Chapter 282: One Move, Two Gains

As for Salisa's firm declaration of her own "True Dragon Emperor" identity, Zhang Gui neither denied nor directly affirmed it.

Instead, he sighed vaguely and said:

"So even a third‑rate merchant I've never seen knows about it, huh?"

"Caiyang, the Civilization Vanguard City is on the same island as your nation, and now even forms part of your national territory."

Therefore your sleight of hand is hard to carry out flawlessly.

But for now, aside from me, no one can be certain that you are indeed the True Dragon Emperor.

It leans more toward you being a duke in the True Dragon Kingdom who wields extensive influence at the Imperial Court and holds real command over the army.

Zhang Gui raised his eyebrows, "That's actually pretty much what I thought."

"Actually, I was embarrassed to tell you outright that I am the emperor of the True Dragon Kingdom, so I used your remark to convey it."

"I was also too shy to ask you whether you are the True Dragon Emperor, so I simply affirmed that you are."

Hearing his act as a "riddler", Salisa laughed, replying with a colored tone,

"By the way, that man who just knelt to you is named Fannaxi."

"His brother, you have met before, is Tasiya."

"He once sold you on the street a silk handkerchief of unknown origin, and a street kid with a Tree Knight Short Sword and a cigar; do you remember?"

"Fannaxi has recently become the boss of the 'Iron Hammer Gang'."

"A group that collects protection money in the commercial district by day, and at night goes to the red‑light district to smash brothel women or floating clients' heads, robbing ruthlessly."

"Because they once tried to extort protection fees from our 'Black Lion and Fierce Tiger Company'."

"In the end, the small squad you sent dealt them a harsh blow."

"I then took the opportunity to negotiate peace, paying a bit of medical expenses, which was essentially giving them face."

"Everyone then let it be."

"But now there are rumors saying that although the True Dragon Kingdom permits the 'Civilization Vanguard, Roujin, Sacred Ode', they continue to exist."

"Yet a 'Purge' will be carried out to showcase power."

"So this newly risen gang boss is scared."

"He ran to you waving a small white flag, right?"

"That's not the spirit of 'brothers on the road'."

"Even the biggest gang on Xihe Continent, the 'Brotherhood', would not contend with an emperor who bears the Ancient God 'Rendai Jianyan' title."

"In his 'Promised Land', to oppose him."

"You've managed to connect everything together." Hearing this tongue‑twister‑like remark, Zhang Gui took a sip of coffee and said.

"Actually, many ancient gods of the Western and Southern continents fell into 'Twilight' on the Chaotic Tooth Archipelago and then gradually descended."

"Especially in Nanhe Zhou, the great 'New God' Yesaya, on the road of his ascent, has truly taken away too much of the ancient gods' glory!"

"Unlike you on Dongsheng Continent, the two current human 'Supremes' both hail from Dongzhou."

"Moreover, neither became divine kings through the 'Faith Path'."

"Thus, whatever cultivation or awakening they pursue is unrestricted—truly blissful…"

"I think the 'bliss' is over the top."

Zhang Gui, hearing that, suddenly recalled Mr. Yin and Tao Yaoyao from the 'Ancient Dai Luo Great Sect', who, in pursuit of 'Ascending to Heaven', devastated ten million lives on Fresh Mushroom Island.

Dan Jiaojiao, who cultivates in the 'Putuo Mountain Gate Great Sect', 'enlightened' people, extinguished human desire, even offering the lives of entire families.

He blurted out:

"All kinds of demons and monsters are hopping about, overly active."

Salisa was startled, "I'm a Western continent person, and I think Xihe Continent is off."

"You, a Dongzhou person, also think Dongsheng Continent is inappropriate; indeed, human hearts are subtle."

"However, although many ancient gods have fallen on the Chaotic Tooth Archipelago, few can grant a 'Promised Land' as vast and fertile as True Dragon Island."

"I suppose your 'boss' must have been a very powerful deity, perhaps even the chief god leading an entire divine system."

"Thus, even if they are 'asleep', you must be 'cautious'."

"Hmm, perhaps later I can help think of a way for us to achieve a win‑win."

Zhang Gui sensed there was more in Salisa's words, but seemed unwilling to probe further for now.

He also didn't admit that, in fact, he has always been his own 'boss'.

He smiled faintly, changed the subject and said:

"Salisa, you know Eastern culture well; you must have heard a saying:

'When a man attains the Dao, his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven.'"

"Now that the True Dragon Kingdom has emerged, as my 'business partner' you should also 'trade a bird‑gun for a cannon.'"

"For example, a former broker who ran a shop selling Food Pills could transform into a 'Joint Chairman' of the three cities—Civilization Vanguard, Roujin, and Sacred Ode."

"Even if not the city's leader, they should be one of the city's main decision‑makers."

"But does such a position as 'Joint Chairman of the three cities—Civilization Vanguard, Roujin, Sacred Ode' actually exist?"

Salisa smiled ambiguously and said.

"If it doesn't exist, we'll create it." Zhang Gui waved his hand nonchalantly and said:

"I believe that the Western continent aristocracy and the massive oceanic trading companies that run the three cities—Civilization Vanguard, Roujin, Sacred Ode—

are also willing to strengthen ties with the True Dragon Kingdom.

They aim to minimize friction and, incidentally, expand their trade share."

"That might completely expose your True Dragon Emperor identity."

"It won't, Salisa."

Unless they can someday live freely in the True Dragon Kingdom for a period of time.

Otherwise they will only believe what they are willing to believe."

"That's true enough.

Then just do whatever you think you should do."

"Alright, may I ask casually, do you think if I again casually,

a thousand‑person special troop army deployed by Civilization Vanguard, Roujin, Sacred Ode, how does that sound?

Although you previously said this kind of matter is highly sensitive and best not to do.

But the current situation…

"The current situation is different now.

The special troop 'Grand Parade' of over fifty thousand people a few months ago has been completely shattered.

The city administrators of Civilization Vanguard, Roujin, Sacred Ode, the fantasy of armed resistance.

Therefore, now Zhenlong dispatches troops to Civilization Vanguard, Roujin, Sacred Ode, which actually turns out to be a good thing for them.

It can save a large amount of military expenditure.

They might even voluntarily request you to transfer a Fish‑Dragon Battleship as well, to berth in the bay.

To deter pirates, or if another deadly attack by the Moon God Ark occurs on Southern Red Continent, to swiftly eliminate the disaster.

By the way, your Fish‑Dragon Warship should be able to contend with a divine artifact not personally piloted by a deity, right?"

"Ah, I think sending troops to station at Civilization Vanguard, Roujin, Sacred Ode should be reconsidered first."

Upon hearing Salisa's joke, Zhang Gui also made a small joke.

Then he said seriously:

"Since it's territory of the True Dragon Kingdom, even if leased out, I will definitely protect its safety.

After all, the safer the port, the more merchants it attracts, and the easier it is for me to export goods.

The vitality of capital lies in circulation."

(End of chapter)