Their complex gazes, like dappled light filtering through the treetops, carried an almost imperceptible undercurrent. The Grand Duke of Silver Peak and Logo locked eyes, as if stirring up a tangible current of air. For a moment, the entire hall fell silent; you could hear a pin drop.
After a long silence, Grand Duke of Silver Peak sighed, shook his head with a wry smile, and said, "The younger generation is truly formidable. Remarkable indeed. If Youlus could be like you, I would be content even if I were to return to the Nether Realm immediately."
Logo bowed slightly. "Your Duke flatters me. I am unworthy of such praise."
"Sigh, well, one must face reality." Shaking his head helplessly, the Grand Duke of Silver Peak straightened his eyes and asked seriously, "I wonder, may my Silver Peak Clan invest in Ruibeite Company?"
It's here!
Logo's heart skipped a beat. The fact that the Grand Duke of Silver Peak had said those words proved that he had handed the initiative over to him. At this point, he could no longer delay. After all, the Silver Peak Clan held a certain status, and since they had given him a way out, he should take it as soon as possible.
"Duke Grace, what are you saying? The Silver Peak Clan is the main branch and the backbone of our Red Maple Clan. Let alone just investing in Ruibeite Company, even if we were asked to hand over control of the company, we could not refuse."
Logo's words were well-chosen, but Grand Duke of Silver Peak's lips twitched slightly as he cursed inwardly, "If I were to actually make such a request, you brat would probably have slammed your fist on the table and stood up, wouldn't you? And you can't even refuse? Your shamelessness is truly masterful."
"However, if one were to lead a powerful force, such a thick skin and boldness would indeed be indispensable. This kid has a limitless future. If only he were my offspring..."
Thinking of this, Grand Duke of Silver Peak glanced at his great-grandson beside him with a look of exasperation. He used to think this kid was pretty good, but now compared to Logo, the gap was just too big.
It's true what they say: comparisons are odious!
Meeting his great-grandfather's gaze, Youlus broke out in a cold sweat and silently took a few steps back.
Seeing this, Grand Duke of Silver Peak was even more displeased, but he didn't say anything more. Instead, he turned his head, revealed a gentle smile, and looked at Logo, "Then, how about we discuss the specific details of the shareholding?"
"That would be excellent," Logo chuckled.
An hour later, Logo and his party, personally led by Youlus, arrived at a manor, which was the accommodation arranged for them by the Grand Duke of Silver Peak.
After Youlus left, the old count teased, "You really dare to talk big. If the Grand Duke had actually made you relinquish control of the Ruibeite Company, wouldn't you have been dumbfounded?"
"He won't!" Logo said confidently.
"Are you so sure?" The old count raised an eyebrow.
Logo strode forward. "Of course, as the leader of one of the Seven Great Clans, he wouldn't do something so shameless. Otherwise, we don't need to say anything; the spittle from all sides of the Royal Court would drown him, and the various branch clans under the Silver Peak Clan would also be thrown into turmoil. For the main branch, this would be a foundation-shaking event, a catastrophe!"
The old count's brow twitched slightly, and he nodded slowly, saying no more on the topic. Instead, he sighed and said, "Alas, the mighty Grand Duke of Silver Peak, once so glorious, who would have thought he would have to bow down for money."
"Don't be surprised. Life is unpredictable, and Fate is fickle. No one knows when someone who was once high above will suddenly fall to the dust, or whether an ant will become a Savage behemoth. Isn't that the charm of the Astral Realm? Magnificent, colorful, complex, and ever-changing, yet full of ups and downs!" Logo bent down, picked a yellow flower from the mournful flower bushes, and gently smelled it. The fragrance was intoxicating, and his eyes curved slightly, revealing a look of contentment.
The old count glared at him. "You young man, where do you get all these profound theories from at such a young age? Does alchemy involve these things?"
"All paths lead to the same destination." Logo chuckled, spread his fingers, and tossed them gently. Yellow flowers scattered, their petals dancing in the wind, drifting lightly and freely into the distance.
"But this is good too. With the Silver Peak Clan investing in Bette, we have gained a powerful backer, especially here at the Royal Court. It will make many things much easier to handle now," the old count remarked.
Logo, however, turned to the side and smiled, "Compared to these, I care more about the influence of the Silver Peak Clan. Their influence and appeal are what I value most. In any case, the position of the Seven Great Clans in the hearts of the Gendaya People is unshakable. Even among the New Blood Faction, they still hold the Seven Great Clans in awe."
