Chapter 2437: Merely Out of Respect

“Well, no matter what, we must overthrow Parthia; this is our mission for coming here. Although we respect the equally powerful Han Empire, we will not change our strategy because of that. Respect also has its limits.” Pelinlius nodded in understanding, and the Roman demigod masters in the tent all nodded in agreement.

Sulinarari was staring at the Sky Piercer with the Golden Dragon on it, his interest greatly piqued, as if the Holy Spirit was also a way to enhance strength.

On the other side, Pompianus was meeting with Jian Yong. When Severus dispatched his troops, he also brought along the Han Dynasty diplomatic mission, intending to demonstrate to the Han Army what it means to handily defeat another empire and how to destroy the Parthian Empire.

Jian Yong did not refuse Severus’s proposal; since the discussions had not reached a conclusion, he also wanted to see what kind of war potential the Roman Empire truly possessed.

Therefore, Jian Yong naturally agreed to follow the army. Subsequently, Jian Yong witnessed many insane occurrences, such as large-scale Inner Qi Manifestation, powerful legions comparable to the Military Spirit Legion, and the insane troop deployment speed across the Mediterranean Sea.

Although Jian Yong had previously speculated on these aspects, he couldn’t help but acknowledge that Rome indeed seemed favored by the heavens. The Mediterranean Sea was practically the lifeline of Rome; as long as it remained under Roman control, the low cost of material transport for Rome was chilling.

Compared to the cargo capacity of land transport, the scale of sea transport far exceeded it. Along with the famously calm Mediterranean, the costs and losses of near-shore logistics were frighteningly low.

Plus, the Roman people’s respect for the Han Diplomatic Mission allowed Jian Yong the fortunate opportunity to browse some of the Roman Empire’s records. Although mostly ordinary records inscribed on clay tablets, the data detailing hydrology and climate gave Jian Yong a clear understanding of the Roman Empire’s living environment.

Compared to the Central Plains, Rome’s living environment was exceptionally favorable. The humid climate of the Mediterranean simplified agriculture.

Various newly invented agricultural tools, similar to those in the Central Plains, due to the ease of communication in this large Mediterranean basin, quickly spread across the entire country. This was also a significant reason why Roman agricultural standards were relatively balanced across different regions.

Of course, according to the clay tablets Jian Yong reviewed, although Roman agricultural yield was gradually improving, it seemed stuck at the Central Plains’ past yield of nearly three and a half stone per acre, making further breakthroughs difficult.

In other aspects, compared to the Han Dynasty, Rome had both superior and inferior traits. Currently, the number of superior traits of the Han Dynasty is increasing, while Jian Yong’s most profound impression of Rome after so long must be that giant bathhouse.

In military terms, accompanying the army along the way, Jian Yong witnessed the strength of Rome. The current troops mobilized only consisted of elite forces from the Britannia battle along with some Barbarian Army, still far from Rome’s absolute limit.

Regarding strength, based on Jian Yong’s current observation, they roughly matched the combined power of the Han Dynasty’s Three Great Feudal Lords during the Northern Frontier battle.

Perhaps even surpassing it, but without actually fighting a battle, it’s difficult for Jian Yong to discern which is stronger. The accumulation of the five Roman emperors is indeed profound, and with Severus’s strategic adjustments, the power expansion is beyond imagination. However, the Han Dynasty is still very strong, indeed very strong.

Jian Yong also witnessed the war in the Syrian Province afterward. There’s not much to say; Parthia was entirely no match for Rome. Although Parthia showed some highlights in the war, under the absolute power restraint of the Romans, they hardly had any power of counterattack.

As for the reinforcements from the Han Dynasty, Jian Yong observed them from afar. Though there was some concern, there was nothing much to say; his confidence in his compatriots remained unwavering.

Moreover, although Jian Yong didn’t quite understand military affairs, he had been influenced for many years and could see the situation clearly. It was evident the Romans had their own concerns, as they did not go all out against the Han Dynasty in this war.

Of course, this was before. When the winds and clouds changed and Lyu Bu appeared, Jian Yong was startled. After that, the Romans seemed to refrain from engaging further against the Han Army; a Guardian of the Roman Empire fought against Lyu Bu in a duel.

At that time, Jian Yong laughed at the opponent’s foolishness, though he didn’t particularly like Lyu Bu’s character, any Central Plains official knew there was a monster-level military general in the world, which was Lyu Bu, one that disregarded status, could be besieged directly.

However, after the Guardian of the Roman Empire gained victory under the Heavenly Thunder, Jian Yong was inexplicably bewildered. Was the representative of Han Empire’s martial force defeated just like that? Lyu Bu was an unparalleled supreme being who had never been defeated in a one-on-one across the Central Plains.

