Chapter 378: Chapter 291: Rapid Development (5)

After all, they were a large family. If they had clashed with the Alien Race back then, the entire Xiao Family would have likely been destroyed.

For the sake of the family, sacrificing Xiao Ning was a choice they were forced to make.

Everyone in Stream Village knew what had happened. No one could say the Xiao Family was in the wrong.

Even Zhao Chi felt that in that situation, they truly had no other choice.

Now... it was his turn.

’Would the Zhao Family clash with Xiao Ning or the Alien Race for my sake?’

Zhao Chi harbored illusions about his family, but a man shouldn’t harbor such illusions.

Even though he had limitless potential and had won two championships, the Zhao Family would never actually confront the Alien Race for his sake.

Most importantly, the Zhao Family lacked the power to do so.

Perhaps if they threw the full weight of the family into a head-on clash with Xiao Ning and those twenty Alien Race Lords, there might be a sliver of hope for victory.

But even then, the Zhao Family would be ruined.

The Zhao Family wouldn’t do that.

No family would.

’I’ll probably be abandoned, too.’

’I can’t win a fight.’

’So, should I flee back to Penglai Village and hide?’

’That’s a solid fallback plan!’

’Then my only choice is to agree to her terms for now. When things get desperate, I’ll abandon Peach Blossom Village...’

Damn it!

’There has to be another way.’

’There are three ways to break a vassalage agreement.’

’First, it’s automatically terminated when the vassalage period expires.’

’Second, the liege lord can choose to terminate it themselves.’

’Third, the liege lord dies.’

’I’ll never last until the term expires, so the first option is out.’

’And Xiao Ning would never dissolve it herself.’

’So that only leaves the third option.’

’Kill her!’

At this thought, Zhao Chi’s mind cleared.

’The Alien Race is strong, but you, Xiao Ning, are not one of them.’

’You’re just a New Lord from the same batch as me.’

’This is the path I’ll take!’

Zhao Chi raised his head and stared at Xiao Ning. "I am willing to become your vassal."

Xiao Ning looked as if victory was already in her grasp.

Hearing Zhao Chi agree, she shook her head disdainfully and said, "Hmph, and here I thought you were so tough. Turns out you’re just spineless. From now on, you are my Vassal Lord. Your loyalty is to me, got it?"

"Got it," Zhao Chi said through gritted teeth.

Xiao Ning’s expression soured. "Why do you sound like you’re grinding your teeth? Are you unwilling?"

Zhao Chi forced a smile. "I almost had my teeth knocked out, so my voice sounds a little different."

"Oh, so that’s why. Iwagaki was actually going easy on you. Otherwise, one slap would’ve sent your head flying."

Zhao Chi didn’t know if she was telling the truth.

’But no Alien Race Lord should be underestimated.’

’Fortunately, Xiao Ning isn’t an Alien Race Lord.’

’She wasn’t held captive for long. Even with help from the Alien Race, her own Power couldn’t be that great.’

As long as he could avoid the other members of the Alien Race, Zhao Chi was confident he could kill Xiao Ning.

Xiao Ning snorted. "Alright, I’ve sent the vassal agreement over. Just click ’agree’."

A system prompt appeared:

[You have received a Vassal Agreement]

[Liege Lord] Muchang Ning

[Vassal Lord] Zhao Chi

[Vassal Territory] Peach Blossom Village

[Vassal Term] Indefinite

[Term Enforcement] Automatic

[Tribute Cycle] At Liege’s Discretion

[Vassal Terms] All income generated by Zhao Chi and his territory—including money, Supplies, personnel, land, etc.—will be tithed at 50% to Muchang Ning. The system will enforce this collection, and Muchang Ning will have priority in selecting her share.

[Sign Agreement?]

’Unbelievable.’

’She really went with an indefinite term.’

’And Xiao Ning’s name has been completely changed to Muchang Ning.’

’So at least as far as her Identity is concerned, she’s one of the Alien Race now.’

’These terms are enforced automatically.’

’In other words, every time I earn anything, the system will automatically calculate the split.’

’The tribute cycle is at her discretion, meaning whenever Xiao Ning wants her share, I have to hand over the Supplies.’

’Signing an agreement like this is basically selling your soul.’

’But with no one to help me, I have to grit my teeth and sign.’

’I have to kill her. And fast.’

"What’s taking so long? It’s not that complicated. Hurry up!"

Zhao Chi clicked ’Sign’.

[Please review the terms carefully. Please confirm again.]

’The system’s just making a fuss over nothing.’

’Don’t I know I should review the terms carefully?’

’If I had a choice, would I be signing this bullshit agreement?’

He confirmed again.

[Agreement Effective. Your Liege Lord has been changed to ’Muchang Ning’. Peach Blossom Village’s affiliation has been changed to ’Muchang Ning’.]

Zhao Chi hadn’t had a liege lord before.

Now he had one.

’It’s disgusting.’

Peach Blossom Village had been affiliated with the Eighth Academy, but now it belonged to Xiao Ning personally.

’Thankfully, Penglai Village isn’t registered, so the Alien Race can’t find it. Otherwise, I’d truly have no way out.’

Xiao Ning waved her hand in satisfaction. "Alright, you can go. I don’t want anything from you right now. Prepare well, and after you defeat the enemy the day after tomorrow, just remember to give me my cut first thing. Hahaha."

Zhao Chi turned to leave.

Xiao Ning called out to him again. "Hey, wait a second. You blocked me before. Unblock me."

Zhao Chi: "...Done."

"You can go. You’re my eighth Vassal Lord. It’s a lucky number. Work hard and make lots of money for me, hahahaha."

Zhao Chi left without another word.

His fourth uncle, Zhao Qiye, was waiting at the entrance to the Xiao Family residence. He rushed forward the moment Zhao Chi emerged.

"How did it go? She didn’t give you a hard time, did she? Wait, let’s not talk here. We’ll talk as we walk."

They both knew the Alien Race had sharp hearing.

Once they were a safe distance from the Xiao Family’s home, Zhao Chi explained what had happened.

Zhao Qiye nodded.

But he didn’t seem to think it was too great a price to pay.

"That’s not so bad. You’re just a Village Lord right now, so your income isn’t that high. What’s given is given. Just make a list later, and the family can reimburse you."

Zhao Chi was silent.

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