Under the burning of the Dream of Fall’s energy, Zhi Yan and Suo Lun engaged in ****, completely merging together.
Before long, Zhuang Zhi Xuan, whom Zhi Yan had thrown down several levels below, actually found her way back up by scent.
Then, the entire scene instantly became even more frenzied.
Like fierce flames, completely burning within the Pagoda Tower.
After a full several hours, the devouring of the Dream of Fall had completely ended.
That mysterious mass of light and shadow had completely vanished without a trace.
The light on the bodies of Zhi Yan’s trio gradually faded as well. The flames within the three of them were completely burned out, and they fell completely silent.
They lay collapsed on the ground, motionless.
The special energy light within the entire Pagoda Tower also vanished without a trace.
All energy shielding formations completely disappeared, and the Pagoda Tower became an ordinary stone pagoda.
…
In the Eastern Sea of the continent!
After four days and four nights of fast ship sailing, Yan Chuo’er (the Queen) finally arrived at the Thunder Islands.
Several months ago, Hai Wu Yan and Hai Na’er had suffered a great defeat in the war to destroy Suo. Tens of thousands of naval troops and several hundred warships were lost completely, causing the Yingzhou Island Hai Clan to lose about thirty percent of its strength. Hai Wu Yan and Hai Na’er had fled by swimming through the sea amidst the chaos, but were intercepted by Yan Mo, who had come to observe the battle.
To save their lives, the Hai Clan had no choice but to sign a new treaty with Yan Mo, permanently ceding the Thunder Islands to Rock Island.
To make it legitimate, the new Rock Pirate King Yan Mo immediately renamed the Thunder Islands the New Rock Islands.
After several months of construction, earth-shaking changes had already taken place here. The largest island was already covered with stone houses, and the new Rock Palace was also more than half completed.
Of course, the so-called Rock Palace was merely a relatively large stone castle. It was impossible for it to be as magnificent and splendid as the previous Rock Island royal palace.
Although only half completed, Yan Mo had already moved in to conduct his affairs.
It was in this half-completed new Rock Palace that Yan Mo received the so-called envoy from Sky Water City.
Yan Chuo’er lifted her hood, revealing an incomparably beautiful face.
Yan Mo’s handsome and resolute face trembled. He looked at Yan Chuo’er in disbelief.
Was this woman before him his mother? She truly seemed like a completely different person. Her originally honey-coloured skin had become as white as moonlight.
Her originally fiery and voluptuous figure had transformed into something serene and mysterious.
Ever since the last time his mother, the Rock Queen, had jumped into the abyss, Yan Mo had almost never seen her again.
During the great naval battle to destroy Suo several months ago, although Yan Mo had also come to observe and speculate from afar, he had been extremely far away, not even able to see a shadow.
“Greetings, Mother.” Yan Mo knelt on both knees and kowtowed.
“Rise.” Yan Chuo’er said, “I have come to request aid.”
Yan Mo naturally knew his mother had come to request aid. He was also aware that Gui Xing Fu had declared war on Sky Water City.
In fact, the young master of Linhai City, Gui Qin Bi, was currently at the Thunder Islands and had just met with Yan Mo.
His first purpose was to invite Yan Mo to pledge allegiance to Zhi Li. His second was to ask Yan Mo to join him in sending troops to destroy Suo.
After the Yingzhou Island Hai Clan had lost tens of thousands of naval troops several months ago, their vitality had been severely damaged. It would take several years to recover.
Currently, in terms of pure naval forces among the human kingdoms, Yan Mo was undisputedly the strongest. He commanded a full fifty thousand Rock Pirates and over five hundred warships.
Although the Yingzhou Island Hai Clan had seventy thousand naval troops, their combat effectiveness was not as great as that of fifty thousand Rock Pirates.
Of course, the Hai Clan possessed a province with a thousand li of territory and several million subjects. Their overall strength far exceeded Yan Mo’s.
