"Tang Sect is just trying to save face. As long as you publicly apologize and hold a memorial for those who died in the Dragon Valley Small World, the Sun-Moon Federation government is confident they can persuade Tang Sect to withdraw the kill order on you. Then all problems will be resolved," Yali said, biting her lip as she looked at Xia Yi. She continued, "As for the grievances you've suffered, the Sun-Moon Federation will compensate you."
"Go cool off somewhere else. I don't have time for this," Xia Yi responded dismissively, turning to leave. Damn it, do they really think I'm that easy to bully?
"I'm begging you!" Yali suddenly reached out and grabbed Xia Yi's arm, preventing him from leaving. She pleaded, "So many people suddenly lost their jobs, and so many industries have been disrupted. If this isn't handled quickly, the entire Douluo Continent could descend into chaos! Moreover, the Sun-Moon Federation has promised that if this matter is resolved, once the Federation unifies the Star Luo Continent, Yaozhu will be appointed as the Administrative Secretary of the Star Luo Province."
"Let go," Xia Yi said flatly, looking down at her hand gripping his arm. As for what she was saying, he completely ignored it.
Besides, who knew if the Sun-Moon Federation's Poseidon Corps could even gain the upper hand against the Star Luo Empire?
"You may be a victim in this situation, but everything started because of you. Can't you just endure this for a little while?" Yali refused to let go, gripping even tighter. "Yaozhu is willing to give up her comfortable life in the Spirit Pagoda to join the Blood God Legion for the safety of the Douluo Plane. I believe you're the same as her—someone who would do anything for the greater good. You're both good people."
"Good people?" Xia Yi sneered. "So good people should just let others walk all over them?"
"You know that's not what I meant," Yali shook her head.
"If not, then let go," Xia Yi said coldly.
"Do you really want me to kneel and beg you?" Yali suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with desperation.
"Whether you kneel or not has nothing to do with me. If you're expecting me to apologize or hold a memorial for those who died, forget it. Not in this life, not in the next," Xia Yi said indifferently.
"How can you be so cold and heartless? Are you really the Xia Yi that Yaozhu spoke so highly of?" Yali asked, disappointed that even after lowering herself this much, he still refused.
"You make it sound like everything is my fault," Xia Yi shook his head, his voice ice-cold. "Your fellow disciples, out of selfishness, sealed off the entire Dragon Valley Small World. Tang Sect, also for their own gain, is willing to risk the stability of the entire Douluo Continent. But you don't call them cold-hearted. Instead, you turn around and blame me. Does that sound reasonable to you?"
"I can't argue with you, but seeing you act like this really disappoints me." Yali slowly lowered her head and let go of his arm. She even smoothed out the wrinkles on his sleeve before coldly saying, "Go if you want. If I ever come begging you again, I won't be Yali anymore."
Her voice was calm, devoid of joy or sorrow.
She had completely given up on Xia Yi.
Xia Yi couldn't care less about what she thought. When he returned to his room, he found Demon Emperor and Lan Fozi waiting for him.
"I thought you were stuck in prison," Xia Yi joked.
"No prison can hold me," Demon Emperor sneered. "Tell me, what do you need?"
"Money!" Xia Yi said.
"Money? What for?" Demon Emperor asked curiously.
"Anything will do," Xia Yi replied.
"Why do you need money?" Demon Emperor pressed.
"To save the Douluo Continent. I'll need a lot, and my own savings aren't nearly enough. The Holy Spirit Cult has robbed countless tombs, and you guys made a fortune selling The Tales of the Heavenly Fox online. Isn't it about time I got a cut?" Xia Yi said, tapping his fingers together.
"Save the continent? You're not seriously planning to apologize to Tang Sect and hold a memorial, are you?" Demon Emperor asked with a smirk.
"Yulai!" Xia Yi called in a low voice. In the next instant, Leng Yulai appeared before him.
Even Demon Emperor blinked in surprise, her sky-blue eyes gleaming with curiosity.
There had long been rumors that the Leng sisters could teleport to Xia Yi's side at any time.
Although the evidence suggested this was true, even Demon Emperor had never seen it happen before.
Demon Emperor considered herself knowledgeable about spatial abilities, but she couldn't perceive how Leng Yulai had just teleported.
"Master, you called for me?" Leng Yulai glanced at Mo Huang before turning her attention to Xia Yi.
"The situation on the Douluo Continent is complicated right now. I have matters to handle on the Star Luo Continent, so I need you to go back and take care of something for me," Xia Yi said.
"Please give your orders, Master," Leng Yulai responded.
Xia Yi briefly explained how Tang Sect had shut down all their businesses and factories. Then, he said, "Since they've shut down, let's make sure they never reopen."
"What do you need me to do?" Leng Yulai asked curiously.
"I need you to spare no expense in recruiting the workers Tang Sect has dismissed. Rebuild the broken industrial chain as quickly as possible. While they're on strike, take advantage of the situation to steal their market and customers," Xia Yi instructed.
"Master, it's not that I doubt myself, but this won't be easy. First, the amount of money needed would be astronomical. And even if we had the funds, matching Tang Sect's level of expertise in such a short time would be incredibly difficult," Leng Yulai said, furrowing her brows.
"You don't need to completely replace Tang Sect," Xia Yi said with a smile. "You just need to act like you're trying. As long as you take the lead, smaller companies will jump in to compete."
Even though he wasn't on the Douluo Continent, Xia Yi understood that the massive impact of Tang Sect's strike stemmed from fear—no one dared to compete with them.
Tang Sect's power was undeniable.
Even if they withdrew from the market, few would dare take their place.
But if someone led the charge, things would change.
A lion attacking an elephant might embolden the surrounding hyenas to join in.
That was the effect Xia Yi wanted.
Tang Sect voluntarily giving up its market? Xia Yi had no idea what Zang Xin was thinking.
Wasn't this just self-destruction?
This was an opportunity too good to pass up. If Xia Yi didn't seize it, he wouldn't be Xia Yi.
Especially considering the Tang Sect employees—while they weren't disciples, they were still carefully selected, highly trained talent.
Xia Yi was certain that when Zang Xin realized all of Tang Sect's workers had been absorbed by Leng Yulai, he'd slap himself twice in frustration.
"I've already spoken with your sister. Even though she's tied up with the Blood God Legion, she'll use her influence in the Spirit Pagoda to support you. If you still need more money, I believe the Federation government will back you. And your former employer might be willing to lend you some funds as well," Xia Yi said, glancing at Demon Emperor.
The Federation had considered this strategy before, but with the majority of its budget allocated to the Poseidon Corps' overseas campaign, they couldn't afford such a massive financial investment.
Not to mention, some legislators feared this move would provoke Tang Sect further.
That was why they had sent Yali to convince Xia Yi to back down.
Too bad for them—he had no intention of doing so.
(End of Chapter)