Cheng Gujian sighed softly, "During this period, priests from various places have been entering the main city one after another. What else could it be but this?"
To personally take the lead?
These words surprised both Xu Shi and Xia Wuyou. Given your current status, it could be considered as leading an army in person...
But upon closer examination, it makes sense – after all, in the context of the Hualan Empire, the matter of defeating the Sea God could easily escalate into a political game.
Two tigers cannot share one mountain. The royal family and the papacy, which are inherently in a state of checks and balances, naturally hope to find an opportunity to further enhance their own influence. The campaign against the sea god is no small matter. Once one of them wins the battle and then does some good marketing, it will be easy to put a heavy weight on the scales and eventually create a one-sided trend.
Given this situation, neither side was going to let their guard down and both were giving it their all.
"I was quite troubled by this at first."
Cheng Gujian took a couple more sips of wine, then suddenly smiled with relief, “A dozen years ago, I might have looked forward to returning in triumph, full of vigor and high spirits, but now that I’m older, I have more things on my mind, and I’m less daring. The thought of having to personally take charge even makes me a little afraid.”
"Fortunately, Brother Xu, you arrived just in time. The weapons you brought should be a great help in defeating the Sea God... I have a favor to ask. Before we set off, you must help me train the people I have chosen."
"This is simply my job. How can I sell something without providing after-sales service?"
Xu Shi blinked and smiled, indicating that he didn't need to worry. "If Brother Cheng needs me, I can accompany you and give you the same guidance on the road."
"...Brother Xu, are you really willing to do this?"
Cheng Gujian looked surprised, as if he had never expected Xu Shi to say such a thing. "You are not from the Hualan Empire, how can I really trouble you to this extent?"
Xu Shi secretly rolled his eyes, thinking to himself, "That's enough. Are you some kind of political newbie? You're acting like a curious child, but this is probably what you really think..."
"To be honest, what interests me isn't just the story of 'Poseidon'."
However, he didn't point it out. If he had, he wouldn't have followed Cheng Gujian's lead. Instead, he said sincerely, "I've long had the idea of finding out the truth. Since that's the case, if we go together, I'll have a better chance of success."
"I see."
Cheng Gujian looked as if he had just woken up from a dream. "It seems that Brother Xu is quite the adventurous hero... In that case, I won't say anything more. Let me toast you."
"Brother Cheng has a huge capacity for alcohol."
Xu Shi offered a lukewarm compliment, "However, there's something we need to clarify beforehand. As you said, we're not from the Hualan Empire. If we achieve a resounding victory, how will the credit be calculated?"
"this……"
Cheng Gujian frowned. Xu Shi had truly stumped him this time. "The royal family has already made arrangements. Anyone who makes a contribution during this trip will be richly rewarded, and those who die in the line of duty will even be directly ennobled... But these things don't hold much appeal for you, do they?"
"That's right."
Xu did not deny it.
"hiss……"
Grand Duke Gu Jian clicked his tongue. "I think I need to talk to His Majesty again and discuss this carefully. I must give you an explanation first."
"It just so happens that I also need your help in training soldiers, Brother Xu. I will ask His Majesty for permission tomorrow, so that you won't have to be so secretive when you come to me in the future."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Cheng."
Xu Shi nodded and said half-jokingly, "It's a pity we have to keep it a secret for now... It's getting late, I should take my leave. Is there a back door? It'll be more discreet for me to leave, so you won't have anything to say about me."
"I'll personally escort you; who dares to object?"
Cheng Gujian stood up with a cold smile, not taking it to heart at all. "Please."
When they saw Xu Shi off, the two exchanged many pleasantries, mostly about minor details related to their cooperation.
For example, Cheng Gujian would not refuse Xu Shi's long-standing concern about building a base station, and waved his hand to tell him to just go ahead and do it.
With him speaking, none of this matters.
"By the way, Brother Xu, you've never been to the Holy See before, have you?"
Upon reaching the gate, Cheng Gujian suddenly seemed to remember something, "When do you plan to visit? I can make some preparations for you in advance."
"I don't know either."
Xu Shi said nonchalantly, "It's good to finish what you start. We haven't finished things here yet, there's no need to rush."
"Indeed, I've heard about your feud with the Vatican."
Cheng Gujian nodded slightly. "To be honest, I personally don't even want you to have anything to do with them."
"From what you're saying, Brother Cheng doesn't believe in God?"
Xu Shi blinked and asked an extra question.
"I believe that there is a God."
Cheng Gujian shook his head, "Otherwise, where would the 'Divine Breath' come from? And where would the power of the 'Chosen One' come from?"
"But believing in God is not the same as believing in the Vatican. Do they really have the power to represent God? In my eyes, they are nothing more than a group of ambitious people seeking fame and fortune."
"……I see."
Xu Shi paused for a moment, then mimicked his tone and recited a sentence, before reaching out her hand to him for the first time.
...
"So you're planning to continue working with him like this?"
On the way back, Xia Wuyou hugged Xu Shi's arm and asked softly.
"What's wrong with that? At least we can maintain this relationship for now, right?"
Xu Shi patted her gently, "And in my eyes, this person is quite interesting, I really admire him."
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