Douluo: Martial Soul Seven Kill Sword, The Sword Opens Heaven's Gates

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Though Tang San disliked bribery, if he couldn't even get an audience with the governor, how could he possibly establish the Tang Sect?

Suddenly, a voice entered his ear. "Xiao San, don't act rashly. Use your hidden weapons to show that you're here to discuss business with Governor Waltz—it might get you in."

"Uncle!"

Tang San's heart leapt with joy as he followed Tang Xiao's advice.

If this visit could result in a deal to sell hidden weapons to Governor Waltz, the Tang Sect would have a stable source of income.

Tang San didn't hold back. He retrieved several types of hidden weapons from his spirit-guided device.

Facing the guards, he said again, "Apologies, perhaps I wasn't clear earlier. I'm here to discuss business with His Excellency the Governor. I believe the weapons I have will be of great help to him."

The guards' attitudes softened slightly, though they were still skeptical. "It's true that the governor enjoys doing business, but how do we know you're not just talking nonsense?"

"If you anger the governor, not only will you face dire consequences, but we'll suffer as well."

Tang San smiled confidently.

Without further explanation, he held up a soundless wrist-mounted crossbow, aimed it at a nearby wall, and gently pulled the trigger.

The arrow shot out and embedded itself deeply into the wall, its power truly frightening.

While it wasn't unrealistic for the Star Luo Empire to lack weapons of similar power, such weapons were typically large crossbows. A weapon this small was something they had never seen before.

The guards stationed at the governor's residence were originally soldiers in the military—they certainly understood the advantages and disadvantages of such weapons.

The captain of the guards spoke seriously. "Wait here. I'll report to His Excellency the Governor. If he agrees to see you, I'll bring you in."

Tang San clasped his hands. "Thank you."

---

Inside the governor's residence, in the study.

On the desk lay reports from various regions of Annan Province, but Governor Waltz paid them no mind. His gaze was fixed blankly on the window, lost in thought.

The guard captain came to report. It took two inquiries before Waltz responded.

Entering the study, the guard captain informed Waltz about Tang San and the hidden weapons.

"Oh? Weapons like these?" Waltz waved his hand dismissively. "Let them in."

Receiving the reply, the guard captain quickly escorted Tang San and Tai Tan into the study.

Upon entering, Tang San respectfully bowed to Waltz.

To his surprise, the governor wasn't the fat, imposing figure he had imagined but a thin, middle-aged man with streaks of gray in his temples.

If this governor walked down the street, no one would recognize his identity.

"Sixty-eighth level Soul Emperor—young man, your strength is quite impressive," Waltz praised. Then he asked directly, "Tell me about your weapons. What's their power and range? As for the price—well, if I'm satisfied, I won't shortchange you."

Tang San nodded and retrieved several types of hidden weapons from his spirit-guided device.

Among them, the Zhuge Divine Crossbow had the longest range and greatest power.

Of the other weapons, the spinal crossbow might have greater power than the Zhuge Divine Crossbow, but its range was less than half.

After Tang San's demonstration, Waltz quickly lost interest.

As a governor, he commanded many soldiers.

The battlefield was no child's play. The hidden weapons Tang San provided had too short a range to effectively counter cavalry charges.

Equipping the army with large quantities of these weapons would, at best, be a minor enhancement—useful only in specific battlefield conditions.

Of course, if the price was low, he might consider equipping a small batch of troops to test their effectiveness.

"How much are you selling them for?" Waltz asked casually.

Tang San thought for a moment. To secure this long-term client, he had to make some concessions on price.

"The Zhuge Divine Crossbow will be sold individually for five hundred gold spirit coins each. The rest of the hidden weapons will be sold in sets for one thousand gold spirit coins per set."

As he spoke, he displayed the materials used to craft the weapons. "Each weapon is made from precious metals—the cost of the materials alone is very high."

"Your Excellency, we've already made significant compromises. This price is absolutely sincere—what do you think?"

Waltz suddenly chuckled. "Truly sincere indeed!"

Based on Tang San's explanation, a single set of hidden weapons could only equip one soldier. Even if disassembled, it could equip at most seven soldiers.

At fifteen hundred gold spirit coins per set, divided among seven soldiers, each would cost over two hundred gold spirit coins.

That amount of money was enough to cover the compensation for fallen soldiers.

Governor Waltz wasn't short on funds, but he didn't want to be taken for a fool by a stranger.

