Douluo Continent: My Martial Soul is the Black Dragon, I am the Lord of the Gods

……

As night fell, the city of Wuhun was illuminated by the lights of the soul tools, making it as bright as day. Ning Rongrong, Xiao Wu, and Zhu Zhuqing escorted the somewhat absent-minded Tang San back to the embassy entrance.

"I had a great time shopping today, Xiao San, you should get some rest!" Ning Rongrong said with a smile and waved goodbye.

Xiao Wu smiled at him and said, "See you tomorrow, Xiao San."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Tang San forced a smile, watching the three women disappear around the street corner before turning and entering the embassy. His smile vanished instantly, replaced by deep solemnity and an undisguised weariness.

The amount of information today was overwhelming. The terrifying cultivation levels of Ning Rongrong and the other two, the earth-shattering changes in Martial Soul City, and those unheard-of soul tool technologies... all of this struck at his understanding like a heavy hammer.

"Finally done..." Ning Rongrong rubbed her slightly sore calves, then suddenly seemed to remember something and slapped her forehead, "Oh dear! I forgot to ask Oscar and the others how they are doing!"

Although she didn't have a good impression of Yu Xiaogang and Dai Mubai, she still cared about the other teachers and classmates at Shrek Academy.

I remember back then Oscar vowed to cultivate diligently so that he would be qualified to join the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in the future.

"Never mind, it's getting late. I'll find another opportunity to ask the mistress tomorrow." Ning Rongrong shook her head and put the matter aside for the time being.

Her main task for the day—to show Tang San around Wuhun City and demonstrate the empire's "new look"—was basically completed.

As for the outcome, that depends on what Tang San thinks.

……

The next day, afternoon.

After a day of rest and internal discussions, the formal peace talks between the Heaven Dou Empire delegation and the Spirit Empire were held in the central council hall of Spirit City.

The venue was decorated in a solemn and dignified manner. On the side of the Martial Soul Empire, Prime Minister Ning Fengzhi was the leader, flanked by important officials from various departments of the empire, as well as several members of the Elder Hall with profound auras, forming a powerful lineup.

On the side of the Heaven Dou Empire, the chief envoy was Lan Hao Wang Tang San, with three members of the Education Committee as his assistants. Although the number of people was small, they represented the face of the Heaven Dou Empire.

After a brief opening and polite greetings, the meeting got down to business.

However, the "peace talks" that both empires had high hopes for proceeded in an unexpectedly... direct, even bizarre way.

As the representative of the Martial Soul Empire, Ning Fengzhi did not mince words and directly stated the empire's position:

"First of all, on behalf of Her Majesty the Empress of the Spirit Empire, I welcome you all. Regarding the relations between our two countries, the Empire can clearly inform you that in the foreseeable future, at least for the next few years, the Empire has no plans to initiate war."

He glanced around at the members of the Heavenly Dou delegation and continued, "As you have seen along the way, the Empire is currently focused on internal reforms, the promotion of soul guidance technology, and the construction of basic industries. Its focus is on its own development, and it has no time to attend to other matters."

This opening statement reassured the members of the Heavenly Dou delegation, suggesting that they wouldn't have to worry about war in the short term. However, Ning Fengzhi's next words made their hearts sink again.

“However,” Ning Fengzhi changed the subject, his tone still calm but his words sharp as a knife, “the empire’s long-term goal has never changed. Unifying the continent, eliminating separatism, and establishing a new, unified order is the empire’s established national policy, which will not be shaken by any external factors.”

"The regions that the Empire currently occupies are mostly the borders of the two former empires, and their resources and population are far less abundant than those in the heartland of the two empires. In order for the continued development of the Empire and to bring the benefits of the new order to more living beings, future expansion is inevitable."

He looked at Tang San with a profound gaze: "Therefore, please understand that peace is temporary. When the empire completes its internal integration and its strength is further enhanced, the continent will be reunited. At that time, the choice between war and peace may not be in your country's hands."

A hush fell over the hall. The faces of the Heavenly Dou delegation members turned grim. The other side had so bluntly stated their ultimate goal! This left absolutely no room for negotiation!

Ning Fengzhi seemed oblivious to their changing expressions and calmly said, "However, please rest assured, Your Excellency, and please convey to Your Majesty that the realization of this long-term goal is not imminent. The Empire needs time to complete its internal accumulation and reforms. At least for the next few years, or even longer, the Empire will not initiate war."

"During this period of peace, the Empire hopes to maintain normal trade and personnel exchanges with the Heavenly Dou Empire. Of course, if your country is willing to conduct a deeper discussion on this issue, such as... peacefully merging into the Empire and jointly creating the future, the Empire will also open its doors and guarantee the maximum protection of the interests of your royal family and subjects."

In other words, we'll fight you sooner or later, but not now. We're busy building up our infrastructure; we don't have time for war. You can use this time to think carefully: do you want to wait until we've grown stronger and then wipe you out, or do you want to be sensible and surrender now and maybe even gain some benefits?

This "peace declaration," which is almost like an ultimatum, carries a condescending confidence and... contempt.

The members of the Heavenly Dou delegation felt a surge of immense humiliation. They represented the Heavenly Dou Empire, which dominated the northern part of the continent; had they ever been treated so bluntly, almost as if their fate had been sealed?
The three education committee members looked ashen-faced, their lips pressed tightly together. Tang San's hand, hidden under the table, unconsciously clenched into a fist, his nails digging deep into his palm.

However, they dared not retaliate.

Because they knew that Ning Fengzhi was not lying.

The Martial Soul Empire does indeed possess such strength, especially with the unfathomable existence of Xuanming.

If they react excessively at this moment, giving the other party an excuse, no one can predict what the consequences will be.

They cannot bear the responsibility that could trigger a war between the two countries and cause immense suffering!
The atmosphere inside the venue was so heavy it was almost palpable.

Ultimately, this highly anticipated peace talks ended abruptly in an extremely strange and oppressive atmosphere.

No substantive agreement was reached between the two sides; the Spirit Empire merely unilaterally declared its "peace period" and its ultimate intentions.

The Tiandou delegation left the council hall filled with humiliation, worry, and an even deeper sense of crisis.

Meanwhile, the Martial Soul Empire calmly packed up their documents, as if they had just held a routine meeting.

For the Spirit Empire, this peace talk may just be a gesture, a declaration.

The real game has long since moved beyond the negotiating table. (End of Chapter)