The position Zhi Li had promised Yan Mo was that of a count, with completely independent command of his own forces, and thirty thousand gold coins in military expenses annually. Yan Mo merely needed to publicly declare his allegiance to Zhi Li and fight for Zhi Li when necessary. Moreover, whether or not to fight would be entirely according to Yan Mo’s own will.
Yan Mo had not agreed, but neither had he refused.
…
Yan Chuo’er said, “I have come to borrow one hundred warships and ten thousand Rock Pirates.”
Yan Mo did not speak.
Yan Chuo’er said, “It is merely a loan. They will certainly be returned after the war. Moreover, Sky Water City is willing to pay one hundred and fifty thousand gold coins as rent.”
Yan Mo could not help but tremble.
Sky Water City was actually so generous. One hundred and fifty thousand gold coins completely exceeded the tax revenue of a single province. If given enough time, one hundred and fifty thousand gold coins would be sufficient to build a naval force of over ten thousand men.
The wealth of Sky Water City was evident at a glance.
But Yan Mo still did not respond.
Yan Chuo’er (the Queen) said, “If one hundred and fifty thousand gold coins is still not enough, we can also add twenty percent of the annual profits from the Chaos Stone Salt Fields.”
Yan Mo’s breathing grew rough.
The annual profits of the Chaos Stone Salt Fields now exceeded two hundred thousand gold coins. The astronomical figure of salt was sold not only to the Raging Wave Kingdom, but also to Western Liang, Northern Court, and the Yan Empire.
Currently, the Chaos Stone Salt Fields were still in expansion.
Twenty percent of the annual profits would be over forty thousand gold coins, completely exceeding the tax revenue of a single commandery for a year.
A commandery had several hundred thousand people, while the entire New Rock Islands currently only had about sixty thousand Rock People. In other words, with the profits from the Chaos Stone Salt Fields, one could support the entire Rock People population.
But Yan Mo still remained unmoved.
Yan Chuo’er’s (the Queen’s) expression instantly became grave. She looked deeply at Yan Mo and said, “If you are still not satisfied, we can also give you twenty percent of the annual profits from the Magic Mirror.”
The moment these words were spoken, Yan Mo’s expression truly changed completely.
The Magic Mirror was an even greater industry than the Chaos Stone Salt Fields. Its monthly profits were astronomical figures, and it was an extremely terrifyingly lucrative business.
Most terrifying of all, the Magic Mirror industry’s monthly income was still growing, with no end in sight.
To borrow troops from Yan Mo, Sky Water City was already willing to contribute profits worth several hundred thousand gold coins.
This sum was already sufficient to purchase several ten-thousand-man fleets. Yet, Sky Water City was merely borrowing.
Truly, there was no crazier rent under heaven.
Twenty years ago, the Raging Wave Kingdom had mobilised several hundred thousand troops, splitting into two routes to save Rou Ran City, nearly annihilating the Ye Lan Duchy.
That great battle had merely cost over four hundred thousand gold coins.
Suddenly, Yan Mo said, “Mother, Suo Lun is already dead!”
“No, he is not dead.” Yan Chuo’er said, “Not only I, but also other people feel that Suo Lun is not dead.”
“That is merely your wishful thinking.” Yan Mo said, “Suo Lun’s skull has already been played with by Zhi Li for half a month. It is currently being remade into a chamber pot.”
Instantly, Yan Chuo’er’s incomparably beautiful face twitched. Then, without explaining, she asked directly, “Will you lend the ten thousand Rock Pirate fleet?”
Yan Mo shook his head.
Yan Chuo’er said, “Is our offer still not high enough?”
“No, it is already an astronomical figure, sufficient to buy several ten-thousand-man fleets.” Yan Mo said, “But… I cannot stand on the side of the loser.”
These words instantly made Yan Chuo’er’s heart turn cold.
Cannot stand on the side of the loser!
Yan Mo was always so calm and rational.
Last time, he had struggled between emotion and reason, ultimately choosing reason and standing on Zhi Li’s side, personally kicking his half-brother Suo Lun into the abyss of ten thousand zhang.
