"Identical personalities with different origins lead to different definitions."

As he spoke these words,

Lu Ding noticed the flash of surprise in Kagu Muto's eyes.

He chuckled: "No need to pretend. Your eager display was clearly meant for me to notice."

"Go on then. Let me hear the answer you've surely prepared."

Kagu Muto bowed deeply: "Hai!!!"

"Respected Grand Duke Lu, thank you for permitting me to report my true circumstances!"

"This humble one, Kagu Muto, currently has a living great-grandfather who serves as one of Tai Island's contemporary Six Eyes."

"My identity is both as my great-grandfather's fourth-generation descendant and the youngest among his third-generation descendants."

The information came thick and fast.

The Six Eyes represented Tai Island's highest authority among Qi Refiners.

Lu Ding hadn't expected Kagu Muto to have such connections.

But that wasn't what surprised him most.

The truly bizarre part—

Being both a fourth-generation descendant AND the youngest third-generation descendant...

This made Lu Ding consider Tai Island's... traditions.

"Continue."

"Hai!"

"Publicly, I lack official recognition, but my great-grandfather favors me greatly, though he's never openly acknowledged my status."

"I only discovered these facts after advancing my own cultivation realm."

"Moreover, I possess Ryukyu bloodline. My maternal grandfather was from Great Han, so I also carry some Great Han heritage—all verifiable facts."

"Though presumptuous, I dare say I could be considered partly Great Han."

By that logic,

however reluctantly Lu Ding admitted it, there was indeed some connection to Great Han.

Which was rather absurd.

"Because Ryukyu was once Great Han's vassal state. During the Jing Dynasty era, Ryukyu sought aid from Jing but was ignored, leading to absorption by Tai Island."

"I mean to say—my identity holds significant value. My talents aren't lacking either, and I'm no fool. Ideologically, I'm pro-Han!"

"From practical perspective, aligning with Great Han benefits me more."

"Historically, Ryukyu belonged to Great Han."

"Personally, I believe you represent Great Han's future. With current unstoppable momentum, victory in this conflict is inevitable."

"Great Han's global standing will then surpass Western powers like the White Eagle."

"Spare my life, and I can persuade my great-grandfather to realign with Great Han."

"Materially, I offer nothing concrete—only my personal convictions."

Having spoken his piece,

Kagu Muto bowed his head again.

His rigid posture reflected absolute resolve.

Live if possible.

If not—he'd tried his best.

Resistance was never an option.

Resistance meant potential torture, and he feared pain.

Instant death would be preferable.

Lu Ding weighed his words.

Killing him would take but a single strike.

But keeping him alive...

Might yield greater dividends.

Though not without risk—

He might renege later.

No matter.

Lu Ding hadn't reached his peak yet. Should Kagu Muto betray him, achieving Heavenly Perception would allow easy elimination on Tai Island soil.

All factors considered—better to let him live.

"Good. Your answer satisfies me. Congratulations—you'll live."

At these words,

Kagu Muto's clenched fists instantly relaxed,

revealing sweat-drenched palms.

"Thank you, Grand Duke Lu. I'll honor my words. I understand completely—your combat prowess at Earth Observation realm is extraordinary."

"When you reach Heavenly Perception, your terror will eclipse ordinary Heavenly Perception experts. None could stop you from killing anyone."

Knowing something internally differed from voicing it aloud.

And Lu Ding found the flattery rather pleasing—this little "island traitor" understood propriety well.

He retrieved the vault's second treasure.

Kagu Muto provided explanation:

"This is a Mermaid Pearl—exceedingly rare nowadays. Converted to Great Han's contribution points, it's worth at least eight thousand."

"Though scarcity inflates its price. Actual utility matches six thousand points worth of compatible natural treasures."

"I suggest exchanging it through Great Han's 749 Bureau."

His value manifested immediately after being spared.

Bringing this back to Great Han for resale would net Lu Ding one to two thousand extra contribution points.

"Hahaha! Excellent! Your performance pleases me greatly. I'll draft an official commendation."

"Already have the title: 'A gentleman born in small country commits no fault.'"

Anyone benefiting Great Han could be considered gentlemanly, no?

Kagu Muto's face lit up with joy at Lu Ding's words, immediately demurring: "Grand Duke Lu, I'm unworthy of such high praise."

Thus,

unbeknownst to him, he passed Lu Ding's second test.

Had Kagu Muto been merely acting, he wouldn't have grasped the profound cultural significance behind that classical allusion.

Understanding it proved either:

1) Specialized study targeting Great Han culture, or

2) Genuine ideological affinity as claimed.

They continued sorting treasures:

Six-thousand-point Water-Dripping Coral,

Five-thousand-point Stainless Jade Seahorse,

Three-thousand-point Fish Treasure Pearl.

Lu Ding transformed instantly from penniless to nouveau riche.

His grin became utterly irrepressible.

After consuming these resources,

wouldn't his realm and strength advance further?

While he raced ahead, cultivation and combat power would chase behind.

Noticing Lu Ding's delight,

Kagu Muto added commentary: "Grand Duke Lu, Great Han has sayings—'Horses grow fat on night grazing, men grow rich on windfalls', 'Murder and arson earn golden belts while bridge-building leaves no corpses'..."

"Hahahaha... True enough! Normally, how many missions would it take to afford such treasures?"

But now, thanks to war—

Hey presto!

Instant wealth!

Holding the Fish Treasure Pearl, Lu Ding admired its radiance: "Pity it's bloodstained riches..."

Then turned abruptly: "Still, thanks to Tai Island's contributions."

Kagu Muto bowed again, solemn yet not overly formal: "Rather, thank THEIR Tai Island for contributions—hoarding treasures only to donate them all to you."

"Well said! Then let's thank THEIR Tai Island indeed."

They shared a knowing smile.

One gained priceless cultivation resources,

The other secured survival, future military honors through great-grandfather's influence, and now Lu Ding's patronage.

Both profited.

So who lost out?

Ah—such a difficult puzzle!