Apocalyptic Flood: Sexy Beauty Neighbor's Midnight Plea for Food Chapter 1264 - 598: Negotiation and Alliance
Previously on Apocalyptic Flood: Sexy Beauty Neighbor's Midnight Plea for Food...
A palpable wave of fury emanated from Zhang Wenjing and Feng Jiangong, directed at Liang Yuan. Yet, he met their anger with a cold sneer, utterly unfazed.
It was Zhang Yujiang who finally broke the tense silence. "Liang Yuan, we are all countrymen, all children of Huaxia. Our most formidable adversary right now is the Mutant Beasts."
"I believe a fight to the death between us is unnecessary. We possess the fundamental grounds for an alliance, as we share a common enemy."
"I propose we consider forming an alliance once more."
Liang Yuan responded with a mocking laugh. "An alliance, you say? Is this alliance contingent on me surrendering Cangfu Mountain, Mide Mountain, and Denggong Mountain to you?"
Zhang Yujiang promptly shook his head. "Certainly not. If that were the demand, I suspect you would never agree."
He continued, "The issue is that Cangfu Mountain, Mide Mountain, and Denggong Mountain are situated perilously close to Cangqiong Mountain. We must secure these three mountains."
"Naturally, we will not demand these mountains from you without compensation. In return, we are prepared to offer considerable concessions regarding Yangshan."
Liang Yuan's brow lifted slightly at this. "What form will this compensation take?"
A smile graced Zhang Yujiang's lips as he explained, "We can grant you access to our military technology repository. Furthermore, we will share our research findings on Superpower abilities, along with related Superpower Weapons, as part of this exchange."
"Commander! How could you possibly agree to that!" Feng Jiangong exclaimed, his expression contorting in immediate protest.
Zhang Yujiang, however, simply waved a dismissive hand, signaling that further objections were unwelcome.
Zhang Wenjing, equally distressed, seemed on the verge of speaking but ultimately stifled her words, her gaze fixed fiercely on Liang Yuan, as if ready to tear him apart.
Despite the magnitude of the offer, Liang Yuan remained remarkably composed, showing no discernible excitement.
He inquired coolly, "Indeed? What makes your Superpower Technology so valuable that it warrants the resources of three entire mountains?"
Without preamble, Zhang Yujiang retrieved a thick sheaf of documents from his pocket. "Contained within these pages are the complete records of our Superpower Technology innovations since the Great Flood. You may examine them and judge their worth for yourself."
Liang Yuan didn't hesitate, extending a hand to take the documents. They glided effortlessly into his grasp as if guided by an unseen force.
A soft rustling sound filled the air as the papers shifted in his hand.
Detailed text and intricate diagram structures adorned the pages.
Liang Yuan's eyes widened with interest as he rapidly scanned the contents. He could see they detailed extensive applications of both Superpower Technology and Rune Technology.
Remarkably, some sections even presented combined rune arrays, showcasing a breadth of development far exceeding anything produced by the Yang Mountain Research Institute.
Several of the presented technologies had already progressed into the development of formidable war machines.
After a brief period of contemplation, Liang Yuan stated, "I require a demonstration. I need to see the actual equipment."
Zhang Yujiang readily assented with a smile. "A reasonable and fair request."
Clutching the documents, Liang Yuan addressed the trio. "I am willing to allocate one-third of our population resources to you. However, I cannot relinquish ownership of the three mountains. I can, however, lease them to you."
Zhang Yujiang looked visibly taken aback. "Lease?" he questioned.
"Liang, what exactly do you mean by that?" Zhang Wenjing demanded, her voice laced with indignation.
Liang Yuan clarified with a placid tone, "You may utilize Cangfu Mountain, Mide Mountain, and Denggong Mountain under a lease agreement. Full ownership will remain with me."
"Consequently, all mineral, land, and biological resources found on these islands will continue to be considered my property."
"Then what purpose do these three islands serve for us?" Zhang Wenjing challenged, clearly angered.
"You will have the freedom to cultivate the land, grow crops, and establish settlements for your people."
"Are you not in dire need of logistical support? I am providing you with access to a third of our population and land resources. Is that not sufficient?"
