Upon hearing Ye Ling's intention to establish the Demonic Palace, Wang Liren was utterly stunned, unable to even process what Ye Ling said next.
With Ye Ling's strength, calling him the foremost person in this era would be an understatement. Such an individual, if he were to live freely and alone, would not have a significant impact. At most, he would be one more figure on the global list of entities that major world powers would have to treat with respect.
However, if Ye Ling were to create a faction, the implications would be entirely different.
The world's resources are finite. In this current era, the cake has essentially been fully divided among the major powers, leaving no room for new factions to compete.
Given Ye Ling's strength, if he were to establish the Demonic Palace, his ambition would naturally not be confined to a single region or country; it would inevitably aim for world domination!
If the Demonic Palace were to do so, it would mean seizing vast resources, forcing a global reshuffling!
The world's top powers are not docile kittens that would passively allow the Demonic Palace to act this way.
Once the Demonic Palace rises, the world would be plunged into turmoil!
Realizing this, Wang Liren was jolted, and he quickly said to Ye Ling, "Your Majesty, are you... are you serious?"
Ye Ling, while eating sushi, asked, "Serious about what?"
At this moment, Wang Liren realized he had been lost in thought for a considerable time. The table was now filled with dishes, and Zuo Dao Lixiang was kneeling beside them, serving the food.
Wang Liren swallowed and said, "About... about the Demonic Palace."
"Oh, that matter..." Ye Ling replied nonchalantly, "Of course, I'm serious. I don't joke about such things."
Hearing Ye Ling's words, Wang Liren exclaimed, "But Your Majesty, do you know what the emergence of the Demonic Palace means for the world?"
"This era is already quite fragile. If Your Majesty adds more fuel to the fire, I fear..."
"You fear the world will burn?" Ye Ling asked with a smile. Wang Liren immediately fell silent, all his unspoken words stuck in his throat.
From the Dragon Department's perspective, he naturally did not wish to see the Demonic Palace established.
Let alone the Dragon Department, it was likely that no country or power in the world would want to see an uncontrollable behemoth within their borders.
That would be a significant destabilizing factor.
But...
Wang Liren calmed himself down and understood with absolute clarity that neither he nor the Dragon Department had the ability to stop Ye Ling from doing anything.
Regarding Ye Ling's intention to create the Demonic Palace, he could only choose to support it.
Having witnessed the fate of factions that opposed Ye Ling in the past, Wang Liren could not fathom what would happen if the Dragon Department were to offend Ye Ling.
Ye Ling could naturally see Wang Liren's reservations, but he had no intention of blaming him.
After all, their differing standpoints naturally led to different ways of viewing the issue.
Ye Ling smiled and said, "Don't worry, my purpose in creating the Demonic Palace is not to seize your resources. I have no interest in the territories or populations of the major powers."
Wang Liren pursed his lips, mustered his courage, and asked, "Then, Your Majesty, what is your purpose in creating the Demonic Palace?"
Ye Ling replied, "You will know soon enough. But before that, I need you to fully assist me until I accomplish my goals in Laiyang Country, understand?"
Wang Liren detected a hint of threat in Ye Ling's words, and he immediately straightened up and said, "U-understood!"
Having said that, Wang Liren began to struggle internally again. He clenched his fists tightly, his palms sweating from nervousness. Finally, he made up his mind and asked Ye Ling, "Your Majesty... regarding the matter of creating the Demonic Palace, may I report it to headquarters?"
After saying this, Wang Liren felt as if he had used up all his strength and slumped onto the chair.
If Ye Ling were a bit more ruthless, Wang Liren had no doubt that his head would be on the chopping block right there.
But.
He was from the Dragon Department, and Ye Ling's establishment of the Demonic Palace would directly impact the Dragon Department. He could not stand by and do nothing!
As Wang Liren closed his eyes, preparing to await Ye Ling's judgment, the sound and aroma of grilled wagyu beef wafted from the table.
Ye Ling picked up a piece of beef grilled by Zuo Dao Lixiang and smiled, "If you want to report it, go ahead. I wasn't planning on hiding it anyway. Besides, even if you didn't say anything, your Dragon Department would receive the news soon."
This time, the Demonic Palace would target the twelve top-tier powers worldwide, and Ye Ling did not intend to hide this matter from anyone.
Moreover, if the Dragon Department knew and could prepare in advance, it wouldn't be a bad thing for Ye Ling.
Hearing Ye Ling's words, Wang Liren felt an unprecedented sense of relief. It was only then that he realized he was drenched in sweat after having walked through the gates of hell.
He expressed his gratitude to Ye Ling, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding!"
Ye Ling waved his hand, "Don't be so formal. You invited me to such a luxurious meal, yet you haven't touched a single bite yourself. Don't you feel guilty?"
Wang Liren nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes! I'll start now!"
After relaxing, Wang Liren's appetite was greatly stimulated, and he began to eat heartily, paying no mind to his surroundings.
Every bite tasted like money.
Ye Ling and Wang Liren's conversation was completely open, and Zuo Dao Lixiang, standing nearby, heard it all clearly.
While diligently grilling the meat, Zuo Dao Lixiang appeared to be completely uninterested in their conversation. However, the faint green light flickering on her retinas and the listening device hidden beneath her kimono's button suggested otherwise.
After finishing grilling the meat, Zuo Dao Lixiang stood up, bowed to Ye Ling and Wang Liren, and said, "Distinguished guests, all the dishes are ready. Lixiang will not disturb you further and will wait outside."
With that, Zuo Dao Lixiang prepared to leave the room.
However, before she could take two steps, she felt someone grab her hand.
"Ah!!!"
A powerful force struck her, and Zuo Dao Lixiang, unable to resist, fell into Ye Ling's arms!
"Your Majesty?"
Wang Liren, seeing Ye Ling suddenly embrace Zuo Dao Lixiang, was also stunned, staring blankly at the scene before him, unable to react for a moment.
So eager?
"G-guest?"
Zuo Dao Lixiang was also startled, a blush spreading across her face. She quickly regained her composure and looked at Ye Ling, saying, "Do you wish to proceed now?"
"I have some interest."
Ye Ling looked at Zuo Dao Lixiang and chuckled, reaching towards her waist.
Just as Wang Liren felt awkward and was about to ask Ye Ling if he needed to excuse himself, he saw Ye Ling retrieve a small listening device from Zuo Dao Lixiang's waist. Ye Ling's expression changed drastically, "This is!!!"
Ye Ling, holding Zuo Dao Lixiang, asked with a smile, "Does your restaurant offer spy training courses for its waitstaff?"
Seeing this, Zuo Dao Lixiang's eyes also changed slightly. She immediately grabbed a small knife from the table and fiercely thrust it towards the carotid artery of Ye Ling's neck!