And this time, he similarly chose reason, watching indifferently as Sky Water City was destroyed.
Although Sky Water City was the foundation of his biological father, and also the current home of his mother and younger sister.
Yan Chuo’er said, “Last time, you chose reason and kicked Suo Lun into the abyss of ten thousand zhang. But in the end, the victor was still Suo Lun. The over one hundred thousand allied troops to destroy Suo were completely annihilated. Can you guarantee that your choice this time will not be wrong?”
Yan Mo said, “Last time was Suo Lun’s luck. Luck is something that can happen once, but not twice. The destruction of the Sky Water Suo Clan is already a foregone conclusion.”
Yan Chuo’er said, “Even if you have no feelings for Suo Lun, what about me, what about Yan Xue’er? Sky Water City is our home. Can you truly watch us die without lifting a finger?”
Yan Mo’s handsome and wild face twitched again. He said, “In my eyes, there are only the interests of the Rock People. Moreover, there will always be a house reserved for you and Little Xue’er in the New Rock Islands. When the Sky Water Suo Clan is destroyed, I can shelter you and Little Xue.”
The moment these words were spoken, they instantly made Yan Chuo’er (the Queen) feel a chill in her teeth.
Yan Mo had spoken very clearly. He would only shelter Yan Chuo’er and Yan Xue’er, mother and daughter. He would not even protect the lives of people like Suo Ning Bing and Suo Qin (Fu Qin Qin).
Did becoming a king truly require one to be so heartless and unrighteous? Yan Chuo’er could not help but think.
Yan Chuo’er’s face turned completely cold. She looked at Yan Mo and said, “During the last great battle to destroy Suo, Zhi Li also invited you to participate. Although you did not truly join, you had always been hovering around the battlefield. Once there was an opportunity, you would not hesitate to kick Sky Water City while it was down. Not only that, you also rescued Gui Xing Fu, Hai Wu Yan, Hai Na’er, A Shi Zhuo, and others. Is that correct?”
Yan Mo said, “Yes.”
Yan Chuo’er said, “You kicked Suo Lun into the abyss of ten thousand zhang. He can treat it as if it never happened. You harboured ulterior motives on the battlefield and rescued the enemies of Sky Water City. Suo Lun can also treat it as if it never happened. After all, you are his half-brother, and you acted for the interests of the Rock People. But now, you have refused me. If Sky Water City recovers, then you are our enemy.”
Hearing that his former mother queen was actually making the Rock People her enemy, Yan Mo’s gaze trembled. He said coldly, “Mother, are you not a member of the Rock People? Is there no place in your heart for the interests of the Rock People?”
Truly, there was no longer any place, because after Yan Chuo’er had fallen into the abyss of ten thousand zhang, passing through countless spiritual energy formations, her brain domain had suffered tremendous trauma and she had lost her memory.
Of course she now knew her former identity and all her interpersonal relationships. But these were all things others had told her, not things she had personally experienced.
So emotionally, she had almost completely severed ties with the Rock People. Now, in her heart, there were only the family members of Sky Water City.
Of course, the bond between mother and son was connected. She had originally possessed feelings for Yan Mo as well. Although she had lost her memory, it was like a mother finding a son she had been separated from for many years. Although they had not lived together, there would naturally be a blood kinship.
But now, in Yan Mo’s coldness and resoluteness, this blood kinship had also vanished without a trace.
Her mind conjured up her daughter Yan Xue’er and the adorable little treasure Qin Qin. These were the people she wanted to protect.
Yan Chuo’er said coldly, “I am a person of Sky Water City. Now, I owe the Rock People nothing.”
Yan Mo took a deep breath and said, “Does Mother also mean to sever the mother-son relationship with me?”
“Yes.” Yan Chuo’er said, “Your Majesty King Yan Mo.”
Yan Mo’s eyebrows twitched violently. His handsome and wild face flushed slightly and twisted slightly, revealing a hint of ferocity.