The New Blood Faction, primarily composed of Gray-Eyed Blood Descendants, does not seek to break away from the Gendaya Tribe, but rather aims to reform the social structure. Therefore, they maintain the same high respect for the Seven Great Clans that form the origin of their bloodline.
Once the news of the Silver Peak Clan's investment in Bette spreads, it will undoubtedly rapidly expand the company's influence, which will be crucial for its future development.
"Alright, you're better at these things than I am. This old man will just stay here and hold down the fort for you."
"Yes, your awareness deserves praise."
"You brat, trying to take advantage of the situation? You're asking for a beating!"
With a rumbling, low grinding sound, the two wide stone doors slowly opened, and light poured out from the widening cracks, paving a path of light. One after another, the distinguished Gendaya People filed in, casting shadows behind them.
The hall was fully decorated, with bright lights hanging high, the aroma of wine filling the air, and melodious music gently drifting from the dim light, resonating in the ears of every guest.
The Silver Peak Clan's gathering began.
"Have you heard? The people of the three great clans— Red Maple, White Ape, and Thorn— were personally summoned by His Excellency the Grand Duke yesterday. I heard the Duke even served them Silver Splendor Wine." The speaker was a tall man in white with sharp eyes.
Beside this man stood a spirited young woman. Upon hearing his words, she immediately frowned and retorted, "Where did Count Qiansen hear this rumor? If I remember correctly, the three major clans you mentioned should be those clansmen who were sent to Sunset Jungle. Their strength doesn't seem to be very strong, and their development is just average. Why would the Grand Duke treat them with such special regard?"
"You don't know this, do you? Things are different now. The three major clans of Sunset Jungle are quite something these days. Their alchemy business is booming, and they're said to have a close partnership with a large conglomerate on Planet Guta."
Is this really true?
"There's no falsehood in this matter. You only need to investigate to find out everything. I suppose Countess Lingyu hasn't been paying much attention to outside affairs lately, otherwise she wouldn't be so out of touch with the outside world."
"That's true. I've been in seclusion for nearly two years now. The injuries I sustained in the battle to seize the island with the White Wolf Kingdom have finally healed."
"The White Wolf Kingdom, alas, I've heard that the Sword of the Kingdom they sent this time, at the Tier Six, has repeatedly slain High-Rank Transcendent Lifeform. His talent is unparalleled. Among the younger generation of my Royal Court, is there anyone who can compare to him?"
"Among the Tier Six, Feituosi of the Abyss Hunter Clan is very strong. He should be able to contend with this so-called Sword of the Kingdom. He has also killed High-Rank Transcendent before."
"And there's Luolike of the Tielin Clan, whose strength is no weaker Feituosi '."
"Does our Silver Peak Clan have such a talent?"
"This... seems not. Whether it's the main branch or the sub-branches, the strongest among the Tier Six is only capable of fighting a Tier Seven opponent, still some distance from actually killing them. Besides, the one this Sword of the Kingdom killed wasn't even a newly-entered Tier Seven opponent."
"Alas, what a pity. A hundred years ago, neither the Abyss Hunter nor the Iron Scale Clan were as powerful as our Silver Peak Clan. I never imagined that in just a century, the gap would widen to this extent."
At this point, the counts exchanged glances, all seeing the helplessness and desolation in each other's eyes.
Just then, a commotion arose, and several counts turned around to see a group of people led by a handsome young man entering the hall, attracting the attention and exclamations of many.
"They are the three major clans of Sunset Jungle."
"Look, that boy in the center, Logo Campbell, is said to be an alchemical genius, a once-in-a-century talent. In just one year, he reached the level of an intermediate alchemist. I've heard that he possesses a very high-level alchemical inheritance, possibly left behind by an alchemy master."
"An alchemy master? No way, how could such a legacy fall into his hands?" someone questioned.
Immediately, voices rang out, "What's impossible? Otherwise, how do you explain this kid's meteoric rise in alchemy? Don't tell me he was born with it."
"That... is true..."
The old count glanced at the eager gazes around him and listened to the whispers around him, a sense of surprise creeping into his heart. He couldn't help but ask telepathically, "Are we that famous now?"
