Douluo Dragon King: The stars of the heavens, transform me into king!

Time is like fine sand slipping through your fingers; three years have passed in the blink of an eye.

The city outside the window seemed taller, with a streamlined spire on the horizon that gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen in the twilight.

Gu Yuexingyan stood in his private office on the top floor of the Mingdu Parliament Building, with floor-to-ceiling windows that occupied an entire wall behind him and several huge soul guidance screens in front of him.

He was wearing a well-tailored dark gray casual suit, with the collar buttoned up meticulously and the cuffs rolled up to reveal his well-defined wrists.

His gaze was fixed ahead, on the area on the map that represented Shrek Academy, a deep, murky green.

The numerical curves next to it have reached their limit; resource output, soul tool patent licensing, revenue from affiliated industries... each detailed data point is followed by a bright red exclamation mark.

We can't squeeze them any more money out of them for the time being.

It's been three years, and I've fought Yun Ming ten times in total.

He almost doubted whether he had made a stupid mistake by killing Ya Li, one of Yun Ming's weaknesses. With such a great reputation in the Federation, he knew that no matter what he did, he would not have a good reputation.

Using them as pawns to help me obtain another batch of pawns is a way of making the best use of them. After all, apart from making some progress in soul guidance technology, the Federation is a complete waste. Before I came to power, I couldn't even control the army.

Moreover, this guy's ideas are completely different from mine. During that plague, his plan was to kill a small number of people and save the majority.

And that's where our disagreement lies: she wants to save everyone!

Shrek Academy is really something else. If force doesn't work, can't they try something else? Like a more subtle approach, like getting me impeached or winning an election against me!

His gaze fell on the other side of the map, where the Tang Clan was located.

The industrial chain layout, cutting-edge soul guidance technology, and private subsidiaries.

His fingertips traced across the light screen, enlarging and breaking down the "Tang Sect" section. One sub-item was separated out and labeled "Dazzling Tang Sect".

This is a high-end brand that Tangmen has created for itself, and it is also a window into Tangmen's image in the new era.

The Federation needs more resources to keep the massive machine running, to deal with the threats lurking in the shadows, and to realize some... much grander plans.

He needs funds, lots and lots of resources. If it weren't for the Holy Spirit Church lurking in the shadows, he would have started a war long ago!

Shrek Academy is temporarily unable to act.

But the Tang Clan, this money tree, still has lush branches and leaves, and its roots extend far and wide. It seems that it can even share some of the nutrients it draws with the land beneath its feet.

Hehehe, the person who invented the Tang Sect is a really good person. I was helpless fighting with Yun Ming, but the Tang Sect is different!

Especially the most glamorous and money-making branch, "Xuan Shi Tang Men".

I'm going to put them on a high pedestal.

On the light screen, the tax rate parameters for "Xuan Shi Tang Men" were silently displayed. He extended his index finger and gently flicked it upwards on the virtual numbers.

Then, an order was immediately issued.

He stood up and said to his secretary, "Check how the Xuan Shi Tang Men's social insurance is paid. If they've paid all of it, report it properly and set an example. If they haven't, report it properly too! And issue a public reprimand! Use this as a warning! Make an example of them!"

The secretary nodded, understanding that the Speaker of Parliament was suffering from financial difficulties again!

Despite the Federation's steady progress in various indicators, the rapid advancement of soul-guided technology, and the steady improvement in people's lives, this person standing at the pinnacle of power always harbored a cold anxiety about the resource black hole and a sense of foresight in his eyes.

What a good person who serves the country and its people!

No wonder no one can shake his position in the Federation.

Just as the secretary was about to turn around to carry out the order, the internal communicator in his suit pocket vibrated, emitting a very faint but not negligible buzzing sound.

He quickly took it out, glanced at the encryption code and the emergency sign on the front desk displayed on the screen, and listened intently.

A few seconds later, he covered the microphone, turned to Gu Yuexingyan, and lowered his voice, but it was clear enough: "Speaker, the front desk reports. Two people, carrying your private invitation, are requesting a meeting."

