Cai Yue'er's lips curved into a slight smile, "Oh, it seems then, Your Excellency, that you have come well-prepared!"
Regarding the issue of the evil Soul Master, Shrek Academy was definitely unable to shirk responsibility; but, if they were to support the cause at great risk without any benefit -- there's no such good deed in the world!
The Messenger nodded slightly, "Indeed, His Majesty the Emperor has granted us a certain level of authority. As long as the demands made by Shrek Academy are not too excessive, they can be considered on a case-by-case basis!"
That is to say, they had the right to negotiate on behalf of the Xingluo Empire's Emperor!
Cai Yue'er's beautiful eyes intensified as she spoke seriously, "Is that so... then what if I were to say I want Shrek Academy to establish a branch on the Xingluo Land?"
Hearing this, the Messenger's body gave a violent shudder, his expression undergoing a significant change as he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said, "Elder Cai, let's not joke about this, shall we?"
If Shrek Academy were to open a branch on Xingluo Land, just the title of the number one academy on the continent alone -- who would still go to the academies in the heartland of Xingluo?
Such a minor change could potentially lead to a decline in the quality of students in the Xingluo Empire and even affect the future landscape!
Cai Yue'er crossed her legs, speaking leisurely, "It's just a joke, Your Excellency. No need to be so nervous, our Shrek Academy won't take advantage of a crisis!"
Hearing this, the Messenger finally breathed a sigh of relief...
In his heart, he was frightened, "This Elder of the Sea God's Pavilion is truly terrifying! With just a few words, she has gained the upper hand in the discussion!"
This also meant that in the subsequent negotiations, he would have no say in the terms!
...
Meanwhile, the other Messengers were touring the Shrek Outer Court...
Upon reaching the square, they exclaimed in surprise, "This is Shrek Academy? It's nothing like what's been said outside, it doesn't look like it's short of students at all!"
"Just by looking with the naked eye, there seem to be thousands of them. I'm afraid the number is not less than that of our Xingluo Imperial Academy!"
"It's not that simple... Look at the badges some of the students are wearing on their chests, those are the symbols of Tang Sect. It seems that this outer court has taken in disciples from the sect whose home was destroyed!"
Just as they were about to proceed with their visit, they were stopped by Shen Yi who had been following behind them all along!
She smiled and said, "Messengers from Xingluo Land, while Shrek Academy welcomes visitors, the area ahead is the heavily guarded part of the Shrek Inner Court, accessible only to inner court disciples and teachers! Please understand."
Reluctantly, the Messengers nodded and began to tour other areas...
Watching them leave, Shen Yi sighed, "Really now, I had just finished with the hectic task of enrolling new students, and the Messengers from the Xingluo Empire arrived!"
Besides, there were those two troublesome kids, Yuanen Yehui and Yue Zhengyu...
Oh, why is it so difficult just to have a good connection with Xu Sheng?
After shaking her head, she had no choice but to follow the Messengers from Xingluo Land who had disappeared from her sight...
...
Blacksmith Association!
Walking along a rather spacious yet dimly lit underground passage with Zhen Hua, Gu Yue asked curiously, "Teacher, where are we going now?"
Although she hadn't seen anything strange, there was always a palpable thrill in her heart...
Zhen Hua explained with a smile, "This is the underground storage room, a critical area of the Blacksmith Association! Generally, no one is allowed entry without my order."
"Moreover, although this tunnel appears ordinary, it's actually filled with numerous detection devices and soul cannonballs!"
"Should an outsider attempt to intrude, a warning will be issued first. If they persist, even a powerhouse of the Titled Douluo level will be instantly blasted to pieces! So, you need to remember this!"
"Yes, Teacher!" Gu Yue nodded, silently committing the words to heart...
After walking for several hundred meters through the tunnel, a faint light began to emanate ahead, growing brighter at regular intervals...
Finally, at the end of the tunnel, a mechanical gate standing dozens of feet high came into view...
In the bottom right corner, a red-lit identification console was installed, obviously for verifying identities!
Zhen Hua calmly took out a silver card and placed it into the slot...
"Identification accepted!" As the voice sounded, the red light turned to green...
The mechanical gate rumbled as it slowly opened, revealing the space beyond...
Zhen Hua then retrieved the silver card and said, "Let's go!"
As the two entered, Gu Yue was the first to survey the surroundings, her eyes widening with amazement...
At that moment, she realized she had underestimated the Blacksmith Association!
For the storeroom was filled with all kinds of Mechas and Battle Armors, each shining with a unique luster and undoubtedly of immense value!
Of course, that also meant there were staff meticulously maintaining them at all times!
Seeing the surprised look on Gu Yue's face, Zhen Hua said proudly, "The Battle Armors you see here were all custom-forged by the Blacksmith Association on behalf of various clans and sects. As for the unused junior Mechas and One-Word Battle Armors, they are stored in the deepest part!"
He paused then presented a storage soul tool, resembling a ring, to Gu Yue, explaining, "This is a storage soul tool. I spent several months crafting it with care. It has enough internal space to hold hundreds of Mechas. Consider it a welcoming gift from your teacher!"
Gu Yue, looking at the ring forcefully placed in her hand by the other, couldn't help but show a touch of emotion in her eyes...
She hadn't expected that her newly acknowledged teacher would be so thoughtful!
However, regaining her composure, she still shook her head and said, "Teacher, it's too precious! I can't accept it!"
After all, Zhen Hua had not only taught her forging knowledge but had also offered help without asking for reasons!
In contrast, she had always approached with an ulterior motive, how could she face accepting such a valuable gift?
Upon hearing her response, Zhen Hua's expression turned stern as he said in an unquestionable tone, "No... You must accept it. It is your teacher's welcoming gift. Since I took you as my disciple, I have never given you anything substantial!!"
As a Divine Craftsman, it was not easy to give a gift to a disciple, and it was not something to be refused!
At this moment, Gu Yue suddenly revealed a pure smile, making everything around her seem dull in comparison...
"Thank you, teacher. Then, I will accept it!!"
Indeed, she needed a large enough storage soul tool to hold Mechas!
Otherwise, if the Blacksmith Association were called upon to deliver them, it could potentially expose their military force!
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