Above the Galaxy
Chapter 327 - 214: Not Adopted, but Biological!_2

Chapter 327: Chapter 214: Not Adopted, but Biological!_2

Prince Philip glared at Tang Fei, "You despicable, shameless, sycophantic scoundrel, how could I possibly trust or favor you?"

"And when did I say I would reward you? If I did that, wouldn’t that make me a buyer of ’spies’?"

"Can the Phoenix Empire still ensure I safely take the goods back?"

"As for an Advanced Medal, that’s even more unrealistic. It’s not something that can be awarded lightly..."

"I just wanted to sow a thorn between the Royal Family and the Lu Family, those things you mentioned...."

"I swear to God, I never thought about them."

"But as I just said, alive or dead, I am a man of Phoenix, a deceased of Phoenix. I would rather defy the divine intentions and be scolded and punished by the King than to ever hand over our divine weapons to outsiders..."

"..."

Zhong Daolong was silent for a moment, then looked at Tang Fei with satisfaction, repeatedly praising him, "Look, everyone, look... This is our youth."

"If every young person in our country could be like Tang Fei, possess such a sense of ownership, such patriotism... why would we worry about our country not prospering or our people not becoming strong?"

"Tang Fei, coming from the Old Land to New Star less than a year ago, has already blended into Phoenix, becoming part of our country. He cherishes this country and protects it..."

"Unmoved by external temptations of money, indifferent even when offered honors... Even an ordinary young man can think and act to this extent, and here I am, the King, and my thoughts are not even as comprehensive as his..."

Zhong Daolong turned to Prince Philip and spoke, "Did you hear Tang Fei’s words, Philip? Out of courtesy, and personal fondness for you, I indeed had the intention to fulfill your small wish. However, Tang Fei’s words have moved me. I am the Monarch of the Phoenix Empire, the head of this large family..."

"I cannot ignore the safety of the empire’s people and military for my personal preferences... Therefore, I cannot give you this new material, nor can I find a way to do so. Can you understand my feelings and position?"

Filled with frustration, Philip could only bow to Zhong Daolong and say, "The King has his own difficulties, I fully understand."

"Very good," Zhong Daolong said, smiling contentedly.

Philip had not forgotten the real purpose of his visit and spoke regretfully, "It’s a pity that such a divine weapon did not end up in the Aus Empire. With the Lu Family’s technology boosting it, I believe Phoenix will soar again, leaving the Aus Empire far behind... Lu Clan, equivalent to a hundred thousand soldiers."

"..."

Zhong Daolong felt uneasy again.

The Lu Family, indeed equivalent to a hundred thousand soldiers.

But whether they can be completely loyal to the Royal Family, deploying all their abilities and hidden technologies to serve faithfully the Royal Family and the country, that was the critical part.

If they are not united with the Royal Family and even think of wrestling power in the shadows...

Then, the Lu Family would be akin to a hundred thousand enemy soldiers.

"Although I couldn’t get that new material, I still want to take back the marvels of this material, to let our scientists realize the great disparity we have with the Phoenix Country..."

"Aus Empire’s technology has always been at the forefront of the world, I believe you will continue to lead in technological development, making life better for people."

"Aus wishes to work together with Phoenix to tirelessly contribute to the happiness of humanity."

Philip bowed and then left with the Aus delegation.

After Prince Philip and his party had left, Zhong Daolong looked towards Tang Fei and said, "Bring out your Golden Armored Kirin for me to see... Let me see what new marvels the Lu Clan, said to be worth a hundred thousand soldiers, has devised."

"Yes, my King," Tang Fei answered respectfully.

Soon, the Golden Armored Kirin was led into the grand hall.

As Zhong Daolong observed the dazzling harbinger, barely able to look directly at its golden light, he approached and gently touched its massive body, exclaiming, "When Kirin appears, all beasts bow; truly the King of Beasts."

"Majestic and imposing, possessing the demeanor of a king. Is this the champion of the Mechanical Beast contest? Truly as renowned as claimed."

"I offer the Golden Armored Kirin to the King," Tang Fei said immediately.

