The Star Luo Emperor was far too clever to fully believe Ye Yin's denial, but since the young man flatly refused to admit it, the Emperor had no proof to use against him. He sat in silence for a moment, thinking of a different way to handle the situation.
Finally, he changed his approach. "Even if you say you didn't do it, the fact remains that you helped Mubai," the Emperor said, leaning back. "What is it you really want? A Count of the Heaven Dou Empire wouldn't travel all this way to help my son for no reason. Everyone has a price."
Ye Yin smiled faintly. He knew that the real negotiation—the part where they traded favors—was finally starting. "Your Majesty is very wise," Ye Yin replied politely. "I help my friends because I want to, and I don't usually ask for rewards. But, if Your Majesty feels uneasy about owing me a favor..."
He paused, acting as if he were thinking very hard. "I have heard that in the mountains near the border of the Star Luo Empire and the Star Dou Great Forest, there are many rare metals and special herbs. These things are very helpful for Spirit Masters like us. If Your Majesty could give me trade permits for those areas, I would be very happy. I would like my merchant caravans from the Yin Feng Territory to be the first ones allowed to buy those resources."
On the surface, it sounded like a simple business deal that would even help the Star Luo Empire make money. But the Emperor was incredibly sharp. He immediately saw the hidden meaning behind the request!
By asking for priority trade rights for rare resources, Ye Yin was trying to get a legal foothold in the Star Luo Empire's most important strategic areas. The Yin Feng Territory sat right on the border between the two great Empires. If Ye Yin controlled the trade there, he would eventually become the unofficial ruler of that entire region. The Emperor realized this young man's ambitions were much bigger than they seemed.
The Emperor's eyes shone with a cold light, but he didn't say no. Instead, he spoke slowly. "I will think about your request. However, I have a condition of my own."
"Please tell me, Your Majesty," Ye Yin said.
"Mubai is about to start handling the affairs of the Empire," the Emperor said, his voice full of authority. "He is still young, and his foundation is not strong yet. He will definitely face many problems. I want you to promise that you will stay here in the Star Luo Empire until Mubai has fully established his power. If he needs help, you must give it to him."
These words sounded like the Emperor was relying on Ye Yin, but it was actually a trap. On one hand, he did want Ye Yin to help Dai Mubai stabilize the kingdom. On the other hand, it was a way to keep Ye Yin where he could see him. If Ye Yin was in the capital, the Emperor could monitor and control him, preventing him from going back to Heaven Dou and becoming a threat to Star Luo in the future.
Ye Yin knew exactly what the Emperor was trying to do. However, instead of looking worried, he let a look of delight spread across his face. He agreed without a second thought. "Since Your Majesty commands it, I will do my best. Mubai is my dear friend; it is my duty to help him protect the Empire."
Seeing him agree so quickly actually made the Emperor feel a bit suspicious, but he kept his face calm. "Good! Then I grant your request for the trade permits. My officials will contact you to handle the details."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Ye Yin said with another bow.
They spent the next few minutes talking about casual things—the different cultures of the two Empires and how Spirit Masters train. They acted as if they hadn't just been testing each other's strength. But every word they spoke was a hidden probe of the other's wit. Ye Yin answered every question easily. He even shared some unique theories about Spirit Master cultivation that made the old Titled Douluo—who had been resting with his eyes closed—give a small nod of approval.
Finally, the Emperor looked tired and waved his hand. "That is enough for today. You may leave."
"This Ye takes his leave," Ye Yin said, turning gracefully and walking out of the hall.
The moment Ye Yin was gone, the Emperor's gentle look disappeared. His face became very serious. "Uncle Gui, what do you think of him?" he asked the old man beside him.
The grey-robed elder slowly opened his eyes. They were no longer sleepy; they were sharp and clear. "This child is unfathomable," the old man said in a raspy voice. "His mental force is the strongest I have ever seen. It is much higher than his spirit power level would suggest. He is steady and smart, not at all like a normal young man. He is shrouded in mist that even I cannot see through."
The Emperor frowned. "And that method he used to change Dai Weisi?"
The elder shook his head. "I cannot prove it was him, but there must be a connection. Your Majesty, we must use him, but we must also be very careful. He is probably a bigger threat than ten versions of Dai Weisi."
The Emperor took a deep breath. "I know. For now, let him help Mubai. Once the internal problems of the Empire are solved..." He didn't finish the sentence, but the meaning was clear. He intended to deal with Ye Yin later.
As the carriage drove away from the palace, the gentle smile on Ye Yin's face turned into a look of cold mockery. "Old fox," he muttered to himself. "You really think you can tie me down in Star Luo?"
He knew exactly what the Emperor was planning, but it was actually what he wanted. He needed time to settle his gains in the Star Luo Empire. He needed to grow his territory, manage his relationships with Zhu Zhuyun and her sister, and search for the secrets hidden deep within this land. Being allowed to stay legally made his life much easier. And if they ever tried to force him to stay against his will, he had his own ways of escaping. He already knew that the Slaughter City was somewhere within the borders of this Empire.
"System, check my current total Resentment Value," Ye Yin thought silently.
Numbers flashed in his mind. The anger and frustration he had caused Dai Weisi, Zhu Zhuyun, and the other nobles had added up to a huge amount of points.
"It's time for a ten-pull draw," he decided. "Maybe I can find something to make me stronger or help me with the trouble coming my way."
The carriage moved through the noisy streets of the capital. Outside, everything looked normal, but Ye Yin knew a new storm was coming. When he arrived back at the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School branch, he went straight to a secret room. He sat down and focused his mind on the system interface.
"System, do a ten-pull!"
The gacha wheel in his mind began to spin rapidly, glowing with light.
[Congratulations! You have obtained Ding Dong Chicken * 5!] [Congratulations! You have obtained Want Want Milk QQ Candy * 5!] [You have also received 5 Netherworld Essential Oils and 5 Powerful Medicines!] [New items have been added to the Special Shop!]
Ye Yin looked at the system screen. He could spend 100 points for one draw or 1,000 points for ten. He knew the more he drew, the better the prizes would be. For now, he had plenty of items like surströmming and marrow cleansing fruit available if he needed them. He smiled, ready to see what else he could win.
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