Seeing the humiliation, anger, and struggle intertwined on the faces of Xue Xin, Qin Xu, and the others, Kong Deming knew the time was right.
His tone suddenly shifted, his aggressive and domineering aura lessened, and his voice became calm and deep.
His gaze swept over the crowd. "I can tell you clearly that the cities we are demanding this time are not intended to be incorporated into the Sun Moon Empire, but rather to be placed under the independent jurisdiction of the Worship Hall."
Um?
Upon hearing this, the members of the Dou Ling Empire were all taken aback.
Whether it's under the jurisdiction of the Worship Hall or under the jurisdiction of the Sun Moon Empire, in their eyes, it's just a matter of transferring power from one hand to the other—what difference does it make?
Kong Deming continued, "I can promise here that the Sun Moon Empire will not station any organized troops in or around this city, nor will it use this city as a forward base to launch any form of military attack against the Dou Ling Empire."
These words left Xue Xin, Qin Xu, and the others completely bewildered, as if they were looking at flowers through a fog.
If one neither seeks territorial expansion nor uses the city for military purposes, then what is the purpose of going to such great lengths, even threatening war, to demand a single city?
Qin Xu's eyes flickered as he rapidly calculated in his mind.
If it's just a matter of losing administrative control of a small town, with the Dou Ling army closely monitoring it, it seems... it really wouldn't shake the foundations of the nation.
He took a deep breath, determined to get to the bottom of it, as it concerned the final decision.
"Lord Kong, please forgive my bluntness, but a desolate city that cannot be garrisoned is far less valuable than the Soul Bone we are willing to give up."
"If you do not explain the true purpose of this action, we regret that we cannot agree to this condition."
At this point, Kong Deming knew it was time to throw out the real bait.
Instead of directly answering Qin Xu's question, he asked in return, "Gentlemen, have you ever heard of... Soul Spirit?"
Not long ago, Huo Yuhao fought Dai Huabin at the Shrek Academy.
That battle allowed the Shrek students to witness a magical technique called Soul Spirit. With Kong Xuan's encouragement, the name of Soul Spirit has spread throughout the Shrek Academy.
Many nobles from the Dou Ling Empire studied at the Shrek Academy, and information about Soul Spirit has naturally spread back to their homeland.
The general public may Taiqing, but as high-ranking members of the Dou Ling, the royal family and the worshippers are no strangers to the term " Soul Spirit ".
Qin Xu recalled that Soul Spirit were created by the Sun Moon Empire, and a guess formed in his mind. He replied, "I know a little about them. They're said to be a new form with the same effect as Soul Ring, but even more magical."
"Good!"
Kong Deming's face revealed the most obvious smile he had shown on this trip so far, "The wonder of this Soul Spirit far surpasses that of traditional Soul Ring."
"It is not a simple replacement, but a complete transcendence."
"Given time, the Soul Spirit System will inevitably become the mainstream, completely replacing the existing methods of obtaining Soul Ring; this is an inevitable trend."
His gaze swept over the various expressions on the faces of the Dou Ling people, and his voice became even gentler, carrying a kind of persuasive charm.
"My purpose in demanding this city is to establish Spirit Pagoda here, and in the future, to promote the use of Soul Spirit throughout the Dou Ling Empire."
"At that time, all the Soul Master in your country will be able to enjoy the benefits of Soul Spirit. This will not be a loss for your country, but rather a tremendous boon!"
The members of the Dou Ling Empire had to admit that if the Soul Spirit were truly as miraculous as Kong Deming described, then the price paid for this city seemed... not unacceptable.
However, their rationality and long-standing wariness of the Sun Moon Empire prevented them from being immediately blinded by their emotions.
Especially since they had just participated in the assassination of Kong Xuan, and then the other party delivered such a "generous gift" so quickly—what kind of good deed is this, repaying evil with kindness?
There must be a deeper purpose behind this, one that may hold risks for them.
A silent contemplation fell over the scene as the group exchanged glances and subtly transmitted their Soul Power.
Qin Xu, the Heavenly Sun Douluo, was the strongest and most knowledgeable, and his opinions carried great weight. However, ultimately, this decision, which concerned national sovereignty and the future path, had to be made personally by Emperor Xue Xin.
Xue Xin was under immense pressure. He looked at Qin Xu, and after receiving the other's telepathic message, he took a deep breath, turned to Kong Deming, and said, "This matter is of great importance and cannot be decided lightly by me alone. We need to convene the cabinet ministers and elders of the imperial family to discuss it together and weigh the pros and cons."
He paused, then made a request. "I wonder if Lord Kong could grant us a day to carefully consider this matter, and give us our reply at this time tomorrow?"
Upon hearing Xue Xin's words, Kong Deming knew that the matter was most likely settled, so he naturally wouldn't refuse; he could afford to wait a day.
Kong Deming readily nodded. "Sure, I'll come and bother you again at this time tomorrow."
His gaze swept meaningfully over Xue Xin and Qin Xu, and he added, "Hopefully, we'll achieve a result that satisfies us both."
The moment the words fell, before anyone from the Dou Ling Empire could react, an extremely subtle ripple, almost imperceptible to the naked eye, appeared around Kong Deming.
The next moment, his figure changed from solid to ethereal, instantly becoming transparent, and then completely disappeared from the spot, leaving no trace of Soul Power fluctuations or aura.
Not only him, but also Shi Bing and Song Qinghan, the two Titled Douluo who were paralyzed on the ground and imprisoned by the " God Sealing Ring ", were wiped away by an invisible spatial hand and disappeared into thin air along with Kong Deming!
Tianyang Douluo Qin Xu's pupils suddenly contracted, but Kong Deming's elusive methods were far superior to those of Shi Bing, another titled Douluo of the space system!
A terrible thought flooded his mind uncontrollably, sending a chill down his spine to the top of his head.
If... if he hadn't come to negotiate, but instead harbored murderous intent, the emperor of the Dou Ling Empire would probably be replaced every single day!
Outside the Dou Ling Imperial Palace, in that secluded corner where Kong Xuan was waiting, the space rippled slightly, and Kong Deming's figure reappeared quietly like Gui Mei.
Kong Xuan immediately stepped forward and asked with concern, "Grandpa, what was the result?"
Kong Deming wore a confident smile, saying, "Although he didn't agree on the spot, saying he needed to convene his senior officials for a day to discuss it, there shouldn't be any major problems."
Then, Kong Deming turned his gaze eastward and said, "Alright, let's put this matter aside for now. According to your plan, we should go and visit our partners next."
Kong Deming said no more. With a thought, the invisible Silver Moon Divine Light Shield quietly expanded, enveloping the grandfather and grandson together.
With a slight flash of light, their figures and auras instantly blended into the surrounding environment. Even Titled Douluo would not be able to detect these two hidden in the void without careful investigation.
The next moment, the two silently rose from the ground, as if merging into the Qingfeng and flowing clouds. Unbeknownst to the countless guards and residents of Lingdou City, they sped straight towards the eastern horizon and quickly disappeared into the distance.