He added the two names, "Their names are Tang Ziran and Lang Yue."

Gu Yuexingyan was adjusting his cuffs with a faint smile.

The invitation... was sent by my secretary three years ago. I never expected it would take three years to arrive. It seems they really don't trust Tang Wulin. These adoptive parents feel more like Tang Wulin's parents.

Anyway, the Federation is on high alert against evil spirit masters. If even a fly slips through, I'll make trouble for Chen Xinjie, and he'll put pressure on his subordinates!

Now that Tang Wulin's parents are in my hands, Tang Wulin can be moved from the East China Sea to right under my nose!

"Bring them up." He gave the order without hesitation, without even asking his secretary about the purpose of their visit.

"Yes," the secretary replied briefly, whispering a few words into the communicator.

Gu Yuexingyan walked behind the large desk but did not sit down. He reached out and turned off the light screen, leaving only a warm glow in the room.

He walked to the small sofa against the wall, which was usually used for informal meetings. He didn't choose the head seat, but sat down on the single sofa to the side, his posture more relaxed, yet still upright.

After all, once we're here, we're one of our own.

A few minutes later, there was a light and steady knock on the door.

"Go in," Gu Yuexingyan said.

The door slid open slowly.

The secretary stepped aside to lead the way, and a simply dressed couple appeared at the door. Their expressions reflected the weariness of a long journey, as well as a deeper sense of worry.

Tang Ziran instinctively placed his hand protectively beside his wife, Lang Yue. After stepping into this room, which symbolized one of the highest powers in the Federation, a hint of hesitation inevitably flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a more determined light.

Now that we're here, we've already made our decision.

Gu Yuexingyan stood up, a perfectly measured, polite smile on his face, conveying a sense of distance.

"Mr. Tang, Ms. Lang," he nodded slightly, "please have a seat. I didn't expect it to be you. You must be tired from your journey."

The sofa was soft, yet it made it impossible to relax. Tang Ziran and Lang Yue sat side by side, their expressions still revealing tension.

Without much small talk, the secretary pushed two glasses of warm water in front of them, and Gu Yuexingyan went straight to the point:

"The invitations are still valid. I have faith in your abilities!" His gaze calmly swept over the two of them. "I admire Mr. Tang's expertise in mecha design, and I also need Ms. Lang's experience in pharmaceuticals. As for your identities, now that you've come to the Federation, you're Federation citizens for life!"

Tang Ziran's throat tightened, and he and his wife exchanged a quick glance. They had expected it to be about work, but they hadn't anticipated the other party's directness and thorough understanding of their profession. No wonder he was the Speaker of the Federal Parliament; he had investigated their background completely.

"To ensure you both focus on your work, my terms will naturally satisfy you," Gu Yuexingyan continued. "Your salary will be at the highest level for federal special-appointed experts. You'll also enjoy a full-pay family leave of one month each year. However, for security reasons, you'll be provided with bodyguards. All supporting resources will be allocated according to the highest priority of the project."

The terms were far more generous than expected. Tang Ziran felt his wife's hands, resting on her lap, tighten slightly.

One month each year, meaning they can spend every year with Tang Wulin.

"There's only one additional arrangement." Gu Yuexingyan's gaze lingered on the two faces for a moment, as if observing the most subtle reactions. "Bring your child to Mingdu. It boasts the most comprehensive education system on the entire continent, from elementary Soul Master academies to the highest research institutions. He should study here."

There was a few seconds of absolute silence in the room.

Tang Ziran and Lang Yue looked at each other again. There was almost no pause for thought.

"Speaker, I agree!" Tang Ziran's voice was a little hoarse, but unusually clear and firm. Lang Yue nodded vigorously beside her, her fingers tightly gripping her husband's sleeve.

Although there's a slight hidden agenda behind these conditions, as long as we don't do anything out of line, it'll be fine.

Gu Yuexing nodded slightly. "The secretary will follow up on the specific job documents and contracts. As for your children, someone will take care of them."