Chapter 178 Dortore's Purpose
Chapter 178 Dortore's Purpose
"What are you afraid of? If I really wanted to kill you, I'd be dead long ago." Like a ghost, King Hao appeared silently beside Dotore without any warning. His tone was calm and composed, yet it hinted at an irresistible majesty.
"You've truly become much stronger." Dottore's face remained expressionless, as if covered by a mask unchanging for millennia, as if he had anticipated King Hao's sudden appearance. Yet, only he knew he was incredibly nervous. His slightly trembling fingers and clenched fists betrayed his true emotions. He forced composure, trying to keep his voice calm as he spoke slowly, "I'm very interested in your skills. How do you create such delicate parts? The craftsmanship is truly breathtaking."
Prince Hao raised his eyebrows slightly, his deep eyes gleaming with a mysterious light, and asked in return, "Will this improve Catherine's performance? You have a keen eye."
The doctor tried to calm his inner turmoil, composed himself, and forced a smile as he said, "You really do know. It seems that none of this escaped your eyes."
King Hao folded his arms across his chest, his tall frame emanating a powerful aura. He spoke confidently, "Of course, I also know that your creation was inspired by the Skirmisher. You seek to draw power from the gods' creations, and I can't hide this subtle thought from you."
Dotole snorted lightly, and a trace of imperceptible helplessness and self-mockery flashed across his face: "It's not worth mentioning. The creations of God are too profound. I have only grasped a little bit of the surface in that boundless ocean of wisdom. What I have done is just a little insignificant exploration on the shoulders of giants." Although he said so, his sparkling eyes still clearly revealed his endless yearning for the creations of God and his strong desire to continue to explore in depth.
"You have come here to discuss something important, right? What exactly do you want?" King Hao shrugged indifferently.
A hint of displeasure flashed across Dotole's cold eyes. "You're asking even though you already know the answer. Wasn't what I just said clear enough?"
King Hao smiled slightly, with a cunning gleam in his eyes: "Let's go, let's find a place to sit down and talk slowly." He suddenly remembered something and clapped his hands: "Oh, by the way, I happen to know a very good teahouse." Then he turned around and led the way, and Dotole followed closely in his footsteps.
In a quiet, quaint teahouse, soft sunlight filtered through the carved wooden windows, and the faint aroma of tea filled the air. Dotole and King Hao sat across from each other, the tranquility seemingly shattered by the subtle tension between them.
The diplomat, dressed in a dark gray robe, leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed eagerly on King Hao. He was the first to break the silence. "Mr. Hao, the Doctor is very interested in your forging plan for that component. I regard it as a rare treasure. If we can obtain it, Zhidong's research will surely achieve a major breakthrough. Then we can produce even better goods, and those gadgets you favor will be even more refined."
His heart was filled with desire, and he thought to himself: As long as I can help "Doctor" and Grandpa Hao promote cooperation, I will be able to open up new horizons, and those problems that have troubled me for a long time will be solved.
Prince Hao, his hands gently cradling the exquisite teacup, his expression stern and resolute, responded without hesitation, "Dottore, this is a crucial trade secret I've obtained after countless trials and failures. It must not be easily disclosed. This plan is the culmination of years of painstaking effort. How can I give it away so carelessly?" He took a sip of tea and said, "This is the foundation of my livelihood. It cannot be easily obtained by others. However, the Fatui are truly omnipresent. It's no wonder the service is so excellent, with a negotiator working as a clerk here."
After hearing this, the negotiator frowned, paced slowly in the tea room, and after thinking for a moment, he stopped in front of King Hao and said again: "King Hao, you should understand our sincerity. We are really eager for this plan. If it can be accomplished, we will definitely remember your great kindness." At this time, his heart was full of entanglement and anxiety, and he kept thinking of various words to persuade King Hao.
Dotole shook his head and stopped the negotiator: "Well, after all, it's impossible to ask others to spend their money just by asking them." In his mind: I don't believe you... You are just bored and want to have fun.
