Chapter 308 - The fellow who is insane! (1/2)

”This...” Duan Li was surprised upon hearing what Liu Sheng Juan had to say, and a frown appeared on his forehead.

Indeed, the other party was right!

Jiu Empire was viewed to be a backwater nation, not worth a mention at all in the eyes of the behemoth empire like the Wei and Qin Empire.

For the citizen of the Jiu Empire, they might think that their empire and capital city does not pale in comparison towards the other eight empires. In reality, this couldn't be any further from the truth. Even their neighbouring empire for example, the Liu Empire, was at least two times more prosperous for those who understands how economic works!

Therefore, wouldn't it be suspicious if their Jiu Empire were to suddenly become even more formidable than some of the other empire within a short period of time?

Regardless of the reasons, others would surely covete whatever treasures they used to develop the Jiu Empire rapidly!

In addition, with the increasing wealth of the Jiu Empire comes with an even more rapid development, be it in the civil development or the financial sector.

If the Jiu Empire does not have the required military strength to protect this new capacity of their's, whose to say that the other empire would not forcefully come to barge at their door and take-over some lands?

While it is indeed true that Nascent Soul realms experts are the most important assets that an empire could have to protect their interest, at the end of the day, they would only act as a deterrent for the other experts!

After all, if things were to be settled by experts all the time, then there was no need for an empire to exist in the first place!

”I understand. So we are boosting the might of our current military strength not to wage war, but to protect ourselves from being declared war against!” Duan Li's complexion finally softened, and his anger dissipated after knowing their true intentions.

Both the Emperor and Liu Sheng Juan exhaled a deep breath in relief. If Duan Li decided to run amok, there was nothing they could do to stop him with their power!

”Based on our estimation, we should be able to complete the first phase of this plan within 9 months!” the Emperor said confidently. However, he was quickly interjected.

”Nine months is too long! Now that I am aware of this, six months would be more realistic!” his wife, the Empress Dowager Yu Yun harrumphed as she waved her hands grandly.

With her unfathomable means, she could accelerate some things just by having a 'chat' with those involved in the projects.

They then continued on with the details of each of their projects, to which Duan Li's head was sent spinning as he listened to them talking. He was someone with a humble background, so how could this meticulous subject was something within his capabilities to understand?

Surprisingly, his clone, Utmost Being, was of the most interested and seemed to be listening intently, even interjecting sometimes and asking powerful questions that left even Liu Sheng Juan stumped. Fortunately, since they both shared the same thoughts, what the other party comprehended was translated into much more simpler ideas so that Duan Li could understand at least the gist of everything they were discussing.

...

After a few hours, Duan Li felt like his attention was wandering somewhere else and he almost fell asleep. Therefore, he excused himself early and left everything in the hands of Utmost Being, since the latter was replacing him anyway. He then returned back to his residence court to rest, only to find familiar faces waiting for him at the entrance.

”Paying respects to the Imperial Overseer!” three people said in unison as they cupped their fists together and bowed.

”Eh? Wang Dong, Zhang Liao and Lu Bu? What are you guys doing? There is no need to be so formal!” Duan Li quickly waved his hands as his face reddened in embarrasment.

Upon hearing this, the trio looked at each other visibly in surprise.

Honestly, they thought that Duan Li's personality back then was only a cover so that his real identity did not get exposed. They were already mentally prepared that the other party would start to treat them coldly, given his high status as the Imperial Overseer of the Jiu Empire, and it would be perfectly normal to them.

However, they truly did not expect that Duan Li's personality did not even change the slightest!

Subconsciously, they felt relieved. They were already friends before, so if things started to become distant, it would be awkward just to meet with each other like this, much less talking about a certain matter that they had already made up their mind before coming here today.

”Hahahaha! If Brother Duan Li truly meant that, I won't stand on ceremony then! Come! Come! Let us talk inside!” Wang Dong laughed out loud as he gestured for them to enter Duan Li's residence.

At the sight of this, Duan Li's brows twitched and he felt the urge to kick the latter.

Am I the guest? or you are? Why does it seems like this residence is yours?

Nevertheless, they still went inside. Sitting cross-legged on the floor mat around a coffee table, Zhang Liao began the conversation.

”Brother Duan Li, we truly did not expect that your identity is as so. If we have wronged you in any manner before, please forgive us.”

Duan Li chuckled at the mention of this and replied, ”What could possibly be wrong with the interaction between friends? In fact, I am glad to get acquainted with people from another empire.”

”Hahahahaha! Brother Duan Li is truly magnanimous! As expected of the most formidable expert in the Tian continent!” Wang Dong immediately said while laughing.

He was truly lucky this time around. With Duan Li, he felt like his future would be smooth sailing from now on!