"Of course, you think those advertising fees were wasted?" Logo's lips curled up slightly, nodding to the surroundings from time to time. His demeanor was impeccable, like that of a refined nobleman. His temperament was aloof and indifferent, yet he possessed a strange gentleness and inclusiveness that was very attractive, especially to young girls.
They were used to seeing their own kind wielding swords and spears, and weren't particularly fond of the tough guy style. However, Logo's unique temperament was outstanding and had a special attraction, especially to the young girls who were just beginning to experience love. The girls of the Gendaya tribe were known for their loyalty and passion, so much so that many of them didn't hide their burning gazes at him.
"Tsk, kid, did you notice the way those girls are looking at you? They're practically setting you on fire. Hurry up, this is a great opportunity. Who knows, you might just win the heart of a beauty and even bring us some in-laws along the way." The old count nudged Logo's shoulder rather casually and grinned mischievously.
"You're really free, old man." Logo rolled his eyes. He had lost 99% of his interest in matters of love and sex, if not completely.
One reason is the emotional detachment caused by the Soul Informatization, and the other is the alchemist's own powerful rationality.
The pleasure derived from sensation and physical intimacy is far less satisfying than the satisfaction derived from knowledge and wisdom. If he needs offspring, he can easily create them himself, or even mass-produce them; this would be effortless for Logo.
After walking about ten steps, a burly man with a full beard pushed through the crowd, opened his arms, and greeted the old count with a hearty laugh.
"Haha, Herbert, long time no see! Did you miss your brother?"
Upon seeing this person, the old count's eyes lit up, his pupils brimming with obvious joy and excitement, but he said without any politeness, "I was so naive! How come you're still alive? I thought your injuries from last time would have been the death of you."
"What's a little injury? My brother's indestructible body is no joke. Not only that, I also took this opportunity to break through the Sanctuary barrier in one fell swoop. How about it? Aren't you envious?" The big man said with a smile, putting his arm around the old count's shoulder.
Upon hearing of his old friend's breakthrough, the old count's eyes lit up with joy, but he still couldn't resist a sigh, "Truly, a scourge lives on for a thousand years."
"What are you saying..." The burly man curled his lip, then looked at Logo, raising an eyebrow and saying, "This... aren't you going to introduce him to your brother?"
"What's there to introduce? Don't you already know? You keep saying it's an old friend reunion, but your eyes haven't left this junior. Do you really think this old man is blind?" The old count mocked irritably, but after saying that, he still pointed to the big man and introduced him to Logo.
"Logo, this is my sworn brother, Xieerte, the patriarch of the Thousand Blades Clan."
Logo raised his eyes. "The Thousand Blades Clan? If I remember correctly, they were sent to the Light-Bathed Sea, weren't they? It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Logo Campbell, Honorary Earl of the Royal Court."
"Lord Campbell is right. Our Thousand Blades Clan, like yours, is a member of the Outposted Faction, and also a branch of the Silver Peak Clan." Count of Thousand Blades laughed heartily, the implication in his words couldn't be clearer.
In short, we're on the same side!
Logo smiled faintly and nodded slightly, then chatted with Count of Thousand Blades as they walked to a seat.
A few minutes later, another count sat down. He was the Count of Blue Sea, also a member of the Outposted Faction.
Among the branches under the Silver Peak Clan, only these five clans are the ones that are Outposted Faction, so they are naturally a group.
"After this gathering, our various clans of the Outposted Faction will have a small private get-together. Lord Campbell, you shouldn't miss it," Count of Blue Sea said with a smile.
Logo nodded. "That's natural. We, the Outposted Faction, are inherently weak. Only by helping each other and sticking together can we secure a place in this Royal Court."
Upon hearing this, Count of Thousand Blades and Count of Blue Sea exchanged a glance, both seeing the joy in each other's eyes.
Time passed slowly, and half an hour later, a loud shout echoed, "Grand Duke of Silver Peak has arrived!"
The once noisy hall suddenly fell silent. The Grand Duke, dressed in a crimson Duke robe, arrived gracefully, sat in the main seat, exchanged a few brief pleasantries, and then stepped down from the stage. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, he came to Logo and chatted with him with a smile.
The scene was silent for a moment, then a low murmur arose, and the attention given to Logo increased dramatically in the many eyes that were looking at him.
Seeing is believing, and the Grand Duke's behavior is truly rare.
At the same time, a voice carrying a smile entered Logo's ears.
"How about it? Have I done a better job as Duke than Youlus?"
"That's excellent!"