Chapter 45: Afraid this Tiny Spirit Pagoda Cannot Hold My Feelings for You (1 / 1)
"Hall Master Jing, I acknowledge the heritage and the foundation of soul tool technology of the Illustrious Virtue Hall. I also see clearly the ambition of the Sun Moon Empire in its pursuit of technological innovation and power. This Soul Network and Soul-Phone technology, along with the new era it represents, can be entrusted to you for participation in its construction."
The ecstatic joy in Jing Hongchen's eyes was nearly uncontrollable. Just as he was about to voice his promises, Lin Yu raised his hand, extending three fingers. His golden eyes suddenly became as sharp as blades, and a powerful mental pressure made even this Ninth-Level Soul Engineer feel his breath hitch.
"However, there are three requirements, and they are not subject to the slightest discount."
"First, the Illustrious Virtue Hall must provide all necessary funds, venues, basic craftsmen, and Soul Engineer personnel to assist the two of us in establishing the Spirit Pagoda in Radiant City! This pagoda will serve as the core node of the future Soul Network, and it will be the sole official home for this technology and more possibilities in the future."
Lin Yu tossed out the name "Spirit Pagoda" directly, as if it were a matter already predestined.
"Spirit... Spirit Pagoda?" Jing Hongchen murmured the name.
"Second," Lin Yu's voice grew several degrees colder, carrying a warning tone, "The core technology of the Soul Network, the architecture of the core formations, the final right of interpretation, and absolute control belong to me, and ultimately to the Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda. The Illustrious Virtue Hall, including the Imperial Family of the Sun Moon Empire, only has the right to participate in construction and share in operational profits. You shall not touch the core secrets! Furthermore, do not attempt to reverse-engineer or copy the core formations! This is an iron rule. If there is even half a step across the line..."
A cold arc curled at the corner of Lin Yu's mouth. A glint of gold flashed from his fingertip, and a rock the size of a millstone nearby turned into fine powder without a sound.
"I can withdraw all technological authorizations at any time, turning this Soul Network into scrap metal instantly. Everything you invested will yield no return."
Looking at the pile of powder, a chill rushed from the soles of Jing Hongchen's feet to the crown of his head! This was not just a deterrent of strength, but a declaration of absolute technological dominance! He had no doubt the man possessed such capability.
His smile became somewhat stiff, but he immediately responded: "Rest assured, Lord Lin Yu! Everyone in the Illustrious Virtue Hall will strictly follow the rules! We will never pry into the core secrets!"
"Third," Lin Yu's tone softened slightly, yet remained beyond dispute, "Regarding the specific details of cooperation for the Soul Network and Soul-Phones, resource allocation, profit distribution, and all other affairs, I authorize Gu Yuena, the Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda, to take full responsibility and interface with you. She is my sole spokesperson. Her decisions are my decisions."
After speaking, Lin Yu stepped aside, fully highlighting Gu Yuena beside him, his gaze landing on her with an unquestionable sense of entrustment.
Gu Yuena: "???"
Her Excellency the Silver Dragon King was completely stunned! Her purple eyes widened as she looked at Lin Yu in disbelief.
Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda? Full responsibility? Sole spokesperson? What is this bastard saying?!
This technology, this organization that would be the core power capable of shaking the continent's landscape and controlling the lifeblood of information... he just threw it to her as lightly as if he were tossing a hot potato?!
Is he crazy?! Is he not afraid...
Afraid that she would use this position to strike back in the future? After all, she is the co-lord of the Soul Beasts, and she has an irreconcilable, fundamental conflict with humanity! The power contained in this position was enough to give her an unimaginable advantage in her future gambit against him!
Although Jing Hongchen was shocked that Lin Yu would delegate such power to this peerless woman, his mind was currently filled with technological cooperation. He immediately gave Gu Yuena another deep bow: "Pagoda Master Gu Yuena! In all future affairs, Hongchen will cooperate with all his strength and look only to the Pagoda Master for leadership!" His attitude was exceptionally respectful.
Gu Yuena suppressed the turbulent waves in her heart, maintaining her icy exterior. She merely gave Jing Hongchen a faint, indifferent nod as an acceptance. But her thoughts were completely in disarray.
Lin Yu seemed very satisfied with this opening. He said to Jing Hongchen, "Hall Master Jing, Pagoda Master Gu Yuena will discuss the specifics with you later. For now, we need a quiet place."
Jing Hongchen understood immediately and hurriedly said, "Yes, yes! Lord Lin Yu, Pagoda Master Gu Yuena, please follow me! The Illustrious Virtue Hall has the finest guest rooms, guaranteed to be undisturbed!"
He turned and led the way eagerly, while secretly signaling to the Worshipers in the distance that they did not need to appear. Lin Yu followed, and Gu Yuena had no choice but to suppress her bellyful of questions and chaotic thoughts, following him expressionlessly.
After entering the top-tier guest room arranged by Jing Hongchen, Lin Yu said directly to him, "Hall Master Jing, the Pagoda Master and I have important matters to discuss. No one is to disturb us."
"Understood! Understood! Please, take your time!" Jing Hongchen tactfully bowed out, gently closing the heavy door and standing guard personally outside.
Once the door closed, isolating them from outside gazes, the forced coldness on Gu Yuena's body instantly collapsed. She spun around, her purple eyes filled with shock and confusion, staring straight at Lin Yu. Her voice carried a rush she hadn't noticed herself:
"Lin Yu! What on earth are you trying to do?! Pagoda Master? Full responsibility? Do you know what you are doing?! What this technology and this position represent?! You gave it to me... are you not afraid..."
She paused, her silver teeth clenched. Finally, she asked the core worry, her voice carrying a tremble she found absurd: "...Are you not afraid that I will betray you in the future and use the power you gave me to deal with you?!"
She is the Silver Dragon King! The co-lord of Soul Beasts! There will eventually be a war between them! This was practically destined! Does he not understand?!
Lin Yu looked at the normally cold and arrogant Silver Dragon King, who now appeared flustered and at a loss due to the massive shock. Her cheeks even bore a faint pink blush from her agitation, and her gaze was as complex as an overturned palette.
The "in-control" smile on his face vanished, replaced by an unprecedented... tenderness? Or rather, a rogue-ish seriousness?
He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a step forward, closing in on Gu Yuena. His tall figure brought an invisible pressure, yet it was filled with a certain dangerous aura.
"Afraid?"
Lin Yu lowered his head slightly, his golden eyes gazing deeply into Gu Yuena's purple eyes that were filled with suspicion. His voice was low and clear, carrying a hint of playfulness, yet sounding incredibly serious:
"Of course I'm afraid."
Gu Yuena's heart tightened, a cold "just as I thought" flash appearing in her purple eyes. But Lin Yu's next words left her completely petrified.
"I'm afraid that what I give you isn't enough, isn't good enough, and isn't worthy of you."
Lin Yu's voice possessed a strange magnetism, like a lover's whisper. His gaze was burning and aggressive:
"I'm afraid that this tiny Spirit Pagoda cannot hold my feelings for you."
"Wha... what feelings?"
Caught off guard by this sudden, near-confession, Gu Yuena's heart uncontrollably skipped a beat. The blush on her cheeks deepened instantly. She instinctively wanted to retreat, only to find the cold wall already behind her.