At that moment, Jian Yong felt not only lost but also rebellious, even hoping that the Lyu Bu he always disliked would fight back again, as Lyu Bu represented the martial power of the Han Empire at this time.

Then, while Jian Yong was shouting in his heart, the Sky Dome shattered, and that recognizable weapon, the Sky Piercer, was thrown over. It took dozens of Romans to deflect it, and then the distant mountain collapsed, causing the terrain to sink.

At that moment, although Jian Yong trembled at Lyu Bu’s power, a sense of approval was born in his heart. Could this man truly represent the martial strength of the Han Empire? How could he lose? It was only reasonable. The previous defeat of the avatar was probably due to his clumsy manipulation in the Heavenly Realm.

Yes, Su was very strong, but the terrain sinking in the Syrian Province was more indicative of what was called Celestial God Lyu Bu. This was the first time Jian Yong had a moral recognition of Lyu Bu. Despite his awful character, he was still an excellent martial representative of the Han Empire.

Then came the booming voice transmission in Han language from the heavens. Jian Yong found it thrilling. It should be this way. At this moment, he knew that the Romans would definitely come to talk with him, hahaha.

Sure enough, the Romans came. Pipunannus, the guy who served both as the Roman Empire’s Finance Officer and Severus’ Scribe Officer, came personally, and compared to before in Rome, he was more respectful to Jian Yong as a member of the Han Dynasty.

Although the Romans already knew that the Han Territory was strong, this time they witnessed the Military Spirit Legion of the Han Empire and the Supreme Being of the Han Empire. Naturally, Rome respected the Han Empire more, as for a mighty empire, only another mighty empire could be respected.

“Mr. Jian, you probably already know my intention.” Pipunannus smiled and saluted Jian Yong, his smile warmer than ever due to witnessing the Celestial God.

“Yes, similarly, Your Excellency also knows what I mean,” Jian Yong responded warmly. Such is the etiquette of the Han Empire: if you treat me kindly, I will definitely not treat you harshly.

“This point, we all know it. However, having witnessed your country’s Celestial God Lyu Bu, we have a deeper understanding of your country’s strength.” Pipunannus didn’t care about Jian Yong’s words. This move was just a gesture; whether it worked didn’t matter as long as the gesture was made. Could they really refrain from acting because of Celestial God Lyu Bu?

Though surrounding and suppressing Lyu Bu with a large army, then a group of people killing him, such actions seem rogue and unfitting for the empire’s identity, but when it reaches that level, what else is there to say? Compared to national interests, a little face matters not.

“I think you better call him Marquis Wenn. In our country, calling him directly by name is considered a provocation.” Jian Yong said smilingly, and Pipunannus immediately noted this from him.

[Marquis Wenn? Meaning the opponent is also a Grand Noble. Well, that’s a key point. I wonder how the relationship between their noble lineage and the Imperial Family is.] This thought crossed Pipunannus’ mind instantly, as such is a Roman habit.

If one were to say Jian Yong and Pipunannus were negotiating for the two empires, it would be more appropriate to say they were chatting, with more cultural exchange between the two sides. Regarding war, Pipunannus understood Jian Yong’s intent before Jian Yong spoke.

Just like Severus never mentioned the war in the Roman Eastern Province back in Rome, this time Jian Yong chose to remain blind, acting like he knew nothing. Fight on; the matter in Parthia doesn’t matter whether discussed or not. Only one thing does — we’ve given you respect; the rest is our own business now.

Jian Yong also clearly understood that this time the Romans were determined to wipe out Parthia. If the current military force is insufficient, a larger army will come later. This determination will not waver because of Lyu Bu’s strength. The timing of this talk was truly just for face value.

After Pipunannus expressed his goodwill, he departed. Jian Yong didn’t mention Parthia or Han Dynasty reinforcements. Pipunannus acted as if he saw nothing. In the upcoming war, if they met and died, it was bad luck for them. The same applies if Rome couldn’t advance; it has nothing to do with the Han Dynasty. This attitude speaks volumes about both sides’ stances.

“Elder Nangong, how is it?” Jian Yong asked after Pipunannus left.

“The Roman Empire is indeed very strong. Sulinarari is probably the strongest under Marquis Wenn, but Marquis Wenn is excessively strong.” Nangong Xue’s face twitched. Lyu Bu’s defeat was indeed surprising, but Nangong Xue was not too shocked. In battles, when the gap between both sides is not big, performance is crucial. He doesn’t have the invincible mindset for Lyu Bu, and thus losing meant nothing to him.

But what happened afterward made Nangong Xue doubt his eyes; that final move by Lyu Bu seemed like a natural disaster. At that moment, he truly understood what it meant to be invincible. The previous defeat was probably due to the distance being too far, which led to the Will Body being trapped.