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Weina already had a fiancé.

Xu Jiujiu couldn't understand why Su Yu would choose Weina. Was Weina more attractive than her?

She knew Su Yu probably had other considerations but still felt wronged.

Why was it so unfair?

She had invested so much, yet Weina got all the benefits.

She felt very unbalanced.

Su Yu smiled lightly, "Princess Jiujiu, you've misunderstood. Choosing Heaven Dou City was simply because it's closer to the Ice God Palace."

"Besides, the Clear Sky Sect is nearby, and they have unique advantages in rare metal forging."

"Their Disorder Splitting Wind Hammer method is unmatched for blacksmithing."

"Plus, Princess Weina offered a large amount of rare metals, so I went along with it."

Xu Jiujiu said quietly, "Our Star Luo Empire can also provide a large number of rare metals."

"Heavenly Soul Empire's mineral resources are less than half of ours; they don't have as much rare metal."

"As for forging, we also have many excellent blacksmiths."

Yan Shaozhe interjected, "Princess Jiujiu, what blacksmiths could compare to the Clear Sky Sect?"

"That's their specialty."

Yan Shaozhe was always tactful and naturally sided with Su Yu, especially since he needed his help.

As for Xu Jiujiu?

They're still competitors.

Fewer mouths at the table means more food for each.

Xu Jiujiu glanced at Yan Shaozhe—why was this old man so annoying?

She wanted to act pitifully and perhaps sway Su Yu to favor Star Luo in the deal, but Yan Shaozhe jumped in to ruin her plan.

Xu Jiujiu forced a smile. "Dean Yan, I'm surprised you'd come. Does Shrek Academy need soul tools?"

"Shrek Academy has many talents and strong soul masters. Surely you don't need these things?"

Yan Shaozhe laughed, "Princess Jiujiu, you are mistaken. The power of soul tools is plain for all to see."

"Shrek Academy wants to keep up with the times."

"Besides, our current Pavilion Master personally requested it."

He invoked Zhang Lexuan, countering Xu Jiujiu.

What's your relationship with Su Yu? Just someone who keeps trying and gets rejected.

We're different.

Our Pavilion Master is Su Yu's official girlfriend.

So, we're family.

Yan Shaozhe looked smug.

Xu Jiujiu was at a loss—she couldn't refute that.

Yan Shaozhe had struck her weak point.

One step behind, always behind.

Compared to Zhang Lexuan, she was nowhere near Su Yu's heart.

Xu Jiujiu gritted her teeth, full of envy and resentment.

Zhang Lexuan got so many benefits from Su Yu.

But Xu Jiujiu? Jealousy twisted her inside.

She couldn't understand what she lacked compared to Zhang Lexuan.

The more she thought, the more unwilling she felt, and her gaze at Su Yu became even more resentful.

This time, it was genuine resentment.

Su Yu was oblivious to Xu Jiujiu's gaze.

He sipped his tea and said leisurely, "Both of you, calm down. I assume you're not here just to argue?"

Yan Shaozhe smiled, "We at Shrek Academy do have a request."

"Under our Pavilion Master's leadership, we've realized the power of soul tools."

"Unfortunately, our research is still shallow."

"Especially after Teacher Fan Yu's death, we lack anyone to lead the field."

"So, we're here shamelessly to ask Young Master Su Yu for guidance and to purchase some soul tools to strengthen our defenses."

Su Yu sighed, "It's a pity about Teacher Fan Yu."

"But I recall his disciple is still at Shrek, right?"

"That should be a promising talent for soul tool research."

Yan Shaozhe put on a pitiful face, "Caitou is good, but still too young, only a level 6 soul engineer."

"He can't bear the responsibility yet."

"Young Master Su Yu, I have a presumptuous request, but I'm not sure if I should say it."

"Dean Yan, since you feel it's presumptuous, best not to say it—don't make things difficult for Young Master Su Yu."

Xu Jiujiu smiled sweetly, giving a subtle jab back.

Women never forget a grudge.

Yan Shaozhe had embarrassed her earlier, so she immediately returned the favor.

Since he undercut her, she didn't need to save his face.

Shrek Academy was no longer what it once was. If not for Zhang Lexuan, it would have faded away.

Such a Shrek Academy was nothing for Star Luo to fear.

Yan Shaozhe was speechless, frowning, but before he could respond, Xu Jiujiu spoke up.

"Young Master Su Yu, our Star Luo Empire's request is simple."

"As you know, we need a large number of soul tools to arm our army. We're willing to pay more."

"We just want to buy more soul tools. We're under great pressure right now."

"You don't know—Sun Moon Empire is on the move again."

"Oh?"

Su Yu's eyelid lifted. In just a few months, the Sun Moon Empire was making moves again.

That shouldn't be.

The most ambitious and insane Xu Tiannan should have been thoroughly dealt with.

Would his brothers let go of such a golden opportunity to suppress him?

And Jing Hongchen was still in the Sun Moon Empire—he wouldn't give Xu Tiannan a chance to rise.

But if not Xu Tiannan, then who?

Are there war hawks in the Sun Moon Empire, or someone else?

Could it be the Holy Spirit Church?

But he had already crushed them—it couldn't recover this quickly.

Su Yu narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.

Xu Jiujiu pressed on, "Young Master Su Yu, it's true."

"Sun Moon Empire is increasing troops at the border. The situation at the Mingdou Mountains is very tense."

