Soul Land V: Rebirth of Tang San-Chapter 1042 - 1040: Compensation

The Undying Great Demon Emperor said in a deep voice, "I think we can give him two extra victories as compensation while he participates in the round-robin tournament. He already has two victories, and with two more, that would be eight points. With six more matches to go, under these circumstances, he only needs to win one or two more matches to ensure a spot in the next round. That possibility is still quite significant. At the same time, the Ancestral Court also needs to refund the Purple Crystal Coins he spent on auctioning the Ferocious Dragon, and he can continue to keep the dragon. I wonder, Brother Tianyang, what do you think of this proposal?"

Refunding money and compensating with extra victories, the Undying Great Demon Emperor had obviously thought this plan through well, and even the Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox seemed to have silently agreed to it.

Eight points are indeed very favorable, but if Jin Miaolin does not win a single match afterward, he will still be eliminated. However, as long as he wins more than one match, he has the chance to enter the finals.

The Tianyang Spirit King pondered quietly and said solemnly, "The Blue Golden Tree Clan is not good at combat, as everyone knows. If the Ferocious Dragon is taken away, even if he has eight points, I don’t think it will be of much use."

The Undying Great Demon Emperor said gravely, "But if we give him more, it would indeed be unfair to the other participants. The other contestants must have objections to the rules set by the Ancestral Court this time as well."

The Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox said, "Since everyone has their opinions, how about this: we invite Chieftain Jin Miaolin over to ask for his thoughts? Then we can make a final decision." fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

"Agreed," said the Undying Great Demon Emperor solemnly.

"Agreed," the Tianyang Spirit King also consented. In his heart, he considered Jin Miaolin as cunning as a ghost; to let him say what he wants for himself would be best.

Soon, Tang San was brought into the Emperor’s rest area. Each rest area here was exclusive to an Emperor. He had just arrived when the Emperors invited him into the Ancestral Court Conference Hall, which was also the place with many Emperor Sky Pillars.

Feeling the gaze of the various Emperors, Tang San first bowed respectfully, "Chieftain Jin Miaolin pays his respects to all Your Excellencies. May I know why Your Excellencies have summoned me?"

What is it to feign innocence? That’s exactly what he was doing, with a clear message: I have competed entirely according to the rules; why are you looking for me?

The Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox said, "We have watched your match today. Your situation is indeed quite special. First of all, the Ancestral Court acknowledges that you have competed in accordance with the rules, so you don’t need to worry about that. However, because of the special nature of the Ferocious Dragon, the Ancestral Court has some concerns, and we request Chieftain Jin for his understanding." As the Emperor in charge of the Ancestral Court affairs, he made his tone as gentle as possible.

Tang San said with respect, "Please clarify, Your Excellency."

The Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox said, "Previously, in your match, you cooperated with the Ferocious Dragon, complementing the Power of Life with the Power of Destruction, thereby displaying strong power. That Power of Life and Destruction was formidable, defeating the opponent. However, at the same time, the Power of Life also made us feel unstable. If not controlled properly, it could potentially erupt, thereby threatening all the spectators present. This is our concern. Therefore, we hope that you will not use the Ferocious Dragon in the upcoming matches, to ensure the safety of the competition. In return, the Ancestral Court will provide you with some compensation. What do you think?"

Tang San was momentarily startled; he had initially thought that the Ancestral Court would insist on him not using the Ferocious Dragon in the matches and offer him some compensation, but he did not expect that they would also find some reasons, which seemed like the Tianyang Spirit King had spoken quite a bit on his behalf.

He did not respond immediately but lowered his head, adopting a submissive demeanor.

The Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox did not hurry him but watched him with a calm gaze.

After a moment, Tang San let out a sigh and said, "If the Ancestral Court does not wish for me to have a role in the battle for the throne, then I might as well withdraw from the competition."

Upon hearing his words, the Tianyang Spirit King’s eyes lit up. What a move to advance by retreating.