Taking a deep breath, Yan Mo calmed down and said, “It is still the same words. I only consider the interests of the Rock People. I do not stand on the side of the loser. But I must ask once more, is Sky Water City certain to view me as an enemy?”
Yan Chuo’er (the Queen) said, “At the time, you disregarded the interests of Sky Water City and rescued Hai Wu Yan, Gui Xing Fu, and others. You were already an enemy of Sky Water City.”
“Very well, I understand.” Yan Mo said indifferently, “I shall go and prepare a banquet for you, to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey.”
“There is no need. I shall take my leave now and return to Sky Water City.” Yan Chuo’er said.
Then she directly departed, boarding her warship and leaving the New Rock Islands to return to Sky Water City.
She had sailed on the sea for a full four days and four nights, yet she had only stayed for less than half an hour before hurriedly departing.
After Yan Chuo’er left.
Yan Mo said, “Bring the envoy of His Highness Zhi Li here.”
A quarter of an hour later, Gui Qin Bi, the son of Gui Xing Fu, appeared.
He indeed resembled Gui Xing Fu very much. Handsome yet with a hint of effeminacy, his gaze constantly wanting to reveal a soft intention, yet he was also stern and unsmiling, rather serious.
“Young Master Gui Qin Bi, I can consider the proposal you raised.” Yan Mo said.
Gui Qin Bi was overjoyed, but quickly restrained his joy and said, “Your Excellency is wise.”
Yan Mo said, “For this battle to seize Chaos Stone Island, I am willing to lend five thousand Rock Pirates and fifty warships.”
Gui Qin Bi bowed in salute and said, “Thank you, Your Excellency.”
Yan Mo said, “As the price, after the war, I want to possess twenty percent of the profits from the Chaos Stone Salt Fields!”
The moment these words were spoken, Gui Qin Bi’s expression changed.
This was practically a joke. Twenty percent of the profits from the Chaos Stone Salt Fields would be over forty thousand gold coins annually, equivalent to two years of tax revenue for Linhai City.
Moreover, for this seizure of the Chaos Stone Salt Fields, the Gui Clan had already gathered and borrowed over thirty thousand naval troops. Annihilating the Suo Clan naval forces was more than sufficient. Yan Mo’s five thousand naval troops were merely the icing on the cake. Whether they were present or not would not change the course of the battle.
Furthermore, after reclaiming the Chaos Stone Salt Fields, Zhi Li would take forty percent, Luan Yang City and the Hai Clan would take thirty percent, and finally only thirty percent would fall into the hands of the Linhai Gui Clan.
And Yan Mo opened his mouth asking for twenty percent of the profits. Where was Gui Qin Bi supposed to cut flesh from?
Yan Mo said coldly, “Just now, my mother, who is also the naval commander of Sky Water City, Yan Chuo, came to me to borrow ten thousand Rock Pirates. Do you know what price she offered?”
Gui Qin Bi’s expression changed slightly. He said, “I do not know.”
“One hundred and fifty thousand gold coins in cash, twenty percent of the Chaos Stone Salt Fields profits, and twenty percent of the Magic Mirror industry profits.” Yan Mo said.
Gui Qin Bi sucked in a cold breath. This Suo Clan was truly generous. But then again, they had no choice but to be generous now. Their doom was fast approaching. Even if they had to pour out everything to buy a lifeline, it was normal.
Gui Qin Bi said, “But the Suo Clan is on the verge of destruction. I believe Your Excellency Yan Mo will not follow them to their doom.”
Yan Mo said, “Even if the Suo Clan is destroyed, I will not follow them to their doom. If I lend out these ten thousand Rock Pirates, would His Highness Zhi Li destroy me in the future? In the world today, is there any naval force stronger than my Rock Pirates?”
The moment these words were spoken, Gui Qin Bi fell silent.
Even if Yan Mo lent troops to the Suo Clan, Zhi Li would probably still try to win him over in the future. Because the Rock Pirates were the strongest naval force in the world. The Raging Wave Kingdom simply could not do anything to them.
