Chapter 680: The Chasing Fishing Boat

Translator: Timothy_ Editor: GlobeGlotter

Soon, several countries contacted Luo Yue, seeking forgiveness. Contrary to expectations, Luo Yue was amenable, requesting only 30 billion Luo Yue dollars in compensation. While substantial, Luo Yue offered a loan, making the sum manageable for any nation. After one country paid, others considered it a negligible cost compared to the potential damage from a missile strike. Annihilating Luo Yue wouldn't recoup their losses.

Except for the US, nearly all thirty countries involved in the second invasion accepted Luo Yue's terms. The Union was surprised; most war consequences were resolved through private negotiations before they finalized a plan.

This revealed Luo Yue's true intentions: money, not world war. However, money couldn't resolve the US situation. The current president, though not impeached, resigned after the second failed war, leading to renewed protests and riots. Some opposed the invasion, others demanded a third.

Negotiations began between Luo Yue and the new US president, Darcy, who prioritized economic recovery and stability. They reached an agreement: the US would pay 200 billion Luo Yue dollars for war damages, 50 billion for civilian mental health impacts, and 100 billion for the return of captives—a total of 350 billion Luo Yue dollars.

This massive compensation, even if spread out, plunged the US into a deep economic downturn. The losses extended beyond finance; their Pacific fleet was crippled, and ground and air force losses were immeasurable. Though recovery was possible, the Pacific's power dynamic shifted. With 80% of their Pacific fleet destroyed, the UK, France, and Japan expanded their fleets, representing a significant blow to America.

Luo Yue's power rendered the Southeast Asian Alliance ineffective, allowing Luo Yue to establish a presence at the Malacca Strait.

…

Sister Yan found watching Ye Mo forge artifacts fascinating, not boring. She was awestruck by his seemingly effortless creation of swords and colorful stones. Then, he conjured fire from his palm, and the sword levitated.

Although skilled in ancient martial arts, Ye Mo's abilities transcended them. She yearned to know his secrets. His enhanced strength, combined with the Five Element Stone, allowed him to refine a damaged top-grade flying sword into an upper top-grade one. It fell short of extreme grade, not due to materials, but to Ye Mo's lack of blacksmithing experience and insufficient power.

The flying sword emitted a sharp whistle, and Ye Mo rose, satisfied. "You—" Sister Yan began, but Ye Mo pulled her behind him.

Startled, Sister Yan realized her hunger. She'd been watching Ye Mo for longer than she knew. The room darkened. Ye Mo asked, "Who are you?"

Sister Yan noticed two figures near the window; she hadn't seen them despite her cultivation. If Ye Mo hadn't spoken, she'd have remained unaware.

"You have no right to ask. Did you take the three stones from Meng Kui?" the tall, thin man demanded coldly.

Sister Yan instinctively clung to Ye Mo, worried. Despite her yellow level middle stage cultivation, she hadn't sensed their approach. Ye Mo’s comment about her weakness proved accurate.

Ye Mo used his spirit sense; one man was East Asian, the other white, one a level 3 mutant, at least. This low level surprised Ye Mo; he didn't understand their rapid pursuit.

Further investigation revealed Meng Kui dead. Ye Mo located a small fishing boat alongside the cruiser, surmising their arrival method. A white stone appeared in Ye Mo's hand. "Do you mean this stone?" he asked.

"How many did you take?" the shadowy figure asked, drawing a gun.

Sister Yan, seeing the gun, pulled Ye Mo back. "They have guns," she whispered.

Ye Mo reassured her, replying, "I took three, and I have many more."

The man lowered his weapon. Ye Mo sneered; he would have killed them, but wanted to learn how they found him.

"Where did you get the others? Where are they?" the tall man asked.

"I'm a businessman. Take me to your boss; perhaps I'll trade with him," Ye Mo replied calmly.

His composure aroused suspicion. They decided to take him to their boss.

"Follow us," the men said, opening the door. Ye Mo avoided killing them to avoid alerting their boss.

Sister Yan wanted to attack, but Ye Mo signaled her to wait. She understood his plan and trusted his judgment. He gave her a bracelet. "Wear this. I'll be back soon."

Despite her hunger, she couldn't eat with Ye Mo gone. The cruiser's permission for the men to board indicated a connection, but Ye Mo wasn't concerned about Sister Yan; he'd scanned the ship and found no threat.

Reaching the "fishing boat," Ye Mo discovered a heavily armed military vessel, holding 30-40 people.

The two men brought Ye Mo to a room. "The item's on him. He says he has more and wants to trade," one said. They blocked the door.

Four men were present. A yellow-skinned middle-aged man laughed upon hearing this.