As dusk fell, a faint red glow appeared on the horizon.
Feiyun Country, Imperial City.
Inside a magnificent palace of red walls and yellow tiles.
General Wu Zhenglong strode in.
"Your Majesty, why have you urgently summoned this humble general?"
He looked up to see Liu Zhengyuan, clad in imperial robes, seated solemnly on the dragon throne, surrounded by his trusted ministers, who were discussing animatedly.
Yet, it was clearly past the time for imperial court discussions.
Wu Zhenglong grew even more puzzled.
Liu Zhengyuan glanced at him and spoke, "Because guests are about to arrive!"
"Guests?"
A minister explained, "They are envoys from Beiwei Country!"
"Beiwei Country!"
Wu Zhenglong's expression subtly changed.
Beiwei Country was one of Feiyun Country's neighbors, but unlike the resource-scarce Feiyun Country, it possessed vast territories, abundant resources, and a strong national power.
Previously, Feiyun Country, facing famine, had repeatedly initiated negotiations, hoping to purchase grain at a high price, but had never received a reply.
But this time, the other party actually sent envoys on their own initiative?
Wu Zhenglong wondered, "Could it be that they have agreed to our trade request?"
"If only it were that simple!"
A minister shook his head, "Battles are constant among the neighboring countries, and the surrounding situation is becoming increasingly tense. Beiwei Country is the most martial among them. They didn't agree before, and there's even less reason for them to agree now!"
"Indeed, they probably don't come with good intentions!"
Liu Zhengyuan's brows also furrowed with deep thought and worry.
He, of course, understood this point, but Feiyun Country's urgent grain shortage was pressing. Regardless of the other party's purpose or conditions, he could only wait and see.
Thus, after the people in the hall discussed and waited for a while.
As the summoning official from outside the hall reported.
Before long, a young man in luxurious attire strode in, followed by a mysterious figure in a black robe and hood.
"Tsk tsk, this palace is truly shabby!"
The young man arrived in front of the hall, brazenly surveying everything inside the palace, the disdain on his face growing more apparent. Finally, he looked straight ahead, "You are Liu Zhengyuan, the Emperor of Feiyun Country?"
"How dare you!"
"Is His Majesty's name something you can call directly?"
Wu Zhenglong roared, unleashing the powerful aura of a seasoned veteran. Immediately after, he reprimanded the black-robed figure, "In the Imperial Palace Hall, before His Majesty, why are you hiding and not showing your face?"
The black-robed figure remained silent.
"Enough!"
Liu Zhengyuan waved his hand, then looked at the young man and retorted, "You are the envoy from Beiwei Country?"
"That's right, I am the Beiwei envoy, Li Yun. You can call me Young Master Li, Eldest Young Master Li, or Brother Li!"
Liu Zhengyuan frowned, ignoring the other party's idle chatter, and asked again, "May I ask why you have come on behalf of Beiwei this time?"
Li Yun smiled playfully, "Naturally, it's good news. As far as I know, your country has always been in a state of grain shortage, right? We in Beiwei can trade grain with you!"
Upon hearing this, the ministers' expressions stirred slightly.
However, Liu Zhengyuan remained calm, "What are the conditions?"
"Heh heh, it seems Emperor Liu is also an understanding person. But actually, the conditions are very simple. I'm sure you also know the relationship between our Beiwei and Dongwu Country and Xishu Country."
Li Yun spoke in a tone as if this were a trivial matter, "That is, when our Beiwei is at war with the other two countries, we want to use Feiyun City as our military base!"
"What?!"
Everyone's faces changed, and a clamor arose.
"What a joke, this is truly absurd!"
Wu Zhenglong's veins bulged even more, and he glared angrily.
Xishu Country and Dongwu Country, mentioned by Li Yun, were also neighbors of Feiyun Country, and Feiyun Country happened to be located at the border of the three countries, a truly awkward position.
Now that a major war was imminent, the other party's intention was clear: by using this place as a military base, they could advance to attack and retreat to defend.
Liu Zhengyuan said in a deep voice, "Our Feiyun Country has always maintained a neutral stance towards the three countries. Your condition would undoubtedly push us into opposition with the other two countries!"
"How can the other two countries compare to us? It's only a matter of time before we sweep them away!"
Li Yun sneered, "Emperor Liu, a wise man submits to circumstances. If it weren't for our West Wei Country's benevolence, to put it bluntly, we could annihilate your country in minutes. If you don't agree, just think about the consequences!"
Many ministers showed expressions of fear. This was no longer a negotiation; it was blatant intimidation.
"Ignorant brat, utterly arrogant! I must teach you a lesson!"
Wu Zhenglong was already furious and could no longer tolerate it. His Martial Qi circulated, and a Platinum star ring appeared on his wrist, with all five stars in its star slots lit up, dazzling brightly.
Then he extended an arm, as if carrying the force of Qian Jun's thunder, and moved to seize Li Yun.
But at this moment, the black-robed figure beside Li Yun took a step forward and casually blocked Wu Zhenglong's body with just one palm, remaining unmoving himself.
However, the air current generated by the impact blew off the hood covering the black-robed figure, revealing a resolute and unyielding face.
"You are… General Du Wei?"
The moment he saw the man's face, Wu Zhenglong's pupils dilated, his body trembled, and he involuntarily withdrew his hand, stepping back two paces.
"What?!"
"General Du Wei, the God of War of Beiwei Country?"
"How could it be him?!"
Even the ministers behind him gasped in surprise.
The reputation of Beiwei Country's God of War was legendary to them. Not only was he an unparalleled fierce general, but he also used military tactics like a god. Most of Beiwei Country's current territory was conquered by him.
Liu Zhengyuan's expression also stirred for a moment, but he quickly calmed down, "General Du, why did you not show your true face when you arrived?"
General Du Wei said expressionlessly, "There was no need. I am merely a small guard on this trip!"
"A guard?" Everyone was stunned.
The God of War General Du Wei only came to act as a guard?
"Heh heh, a bunch of bumpkins!"
Li Yun scoffed, "Emperor Liu, I've said what needed to be said. I can give you one day to think it over. That's all for now, I'm leaving!"
With that, Li Yun and General Du Wei turned and left.
It wasn't until the two had walked out of the palace that Wu Zhenglong couldn't help but grumble, "I really don't know why Beiwei Country sent such a profligate son to be an envoy?"
Liu Zhengyuan sighed helplessly, "Can't you see? This was intentional!"
"Hmm?" Wu Zhenglong was startled.
"Beiwei sending such a profligate young master as an envoy shows their indifferent attitude, but at the same time, they specifically sent General Du Wei as a guard. This is a warning to remind us of their strength!"
At this point, a minister beside them added, "And I wonder if Your Majesty and General Wu noticed, but even that profligate young master, from my observation, his strength should be above Platinum, far exceeding the average geniuses here!"
Upon hearing this, the hall instantly fell into a dead silence.