Human Clan Defender-Chapter 459 - 206: Cash on Delivery (Vote for Monthly Ticket)

"Is there a way to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm?" Beiming Wang asked, voicing the greatest doubt in his heart.

He believed breaking through to the Great Grandmaster Realm certainly wasn’t as simple as just possessing a set of Great Grandmaster Martial Arts. If a single set of martial arts could solve the problem, it wouldn’t be the case that, up until now, only two Great Grandmasters had emerged.

Faced with this question, Shen Changqing decisively shook his head. "This auction won’t have the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm, only martial arts of the Great Grandmaster Realm," he said.

Upon hearing this, Beiming Wang’s eyes showed obvious disappointment. But he quickly dispelled the disappointment and looked at Shen Changqing with bright eyes. "If I want to obtain the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm from Defender Shen, may I know what price I must pay?"

As his words fell, Mu Qing’s expression slightly changed. His gaze fell on Shen Changqing, wondering if the latter would become angry over the question. Openly asking for the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm is akin to probing into someone’s secrets. This matter could be significant or trivial. If Shen Changqing were to become enraged, Beiming Wang might find himself in trouble. Currently, Great Qin and Great Liang are allies; if Beiming Wang were to fall in South Nether Prefecture, Great Liang would certainly turn against Great Qin.

For a moment, Mu Qing felt somewhat nervous. He was thinking about how best to play the peacemaker should a conflict arise between the two.

As the atmosphere grew tense, Shen Changqing smiled, dispersing all the heaviness. "The Great General wishes to obtain the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm, and it’s not impossible, but I wonder if you can afford the price," he said.

"Defender Shen should understand that it’s not just I who want the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm; my backer, the state of Great Liang, also hopes to obtain it. Therefore, even if I can’t afford the price, I believe Great Liang can," said Beiming Wang, also with a light smile.

The fact that Shen Changqing spoke these words means there’s room for negotiation. When I first spoke, I didn’t hold much certainty that he would agree. But once the outcome is clear, there’s no room for ’what ifs.’ As long as there’s room for negotiation, that’s good enough. It doesn’t matter if I can’t come up with the price; with the size and wealth of Great Liang, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Upon hearing this, Shen Changqing tapped his fingers on the armrest, his face pensive. "Is the Great General so adamant about obtaining the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm?"

"If possible, naturally it would be good to obtain it, even at a certain price," replied Beiming Wang.

Shen Changqing nodded. "To be honest, I’m quite curious about the Defender Envoy of Great Liang. If Great Liang is willing to exchange the method to create a Defender Envoy for an equal value, then I can give you the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm."

"Impossible!" Beiming Wang categorically refused, his smile receding as he became serious. "Defender Shen should understand that the secrets of any country’s Defender Envoy are exceptionally important. Just like the secrets of how Great Qin’s Defender achieved their rank, I believe Great Qin wouldn’t share those secrets either. The secrets of the Great Liang Defender Envoy cannot be leaked out as well. If Defender Shen truly wishes to negotiate, perhaps propose another condition?"

The method for breaking through to the Great Grandmaster Realm is indeed important. However, having the method doesn’t guarantee an immediate breakthrough to the Great Grandmaster Realm; otherwise, Great Qin would have produced new Great Grandmasters by now. The secret of the Great Liang Defender Envoy is also a secret that must not be disclosed. Once it’s leaked, if someone finds a flaw within it, or a countermeasure, that would pose a significant problem. Furthermore, if someone used that method to become a Defender Envoy and then turned against Great Liang, that trouble would be much more severe than engaging in war with the Defender Envoys of other nations. Hence, even if I were to forego the method for breaking through to the Great Grandmaster Realm, I couldn’t possibly reveal that secret. Moreover, I’m not clear on the exact method used by the Great Liang Defender Envoy. The secrets of a Defender Envoy are held only by the Defender Envoys themselves. Despite being the Great General with considerable power and influence, I have no right to interfere. But one thing I am very certain about: even if I were to relay this message upwards, the Liang Emperor would never agree.

Shen Changqing showed no surprise at Beiming Wang’s categorical refusal. "The Great General must be aware that once someone breaks through to become a Great Grandmaster, they’d be no weaker than a high-level Demon Evil, with significant potential for further growth. If I’m not mistaken, your country’s Defender Envoy method also has considerable flaws. To exchange a flawed method for the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm, I believe, is not a bad deal."

"I can’t decide on this matter, and I believe His Majesty wouldn’t agree either. Defender Shen, perhaps propose another condition," said Beiming Wang, shaking his head. If Shen Changqing really insisted on this requirement, I would have no way to proceed.

Upon hearing this, Shen Changqing feigned contemplation for a moment. "To tell the truth, at my level, there are very few things that can attract me anymore. If it were money, I believe the upcoming auction of Grandmaster Martial Arts would yield enough wealth to last a hundred lifetimes without worry," he said. "So—if your country really wants to exchange for the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm, you still have to show corresponding sincerity. After all, the longer some things are delayed, the larger the gap may become." He hinted meaningfully.

