Upon hearing Song Ji's words, Ye Yun was silent for a long time.
He knew that the influence of the Heavenly Dao on reality would have a tremendous impact, but he had not anticipated such a profound disruption to the technological system of reality. If this continued, it was likely that all players on the entire planet would abandon technological civilization and embrace cultivation systems.
In other words, the structures he had previously dismissed as superstitious and blindly constructed were, in fact, disguised operations managed by the state.
Seeing Ye Yun’s prolonged silence, the five elders grew somewhat anxious. After all, Ye Yun commanded the most powerful military force on the Blue Star, and his own strength surpassed that of all nations.
“It’s just that the investment is too great. With the fusion of star domains imminent, is it necessary to go to such lengths?” Ye Yun asked, a hint of a frown on his face as he finished a cup of tea and looked at the five men.
“Young friend Ye, we have discussed this matter. In this society, because everyone has materialized a certain level of strength from the Heavenly Dao, it inevitably leads some individuals to develop inflated egos. Those who have materialized less strength are relatively manageable, but the wealthy or those with special abilities are beyond the reach of local police.”
“Therefore, these sects not only perform the functions of provincial and municipal governments but also serve to gather and restrain these individuals. Furthermore, the expenses for constructing these various sects are not entirely borne by us; a significant portion comes from foreign investment.”
As Xia Xingchao spoke of this, a sense of pride flickered in his eyes. Despite the changing times, thanks to Ye Yun’s existence, Huayi Nation, both within the Heavenly Dao and in reality, possessed an aura of all nations paying homage.
For other countries, the fusion of star domains and reality signified an apocalypse. However, for Huayi Nation, it was the dawn of a new golden age.
Upon hearing Xia Xingchao’s words, Ye Yun, while not entirely in agreement, did not press the matter further. They were, after all, considering the broader picture, and thus many of their actions appeared as if they were dancing on a tightrope.
In essence, they intended to leverage this star domain fusion to solidify Huayi Nation’s position on the Blue Star and consolidate their domestic rule.
“Very well, you five elder brothers can handle it. However, the fusion of star domains is a pressing matter. I hope the military is prepared for it by then. My Dragon Palace cannot fully guarantee the safety of the Blue Star.”
“Understood. Young friend, rest assured, our military is on high alert. High-end combat forces have already been deployed to various regions,” Tang Zhe, the direct representative of the military, declared, patting his chest.
Peace was the ultimate mission of soldiers. Ye Yun said no more on this matter. The group sat on the rooftop of the Tianyue Tower, sipping tea and engaging in casual conversation.
“Haha, Elder Xia, Elder Song, I’ve been looking all over for you two. Finally found you,” a hearty laugh echoed from a distance, and a young man strode through the air as if strolling in his own courtyard.
Only those above the Xiantian realm could traverse the sky. According to Ye Yun’s cultivation realm division, this would be the Nascent Soul realm. However, this young man’s strength had reached the Void Returning realm, making him stronger than Xiantian and considerably more powerful than the five elders present.
“Halt! Approach no further!” The Tianyue Tower was surrounded by special defense personnel. Before the young man could get close, two guards flew up and blocked his path.
“The Wang family of Suhang? Didn’t they join the Forbes Alliance? What are they doing here this time?” Jin Di, who was responsible for matters concerning noble families, quickly recognized the newcomer.
The Forbes Alliance was established during the early stages of the Heavenly Dao’s awakening by the Forbes Federation. Its Elder Council and core members numbered three hundred and fifty individuals, all of whom were the wealthiest magnates on the Blue Star. Together with the European Knights of the Rothschild family and the Germanic Empire of the United States, they formed the three major civilian guilds on the Blue Star, each with over a million members.
“What, you two insignificant security guards dare to stop me? If you delay the cooperation between Forbes and our Huayi Nation, can you bear the responsibility?” The young man, though halted, reprimanded the two guards of comparable strength with arrogance and insolence.
“Let him come,” Song Ji glanced at Ye Yun and then said.
“The five esteemed leaders truly know how to enjoy life. Unlike us, we have to worry about the entrance fees to Shangjing City at all times.” The young man entered the Tianyue Tower, glanced at Ye Yun, and then, with a smile, sat down by himself.
“Who are you from the Wang family of Suhang, and what business do you have here?” Jin Di asked, his brow furrowed in displeasure.
“Elder Jin, although I grew up in the United States, with your influence, you should know me. But since Elder Jin asks, I will answer. I am the second son of the Wang family of Suhang, Wang Rong.” The young man, seeing the tea brewed by Song Ji on the table, poured himself a cup before replying.
“What is it you want from us?”
Regarding noble families, Song Ji and the others remained silent, with Jin Di handling all matters as he was the most knowledgeable about the intricate relationships within these families.
“Elder Jin, I represent not only my Wang family but the entire Forbes Alliance. We hope Huayi Nation can lease us a piece of land within its borders, and similarly, within the game.” Wang Rong surveyed the five Huayi Nation leaders and continued without waiting for their assent.
“We have conducted prior investigations. In the real world, it would be best if the area was the size of a direct-controlled municipality. We can pay a lease fee of one hundred million gold coins annually and provide approximately ten million job opportunities.”
“As for the game, the same applies within Shangjing City. We hope Huayi Nation can open an independent space for us, with an area of just one square kilometer. The lease fee is also one hundred million gold coins. We will then sign a Heavenly Dao contract, with a duration of twenty years. Esteemed elders, you may state any demands you have.”
Wang Rong, seemingly oblivious to their grim expressions, spoke with a smile.
“Young Master Wang, allow us to discuss this matter first. We will give you a reply in a couple of days,” Jin Di said, his gaze calm as he looked at Wang Rong.
“Indeed, but I hope you can give us a reply as soon as possible, as you know the temperaments of the alliance’s leaders,” Wang Rong stood up and brushed off his backside as if the stone chair he had just sat on had dirtied his clothes.
“This young brother looks rather unfamiliar. May I ask which esteemed figure’s descendant you are?” As Wang Rong prepared to leave, he seemed to notice Ye Yun sitting beside him.
“Indeed, you are unfamiliar. A mere merchant dares to threaten a nation and calls himself a prince. It seems you have forgotten the blood that flows in your veins,” Ye Yun also stood up, looking at Wang Rong’s contemptuous eyes, and slapped him directly to the ground…