Suddenly, General Li's expression turned serious, and he said solemnly to Rulu: "Alright, we've talked long enough — it's time to get to the point. The reason I invited you here today, Rulu, is that I'd like to invite you, young friend, to join our Dragon Group and fight against the Sanctuary together."

  Rulu didn't hesitate for even a moment and replied: "I'm sorry, but I can't accept your proposal, General Li. I'm not particurly interested in the war between your Dragon Group and the Sanctuary."

  General Li was visibly surprised: "Why not? If you weren't interested in this matter, why did you help us back in Blue Sea City?"

  Rulu said: "That situation was different — I had some personal grudges to settle with that Suwen, and since the whole thing started because of me, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

  General Li said: "Rulu, my young friend, are you truly not the least bit interested in my proposal? I'm sincerely inviting you to join us. If you have any special requests or conditions, I'll do my best to accommodate them."

  After a brief silence, Rulu said: "I'll be honest with you, General Li — there's actually something extremely important I need to take care of right now. Until I've finished that matter, I won't be considering anything else, including your proposal."

  "And what is this important matter? Would you be willing to share?"

  "It's reted to the Sanctuary. If it goes smoothly, it will be of great help in opposing the Sanctuary. As for the specific details, I'm afraid I can't disclose them."

  "Hmm… Very well then. Since you still have other important matters to attend to, I won't press you any further." General Li spoke with a look of deep regret on his face.

  "Hold on." At this point, Captain Guan spoke up. "Since the matter Rulu mentioned is so important, perhaps Rulu could consider General Li's proposal after finishing that business? What do you think, General Li?"

  General Li said: "That's not a bad idea at all. No matter when it is, Rulu is always welcome to join us. And since that matter will help in opposing the Sanctuary, I hope he's able to complete it successfully."

  Captain Guan then looked toward Rulu: "And you, Rulu?"

  After thinking it over, Rulu said: "I have no issue with that on my end, but I do have some conditions."

  General Li said: "What conditions?"

  Rulu said: "Cooperating with your Dragon Group is fine, but I don't like being ordered around by others. I won't accept any commands or directives from the Dragon Group. If that condition can't be met, I won't agree to your request, General Li."

  Upon hearing this, General Li was momentarily taken aback, then let out a chuckle. Rulu, genuinely puzzled, said: "General Li, what are you ughing at? Was there something wrong with what I just said?"

  "My apologies." General Li cleared his throat and suppressed his ughter, then said: "To be honest, I anticipated that you would raise exactly this kind of condition, so I've prepared an alternative arrangement that should meet your requirements."

  "Please, go on."

  General Li nodded and spoke slowly: "My pn is as follows: I intend to establish a separate armed force in the area surrounding Blue Sea City, dedicated specifically to dealing with the Sanctuary's forces there. This armed force will be quite rge — likely tens of thousands of personnel and at least a hundred humanoid armored soldiers. It will be composed of members from the organizations of everyone present here, and will not belong to our Dragon Group, so it won't be subject to our command."

  Upon hearing this, the Bald Scarred Man's eyes lit up. He said: "General Li, are you serious? Establishing a military force of that scale is no small feat — it would require enormous financial and material resources. And humanoid armored soldiers can only be operated by Ultra-capable individuals. We don't have nearly enough of them to pilot the humanoid armored soldiers. How would these problems be solved?"

  General Li said: "In terms of finances and resources, our Dragon Group will provide full support — that will absolutely not be a problem. As for the pilots for the armored soldiers, we can perform biological enhancements on the members of your organizations to turn them into Ultra-capable individuals. Although those enhanced through biological modification tend to have low Psionic power levels, it should be more than sufficient for operating armored soldiers."

  The Bald Scarred Man immediately broke into a broad grin: "That's wonderful news! General Li, the fact that you're willing to support us so generously — I truly cannot thank you enough. On behalf of everyone here, I'd like to express our deepest gratitude for your support."