Another World’s Versatile Crafting Master c1-1074
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Lin Li's last sentence made everyone frightened to the point of getting goosebumps. What a joke! With that Sky Castle, the Tower of Dusk could be considered extremely sturdy, and even if the forces in the Breezy Plains united, they would not be able to defeat the Tower of Dusk unless they had someone like Geresco on their side. Besides, the Tower of Dusk had a terrifying Sanctuary powerhouse whose abilities were not inferior to those of the Ashen Warlock.
After thinking about the Tower of Dusk's power carefully, those people no longer hoped for the Tower of Dusk to fight with the Gilded Kingdom. If the two forces were to really duke it out, there would be no chance for them to reap any benefits, and they could only end up being the ones losing out.
"President Felic, you must be joking. If the Gilded Kingdom dares to lay a finger on the Tower of Dusk, we, the Mithril Alliance, definitely won't condone it. No matter what kind of enemies we face, the Mithril Alliance will stay firm and stand by the Tower of Dusk." Having learned his lesson previously, Joseph did not hesitate to show his loyalty to Lin Li.
"Yeah, President Felic, the Gilded Kingdom is nothing. They're just foreign barbarians. I think we'd better just leave together. Anyway, the Gilded Kingdom doesn't seem sincere about the negotiation," said a representative of the Caesar Family, who was also someone Lin Li was acquainted with. It was Claus' grandson, Charles, who had once been in a conflict with Lin Li. I think the author made a mental shortcut here: they think TofA is supporting TofD, so they have scruples about TofD.
Chapter 1039 - Unhappy Parting
As Joseph and Charles, who represented the two top forces, spoke up, the other forces began to profess their loyalty to Lin Li. They were all acting as if they couldn't wait to show Lin Li what they felt from the bottom of their hearts. Of course, in short, they just hoped that Lin Li could stay behind for the negotiation to get more benefits from the Gilded Kingdom.
However, Lin Li did not express his stand towards everyone. After all, if the people of the Gilded Kingdom refused to give in, nothing they said would matter. Lin Li was not a warmonger, but he was not afraid of fighting a war, either. The Gilded Kingdom's attitude was key.
Soon after the representatives of the forces left, the servants of the Gilded Kingdom followed Lin Li all the way there, claiming that the envoys had invited him over to discuss the matters regarding the negotiation. Seeing that the members of the Gilded Kingdom were still putting on airs at this juncture, Lin Li naturally wouldn't give in to them. Instead, he told the servants to tell his envoys to come see him where he was, and not to disturb him unless it was for something important.
After receiving the news from servants, Nasry and the others were so infuriated that they began gritting their teeth, but there was nothing they could do to the Tower of Dusk. After all, they were not in the Gilded Kingdom. Feeling helpless, Cantory and Elder Jorre had no choice but to bite the bullet and visit Lin Li. However, the commander-in-chief of the navy, Nasry, had long escaped under the pretext of inspecting the battleship.
Cantory and Jorre did not bring any followers with them, and they soon arrived near Lin Li's residence. However, when faced with that door, they could not take another step forward.
Cantory, the son of the chancellor, the disciple of the priest of the Illuminati, and the elite of his generation, had always been the one others s.u.c.k.e.d up to. Since when had he ever swallowed his pride and bowed down to anyone?
Although Elder Jorre seemed kind and personable on the surface, he was only putting on a superficial facade. Deep down, he was actually extremely arrogant. After all, he was one of the elders of the Illuminati, and when he was in the Gilded Kingdom, even the king had to show him some respect.
Although the two big shots were not comparable to deities and gods who were above all, they were at least of a high status. However, they actually had to swallow their pride and speak politely to the leader of a small force. That was akin to a king having to bow down to a local boss, which was truly a torment.
However, they had no choice but to give in to the leader of a local force which they were originally disdainful towards. Between their dignity and the survival of their nation, they could only choose to give up their dignity and pride. However, despite having made a clear decision, it still wasn't easy for them to actually do it, especially since they were arrogant by nature.
