From Prisoner to Si Chen..

Chapter 422 Undercurrent

The two kings turned their gazes towards the envoys and stared at the young man with purple eyes.

Lanis, Moody and other members of the envoy group suddenly felt the pressure and looked nervous.

"Elder Planck's concerns are very reasonable. I fully understand them."

Gillan nodded and smiled.

He glanced at the elders and the chief prosecutor across the table, then looked at the two kings.

"For this, we have another alternative plan. You may want to listen to it..."

"If the Iron Blood Court is worried that the whale oil battery will be monopolized by Bremen and wants to use it as a threat, then we can give them a petroleum purification technology for free."

When they heard the word "free gift", everyone present became interested.

Elder Planck's eyes narrowed.

Then the purple-eyed young man explained:

"After being purified by this technology, the combustion of oil will become more efficient. Based on this, and adding some special materials, we can create 'petroleum crystals'."

"This is a substitute for the 'whale oil battery'. It can also be used on the 'water transfer terminal' to keep it running normally... Although it is less efficient and more expensive, the Stuttgart Empire is rich in oil resources. The Royal Court can completely produce it on its own, so there is no need to import it from Bremen."

As he spoke, Jilan took out a confidential document in a serious manner, placed it gently on the table, tapped it twice with his index finger, and smiled.

But all the envoys on the side looked surprised.

They exchanged glances calmly, and saw confusion on each other's faces.

Because Lanis, Moody and others had never heard of any alternative plan, let alone what "oil crystals" were.

In fact, this was a temporary solution that Gilan came up with.

Naturally, it did not exist in the original negotiation plan.

Of course, this purification technology is nothing to Gilan, who has already mastered alchemy to a high level.

Even the "confidential document" on the table was created by him quietly when no one was paying attention.

As soon as these words were spoken, the elders and chief prosecutors, who had been frowning, began to whisper to each other.

"I think Mr. Gillan's alternative plan is good. If we can obtain the new technology for free, use 'petroleum crystals' as the main energy source, and then purchase a certain amount of 'whale oil batteries' from Bremen, we don't have to worry too much about monopoly, and we can also solve the problem of water shortage."

At this time, Duke Hawkes said loudly.

Many people nodded in agreement.

There was a hint of gloom in Planck's eyes. He glanced at the elders around him calmly and said:

"By the way, I saw the so-called 'Western Source Plan' mentioned in the document. It requires building a 'water transfer terminal' on the far western coast, and then transporting the purified seawater back to other areas of Stuttgart by laying underground pipelines..."

"Such a workload is unimaginably huge and I'm afraid it can't be completed overnight."

As he spoke, the white-haired old man turned his head and looked towards the main seat.

"Your Majesty Russell, Your Majesty Amur, I think this matter still needs to be considered for a long time. Why don't we let Mr. Gillan and his men stay in Klein temporarily? While we are playing the role of hospitality, we can also have more time to discuss and consider it?"

"Ocean King" Amur nodded, looked at everyone, and asked calmly:
"What do you mean?"

"I think what Elder Planck said makes sense. This is a serious matter, so it's better to take a long-term view."

An elder with a wrinkled face said in a deep voice.

Afterwards, more than a dozen elders and the chief prosecutor expressed their views and agreed.

Although Duke Hawkes and a few elders agreed with Gillan's proposal, their voices were drowned out by Planck and others.

"In that case, Mr. Gillan and the Bremen envoys can enjoy lunch first, stay at the palace later, and discuss cooperation later."

Amur said lightly.

Russell beside him still kept smiling and said to Gillan in a gentle voice:
"In fact, Mr. Gillan's proposal is not bad. Bremen is willing to give away new technology for free. I can see your sincerity... But I also agree with my brother and the elders' caution."

"Messengers, please stay here and have some fun in Klein in the next few days. Although the technology here is not as advanced as Bremen, it is also prosperous in its own way."

"Yes, Your Majesty Russell, Your Majesty Amur."

Jilan took the lead and stood up, and saluted to the main seat with the envoys. Then, they sat down and continued to eat.

In a moment when others didn't notice, his eyes became solemn.

Gilan's heart sank as he glanced at Planck and noticed the smug smile on his face.

Of course he knew that this was the other party's delaying tactic, deliberately delaying time and using this method to prevent the two sides from cooperating.

