On the Clippers, Lin Yuan and Zephyr sat facing each other, with Ain and Binz accompanying them. After learning Lin Yuan's identity, Binz also felt fearful for his impulsive actions earlier.
If Lin Yuan were to get truly angry, probably no one present would survive. Even if Zephyr were strong, he would still be no match for the so-called strongest Fifth Emperor.
After all, their Teacher Zephyr, is getting old.
However, compared to Binz's lingering fear, Zephyr didn't seem to feel much, and instead chatted happily with Lin Yuan.
"I heard you beat up that old bastard Garp. I didn't quite believe it at first, but well done! That was satisfying. Even that old bastard got beaten up eventually!"
"Heh, what can I do? I'm just a businessman, and the World Government is issuing Buster Call against me. How can I not retaliate!"
Zephyr glanced at Lin Yuan, a hint of disdain flashing across his aged face.
"Hmph, you've killed several Celestial Dragons, and you still won't let anyone launch the Buster Call!"
Lin Yuan, naturally, didn't stand on ceremony and spoke with a smile.
"Who told them to offend me? And don't you think those slaves are miserable? Tell me, wasn't what I did brilliant!"
Zephyr was stunned, and Ain and Binz also looked at Lin Yuan in disbelief, not expecting him to say such a thing.
"Hahaha, beautiful! Those bastards are sometimes more ruthless than pirates. You're the second person to do this, but you did it even better."
Lin Yuan naturally knew who Zephyr was talking about. Looking at the old man's hearty laughter, Lin Yuan felt a pang of sympathy for his tragic life.
"Come on, try this sherry. It's my favorite and also my most Haki wine."
Lin Yuan did not refuse, picked up the wine glass on the table and drank it all in one gulp.
"Hmm, it's alright. It's a bit harsh on the throat, not great, but it's still drinkable."
Hearing Lin Yuan's evaluation, Zephyr wasn't angry. Instead, his smile widened, because it all depends on who's giving the evaluation.
"Haha, right? I love this taste. I've been drinking it my whole life, and it always makes me a little reluctant to give it up."
Seemingly remembering something, Zephyr's eyes welled up with tears. He picked up the glass that Binz had filled and drank it all in one gulp.
The two drank to each other like this for a long time before Zephyr finally couldn't help but speak.
"Speak up, what do you want from me? Just to drink with me, right? You drank all my sherry."
Seeing that the other party finally couldn't hold back, Lin Yuan revealed a victorious smile.
"Haha, isn't this just to appease you? But since you've finished your drink, why don't you drink mine!"
With a casual wave of his hand, a wine jar appeared directly in front of Zephyr, startling the others.
"It's just a little trick, come and try it!"
Ain glanced at Lin Yuan curiously, then reached for the wine jar. After opening it, a strong aroma wafted out, causing Zephyr to swallow hard.
"Hehe, have a taste, this is one of my treasures. Let's chat while we drink."
Zephyr didn't stand on ceremony and downed his drink in one gulp.
"Cough, cough, this liquor is really strong, it's really potent!"
"This is 78 degrees Celsius, so drink it slowly."
Zephyr didn't care about the temperature; after glaring at Lin Yuan, he slowly began to savor it.
"Speak, what exactly do you want?"
Lin Yuan looked at Zephyr with a smile on his face.
"Mr. Zephyr, to be honest, there aren't many people on this high seas who I admire, but you are the only true soldier."
Zephyr was somewhat surprised, not understanding why the other party would say that, but he liked hearing it, and even Ain and Binz next to him felt proud.
However, Zephyr didn't believe Lin Yuan would only say a few words, and quietly waited for him to continue.
"Actually, I came here today to invite you to join my chamber of commerce. Please don't refuse yet, let me finish."
Zephyr's initial refusal was immediately cut off by Lin Yuan, who put down his wine cup, wanting to see what reason this young emperor would use to persuade him.
"Mr. Zephyr, you saw the battle just now, right? That was my unit. How was it? Impressive, wasn't it? How does it compare to the Navy's Buster Call?"
Zephyr thought for a moment and then said seriously.
"Very powerful, or rather, not even in the same league. This is the first time I've ever seen a warship that can fly; it's like a complete dimensional reduction attack."
"Haha, not bad. If you were to command this unit, how about it? Tempted?"
"What!"
Upon hearing this, Zephyr, Ain, and Binz all looked at Lin Yuan in astonishment, thinking he had gone mad.
"I have my own mission, and I won't help you fight your enemies, so while I'm tempted, it's not enough. If you have no other reason, then let's stop here."
Lin Yuan smiled, knowing the other party wouldn't agree, but this time he had a reason that Zephyr couldn't refuse.
"Hehe, don't be in such a hurry, Mr. Zephyr. Although you are very strong and have even established Marine Guerrillas specifically to fight pirates, to be honest, I admire you!"
"But given your age and strength, how long can you hold out? You even want to use Dyna Stone to wipe out all the pirates. Do you think the Navy will just stand by and do nothing?"
"If you die, you can probably guess what will happen to these people who are so devoted to you!"
Upon hearing this, Zephyr abruptly raised his head, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes, but mostly filled with shock.
Although he formed Marine Guerrillas and called himself the NEO Marines Fleet Admiral, he knew he couldn't hold out for more than a few years, and the idea of using Dyna Stone was something he had only recently considered.
"Who are you? How did you know!"
Lin Yuan remained noncommittal, picked up the wine jar, and poured a cup for Zephyr.
Seeing Lin Yuan's nonchalant expression, Zephyr suddenly lost his energy and looked even older.
" Teacher Zephyr!"
Seeing Zephyr's dejected state, Ain and Binz couldn't help but call out in concern.
"What exactly are you planning to do? I'm old and don't have many years left to live. Surely a powerful person like you wouldn't come all this way to invite me!"
"Pulse..."
Lin Yuan downed a mouthful of wine, then shook his head and said with a smile.
"No, no, Mr. Zephyr, as I said, I came here specifically to invite you, and I haven't even finished explaining my reasons yet. I'm very confident I can get you to join!"
Zephyr looked at Lin Yuan in surprise, his face showing emotion for the first time. He picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and said softly.
I'm all ears!
"Hahaha, then continue. Why do you think the world has become like this? Isn't it because of the Celestial Dragons ' oppression that those people were forced to become pirates?"
"Of course, I don't deny that some people become blindly arrogant because they have gained great power, and there are even some evil guys with huge ambitions."
"But the root cause is the lack of a complete system to protect you. Like your navy, you all have different kinds of justice—it's utter nonsense!"
Lin Yuan made no attempt to hide his contempt and disdain for those so-called righteous people, leaving Zephyr speechless.
"However, these are not the reasons I'm inviting you to join me. Before that, I'd like to invite you to visit the territory I rule and see how life is there."
"And I have three conditions for ultimately inviting you!"
A glint of light flashed in Zephyr's eyes; he also wanted to hear how Lin Yuan would persuade him.