War God Long Ao

He was stunned.

Long Ao never imagined Gu Bai would say such a thing.

'But can I really agree?'

The answer was a clear no.

With an apologetic look, Long Ao answered frankly, "I believe what you say, Hall Master, but I'm very sorry. I cannot join the Thunder National Protection Hall."

Long Ao expected Gu Bai to be angry, but to his surprise, Gu Bai wasn't furious at all. Instead, he smiled and said, "I understand."

Zhao Mang, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Long Ao, we're aware of your circumstances, so we won't force you. As for what Hao'er did to you before, I've already put a stop to it."

Long Ao didn't reply. He couldn't stand Zhao Hao.

But since Zhao Hao's father was being so reasonable, Long Ao decided not to dwell on it. Besides, with his current strength, it was impossible for him to contend with the entire Thunder Empire, let alone the Thunder Sect that backed it.

"Your Majesty, did you summon me today for a specific reason?"

Long Ao was no fool. He could tell there was a hidden meaning in Zhao Mang's words; he couldn't have been summoned just for this.

As expected.

Zhao Mang and Gu Bai exchanged a glance before Zhao Mang said, "Long Ao, I assume you've heard of the Flame Empire?"

Long Ao nodded. He was certainly no stranger to the Flame Empire. As one of the Two Great Empires in the Celestial State, the Flame Empire and the Thunder Empire were its undisputed hegemons, jointly controlling the entire state.

Long Ao was curious why Zhao Mang had suddenly brought up the Flame Empire.

"Long Ao, I'll be blunt. The Flame Empire and the Thunder Empire are the only two hegemons in the Celestial State. Every few years, our Two Great Empires hold a contest for supremacy. The victor receives a treasure contributed by both sides."

'A contest for supremacy?'

Long Ao still didn't get it. 'What the hell does a contest for supremacy between the Flame and Thunder Empires have to do with me?'

"Each contest is, in reality, a battle for prestige between the Two Great Empires. The Thunder Empire has lost the last three in a row. Therefore, for this upcoming contest, losing is not an option."

"Your Majesty, what does this have to do with me?"

"In every contest, each of the Two Great Empires sends twenty Innate Martial Artists to compete. So, for this contest, I hope you will represent the Thunder Empire."

'So that's what this is about.'

Long Ao hadn't expected Zhao Mang to ask him to represent the Thunder Empire in the contest between the two nations.

Before Long Ao could respond, Zhao Mang cut in, "Long Ao, if you agree to represent the Thunder Empire in the contest, you may make two demands."

"Your Majesty, may I ask you a question?"

"You may."

"The Thunder Empire has countless masters. Why choose me?"

Long Ao was genuinely puzzled by this. The Thunder Empire had countless masters and was even backed by the Thunder Sect. So why single him out? After all, he wasn't invincible.

Zhao Mang chuckled. "Long Ao, I've had your potential and strength thoroughly investigated. The contest only permits Innate Martial Artists to participate, and among them, I believe your strength will be of great help to the Thunder Empire."

"I see."

'So, in the end, the contest was restricted to twenty Innate Martial Artists from each side. Transformed Martial Artists weren't allowed to join.'

"Well, Long Ao? What do you say?"

'Long Ao gave a wry internal smile. He knew that since Zhao Mang had come to him personally, he was determined to secure his agreement. Could he even refuse?'

Resigned, Long Ao nodded his agreement. "Your Majesty, I accept. I have two conditions. First, the Thunder Empire must provide its full support for Red Fire Town's development, but Red Fire Town must remain independent."

"No problem," Zhao Mang agreed without a moment's hesitation. "Within three years, Red Fire Town will surpass Nebula City. For the Thunder Empire, a matter like this is a mere trifle."

"My second condition: I want one hundred Soaring Dragon Pills from the Thunder Empire. And I want them now."

'One hundred Soaring Dragon Pills. It was an exorbitant demand. Their value was immense. But Long Ao knew that while acquiring a hundred Soaring Dragon Pills might be impossible for him, it was nothing for the mighty Thunder Empire.'

Zhao Mang thought for a moment, then asked, "Long Ao, if you don't mind my asking, what do you need so many Soaring Dragon Pills for?"

"To improve my strength."

Gu Bai, who was standing to the side, suddenly interjected, "Long Ao, I must warn you. Taking too many Soaring Dragon Pills won't just be unhelpful; it will actively hinder your cultivation speed. Three pills should be more than enough. That would be the most suitable amount for you."

Long Ao knew, of course, that Gu Bai meant well. He smiled and said, "Your Majesty, Hall Master, I know what I'm doing."

"Fine. In that case, one hundred Soaring Dragon Pills is not a problem. You will all officially depart in ten days, which gives you that time to focus on your cultivation."

Since matters were settled, Long Ao saw no reason to stay. He took the hundred Soaring Dragon Pills and turned to leave.

"Brother Gu, Long Ao is only at the Fusion Realm. Is he truly qualified to represent the Thunder Empire in the contest?"

Gu Bai nodded. "His talent and potential are top-tier. Moreover, anyone who has caught the Ghost King's eye must have something extraordinary about them. Your Majesty, with him representing the Thunder Empire, perhaps we really can turn the tables."

Zhao Mang still seemed unconvinced, but since Gu Bai had spoken so confidently, he didn't press the matter further.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured. I have faith in this young man. It's just... the matter of the Third Prince."

"Hmph." Waving his hand dismissively, Zhao Mang showed his clear disdain for his son. "He's more of a liability than an asset! If it weren't for the Thunder Sect, I would have disposed of that good-for-nothing long ago. He has completely shamed the imperial family."

"Your Majesty, you still can't let that incident go."

"How could I possibly let it go? That incident is the shame of my life. Sooner or later, I will reclaim my honor."

Looking at the emperor beside him, Gu Bai sighed deeply. "Your Majesty, the Thunder Sect's power and deep-rooted influence are plain to see. Breaking away from them is a near-impossible task."

Zhao Mang waved his hand, his expression returning to normal. He suddenly smiled. "Of course, I know that breaking away from the Thunder Sect is impossible with our current strength. But our opportunity is coming. As long as the Old Ancestor emerges from his seclusion, we might just have our chance to break free."

'The Old Ancestor?'

A flash of joy appeared on Gu Bai's face, only to be replaced by a solemn expression once more. 'Even if the Old Ancestor emerges, can the Thunder Empire truly break free from the Thunder Sect?'