie of Ghost Valley. We bear no ill will. It is simply that this matter is of great importance, and with so many people here, it is difficult to discuss it in depth. If His Majesty has doubts, he may bring more guards. We have no objections."

"Gai Nie, stand down." Ying Zheng showed no fear as he looked directly at Jun Lin.

Seeing that Ying Zheng had made up his mind, Gai Nie said nothing further. He merely tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes still fixed firmly on Jun Lin.

Afterward, Ying Zheng brought Jun Lin, Shui Linglong, and several guards to Yong Palace.

Inside Yong Palace, an hour later, after Jun Lin had finished introducing himself and explaining the terms of the deal, the atmosphere in the palace instantly froze. Everyone looked at one another, surprise and confusion evident in their eyes.

Ying Zheng, dressed in a black-and-gold robe, sat kneeling beside a table, his posture upright and his back straight, fully displaying the majesty of an emperor. Before him sat an exquisite tea set, wisps of steam rising from it as the fragrance of tea filled the air.

Jun Lin and Shui Linglong sat opposite Ying Zheng, while Gai Nie stood behind him with his sword in hand, his eyes alert.

No one spoke, and the atmosphere was somewhat heavy. Only the faint fragrance of tea drifted through the air.

At that moment, Jun Lin suddenly said, "King of Qin, are you so certain that I did not come to kill you?"

Jun Lin simply looked at Ying Zheng, a trace of curiosity and probing in his voice. His gaze traveled over Ying Zheng, trying to find an answer in the expression of this emperor who would be remembered for all ages.

I have to admit, Ying Zheng under Lady Xuanji really did fit people's image of an emperor remembered for all ages the best. He possessed the majesty of a king by nature, commanding awe without anger. Whether in appearance or bearing, he was flawless.

Hearing this, Ying Zheng said calmly, "With Your Excellency's ability to fly through the heavens and vanish into the earth, if you wished to assassinate me, neither Gai Nie nor the many ministers could stop you."

He gently raised his teacup, took a sip, and then slowly set it down. His gaze fell once more upon Jun Lin and Shui Linglong as he said in a deep voice, "I have considered the deal you two proposed. But this matter is of great importance, and I must treat it with caution."

Jun Lin nodded slightly. "Your Majesty, you have not yet fully taken power, and many matters may be constrained. Our proposal, however, is one of mutual benefit."

"The high-yield crops I offer Qin Kingdom can greatly increase food production, allowing the people to be well fed and clothed, and laying a solid foundation for Qin Kingdom's prosperity and strength."

"Furthermore, advanced iron-smelting techniques can make Qin Kingdom's weapons sharper and sturdier, giving Qin Kingdom's army wings like a tiger."

"I believe that what I bring can benefit all people and be passed down to future generations; its significance is extraordinary. I can also assist Qin Kingdom in unifying the six states and achieving an eternal hegemony, ensuring that the name of Qin Kingdom is forever recorded in history."

"In exchange, Qin Kingdom need only give me one thing: Luo Wang's Heaven Grade First Class. However, Heaven Grade First Class is currently in Prime Minister Lu's hands. Rest assured, Your Majesty, we will help resolve what follows. If Your Majesty has need, we can also help settle some minor problems."

After hearing this, a complicated look flashed through Ying Zheng's eyes. He was clearly greatly tempted by Jun Lin's words about unifying the six states, benefiting all people, and leaving a legacy for future generations.

After all, as the ruler of a state, Ying Zheng harbored great ambitions and longed to accomplish a mighty hegemony. Jun Lin's proposal seemed to offer him a new path toward realizing that goal.

I wish all readers a happy National Day holiday!

May you be healthy and may all your wishes come true.

Please follow, recommend, and support the new book. Please send all kinds of votes.

Esteemed readers, if you have free recommendation votes or monthly votes, please send them.