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The Yangtze River's misty waves ripple, resembling a colossal dragon lying on its back. The vast mountains, overlapping peaks upon peaks, reflect a vibrant green vitality in the river.
"God is truly generous to this ignorant nation," he said.
The speaker was Lord Asben, the Queen's Envoy who, upon witnessing the magnificent beauty of the Yangtze River, couldn't help but express his admiration.
At this moment, the battleship, having completed its visiting mission, was preparing to leave the ancient city.
Along the coast were fully alert Sect Army members of the Great Vehicle Sect, vigilantly monitoring the fleet.
Neither side trusted the other: the talks had been fruitless, at most a mundane military trade, with only a slight additional condition attached.
Standing beside his lordship was a black-robed priest, glaring with dissatisfaction:
"How dare they blaspheme the teachings of the 'One True God.' It is sacrilege!"
The motto of the Great Vehicle Sect led the priest to misunderstand, thinking this was a Divine Nation on Earth, thus he actively participated in the visit.
But once here, he realized it was not as he thought, and was quite displeased.
Lord Asben shrugged his shoulders, saying, "Priest Miller, this Heavenly King is merely using our teachings for his own small purposes. No matter, selling arms to both sides in a conflict is most profitable."
Priest Miller extended a finger, drawing a triangular symbol before his chest. As the light flickered, an eye seemed to appear momentarily.
"God will devour these sinners! This rebellion will significantly weaken the Shun Dynasty, enabling complete conquest of the nation!"
"Precisely," said Lord Asben, "that's why we need to tip the scales even more, to intensify the struggle."
Lord Asben bared his sharp fangs, exclaiming excitedly, "Ah~ I can hardly wait to indulge in the sweet blood of a virgin martial artist!"
At that moment, what came to the lord's mind was the figure of Li Pei.
Since their last encounter at the Wang Mansion, he had been constantly yearning for this beautiful, elegant, mature, and alluring woman... and her fresh blood!
~~~~~~~~~
Inside the Boxing Gym
After finishing the medicinal wine yesterday, Liao Ya helped perform the 'Dynamic Dragon-Subduing Art' massage. As a result, Lu Yao's bones began to feel numb, itchy, sour, and stabbing even during the day.
"You've eaten too many good things; the medicinal power is prompting drastic changes to your bones."
~~~~~~~~
Governor Wen Renliang called for a gathering of Yunzhou's military and political officials atop the city walls, but only half showed up.
The other half sent their resignations. Of course, there were also those who left without saying goodbye.
Without changing his expression, Governor Wen straightforwardly said, "The demon warriors of the Sect are advancing by both land and water, and will arrive at the city by tomorrow at the earliest. Judging by their past actions, they will surely plunder once the city falls. Whether for your personal safety or your future, I hope we can unite and defend the State City."
The faces of those who came to the meeting were ugly. Although the Prefectural Governor spoke well, everyone knew that the city's defense forces were insufficient, with only 3000 State Soldiers and 500 standard soldiers.
The Sect had nearly ten thousand men!
But though their expressions were grim, they still held onto some hope.
At this moment, everyone looked towards the only non-official present—a foreigner!
He was dressed in a black tailcoat and, after tipping his hat to those around him, he spoke in fluent Xia language:
"I am William, the head of the Opium company. Governor Wen, although I am a merchant, I am also a refined nobleman. The private armed force on my merchant ships is willing to contribute to the defense. But..."
All that came before "but" was nonsense, and Governor Wen took the lead: "I can provide 1000 taels of silver. I can also call on the city's rich merchants to donate."
This was no small sum, but William elegantly shook his head and smiled: "No, no, no, Governor Wen, I don't need money. The Opium company's annual earnings are sufficient. What I need are some... privileges."
William paused, then continued, "I want you to waive my company's taxes; lift the warrants on my company's employees; and lastly... I want her!"
As he finished speaking, he actually pointed at Liao Ya! At the same time, he covered his mouth with his hand, blocking the fangs that reflexively protruded. But those crimson eyes could not be hidden.
Liao Ya's hair stood on end, but she unflinchingly met the gaze of the vampire, her eyes filled with murderous intent.
The others looked away, some of the less astute showing a tempted expression.
But Governor Wen decisively said, "This is an internal conflict of our dynasty, and we should resolve it ourselves. Mr. William, I welcome your help. But if you don't wish to, that is also fine. We are about to discuss military affairs, so please leave."
"Then, I take my leave~"
William nodded and left at an unhurried pace, smiling at Liao Ya before he went.
Liao Ya no longer looked at him, her mind suddenly filled with a bold idea: Have the junior brother kill it!
Even though her junior brother's realm was low, whenever she faced a problem now, he was the first person she thought of for help.
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