"My royal brother is under immense pressure, can't even sleep."

Xu Jiujiu poured out her troubles, amplifying Star Luo Empire's predicament.

Su Yu stroked his chin and muttered, "No wonder Heavenly Soul Empire was so eager. They must have felt the pressure."

"What?"

Xu Jiujiu was shocked. "Heavenly Soul Empire already bought some?"

Su Yu nodded.

Xu Jiujiu bit her lip. So, proximity was an advantage—this should have belonged to Star Luo.

She suppressed her anxiety and asked, "How many soul tools did Heavenly Soul Empire buy?"

Su Yu glanced at her and raised two fingers.

"Currently, each empire gets 20 rocket launchers, 1,200 shells, 500 soul-guided rifles, 100 sets of melee armor and standard weapons, one Tiger tank, and two all-terrain vehicles per month..."

Xu Jiujiu couldn't help but ask, "Can't you supply more, Young Master Su Yu?"

Su Yu shook his head firmly. "No. That's the rule."

Xu Jiujiu was disappointed.

These were all great items, but not enough.

It would take ages to fully arm a strong army.

"Really can't give us more?"

Xu Jiujiu pleaded. "We need them."

She didn't mention civilians—she knew Su Yu wasn't swayed by moral arguments.

With Su Yu, it's best to be direct—sometimes that yields more.

Experience had taught her that.

"Rules are rules. They can't be broken."

"But we also aren't that rigid. For some reputable and sincere clients, we'll gift extra soul tools as a gesture."

Xu Jiujiu's eyes lit up.

"How many soul tools can you gift?"

Su Yu smiled, "That, I'm afraid, is confidential."

He looked at Yan Shaozhe and asked, "Dean Yan, what soul tools does Shrek Academy want?"

Yan Shaozhe smiled, "We don't want much—just the same quota as Star Luo Empire."

Xu Jiujiu rolled her eyes. How many people does Shrek Academy even have? The same quota as an empire?

You wish.

Do you even have enough people to use them?

Su Yu shook his head. "That... won't work."

"Given our production limits, if every client got the same as the empires, we couldn't keep up."

"I can give you at most a quarter of that."

"That's fine," Xu Jiujiu laughed.

Yeah, do you have that many people?

Yan Shaozhe scowled. Why are you butting in?

But he knew Su Yu wouldn't change his mind.

So, he set his sights on the friendship gifts.

For a moment, both had their schemes.

After the negotiations, Yan Shaozhe couldn't make his request, since Xu Jiujiu was present and he couldn't find the chance.

Watching them leave, Su Yu's eyes grew thoughtful.

"You are full of tricks," Xue Di appeared beside Su Yu, sighing.

The most expensive things are those that seem free. Su Yu's gifts weren't given lightly.

You had to show real sincerity to get them. What counted as real sincerity? Those who knew, knew.

If you weren't as tactful as others, could you call yourself sincere?

As soon as Xu Jiujiu and the others left the Holy Slayer Palace, an invisible struggle had already begun.

The one who benefited, naturally, was the Holy Slayer Palace.

"Isn't Su Yu just profiting from war?"

People came out from the back hall. Jing Ziyan smiled.

"Swindler!"

Ji Juechen was laconic but hit the point.

Su Yu wasn't annoyed, smiling, "There's no such thing as an honest merchant. Besides, these people aren't short on money. Who else should I profit from?"

"This is called taking from the rich and giving to the poor—taking their riches to solve our poverty."

"Nonsense!"

Jing Ziyan pouted.

Su Yu replied righteously, "If I don't earn more resources, how can I support this big family?"

"Is it easy for me?"

He acted as if it was only natural.

"Besides, what I'm curious about is the Sun Moon Empire. Xu Jiujiu's words didn't sound fake."

"There's been no word from the Hall Master. We don't know much about the Sun Moon Empire now."

"Su Yu, should we send someone to investigate?"

Xue Di whispered.

"Yes, the Sun Moon side does need more covert investigation."

Su Yu nodded.

Know yourself and your enemy, and you'll never lose a battle.

That was Su Yu's philosophy.

"Alright, I'll arrange it."

Xue Di nodded.

Currently, Xue Di had priestly authority in the Ice God Palace—her power was considerable.

Su Yu nodded, "Then I'll leave it to you."

"Now that the Holy Slayer Palace has reopened, orders are pouring in, and everything's on track."

"There's nothing urgent, so I'm planning to take people to the Star Dou Forest."

"Mingli, Dong’er, Meng’er, Sister Nannan, if you have time, come with me."

"Star Dou Forest?"

Wang Dong'er blinked at Su Yu, curious.

"Okay."

Jiang Nannan and Meng Hongchen agreed without hesitation.

Di Mingli looked at Su Yu, her eyes shining.

Going back again?

She was looking forward to it, but...

Would it be safe to bring them all?

Di Mingli was uncertain about Su Yu's intentions.

His identity...

"Looks like no one has objections, then it's settled."

"Have a good rest. We'll set off tomorrow."

Su Yu made the final decision.

…

Sun Moon Empire.

A remote town.

Dark red clouds covered the sky, thick with a bloody scent.

The ground was littered with limbs and bones, a bloodthirsty aura soaring skyward.

The once peaceful town was now a city of death.

"Not enough. It's still not enough."

"The blood of ordinary people can't push me to the next step."

"Only the essence blood of enough strong souls is truly nourishing."

"Ehehehe..."