King Hao raised his head, looked at Dotole calmly, and said slowly: "Dotole, it's not that I don't want to help you, but there are too many things involved. If this plan is used improperly, the consequences will be disastrous." He gently put down the teacup, looking as if he was worried about the possible adverse effects of handing over the plan.
The negotiator said anxiously: "King Hao, I guarantee on my reputation that I will never abuse it." His eyes were full of eager anticipation.
King Hao shook his head slightly and said, "Reputation is sometimes vulnerable in the face of huge interests. And how much reputation do you think the Fools have?"
Dotore:…
The negotiator frowned and paced back and forth in the tea room again. After a while, he said, "Is there any room for negotiation? We really need it." He was in great torment, as if he was in darkness and was eagerly looking for a ray of light.
Dottore: With just one clown show, that should be enough.
King Hao pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Due to your sincerity, although I cannot directly provide you with a forging plan, we can establish a cooperation. I will provide you with a purchasing channel."
A hint of surprise flashed in the negotiator's eyes, and he quickly said, "That's great. This way, our needs can be met." But he was still thinking about how to get more.
King Hao stared at Dotore and said solemnly, "However, cooperation is a serious matter. We must sign a contract to ensure the rights and responsibilities of both parties."
The negotiator responded without hesitation: "Of course, everything is as you say."
……
Travelers passed each other on the bustling streets. Ying caught a glimpse of the Doctor and felt an indescribable strangeness about him. However, her mind was preoccupied with her upcoming meeting with King Hao, so she gave it no further thought.
The Doctor crossed his arms and walked at a leisurely pace, his head slightly raised, a hint of mystery in his eyes. As he passed Ying, he paused for a moment, his brow furrowed slightly, and he quickly examined her. Then, a meaningful smile curled his lips, and he continued his leisurely walk, soon disappearing into the crowd.
Paimon saw her stop and asked, "What's wrong? Did you find anything?"
Ying frowned slightly, quickening her pace as she made her way through the bustling crowd toward the location she'd agreed to meet with King Hao. She thought to herself: "Although that man might be strange, meeting King Hao is more important right now."
Dotore crossed his arms across his chest, his eyes deep and cold, and muttered to himself: "The Adventer has awakened, it seems that the plan will be implemented soon." The corners of his mouth rose slightly, with an elusive smile, and he secretly calculated the next steps in his mind.
When Paimeng saw King Hao, he noticed that he looked relaxed and in a good mood. So he asked curiously, "King Hao, you look so happy. Is there something good going on?" King Hao laughed heartily and said, "Haha, I really made a big deal." Paimeng's eyes lit up when he heard this. He moved closer to King Hao and said with a smile, "Then King Hao, since you look so happy, can you treat us to a meal?"
King Hao smiled and nodded, saying, "Okay, I just happened to have a reservation at a high-end restaurant today. Let's go together. By the way, I'll introduce you to some friends."
The group arrived at the upscale restaurant. Ying noticed several people already seated inside. Hao Wang introduced them enthusiastically: "Ying, Paimon, and these are my old friends, Amber and Lisa." Amber smiled and waved to Ying and Paimon, while Lisa nodded gracefully.
Luo Xiaoyue: "Here, here."
Paimon: "Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you."
Then, King Hao pointed to several other people and said, "These are Chongyun, Yae Shenzi, Jinichi and Gai." Chongyun politely clasped his fists in greeting, Yae Shenzi smiled charmingly, and Jinichi and Gai also greeted them in a friendly manner.
Finally, King Hao pulled a lovely girl over and said, "This is my daughter, Hao Dian Ya." Hao Dian Ya smiled sweetly and said, "Welcome, Traveler and Paimon. I have heard a lot about your deeds and have long wanted to meet you."
Everyone sat around the dining table in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Paimon looked at the exquisite delicacies on the table with curiosity and couldn't help but pick up her chopsticks first, praising them non-stop: "Wow, this looks so delicious!" Everyone laughed at her appearance.