More importantly, through the contact that they had with Lin Li in the past few days, they had gained some understanding of his character. After the first negotiation which turned out to be fruitless, Lin Li attacked their battleship, and he suddenly left the venue during the second one. God knew what treatment the two would encounter during this visit.
The two men hesitated by the gate for half a day, attracting peculiar glances from the people who passed by. Finally, they decided to step onto the stairs in front of the gate and inform the guards of their purpose of visit. They thought that since they were envoys of the Gilded Kingdom, Lin Li wouldn't be too rude to them no matter how arrogant he might be.
However, to their surprise, the guard at the entrance left for two hours to go inform Lin Li of their arrival. Even a snail would have returned earlier. While waiting anxiously at the entrance, they had to suffer the embarrassment of being shot dirty looks by others, making them wish that they could turn around and head home.
Thus, they waited for two hours at the entrance, and the guard finally reappeared. However, the guard was alone—Lin Li did not come out with him to welcome them. Hence, they were immediately angered. They were the envoys of the Gilded Kingdom, and even when they visited the Ledin Kingdom and Felan Kingdom, the kings would welcome them with a grand ceremony and send ministers with high authority to receive them. However, Lin Li, the president of the Tower of Dusk, actually disregarded their status even though he was just a leader of a small local force!
"The president would like you to come in," the guard said without sounding overly respectful. Besides, he even returned to the spot where he had been standing previously after saying those words to them, not intending to lead them in at all.
"Sure! Sure!" Cantory said while gritting his teeth and secretly clenching his fists tightly in his sleeves. His nails dug deep into his palms, and he finally suppressed his urge to turn around and leave. The last bit of rationality that he had was continuously reminding him to consider the greater good.
Elder Jorre, who was beside him, immediately looked sullen. Given his status as an elder of the Illuminati, he had never received such treatment even when he met the king of the Gilded Kingdom. Yet, he now had to suffer such treatment in the Breezy Plains. However, he could imagine that Lin Li would definitely say that there was no need for him to treat them with courtesy since they were in opposing positions if he were to complain about it to Lin Li.
The two of them looked at each other with anger and helplessness in their eyes. It couldn't be helped, since Lin Li was now more domineering than them. Lin Li was the key deciding factor of the success of their mission, and even if they deemed Lin Li to be of lowly status, they would still have to swallow their pride and compromise.
The two of them entered with sullen expressions. Although they were not ushered by anyone, they nonetheless managed to quickly find their way to the reception hall where Lin Li, the president of the Tower of Dusk who they hated with a burning passion, was seated still. He was chatting with an old mage, and did not seem to care about their arrival at all.
"Ahem." Forcing himself to bear with the disp.l.e.a.s.u.r.e, Elder Jorre cleared his throat to catch Lin Li's attention before slowly saying, "Master Felic, if you have any opinions about our negotiation this time, you may voice them. You left without a single word. How could we have come to a consensus in the negotiation then?"
Hearing those hypocritical words from Elder Jorre, Lin Li smiled indifferently and glanced at them. He nonchalantly said, "Elder Jorre, if you're still going to continue being insincere, I don't think there's a need for any further discussion."
Although t
hey often claimed that they were negotiating for peace and that they were being very sincere, they would often behave arrogantly during the actual negotiation. Since they refused to give any concessions, how could that be considered a negotiation? Now that Lin Li had the Sky Castle, the Gilded Kingdom and the Illuminati would not be able to pose a threat to the Tower of Dusk no matter how powerful they might be. Hence, there was no need for Lin Li to give in to them at all.
Lin Li's words made the faces of Elder Jorre and Cantory turn as red as a tomato. Despite feeling humiliated and enraged, they had no choice but to suppress those emotions, because they were tasked with a mission. After taking two deep breaths, Cantory spoke again, his voice shaking with anger. "Master Felic, what must we do to express our sincerity then?"
"You should be asking yourselves that question instead. You just have to remember that this is the Breezy Plains, and not the Gilded Kingdom." Lin Li began lecturing them austerely, completely disregarding their status.
