Gu Ya faced three Dunsaxin diplomats whose expressions were awkward and dejected.
It wasn't that they didn't want to talk now.
It was that Xianxia gave them no opportunity to do so, consistently postponing and evading their negotiation requests with various excuses.
Gu Ya felt displeased, musing, "What are these Xianxia higher-ups plotting? This is clearly beneficial behavior, so why not agree readily?"
"When Mu Ye · Xing Chen was deployed, it was swift; they signed the agreement in the morning and sent him on a mission by noon. Now, when it comes to matters that can help Xianxia build a void army, they drag their feet."
An elder Dunsaxin diplomat said with disappointment, "Is this Xianxia's hospitality? I've learned a lot. I once thought that Xianxia, as a great nation, would surely have thorough and comprehensive diplomatic etiquette. I never expected to be treated with such neglect."
The female diplomat's face showed a trace of anger, complaining, "Only being provided three meals a day, with guards standing watch, one might think we were prisoners."
Gu Ya interrupted them, saying, "Please wait a moment, I will go and see what the higher-ups intend."
This was the third day Gu Ya had been waiting, and to be honest, he was becoming anxious.
The higher-ups, who knew what they were up to.
Arriving at the Chief Executive's residence, Gu Ya removed his military uniform, changed into casual clothes, and walked towards the entrance.
The guards at the door tried to search him, but Gu Ya’s glare made them back down.
"Even if they searched me, what of it? If I wanted to move against the Chief Executive, ten thousand of you couldn't stop me."
Entering the Chief Executive's residence, he found it even more simply furnished than he had imagined.
There were only essential living and office supplies, along with a few potted plants he kept privately. A small, yellowish stray dog roamed the yard.
If he hadn't known this was the Chief Executive's residence, he would have thought he had walked into some factory office.
The Chief Executive had finished his day's work and was watering his flowers.
His slightly portly figure, his salt-and-pepper hair, and his benevolent, peaceful appearance were no different from any ordinary middle-aged person. His back was solitary, tinged with a hint of sadness.
Ever since his wife, Bai Ling, the Sixth God of War of Xianxia, sacrificed herself in battle against the Xing Chen Army, he had lived alone.
In his heart, he must have hated Mu Ye · Xing Chen immensely.
That was why, when Gu Ya protected Xing Chen, he had resolutely decided to kill Gu Ya.
But in the end, his reason had triumphed over his emotions, choosing to believe Gu Ya and think of Xianxia and all of humanity.
"You're here," the Chief Executive said faintly while watering the flowers. "Are you here for the Dunsaxins? It's good to be young; you always have infinite energy to squander."
Gu Ya cut to the chase, picking up a watering can and joining the Chief Executive. He said, "If we can integrate Dunsaxin bloodlines into Xianxia, our military strength will experience a qualitative leap."
The Chief Executive smiled, but then said, "When watering flowers, one must be moderate. Different plants require different amounts of water. And there are specific times for watering in the morning, noon, and evening."
"Chief Executive!" Gu Ya said, somewhat annoyed. He was discussing serious matters with the Chief Executive, yet the latter was talking about watering flowers.
The Chief Executive put down the watering can and smiled kindly at Gu Ya, saying, "Young man, many things are not as simple as you think."
"I guess you're going to say again that I should supervise the Dunsaxins? Let me ask you, with all your energy, can you manage tens of thousands of people?"
"Even a simple task like watering flowers has much complexity. Managing people, especially tens of thousands of people with their food, drink, housing, and transportation – this is no small matter."
"Furthermore, there are societal, medical, economic, technological, livelihood, and cultural impact issues to consider."
"We do not possess the ability of foresight, so we must consider all matters thoroughly before acting."
Gu Ya asked anxiously, "Then should our hospitality towards them be thorough? What is the meaning of having guards watch them twenty-four hours a day..."
Gu Ya trailed off as he spoke.
Indeed, the Chief Executive bore the responsibility for all of Xianxia, and even a single Dunsaxin person coming to Xianxia required constant vigilance.
Even Shen Jingming was investigated for nearly a year before Xianxia gradually relaxed their restrictions on his movements.
However, Gu Ya couldn't wait.