Ying and Chongyun exchanged stories about their adventures, and Chongyun listened with great interest, occasionally asking questions. Amber shared interesting stories about flying with Paimon, who listened with wide eyes.
Lisa gently swirled her wine glass and smiled as she discussed the secrets of magic with Yae Shenzi. Meanwhile, Kinichi and Gai discussed business matters with King Hao, while Hao Dianya listened quietly.
During the meal, everyone laughed and chatted. Paimeng told some jokes about his travels, which made everyone laugh. Hao Dianya also shared some interesting stories from her life, which made everyone like her even more.
After dinner, everyone sat together and chatted...
Paimon asked curiously, "So, is it true that you, Kinichi, can split the tops of ten mountains with one sword?"
Chongyun was amazed. "Isn't this too exaggerated? Is this really something a human can do?"
Gai proudly introduced, "In Nata, besides being called 'Tempered Fire' Malibu, he has another title: the Nata Demon God. His strength is comparable to that of the God of Fire, and he even sparred with the God of Fire during the Night Watch War Ceremony."
Luo Xiaoyue recalled: "As for him cutting off the tops of ten mountains, that happened in another dimension."
Kinich touched his chin and said, "Performances are a different price."
Gai smiled and said, "Uh... he meant that this move can't be used casually."
Paimon was surprised: "That sounds amazing, could it be that you, Kinichi, are actually the God of Fire?"
Kinich spread his hands and said, "It would be nice to be able to ascend to the throne of the God of Fire, but there are too many things to do. I won't do it."
Yaejinko smiled slightly, handed a delicate little sign to the traveler and Paimon, and said, "Two little guys, this is for you."
The traveler took the sign curiously and examined it carefully. Paimon's eyes widened, and he asked in confusion, "What is this?"
Yaejinko blinked and explained, "As you travel around, it's inevitable that you'll end up in Inazuma one day. This little gadget is a universal pass that allows you to travel freely in Inazuma."
Paimon jumped up excitedly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Wow! That's great! After we finish our business in Liyue, we can come and play with you!"
The traveler also smiled, expressing her gratitude. Then, as if remembering something, she looked at Yaejinko and asked, "To be able to produce something like this, your status in Inazuma must be quite high, right?"
Yaejinko smiled softly and nodded confidently. "That's right, I'm Lord Yae-miyaji~ And, the Thunder God is also my good friend. Here's a little tip for you all: if you want to meet the Thunder God, remember to bring some delicious desserts. You might even be able to see the real Thunder God."
The Traveler and Paimon looked at each other, their hearts filled with anticipation.
Kinich said calmly, "Nata is quite comfortable. There aren't any complicated checkpoints, and you can travel freely. Some areas are quite dangerous, though, and there are a lot of monsters. We have to fight with the Abyss from time to time. But with my suppression of them lately, they shouldn't be so aggressive anymore, so you can come without worry."
The traveler nodded.
Paimon also agreed: "We will."
Amber: "That was when they went to another dimension for support."
Kinich: "That world has lost contact with Teyvat. I wonder if you still miss that place, Gai?"
Gai Yi: "There is still a little bit. After all, I grew up in that world. But the days with you are also very good."
Yae Shenzi: "Another world?"
Gai: "I'm not a native of Teyvat. I was brought back by Jinichi by chance."
Yaejinko: "That's really a great thing. Then Miss Gai, can you tell me about your world? I think it will be of great help to my light novel career."
"Of course."
The two went to the other side to chat.
Paimon rubbed his round belly, burped contentedly, and said, "I'm so full. Now, should we go on missions and do some commissions?"
Ying beside her nodded in agreement.
At this moment, Kinich suddenly spoke up, "I'm an adventurer too. I wonder if I can go on this journey with you? I'm actually quite curious about how other adventurers handle things."
Hearing Kinich say this, Luo Xiaoyue quickly stepped forward to explain, "Don't underestimate Brother Kinich! He's incredibly powerful, a god-like being!"
Paimeng was speechless: "You said he could split the tops of ten mountains..."
Ying: "Then please give me more advice."
GBP