"A courier?" The elder of the Lingtix Tribe couldn't help but smile at the name. "Such a vivid and interesting title. Emperor Lin, your idea is truly ingenious. But if our tribe becomes these couriers, there should be compensation, correct?"
"Indeed, that is a certainty."
"Then, Emperor Lin, might I ask what the compensation will be?" The Lingtix elder inquired curiously, as this was a matter concerning the future of his tribe and could not be taken lightly.
If Lin Qian's answer did not satisfy him, he would have no choice but to lead the Lingtix Tribe away, forfeiting any association with the Huaxia Empire.
"Compensation isn't something the Huaxia Empire will handle; rather, it will be provided by the citizens of the Huaxia Empire," Lin Qian explained with a smile. "The items that need to be delivered by the couriers will vary in size and weight, and the fees charged will also differ accordingly. The Lingtix couriers will earn a commission based on their workload—the more they deliver, the more soul crystals they will earn."
"Once Swift Wind Couriers is established, the Huaxia Empire will only assign scholars from the Engineering Department to oversee and guide operations. Your Lingtix Tribe will take primary responsibility."
"And once you grow and expand, you could even extend your services beyond the borders of the Huaxia Empire. When the sight of Lingtix couriers is common throughout the entire Soul Martial Continent, the Huaxia Empire will be proud of you." Lin Qian looked at the elder of the Lingtix Tribe and spoke with conviction. "At that point, your Lingtix Tribe will have truly made a name for itself."
Lin Qian's words stirred excitement in the Lingtix elder. From what he described, the future of the Lingtix Tribe seemed limitless, far brighter than their current circumstances.
"I, Lin Qian, Emperor of the Huaxia Empire, hereby swear an oath to the heart demon that what I promise to the Lingtix Tribe today is true. Should there be any falsehood, I shall be reduced to ashes," Lin Qian suddenly declared, his voice resonating through the hall, shocking everyone present.
The Lingtix elder, in particular, was stunned, staring at Lin Qian in disbelief. He had not expected Lin Qian to swear such an oath, which proved that everything he had said before was not just words but a commitment he intended to fulfill.
"I understand your concerns," Lin Qian continued. "The four human elders trust me because we are of the same race, so there's no need for such assurances. But as we are of different races, simply asking you to trust me might seem like wishful thinking. That is why I swear this oath—to show my sincerity."
"I hope that the Huaxia Empire will not only be composed of humans but will also include other races, making the empire stronger, with a hundred races thriving together."
The Lingtix elder, moved by Lin Qian's sincerity, stood up and bowed. "What an ambitious vision. I, Ling Jiu, look forward to seeing that day, Your Majesty."
"Welcome to the Huaxia Empire, Elder Ling Jiu," Lin Qian said with a smile, standing up and grasping his hand. "I promise you won't be disappointed."
"We shall see," Ling Jiu replied with a smile.
Seeing this, the Dwarven elder could not sit still any longer and stood up to ask, "If our Dwarven Tribe joins the Huaxia Empire, can we enter the Fireworks Department?"
"Of course you can. Bringing together the strengths of various peoples is the way forward," Lin Qian said with a smile, looking at the Dwarven elder, Lu Shengshou. "One day, the Fireworks Department will be home to people from different races, all skilled in forging and manufacturing. It will be perfect when it can master all styles and techniques."
Lin Qian's words made Lu Shengshou's eyes light up. He eagerly grabbed Lin Qian's hands. "Then the Dwarven Tribe is willing to join the Huaxia Empire. There's no need for any oaths—I've already seen Your Majesty's sincerity."
"But there's one thing I must ask: Can we Dwarves participate in the manufacturing of those flying metal ships?"
Looking at the hopeful expression in Lu Shengshou's eyes, Lin Qian nodded. "Naturally, you can. However, there will be very strict selection criteria, and participants will have to swear an oath to ensure no secrets are leaked. Only then can they participate."
"But the most critical components will be even more strictly guarded and handled only by trusted personnel. I'm sure you understand."
After Lin Qian finished speaking, Lu Shengshou nodded. "That's as it should be. If such powerful weapons were to be leaked, the consequences would be unimaginable."
With the heart demon oath in place, the possibility of the Dwarves leaking secrets would be zero. But to be safe, the most critical components would still be entrusted only to the Huaxia Empire's core personnel.
Soon after, both Ling Jiu and Lu Shengshou turned their gaze toward Bard, the Redhorn elder.
"The Redhorn Tribe respects strength and reveres the strong. I have seen the power of this empire and the better future it can offer our people," Bard said as he stood and approached Lin Qian, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, I hope you won't forget your promises today and will show us a truly powerful empire."
"An empire without slavery or oppression, where everyone is treated equally."
Looking at the three tribal elders before him, Lin Qian nodded. "Rest assured, my empire will not disappoint you."
"Your Majesty, what's the plan for dealing with the Blackhorn Kingdom next?" Bard asked, his eyes filled with fighting spirit. "If you need us, the Redhorn Tribe is ready to fight."
Bard's eyes were full of confidence. The strength of the four tribes had increased significantly, especially with Lin Qian leading the humans out of their former weakness. They now had the means to challenge the Blackhorn Kingdom.
The oppressive Blackhorn Kingdom was about to meet its end.
"When it comes to dealing with the Blackhorn Kingdom, only the three of you need to act. The rest of your people need not get involved," Lin Qian replied to Bard's suggestion. "The war against the Blackhorn Kingdom will be handled by the Huaxia Empire's Imperial Army and the Beast Army."
Lin Qian's words left the three elders looking at each other in confusion, not understanding why he didn't need the help of their three tribes.
"That includes the humans in the Ancient Forest World—I won't have them fighting either," Lin Qian added, noticing their confusion. "Your people have not undergone specialized training and cannot adapt to the Huaxia Empire's combat style."
"In fact, your forces would only be a support role, adding to the strength, but not deciding the outcome."
The three elders were bewildered by Lin Qian's explanation. They looked at him in surprise. "Then, what are our three tribes supposed to do?"
"When the time comes, I will send scholars from the Engineering Department to issue credentials. Only then can your three tribes become citizens of the Huaxia Empire," Lin Qian continued. "Soon, I will conquer many of the Blackhorn Kingdom's cities, and I will need your tribes to help manage them."
"Then, when will the war against the Blackhorn Kingdom begin?" Bard asked, looking curiously at Lin Qian.
Imperial Eyes!
At that moment, Lin Qian's eyes glowed with a golden light, his expression serious. "It has already begun!"