My Divine Pet Enables Me To Become The Biggest Winner
Chapter 1347 - 507: New Master of the Water Palace_3

Chapter 1347: Chapter 507: New Master of the Water Palace_3

It seemed the National Master didn’t notice and nodded, saying, "Owen Bertram, do you have any free time? Let’s go somewhere and chat."

Mr. Owen couldn’t guess what the National Master wanted to talk to him about. After thinking for a moment, he nodded and said, "Alright." Owen landed on the back of Black Tortoise, who walked on water and quickly disappeared from everyone’s sight.

Upon seeing them leave, cultivators from both countries around the floating island collectively breathed a sigh of relief and happily resumed their money-making activities. There was no need for conflict when they could all prosper together, right?

...

Amidst the vast ocean, the surroundings looked the same in every direction—it was challenging to tell north, south, east, and west apart. Owen always perceived time to be fleeting. Soon, an exquisite small island emerged before them. The National Master seemed to have used some divine power, taking Owen and Black Tortoise through the void.

The two landed on the island, and Black Tortoise went to play in the sea.

The vegetation and wild animals on the island were significantly different from those on the mainland. Owen noticed that there were many creatures similar to rare birds and strange beasts from legends, though those beasts were long extinct.

"This place..." Owen sensed for a moment, "Is it related to the National Master’s fate?"

The National Master nodded, "When I created my fourth mini-world, it was on this island." Owen estimated in his heart that the National Master now had at least four mini-worlds, perhaps even five or more.

"Later, I removed this island from the world, and only I can enter it. I invited you here, Owen, just because the scenery is pleasant and it’s secluded, suitable for discussion."

The National Master led Owen Bertram into a bamboo house. The house was built on a hillside overlooking the sea on the island, offering magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.

The National Master sat down, set out utensils, and began to boil water for tea. Owen had always thought that these tea ceremonies were mostly pretentious. But when a beautiful woman like the National Master, who had the demeanor of a snowy mountain, carefully prepared tea for him, it was an indescribable enjoyment.

Even if they did nothing, the ambiance itself was already filled with aesthetic charm.

After the two finished their tea, the National Master finally asked, "Owen, your ambitions are well-known across Eastern Land. Can you please share your plans moving forward?"

Owen played with the teacup in his hand. Its thin, blue and white porcelain body was jade-like and translucent. The blue and white pattern appeared naturally, exhibiting an air of elegance.

The National Master smiled, "These are all personally handmade by me too. Like I said before, throughout my lengthy existence, I’ve had a lot of leisure time to dabble in creating these things."

Owen forced a smile, recalling how his previous words, "younger generation," had been taken as an offense.

"What does the National Master wish to know?" Owen finally asked outright, "Do you want to confirm whether Sangdao Country is within the Wood Dynasty’s conquest range?"

As the National Master calmly brewed tea, she honestly admitted, "Indeed, I wanted to know more about your future plans, so we can discuss further."

Her jade hand extended and refilled Owen’s tea cup. She said, "For a thousand years, Sangdao Country has been unwilling to dwell beneath the Wood Dynasty. From my ancestors to myself, efforts have been made to reverse the fate of Sangdao and sail across the ocean to rebel against the Wood Dynasty!"

"Sangdao’s land is small, and its people have always longed for the Eastern Continent. In our eyes, the Eastern Continent boasts unparalleled vastness and richness. Thereby, for a region blessed with such prosperity, it’s only natural we covet it."

Owen didn’t know what to say. He had been direct, but the National Master was even more so.

The National Master stopped what she was doing, sitting upright, representing the entirety of Sangdao, saying, "Now that the Wood Dynasty has Owen, this National Master sees no hope of rebelling against the Eastern Land."

"Before, we had extravagant hopes but never managed to act. Although there have been disputes between the two countries, they’re not unforgivable, are they?"

Owen asked, "What exactly does the National Master want to say?""Since my master began preparations a thousand years ago, Sang Island has gathered six hundred colossal warships of three hundred zhang each, with over 10,000 various other ships."

"With my authority, I can mobilize eight Sixth Great Realm masters and 250,000 cultivation troops from the Sangdao Country. There are also many hidden factions and sects that I support—given half a year, I can generate at least ten more Sixth Great Realm masters and an additional 500,000 cultivation troops."