"You—" Zhang Wenjing bit back a furious retort.
Zhang Yujiang placed a calming hand on her shoulder, signaling her to cease.
He then turned back to Liang Yuan. "Very well. However, in exchange, you must grant us unrestricted access to all Genetic Species resources within the operational sphere of your Yangshan influence."
He added reassuringly, "Rest assured, we do not seek these Blood Crystals without fair exchange. We will gladly cover any 'Points' cost that your Yangshan individuals incur when interacting with these Blood Crystals."
Upon hearing this, Liang Yuan considered the terms for only a moment before nodding his acceptance.
"Agreed."
Liang Yuan mused that the Genetic Species resources were something everyone needed to acquire using Points. Normally, one earned these Points by exchanging Mutant Beasts, a method that also expedited one's own cultivation progress.
The identity of the individual making the exchange was of secondary importance. Naturally, under identical conditions, Liang Yuan would always prioritize his own people from Yangshan.
Following this agreement, the two parties delved into a thorough discussion of numerous intricate details.
Liang Yuan and Zhang Yujiang engaged in a spirited debate, each ardently defending the interests they had managed to secure.
It was worth noting that had Liang Yuan not initiated this discussion, Zhang Yujiang and the Dove Faction members likely would have resorted to more forceful measures.
Certainly, their approach would be far gentler than Liang Yuan’s direct elimination of Yuan Shijie and the others.
Zhang Yujiang’s methods leaned more towards persuasion, opting for a less confrontational path.
The gains secured through such means would inevitably fall short of Liang Yuan’s current achievements.
Liang Yuan had now consolidated extensive interests, compelling others to set aside their pride and engage in negotiations with him.
Discussions followed, and the atmosphere gradually softened, becoming considerably more amicable.
An alliance was solidified, and the previous antagonisms ceased.
Nevertheless, Liang Yuan held no particular fondness for the Dove Faction.
Were it not for the considerable strength of the other three, particularly Feng Jiangong’s formidable combat prowess, Liang Yuan might have already launched an expedition to Cloud Mist Island to investigate the so-called Celestial Abyss.
At this juncture, Zhang Yujiang addressed Liang Yuan, stating, "Mr. Liang, should you harbor an interest in the Celestial Abyss, you are welcome to explore it."
"Furthermore, your Yangshan people are invited to venture into the Celestial Abyss for hunting expeditions."
"Numerous powerful mutant beasts descend from regions above the Celestial Abyss. Though we have repelled them numerous times, the passage has been repeatedly sealed by our efforts."
"However, each month, these mutant beasts manage to tear it open anew."
"Currently, the creatures that manage to emerge are of the weaker, early-awakening parasitic mutant beast variety."
"Those with genetic species-level superpower abilities can handle them."
"Despite their manageable strength, their numbers are quite significant."
Liang Yuan felt a flicker of interest upon hearing this.
A substantial number of mutant beasts?
If the opportunity were seized to clear out a horde, much like repelling a tidal wave, wouldn't that translate into a significant point windfall?
Now, as the inhabitants of Yangshan, Meishan, and Lingyun Slope have grown progressively stronger, the sea tide has ceased to be a regular occurrence.
In earlier times, when the sea tide surged, vast quantities of mutant beasts would inundate the shores.
Presently, on the eve of the sea tide's expected arrival, numerous patrol members would maintain vigil by the shore overnight, anticipating the bounty.
After all, for them, the primary objective was the accumulation of points.
Capturing a single specimen and delivering it to the processing facility would instantly yield points.
However, with the current drop in temperature and the freezing of floodwaters, few aquatic mutant creatures are capable of venturing ashore.
Consequently, the sea tide has effectively vanished for the islands.
The emergence of the Celestial Abyss now presents an avenue for capable and combat-ready superpower users to earn points.
Liang Yuan contemplated for a moment before responding, "Very well, I shall relay this information to the others upon my return."
"Given our newfound alliance, the New District and Guangfu can establish trade routes, fostering greater interaction among us all."
"After all, we all hail from Linjiang City and ought to support one another," Zhang Yujiang stated with sincerity.
