Five Soul Emperors, one Soul Saint...

Hu Liena, standing behind Qian Yuelong, lowered her eyes slightly.

The president of the Blacksmiths' Association was only a Soul Saint. Although he didn't quite understand why Yue Long valued Gengxin City's voluntary surrender so much, the war with the Star Luo Empire did indeed require a large number of blacksmiths to work overnight to produce military supplies...

Hu Liena's thoughts drifted away.

Qian Yuelong seemed oblivious to the wary and guarded gazes of the five Soul Emperors behind Lou Gao, a polite smile playing on her lips:

"President Lou, there's no need for modesty. You are the president of the Blacksmiths Association and the only master craftsman on the mainland today. You should be treated with utmost respect."

She stepped forward and entered the special reception room, which was made of special materials and filled with mechanisms.

An invisible wave of air spread out, like a breath of cold air being blown from the back of the neck, instantly tensing all the muscles in one's body.

The pupils of the five Soul Emperor-level blacksmiths shrank almost imperceptibly. Even Lou Gao's disciple Si Long, who had brought Qian Yuelong and Hu Liena here for the meeting, and Gengxin City Lord, whose soul power was the lowest among those present, felt the indescribable pressure emanating from Qian Yuelong.

He is a natural-born leader and an absolute powerhouse.

This is the favored daughter of the Spirit Empire.

Lou Gao felt a pang of bitterness welling up inside him. Controlling his expression, he turned to the side and gestured for Lou Gao to sit down.

One of the Soul Emperors, who stood behind him like a guard, turned around and served the brewed tea.

The distinguished guests took their seats, and both sides were seated. Even the city lord of Gengxin City, who was not particularly important in terms of presence and status as the intermediary in this meeting, was flattered to be given a seat.

Qian Yuelong politely took a sip of tea, and without beating around the bush with Lou Gao, she went straight to the point: "President Lou Gao should know that I am here to discuss the matter of recruiting Gengxin City."

"I know that the Martial Soul Branch Hall that was once stationed in Gengxin City has caused your association a great deal of psychological trauma. I am very sorry to have allowed such parasites to take root here for so many years. To show my sincerity, I have dealt with the original person in charge. The other knights who aided and abetted the evil have been thoroughly investigated. Those who were punished will be punished, those who were sent to labor camps will be sent to labor camps, and those whose circumstances are serious will suffer the same fate as the original person in charge."

"So, is Chairman Lou Gao satisfied?"

Lou Gao nodded steadily, his fingers tightening slightly on the rim of the glass. He took a deep breath, met Qian Yuelong's clear, light purple eyes without flinching, and said:

“I see the sincerity of the Holy Maiden. But there is one thing I must make clear: after submitting to the Spirit Empire, no member of my Blacksmiths' Guild may force or mistreat them, nor treat them as slaves or prisoners; and when conflicts arise with the nobles of the Spirit Empire, we will always stand on the side of justice and not favor the nobles. Can the Holy Maiden promise me this?”

The main reason he agreed to the proposal of the city lord of Gengxin City and was willing to hold talks with Qian Yuelong was because Qian Yuelong promised him that as long as the Blacksmith Association was willing to submit to the Martial Soul Empire and work for the Martial Soul Empire from then on, it could enjoy equal citizen treatment.

Lou Gao, who was very clear about the shady dealings and conflicts between the imperial classes, knew that mere citizenship was not enough.

We must find a strong backer for the blacksmiths' association, otherwise it will once again suffer the same fate of being constantly constrained and frustrated.

His reason for entering the forging industry, becoming a blacksmith, and establishing the Blacksmiths' Association was to indirectly save the country. He wanted to use his amazing finished products to change people's perception of the blacksmithing profession, change the awkward status of blacksmiths on the continent, and tell the world that becoming a blacksmith can also be a glorious thing, and that one can support one's family with one's skills without being humble.