But Gillan didn't have any better solution.

For now, I have no choice but to follow the arrangements of the two kings.

However, Gillan also realized that "Sky King" Russell, as the leader of the moderate faction, and Duke Hawkes and others were actually not opposed to cooperating with Bremen.

But the problem is that the ones who currently have the final say in the "Iron-Blooded Royal Court" are the hardliners on the side of "Ocean King" Amur.

Ji Lan sighed secretly.

"Let's find another chance."

...

...

After the meal, one of the elders of the royal court named Dorotheo found Gilan and said that someone would take them to tour Klein tomorrow.

It is part of the exchange visit.

Doroteo's other identity is the Foreign Minister of the "Iron Court", and he belongs to the hard-line faction.

In the next period of time, he will be responsible for receiving the Bremen delegation.

Although Doroteo appeared polite and his manners and conversation were impeccable, Gilan, with his keen perception, still sensed indifference from him.

But Jilan pretended to be unaware, kept smiling throughout, and gladly accepted the other party's arrangement.

Afterwards, under the other party's guidance, he led the envoys to stay in the foreign guest residence of the royal palace.

That night.

The aristocratic district is ten kilometers away from the royal palace.

A cathedral stands tall.

The area it covers is very exaggerated, almost reaching tens of thousands of square meters, and there are hundreds of meters of lawns, green areas, cemeteries and fences around it.

This is the "Scar Cathedral" with a history of thousands of years, and it is also the largest church in the Stuttgart Empire. Its interior can even accommodate tens of thousands of believers to pray and watch the ceremony at the same time.

An ordinary carriage was driving on the gravel road in the church area under the cover of night.

Soon, we passed through several giant arches, entered the heart of the church, and stopped in front of one of the ancient buildings.

A blue-eyed man in formal attire got off the carriage. He walked into the ancient building with a cane and followed by two servants.

In the attic on the top floor, an old man in a red robe was bowing to the "Headless Scar Father Statue", surrounded by burning candles.

crunch.

crunch.

The blue-eyed man walked up the old wooden stairs and came to the attic. He stopped not far behind the red-robed old man, leaning on his cane, and spoke directly:

"Sin Priest, I need your help."

"..."

The old man did not answer and continued to kowtow to the stone statue.

His forehead slammed hard on the wooden floor, making a dull thud, leaving some blood stains and his messy white hair flying.

After the old man kowtowed for the last time, he knelt on the ground and maintained that posture for a long time.

"Winter Snake..." He lowered his head and said hoarsely. "Although the 'White Dove Tower' is an alliance with my 'Ascetic Sect', you should know that my identity is special."

"The 'Scar Church' in Stuttgart is the origin of the secret society and a holy place for ascetics like me. If I help you, I may lose everything."

"Of course I know." The blue-eyed man smiled. "If the target wasn't difficult, I wouldn't have come to you."

He said, his eyes narrowed.

"The plan in the tower is at a critical stage, and it is not convenient for me to take action... Help me this time, and in exchange, I will help you later." "..." The old man in red robe fell silent.

After a while.

"Who is the target?" he asked.

"Gilan Iros." The blue-eyed man said a name. "He has a Level 6 'Traitor' Spiritual Secret Disc Stone in his hand. I need you to help me get it back."

"Kill him if you can."

"I know this person..."

The red-robed old man groaned.

"Two long-lived members of the sect died at his hands, and he seems to have become Bremen's foreign minister."

"Yes, he is currently arriving in Klein with a delegation of envoys to visit and exchange ideas with the Iron Blood Royal Court."

Winter Snake said.

"Tomorrow morning, he will come here with Minister Dorotheo and the accompanying ceremonial group for a visit..."

"It seems that you have already arranged everything."

The red-robed old man said indifferently.

Winter Snake chuckled.

"It's just to make it easier for you to do it."

"Do you know his exact strength?" the old man asked again.

"The 4th-level Hisayo, who took the path of a 'director'... But according to the intelligence analysis in the tower, it seems that he just used the Crucible Sword Spiral as a basis to explore new paths and essences on his own."

Winter Snake said.

"Its abilities are similar to those of a 'Makeup Artist', but its combat abilities are far stronger than those of a normal 4th rank, and it is particularly good at physical and swordplay."

"Opening up a path alone?" the old man murmured. "I didn't expect that in this new era, there are still such fearless pioneers..."

