179: Chapter 179 Taking it All

Tang Long wanted to laugh, but realizing the occasion, he immediately switched to a look of trepidation.

"First, I must thank the Grand Secretary for his kindness and the High Priest for his attention. For a small student like me, this is an supreme honor, and I am truly overwhelmed."

Ritual Master Yu Hai and Wei Ye exchanged glances, both feeling satisfied with Tang Long's humble attitude.

He thanked the Imperial Academy and The Sect, but did not mention the military.

Clearly, because the Song City military could not compare to the Imperial Academy and The Sect in terms of strength and status. Comparing the benefits offered, eliminating them was human nature, and for the best.

As for Yun Zhuoyue, even if she really made a move later, he and Shi Chengyu held absolute superiority in strength anyway.

Take Tang Long away first; would she dare to chase them all the way to Huai Capital?

But they never expected Tang Long to make a 180-degree turn in his next sentence.

"However, frankly speaking, I really want to join the military."

Ritual Master Yu Hai's face darkened immediately as he interrupted: "Young man, think carefully before you speak."

Yun Zhuoyue laughed twice, a rare occurrence. "A dignified Libationer of the Imperial Academy actually threatening a student; what great official authority. Tang Long, don't be afraid, say whatever you want to say."

Tang Long continued: "More than a month ago, I was still a mine slave in Feng City."

"Thanks to the grace of the Duke of Fengcheng, I became a free man, only then entering the First Specialized Academy in Song City to study."

"During my studies, I was fortunate enough to learn about the deeds of the Sixth Imperial Uncle, Ye Baiqiao, and was deeply moved."

"From that moment on, I resolved to be like him, using my own strength and life to defend this country."

"Now, although I have had a bit of good luck, this ambition has not changed."

"However, I truly do not wish to let down the high regard of all you lords. We might as well think of a compromise."

Tang Long spoke quite sincerely, but Yun Zhuoyue was getting impatient.

"Kid, what exactly do you mean? Stop beating around the bush!"

Tang Long grinned. "The meaning is, I am willing to accept the title of Royal Knight and Honorary Academician of the National Academy, while simultaneously serving as an advisor to the Songcheng Divine Academy, and then enter the Military Academy to continue my studies."

"This thunder emperor pearl... actually, its greatest function is assistance. I can use it to perform Empowerment for eight people at once; it is best left in my hands."

"Whenever you lords need inheritance, I will be on call."

"This way, no one's interests are delayed, and it's just me running around a bit more."

"There is one more point I ask you all to understand. Every time I perform Empowerment, it is a huge devastation to my body and spirit. This method cannot be too frequent."

"Each time I use it, I think I need at least a week to rest and recover."

"And... I don't fear you laughing at me, I am used to being poor. I cannot work for free; I must charge a labor fee each time."

When he said this, the eyes of the few people looking at him had completely changed.

They were all old foxes; who couldn't see his little scheme?

This kid was truly daring!

He actually wanted to win over all three sides!

Was the food of the Imperial Academy, The Sect, and the Song City military so easy to eat?

Ritual Master Yu Hai waved his hand, directly calling Wei Ye and Yun Zhuoyue aside, and the group started another round of intense negotiations.

Ritual Master Yu Hai said: The Imperial Academy is willing to give The Sect and the military some compensation in exchange for taking Tang Long away, but the other two parties firmly disagreed.

Wei Ye brought up the High Priest several times, and the Imperial Academy pushed back hard, "Our Grand Secretary is also a Huagai Realm powerhouse; we cannot return empty-handed."

As for Yun Zhuoyue, by comparison, the Song City military was the weakest party, and she was the weakest one among them.

It came down to that same saying: either everyone fights to the death, or I win.

Since no one could monopolize him, they had to compromise.

So, after some wrangling, they were surprised to find that Tang Long's method was relatively the most reliable.

You have to work for whoever feeds you; only by tying everyone together with titles and interests can they feel at ease using him.

If they took the inheritance pearl, not only would they only learn a beggar's version, but it might also cause Tang Long to harbor resentment. If he didn't want to cooperate in the future, it would be too easy for him to cause trouble secretly.

Besides, The Sect and the military were also firmly opposed to Tang Long going to Huai Capital.

If he went to Huai Capital, what if you Imperial Academy detained him?

Ritual Master Yu Hai was even more annoyed. "Then if Tang Long and the thunder emperor pearl both stay in Song City, didn't we just work for nothing?"

Wei Ye shook his head. "Brother Yu, you are overthinking. Who would dare to default on the Imperial Academy?"

"The Imperial Academy has the strongest foundation, and the Grand Secretary is a Huagai Realm powerhouse. Would we dare to offend him?"

"But once we get to Huai Capital, it's crowded and noisy. There is the Emperor, the Pope, and so many high officials. Whether he can come back is hard to say."

"After all, he is a talent from our Song City. If you don't concede a bit more on this step, we cannot feel at ease."

"How about this, my Songcheng Sect will take another step back. When you need inheritance, we will unconditionally make way for you."

"Group Leader Yun, your military has no objections, right?"

Yun Zhuoyue nodded immediately. "This does not violate principles. I can agree on behalf of Commander-in-Chief Qi. However, of the four Empowerments per month, we must have at least one."

Ritual Master Yu Hai and Shi Chengyu both smiled bitterly. "Even if you are willing to make concessions, this is very unfavorable for our Imperial Academy. We have to ask the Grand Secretary."

After the discussion was mostly settled, Shi Chengyu called University Scholar Zong Liangchen to seek instructions.

After University Scholar Zong Liangchen spoke with Wei Ye and Yun Zhuoyue personally, the agreement was miraculously reached.

Tang Long was awarded the titles of Royal Knight, Honorary Academician of the National Academy, advisor to the Songcheng Divine Academy, and special instructor at the Military Academy.

He would remain in Song City, supervised by The Sect and the military.

After graduating from the specialized school, he would be specially recruited by the Military Academy.

Four Empowerments per month; the Imperial Academy takes two, and The Sect and the military each take one.

As for the cost, Ritual Master Yu Hai made the final decision: one thunder spirit stone per person per time.

Actually, if you calculate it carefully, counting eight people per wave and four waves per month, that is thirty-two thunder spirit stones, which is already a significant income.

But Tang Long still cursed his parents, and his parents' parents' parents, in secret.

Wei Ye smiled ambiguously because he had already received some news from Lv Yang and knew that the benefits The Sect obtained could not be less than the Imperial Academy.

And Yun Zhuoyue's look at Tang Long was quite complex.

If this kid didn't have the ambition to join the army, today's matter would have been very difficult to handle.

Those words he scolded Ye Qingzhou in public were also circulating among many people in the army, and Yun Zhuoyue also thought he spoke very well.

But he was deeply involved with The Sect, and he was so mercenary.

Including the situation this morning, if you think about it carefully, if he had been willing to say 'I have the perfect inheritance' at that time, would the First Specialized Academy have been able to expel him?

So this kid was simply causing trouble on purpose, inciting the Wei Family and Ye Qingzhou and them.

If she hadn't arrived early, that silly girl Manman would probably have stepped into a huge pit.

Therefore, although she completed the task for President Qi, Yun Zhuoyue still felt indescribably uncomfortable.

The three of them had just left when Ye Qingzhou and the others surrounded him.

Principal Wang Dong was the fastest, rushing directly in front of Tang Long and grabbing his hand without letting go.

"Student Tang Long, congratulations. Look at my brain, should I address you as Sir Tang or Academician Tang now?"