Chapter 691: The Bestowment Ceremony
Xiao Ze was fully aware that the 4 million drops of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid that Mandala gave him was somewhat excessive.
Although Mandala claimed that the pills could fetch a similar price at auction, that value was based on competitive bidding driving the price higher. Under normal trading conditions, this batch of pills wouldn't have reached such a high valuation.
Xiao Ze understood that Mandala's generosity stemmed from his earlier efforts in helping her suppress her curse. Whether it was granting him access to alchemy tomes and pill recipes, free access to spirit array knowledge, or her continued support, Mandala's kindness had been constant.
Every one of these favors was etched deeply in Xiao Ze's heart. He vowed that when he achieved greater strength, he would repay her kindness tenfold, if not more.
For now, though, he was just a small Eighth Grade Sovereign. Anything he could offer would be insignificant to someone as powerful as Mandala, a true Earth Sovereign. Attempting to do so might even seem laughable.
Seeing Xiao Ze's serious demeanor, Mandala smiled faintly and, with a wave of her hand, collected the radiant river of pills.
"If you still have the energy to create an even greater batch of pills, I could arrange a pill auction in Tianshan City," Mandala said casually, resting her chin on her palm.
"Using the momentum of the Daluo Heavenly Territory's recent campaign to attract attention, we could easily draw in more participants. However," she added, her tone sharpening, "if you can't produce pills of this caliber, it's better not to embarrass yourself or tarnish the reputation of Daluo Heavenly Territory."
Her words made Xiao Ze's eyes light up.
Having learned about Tianshan City during his time in Daluo Heavenly Territory, Xiao Ze knew it was one of the most prosperous cities under its rule. The city alone contributed nearly a million drops of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid in annual tribute a staggering figure.
For perspective, even the six hundred cities controlled by the Nine Nether Palace in the future would only yield tens of thousands of Sovereign Liquid annually. This comparison highlighted Tianshan City's extraordinary wealth and significance.
If an auction could be held in Tianshan City, it would surely yield an immense profit, especially with the added allure of Daluo Heavenly Territory's recent victory.
Mandala's strategies were nothing short of brilliant. This campaign was achieving multiple objectives: securing resources, consolidating power, and now potentially facilitating a lucrative auction.
Ignoring her sharp tongued warning, Xiao Ze smiled. He knew her well enough to sense the goodwill beneath her words.
"Rest assured, if not for the limited resources I had earlier, the batch of pills I just produced could have been 20% larger," Xiao Ze replied confidently.
"Now that I have plenty of Sovereign Spiritual Liquid, I can even attempt pills suitable for late stage Sovereigns."
Mandala's golden eyes widened in surprise, and she sat upright to look at Xiao Ze.
"Truly?"
After all, pills for late stage Sovereigns were intended for individuals at the level of Daluo Heavenly Territory's three kings a significant tier of leadership.
"Of course," Xiao Ze said, his tone calm yet assured. "If not for certain constraints with spiritual energy, I might even be able to craft pills for Earth Sovereigns."
Mandala inhaled sharply, her delicate teeth lightly biting her lip as she stared at Xiao Ze like he was some kind of monster.
Can a lower realm's alchemy techniques truly reach such heights?
Still, Mandala couldn't help but feel convinced by Xiao Ze's confidence. His abilities had consistently exceeded expectations, earning her trust.
"Very well!" Mandala said, her voice filled with resolve.
"If you can truly produce pills for late stage Sovereigns, Daluo Heavenly Territory will pay top price to secure them!"
She paused, a flicker of ambition crossing her face.
"And if the day comes when you can craft pills for Earth Sovereigns, whatever rare techniques, arrays, or treasures you desire from Daluo Heavenly Territory, just name it!"
Mandala's bold declaration left even Xiao Ze momentarily stunned.
Earth Sovereign level pills were a benchmark for top tier alchemists in the Great Thousand World. Only a handful of alchemists could create such pills, and those who could were highly sought after, even by Heaven Sovereigns.
Seeing Mandala's decisive offer, Xiao Ze chuckled. Though he wasn't yet capable of crafting Earth Sovereign level pills, he appreciated her faith in his potential.
That same afternoon, Mandala held a grand bestowment ceremony at the Daluo Grand Plaza.
This massive plaza, usually sealed off, was only opened for momentous occasions like the coronation of new kings or the post campaign bestowment ceremonies.
The expansive square, vast enough to seem endless, was now filled with ranks of soldiers. These armies, standing tall with auras brimming with battle hardened determination, were the focus of the event.
At the forefront of each division stood figures of authority: kings and their commanders. Those who had distinguished themselves during the campaign wore expressions of pride, while those who had suffered heavy losses appeared pale and worried, fearing the dissolution of their forces.
Amid the growing anticipation, three towering presences descended onto the elevated platform. These were Daluo Heavenly Territory's three kings: the Slumber King, the Sky Vulture King, and the Spirit Eye King.
As they ascended the stage, they did not immediately take their seats. Instead, they turned to face the throne atop the platform, bowing their heads in respect.
Their appearance brought the clamorous plaza to silence. Countless gazes shifted toward the throne, filled with reverence and curiosity.
Everyone knew that the foundation of Daluo Heavenly Territory's power rested entirely on one individual. As long as the Daluo Territory Lord stood, the territory would remain one of the Northern Region's top powers.
Under countless watchful eyes, the space above the throne began to distort. A golden figure emerged, radiating an overwhelming aura that swept across the territory.
The golden light enveloping the figure obscured their features, and any attempt to probe their identity was met with a sharp backlash, blinding the would be observer.
As this radiant figure took their seat, everyone present dropped to one knee in perfect unison. Their thunderous voices merged into a unified roar that echoed for miles.
"Hail the Lord of Daluo!"
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