Douluo: Starting from Source Castle, I am invincible

With a calm expression and an undeniable resoluteness in his tone, Xue Zhonggao said softly, "Sect Leader Tang, let's not beat around the bush. I'll be frank, Tang Sect's demands are indeed a little difficult for us to accept."

He paused slightly, his gaze steady as he looked at Tang Wulin, and continued, "Purchasing weapons but not being able to use them freely, this restriction is simply too harsh for our side."

"If Tang Sect is willing to lift this restriction, our side is willing to increase the originally agreed price by another ten percent. Sect Leader Tang, this is already the greatest sincerity I can show."

Increase by ten percent? At first glance, this proportion doesn't seem impressive. However, it should be noted that this transaction involves a large number of fixed-mounted soul-guided weapons, the total value of which can be described as astronomical.

If the situation weren't urgent, with war on the verge of breaking out, Xue Zhonggao would never have easily offered such tempting conditions. In the final analysis, the soul-guided technology level of Douling Continent is simply too backward compared to the outside world.

In this era where technology determines strength, the stagnation of soul-guided technology seriously restricts the development of Douling Continent, putting them in an extremely passive position when facing the Federation.

In order to gain a chance of survival in the upcoming war and enhance their own strength, Xue Zhonggao had no choice but to make such a concession.

At the same time, Tang Sect has been operating in Douling Continent for many years, with deep roots and intricate influence. Xue Zhonggao knows that if he completely antagonizes Tang Sect, it will undoubtedly bring him a lot of trouble.

Even if he has long-term plans in his heart and wants to compete with Tang Sect in the future, he needs time to accumulate enough power, and now is not the time to completely fall out.

In Xue Zhonggao's view, paying a little more money is not an unbearable burden.

After all, it's just some paper money. As long as he subsequently orders the price of rare metals in the country to be raised again, even if Tang Sect profits from this transaction, it won't be too much. In this way, he can balance the gains and losses to a certain extent.

"Sect Leader Tang, this is our final decision." Xue Zhonggao straightened his back, his expression serious, and said firmly, "If Tang Sect is unwilling to accept this condition, then there is probably no need for our negotiations to continue."

Hearing Xue Zhonggao's sonorous words, Tang Wulin's brows furrowed instantly. Before embarking on the journey to Douling Continent, Zang Xin, the Amorous Douluo, had discussed the strategy for this negotiation with her in depth.

Given that Douling Continent's national strength is relatively weak and the number of top powerhouses is small, Zang Xin believed that in the negotiation process, pressure tactics could be appropriately used, and even some other strategies could be adopted to suppress the other party, so as to occupy a dominant position in the negotiation.

When Tang Wulin first arrived in Douling Continent, he originally planned to act according to the plan. When he first met this new emperor, Xue Zhonggao, he wanted to give him a show of strength with his powerful mental power, creating a favorable atmosphere for subsequent negotiations.

However, under the reminder of the Holy Spirit Douluo, Tang Wulin learned that Aponia, who was beside the emperor, was actually a Limit Douluo.

This news was like a heavy hammer, instantly sobering her up, and she knew that rashly taking strong measures would only backfire under the deterrence of such a powerhouse, so she decisively put away those original thoughts.

"This new emperor has an extremely tough style and seems to be hiding other unknown trump cards." Tang Wulin thought to himself, "If the restriction clause is not lifted, judging from his attitude, I'm afraid he will really end the negotiations without hesitation."

At the same time, a trace of doubt lingered in Tang Wulin's mind, "Moreover, his attitude is really a bit strange. Tang Sect has previously clearly announced that it is responsible for destroying the Spirit Transfer Pagoda's sub-tower headquarters, and has also publicly revealed the evil situation of evil soul masters existing in the Spirit Transfer Pagoda's sub-tower."

"Such a major event, but he didn't mention it at all during the entire negotiation process. Is he really so calm, or is there something else hidden?"

In an instant, Tang Wulin's mind was filled with thoughts, and various ideas came one after another. This negotiation is of great importance, and a slight carelessness may lead to a series of unpredictable consequences.

Tang Sect's bottom line, in essence, is that those restriction clauses can be abandoned. The batch of weapons they provide may indeed have a significant impact on the war situation at the current stage, and may even reverse the course of the war to a certain extent.

However, these weapons are ultimately consumables. Although they can help the two great empires gain an advantage in this war, they are not enough to allow the two great empires to have the strength to counterattack the Federation.