The Chief Executive sighed and said, "Since you have come to ask in person, very well. I will grant them sufficient room for movement and urge the subordinates to expedite the negotiation proposal."
Gu Ya nodded, no longer speaking, and turned to leave.
The Chief Executive said, "Gu Ya, I've always had a question. Isn't maintaining the status quo good enough? The development of planets has its own natural laws. Perhaps in a few decades or a century, humans will coexist peacefully, and then resolving the issues of barriers would be more in line with the natural order?"
"You possess world-shattering power, and your group is on the verge of breakthroughs in anti-humanoid drugs. Soon, humanity will be completely liberated from disease. You are only twenty years old and possess infinite wealth, yet are you still not satisfied?"
Gu Ya pondered for a moment and said, "That is not my wealth."
The Chief Executive looked at Gu Ya with slight curiosity, "Then whose is it? Your family? Friends?"
Gu Ya looked at the Chief Executive and said calmly, "The people. All the people of Xianxia."
Emerging from the Chief Executive's residence, Gu Ya rushed without delay to the Dunsaxin diplomatic residence.
Suddenly, Hei Yang's voice sounded, "Master, there's an encrypted communication. It's from Shanhai City."
"Shanhai City?" Gu Ya was startled. He extended his right hand, and a wristband materialized.
In the holographic projection, Mu Ye · Xing Chen’s face was grim as he said, "Gu Ya, the underground world has been invaded by a species of strange, half-human, half-machine creatures. Their numbers are incalculable! Now, the main city of Dunsaxin is migrating entirely to the vicinity of the energy conduit."
"I am worried they are outnumbered, so I came out to seek your support."
Gu Ya asked doubtfully, "You alone? Flying from the extreme south to Shanhai City?"
Mu Ye · Xing Chen nodded, his gaze firm, and said, "Shanhai City is a territory of Xianxia, closer to the extreme south, and it has communication channels connected to Xianxia."
"After I send you this communication, I must return to the underground quickly. I estimate they cannot hold on for much longer."
Afterward, the two fell into a long silence.
Mu Ye · Xing Chen was waiting for Gu Ya's response, wanting to know if Gu Ya had changed the attitude of Xianxia's higher-ups.
Meanwhile, Gu Ya was thinking about how Mu Ye · Xing Chen had returned from the underground, flying alone for days to reach Shanhai City, yet had not fled.
"Gu Ya!" Mu Ye · Xing Chen said calmly, "I know what you are worried about. I did consider escaping, but since you trust me so much, how could I disappoint you!!"
Gu Ya understood Mu Ye · Xing Chen's intentions and nodded, "Alright, you go ahead. I will assemble a team and head for support immediately!!"
"Oh, right! Mu Ye · Xing Chen!"
Gu Ya suddenly called out his full name, making Mu Ye · Xing Chen confused.
"From now on, your name is 'Wang Chuan', remember," Gu Ya said. "Whether it is Xian Hao Yan or Mu Ye · Xing Chen, they are both dead."
"This is my intention, and it is also the intention of Xianxia's higher-ups."
Mu Ye · Xing Chen immediately gritted his teeth, his body trembling.
It wasn't difficult for him to abandon the name 'Mu Ye · Xing Chen', nor was it a big deal to use the name of Gu Ya's consciousness clone.
But the surname 'Xian' was his spiritual pillar. If even his "roots" were stripped away, how could he be considered human.
Mu Ye · Xing Chen said softly, "I accept the name you have bestowed upon me. From this day forward, I will be called Wang Chuan in front of outsiders. But please remember, my surname is Xian, and this fact cannot be changed by anyone."
Gu Ya nodded, a smile appearing on his face, and said, "Then, Brother Xian Wang Chuan, what are we waiting for? Let's go to the underground world and make a grand ruckus!"
Xian Wang Chuan gave Gu Ya a grateful smile, nodded, and said, "I'll wait for you underground!"
After ending the communication, Gu Ya felt a great weight lift from his heart.
The mission to save Mu Ye · Xing Chen was now thoroughly completed.
Next, it was time to escort the Dunsaxin people back to the surface.
Raising his wristband, Gu Ya calmly said, "Eagle Three, assemble!"