No matter how good the materials were, could these weapons really save lives on the battlefield?

Tang San didn't catch his meaning and hurriedly asked, "Your Excellency, how many sets would you like to order? For orders over a hundred sets, I can offer additional discounts."

Waltz waved his hand, interrupting. "Compared to the weapons, I'm more interested in you all. A young Soul Emperor and a Soul Douluo-level expert—your backgrounds must be quite deep. Hmm, if you're interested in serving under me, I'd be happy to welcome you."

Tang San frowned.

This response was unexpected.

But the idea of being subordinate to someone else was absolutely unacceptable to him.

Tai Tan spoke sternly, "Governor Waltz, do you think you're dreaming?"

Waltz shrugged. "In that case, please leave."

With that, the guards outside entered the study and escorted Tang San and Tai Tan out.

Outside the governor's residence, Tang San sighed in frustration.

Originally, he had planned to use the sale of hidden weapons as a way to open a dialogue, but the governor had shown little interest in his weapons and hadn't even asked for their names.

---

Back at the inn.

Tang San shook his head dejectedly.

Without establishing a connection with Governor Waltz, it was unclear when the Tang Sect could be founded.

Upon learning the details of the conversation, Yu Xiaogang sighed helplessly. "Alas, this will likely cause no small amount of trouble. It may be difficult to meet with this governor again anytime soon."

Tang Yuehua, however, smiled. "This is normal. Xiao San, you were too hasty. Before today, Governor Waltz didn't know any of you."

"Trying to make such a big deal on the first meeting was bound to fail."

In her view, if Tang San had presented the cheapest hidden weapon, the outcome might have been different.

Tang Xiao added, "Yuehua is right, but what's done is done. We don't have time to waste."

As he spoke, his gaze turned to Dai Mubai.

Perhaps the only way to change Governor Waltz's attitude was to play the "Dai Mubai card." But this was also a gamble with significant risks.

They didn't know where Waltz stood. If he supported Dai Weisi, they would face unprecedented trouble.

After some thought, Tang Xiao pulled Tang San aside and quietly asked, "Xiao San, do you have any way to temporarily restore Mubai's masculine energy?"

Tang San was surprised. "Uncle, are you planning..."

Tang Xiao nodded slightly and continued, "Xiao San, we have no choice but to play the Mubai card now. If it works, we might be able to bring Governor Waltz over to our side. In the future, our development in Annan City will face no obstacles."

Logically, this made sense, but what if they failed?

Tang Xiao added, "This place is already a mess anyway. At worst, we'll leave Annan Province. As long as our people are intact, we can establish the Tang Sect anywhere."

After careful consideration, Tang San agreed with his proposal.

As for temporarily restoring Dai Mubai's masculine energy, Tang San could indeed concoct a potion for that.

However, since this involved Dai Mubai, they needed to communicate with him in advance.

Not long after discussing with Dai Mubai, surprisingly, Dai Mubai showed a strong desire for the throne and almost immediately agreed to all of Tang San's requests.

Finally, Tang San added, "Mubai, we can't rush this. We must proceed step by step—don't let the throne cloud your judgment."

"Remember, you have us and the Tang Sect behind you. When the time is right, you'll have the chance to reclaim everything you've lost. For now, please change your clothes!"

—

By the time everything was prepared, it was already deep into the night.

Governor Waltz had been lost in thought in his study for a long time. It wasn't until late at night that he finally began to review the reports in a daze.

Suddenly, a gentle breeze swept through the study, causing the oil lamp on the desk to flicker slightly.

Waltz turned sharply. To his astonishment, an unfamiliar figure now stood in the room.

"Who are you, Your Excellency?"

He immediately became alert, ready to fight at any moment.

Governor Waltz possessed peak Soul Douluo-level strength. For someone to enter his study under his nose, their power must surely surpass his own.

The visitor was none other than Tang Xiao.

Tang Xiao calmly said, "Someone wants to see you. Follow me."

"And if I refuse?" Waltz sneered.

Tang Xiao shrugged indifferently. "For you, this person's identity is very important. Heh, if you're willing to come, follow me. If not, just pretend you never saw me."

After a brief moment of silence, Waltz ultimately decided to follow.

---

Inside a teahouse in Annan City, Dai Mubai sat restlessly.

He felt not only nervous but also displayed a strong desire for the throne.

Tang San and Yu Xiaogang, sitting beside him, quickly advised, "Mubai, you can't act like this. Whether or not the Tang Sect can establish a stable foothold in Annan City depends entirely on you."

