[Chapter: 25: Princess War]
Half a month later, the wealthy merchants from the former Shrek City arrived on the "isolated island" of Liyue.
Upon seeing this isolated island, everyone's first reaction was shock, followed by stunned silence.
As merchants who had traveled across the mainland, they naturally knew that there had been no islands here before.
Yet now, one had appeared, leading them to marvel at the immense power of the Martial God.
Reclamation of land!
Liyue was currently empty, lacking even the most basic infrastructure.
However, the wealthy merchants were undeterred.
This made sense, as the Martial God Zhongli had invited them here to build their own home.
"Welcome. Liyue is a little empty at the moment," Zhongli said indifferently.
Starting from scratch was undoubtedly challenging, and it was unclear how many would persevere.
Hearing this, the corners of everyone's eyes twitched.
Was this really just a matter of emptiness?
It was nothing!
But some things couldn't be expressed so bluntly!
"Lord Martial God, under your guidance, Liyue is sure to become the most prosperous city on the Douluo Continent!"
"Yes, even though it is barren and empty now, it allows for better planning and layout..."
There was no issue with this. Starting from nothing provided an opportunity for optimal planning.
Zhongli glanced at the wealthy merchants.
At least ninety percent of Shrek City's wealthy merchants had gathered here.
Some were still on their way, while others had chosen different paths.
Still, many had come.
The establishment of Liyue in another world could have been accomplished by Zhongli alone, but the wisdom of these humans should not be underestimated.
Their contributions had value.
With his ability to read people, Zhongli selected seven wealthy merchants to serve as representatives for the construction of Liyue.
These were the Seven Stars of Liyue!
The seven chosen individuals were ecstatic, feeling as though their ancestors' graves were burning with pride!
They understood that Zhongli was using them to establish Liyue, but how many others had such an opportunity?
Why had Zhongli chosen them and not others?
The wealthy merchants who were not selected, though disappointed, dared not voice their discontent.
The chosen Seven Stars gathered and began planning the infrastructure of Liyue.
"Zhongli, you were right! Many people are coming to Liyue!" Paimon exclaimed excitedly.
It was a beautiful thing to witness an isolated island transforming into a bustling city!
Soon, there would be an abundance of delicious dishes to enjoy.
Paimon had no doubt that this isolated island would become a thriving city.
After all, Zhongli was the God of Commerce.
Even starting in such a remote location, it would not be difficult for him.
Moreover, with these wealthy merchants joining Liyue, it was only a matter of time before the city flourished, even without Zhongli's direct involvement.
Although these individuals may not excel in cultivation, they possess a unique talent for business.
Don't mention it, don't mention it!
Liyue Harbor was originally operated by a group of wealthy merchants, and today, Liyue Island is still managed by a group of wealthy merchants!
Apart from the change in location and people, not much else has truly changed.
Just as the Seven Stars of Liyue in this other world were discussing and preparing to purchase a large quantity of building materials for infrastructure construction, representatives from the Douling Empire and the Star Luo Empire arrived with a substantial amount of construction supplies!
What the high-ranking officials of the Star Luo Empire could conceive, the leaders of the Douling Empire could naturally think of as well.
It's also worth noting that the Heavenly Soul Empire is relatively far from the East Sea, requiring passage through the territory of the Douling Empire to reach the East Sea.
Otherwise, the three parties would have converged simultaneously.
As for the Sun and Moon Empire, they had not yet received news of the destruction of Shrek Academy.
The message takes considerable time to travel across the Mingdou Mountain Range and back.
Moreover, there is an entire Douluo Continent separating the Sun and Moon Empire from Liyue!
When the representatives from the Douling Empire and the Star Luo Empire arrived in Liyue, both were momentarily stunned and somewhat dazed.
They found that more than ninety percent of Shrek City's wealthy merchants had gathered here.
These merchants were influential figures across the entire Douluo Continent.
Of course, their influence lay in commerce and wealth.
When the representatives of the two empires arrived, they should have been received by someone authority.
However, since everything was still new, Zhongli personally stepped forward to greet them.
When Princess Jiujiu of the Star Luo Empire saw Zhongli, she couldn't help but be momentarily stunned and slightly entranced.
Although Zhongli's age was unknown, his appearance and demeanor left a profound impression on her.
There seemed to be a slight discrepancy with the information provided by the spies.
This so-called "arrogant" figure...
No matter how you looked at him, he appeared more like a knowledgeable and courteous elder brother!
"Greetings, Lord Martial God!" Princess Jiujiu said respectfully.
"Xue Ying pays her respects to Lord Martial God!" Princess Xue Ying of the Douling Empire also greeted him.
Princess Jiujiu was the princess of the Star Luo Empire, while Xue Ying held a similar status as the princess of the Douling Empire.
Both emperors had sent their princesses, indicating their cautious approach.
Although it wasn't explicitly stated, success in this endeavor would undoubtedly elevate their empires.
"Greetings, young friends,"
Both Jiujiu and Xue Ying appeared to be in their early twenties, possessing beauty, grace, and a demeanor that set them apart from ordinary women.
Hearing such a title, the corners of their eyes twitched involuntarily.
"Young friend"... It seemed their plans had fallen apart before they even began.
They had no objections to the decisions made by their imperial brother (or father), as this was, after all, a god, a true deity.
If they could serve by his side, it would be considered the most perfect outcome for them.
But Zhongli addressing them as "young friends" already spoke volumes.
Zhongli was far, far older than he appeared.
His voice was calm, without the slightest hint of frivolity, indicating that he regarded them as ordinary individuals.
His politeness was genuine, but there was no trace of any other intentions.
He had no interest in them, which meant their plans were doomed from the start...
To be honest, Jiujiu and Xue Ying were both unwilling to give up!
Zhongli was unparalleled in temperament, appearance, and strength, truly one of a kind.
Such an ideal husband figure, yet he showed no interest in them...
Both princesses were well-versed in etiquette and did not reveal their inner thoughts.
"Lord Martial God, I extend my greetings on behalf of the Star Luo (Dou Ling) Empire.
Additionally, my imperial brother (father) has heard about your efforts in constructing a city. As a gesture of goodwill, he has specially sent me to deliver some building materials. We hope you will kindly accept this modest gift."
Jiujiu and Xue Ying's words were almost identical, and they glanced at each other, their eyes filled with rivalry.
'The Star Luo (Dou Ling) Empire's ambitions are clear!'
Both princesses thought the same thing but did not show it outwardly.
Hearing this, Zhongli looked at the still-barren Liyue and stroked his chin, lost in thought.
"Thank you to the two emperors for their kindness, and thank you to the two princesses," Zhongli said, clasping his hands in a gesture of gratitude.
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