"In its most extreme state, Sangdao Country can deploy at least three Seventh Level, eighteen Sixth Great Realm masters, and a million cultivation troops!"

The National Master looked at Owen Bertram and said earnestly, "If you want to witness this strength for yourself, I can take you there now."

Owen Bertram waved his hand: "No need, I trust the words of the National Master. It’s not a small number, but it’s also not that many."

It sounded impressive, but relying on this force to conquer the Wood Dynasty was just like a fool’s dream. A million cultivation troops might sound numerous, but they would struggle to occupy even one region of the Wood Dynasty, let alone the entire territory. This was already the maximum mobilization power of Sangdao Country. Throughout history, both emperors and officials of the Wood Dynasty regarded Sangdao Country as no more than a minor irritant, and this was the reason why. However, they did not know that Sangdao was genuinely daring and would start a war, causing chaos in the Eastern Sea regions. Even though they might not threaten the whole Wood Dynasty, it would be a catastrophic tragedy for the coastal people!

However, the National Master didn’t get one thing wrong: no matter how sinister Sangdao’s intentions were, they had not actually implemented them yet.

The National Master continued, "Would Mr. Owen be willing to genuinely accept my Sangdao Country?"

Feeling surprised, Owen realized what the National Master meant, but the matter was too significant for him to believe so readily, "What the National Master is implying is..."

"Sangdao belongs to the Islanders, not to the King. On this point, the understanding of the National Master has always been different from that of the nobles and vassal lords in the country." The National Master gazed at the vast expanse of the sea, "If Sangdao sincerely submits, can Mr. Owen guarantee to treat the people of Sangdao and the Wood Dynasty equally?"

As the National Master gave Owen time to consider, he went on, "Sangdao’s ancestors once intended to submit genuinely, back when it was not even the Wood Dynasty yet. Unfortunately, the Eastern Land’s ruler looked down on Sangdao’s tiny land."

Owen understood that the ruler of the Eastern Land had always considered himself the rightful authority, wealthy and powerful. Apart from the Nine Witch Demon Court, he did not even take the 36 Tribes of the Northern Region seriously, let alone take the tiny Sangdao into his territory. In the eyes of the Imperial Court, the place could not levy many taxes and was merely a burden.

As for the ordinary people of Sangdao, they must have hoped to join the Wood Dynasty, which they considered the real "heavenly dynasty" in their hearts. If possible, they would all like to live in the Wood Dynasty.

However, over time, the mentality of Sangdao’s rulers had changed: it was more profitable to absorb the Wood Dynasty than to join it.

But without a doubt, the National Master stood on the side of the ordinary people.

Owen pondered in silence for a long time before raising his head, "I regret that I cannot agree to your request, National Master."

To the National Master’s surprise, this was completely contrary to her expectations! Owen should have no reason to refuse; Sangdao’s strength was enough to cause chaos along the coastal areas of the Wood Dynasty. Owen harbored great ambitions—to destroy the Nine Witch Demon Court, to conquer the Red Clan Barbarian Continent, and even to use the Eastern Land as a foundation to unify the Eight Desolations World!

Now was the time to lay the foundation and gather as many resources as possible to reduce internal consumption.

Owen further explained, "The National Master said that we must treat both nations’ people equally, but by saying that, she has already made a distinction between the two in her heart. In the future, if the Wood Dynasty needs to use Sangdao, every time there is a casualty on Sangdao’s side, the National Master might think that I intentionally sacrificed Sangdao.

One or two times, the National Master may choose to endure it; but as the instances multiply, not only will the National Master become dissatisfied, but Sangdao’s internal strife will also grow turbulent, leading inevitably to rebellion. At that point, the Wood Dynasty will be stabbed in the back by Sangdao!"

If they accepted Sangdao, they would have to send troops to participate in the future conquest of the Red Clan Barbarian Continent. In such a large-scale war, anything could happen—even within the same country, there would be betrayals due to generals’ grudges, competition for merit, and various other reasons. The relationship between the Wood People and Sangdao would be no exception.

Owen wasn’t really refusing the National Master, but wanted to address these issues and find ways to prevent them.

The National Master nodded slightly, "Mr. Owen is very foresighted. Please give me some time to think."