Yan Mo said, “For me to pledge allegiance to His Highness Zhi Li, this is also a prerequisite. Otherwise, there is nothing to discuss.”
Gui Qin Bi said, “Please wait a few days, Your Excellency Yan Mo. I shall immediately relay your conditions to His Highness Zhi Li and my father.”
“No!” Yan Mo said, “The moment you walk out this door, our negotiations end here. I shall immediately send someone to bring my mother back and lend the ten thousand Rock Pirates to Sky Water City.”
Gui Qin Bi’s breathing quickened, and he was so angry his hands and feet trembled.
This Yan Mo was truly a shameless hero, taking advantage of the fire to rob!
If he lent ten thousand Rock Pirates to Sky Water City, Zhi Li would not suffer much loss, and the outcome of the Suo Clan’s destruction would not change. But for his Linhai City Gui Clan, the situation would be extremely unfavourable.
Because his younger sister Gui Qin Shao had castrated Zhi Li with one strike, forcing the Gui Clan to charge into battle for Zhi Li at the forefront. If this naval battle for the Chaos Stone Salt Fields were lost, then his Gui Clan would be completely kicked aside by Zhi Li.
Yan Mo’s shameless and cunning vision was truly sharp.
“Very well, I agree.” Gui Qin Bi was also decisive in killing and cutting. He immediately agreed and said, “After the war, twenty percent of the Chaos Stone Salt Fields profits will be given to Your Excellency Yan Mo.”
Yan Mo said, “I shall immediately have five thousand Rock Pirates assemble. When Young Master Gui Qin Bi departs, you can take them directly with you.”
Gui Qin Bi said, “It is settled!”
Half a day later, the young master of Linhai City, Gui Qin Bi, led the five thousand Rock Pirate fleet and returned to Linhai City.
In the future, these five thousand Rock Pirates would also join the naval battle to destroy Suo.
This time, Yan Chuo’er’s request for aid from Yan Mo not only failed to borrow a single reinforcement. Instead, it gave Yan Mo sufficient leverage to extort astronomical benefits from the Gui Clan.
And the enemy Sky Water City originally had to face was merely over thirty thousand naval troops. Now it had become nearly forty thousand!
Under Yan Mo’s coldness and reason, the Rock People had finally turned their weapons against their own kin. Why such haste to fry each other in the same pan?
…
In the Pagoda Tower in the Western Sea of the continent!
Not knowing how much time had passed, Suo Lun finally woke up faintly.
This round of **** had been too frenzied. After it ended, he had slept for who knew how many days and nights before his body gradually recovered.
And after waking, Suo Lun also felt as if his entire body no longer belonged to him.
Immediately after, he discovered two delicate bodies entwined around him.
One was robust and fiery, the other was snowy jade and enchanting.
One was Zhuang Zhi Xuan, the other was Zhi Yan. On the legs of both women were traces of bright red blood.
This clearly told Suo Lun what had happened several days ago.
When his gaze fell upon Zhi Yan’s face, he could no longer move his eyes away.
Zhi Yan had completely become a different person!
The original Zhi Yan, although incomparably beautiful, was like a jade statue, full of immortal aura, with little human warmth.
She was too transcendent and otherworldly, devoid of worldly烟火. So any man who saw her would not feel any desire. Even someone like A Shi Luo had no impulse to sleep with Zhi Yan.
And the current Zhi Yan was filled with femininity from head to toe.
Even, her allure was not inferior to the demoness Wan Wan.
The femininity of her body was also not inferior to A Shi Li Ren.
She was still exquisitely beautiful, still carrying an immortal aura, still lofty and above others. But at the same time, she was no longer someone to be respected from afar. Instead, she made one filled with the desire to conquer!
At this moment, Zhi Yan woke up faintly. Her gaze focused on Suo Lun’s face, flashing a hint of shy allure. She said in a delicate voice, “You hurt me. It burns like fire.”
She was actually acting spoiled, her voice filled with a hint of ****!
She had truly completely become a different person!