CHAPTER 323: CHAPTER 43: BLOOD OATH ALLIANCE

"Lord, let me say this upfront, I do not want any naming rights," said Helian Sheng with a smile brimming with cheer.

Upon hearing this, Yue Jinghua wished she could slap this ungrateful wolf wagging its big tail.

Meanwhile, Helian Sheng pondered over the persuasion Yue Jinghua had just employed.

Accompanied by Hongling, Helian Sheng had actually been waiting outside the house, but after hearing Yue Jinghua’s astounding persuasive investment talk and seeing Yun Luo go from outright refusal to contemplation and then to sudden thrill, he couldn’t help but admire and be wary of Yue Jinghua anew.

In the Ruison Federation, there is a saying that if men are small treasuries, then women are the keys that unlock them.

This young lord really understands women too well.

Seeing Helian Sheng’s face that managed a grin that was neither genuine nor entirely false, Yue Jinghua signaled Yue Chen and Ye Zi to leave first, as Little Boy glanced at Helian Sheng, who clearly was just a smiling tiger.

With just one sentence, Helian Sheng had cornered Yue Jinghua; he rejected her while maintaining a smile.

His face could only be considered moderately handsome, but his smile had a certain charm, carrying a bit of youthful brightness. Unknowingly, in the Federation, many prestigious ladies had been dazzled by his harmless-looking smile.

Yue Jinghua was first taken aback, thinking to herself: Indeed, one is more cunning than the next; this man truly isn’t a simple one.

As her mind circled with thoughts, her face still chuckled twice he-he, showing none of the awkwardness of someone whose scheming had been seen through.

She boldly patted Helian Sheng on the shoulder, putting on an air of camaraderie, "Mr. Helian, I’m seeking you not for some trivial matter like a pigsty tour around the lake. I want to discuss the forging of Xuan Crystal Cannons for defensive purposes."

The pleasant curve of Helian Sheng’s lips twitched, and his eyes deepened. "Lord, you must be jesting, my weapon might be a Xuan Crystal Cannon but it’s not made for defending cities."

"Captain Helian is being modest again. Helian Sheng of the Federation Empire, an artillery expert from the noble Helian Family. Twenty-eight, unmarried, a Utahn from Ruison Federation, a high-ranking expert in artillery, also a renowned name in the current world of artillery crafters. I wonder if the information I just mentioned is accurate? Or perhaps, should I also invite the old steward Beetsin to come in and verify our testimonies," said Yue Jinghua slowly, revealing Helian Sheng’s identity.

Although Yue Jinghua had long suspected Helian Sheng’s military background and that his status in Ruison Federation was not ordinary, she did not anticipate his background to be so distinguished.

After capturing the old steward Beetsin, Yue Jinghua did not kill him; instead, as the Lord of Fengdan County, she extended an olive branch to him.

Fengdan County was in dire need of rejuvenation. Despite having the support of Hong Ling, Hong Yao, Teng Wu, and others by her side, she still lacked an old strategist like the old steward Beetsin, who was equally experienced and cunning.

After witnessing the prowess of Dark Beasts and the changes in Fengdan County, the old steward Beetsin, after a night of deep thought, accepted Yue Jinghua’s invitation.

Later on, Beetsin, with his experience as a medium-ranking non-commissioned officer retired from the Dragon Battle Empire Army, recognized Helian Sheng at a glance.

Hearing Hongling describe the night when Helian Sheng alone fought against Stone-eating Fragrant Pigs with only Middle-level Cultivation, Yue Jinghua gained unintentional knowledge of his identity.

Such stirring effects could be achieved with just a mini Xuan Crystal Cannon,

Last time during her duel with Li Geshu, Yue Jinghua seized a Xuan Crystal Cannon from her opponent. However, since the Xuan Crystal Cannon must be used with Dark Crystal Bombs and she had not learnt to operate artillery, it had been left unused.

