"Whoosh!"
Even though he had such thoughts, Kong Deming still let out a breath of relief, feeling the weight on his heart lighten.
He was truly afraid that Zhongli Wu might go completely berserk and launch another attack at him. If that happened, even if he didn't die, he would be crippled.
Although he had trump cards left, was it possible that Zhongli Wu didn't?
"Haha, Old Kong, let's put these things away first. Leaving them here isn't good for either of us."
"With our friendship, there's no need to bring out such hostile things. Quickly, put them away."
To show his willingness to stop the fight, Zhongli Wu took the initiative to store away the Bone Dragon King, smiling as he spoke to Kong Deming.
He was genuinely afraid. One ninth-level fixed soul-guided shell was manageable, and he could withstand it. But more than three? Even a Rank 98 Super Douluo like him would suffer greatly. If all seven of them exploded together, both he and Kong Deming would be finished.
His life was far more valuable than Kong Deming's, and he wasn't willing to gamble on whether Kong Deming would actually detonate them. He cherished his life.
Besides, his bottom line was flexible. Since Kong Deming had already taken out something that could threaten his life, Zhongli Wu naturally wouldn't insist on fighting to the bitter end.
"This old bastard, carrying so many ninth-level fixed soul-guided shells with him—who the hell is he trying to blow up?"
Despite the friendly smile on his face, Zhongli Wu was cursing inwardly.
Kong Deming glanced at Zhongli Wu and waved his hand, putting away two of the shells but leaving five in place.
Zhongli Wu's mouth twitched, and just as he was about to say something, Kong Deming cut him off.
"There's no need for more words, Sect Master Zhongli. Let's get down to business."
Zhongli Wu took a deep look at Kong Deming before casually waving his hand. A tea set appeared before them, consisting of two teacups and a black velvet table mat beneath them.
"Please."
Zhongli Wu made a welcoming gesture and sat down cross-legged first.
Kong Deming didn't stand on ceremony and sat opposite him.
Now, it was time to negotiate terms.
"Sect Master Zhongli, I have only one condition for coming here today—your Holy Sect must not kill any members of the royal family."
After a brief standoff, Kong Deming was the first to speak.
Strength determines status. The battle just now was the prerequisite for this negotiation. Whether between individuals or nations, only the strong have the right to speak.
It was clear that he, Kong Deming, had lost. Naturally, he was at a disadvantage in this negotiation.
That was why he laid out his bottom line directly—this was the limit set by the current emperor.
"This, I can agree to," Zhongli Wu responded after a moment of contemplation. "However, I also hope that Old Kong will stop interfering with my Holy Sect's affairs in the future."
In Zhongli Wu's view, Kong Deming had only said they couldn't kill members of the royal family—he hadn't said anything about interrogation or torture.
"Fine, I agree to your condition, but you cannot do anything that endangers the Sun-Moon Empire," Kong Deming said.
He hadn't expected Zhongli Wu to agree so quickly, and his counter-request was something that could be accepted.
Previously, the Holy Spirit Sect had struggled to expand its influence within the Sun-Moon Empire due to interference from the empire's high-ranking ninth-level soul engineers. They didn't want the sect infiltrating their affairs.
Since the Holy Spirit Sect didn't want to reveal too much of its strength too soon, many of their plans had been difficult to carry out.
And Kong Deming was a mentor to most of the ninth-level soul engineers, meaning that his stance carried a lot of weight. With his endorsement, the Holy Spirit Sect would be able to act more freely.
"You must be joking, Old Kong. We of the Holy Spirit Sect are all upstanding citizens. How could we possibly do anything to harm our country?"
Zhongli Wu smiled and waved his hand, his face full of sincerity.
Kong Deming remained silent, staring at Zhongli Wu.
He was old, not stupid.
"Your wretched sect's actions speak for themselves. Do you think I don't know?"
Kong Deming really wanted to curse Zhongli Wu out on the spot, but given his injuries and the severe damage to his Silver Moon Divine Light Barrier, he didn't want to waste his breath.
"Come now, Old Kong. Have some tea, and let's put our grudges behind us."
"From now on, you call me brother, and I call you little brother."
Zhongli Wu poured two cups of tea from a pot. The tea was black and bubbling slightly.
Kong Deming frowned and turned to leave immediately.
He felt that if he stayed any longer, he would lose years off his life.
Too infuriating!
Also… the tea was bubbling. Was it even safe to drink?
"Wait, wait."
"Disciple, get over here."
As he spoke, Zhongli Wu twisted his body slightly, and in an instant, Jiang Jue, who had been a hundred miles away, was dragged over.
"Come now, disciple, this is your Uncle Kong."
"Greetings, Uncle Kong!"
Jiang Jue was briefly stunned but quickly grasped the situation. He immediately bowed and greeted Kong Deming.
"Mm."
Kong Deming nodded slightly, but he was confused as to why Zhongli Wu had brought his disciple over.
"Old Kong, what do you think of my disciple's talent?"
"Good."
"Then, as an elder, shouldn't you offer a little something?"
How audacious!
Kong Deming's face darkened instantly. He realized what Zhongli Wu was doing—trying to extort something from him!
Kong Deming had plenty of treasures and was just about to take out a soul device to give to Jiang Jue so he could leave. But before he could, Zhongli Wu spoke again.
"I think that shield of yours is quite nice. Why not give it to my disciple?"
"Sect Master Zhongli, do not test my limits."
Kong Deming was on the verge of exploding with anger. The Silver Moon Divine Light Barrier had already started merging with his martial soul—how could he possibly give it away?
"Then how about ten or so ninth-level fixed soul-guided shells? You wouldn't want to appear stingy, would you?"
"Swoosh!"
Kong Deming left a single ninth-level fixed soul-guided shell on the ground and took the rest, flying off into the distance without another word.
He didn't want to stay a moment longer—he was overwhelmed with frustration.
"Take care, Old Kong!"
Hearing Zhongli Wu's words, Kong Deming disappeared into the void.
"Kehehe… Hahaha!"
Zhongli Wu watched as Kong Deming vanished and couldn't help but laugh. But upon realizing his disciple was still there, he quickly changed his laughter into a different tone.
"Here, disciple, take this."
Zhongli Wu lifted the ninth-level fixed soul-guided shell with his soul power and handed it to Jiang Jue.
Jiang Jue looked at the terrifying object before him. Just glancing at it, he could sense the immense power it contained.
Staring at it for too long made him feel slightly uncomfortable.
After all, this was considered a top-tier strategic weapon. One shot could obliterate an ordinary Title Douluo.
"This doesn't feel right…"
Jiang Jue hesitated, feeling uneasy.
"Come now, no need for such formality between master and disciple. Besides, this was a gift from your Uncle Kong."
"Just use it for self-defense. Your master doesn't need this kind of thing."
Zhongli Wu casually placed the shell in Jiang Jue's hands without any concern.