"You!!""
He was actually lectured by a country bumpkin from the Breezy Plains who was a nobody and was younger than him! At this moment, Cantory was overwhelmed with fury. Having lived for more than 30 years, he had never been humiliated in such a manner. Other than the elders of the Gilded Kingdom, anyone who dared to speak to him with such disrespect would definitely be thrown into the sea.
Although Elder Jorre was just as infuriated, he had lived for numerous years, and was experienced enough to remain composed despite being angered. Seeing that Cantory was about to lose his temper, he hurriedly pulled him to the side, and stood in front of Lin Li instead. "Master Felic, since you want to see how sincere we are, we will show you enough sincerity. As long as you're willing to sit down for a chat with us, we can forgo the fact that your people have attacked our battleship. I can also give the battleship to you as a gift."
Hearing those words, Lin Li couldn't help but sneer, and think to himself, They're just trying to gain something without risking anything of their own! How magnanimous of you to say that you're not going to pursue the matter of the attack on your battleship! Regardless of whether the Gilded Kingdom gives the battleship to us or not, it already belongs to the Tower of Dusk. Why do I need you to make that decision?
Although Lin Li did not know why the Gilded Kingdom suddenly wanted to enter the Breezy Plains, he could tell from the interaction he had had with them recently that entering the Breezy Plains was extremely important to the Gilded Kingdom. He had to admit that although they did not show much sincerity during the negotiation, it was probably because they were persons of high status, and had never negotiated with anyone before.
Having realized that, Lin Li obviously wouldn't take them seriously. With a look of derision, he said, "You two should go back. Express that sincerity of yours to others. Since you're considered envoys, I won't continue holding it against you."
Dumbfounded to hear Lin Li's words, Elder Jorre and Cantory even forgot about the anger that they ought to have. In their opinion, Lin Li left the previous negotiation because he was unwilling to compensate them for the damages done to their battleship, and did not want to return it, either.
Chapter 1040 - Navigation Data
Why hasn't he returned to the discussion table? Did he not agree to those conditions?
Wasn't it a generous move to let go of all of the requests they had made previously?
Cantory and Jorre were not to be blamed as muddleheads here. Their status in the Gilded Kingdom had never allowed them to be faced with such a demanding situation. Given that they were situated far away in the Gilded Kingdom, they also had little opportunity to interact with the countries or forces from the mainland. This was not to mention bending their heads to submit to any forces. To them, they were bestowing the greatest mercy by not retaliating against but forgiving someone who had threatened their benefits.
Of course, both of them were not fools, either. They could tell that Lin Li was not convinced by the conditions they had raised. Furthermore, Lin Li had mentioned that he would close an eye given that the two of them were only emissaries from the Gilded Kingdom. This meant that there was still enmity between them; it would not be a peaceful discussion if they were to meet again outside this context.
How would Cantory and Jorre not be taken aback after meeting such a brutally straightforward man!? Why couldn't they just agree to their conditions if they already view them with high regard?
"What do you mean then, President Felic? I wonder what conditions would bring you back to our discussion table?" Elder Jorre responded after he regained composure. He had stopped playing negotiation tricks or caring about his ego. He just wanted to know Lin Li's goal.
Lin Li smiled after seeing that Elder Jorre had finally accepted their circ.u.mstances. "Don't worry, my requests are actually extremely simple. It would not be a burden on you. I presume that the Gilded Kingdom would have a lot of information about the Endless Ocean given that it had been exploring it for so many years. What I want to have is the most detailed nautical charts and the most complete set of information it has regarding the Endless Ocean gathered right from the day it was founded. I don't think this meant much to you, does it?" he replied calmly.
Wealth, magical equipment, and weapons were not what the Tower of Dusk needed right now. The only thing Lin Li was vying for instead was all of the navigation data the Gilded Kingdom had.