Beiming Wang’s chest rose and fell, his expression solemn. "Defender Shen, please speak frankly. As long as the conditions do not touch the bottom line, then the exchange is not a problem."

"It’s simple." Shen Changqing finally stopped beating around the bush and raised a hand, spreading all five fingers. "Five living high-level Demon Evils, and I will give you the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm."

Five high-level Demon Evils! Beiming Wang’s complexion drastically changed. This condition, although not as excessive as the method to create a Defender Envoy, is also not particularly friendly. Capturing living high-level Demon Evils, compared to slaying them, is significantly more difficult. Even now in Great Liang, the number of high-level Demon Evils imprisoned is very small.

"Defender Shen, five high-level Demon Evils! Aren’t you asking for too much?" Beiming Wang’s voice was deep. He even began to suspect that Shen Changqing was deliberately making things difficult for him.

In response, Shen Changqing’s expression also turned cold. "Great General Beiming should not forget, the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm is not something everyone has. Currently, only Shimohe and I know the method. Shimohe is hugely ambitious and will not willingly give up the method. If you want to make a deal with Shimohe, the price you pay will be even greater. Similarly, the weakest Great Grandmaster is equivalent to a high-level Demon Evil, and they also have a much longer lifespan than ordinary Grandmasters. If Great Liang gets the method and cultivates a batch of Great Grandmasters, I believe suppressing Demon Evils for hundreds of years will not be a big problem."

"Moreover," Shen Changqing continued, "if Great Liang cannot afford the price, I believe there will always be others who can. When the time comes, if others have what Great Liang does not, over time the gap will not be just a small one."

After Shen Changqing finished speaking, Beiming Wang felt a heaviness in his heart. He knew what Shen Changqing had said was true. The method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm—if Great Liang didn’t exchange for it, other countries might. Not to mention faraway places, just consider Great Qin. After Shen Changqing’s successful breakthrough, Great Qin would definitely have the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm. In a few decades, perhaps Great Qin would produce a batch of Great Grandmasters. With such a foundation, Great Liang would fall even further behind Great Qin.

Looking at Shen Changqing’s somewhat cold expression, Beiming Wang said solemnly, "Five high-level Demon Evils are too many. I can take the responsibility of exchanging two high-level Demon Evils for the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm. How about that?"

"If you have no sincerity, then let’s forget it." Shen Changqing directly stood up, his gaze on Beiming Wang turning indifferent. "The method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm is not something to be haggled over like vegetables in a market; there is no need for bargaining. I have already compromised. Five high-level Demon Evils, not one less. If Great General Beiming is unwilling, then please leave."

Having said this, he walked straight toward the outside of the grand hall.

"Defender Shen, please wait a moment!"

"Hmm?" Shen Changqing paused his steps and turned to look at Beiming Wang.

At this time, Beiming Wang said, "I agree to the matter of the five high-level Demon Evils. However, I need to report this to Great Liang and then arrange for the Demon Evils to be escorted here. I have one request: I hope to receive the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm first. I guarantee in the name of Great Liang that we will absolutely not go back on our word."

Beiming Wang swore earnestly, yet Shen Changqing just smiled faintly. "I have always advocated the principle of exchanging goods upon payment. It’s not that I don’t trust the Great General, but I have my own rules for doing things. When the five high-level Demon Evils arrive, I will pick an appropriate time. At that point, the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm will be willingly offered."

"Defender Shen..."

"Alright, I have other matters to attend to and must take my leave now. I hope to see the Great General at the auction in a few days." With a farewell gesture, Shen Changqing left the grand hall, giving Beiming Wang no further opportunity to speak.

What a joke. How could I possibly give away the method to break through to the Great Grandmaster Realm in advance? His sudden agreement must hide some trickery.

Upon further consideration, Shen Changqing figured out some of the implications. Clearly, Beiming Wang might resell the breakthrough method after obtaining it. He must know that if I sold the method to Great Liang, I would also sell it to Dayue. As such, if I were in Beiming Wang’s position, I could sell the method to Dayue first, not only recovering the loss but also getting a breakthrough method for free. And even more, if Beiming Wang were ruthless, selling the method to Great Zhou or even the Barbarian Clan wouldn’t be out of the question. How could I give him such an opportunity to undercut me? I’ve already decided to sell the breakthrough method to Great Liang and Dayue as a one-time purchase; this won’t harm my own interests thereafter. As for whether the method’s dissemination would pose a threat to me, in my opinion, it’s highly unlikely. Not to mention that breaking through to the Great Grandmaster Realm is very difficult; even with the method, not everyone can succeed. Moreover, by the time someone else makes the breakthrough, who knows how much further I myself will have advanced. The Great Grandmaster Realm! For me, it’s merely a stepping stone, not a realm to remain in for life.