Liang Yuan remained non-committal, hesitant to place his full trust in their words.
"I have yet to visit Mide Mountain, the stronghold of the Spiritual Ability Sect; you may proceed to eliminate any remaining forces there yourselves."
"I shall take my leave now and will dispatch individuals to assume control of the Yellow Earth Divine Origin and the Miyuan Rainforest."
"Farewell."
"Take care."
After exchanging pleasantries, Liang Yuan did not linger further. His figure blurred, and he ascended rapidly into the sky.
Watching his swift departure, Zhang Wenjing could not suppress her indignation, exclaiming, "Comrade Zhang Yujiang, why did you concede so many advantages to him? We had initially intended to dismantle the Three Great Sects ourselves."
"Now he has merely taken the lead, claiming dominance over the Floating Island and the resources of the three mountains, while we are left with only leasing rights. This represents a significant loss."
Feng Jiangong, also bewildered, looked to Zhang Yujiang and inquired, "Old Commander, what is your strategic thinking behind this decision?"
Zhang Yujiang let out a sigh. "Your perspectives, all of you, remain confined to territorial gains. Humanity has already fallen woefully behind the mutant creatures."
"The outside world refers to us as the Dove Faction; do you understand why?"
"It is because our actions are not solely driven by profit; our fundamental objective should be the survival of humanity, the remaining survivors."
"While Liang Yuan's methods are undeniably forceful, and he reciprocates every slight, observe how he eliminated the Three Great Sects without harming any ordinary superpower users; this demonstrates he is not a bloodthirsty individual."
"His conduct aligns perfectly with our intelligence, marking him as a reliable partner."
"We, within the military district, possess advantageous resource conditions and substantial human and material investments in research, enabling our rapid advancement."
"But consider him?"
"Prior to the great flood, he was an ordinary civilian, trapped within a residential building during the initial stages of the cataclysm."
"From such humble beginnings, he has ascended to his current standing. His strength now rivals your own, Jiangong."
"Consider this, any one of you in his shoes, could you have achieved such a feat?"
This question cast Zhang Wenjing and Feng Jiangong into a heavy silence.
It was evident they had never considered the situation from such a viewpoint.
Feng Jiangong inquired in a deep tone, "So, Commander, you believe in his potential?"
Zhang Yujiang let out a sigh, "An individual like him, his future accomplishments could be boundless. To antagonize him now might sow the seeds of endless future conflict."
"Furthermore, you are aware of the circumstances regarding the floating islands above; they hold countless mysteries."
"Even if Pei Yuanhu resorts to his split-mind parasitic technique to infiltrate the thunderbird and survey the skies, he cannot fully unravel all the secrets of the floating islands."
"Moreover, Pei Yuanhu is a formidable individual, and his intel should not be taken at face value."
Zhang Wenjing couldn't help but interject, "Father, Pei Yuanhu's Water God Sect has been annihilated, and even his split mind was captured by Liang Yuan. This incident will not conclude lightly; Pei Yuanhu will undoubtedly seek retribution."
Zhang Yujiang gave a slight nod, conceding, "This is indeed a concern."
"However, that is a conflict between Pei Yuanhu and Liang Yuan, it does not directly involve us."
"Perhaps we can leverage this situation, allowing Liang Yuan to deal with Pei Yuanhu."
Feng Jiangong inclined his head slightly in agreement, stating, "He needs to understand that without the backing of our military, Pei Yuanhu is insignificant."
"Very well, I will address these matters later. Jiangong, you will continue to guard the Celestial Abyss passage. Wenjing, you are to oversee the management and personnel deployment for Cangfu, Mide, and Denggong Mountains."
"Yangshan will certainly dispatch individuals to monitor the conditions of the three mountains, as well as the Miyuan Rainforest and Yellow Earth Divine Origin, those two floating islands."
"Expedite the exchange of the relevant attribute blood crystals. Establish the channels for upgrading genetic species, enabling more ordinary superpower users to achieve rapid enhancement."
"Understood, Comrade Zhang Yujiang." Zhang Wenjing promptly affirmed.