"If you handle this well, we will naturally assist you in ascending to the throne."

"Xiao San, Master, I'm just too excited," Dai Mubai said as he tried to calm himself.

Soon, the door to the private room slowly opened, and Tang Xiao entered with Waltz.

Upon seeing Tai Tan and Tang San, Waltz narrowed his eyes slightly. But when he noticed Dai Mubai seated at the head of the table, he found the face somewhat familiar.

"This is Third Prince Dai Mubai, Governor Waltz. Long time no see," Tang San said with a smile.

Waltz's eyes widened slightly in surprise.

According to the Star Luo Empire's royal family, during the Soul Master Competition, Dai Mubai had lost his dignity as a man and thus his eligibility to inherit the throne. The royal family had since disregarded his life or death.

Unexpectedly, Dai Mubai dared to enter the territory of the Star Luo Empire.

However, upon reflection, Waltz understood the reason.

Dai Mubai had gained the support of a Title Douluo-level expert, and his condition must have been restored. His return to the Star Luo Empire was likely aimed at reclaiming the throne.

"I recognize you all."

Waltz's gaze swept over Tang San. "You must be members of the Shrek Academy team that caused chaos in the Pope's Hall back then, correct?"

"That's right," Dai Mubai nodded. "Governor Waltz, you should understand why I've returned to the Star Luo Empire this time!"

Waltz nodded solemnly.

At the same time, his mind recalled events from a year ago.

Although Annan Province was located deep within the Star Luo Empire and served as the empire's transportation hub, unfortunately, the previous governors of Annan Province were not skilled at managing the economy.

Waltz, however, was an expert in economic matters. Shortly after taking office a year ago, he began acquiring large tracts of land within the province to build a commercial urban landscape.

Unluckily for him, one unassuming small building happened to belong to Dai Weisi.

That building had been purchased by Dai Weisi during his time training in Annan Province and was never reported to the imperial family, leaving Waltz and his subordinates unaware of its ownership.

After demolishing the building, the matter reached Dai Weisi's ears. Coupled with malicious instigation from others, Waltz inevitably offended him.

Across the entire Star Luo Empire's court, it was widely known that Dai Weisi was the sole heir to the throne.

Offending him meant Waltz's political career was completely blocked. By the time Dai Weisi ascended the throne, Waltz might even face retaliation.

Since then, Waltz had neglected his duties, spending his days lost in thought in his study, searching for a way out.

Now, Dai Mubai's appearance seemed to bring him hope.

With a Title Douluo-level expert supporting Dai Mubai, he held a significant advantage in the competition for the throne. Aligning with Dai Mubai now could make Waltz a key supporter once Dai Mubai ascended the throne, potentially earning him the title of Grand Duke.

With this in mind, Waltz knelt on one knee, placing his right hand over his chest to swear loyalty to Dai Mubai. "Your servant Waltz greets you, Your Highness."

"In the future, if you require anything, I will go through fire and water without hesitation."

Upon hearing this, Tang San and the others finally felt the weight lift from their hearts.

Regardless of what Waltz truly thought, receiving such a response ensured that the Tang Sect could now establish a stable presence in the city.

Dai Mubai smiled and waved dismissively. "Governor Waltz, there's no need for such formalities. You are the first high-ranking official to support me—how could I let you risk your life?"

"Heh, you should understand that I am aligned with Xiao San and the other five members of Shrek's Seven Monsters. We've decided to establish the Tang Sect in Annan City to gather strength for me. Governor Waltz, what do you think?"

These words were beyond the capabilities of the previously inept Dai Mubai—they were being "remotely controlled" by Tang Xiao in secret.

Waltz thought for a moment and asked, "So, young friend, these hidden weapons—are they the main business of your Tang Sect?"

Tang San nodded and introduced himself. "Let me introduce myself. My name is Tang San, and I am also the sect leader of the Tang Sect. The elder who visited you earlier today alongside me is the Tang Sect's Grand Elder—Tai Tan."

Waltz understood.

At the same time, he recalled that Tang San and the others were wanted fugitives in the Tiandou Empire.

But what did it matter to the Star Luo Empire that they were wanted in the Tiandou Empire?

Within the borders of Annan Province under his jurisdiction, whether or not to arrest them was entirely up to him.

Having already decided to throw his lot in with Dai Mubai, he had no reason not to help.

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