It won't be a lie to say that Mark's attitude irked Emperor Qin very much. He was the ruler of an empire that is far more prosperous and stronger than the Phoenix Empire.
How dare a weapon seller born in a commoner family try to cause trouble in the imperial palace and even talk to him like they were equal?
Is it because of the Supreme Being by his side? So what if it is? Qin Mo not only had authority but he also possessed strength.
Sure, Supreme Beings (peak-9-circle) stood at the top of human society but that doesn't mean they can defeat multiple Supreme realm experts (9-circle). The only reason they were feared by even the experts of the same realm is because of the factor known as a breakthrough.
Once a Supreme Being makes a lucky breakthrough to the next realm and becomes a demigod, their strength would increase so much that if they want to destroy an empire, any number of supreme realm experts couldn't save it.
However, Qin Mo was different. Unlike the façade he was putting up in front of the whole empire, he was actually a supreme realm expert and recently reached even the advanced stage.
Adding on top of that, he received the knowledge of a formation left behind by his ancestor, who was a demigod. Upon activation, their ancestor's spirit will come to life and protect him.
Of course, it doesn't mean he can use this trump any number of times he wants. The number might be limited but it is still enough for him to stay arrogant.
Qin Mo believed that by the time he uses all the remaining attempts of this protective mechanism, his fourth son won't be far away from becoming a demigod.
That is why he didn't submit to the aura displayed by Lan Ju, unaware that the latter actually was holding back his strength.
If Lan Ju transforms into his original form and releases the aura of a demigod, then, the situation might completely turn in Mark's favor but the latter was planning to keep it a secret as one of his trump cards.
As a result, Qin Mo still thinks that he has an upper hand and didn't exactly listen to Mark's request right away. Instead, he said, "If you want to talk to me, then, I will spare my time on the account of my son's request. However, if you are looking to do business in Kun Empire, then, contact the minister of trade.
And if you are looking to do business directly with the imperial family, then, any prince of the first rank (son of the legal wife of the Emperor) would be fine to witness the demonstration.
The prince then passes the proposal to me and I will take the decision after discussing it with my chief advisor. That's the protocol and I expect you to follow the same."
Perhaps, Mark had already expected the attitude from Qin Mo as soon as he discovered his real cultivation. He didn't get angry inside and neither did he display any other emotion on the outside.
Continuing to keep his fake smile on the surface, Mark replied, "Well, I believe that there is always an exception to every rule."
"However, you aren't privileged enough for me to make an exception," Qin Mo countered immediately, not intending to give a face to Mark or his aide at any cost. He felt like he was already doing a huge favor by not demanding them to apologize.
So, in this situation, what will Mark do?
Will he get angry? Will he yield to Qin Mo's authority and become polite? Will he leave the palace, feeling humiliated?
The supreme realm expert on Qin Mo's side was wondering how the situation will unfold now. He was worried about the eruption of the battle.
But, to his surprise, Mark calmly spoke, "well, if I don't get a privilege, then, I guess my weapons will also have the same place. That would mean the imperial family isn't business-friendly.
Then never mind, Emperor Qin. I will be on my way and sell my advanced weapons elsewhere. It is not like I don't lack clients.
I thought that I should give preferential treatment to Kun Empire because Qin Yu is my friend but it is a pity I guess.
Not only the Eastern Sun will get the warships to rule the northern sea and the Leon Empire will get the opportunity to buy the C4 (advanced), but your 500 battle tanks will also soon going to become vehicles of transport rather than a military asset.
Well, none of this is related to me anyways. So, I thank you for your hospitality and leave at dawn for my next destination, the Xianshu sect to deliver justice for my companions. You can be on your way. Farewell and Good night." He waved his hands with a smile.
Mark talked down to Emperor and didn't take him seriously.
Mark then boasted about the power of his weapons.
Mark then indirectly threatened the emperor of the consequences if the latter don't listen to his request right away.
And in the end, he even purposely revealed an important thing like leaving for the sect, knowing very well that this old man is a grand elder there.
From start to end, Mark didn't show his original emotion on his face and just smiled as if he was delivering good news but his words left a huge impact on the listeners.
The crown prince didn't know what was going on. The Emperor narrowed his eyes and fell into deep thought. No one knows what he was thinking about. And the worried supreme realm expert suddenly exclaimed in surprise, not expecting that this man would visit his place for delivering justice. To whom?
What feud does his sect have with this weapon seller? Unlike Qin Mo, he wasn't arrogant enough to underestimate this Supreme Being, who was rumored to be the man behind the death of every expert in the battle of fire seed. It is just a rumor as no one witnessed the events in person but still, why is there a need for a fight when one can resolve it peacefully?
"Mr. Lu, there's no need to travel all the way to the Xianshu sect. I'm the grand elder of that very sect. Tell me your issue and I will solve it for you."
As the old man correctly guessed Mark's identity just through the words and extended his hand of help, the weapon seller waved his hand, "Relax. I have no issue with your sect. I'm only traveling there for the competition where I will deliver justice. I appreciate your help though."
"Dragon Warrior tournament?" Yang Bingwen was taken aback at first but then he inwardly sighed in relief that his sect isn't in the picture.
Meanwhile, the Emperor's frown deepened as he saw a change of tone in Mark when he was speaking to the old man beside him. It was soft and friendlier. Why? I'm the Emperor and I'm stronger than this idiot. Why is he more respected than me? This brat is purposely doing this to rile me up… It is not like my empire needs those things and neither I'm afraid of enemies possessing them. Hmpf…
Silently, standing behind Mark, Lan Ju was observing the Emperor. As a demigod realm beast, he could easily sense the change in one's emotions just with a look. He felt like this situation isn't getting anywhere because of these two egoistic individuals.
In the end, he decided to intervene and said in a calm tone, "Emperor Qin, give me some face and follow my master's request."
"Master?" "Eh?"