Chapter 533: Handling

In the grand hall meant for receiving distinguished guests, a Tier Two Legend sat leisurely in a chair, crossing his legs as he spoke unhurriedly. "Lord Qi, do you have a problem with us? We had an agreement when we installed the Planetarium Control System for your Gaian cities. Now, you refuse to acknowledge it. If this matter reaches the Candle Light Alliance, our Kazan Civilization will still be in the right."

Qi Yan replied, "Mr. Zhuo Ri, it's not that we refuse to acknowledge it, but... your final price is far too excessive. We can put the Planetarium Control System aside since it's only twenty percent above market price and is still within a reasonable premium.

"However... just one Control Platform costs over a million Secondary Cosmic Currency. A single lamp alone costs over thirteen thousand... When converted to Gaian currency, that amounts to 130 million... The flooring alone costs 360 million in our currency... And the emblem on the Control Platform, 1.68 billion... The prices are far too high."

"You don't understand. Our chandeliers use advanced quantum technology. Not only do they provide illumination, but they also enhance mental spirit and improve mood, making people feel happier. As for the floor tiles, we use top-quality imported materials. 36,000 is already a discounted price, in consideration of our relationship. As for the Control Platform's emblem...."

Zhuo Ri spread out his hands. "That is our company's spiritual symbol. It is handcrafted. A powerful cultivator from our homeland consecrated the materials. 1.68 billion is absolutely a fair price!"

After speaking, Zhuo Ri leaned forward. "What? Do you think it's not worth this price? Are you trying to get away without paying after the job is done, or are you insulting our company's spiritual symbol?"

Qi Yan hurriedly waved his hands. "No... We absolutely do not mean that..."

"Then make the payment." Zhuo Ri sneered. "The project funds have been delayed for so long. Our people won't sit still much longer. If some commotion happens and damages are caused, don't say I didn't warn you. Besides, they just want their hard-earned money back so they can return home as soon as possible. I can't possibly stop them, can I?"

After speaking, he leaned back into his chair again, watching Qi Yan with amusement. He had an expression of absolute confidence.

To be precise... Zhuo Ri was sure that he had control of the negotiations with the Gaian Civilization. After all, Hong Feng was the one orchestrating this matter to put pressure on Gaia. He was a genius who had already reached the peak of Tier Two Legend.

Moreover, they weren't the only ones doing this. Many other civilizations that invested in Hong Feng were also doing similar acts. Over a dozen civilizations were involved in restricting trade, transportation, technology, as well as every aspect concerning the Gaian Civilization.

Although the Gaian Civilization had a Celestial Martial Artist whose strength rivaled a Tier Three Legend, what use would he have if he wasn't around? Even if he were here, what could he do?

Among these maneuvers, there were several other nebula overlords like the Karzan Civilization, and nearly every one of them had a Tier Three Legend backing them.

Even if that man named Li Pin returned, he would have to bow his head and endure it.

Besides... behind Hong Feng stood the full support of the Ashen Council.

***

Outside the Reception Hall.

At this moment, Li Pin had already finished reading the intelligence sent by the White Dove Federation.

It included the White Dove Federation's final statement. If the Gaian Civilization needed it, they were willing to take the lead in clearing all obstacles within the Candle Light Alliance.

I forgot to buy some Tier Three Legend slaves,

Li Pin thought.

Now, he had no capable subordinates nearby. Without borrowing the White Dove Federation's strength, he would have to handle everything himself.

"Rather than giving someone fish, it's better to teach them how to fish. The Gaian Civilization must accelerate its own growth."

Li Pin glanced at the recent detailed reports on Gaia.

Finally, they had obtained some Legends. Solar Radiance Sovereign and Ge Lin had both attained a breakthrough.

A Tier One Legend might be considered an expert in a certain nebula, but in the Candle Light Alliance, they were nothing special. Every major influence in the Candle Light Alliance had at least a Tier Three Legend. Some elites even had Demigods overseeing the grand scheme, ensuring their civilization endured for tens of thousands of stellar years.

As for the dominant forces, the Ashen Council, the Immortal Wood Empire, and the White Dove Federation, they had multiple Demigods and Tier Four Legends.

That was the difference.

However, considering he had the World Heart, which was a supreme treasure, as well as the cultivation benefits provided by the spiritual creatures born from it, Li Pin remained composed.

The first batch of people born under the Yin Luo Galaxy's starlight possessed remarkable talent. Otherwise, there would have been so many great clans fighting to send their descendants here to get impregnated and give birth to children under Astral God Yin Luo's glow.

With good talent, coupled with the guidance and assistance from the spiritual creatures of the Moon Goddess Domain, each of them could reach the quasi-genius level. The most outstanding ones among them could even become true geniuses, with a high chance of becoming Tier Four Legends.

A Tier Four Legend might not hold much weight in the grand scheme of the universe, but within the Candle Light Star Ring, they were among the elite.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

After pondering for a moment, Li Pin glanced at Zhi Yun and said, "According to the Yin Luo Council's laws, I believe I can take action now."

"These civilizations are all guilty of defamation, extortion, and provocation," Zhi Yun respectfully responded. "Additionally, I have noticed some civilizations blocking Astral Gates, disrupting transportation, which constitutes a public safety crime. Some others have violated anti-dumping laws and should be heavily penalized as well."