"Are you truly willing to part with it?" Zhong Daolong looked at Tang Fei, asking.

"What is mine is yours, my King; take it," Tang Fei said with utter devotion.

Zhong Daolong waved his hand and said with a smile, "What do I need your Golden Armored Qilin for? A precious sword fits a hero. In your hands, it is an invincible Golden Armored Qilin. In mine, it’s merely an ornate pet sculpture... A gentleman does not covet what another loves. You’d better keep it for yourself."

What he desired was materials, was technology.

Why would he need a Mechanical Beast?

"Yes, I will obey the King’s orders," Tang Fei said very subserviently.

Zhong Daolong looked at Tang Fei and said thoughtfully, "It seems you have quite a good relationship with the Lu Family. We haven’t even seen this new material yet, but they’ve already arranged it for you... The Lu Family really values you, doesn’t it?"

"That’s because of an agreement," Tang Fei said.

He recounted the event of his first encounter with Lu Siyu, how nearly being bitten by her White Tiger led to signing this treaty under the mediation of their teacher.

Zhong Daolong hadn’t yet responded when Phoenix breathed a sigh of relief.

"So that’s it," Zhong Daolong nodded and said, "A promise between young people, truly a testament to sincerity..."

He looked gravely at Tang Fei and said, "What others can offer you, we can provide as well. Be it money or honor; we can give it to you."

Tang Fei looked terrified and said, "How could I dare to ask for these? If it weren’t for the King’s grace, my brother and I would still be hunting beasts on the Old Land... Being able to live and work happily in the Phoenix Empire without worrying about food or clothing, I am already quite content."

"This is already a grace of rebirth, no matter what I do, it would be hard to repay even a fraction... Please, King, do not bestow anything more upon me. It would make me uneasy."

"When someone merits reward, rewards are given; when errors are made, penalties are applied," Zhong Daolong said with a chuckle, then turned to Zhong Tianque and said, "Why not let Tang Fei hold a position in the palace? When he graduates from White Crane Academy, he will have gathered years of experience, making arrangements more convenient..."

Zhong Tianque pondered for a moment and said, "Why not arrange for him to join the Imperial Guard? First, it’s directly under the Royal Family, which is easier to manage. Moreover, it facilitates promotion when assignments abroad are made."

Zhong Daolong nodded and said, "Then let him first be a deputy commander in the Imperial Guard; after he returns with his education complete, we’ll see which department he wishes to join."

"Yes," Zhong Tianque nodded in agreement.

"Thank you, King," Tang Fei said excitedly.

He then bowed to Zhong Tianque and said, "Thank you, Prince."

"There’s no need for formalities. This is what you deserve," Zhong Tianque said expressionlessly, "The Royal Family will never be stingy in rewarding those who are meritorious."

"Yes, I will definitely work diligently in the future. I will absolutely not disappoint the King and Prince."

"Alright, Tian Que will handle this matter. I have a meeting to attend," Zhong Daolong said. After speaking, he left briskly with a group of people.

Tang Fei bowed again to Zhong Tianque and said, "Thank you, Prince."

Zhong Tianque looked at Tang Fei and said, "Perform well in the future, and I will surely not shortchange you. Deputy commander of the Imperial Guard isn’t a high rank, but it’s a very important position. You’ll understand in time."

He patted Tang Fei on the shoulder and whispered, "Those who sit in this position are all our own people."

"Yes, I am your own person, Prince," Tang Fei respectfully said. "Whatever Your Highness commands, just say the word."

Zhong Tianque gave Tang Fei a deep look and said, "Someone will send you back."

After he finished speaking, he too left with his people.

Tang Fei, seeing that Phoenix had not yet left, gathered his courage, approached her, and with respectful obeisance, said, "Thank you, Princess."

Phoenix tilted her head with a hint of arrogance and said, "Why thank me? I didn’t help you."

"Without the Princess, there would be no Tang Fei. Princess is truly my second parent."

Phoenix’s pretty face blushed slightly as she crisply retorted, "Pah, I am definitely not your second..."

"Not second, but first. Are you satisfied now?"

"..."