Chapter 2086: Zhong Shengguang's Refusal

Judging by the extent of True Person Qianhuan's craving for spiritual Qi and Xuan crystals, He Lingchuan completely understood why Lingshan demanded offerings from the mortal world. After all, there were still quite a few High Immortals and Immortals inside Lingshan; every single one was an energy-devouring black hole.

Zhong Shengguang certainly understood as well, but understanding did not equal agreement, let alone willingness to endure.

"So, the negotiation between Lingshan and Panlongcheng is actually stuck right here?"

Sun Fuling nodded: "I can see that, on the matter of providing for Lingshan, Commander Zhong is calmer than everyone else, but the share Lingshan demands is too high."

"How much?"

"Seventy percent of foreign trade profits."

"Someone has done the accounting. If Panlongcheng bears it directly, the finances will be extremely strained, forcing cuts in other expenditures; if it is apportioned to the merchants, goods will certainly rise in price, and both the citizens' livelihoods and foreign trade transactions may be affected."

She looked at He Lingchuan, tilting her head slightly; a strand of green silk hair fell down, perfectly framing her cheek. Following the strand, He Lingchuan noticed her jawline was not as rounded as an ordinary woman's, but had a slight, delicate angularity, lending her features two parts more heroic spirit.

Interestingly, usually clad in light robes with flowing sleeves, wearing her hair in hanging side-locks, she softened her temperament well, transforming that heroic spirit into a scholarly elegance rarely seen in women. But the moment she narrowed her phoenix eyes, a stern chill arose; even He Lingchuan's heart would skip a beat, let alone the students of the Shu Min Academy — even the most unruly had to lower their heads before her.

"Let me tell you something about the Academy." Sun Fuling continued, "The last time Lingshan sent over cultivation methods was five months ago, and they were all entry-level foundation-establishing divine abilities. Not a single one was a divine ability truly suitable for a cultivator like you."

She sighed: "The revival of Heaven and Earth's spiritual Qi is a great thing, but we also need corresponding high-end methods to support it, and the sooner we get them the better. In this regard, Lingshan possesses an incomparable advantage."

In the era of scarce spiritual Qi and the era of abundant spiritual Qi, the methods cultivators study are different, and their power is different. The mortal world has been "parched" for so long; everyone's learned skills are practicality-oriented; methods adapted to higher spiritual Qi environments are extremely rare.

But Lingshan does not lack them.

As a mysterious organization inherited for nearly three thousand years, it has completely experienced several tides and cycles of spiritual Qi's rise and fall. Be it the divine abilities of ancient Immortals from thousands of years ago, or the secret arts of generals and national scholars from the Middle Ages, it has them all in its collection.

This is a treasure trove of knowledge.

Even a Heavenly Deity would not have such a complete variety of divine abilities in hand.

Previously unusable, these methods could only gather dust in the library pavilion; once spiritual Qi revived, they became piping-hot commodities.

And Lingshan holds complete dominion over them — who to give them to, who not to give them to, is all decided by Lingshan's Joint Elders.

"Mr. Xin also came to convey that if Panlongcheng shows sincerity, Lingshan will naturally not be stingy about sharing Middle Ages divine ability methods."

They hold higher-end cultivation resources in hand; Panlongcheng cannot reach them even jumping on tiptoe, pinned down dead tight — that is why Zhong Shengguang is depressed.

This is one of Lingshan's most important bargaining chips.

"What was Commander Zhong's response?"

"Commander Zhong was more restrained and forbearing than the high-ranking officials at the table, unlike General Nankē who slammed the table and cursed Lingshan for blatant robbery, but he also... also did not agree to Lingshan's demands!" Sun Fuling bit her lip, "He said to Mr. Xin: when Panlongcheng was at its most difficult, Lingshan indeed showed much care — not only generously sharing in talents, intelligence, methods, pill formulas, agriculture, and financial aid, but also bringing many allies to Panlongcheng, even sharing much of Bage's pressure. But Panlongcheng must ultimately be responsible for all residents of the Panlong Wasteland, has its own army to feed, and equally faces the immense pressure exerted by Bage."

Panlongcheng's current territory is already far larger than that of an average country; whatever pressures other countries face in domestic affairs, diplomacy, and military matters, Panlongcheng faces only more, not less.

Be it a country, a region, or a power, the most important thing is finance.

No money, no prospects — you can't get anything done.

"From what I heard of Commander Zhong's meaning, Panlongcheng also knows the principle of reciprocity; it cannot accept Lingshan's favors for nothing, nor let Lingshan suffer losses for nothing. So, the aid and support Lingshan gave before, Panlongcheng is willing to repay with hard cash." Sun Fuling sighed, "As I see it, even if Lingshan named a huge sum, Commander Zhong would pay. He would rather give more this once, than let Lingshan cling to Panlongcheng and suck blood year after year."

For someone of Sun Fuling's cultivation to bluntly use the two words "suck blood" shows she likewise harbors anger.

"If Lingshan were willing to take this money, it would be easier to settle. A one-time buyout, clean break thereafter." He Lingchuan raised a hand to press his forehead, "If it refuses, flicks its sleeves and leaves, that's when it gets troublesome."

Ai, my head aches.

Zhong Shengguang is also a quite seasoned leader; facing Lingshan, he actually refused so thoroughly, not even intending to negotiate properly — it seems he truly was angered.

Lingshan's lion-big demand; hearers would find it hard not to get angry.

Opening their mouths to demand seventy percent! Why don't they go rob someone themselves?

Forget seventy percent; Panlongcheng doesn't want to give even ten percent!

Of course there is another possibility: Zhong Shengguang first shows his resolve, forcing Lingshan to adjust its attitude, then negotiate later.

But what kind of existence is Lingshan? True Immortals high above, all accustomed to arrogance. Wanting them to adjust their attitude, tsk...

If Panlongcheng shows its hardness, even He Lingchuan would find it hard to see what outcome this matter will ultimately lead to.

This really is...

"After Commander Zhong stated his position, what was Mr. Xin's reaction?"

"Mr. Xin just smiled and told Commander Zhong not to rush into a decision, to consider it carefully again."

"Meaning Lingshan does not accept Panlongcheng's refusal?" He Lingchuan fell into deep thought.

This trouble came suddenly; what to do?

He thought too intently, so he didn't pay much attention to what Sun Fuling said afterward.

Noticing this person just staring at her without a sound, Sun Fuling picked up her chopsticks and waved them before his eyes: "Hey! I said so much, did you hear me or not?"

"I heard, of course I heard." He Lingchuan hurriedly picked up a piece of red-braised rabbit meat for her, "Master's words, every sentence and clause, are in my ears!"

Sun Fuling hmphed: "You don't seem too opposed to Lingshan's offering demands either?"

He Lingchuan turned serious: "I am very averse to it. But combined with Panlongcheng's current situation, for now we should not make an enemy of Lingshan."

"Current situation?" Sun Fuling didn't miss that word "for now" in his speech, "Isn't right now the best time in Panlongcheng's history?"