Chapter 176

Chapter 176: A Simple Scheme to Drive a Wedge

Though nowhere near as costly as an ironclad warship worth millions, a three-masted full square-rigged ship still required over a hundred thousand gold coins. Specialized vessels like the Star of the South could easily surpass three hundred thousand.

Twenty ships—even at the lowest estimate—totaled two million gold coins!

While the heirs of major maritime families had glimpsed such sums, their personal funding rarely exceeded three or four hundred thousand. For weaker family members like Wells, building even two ironclads demanded years of savings combined with maternal family support.

Midi’s demand stunned the tea party’s attendees. Yet no one could call it unreasonable. The Red Lotus Arena’s land alone exceeded two million in value, not counting its experts, disciples, and connections. By offering such a prize while asking only for ships, Midi appeared generous.

The problem remained: these youths couldn’t meet even this "lenient" condition. This was a game for true powerholders. Normally cautious, the heirs had underestimated Midi due to his youth—a fatal mistake. At nineteen, he already wielded peak personal strength and political influence that dwarfed even their family heads.

Silvia’s face darkened. She could technically acquire the ships by begging her father, but why should she—a proud lady—debase herself? She’d come secretly to sabotage Wells, only to face humiliation and losses. Worse, Xuzu Kingdom’s envoy Liufeng had been effortlessly crushed by Midi. Was this ally truly worth twenty ships?

A sheltered heiress like Silvia lacked the vision to prioritize diplomacy over pride. Hesitation gripped her—exactly what Midi wanted.

"Miss Silvia seems reluctant," he declared, ignoring her internal struggle. His pitying glance at the defeated Liufeng spoke volumes.

Though aware of Midi’s manipulation, Liufeng couldn’t suppress his anger. Silvia’s calculating silence chilled him. If she balked at this minor cost, how could Xuzu trust her family in greater crises?

The seed of doubt had been planted.

Noticing the fleeting suspicion and anger in Liufeng’s eyes, Midi knew his goal had been achieved.

Though the alliance between Yunlang and Xuzu wouldn’t crumble from simple provocation, he’d never miss any opportunity to weaken them. Every small strike would accumulate until their alliance shattered completely.

Anyone targeting Sky City – whether Xuzu Kingdom or Delos Empire – was his enemy to be opposed without mercy!

"Mr. Liufeng," Midi spoke up when the timing felt right, "it appears you’ll have to fulfill the wager personally."

Liufeng blinked before offering a bitter smile. "Defeat demands payment. Yet might the Count show mercy in adjusting terms? While twenty ships seem trivial, I truly lack such resources. Could we substitute three million gold coins at 150,000 per vessel?"

As he spoke, Liufeng accepted his fate – stripped of envoy status, facing severe punishment upon return. Still, he must preserve Xuzu’s honor. Even defeat required dignity.

His inflated valuation aimed to display Xuzu’s generosity while saving face. But Midi shook his head. "Three million’s pocket change. I’ve better terms tailored for you."

"What terms?" Liufeng looked up, startled.

"Your Xuzu Psionicist techniques impressed me during our sparring." Midi smiled. "Visit Lionheart Arena to share general psionic insights – not your secret arts, but unique perspectives on common skills. Three months suffice."

Liufeng’s face showed bewilderment before he finally nodded. "The Count’s wish honors me. I’ll teach for three months."

Their handshake sealed the agreement.

Turning to Wells, Midi continued the charade: "Since Yunlang lacks ships, can Flying Sail Family provide twenty vessels?"

If earlier moves were strategic, this was pure theater. Wells instantly understood – this was his moment to shine.

Though inwardly thrilled, Wells answered gravely: "Our family excels in shipbuilding! As an expert myself, Faye, you’ve come to the right man!"

"Then produce twenty ships promptly." Midi tossed a black soul crystal onto the table. "Consider this deposit."

The two-million-coin gem silenced the room. Even major families’ elites gaped speechless. Liufeng could only smile bitterly.

All present realized – this teenage Count of Saint Tower Island warranted treatment equal to family heads.

Only Wells remained calm, having seen Midi produce five such crystals for ironclad ship funding aboard Conqueror. The famously powerful "Sword of Victory and Guardian" lacking funds? Preposterous!

Wells nearly trembled with joy. This public endorsement let him finally gain standing within Flying Sail Family. The legitimate funds unlocked previously inaccessible fields.

Flashing a smile rivaling Silvia’s charm, the strikingly handsome youth pocketed the crystal. "Expect twenty three-masted full square-rigged ships within a month!"