Published: March 12, 2025
Zhao Hai smiled gently at the three of them and said, "You three don’t have to be so polite, please take a seat. I’m really happy to see you all here."
The table was already set with an array of food. It wasn't just Zhen Wushuang and the others who came; Fei'er and her companions also arrived, while only the Great Demon Lord and the Demon Dragon King were present from Zhao Hai's side.
Once everyone was seated, Laura and the others served the dishes they had prepared in advance. This time, what they brought was Chinese cuisine, which Zhao Hai particularly enjoyed. Such dishes were not available on the Ark Continent, in the divine race, or in other dimensions.
The Great Demon Lord and the others were momentarily stunned by the sight of the food on the table, but being people of status, they quickly composed themselves without saying a word.
Zhao Hai personally picked up a wine cup and filled one for everyone before smiling and saying, "These dishes are unique to our budah family. Not many people on the continent have tasted such cuisine. I am very pleased that everyone can come today, so let’s drink to this!"
Everyone raised their cups, toasted back, and downed their drinks. Zhao Hai poured a second cup, but this time he did not raise his cup. Instead, he looked at everyone and said, "Please try the dishes from our budah family; don't be shy."
The Great Demon Lord and the others curiously started to eat. They couldn't help but praise the delicious flavors, and Zhao Hai smiled in gratitude before drinking again. He then asked, "Did you all come to see me for something?"
Man Yuanjiang looked at Zhao Hai and smiled, saying, "We came at the clan leader's command to thank Mr. Zhao Hai. You didn’t unleash a slaughter on us in the Ark Continent, and instead allied with us to fight against the divine race. Furthermore, you always lead by example in battle, which has moved us greatly."
Zhao Hai smiled slightly and said, "You’re being too polite. We are allies, and allies should act this way. The divine race is our common enemy, so it’s only right to fight against them."
Man Yuanjiang smiled slightly but said no more. Zhen Wushuang spoke up, "Besides coming to thank you, we also have something else. The troops we brought are here to support you. Of course, we know that you don’t lack in manpower, but as allies, it wouldn’t feel right to allow you to fight alone."
Zhan Fang nodded in agreement, saying, "Indeed, you have already taken great care of us, and we shouldn't keep watching you fight the divine race by yourself. It truly makes us uneasy."
Zhao Hai looked at their expressions, smiled slightly, and said, "You’re all too polite. It’s really nothing. If I were to let your people charge in without using undead beings, that wouldn’t be something I, Zhao Hai, would do. As allies, I have no intention of controlling your clans; there’s no need to expend your strength, right?"
Zhan Fang was genuinely taken aback at how direct Zhao Hai was and for a moment didn’t know how to respond. Zhan Yue, who understood Zhao Hai's style of speaking, chuckled and said, "Chairman, Mr. Zhao has always been straightforward. He speaks his mind to friends, only employing trickery against enemies."
Zhan Fang nodded, looking at Zhao Hai with admiration, raising his cup and saying, "Here’s to you, Mr. Zhao. You are a true friend, and this wine tastes excellent."
Zhao Hai smiled and replied, "I’m glad you like it. When you return, I’ll gift you some. By the way, I also have orc tribe’s milk wine and fruit wine. Haha, there are plenty of good wines on the Ark Continent."
The wine they were drinking was rice wine, not very strong, but quite mellow, making it suitable even for those who had never had strong liquor.
After a few more drinks, Zhao Hai solemnly said, "I have already spoken with the otherworldly divine race. We can form an alliance, but I hope they won’t take action against the divine race for now. Does anyone have any opinions on this?"