CHAPTER 1442: CHAPTER 1390: THE BIG FISH WITHIN THE DIPLOMATIC MISSION

After discussing these truly important matters, Wang Xiu then brought up the matter of the Roman Delegation to Chen Xi. It was only at this time that Chen Xi realized the Roman Delegation had arrived in the Central Plains within half a year’s time.

"I won’t formally meet with the Roman Delegation," Chen Xi said with a smile. "I’ll take a look myself later. Protect the glassware, porcelain, paper, silk, and tea well, and don’t let them steal these technologies."

"Other than silk, which I understand, I don’t know the rest of the technologies, so they wouldn’t know how to steal them either. As for silk, it’s a bit troublesome, but as long as we don’t give them a chance to interact with the common people, it should be fine," Wang Xiu said with a smile and a shake of his head, expressing that Romans wanting to steal would need the capability to do so.

"By the way, if Rome wants to communicate with us, then Zizhong could have a talk with them," Chen Xi instructed Wang Xiu. Regarding the Silk Road, really it’s fair to say it’s all about making money during this era, though in-between Parthia, the toll they charge is quite high.

"While we’re at it, probe them a bit. If they mention Li Zhiran and his group, just say it’s the self-determination of the Marquis of Meiyang and Marquis of Chiyang within the Han Empire." Chen Xi said with a smile. Li Jue and Guo Si remained in the Western Regions, with everything there handled by them autonomously.

Upon hearing this, Hua Xiong felt slightly astonished yet excited, considering his few brothers had effectively been whitewashed.

"Hmm?" Wang Xiu showed some confusion but refrained from further questioning. Intuition told him there was more involvement than appeared, and it was better for him not to interfere.

When Chen Xi and Hua Xiong departed, Chen Xi’s family had already returned to their hometown in Mount Tai. After asking a few questions, Chen Xi ordered his attendants to take him to the commercial street to check out the Roman Delegation. Being equally idle, Hua Xiong followed along.

Quickly led by the city’s administrative forces, Chen Xi found the delegation. As for Hua Xiong, he recognized Wux Xi from afar; these personal soldiers who had followed Li Jue and Guo Si for years were roughly recognizable to Hua Xiong.

"Greetings to General Hua," Wux Xi hurriedly dismounted to salute Hua Xiong, who had once been his superior officer.

"Are these the Roman Delegations that Zhiran and Aduo had you bring over? I hear they’re quite formidable in combat?" Hua Xiong waved his hand and asked, scrutinizing them closely and noticing they were not tall. As a sturdy man of Guanzi in Great Han, his height and strength were assured.

"Very formidable indeed. If Li Laoda hadn’t opened the Legion Talent at the time, we might have been defeated. May I ask who this gentleman is?" Wux Xi candidly explained with a few bitter smiles.

"Marquis Chen," Hua Xiong briefly introduced, and Wux Xi immediately understood, bowing to salute.

"I’m only here to take a look. Are there nobles among them?" Chen Xi curiously asked.

"Inspector Chen said there are," Wux Xi quickly pointed at Serali, Lakrilayke, and others.

"Oh, I see. We’ll send a delegation over to them as well, it’s good to take a look. Great Qin indeed," Chen Xi glanced over the delegation and finally confirmed. Aside from those few nobles, most were not Romans, showing Central Asian features.

As Chen Xi observed the Romans, the Romans in turn examined Chen Xi. Even if they didn’t know Chen Xi’s identity, they understood the visitor was not an ordinary person. After so long, they still understood the word ’general,’ and the man titled as general stood behind the young man.

Furthermore, after his appearance, the nearby shopkeepers clearly showed different expressions, which the Roman Nobles noted cautiously, understanding some of the implications.

"He should be a high noble of the Han Empire," Serali transmitted this to the others.

"Certainly a high noble, perhaps with status similar to yours," Salivi frowned and displayed caution, subtly guarding Serali. "The man behind him possesses power no less than mine. I can sense the surging strength within him."

"How could that be?" An surprised voice from Lakrilayke echoed among them.

"You are the foremost warrior under the Duke," another noble commented.

The Dukes of Rome’s Border Commandery wield enormous power, controlling both military and political affairs. Serali is the son of Ganasis, and him being placed in the delegation signifies deep concern. Naturally, protection followed.

"The land you stand on is the soil an empire thrives on," Salivi pointedly stated, silencing the others.

Rome possesses just over twenty Inner Qi Manifestation experts. Unlike those in Central Plains who benefit from their Legion Talent, Romans vest all their belief in the Eagle Banner; thus, Inner Qi Manifestation is simply that without extras.

Because they don’t need to unify soldiers’ beliefs, Roman Inner Qi Manifestation can perceive others’ strength more precisely. Unless one purposely hides their Inner Qi, Roman experts at this level can readily sense others’ Inner Qi levels.

In contrast to the Central Plains, Roman Inner Qi Manifestation mostly sit behind the lines, focusing on elevation without engaging in internal disputes. When such warriors enter the battlefield, it signifies a national war status for Rome.

This approach ensures that Rome’s Inner Qi Manifestation warriors experience no attrition over the years. Now, these experts station in vital Roman towns, acting as a stabilizing force like the Seas Calming Divine Needle, hugely stabilizing regional dynamics.

For the same reason, Roman Inner Qi Manifestation since their promotion partake in ceaseless training until summoned during empire-wide conflicts or to protect a collapsing empire.

Romans ennoble these figures profoundly. Salivi, once a gladiator slave, was granted noble status after becoming Inner Qi Manifestation, celebrated by Roman citizens, transforming everything.

Thus, while basking in glory, Roman Inner Qi Manifestation bear significant burdens as they embody the empire’s sharpest spear and ultimate defense, they solely fight for the empire.

With ample time devoted purely to training, Roman Inner Qi Manifestation martial artists possess exceedingly robust strength.

Consequently, many have reached the peak regarding Inner Qi, with the earliest ones like Wang Yue and Tong Yuan having paved the way further.

"Honored noble of the Han Empire, Serali, a Roman noble, is delighted to meet you," Serali humbly stated, and the interpreter quickly translated for Chen Xi.