Unfortunately, the rare items they forged, such as the Eight Treasures Ruyi Soft Armor that blocked a terrifying blow for Xiao Wu in the Heavenly Dou Imperial Palace, were considered mediocre and unimportant by other nobles.

He founded the blacksmiths' association decades ago, but he has never been able to forge a truly rare and divine artifact.

When his old friend and second-in-command, Vice President Titan, brought a young man named Tang San to his door, he felt that he had seen hope again.

However, unexpectedly, the Spirit Hall suddenly bared its fangs at the entire continent, established an empire, and began to recruit spirit masters and expand its territory.

When he heard that the Spirit Empire's war was approaching Gengxin City, he knew that he had to make a choice between the Tang Sect and the Spirit Empire.

On one side are friends and unparalleled artifacts, and on the other side is the offer of amnesty that would endanger the lives of tens of thousands of blacksmiths.

Lou Gao wants to forge an unparalleled divine weapon, but at the same time, he is also the president of the blacksmiths' association, bearing important responsibilities.

He can be willful, but the price he pays is something he can't afford.

Upon hearing Lou Gao's words, Hu Liena was the first to frown.

Lou Gao's actions were not wrong; as the president of the blacksmiths' association, he was seriously considering the association's future.

However, if something were to actually happen between the blacksmith and the nobles in the future, even if the blacksmith were to win the moral high ground, the hatred would ultimately fall on Yuelong, and she would go further and further down the path of gaining a large number of enemies. Yuelong probably wouldn't agree to that...

"Sure."

Qian Yuelong's nonchalant answer stunned Hu Liena, and Lou Gao and the others were also taken aback.

"Yuelong, about this matter..."

Qian Yuelong interrupted Hu Liena, her light purple eyes calmly looking at her:

“Nana, I know your worries. But what does it matter if you have many enemies in the face of absolute strength? Although the laws I have implemented are relatively mild, there is one thing I have also added to them. If you encounter any injustice or believe that the handling of a matter is unfair, you can agree to a fight and let your fists and strength decide the outcome.”

This world is indeed a dog-eat-dog world, but without morality and rules as the guiding principles, even if the continent is unified, it will only plunge the world into a new round of chaos.

While protecting the basic living allowance rights of the vulnerable, the strong can also use their power and strength to gain a voice. This is a way to achieve a delicate balance between the two sides.

Hu Liena looked at the stubborn Qian Yuelong and sighed inwardly.

It is said within the empire that Yuelong's behavior has become increasingly unpredictable since she began handling government affairs.

She can be meticulous and methodical, like a pre-set mechanism, always executing tasks repeatedly and flawlessly once pressed, yet she can also possess a gentle and humane side, retaining a pure and kind heart.

But you'll only discover this after spending a long time with Yuelong.

She is actually a stubborn person.

Once a goal is set, one will do everything possible to achieve it.

Before crossing her bottom line, her methods are mild. But once that line is crossed, her schemes and ruthless tactics will be chilling.

"...Alright, as long as you know what's going on."

In the end, Hu Liena compromised.

A smile flickered in Qian Yuelong's eyes as she glanced at Lou Gao and the others, who were still in disbelief, and said:

"Throughout the entire Douluo Continent, blacksmiths are treated the same as commoners, looked down upon by nobles and despised by the empire. But I have a rather unconventional view; I believe that the existence of blacksmiths is still very important. That is why I am willing to make this promise to you."

"Although the blacksmiths' forging and refining techniques are not yet at a level that will change people's perceptions, I believe that miracles can happen with hard work. One day, blacksmiths will be able to change people's perceptions through their own efforts."

"Chairman Lou, I grant your request. Now, what is the choice for the Blacksmiths' Association?"

Lou Gao met those calm yet inexplicably authoritative eyes. He opened his mouth, but all his defenses crumbled the moment his shoulders slumped, and he bowed his head to Qian Yuelong.

"The Blacksmiths' Association is willing to submit to the Martial Soul Empire."

The city lord was overjoyed and wept with joy upon hearing that Lou Gao, that stubborn old man, had finally relented.

This is wonderful!