Although he is the lord of a city, in the presence of the Emperors of the Ancestral Court, his status is nothing to speak of. If he were to go against the will of the Ancestral Court, it would be seen as disrespectful to the Emperors and the Ancestral Court. This would undoubtedly make him the object of disdain from all Emperors. Yet, his helplessness and even the sense of grievance in his compliance to the wishes of the Ancestral Court, and his clever direct withdrawal to express his dissatisfaction, was very crafty. At the least, it would rally the Spirit Monsters siding with him, as the Emperors of the Heavenly Spirit King would have to align with him—after all, he is the City Lord of the Rihchen Empire!

Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox waved his hand and said, "That’s certainly not what we meant. Chief Jin participating in the competition certainly adds luster to this battle for the throne. We have discussed this before, and to ensure fairness to you and to compensate you, we can directly award you additional points for two victories. If Chief Jin manages to win one or two more matches, then it’s very likely you’ll advance to the final round. Also, all the expenses you’ve incurred bidding for the Ferocious Dragon will be refunded. If you have any suggestions, feel free to mention them."

Points for two victories, plus a refund?

This was in line with Tang San’s previous speculation about the compensation, and it seems from Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox’s words, there’s room for negotiation?

Two victories are, of course, no guarantee of advancing, and it certainly seems like a decision made to appear fair to the other contenders. But what they don’t know is that Light Dragon King Xu Anyu has already promised to concede in his match against me. Thus, I would directly have ten points, virtually securing one of the top three spots.

Moreover, this kind of opportunity cannot be missed—I’ve been invited to make a proposal, after all.

Tang San’s face showed hesitation, then he fell into silence again.

After a long while, Mammoth Great Demon Emperor, somewhat irritable, could not help but say, "If you have something to say, just say it. The competition outside is about to start, and we don’t have time to dally with you here."

Tang San looked up in the direction of the Tianyang Spirit King, who nodded encouragingly at him. Only then did Tang San speak, "Your Highness Heavenly Fox, and esteemed Emperors. This battle for the throne was originally a martial arts competition cum marriage proposal event. Since the Ancestral Court wishes for me not to use the Ferocious Dragon, I am willing to comply. But my purpose this time was not the battle for the throne itself—I never thought I could obtain a throne. However, I have long held a special affection for City Lord Mei of the Peacock Demon Clan. How about this—are you willing to let me withdraw from the competition, and allow me to request City Lord Mei’s hand on my behalf to the esteemed Emperors?"

Participating in this battle for the throne, Tang San’s primary goal was just this—to completely resolve the relationship between him and Pretty Girl. If the Ancestral Court can agree to this condition, then it really wouldn’t matter if he doesn’t participate in the subsequent matches. As for becoming an Emperor, he can wait until the future, building up strength gradually.

"No way," burst out Undying Great Demon Emperor almost instinctively.

Crystal Phoenix Great Demon Emperor was only a moment behind, her mouth already open to speak.

The sudden negation from the Undying Great Demon Emperor left the other Emperors stunned, subconsciously turning to look at this formidable fighter of the Tianyu Empire.

The Undying Great Demon Emperor realized his reaction might have been a bit too intense, but he continued calmly, "The pretext for this battle for the throne is martial arts competition for a marriage proposal. To directly grant you City Lord Mei’s hand would be akin to declaring you the winner, wouldn’t it? Naturally, this is impossible. Furthermore, you are not the only one interested in City Lord Mei. To promise her to you, how would the Ancestral Court explain this to the other competitors?"

A valid point!

Tang San fell into silence once more, his expression growing even more desolate.

Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox glanced at the Undying Great Demon Emperor, and although they had an understanding between them, he too was surprised by the Undying Great Demon Emperor’s abrupt rejection. This wasn’t in keeping with his old colleague’s style! Moreover, such a firm denial instantly made the atmosphere in the room sour. The Heavenly Spirit Emperors of the Rihchen Empire looked somewhat displeased at this time.

Great Demon Emperor Heavenly Fox looked at Tang San and said, "Chief Jin, please suggest another condition, and the Ancestral Court will consider it carefully."

Tang San remained silent still.