Chapter 523: Non‑Aggression Pact

Warwolf's undying soul is not a typical faction leader…

He and Qing Ping Le are the old world's Dragon Nation's final official representatives.

Someone like that, somehow ended up joining their Black Feather, calling their leader Lao Da!

And… judging by Lao Da's demeanor, they seem already accustomed.

After the daze, Ailin's shock faded, leaving only worship of Lao Da.

Truly worthy of the person who, back then, heard her clever argument and sensed hidden motives! Truly worthy of the Lao Da she chose!

Black Feather now shines like the midday sun; in the future, it will surely go even farther.

Ailin's spirit jolted, intending to train again with that group of Black Feather members!

Since Lao Da works so hard, they can't lag behind either.

She hurried away, not noticing the complex emotions in the brilliant eyes behind her.

Warwolf seemed to be pondering a difficult matter, brow furrowed; after a while he sighed, glanced toward Ailin's departing direction, then withdrew his gaze and walked the opposite way.

Still in the meeting hall, Cheng Shuili watched Warwolf's hesitant expression, waved impatiently and said, "Speak quickly; dragging your feet only wastes everyone's time, and I'm busy."

The meeting hall was left only with her and Warwolf, unusually spacious, so their words carried a faint echo.

Warwolf, seeing the Lao Da he recognized, grew a bit annoyed, disregarding his inner unease; he closed his eyes and frankly reported, "Lao Da, these past few days I've been in contact with Nan Da Qu's Holy Flame and Bei Da Qu's Iron Curtain."

Cheng Shuili nodded, her eyes quietly fixed on him, awaiting his continuation.

If we were to be frank about this, it'd be better not to come forward at all.

These two factions, like the Wings of Freedom, are major threats Black Feather may have to face in the future.

Black Feather has even let Viper's Fang infiltrate its ranks, let alone Holy Flame and Iron Curtain, which must be closely watched.

Although these two factions rank below those of Dong Da Qu and Xi Da Qu, achieving this position naturally indicates they have strength.

Just stuffing people in took up a great deal of Xinxue's effort.

She has confided in Cheng Shuili more than once, so the names of these two factions and their respective leaders are firmly imprinted on Cheng Shuili.

So… what does "contact" mean?

"They intend to sign a non‑aggression pact with us."

Warwolf's voice trembled with tension; this condition was negotiated after a long discussion. If Wuya Lao Da refuses, their Great Wall Watch would be a futile effort.

Non‑aggression pact?

Cheng Shuili immediately began to think.

For Black Feather now, signing this pact with the top forces of the southern and northern districts is definitely more beneficial than harmful.

Moreover… with this pact as a shield, even if the Xi Da Qu people try to rally the southern and northern districts against Black Feather, it will be much harder. Even a temporary measure can greatly ease strategic pressure from the two wings, avoiding a surrounded predicament.

This pact is naturally beneficial for Dong Da Qu, but for the southern and northern districts, aside from avoiding friction, it seems to offer no other advantage.

"They're being so kind; the conditions must be steep, right?"

Cheng Shuili's voice showed no ripple, but her gaze fell on Warwolf with neither warmth nor cold.

Warwolf felt a chill in his heart, realizing the crucial point had arrived.

He inhaled deeply and said, "Holy Flame asks that during Nan Da Qu's Holy Fire Festival we arrange for a highly esteemed figure from Dong Da Qu to meet their missionaries and preach. Iron Curtain, on the other hand, hopes we can supply a batch of medical supplies at a friendly price, and… remain neutral when they clash with another Bei Da Qu faction in the Eternal Frozen Wasteland, providing no aid to the Wasteland."

Cheng Shuili, after listening, raised an eyebrow lightly, "Holy Fire Festival? Preaching? They want to proselytize, and the northern district wants medical supplies?"

She didn't voice her own thoughts, but asked Warwolf, "What do you think?"

Warwolf pondered briefly and answered earnestly, "Holy Flame's condition seems like a simple religious activity, but the deeper intent is likely to spread their influence within Dong Da Qu through preaching, or plant informants."

That highly esteemed individual, once publicly involved in their Holy Fire Festival preaching, would carry great significance, almost equating to Dong Da Qu's partial acknowledgment of their doctrine's legitimacy—a far‑reaching and dangerous impact. Agreeing would bring immediate benefits but sow future risks. Yet they are stubborn; aside from this condition, they accept nothing else.

He paused, seeing Cheng Shuili hadn't interrupted, and continued, "In contrast, Iron Curtain shows far more sincerity in cooperating with us. We can gather some medical supplies and hand them over; they only need one batch, no lion's huge demand. We have little ties with the Eternal Frozen Wasteland, so staying neutral is easy. But…"

"But if we accept this condition," Cheng Shuili continued, "we shouldn't later think of exploiting the conflict between the Eternal Frozen Wasteland and Iron Curtain to meddle in Bei Da Qu."

Although the Eternal Frozen Wasteland doesn't appear on the power rankings, according to reports Xinxue relayed, they seemed to have clashed with Iron Curtain even before the districts merged.

Being able to stand against Iron Curtain for so long naturally proves its undeniable strength.

That day, Cheng Shuili, Xinxue, and a guide sat through the night in the faction's territory, discussing precisely this matter.

Even though the plan hasn't reached that stage, Iron Curtain wants to use this "non‑aggression pact" to bind their own hands.

Warwolf immediately nodded, "Exactly. Supplying medical goods indirectly acknowledges Iron Curtain's authority in Bei Da Qu. The Eternal Frozen Wasteland will surely harbor resentment toward us. Once this neutral commitment is made, our operational space in Bei Da Qu will be greatly constrained in the future."

Cheng Shuili's mouth curled into a half‑smile, "Then let's first sign the pact with Iron Curtain."

Warwolf was startled, "Lao Da, what do you mean?"

"Iron Curtain wants us to stay neutral, not provide aid, right?" Cheng Shuili asked.

"Yes." Warwolf nodded.

"Wolf Brother, the pact only states 'no aid of any form to the Eternal Frozen Wasteland,' right?"

Warwolf carefully recalled the negotiation details and nodded again, "The original wording is exactly that."

After answering, he noticed Cheng Shuili had called him "Wolf Brother."

Cheng Shuili called naturally, but Warwolf was momentarily stunned; such familiarity made it seem they were already comrades.

"That will do," Cheng Shuili withdrew her hand, tone relaxed, "We will honor the pact and not aid them. But we can provide some assistance through the Wasteland's friendly merchants—information, supplies. What they do with the goods, and who they give them to, is none of our business."