While it would be myopic to say that the Gilded Kingdom would have gained complete understanding of the Endless Ocean across the thousands of years since its founding, it was definite that they would have crucial pieces of information from entrenching themselves in the region for such a long time. If not, the powerful alchemical warsh.i.p.s owned by the Gilded Kingdom would just be ants in the Endless Ocean.
The request made by Lin Li was so simple that it was beyond the imagination of Cantory and Jorre. Yet, it placed them in an extremely difficult situation as well. While printing the information on a stack of papers would not cost much, the information was the foundation on which the Gilded Kingdom was built. It was the results of countless sweat shed and lives sacrificed by these navigators across the thousands of years. It was not something that could be priced.
A more important reason was due to the fact that the Endless Ocean was a natural fortress to the Gilded Kingdom. It was a reason why no countries in the mainland had actually had the chance to attack the Gilded Kingdom. The Gilded Kingdom had full access to the Endless Ocean as well. This information was just like the key to the front gate of one's house. It would definitely threaten the security of the Gilded Kingdom.
"President Felic, according to my knowledge, most of the forces that belong to the Tower of Dusk are on the mainland. I wonder why you are interested in the nautical maps and data?" Jorre asked the frowning Lin Li very carefully. He was scared that he would provoke Lin Li unnecessarily.
In reality, Cantory and Jorre were not the only people who were confused. The people from the Tower of Dusk—Alan and Basel—were baffled by Lin Li's request as well. It did not seem like Lin Li had the intention of seeking trouble with the Gilded Kingdom. His Sky Castle was conveniently located nearby; the Gilded Kingdom would be an extremely accessible place. Lin Li would not need to tide the crazy waves of the Endless Ocean if he knew how to fly. It did not seem like he had the intention to establish marine trade, either. The resources of the mainland were more than enough for the Tower of Dusk to meet its present development needs. Marine trade would only help them get a few more dollars.
However, Lin Li did not intend to give any explanation. "You only need to tell me whether you agree to my requests. I am not obliged to explain why I want that information. Furthermore, do not play tricks on that information. I bet you know that your methods wouldn't work on me," said Lin Li casually.
Normal men would not have noticed anything amiss if Cantory and Jorre were to alter the records on the unpredictable Endless Ocean. However, as Lin Li was a Sanctuary powerhouse who had an in-depth understa
nding of the laws in the world, he would be able to detect any strand of information that did not align with the laws. He was not afraid that the Gilded Kingdom would be dishonest in their deal.
Although Jorre had not entered the Sanctuary-realm, he knew the abilities of Sanctuary powerhouses. One should not belittle a Sanctuary powerhouse who had zero understanding about the Endless Ocean. If he were to gain access to the information, he would be able to spot errors at one glance. This was also the reason that made Jorre debate whether he should agree to the request. If it were other people who requested those materials, he might have already handled it to them.
"President Felic, the item you are requesting is a product of countless lives and blood sacrificed by the Gilded Kingdom over thousands of years. It is not something money can measure. Unless you promised us that mine at the shore, I don't think my king would approve this deal," Cantory presented his conditions wittingly. He wanted Tower of Dusk to trade their Tera Mine for this information.
"So you are saying that you can't measure it with money? You're not wrong. But, I don't think that's your one and only copy of the information. Oh well, if you are not keen, I will not force you. Since the Tower of Dusk does not have plans to develop on the waters, both of you may take your leave," concluded Lin Li, dismissing them. He did not plan to give room for negotiation.
"Hold on, President Felic, hold on! Let us discuss," cried Elder Jorre. After knowing that his status was insignificant before the young president of the tower, he finally decided to bend his back.
"Elder Jorre!" gasped Cantory. Cantory grew anxious after hearing Elder Jorre's words. He feared that they would be giving the information on the Endless Ocean without receiving any benefits in return.
Although Cantory was very arrogant, he was not a prodigal who felt no pain giving away such a valuable national asset. But, a more important point was that he had once vouched to help his nation to tide all of its problems no matter how pricey it would be. Now that it would be incurring such a high price… he felt that it would injure his credibility as an envoy.