This time, after witnessing Helian Sheng’s Xuan Crystal Cannon, Yue Jinghua gained further understanding of the Xuan Crystal Cannon.

Helian Sheng said he was a civil servant and it was not false; he rarely appeared at the war front, most of the time he only manufactured Xuan Crystal Cannons for the Federation. The Xuan Crystal Cannon he used was a miniaturized version, easy to carry, and the Xuan Crystal Bombs used were more economical, very popular among the upper classes of the Federation.

Just with one type of Xuan Crystal Cannon, Yue Jinghua realized that although they are the two major powers on the continent, the Rui Song Federation’s technology, especially in terms of weaponry, was far more sophisticated than that of the Dragon War Empire—not to mention the technology of the Xuan Crystal Cannon that Helian Sheng held was much more formidable than the Dragon War.

Thus, it seems the reason these two great powers have been able to coexist for so many years is because each has its strengths; the Dragon War Empire has the Dragon Rider Battle Group that sweeps across the continent unobstructed and numerous Dark Beast Armies, while the Rui Song Federation does not rely on these—they place more emphasis on education and technology, and the research in various types of Spiritual Artifacts.

For the current Yue Jinghua, the standoff between the two great powers meant nothing. In her view, this issue was far less important than breeding a few more Moxiang Pigs in the pig farm.

If Dan Ruo had a few Xuan Crystal Cannons, it would be extraordinary for the defense of Fengdan County.

The Xuan Crystal Cannons, especially those deployed in the three central state cities within the Rui Song Federation’s territory, when their firepower is concentrated, are said to be able to directly shoot down unmanned Flying Winged Dragons from the Dragon War Empire.

This further intensified Yue Jinghua’s desire to purchase Xuan Crystal Cannons.

Realizing that Yue Jinghua had clearly figured out his identity, Helian Sheng finally put away his smile, and his words carried a bit more of the sharpness and pride characteristic of a military man, "Lord, do you think I, as a high-level military officer of the Rui Song Federation, would forge defensive Xuan Crystal Cannons for an enemy nation?"

It was utterly absurd. Inside Helian Sheng’s chest, a fire of anger surged.

He had thought that this young lord was a wise person, yet to his surprise, he made such a preposterous request.

"No, Lord Helian, you are mistaken. The Xuan Crystal Cannons you forge will never be aimed at the Federation’s soldiers. These cannons will only be used to safeguard the citizens of Fengdan County, to completely eradicate the tragedy of children losing their parents, the desolation ravaged by Dark Beasts. A weapon, when used to wage war, is indeed a weapon. But if it is used to benefit others and create peace, then it is a blessing," Yue Jinghua suddenly stood up.

From her eyes black as ink, beams of sharp light burst forth, those two beams of light, like two sun rays piercing through the darkness at dawn, pierced straight into the depths of Helian Sheng’s heart.

"I’m sorry, but I still can’t agree," Helian Sheng said with some difficulty. As a member of the Helian Family and as a part of the new generation foundational to the Federation, even though Yue Jinghua’s steel-like words shook him, he still retained the last bit of rationality and rejected Yue Jinghua’s request.

"Mr. Helian, don’t be too quick to refuse. If you can agree to help us forge defensive Xuan Crystal Cannons, I am also willing to unconditionally agree to one of your conditions," Yue Jinghua suddenly made a promise, causing Hongling, who had been listening on the side, to immediately stand up and try to stop Yue Jinghua.

"One condition? Any condition?" Helian Sheng’s deep eyes once again flashed with a glint.

"Any condition," Yue Jinghua extended her hand.

"Alright, I agree," Helian Sheng also extended his hand.

The palms of the two met in mid-air with a high five.

Just then, over the skies of Fengdan County, the heavily clouded horizon suddenly thundered with a muffled sound, followed by a drizzle that began to fall from the sky.

The first spring rain, signifying the revival of all things in Fengdan County, had finally arrived.