Chapter 269: The Real Price of Betrayal
When she saw Xiao Qiang, Princess Xu Jiujiu's expression changed drastically.
She and the Titled Douluo beside her hadn't noticed Xiao Qiang's presence at all until he spoke. If he had intended to attack them, they wouldn't have had the slightest chance to resist.
"Don't be afraid. Fear is meaningless. If I really wanted to kill you, you wouldn't even have the chance to scream," Xiao Qiang said with a soft smile, looking completely harmless despite his words.
A bead of cold sweat slid down Xu Jiujiu's cheek, but she forced herself to remain composed. "What are you trying to do?"
"I already said it," Xiao Qiang replied casually. "I heard Princess Jiujiu is looking to purchase soul tools. I came to see if I might be of assistance. What exactly are you looking for?"
Xu Jiujiu was slightly taken aback. "You're saying… you can sell us soul tools?"
Xiao Qiang smiled. "If it's the same as what Shrek is offering you, I see no problem."
Xu Jiujiu's brows furrowed slightly. That wording—the same as Shrek's—set off a warning bell in her mind. A terrible thought flashed through her, one she didn't want to believe. Yet, looking at Xiao Qiang's calm, confident demeanor, her heart sank.
After a moment of hesitation, she retrieved the Zhuge Divine Crossbow that the Tang Sect had given her as a sample.
"Can you sell us this?" she asked, trying to keep her tone neutral, though the tremble in her voice betrayed her anxiety.
She was hoping Xiao Qiang would refuse or hesitate—anything to prove that Shrek's Zhuge Divine Crossbow held unique value. Because if Xiao Qiang agreed too readily, it could only mean one thing: that this was an outdated weapon developed by the Sun Moon Empire years ago, now being offloaded to regain costs. If the Xingluo Empire bought them, only to realize they were being out-ranged and outgunned by upgraded versions, then Xu Jiujiu would be remembered as the empire's greatest fool—and possibly its destroyer.
Xiao Qiang accepted the crossbow and scanned it with his Spiritual Detection. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Princess Jiujiu noticed the change and felt a fleeting moment of relief. But then came Xiao Qiang's next words, which shattered her hopes completely.
"A fourth-level soul tool with fifth-level range, usable by ordinary people… I thought they'd at least sell you the version with sixth-level range. Didn't expect them to go with such a low-end model."
Xu Jiujiu's heart lurched. "You mean… there's a sixth-level range version of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow that ordinary people can use?"
"Of course," Xiao Qiang said lightly. "But maybe they didn't make it. I forgot how long it's been since Huo Yuhao studied at the Sun Moon Royal Soul Guidance Academy. Maybe it's not that they didn't want to sell you the better version. They probably just couldn't build it."
Xu Jiujiu: "…"
Before she could respond, the Titled Douluo beside her spoke up. "Can you sell us a version of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon that has the range of a sixth-level soul tool but can be used by ordinary people?"
Xiao Qiang fell silent for a moment, then said, "I'll only sell you what Shrek is offering—but at a much cheaper price."
Xu Jiujiu's eyes narrowed. "How much cheaper? Say… 30% more expensive than a regular fourth-level soul tool?"
"Yes. How many do you want?" Xiao Qiang asked casually.
The moment the words left his mouth, fury surged in Xu Jiujiu's heart. Shrek had been selling her a weapon at a price 30% higher than a fifth-level soul tool, and even then with purchasing restrictions. And now, Xiao Qiang could provide the exact same tool for the price of a slightly upgraded fourth-level soul tool?
And this at a time when the Xingluo Empire was at the edge of ruin!
Xu Jiujiu instinctively wanted to storm out and confront Huo Yuhao, but before she could stand up, the Titled Douluo beside her gently pressed her down.
"My friend, if you claim to possess the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon, could we take a look at it?" the elder said calmly.
"Grandma Manyi…" Xu Jiujiu looked at her protector, quickly understanding her intent.
Up to this point, Xiao Qiang had offered only words. If this was a bluff, they couldn't act rashly. And if they went to confront Shrek based on empty threats, they'd only be ridiculed.
Taking a deep breath, Jiujiu composed herself. "Palace Master Xiao, might we take a look at your version of the Zhuge Divine Crossbow Cannon?"
"I didn't expect them to go with the fifth-level range version," Xiao Qiang said lightly.
Before Princess Jiujiu could feel relieved for heeding Grandma Manyi's warning, Xiao Qiang's next move sent her heart plummeting again.
"So I'll just make one for you."
As soon as he finished speaking, he casually pulled out some rare metals and, in mere seconds, assembled a complete version of the soul tool.
"I didn't bring sub-par materials, so this one's durability is even better than the one you gave me. If you place a bulk order, I'll make sure the materials match yours exactly."
Xu Jiujiu received the freshly made Zhuge Divine Crossbow and tested it. It was clearly superior in both quality and firepower compared to the one from the Tang Sect.
Both she and Grandma Manyi were seething with rage.
After sending Xiao Qiang away with a polite excuse, they took both the Tang Sect's sample and Xiao Qiang's version and rushed off to confront Huo Yuhao.
At that moment, Huo Yuhao was deep in negotiation.
"Princess Vina, let's make a deal."
Relying on his monopolistic advantage, Huo Yuhao pushed hard. Even though Vina brought up her connection to the deceased Mu Xue, he showed no sign of offering a discount.
"You're a total profiteer," Vina spat, her tone filled with contempt. She finally understood why her grandfather, Du Bu Si, had cut off all resources to Huo Yuhao. A wolf in human skin, loyal only to Tang Sect and Shrek—he should have been kicked from the Body Sect ages ago if not for his usefulness.
"Princess Vina, I'm being wronged. My prices are fair and perfectly reasonable," Huo Yuhao replied smoothly.
Just as the words left his mouth, a furious voice rang out across the hall.
"Huo Yuhao! You bastard!"