Chapter 2086: Zhong Shengguang's Refusal

He Lingchuan fully understood why Mount Ling demanded offerings from the mortal world, simply by observing True Immortal Qianhuan's intense craving for spiritual energy and mystic crystals. After all, Mount Ling was home to many high immortals and immortals, each an energy-consuming black hole.

Zhong Shengguang surely understood as well, but understanding didn't equate to agreement, much less a willingness to tolerate it.

"So, the negotiations between Mount Ling and Panglong City are actually stalled here?"

Sun Fuling nodded. "I can tell that Commander Zhong is calmer than everyone else regarding the offerings to Mount Ling, but Mount Ling's demanded share is simply too high."

"How much is it?"

"Seventy percent of the foreign trade profits."

"Someone has done the math. If Panglong City were to bear the cost, it would be an immense financial strain, forcing us to cut expenses elsewhere. If the burden were passed on to the merchants, goods would inevitably increase in price, potentially affecting both the lives of city residents and foreign trade."

She tilted her head as she looked at He Lingchuan, a wisp of dark hair falling to perfectly frame her cheek. Following the wisp, He Lingchuan noticed that her jawline wasn't as soft as most women's; instead, it had a subtle angle that lent a touch of heroism to her face.

Interestingly, she typically wore loose robes and styled her hair in a relaxed manner, which effectively softened her demeanor, transforming this inherent heroism into an uncommon scholarly elegance for a woman. Yet, the moment she narrowed her phoenix eyes, a fierce sharpness would emerge, making even He Lingchuan feel a jolt. Not to mention the students of Shumin Academy; even the most mischievous among them would have to bow their heads in her presence.

"Let me tell you something about the academy," Sun Fuling continued. "The last time Mount Ling sent cultivation techniques was five months ago, and they were all foundational, introductory divine abilities. There wasn't a single divine ability truly suitable for cultivators like you."

She sighed. "The revival of spiritual energy in heaven and earth is a great thing, but we also need corresponding high-level cultivation techniques to support us, and the sooner we get them, the better. In this regard, Mount Ling truly possesses an unparalleled advantage."

Cultivators studied different techniques with varying powers in eras of spiritual energy scarcity compared to times of abundance. The mortal world had been "dry" for so long that the techniques everyone learned were primarily practical, making cultivation methods adapted for higher spiritual energy environments exceedingly rare.

But Mount Ling was not lacking them.

As a mysterious organization with a nearly three-thousand-year lineage, Mount Ling had fully experienced several cycles and recurrences of spiritual energy's ebb and flow. It possessed records of everything from the divine abilities of ancient immortals thousands of years ago to the secret arts of martial generals and national heroes from the medieval period.

This was a treasure trove of knowledge.

Even a celestial deity wouldn't possess such a complete range of divine abilities.

Unused in the past, these techniques simply gathered dust in the library. But once spiritual energy revived, they became highly sought-after.

Moreover, Mount Ling had complete dominion over them; who received them and who did not was entirely up to Mount Ling's joint elders.

"Mr. Xin also conveyed that if Panglong City could show sincerity, Mount Ling would naturally not hesitate to share divine abilities and cultivation techniques from the medieval period."

Mount Ling held higher-end cultivation resources that Panglong City couldn't reach even on tiptoe, leaving them completely stuck. This was why Zhong Shengguang was so frustrated.

This was one of Mount Ling's most important bargaining chips.

"What did Commander Zhong say?"

"Commander Zhong was more restrained than any of the other high-ranking officials present, unlike General Nanke, who slammed the table and cursed Mount Ling for outright robbery. But he also... he still disagreed with Mount Ling's demands!" Sun Fuling bit her lip. "He told Mr. Xin that when Panglong City was at its most difficult, Mount Ling indeed provided much assistance, not only generously sharing in terms of talent, intelligence, cultivation techniques, elixir formulas, agriculture, and financial aid, but also bringing many allies to Panglong City and even taking on much of the pressure from Beijia. However, Panglong City, after all, must be responsible for all residents of the Panglong Wilderness, has its own army to support, and also faces immense pressure from Beijia."

Currently, Panglong City's territory is much larger than that of an average country. Whatever pressures other nations face in domestic affairs, foreign policy, and military matters, Panglong City faces at least as much, if not more.

Whether it's a country, a region, or a faction, finances are paramount.

Without money and prospects, you can accomplish nothing.

"I gathered from Commander Zhong that Panglong City also understands the principle of reciprocity; we cannot simply accept Mount Ling's favors without giving back, nor can we allow Mount Ling to suffer losses for nothing. Therefore, Panglong City is willing to repay Mount Ling for all the past assistance and aid with real money." Sun Fuling sighed. "In my opinion, even if Mount Ling demanded a hefty sum, Commander Zhong would be willing to pay it. He'd rather pay a larger amount this one time than let Mount Ling leech off Panglong City year after year."

For Sun Fuling, with her usual composure, to explicitly use the word "leeching" showed that she was equally angry.

"If Mount Ling were willing to accept this money, it would actually be easier to handle. A one-time buyout, and then we'd be even." He Lingchuan raised a hand and pressed his forehead. "If they refuse and simply walk away, that's when things get truly troublesome."

Ugh, my head aches.

Zhong Shengguang was a very experienced leader, yet he rejected Mount Ling so completely, not even planning to negotiate properly. It seemed he was truly angered.

Mount Ling's outrageous demands made it hard for anyone who heard them not to get angry.

Demanding seventy percent of the profits! Why don't they just go rob us themselves?

Forget seventy percent, Panglong City doesn't even want to give one percent!

Of course, there's another possibility: that Zhong Shengguang first expressed his resolute refusal to make Mount Ling adjust its attitude, with negotiations to follow later.

But what kind of entity was Mount Ling? True Immortals, dwelling on high, were accustomed to arrogance. To make them adjust their attitude... tsk...

If Panglong City showed its toughness, even He Lingchuan found it difficult to foresee what the ultimate outcome of this matter would be.

This was truly...

"After Commander Zhong made his stance clear, what was Mr. Xin's reaction?"

"Mr. Xin simply smiled and told Commander Zhong not to rush into a decision on this matter, and to definitely reconsider it carefully."

"This means Mount Ling doesn't accept Panglong City's refusal?" He Lingchuan fell into deep thought.

This trouble came out of nowhere. What should be done?

He was so engrossed in thought that he didn't pay much attention to what Sun Fuling said afterward.

Noticing that he was just staring at her without speaking, Sun Fuling picked up her chopsticks and waved them towards his eyes. "Hey! I've said all this; did you hear any of it?"

"I heard it, of course, I heard it." He Lingchuan quickly picked up a piece of braised rabbit meat for her. "Every word the Master said is etched in my ears!"

"Hmm," Sun Fuling uttered. "Regarding Mount Ling's demands for offerings, you don't seem to be too opposed?"

He Lingchuan said seriously, "I'm very averse to it. But considering Panglong City's current situation, it's currently not advisable for us to antagonize Mount Ling."

"The current situation?" Sun Fuling didn't miss the word "currently" in his remark. "Isn't this the best time Panglong City has ever had?"