The reason why Tang Sect set those restrictive clauses is more to show its position and attitude to the outside world.

Tang Wulin took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, I can agree to your conditions. But correspondingly, I hope you can also guarantee that you will only use this batch of weapons to protect Douling Continent."

Tang Wulin's eyes were like torches, staring closely at Xue Zhonggao's eyes, trying to find out the most real thoughts in the emperor's heart.

At this moment, the hall was so quiet that a pin could be heard dropping, and the air in the hall seemed to be solidified by this tense confrontation.

Seeing Xue Zhonggao's previous tough and resolute attitude, Tang Wulin understood in his heart that if he refused, the other party might really end this crucial conversation without hesitation.

In fact, Tang Sect had planned from the beginning to trade this batch of carefully developed weapons to the Douling Empire. Now that the price has risen by ten percent in the negotiations, it is undoubtedly a pleasant surprise for Tang Sect, and there is naturally no reason to refuse.

Hearing Tang Wulin's response, a well-measured smile instantly appeared on Xue Zhonggao's face, a smile like the warm sun of spring, seemingly gentle and harmless, but also making it difficult to see through its deep meaning.

"Sect Leader Tang, rest assured, I can guarantee to you that I will definitely not use this batch of weapons casually." His voice was steady and powerful, echoing in the empty hall.

The current Douling Continent is indeed too weak in terms of soul-guided technology and many other aspects compared to the other two continents. Even with the batch of weapons provided by Tang Sect, in the current situation, they would never dare to use them casually.

After all, these weapons serve more as a deterrent, and perhaps only when the Federation fleet strikes will they become Douling Continent's last resort.

Tang Wulin tried his best to probe from various angles, but he still failed to get a definite answer from the emperor.

"If that's the case, then we'll take our leave first. Your Majesty, I hope you don't be deceived by the appearance of the Spirit Transfer Pagoda."

After a fruitless attempt, Tang Wulin helplessly cupped his hands to Xue Zhonggao, preparing to leave.

Since she couldn't get the desired assurance from this emperor, there was nothing she could do. She couldn't possibly force Xue Zhonggao to state his position using heavy-handed tactics, as that would only backfire.

Moreover, there were many affairs on the Star Luo Continent waiting for her to handle, and she really didn't have time to delay here any longer.

Although Tang Wulin was worried about the Dou Spirit Emperor's arrogance and ambiguous attitude towards the Spirit Transfer Pagoda, she could only choose to put it aside for the time being.

"Sect Leader Tang, have a good journey." Seeing this, Xue Zhonggao immediately stood up, displaying extremely high etiquette, and personally escorted Tang Wulin out of the palace. This action undoubtedly fully demonstrated his respect for Tang Wulin, the Sect Leader of Tang Sect.

"Well, Your Majesty, you can stop here." Seeing Xue Zhonggao's attitude, Tang Wulin's originally slightly solemn expression, caused by not receiving a definite answer, eased a lot.

At least, from Xue Zhonggao's behavior, it could be seen that the Dou Spirit Empire still attached considerable importance to Tang Sect.

...

Watching Tang Wulin's departing figure disappear from sight, the gentle smile on Xue Zhonggao's face instantly vanished, replaced by a look of sternness and seriousness.

He turned expressionlessly and returned to the main hall with steady steps. At this time, Li Xiaochou and Aponia had been waiting there for a long time.

"Hmph."

Xue Zhonggao snorted coldly, recalling Tang Wulin's warnings during their earlier conversation, and couldn't help but slam his palm heavily on the chair.

"Your Majesty, there's no need to be angry. This is just a delaying tactic. Our Dou Spirit Continent is the weakest of the three continents. Currently, it seems that Tang Sect's help is essential if we want to resist the Federal Fleet's attack."

"As long as we can get through this most difficult period, it won't be too late to take action against Tang Sect when our grand plan is accomplished," Li Xiaochou said, standing up immediately and trying to appease Xue Zhonggao.

Listening to Li Xiaochou's words, Xue Zhonggao also realized his previous loss of composure. He slightly adjusted his mindset, calmed his emotions, and then asked:

"Prime Minister, hasn't your research on the Ouke finished yet? Didn't you say before that you had developed a virus that could transform ordinary people into Ouke without losing their rationality?"

Li Xiaochou said, "Your Majesty, don't be impatient. After all, the Ouke can't be seen in the light. If we really start manufacturing Ouke on a large scale, there will inevitably be some clues."