The Secret Arts Department's Deputy Secretary-General smiled softly. "As long as you wish to, we can find a hundred laws to convict them, Councilor Li. So, you only need to pay a little attention to your image and avoid racial massacres. Then you can deal with these civilizations as you wish. Even if a large-scale slaughter accidentally occurs, we can attribute it to natural disasters and lead public opinion on to cover up the news."

Li Pin listened with a calm expression.

This was how the rules of the universe worked. For the weak, merely being alive was a crime. The difference was whether the strong cared to hold them accountable.

In ancient times, Gaians upheld equality of life. When facing injustice, they could at least fight to the bitter end. However, as times changed and the Astral Cultivator system rose, consolidating immense power in individuals, even indiscriminate destruction became a luxury.

"Then let's follow the rules," Li Pin said.

Zhi Yun responded, "Yes, I will immediately put in the request to mobilize the nearest council garrison."

Such acts were within his authority to do.

"Originally, I didn't want to cause such a big commotion with my return to Gaia to avoid awkward situations."

But now it seemed to Li Pin that this wasn't an option. Unless he never returned to Gaia, he would eventually deal with the matters that displeased him.

Nevertheless, in reality, hadn't every civilization encountered similar situations before? The difference was merely between those who survived and those who didn't.

Li Pin immediately took out his communication bracelet and sent a message to Lan Chi. "Convene an emergency meeting of the Candle Light Alliance."

"Yes!" Lan Chi responded firmly. He then asked, "Do you want to hold an online or in-person meeting?"

"An in-person meeting. The location will be at the Ashen Council," Li Pin answered.

Since he had decided to resolve the matter, he naturally intended to do it swiftly, crushing the Ashen Council and Hong Feng with overwhelming force. There was no need to waste several stellar years in endless back-and-forth struggles.

"I will make the arrangements immediately and initiate a meeting at the highest level," Lan Chi responded.

After ending the communication, Li Pin sent messages to Yu Shengjin, Yuan Zhenchuan, and everyone else, including Si Xing.

However, for Si Xing, Li Pin merely informed him that he had returned to the Longze Nebula without elaborating further.

After sending the message, as a member of the Candle Light Alliance, he had already received a mandatory notification from the White Dove Federation issued by its chairman.

He ignored it and instructed Zhi Yun, "Take these people down first."

What he had witnessed with his own eyes was the best evidence, but by acting through Zhuo Ri and others, he would have a more convincing case against the Ashen Council.

"Yes," Zhi Yun responded respectfully.

With a wave of his hand, two members of his assistant team strode swiftly toward the reception hall.

Every councilor had an assistant team assigned by the Yin Luo Council.

The Deputy Secretary-General was appointed by the Yin Luo Council, but the other assistants and guards in the team could be replaced at the councilor's discretion.

The opportunity to serve a councilor at the divine level was a rare and coveted chance for all assistants and guards.

The few team members following Li Pin were elite personnel whom major factions had gone to great lengths to insert. Not only were they specialists in various fields, but their cultivation levels had also reached Tier Three Legend. Moreover, coming from prestigious families, they were well-equipped, with combat power exceeding six thousand. This was nearly reaching the peak of Tier Three.

Zhuo Ri was still putting on airs in the reception hall when two men burst in. One of them released his power, isolating Zhuo Ri and the surrounding area to prevent energy spillage and destruction.

The other precisely unleashed his Domain Power, instantly suppressing this Tier Two Legend from the Kazan Civilization.

Zhuo Ri was completely stunned by the sudden attack. "Who are you!?"

He immediately unleashed his own domain power to counter the suppression while attempting to take flight and escape the scene. But against the combined assault of two Tier Three Legends, he was instantly crushed into pieces, forcing him to enter his starlight form.

At the same time, one of them took out a football-sized spherical crystal and encompassed Zhuo Ri's starlight-formed body with it. A powerful binding force field quickly gathered all the starlight inside.

Trapped within the crystal, Zhuo Ri struggled fiercely, his powerful spiritual energy constantly leaking out. "I am Zhuo Ri of the Kazan Civilization. Your Excellencies, could there be a misunderstanding between us?!"

At that moment, Li Pin entered the reception hall. "There's no misunderstanding."

Seeing Li Pin, Qi Yan was startled. He immediately realized that Li Pin must have perceived the earlier scene and hurried forward nervously to greet Li Ping. "Your Excellency Li Pin."

Li Pin instructed, "Make the preparations. I want to construct an Astral Gate on the Alliance Star directly leading to the Homo Sapien Alliance office. Someone there will coordinate with you."

This was the primary reason he had brought Zhi Yun and his team here.

At this moment, the trapped Zhuo Ri also sensed Li Pin's presence and exclaimed in shock, "It's you!? Li Pin! You've gotten into big trouble! Do you even know who we are working for?!"

"The Ashen Council, I know," Li Pin answered. "The White Dove Federation's emergency meeting has already convened. I will go to the Ashen Council's primary planet to deal with them personally."

Zhuo Ri was about to mention Hong Feng's name, but the moment he heard those words, he shut his mouth.