The Terms
Da Ming and Er Ming felt relieved upon hearing her response. However, the Beast God Di Tian panicked. He was about to speak when he abruptly felt the presence of a terrifying divine consciousness. He immediately withheld the word which was already at the tip of his tongue.
"Let’s take a seat to discuss, shall we? How about on the plain?" Mo Lan hastily grabbed the opportunity.
"Sure! I’m only willing to discuss with you alone," said Gu Yuena indifferently.
Mo Lan raised her head and looked toward Tang Wulin in the sky. Tang Wulin nodded at her.
Although both of them stood on opposing sides now, Tang Wulin still trusted Gu Yuena. He knew Gu Yuena well enough that Gu Yuena would not possibly hurt Mo Lan.
Mo Lan dispatched the order. The armored vehicle carrying her moved forward slowly in the direction of the soul beasts. Thousands of soldiers from mankind’s legion were behind her, while ahead of her were a million soul beasts.
In such a grand setting, she stood without budging. She was steady as a rock and calm as the abyss. She did not waver nor cower in fear even the slightest bit.
The people watching the scene via a satellite broadcast felt their agitated hearts calm down.
Undoubtedly, the outcome of the negotiation was exceedingly important to her. However, her courage was similarly important! Their support for the newly-appointed speaker soared exponentially in their hearts. Currently, Mo Lan had the highest approval rate among the speakers since the founding of the Federation on the Douluo Continent.
Her courage displayed the glory of the Federation’s leadership.
The armored vehicle moved until it was midway between the two legions. Mo Lan ordered the vehicle to stop. She then got down from the vehicle and walked to the center point slowly. She promised that she would come alone so she was there by herself. She exhibited her sincerity.
"No one is allowed to act recklessly without my order." Gu Yuena took a cold glance at Di Tian.
Di Tian felt the chills in his chest for he had actually considered it earlier. He was going to launch a sudden attack to kill the speaker by giving the order to the soul beasts which he controlled. She was just an ordinary person after all. The death of Mo Lan would certainly trigger the war between the two sides.
At any rate, he would not have the courage to act rashly after being warned by Gu Yuena. He could feel Gu Yuena’s resentment toward him. After all, the current situation was still within the control of the soul beasts.
The numerous beasts bowed toward Gu Yuena simultaneously. Their gazes were filled with determination.
The opportunity had finally arrived after so many years. They could never miss an opportunity like this!
A silver radiance shimmered. It only took a split second. A silver light flashed once before Mo Lan’s eyes, and Gu Yuena was already facing her.
Mo Lan was caught in a trance as she looked at the silhouette that suddenly emerged before her.
She had met Gu Yuena more than once. It seemed like Gu Yuena was different each time she met her. In Mo Lan’s memory, Gu Yuena
Mo Lan heaved a sigh and blurted, "The god of destiny makes fools of people!"
Gu Yuena’s gaze remained calm as before. "Let’s discuss the terms. I’ve a few terms. If you can vouch for the Douluo Federation’s promise to fulfill it immediately, then the war can be prevented."
Mo Lan felt the chills in her chest. She had recovered from the momentary trance earlier and made an inviting gesture. She said, "Please go ahead!"
Gu Yuena took a glance at Mo Lan and said, "First, there must be a living space for our soul beasts on the Douluo Continent. The living space includes, but is not limited to the initial area of the Great Star Dou Forest. Mankind will need to help us rebuild the Great Star Dou Forest and should be the largest in mankind’s recorded history. Also, the rebuilt Great Star Dou Forest will be categorized as a prohibited zone for mankind. Mankind is not allowed to enter the place without permission."
Mo Lan’s eyes were crystal clear. She said, "Please continue."
Gu Yuena said, "Second, Douluo Federation shall coordinate the effort to build habitats for soul beasts in the Star Luo and the Dou Spirit Empires which are no smaller than the Great Star Dou Forest. The rest of the term is similar to the first term."
Mo Lan nodded. "Understood. Is there anything else?"
Gu Yuena continued in an expressionless manner, "Third, all of mankind’s technology must be destroyed completely, especially all the data related to soul weapons. Disassemble all the soul equipment and return mankind’s world to its original state. At the same time, all items related to soul technology must be destroyed such that mankind’s society will regress."
"That’s impossible!" blurted Mo Lan.
The first two terms could be taken into consideration with some effort. However, mankind could not possibly agree to the third term. The act of returning mankind’s world to its original state was equal to mankind regressing for ten thousand years. The public could not possibly accept the reality of mankind regressing.
Gu Yuena behaved as if she was completely oblivious to the objection. She continued to speak, "Fourth, all mankind’s soul masters will be executed. Mankind won’t have any more soul masters in the future. Without soul masters, our soul beasts won’t be hunted naturally."
Mo Lan raised her eyebrows in anger. "What you’re saying is you want mankind to return to being food for you as in ancient times, right?"
Gu Yuena said indifferently, "We only wish for mankind to not be a threat to us."
"Fifth, all of mankind’s skills in space exploration must be compiled and surrendered to us. The soul beasts will carry out the research instead. Moreover, mankind shall regard the soul beasts as their master on the Douluo Continent and follow orders. A number of mankind’s scientific researchers will assist us in continuing the research. Soul beasts shall dominate the main roles on the Douluo Continent, the Star Luo Continent, and the Dou Spirit Continent."
"These are the five terms precisely. If you agree to it, the war can be prevented and more humans will stay alive. If you don’t agree, then we’ll use brute force to ensure you do."
A radiance glimmered in Gu Yuena’s eyes. "Your Excellency Silver Dragon King, don’t you think that these five terms are a bit excessive? You should know that even if you don’t do a thing, more than half the human population on the Douluo Continent will die from starvation if all the soul technology is destroyed. It would be impossible to carry out the activities such as agriculture, animal farming, and manufacturing to feed the population. Mankind today is no longer the same as in ancient times. The vast expansion of our population requires technological support to fulfill our needs."
"That’s your problem. It’s not my concern. I’m only asking for these five terms," said Gu Yuena with a calm gaze.
They did not try to keep their voices low. Mo Lan carried a communicator with her. Obviously, the negotiation was transmitted back to mankind’s side. At the same time, Gu Yuena’s voice was also transmitted. Thousands of soldiers from both sides could hear the conversation clearly, especially when she voiced out the five terms.
Mo Lan took a deep breath and attempted to calm herself as much as possible. "Your Excellency Silver Dragon King, this is an important matter with high stakes. I can’t make the decision on my own. Will you please allow me to discuss with the others?"
Gu Yuena said coldly, "I’ve already given you five days. If you can’t represent mankind, then it’s utterly meaningless for you to be here. I’m giving you an hour. If you still can’t give me a reply by then, we’ll let the battle decide."
She did not room for further concessions. A silver radiance flashed once, and she vanished into thin air.
An hour?
Mo Lan was trying to strive for more time provided by the negotiation. Apparently, Gu Yuena was not giving them the opportunity.
She returned to the armored vehicle immediately, and the armored vehicle drove back to their side.
Tang Wulin and the four great Limit Douluos descended from the sky and landed next to Mo Lan.
"You heard the terms. They are utterly impossible." Mo Lan frowned deeply.