"With Tang Sect's intelligence network, if they find out that the Dou Spirit Empire is manufacturing Ouke, they may not support the empire when the Federal Fleet attacks."

"Therefore, we must proceed cautiously with the matter of manufacturing Ouke. Moreover, if we create too many Ouke at once, there will inevitably be problems with management."

After hearing this, Xue Zhonggao took a deep breath, tried to calm himself down, thought for a moment, and said, "Indeed, this matter should not be exposed now. At least, we have to wait until we repel the Federal Fleet before we have time to develop."

Then, Xue Zhonggao changed the subject and asked, "Also, Prime Minister, how is the ultimate zombie virus that you mentioned to me before progressing? I am still waiting for your research results."

The reason why Xue Zhonggao initially agreed to let the Apocalypse Church become the state religion was quite complicated. On the one hand, he hoped to win over Aponia. On the other hand, Li Xiaochou had painted a very tempting future blueprint for him.

Li Xiaochou had proposed to him that by turning all the people of the Dou Spirit Continent into Ouke, they could initially be endowed with soul power. Then, after a period of development, these people could grow into soul masters, thereby enhancing the overall strength of the Dou Spirit Continent.

As long as the Ouke could be popularized on a large scale, and a powerful army could be formed with them, then the strength of the Dou Spirit Empire would be greatly enhanced.

Even in extreme cases, if the weapons provided by Tang Sect could not effectively deter the Federal Fleet, they could turn all the civilians of the Dou Spirit Continent into Ouke, achieving a situation where everyone was a soldier.

Once transformed into Ouke, even ordinary people who originally did not have soul power would possess it.

The Dou Spirit Continent's huge population base, close to 260 million people, if fully armed, would be a force that no power would dare to underestimate. Even the powerful Federation might be dragged down by such a human wave tactic.

This was also the confidence that Xue Zhonggao had to negotiate with Tang Wulin just now. If the Federation really pushed them to the brink, then he would explode with the Federation.

As for whether those Ouke would rebel, Xue Zhonggao was not worried about this. Because Li Xiaochou had explained the habits of the Ouke to him in detail. It was said that they were just like soul beasts, naturally obeying the strong, and it had to be the strongest among their own kind.

As long as the strongest Ouke appeared, the remaining Ouke would spontaneously submit. This was an instinct deeply embedded in their genes.

The so-called ultimate zombie virus, according to Li Xiaochou, was the royal bloodline among the Ouke, naturally several times stronger than the other Ouke, and could command the other ordinary Ouke.

As long as he could successfully implant the ultimate zombie virus, and then turn all the people of the Dou Spirit Continent into Ouke, then why would he fear the threat of the Federal Fleet?

Perhaps, by that time, he could lead the mighty Ouke army and directly counterattack the Douluo Continent, and finally bring all three continents into his possession, realizing the great cause that successive emperors had dreamed of but never achieved.

Whenever he thought of this, Xue Zhonggao's heartbeat would involuntarily quicken slightly, and his eyes would flash with狂热的光芒. He couldn't wait to see that day come. By that time, he would become the veritable "Ouke King."

In terms of soul technology, the gap between the Dou Spirit Continent and the Federation was like an insurmountable chasm. It was almost impossible to catch up with the Federation.

Unless Tang Sect was willing to unreservedly share all their scientific research results with the Dou Spirit Empire. But this was obviously an unrealistic fantasy, and Tang Sect would never make such a decision.

Even if Tang Sect was really willing to share, the Dou Spirit Empire would also need to spend a lot of time and energy to delve into, digest, and absorb these results, and then transform these achievements into actual productivity, creating corresponding soul tools.

This was undoubtedly an extremely large and complex project, which could not be completed overnight.

Since it was difficult to catch up with the Federation on the path of soul technology, Xue Zhonggao decided to take a risky approach and find another way. He pinned all his hopes on the power of the Ouke, hoping to use this power to realize the rise of the Dou Spirit Continent, and eventually catch up with or even surpass the Federation.

Looking at Xue Zhonggao's expectant eyes, Li Xiaochou smiled slightly and said with confidence: "Your Majesty, don't worry, the research on the ultimate zombie virus is nearing completion. As long as the results are out, I will definitely notify you as soon as possible."

"That's good." Xue Zhonggao nodded, and he didn't have the slightest doubt about Li Xiaochou's answer. Deep down in his heart, for some reason, he always had a strange trust in the Apocalypse Church.

This trust, like a seed rooted in his heart, had unknowingly taken root and was difficult to shake.