Human Clan Defender-Chapter 550 -s 279 to 280: Defender Envoy of Great Liang (Combined - s, Requesting Monthly Votes)_3

Chapter 550: Chapters 279 to 280: Defender Envoy of Great Liang (Combined Chapters, Requesting Monthly Votes)_3

They had all been Dominators of their respective Demon-Subduing Divisions and had interacted frequently in the past. However, after Gu Xuanji established himself in the Capital City, he had not had any further dealings with Ran An.

Now, seeing each other again, he also felt a sense of emotion.

Ran An sat down cross-legged and lifted the newly added teacup before him. They each took a sip, then set down their teacups.

"Emperor Qin’s army is truly majestic, its baleful aura soaring to the heavens. I almost didn’t dare approach."

"Defender Ran, you didn’t come all this way just to offer me a few words of praise, did you?"

Gu Xuanji was noncommittal. In his view, Ran An’s visit at this time definitely had other intentions.

Upon hearing this, Ran An’s expression turned serious. Since the other party was unwilling to beat around the bush, he decided to get straight to the point.

"Emperor Qin is straightforward, so I’ll also be direct. I’ve heard that Great Qin’s Demon Suppression Division developed something called the Star Plate, which leaves no place for any Demon Evil to hide within Great Qin’s territory. Great Liang has also suffered from Demon Evil calamities for years. Therefore, we hope to acquire a batch of Star Plates from Great Qin to deal with the Demon Evils within our territory."

Acquiring Star Plates. Gu Xuanji and Dongfang Zhao exchanged an almost imperceptible glance, each reading the understanding in the other’s eyes.

No wonder Great Liang had sent Ran An. If it was about the Star Plates, it indeed warranted a Dominator of a Demon-Subduing Division making the trip personally.

Gu Xuanji remained silent.

Dongfang Zhao, however, spoke with a faint smile, "Defender Ran should know that Great Qin paid a considerable price to develop the Star Plates, not to mention the immense time and effort invested. One could say the Star Plates are the culmination of Great Qin’s painstaking efforts. For Great Liang to expect to obtain them with just a word—I’m afraid that’s asking too much!"

"Defender Dongfang overstates it. Great Liang does not wish to take the Star Plates without offering anything in return; rather, we hope to make a trade with Great Qin. May I know what Great Liang would need to offer for Great Qin to agree to trade a batch of Star Plates?"

Ran An had long anticipated Dongfang Zhao’s refusal. For something like the Star Plates, the other party wouldn’t agree immediately upon his first request. A refusal would come first, followed by haggling.

Dongfang Zhao said, "By rights, Great Qin would not trade the Star Plates. However, Great Liang is, after all, our ally, and contributed significantly during the battle at Luo’an Prefecture. If Great Liang is sincere about trading, what exactly are you planning to offer in exchange?"

He didn’t answer the question directly but tossed it back in a different form.

Upon hearing this, Ran An felt inwardly helpless but maintained his composure.

"Whether it be vanquished Demon Evils, or silver taels and other resources, Great Liang can provide some. It all depends on what Great Qin needs."

"You should know that Great Qin actually lacks no resources in any aspect. Although Great Qin was established only a little over three hundred years ago, not as long ago as Great Liang, when it comes to foundational depth, I believe Great Qin is no weaker than any other nation. If it’s merely an exchange of resources, I’m afraid that will disappoint the Liang Emperor." Gu Xuanji spoke coolly.

These words startled Ran An.

"Then what does Emperor Qin desire?"

If Great Qin were willing to accept resources in exchange, Great Liang could bear it, even if the price were exorbitant. His fear was that they wouldn’t want resources but would have other demands—that was the real trouble.

Upon hearing this, a smile flickered across Gu Xuanji’s face.

"Great Zhou has abandoned its Human Clan identity, willingly colluding with Demon Evils. How can Great Qin stand idly by? This army of millions signifies Great Qin’s determination: anyone who betrays the Human Clan must pay the due price. Now Great Qin has shown its resolve, yet Great Liang has made no move. Does the Liang Emperor have any plans?"

Taking a deep breath, Ran An cupped his fists.

"Emperor Qin may be unaware, but Demon Evils have been rampant in Great Liang recently, and most of our forces are occupied with suppressing them across the land. Although we wish to cooperate with Great Qin, we simply lack the surplus strength."

"I see." Gu Xuanji nodded, appearing to understand. "I understand Great Zhou’s difficulties. The problem of the Demon Evil scourge is indeed severe. However, since Defender Ran was able to come to Great Qin, I trust Great Zhou’s situation has not yet deteriorated to an unmanageable point."

"Emperor Qin means..." An unsettling premonition rose in Ran An’s heart.

Gu Xuanji said, "Great Qin and Great Liang have always been allies. Moreover, Great Liang previously rendered aid in Luo’an Prefecture. For me to demand Great Liang’s resources in exchange for the Star Plates would be excessive. Why don’t you, Defender Ran, accompany me on a trip to Great Zhou? Consider it just going through the motions. Once Great Qin returns in triumph, the Star Plates will naturally be given to Great Liang."

"..."

Ran An was speechless. So, they had been waiting for him here all along.

For a moment, Ran An didn’t know how to respond to Gu Xuanji’s words.

Gu Xuanji’s light tone was deceptive; Ran An was fully aware of the dangers. Great Qin’s expedition wouldn’t just face Great Zhou; the real problem was the Demon Evil Clan behind them. He was almost certain that the moment Gu Xuanji left Great Qin, the Demon Evil Clan would launch an ambush. The number of powerful experts involved would be entirely unpredictable. Despite his own considerable strength, in such a scenario, one careless mistake could lead to utter disaster. So, while Gu Xuanji’s words sounded casual, Ran An was acutely aware of the immense risks. If he agreed to accompany the army, he might very well perish in Great Zhou.