Seeing the complex expression of compromise on Poison Immortal's face, Xu Tianhao's lips curled up slowly, revealing a sincere smile.
Kong Deming and Jing Hongchen exchanged a calm glance, the depths of their eyes hiding relief and joy that could not be contained.
The two of them curled their lips in unison, likewise revealing a knowing smile.
They knew Poison Immortal's temperament too well; this Sect Master of the Body Sect had been unruly and stubborn his entire life, always looking down on everything and holding himself in high regard.
Looking across the entire Douluo Continent, the people who could make him lower his head and compromise could be counted on one hand.
Even when facing the pressure of the Sun Moon Empire, he had previously always maintained a tough stance, refusing to yield an inch.
Yet now, this Sect Master of the Body Sect, who had been unruly for half his life, had actually relented so easily and chosen to compromise?
The two understood instantly; it seemed that in Poison Immortal's heart, the inheritance and future of the Body Sect far outweighed his own pride and obsession.
It also outweighed so-called imperial honor and disgrace, as well as worldly strife.
At this moment, Poison Immortal's display of submission meant that this negotiation regarding the cooperation between the Body Sect and the Sun Moon Empire was basically already a sure win.
However, what kind of agreement the two sides could ultimately reach, how much assistance the Body Sect could provide to the Sun Moon Empire, and what kind of promises and guarantees the Sun Moon Empire could give to the Body Sect, exactly what level they could achieve, would depend on how Xu Tianhao proceeded to negotiate with Poison Immortal, and how he would handle the nuances and throw out conditions.
Kong Deming and Jing Hongchen had already reached a tacit understanding; neither had any intention of interrupting, simply standing quietly to the side, acting as silent background scenery.
In their eyes, although Xu Tianhao was young, he possessed a mentality, vision, and courage far beyond his peers.
He was a child with strong opinions who could handle things on his own.
For this negotiation, they were only responsible for backing Xu Tianhao, unless an emergency occurred or the negotiation fell into an irreconcilable stalemate.
Otherwise, they would not easily intervene, handing full control to Xu Tianhao.
Letting this Sixth Highness of the Sun Moon Empire fully display his brilliance and wisdom.
Xu Tianhao paced over to the seat opposite Poison Immortal and sat down calmly, his demeanor steady, without a hint of a child's immaturity or awkwardness.
Seeing this, Jing Hongchen immediately handed over a cup of warm, sweet milk tea personally.
The milk tea was wreathed in faint heat, the scent of milk and tea intertwining, slowly diffusing throughout the hall.
Xu Tianhao reached out to take it, his movements elegant and leisurely, bringing the milk tea to his lips and taking a slow, gentle sip.
The warm tea soup slid down his throat, smoothing out the last trace of deliberate tension and easing the atmosphere of the negotiation slightly.
Not until he gently set down the milk tea cup did Xu Tianhao raise his eyes to look at Poison Immortal, slowly speaking:
"Since Sect Master Du is a straightforward person, I won't dawdle either. Let's get straight to the point."
He paused, his gaze clear yet holding a few more shades of depth, staring directly into Poison Immortal's eyes as he continued:
"I can join the Body Sect and contribute to the future of the Body Sect. On this point, I will never break my word."
"But there is one point I need to clarify in advance: for the short term, I will not be going to the Body Sect."
"Therefore, for the coming period, Sect Master Du can temporarily stay within the imperial palace, or you can send someone over to facilitate our subsequent communication regarding Sect matters."
Regarding this condition proposed by Xu Tianhao, Poison Immortal did not hesitate in the slightest, immediately nodding heavily: "That is certainly acceptable!"
"As long as the Sixth Highness is willing to join my Body Sect, let alone staying in the palace temporarily, even if I have to wait here for ten years, I will not have a single word of complaint!"
Seeing Poison Immortal agree without even thinking, his attitude incredibly straightforward, Xu Tianhao understood in his heart, his smile deepening as he continued to throw out the second core condition:
"Since Sect Master Du has agreed to this matter so readily, you must also be aware that the current situation on the continent is turbulent. The conflict between the Sun Moon Empire and the Heavenly Soul Empire is deep-rooted and has long been difficult to resolve."
