Ye Qiu’s words sparked an instant tension in the air.
Paul’s expression shifted slightly, a fleeting glint of killing intent in his eyes.
Beside him, Carl’s gaze sharpened like twin divine lamps, his body radiating overwhelming pressure.
Clearly, if Ye Qiu insisted on interfering, they would eliminate him.
Paul squinted, smiling. “Mr. Ye, you jest. There’s no enmity between our nine nations and China. We’d even like to befriend you. I believe you’re a wise man who’ll make a sensible choice. Don’t you agree?”
Ye Qiu laughed heartily. “I was joking earlier. Don’t take it seriously.”
At that, Carl’s imposing aura eased slightly.
Ye Qiu continued, “The Prophet told me you’re attacking the Vatican for a scripture, correct?”
Paul nodded with a smile. “Correct.”
Ye Qiu said, “The scripture is in my hands. I can decide on the Prophet’s behalf to give it to you, but you must agree to three conditions.”
Carl snorted coldly. “Kid, you think you’re in a position to negotiate?”
Ye Qiu ignored him, focusing on Paul.
“Carl, Mr. Ye is our friend. Don’t be rude,” Paul said, though his tone lacked any real reprimand, merely posturing.
“Mr. Ye, name your three conditions. If they’re reasonable, I’ll agree,” Paul said with a smile.
Ye Qiu asked, “Can you speak for the others? Why not call them here to hear my conditions?”
“No need,” Paul replied. “I have full authority. State your conditions, Mr. Ye.”
Ye Qiu said, “First, release the captives and vow not to pursue them further.”
Paul agreed instantly. “Fine.”
Ye Qiu continued, “Second, ensure you never invade the Vatican again.”
Paul nodded again. “Agreed.”
Ye Qiu said, “Third, I take the Prophet with me, and you don’t interfere. You must also guarantee never to trouble her again.”
“No problem,” Paul said, grinning. “Mr. Ye, I’ve agreed to all three. Now, hand over the scripture.”
“Don’t give it to him. He’s lying,” the Prophet whispered through a secret transmission.
Even without her warning, Ye Qiu saw through it.
He said, “You agreed to all three conditions without hesitation. Isn’t that a bit too quick?”
Paul chuckled. “Don’t Chinese people value straightforwardness? Mr. Ye, give me the scripture.”
Ye Qiu replied, “I can give it to you, but first, you retreat from the Vatican. Second, I’ll hand it over only after I’ve taken the Prophet to the border.”
Paul’s smile stiffened. “Mr. Ye, we won’t retreat until we have the scripture.”
Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow. “So, no deal?”
“No deal! The Prophet stays, and I’ll kill all the Vatican disciples,” Carl barked.
Ye Qiu glanced at Carl, a murderous glint in his eyes.
“Mr. Ye, you see, without the scripture, even if I agreed to let you leave, my friend wouldn’t,” Paul said. “We don’t want conflict with China or you. Hand over the scripture, and you’re free to go.”
“Me leave?” Ye Qiu asked. “What about the Prophet?”
“She stays,” Carl said. “The Lion King has taken a liking to her and wants to marry her.”
Lion King?
Ye Qiu glanced at the Prophet.
“The Lion King is a mid-King Realm expert. He’s here too,” she said, her eyes filled with hatred. “After killing the Pope, he shattered his skull.”
Ye Qiu’s face darkened.
He’d negotiated with Paul, hoping to avoid conflict while saving the Prophet and protecting the Vatican disciples.
Now, it seemed his words were wasted.
Suppressing his killing intent, Ye Qiu said, “Fine, you can have the scripture, but I must take the Prophet.”
“What gives you the right?” Carl sneered. “You’re just a Venerable Realm. If we didn’t want to avoid trouble with China and those behind you, I’d have killed you already. Hand over the scripture and get out. Or I won’t be merciful.”
Ye Qiu looked at Paul. “And you?”
Paul said helplessly, “Mr. Ye, you see Carl’s stance. I can’t sway him.”
Ye Qiu laughed coldly. “You can’t even sway him, yet you claimed to speak for the others? Think I’m easy to fool?”
“Mr. Ye…” Paul began.
“Paul, enough talk. If he won’t cooperate, we’ll end him,” Carl shouted, pointing at Ye Qiu. “Kneel, and I might spare you.”
Ye Qiu stared at Carl coldly. “You’re pushing it.”
Carl, brimming with menace, said, “So what? Killing you takes one finger.”
“You think so little of me?” Ye Qiu laughed in anger.
“In my eyes, you’re weak. Killing you is easier than squashing a bug,” Carl sneered, not taking Ye Qiu seriously. “If I were you, I’d hand over the scripture and run.”
“You’d be dead the longer you stay.”
Ye Qiu stepped forward, locking eyes with Carl. “Let’s see what gives you the right to act so arrogant.”
“My realm is higher than yours,” Carl said, unleashing a crushing wave of pressure.
He threw a punch at Ye Qiu.
“Dodge!” the Prophet cried, her face paling as she moved to block the punch for him.
But Ye Qiu pushed her aside, drew the God-Beating Whip, and lashed out.
*Crack!*
The whip sliced through the air like it tore through time itself, striking Carl’s fist with a sound of shattering bone.
Instantly, Carl’s right fist exploded.
“Ah!”
Carl screamed, stumbling back, eyes wide with disbelief.
The Prophet and Paul were stunned, utterly shocked.
The scene exceeded their expectations.
Ye Qiu said calmly, “I didn’t want conflict. But you’re too overbearing. Since that’s the case, I don’t mind crushing you!”
