Chapter 204: Chapter 204: Blood Alliance
"No need to rush; this can be something we trade with your tribe in the future. As for Zhang Qi's cultivation method and the potion, consider them gifts to demonstrate their effects," Lin Qian said, waving his hand at Zhang Nianxin, who looked eager.
Hearing that Lin Qian was willing to trade, Zhang Nianxin breathed a sigh of relief. If Lin Qian had refused to trade, things would have been much more difficult. But since he was open to the idea, negotiations would go more smoothly.
Seeing Zhang Nianxin relax, Lin Qian smiled and nodded.
Enhancing Zhang Qi's strength in a short period would help improve their performance in the clan assembly, which would be beneficial when exploring ancient human relics in the future.
And as Lin Qian had mentioned, showing the Eastern Branch of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe the effects of the cultivation methods and potions would make future sales easier.
Lin Qian wasn't one to give everything away for free.
"However, Your Majesty Lin, I imagine creating these customized cultivation methods must be very time-consuming?" Zhang Nianxin inquired cautiously.
Time-consuming?
The effort spent by the skilled craftsmen on these customized methods was a mere fraction of what was required for Lin Qian's Imperial Emperor Technique—hardly worth mentioning.
Of course, Lin Qian didn't share this detail. Instead, he put on a troubled expression. "Indeed, it takes my subordinates a considerable amount of effort."
"However, Chief Zhang, creating a few personalized methods for you or the three elders is manageable. As for the rest of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe, don't worry; we can improve your existing methods to enhance your Eastern Branch's overall strength." With that, Lin Qian took out a book and handed it to Zhang Nianxin.
This book contained the foundational techniques for the first three realms, with improvements tailored for the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe.
Zhang Nianxin, curious, carefully examined the book and was immediately astonished.
The intricacy of these techniques surpassed even the ones he, as the Eastern Branch's chief, currently cultivated. Although the book only covered the first three realms, it was clear that the methods for the higher realms would be even more powerful.
If they could purchase these cultivation methods from Lin Qian and distribute them among their tribe members, the Eastern Branch's overall strength would likely skyrocket.
At this moment, Zhang Nianxin's view of Lin Qian shifted. He now understood why Lin Qian was so confident when he spoke of making the Eastern Branch the future main clan of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe.
"As for the potion, in the Huaxia Empire, we have both external and internal types. This one is for external use. You mix it into a tub of water and soak in it while cultivating. It will enhance your Eight-Armed Sea Tribe's racial talent: your eight arms!"
"The strength of your tribe lies in your eight arms, which can coordinate seamlessly. The potion's effect is simple—it enhances the strength of each pair of arms individually."
As Lin Qian explained this, Zhang Nianxin and Zhang Qi both looked at him curiously, eager to understand what he meant by enhancing each pair's strength.
Seeing their curiosity, Lin Qian elaborated further.
When Zhuge Ming first encountered the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe, he was excited for days, marveling at the existence of such a remarkable race in Lin Qian's world.
After obtaining copies of the Eastern Branch's entire library, Zhuge Ming spent several days studying the tribe.
The blue potion for the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe was one of Zhuge Ming's creations.
Once immersed in it, the potion would strengthen each pair of arms in different ways.
One pair of arms would be enhanced for strength, allowing them to deliver devastating blows during combat.
Another pair would be fortified for durability, serving as a defensive barrier against attacks.
A third pair would be enhanced for speed, enabling swift, confusing movements that could assist in killing enemies.
The final pair would be enhanced for flexibility, amplifying the tribe's inherent trait of extreme flexibility. This would allow them to twist and strike from any angle, confounding opponents.
Both Zhang Qi's personalized cultivation method and the improved general techniques for the tribe contained elements of this strategy.
Even without the potion, the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe had training methods that aligned with this approach.
By fully utilizing their eight arms for both offense and defense, the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe would become nearly invincible in battle.
After hearing Lin Qian's explanation, Zhang Qi took a deep breath. With his talent, he understood the profound implications of this for their tribe.
Next to him, Zhang Nianxin was so overwhelmed that bubbles continuously rose from his mouth, and even ink seeped out as he stared wide-eyed at Lin Qian.
Lin Qian's actions were essentially transforming the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe, making the entire race stronger.
"In fact, this is just the beginning. In the future, we may develop even better methods and potions to further enhance your tribe's strength," Lin Qian added.
After he finished speaking, Zhang Nianxin and Zhang Qi were left speechless, staring at Lin Qian in stunned silence, their thoughts racing.
Lin Qian simply smiled without saying more.
Boosting the potential of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe and elevating the Eastern Branch to become the main clan was a plan Lin Qian had devised in consultation with Zhuge Ming.
The Huaxia Empire's conquest wasn't about bloody slaughter. Attacking a race like the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe with weapons felt wrong to Lin Qian.
Instead, forging a solid friendship and becoming impenetrable allies was the best outcome.
Beyond the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe, the Huaxia Empire would undoubtedly seek alliances with other sea tribes in the future.
To earn their trust would take time, and the best way to save time was to create a successful example.
The Eight-Armed Sea Tribe would serve as that example.
By nurturing the tribe and making them stronger, other sea tribes would naturally seek cooperation.
At the same time, it would attract malicious sea tribes who, tempted by the Huaxia Empire's resources, would try to take advantage.
By then, the Huaxia Empire would have every reason to strike back against those who dared to challenge them.
But there was one prerequisite: Lin Qian needed to be strong enough to summon the full might of the Huaxia Empire, ensuring that they would be the ones wielding the blade, not the ones being cut down.
After the initial shock, Zhang Nianxin seemed to reach a significant decision. He looked at Lin Qian solemnly and said, "Your Majesty Lin, after much consideration, I, Zhang Nianxin, on behalf of the Eastern Branch of the Eight-Armed Sea Tribe, request a blood alliance with the Huaxia Empire."
"Blood alliance!" Lin Qian's eyes widened, and his water-breathing soul artifact released a stream of bubbles, revealing his shock.
He had never expected Zhang Nianxin to propose a blood alliance.