…
"As long as they are willing to come, they can name their terms."
"Whether it's funding, resources, or their future status in the Heaven Dou Empire, Moon Pavilion can satisfy them."
Bai He put down his teacup, stroked his white beard, and fell into brief contemplation.
He knew his old buddy Niu Gao's temperament well; that old rhinoceros was incredibly stubborn and harbored deep hatred for the Clear Sky Sect.
However, as Tang Yuehua said, Moon Pavilion now represented Luo Nan, this peerless powerhouse, not the Clear Sky Sect hiding in the mountains.
Moreover, if Niu Gao knew of the Min clan's current glory, he would surely be moved.
Thinking of this, Bai He's face revealed a confident smile.
"Yuehua, Your Majesty Luo Nan, you can rest assured and leave this matter to me!"
Bai He loudly assured him, his tone full of confidence.
"That old rhinoceros may have a bad temper, but we're sworn brothers."
"I'll personally go to Longxing City and present him with the strength and sincerity of our Moon Pavilion."
"With the living example of our Min clan, I don't believe that old rhinoceros won't be tempted!"
"Just wait for my good news in Heaven Dou City; I guarantee I'll bring the Yu clan to you intact!"
…
Soon, more than a week passed.
During this week, Heaven Dou City appeared calm on the surface, but undercurrents were already surging.
The royal family's preparations for the Soul Master Revival Foundation were proceeding intensively.
Meanwhile, on Moon Pavilion's side, Tang Yuehua mobilized her vast commercial empire to begin stockpiling resources for the upcoming massive project.
"Report—"
came the servant's voice from outside the door.
"Your Majesty, Madam, the Bai He Clan Chief of the Min Clan has returned, bringing with him an extremely imposing guest."
Luo Nan and Tang Yuehua, sitting opposite him, exchanged a glance, both of them smiling faintly.
Judging by the time, the Bai He should indeed be back.
"Quickly, invite them in," Tang Yuehua put down the account book in her hand and softly instructed.
A short while later, heavy, powerful footsteps echoed in the corridor. Then
, the heavy, carved wooden door of the reception room was pushed open, and the Bai He walked in, looking travel-worn.
Behind the Bai He followed a giant man, as imposing as an iron tower.
This giant man was over two meters tall, his muscles bulging, making his wide, coarse cloth robe bulge.
This man was none other than the patriarch of the Yu Clan, one of the four major single-attribute sects, the Old Rhinoceros Niu Gao.
As soon as Niu Gao stepped into the extremely luxurious reception room, his large, bell-like eyes warily scanned the surroundings.
Although he was a rough man, he could tell that every piece of furniture in the room was priceless.
However, his gaze did not linger on these inanimate objects for long, but quickly locked onto Luo Nan, who sat in the main seat, and Tang Yuehua beside him.
Upon seeing Tang Yuehua, Niu Gao's expression changed slightly.
After all, Tang Yuehua's surname was Tang, and she was a direct descendant of the Clear Sky Sect, the sect that had once pushed their four major sects into an abyss.
"Yuehua, Your Excellency Luo Nan, I have fulfilled my mission and brought this stubborn rhinoceros back to you."
Bai He stepped forward, bowed slightly, his tone revealing a hint of weariness, but mostly excitement.
"Uncle, you've worked hard. Please sit down." Tang Yuehua quickly rose and personally poured tea for Bai He.
Bai He waved his hand, turned to look at Luo Nan, and lowered his voice, saying, "Your Majesty, I already discussed the matter with Old Rhino in Longxing City."
" He was somewhat interested in building the new city, and we reached a general agreement. But..."
Bai He paused, glanced at the somber-faced Niu Gao beside him, and continued with some concern, "However, there are some things Old Rhino insists on discussing with you in person; otherwise, he will never agree."
Upon hearing this, Luo Nan put down his teacup, his gaze calmly falling on Niu Gao. He sized up the Soul Douluo, renowned for his defensive prowess in the original story, and nodded slightly.
"Clan Chief Niu Gao, I've long admired your name," Luo Nan said calmly.
"Since Clan Chief Baihe says you want to speak with me personally, let's get straight to the point. What do you want to talk about?"
Niu Gao snorted coldly, swaggering over to the sofa opposite Luo Nan and sitting down. His heavy body caused the leather sofa to groan in pain. He didn't touch the tea on the table, but stared intently at Luo Nan.
"You're the Luo Nan who's been causing such a stir in Heaven Dou City lately, the one even Emperor Xue Ye is trying to curry favor with?"
Niu Gao's voice boomed like a bell, making one's eardrums ring.
"I heard from Old White Bird that you're planning to bring our entire Yu Clan to Heaven Dou City?"
"Kid, you've got quite the ambition! What?"
"Seeing our Yu Clan's current decline, you're planning to emulate the Clear Sky Sect of yesteryear."
"Just a little sweet talk, and you expect us to become your Moon Pavilion's affiliated sect, your dogs?!"
Niu Gao's words were utterly blunt, even laced with barbs, brimming with hostility.
Upon hearing this, the air in the entire reception room seemed to freeze instantly. Bai He, standing to the side, paled, his heart leaping into his throat.
He knew Niu Gao's temper all too well; once it involved affiliated sects and the Clear Sky Sect, this old rhinoceros was a force to be reckoned with.
But sitting opposite him wasn't some benevolent figure, but a peerless killing god capable of easily flattening mountains!
"Old Rhinoceros! What nonsense are you spouting!" Bai He, sweating profusely, hurriedly rebuked him while desperately trying to signal Niu Gao with his eyes.
"Your Majesty didn't mean that. Don't take out your resentment from the Clear Sky Sect on Your Majesty!"
However, Niu Gao seemed oblivious to Bai He's signals, continuing to stare intently at Luo Nan, poised to storm off at the slightest provocation.
Faced with Niu Gao's aggressive attitude, Luo Nan didn't erupt in anger as Bai He had feared. Instead, he suddenly laughed.
"Hehe..."
Luo Nan's laughter was soft, but it was remarkably clear in the quiet reception room. He shook his head, looking at Niu Gao as if he were looking at a sulking child.
"Clan Chief Niu Gao, you don't need to act like a frightened hedgehog, raising all your quills at everyone you see."
"Don't worry, I, Luo Nan, am not that tasteless."
"When I do business or negotiate partnerships, I never talk about such empty things as vassalage."
"That's meaningless. To put it bluntly, I don't have the time or energy to support an entire sect like yours."
Niu Gao was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting Luo Nan to give such an answer.
…
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