"I will help you, but there is no guarantee of success. If it is impossible, I won't even help."

"Sin Priest, you are too cautious."

Winter Snake shook his head.

"Although Gilan Ilos has a good combat level, he is still limited to level 4. You are level 5 against him at level 4, but you are still unintentional. He will not be able to escape unscathed under the surprise attack..."

"But don't forget his identity."

The red-robed old man sneered.

"As the core leader of Bremen, he probably has a hidden card. And you underestimate the 'Iron Blood Royal Court' too much. Even if you infiltrate the nobles, there is still the 'Temple' behind the Royal Court... How can you be sure that the warriors of the Blade Hall will not accompany you in secret to protect you?"

"You don't need to worry about that." Winter Snake shrugged. "If the Temple intervenes, I will send people to stop it."

After saying that, he picked up his cane and turned to leave.

...

...

Early the next morning.

Gilan and the envoys enjoyed a very high-standard breakfast at the Klein Palace.

The two kings did not show up.

After eating, Gilan and his party followed Minister Dorotheo and left.

The ceremonial group accompanying them was large, with more than 20 people, all of whom were children of nobles. In addition, there were several elite guards from the royal court to ensure the safety of the envoys.

The procession of carriages moved along the avenue.

The members of the envoy group sat in the carriage, looking at the exotic street scenes along the way, and couldn't help but whisper to each other.

Stuttgart is worthy of being one of the three major overlords on the continent, and its prosperity far exceeds that of the western kingdom like Fossaka.

Compared to the developed city of Bremen, this place also has tall buildings, wide roads and various high-end shops, but there are few cars on the road, and there are no tall chimneys and factories.

But there are more ancient monuments preserved here, and even the air seems to be filled with the charm of a long history.

"...Sir, I heard that the 'Scar Cathedral' we are going to visit belongs to a church that believes in the old god 'Scar Father'?"

The carriage swayed slightly, and a young woman from the envoy group sitting opposite Gilan spoke.

Jilan withdrew his gaze from the window and nodded:
"good."

"This..." The young female envoy frowned slightly. "I never thought that the people of the Stuttgart Empire would believe in the old god Si Sui."

The other members also shook their heads and sighed.

After all, in the Bremen Empire, beliefs in the old gods were considered to be heretical and obscene cults that violated the "blasphemy order".

As native Bremen people, they also have no good feelings towards the old gods.

"The Stuttgart Empire's faith is not simply the First Si Sui, but also the March Si Sui 'Gladiator' and his apostles."

Moody on the side spoke up.

"The culture here is different from Bremen. There is no need to be hostile. Just look at it objectively."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

After a while.

The convoy drove into the Scar Cathedral area, and the people sitting in the carriages couldn't help but marvel at the ancient buildings outside the window.

Gillan's eyes were deep.

These church buildings seemed to have spanned thousands of years, telling him stories of history.

Based on the outline and layout of the building, Gillan easily recalled the "Klein Colosseum" in "The Undefeated Legend".

"This cathedral district should have been built on the original site of the Colosseum..."

He thought to himself and sighed silently.

Not long after.

The Bremen delegation got off the car and visited the church area.

The accompanying ceremonial staff introduced the sculptures, buildings and paintings in the church area to the delegation one by one.

Gillan and Minister Dorotheo walked side by side on the cobblestone road, nodding as they listened to each other's explanations.

At this moment, his spiritual awareness suddenly gave him a warning.

sand!
Jilan's heart trembled and he stopped.

He did not look back, but instead used his spiritual vision to the fullest, scanning an ancient building behind him on the left.

However, the building was empty, without a trace of anyone.

As for the sudden feeling of palpitations just now, it seemed to be just an illusion and no longer existed.

'what happened……'

Ji Lan frowned secretly.

He remained calm on the surface and continued walking, but he was on high alert in his heart.

More than ten minutes later.

The envoys arrived at a square in the church area. In the center stood a seven or eight meter tall stone statue of a headless scarred father.

Many believers were kneeling and praying around the open space, and some walked forward and put gold coins into the donation box at the edge of the square.

Gilan noticed that behind the donation box, there was an ascetic sitting cross-legged.

He was an old man with white hair and wearing a red robe.

Noticing Jilan's gaze, the old man gave him a cloudy look and met his gaze.

(End of this chapter)