"In the future, conflict and confrontation between the two Empires will inevitably occur; it is by no means something that can be easily reconciled by human effort."
"Therefore, what I want is not just a personal agreement between you and me, but that the Body Sect must clearly define its stance and fully support the Sun Moon Empire. This is the core premise of our cooperation, and there is no room for negotiation."
"This..."
Hearing this, Poison Immortal, who had been incredibly straightforward just a moment ago, instantly showed a look of difficulty on his face, his tone becoming hesitant.
When discussing major national affairs and imperial stances, it involved his own homeland, the Heavenly Soul Empire.
Even Poison Immortal, who was dedicated solely to the inheritance of the Sect, could not help but fall into hesitation, unable to agree as decisively as before.
As a citizen of the Heavenly Soul Empire, and with the Body Sect having been rooted within the territory of the Heavenly Soul Empire for thousands of years, he was closely linked to the Heavenly Soul Empire.
For him to publicly declare support for the Sun Moon Empire against Heavenly Soul, this hurdle in his heart was ultimately difficult to cross easily.
Xu Tianhao took in Poison Immortal's hesitation and conflict, but simply smiled indifferently, his eyes calm and unhurried, without the slightest bit of pressure or displeasure.
Xu Tianhao continued in a peaceful tone: "Sect Master Du need not be so troubled."
"Since Sect Master Du has personally traveled far to the Sun Moon Empire's imperial palace and lowered your status to negotiate with us, we will certainly not make things difficult for Sect Master Du, nor will we let you bear the infamy of betraying your homeland."
He stood up, hands behind his back, and from his small body, a kingly aura of looking down on the world radiated.
His gaze swept across as he spoke with a firm and powerful tone: "Today, the continent is in constant turmoil. The three Empires originally belonging to the Douluo Continent are attacking each other, the people are displaced, and the war is endless."
"In the future, a full-scale war between the Sun Moon Empire and the three Empires of Heavenly Soul, Star Luo, and Dou Ling is inevitable. This is the trend of the era and the necessity of history."
"After all, in my opinion, the best way to prevent war and end the chaotic times is to end the division and achieve the unification of the continent."
Speaking to this point, a sharp, unparalleled gleam flashed in Xu Tianhao's eyes; that was the ambition and courage belonging to a king.
Even though he was only seven years old, it made those present—Kong Deming, Jing Hongchen, and even Poison Immortal—could not help but be shaken in their hearts.
He looked at Poison Immortal, solemnly promising word by word: "I can represent the Sun Moon Empire here and make a clear commitment to you."
"In the future, when the Sun Moon Empire's army attacks the Heavenly Soul Empire, the Body Sect does not need to send troops to assist Sun Moon, and certainly does not need to go into battle against your homeland. You only need to close your doors and remain absolutely neutral."
"Not only that, my Sun Moon Empire's army will strictly enforce military discipline, doing our utmost not to harm the innocent people of the Heavenly Soul Empire, allowing the citizens of Heavenly Soul to avoid the unmerited disaster of war."
"Even if the war spreads, we will do our utmost to protect the safety of the Body Sect. The Body Sect will not need to relocate; the Sect's inheritance, foundation, and disciples can all remain safe and sound."
"I, Xu Tianhao, promise here: I will ensure the Body Sect is worry-free and that its inheritance continues forever!"
As his voice fell, Xu Tianhao lifted his head slightly, the confidence and ambition in his eyes growing more intense, adding with a firm, resounding tone:
"After all, this vast land of the Douluo Continent will sooner or later belong to the rule of the Sun Moon Empire. On this point, there is no doubt."
Hearing these grand-visioned, ambitious words from Xu Tianhao, Poison Immortal's pupils contracted slightly, and a stormy sea was stirred up in his heart.
He truly found it hard to imagine that a child of only seven years could have such deep foresight and such immense ambition.
And could even speak such bold words that shook the layout of the continent.
This mentality, this courage—even those top experts who have been famous for many years might not be able to reach it.