Chapter 308

Snezhnaya is located in the north, a region of severe cold. Although it possesses some mineral resources, these cannot satisfy the needs of Liyue.

Nor the financial losses incurred.

Therefore, for Liyue, destroying Snezhnaya would not only mean losing an opponent that could spur Liyue's growth, but it would also result in a significant loss of wealth.

It is not worth the cost.

And it is unnecessary.

"Heh, this time, the root cause of the matter lies with Dottore."

"Since the culprit has already been executed, I can spare Snezhnaya this time for the sake of the first Cryo Archon."

"However, just as I said before, you, the second Cryo Archon, had best not pull any more of those little tricks behind my back."

"Whether it is against Liyue, or anyone else."

"I don't care who you want to rebel against, nor do I care what kind of deal you made with Morax."

"Do not touch my bottom line."

"Otherwise, this time it was Dottore, but next time, it will be the entirety of Snezhnaya!"

"By then, I will no longer show any regard for the first Cryo Archon."

Jiang Yan said indifferently, then spoke to the Sky Fortress hovering beside him.

"Shenhe, notify Beidou and Sara that they may withdraw the troops."

"Also, tell Ningguang to send someone to negotiate with Snezhnaya; all expenses incurred by Liyue's military mobilization this time must be compensated by Snezhnaya."

"As for the specific amount of compensation, let Ningguang decide for herself."

Following Jiang Yan's departure, the people of Snezhnaya immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

This god of slaughter had finally left.

Jiang Yan, this god of slaughter, had indeed left.

But Ningguang, the god of slaughter in officialdom and the business world, had arrived.

At this moment, Liyue had not yet returned control of Snezhnaya's territorial waters and airspace.

Liyue's navy and air force were still eyeing Snezhnaya's territory like tigers.

The Millelith were also stationed at the border under Sara's orders.

Previously, in order to arrive as quickly as possible, Sara had ordered the entire army to march at full speed.

That was how the Millelith were able to reach the battlefield so quickly.

Now, since the war would not be fought, Sara simply let the army rest for a while; it would not be too late to withdraw after Ningguang had thoroughly finalized the peace treaty.

Inside the Zapolyarny Palace.

At this moment, the main hall of the palace had long since lost its former solemnity.

The Fatui Harbingers wore varied expressions, looking with uncertainty at the woman sitting across the table, who was dressed in a white and gold-patterned cheongsam.

The woman toyed with a piece of jade in her hand, looking at the Cryo Archon sitting directly opposite her, feeling a secret thrill in her heart.

Satisfying!

So gratifying!!

Look, just look.

Is this still the arrogant Snezhnaya of a short time ago?

Indeed, Jiang Yan's move not only killed Dottore, the second-ranked Harbinger.

It also crushed the spirit of the once high-spirited Snezhnaya.

Jiang Yan's strength was not the ordinary kind of strength.

It was that suffocating, utterly desperate kind of strength.

How could there be such a powerful person in this world?!

Pierro slumped into a chair not far away, his face ashen and his expression dejected.

Jiang Yan's casual strike had actually suppressed Pierro deep into the ground, leaving him unable to move for a long time.

"Enough! Current Tianquan of Liyue!"

Just at this moment, the Tsaritsa slammed the table, her eyes filled with unconcealable anger!

"Not to mention the compensation of 500 million Mora and the three-year tax exemption at the border, just this alone—wholesale of Snezhnaya's minerals to Liyue at ten percent of the original price, and opening Fatui technology for Liyue to research..."

"Isn't that going a bit too far?"

It was no wonder the Tsaritsa was so angry.

If Snezhnaya were to agree to these conditions set by Ningguang, let alone becoming the number one power in Teyvat.

Maintaining the country without it collapsing would be a difficult task.

Even if they could maintain it, all of Snezhnaya's plans would be destroyed, and Snezhnaya would need to spend at least several decades to recover its vitality.

Truly worthy of being a disciple of the Wood Spirit Immortal, Tianquan Ningguang!

For a time, many of Snezhnaya's administrative staff, especially those in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, looked at Ningguang with gnashed teeth.

Ningguang sat with her legs crossed, her expression indifferent.

"Oh? You don't agree?"

"Then there's nothing left to discuss."

As she spoke, Ningguang even stood up directly.

"Since we can't reach an agreement, shall we just fight?"

This time, Ningguang did not choose the political maneuvering that a normal ruler should use.

The twelve Sky Fortresses hovering outside the palace, the seven major fleets anchored in Snezhnaya's waters, and the 600,000 Liyue troops stationed at the border.

These all gave Ningguang full confidence.

Can't reach an agreement?

Then there is no need to talk, and likewise, there is no need for Snezhnaya to remain.

If we conquer your country, whatever should be ours will be ours, every single bit of it!

"You!"

The Tsaritsa was suddenly furious, raising her hand as if to strike.

"Your Majesty, calm down!"

A light and gentle voice seemed to cleanse the Cryo Archon's soul, suppressing her previously anxious and restless heart.

The one who spoke was the Third Fatui Harbinger, Columbina.

Her previously closed eyes were now slightly open, her gray-white, waveless pupils filled with ruthlessness and indifference.

"Your Excellency Tianquan truly has good methods, actually planning to take this opportunity to wipe out Snezhnaya."

"If our Tsaritsa had made a move just now, I do not believe that the one behind you would not have left you with some countermeasures."

Columbina's words instantly awakened the Cryo Archon; she suddenly realized what kind of mistake she had almost committed just now.

"Hehehe, you are quite capable of enduring."

Ningguang sat back in her seat, constantly toying with the Apep bracelet on her other wrist.

That's right, ever since Jiang Yan gave Apep to Ningguang, he had never taken it back.

If the Cryo Archon were to make a move, Apep would protect Ningguang at the first opportunity.

At the same time, Jiang Yan, who had left, would also receive the message from Apep.

By that time, it would not be a matter that could be solved by signing a so-called treaty.

A single Dendro Dragon King Apep in his prime is not something these gods under the Heavenly Principles could contend with.

"Since that is the case, will you sign this agreement or not?"

Ningguang revealed a playful smile, looking at the two people before her with mockery.

This was a dead end.

A dead end where no conspiracy or scheme could play any role.

Snezhnaya's sea, land, and air were fully taken over by Liyue; at this moment, Snezhnaya must either agree to Ningguang's conditions and be left severely wounded and dying.

Or refuse Ningguang's conditions and face the destruction of the nation.

To put it simply, Ningguang intended to openly dismantle these people of Snezhnaya.

— Author's Notes —

This was also thanks to the fact that the northern tip of Liyue is not far from Snezhnaya; although Fontaine lies in between, it is only a portion of Fontaine's territory.