Chapter 147: Fulfillment

The Black Dragon was the first transcendent entity with the intention of applying for citizenship in the Xia State. The conditions required for its naturalization, as well as the treatment it would receive afterward, would establish a clear benchmark for other transcendent creatures wishing to naturalize in the future.

Therefore, the relevant authorities actually hoped that the Black Dragon could make this standard more rigorous and aligned with the national interests of the Xia State. Only then would there be a traceable precedent and greater confidence when discussing this issue with other interested transcendent creatures in the future.

However, this did not mean the Black Dragon had to accept every single condition proposed by internet users. After all, if it simply complied with all the whims of the netizens, the Black Dragon would appear entirely lacking in principle and dignity.

Thus, there had to be points where the Black Dragon expressed opposition and stood its ground, which would make its persona appear much more authentic.

Business and commerce constituted an excellent point of contention. It was common knowledge that dragons loved gold; if the Black Dragon were to accept even an overbearing term like the prohibition of engaging in trade, it would easily arouse suspicion about whether it was a true dragon and whether it possessed any independent stance at all.

Therefore, on the matter of doing business, the Black Dragon's attitude was resolute: since it was acquiring citizenship in the Xia State, it must lawfully enjoy the right to engage in business in accordance with the law!

Of course, business activities had to be conducted within the bounds of laws and regulations; there could be no bullying of market competitors or monopolistic operations, taxes must be paid according to the law, and all capital generated from business profits must remain within the country, with no transfer overseas by any means whatsoever...

It had to be said that the demands put forth by the Black Dragon were fair and comprehensive. After listening, the audience present all felt that its demands were entirely reasonable, and that the restriction against doing business could indeed be appropriately relaxed.

"As for transcendent creatures seeking naturalization, they must make significant contributions to the country."

The Black Dragon continued, "I find this point entirely justifiable. After all, this is the most effective way to build mutual trust. If one has no intention of serving the Xia State, it naturally raises suspicions about the true purpose of a transcendent creature wishing to acquire Xia State citizenship."

"Setting a probationary period for naturalized transcendent creatures... I can also accept this, and I suggest that this observation period should not be too short, starting at a minimum of two years..."

Speaking eloquently and with complete candor, the Black Dragon addressed the conditions proposed by the netizens one by one. It accepted the majority of them, while providing well-reasoned explanations for the few controversial points.

It must be said that through this press conference, the distance between the Black Dragon and the general public was instantly narrowed. Consequently, the audience present genuinely believed that the Black Dragon's heart was firmly set on the Xia State, and that it sincerely wished to obtain Xia State citizenship.

"Mr. Dius, there is still one crucial question that you have not addressed directly."

As the regular interaction session was drawing to a close, a young woman who had stepped onto the stage suddenly threw out a question, staring directly at the Black Dragon.

"That is regarding your romantic and marital affairs. Would you consider marrying a female citizen of the Xia State, and would any offspring born to you automatically acquire Xia State citizenship?"

***

"This question..."

The Black Dragon pondered for a moment before speaking. "To be honest, I have indeed considered this matter."

Considered my foot! This question was never in my script to begin with. This little wench is deliberately trying to make things difficult for me, a majestic black dragon!

Huang Ze felt extremely displeased inside, but since the question had already been posed, it wouldn't do to evade it. Therefore, overclocking his brain for a moment, he quickly came up with an idea.

"In principle, I will not consider marrying a citizen of the Xia State."

"Why? Do you feel that the people of our Xia State are not worthy of you?"

Good grief, she's actually bringing identity politics right to my doorstep!

The Black Dragon looked at the woman with some surprise. To be able to utter such words right in front of a black dragon meant her mental fortitude must be exceptionally strong, and her background was likely far from simple...

"Of course not. Rather, I am well aware that a union between a dragon and a human can never be a good match!"

The Black Dragon stated frankly, "Leaving other factors aside for the moment, simply regarding lifespan alone, there is an immense disparity."

"Without factoring in premature death or accidental fatalities, the theoretical lifespan of our kind can reach a thousand years, whereas the people of the Xia State currently live for less than a century. If the two combine, it will inevitably generate numerous irreconcilable problems."

"Therefore, since I have decided to join the Xia State and bind myself closely and lastingly to this collective, I naturally must fully respect the traditions, morals, and emotions of the people of the Xia State, and try my best to avoid emotional entanglements with everyone..."

"After all, as everyone knows, the habits of dragons are truly nothing to write home about—we are hardly ideal partners. Moreover, as you mentioned, any offspring I might produce would easily create complicated dilemmas... Therefore, to avoid trouble, in the future within the national borders, I will try my best to interact with everyone in my dragon form rather than in human form."

"Mr. Dius, I must say, you have considered everything so thoroughly that it is hard not to doubt whether you are truly a mighty black dragon!"

The woman looked straight into the Black Dragon's eyes and sighed with genuine emotion.

"You aren't bad yourself. I have never yet encountered a citizen of the Xia State whose heartbeat could remain as steady as yours while standing in front of me."

***

"Your identity must be quite extraordinary!"

The Black Dragon countered tit-for-tat. He could already sense that this woman was trouble nine times out of ten.

"That's right. I am one of the Chosen, a designated devotee appointed by the God of Light. Naturally, I am quite different from those ignorant compatriots of mine!"

The woman spoke open and aboveboard, revealing her true colors.

Damn it... She really came to wreck the venue!

The Black Dragon instantly turned serious. It felt a shred of admiration for the woman's courage in coming to disrupt an event of this magnitude; she clearly showed no regard for the nation or for the Black Dragon itself!

Of course, to have become the Chosen of the God of Light, it was hardly surprising that this woman would resort to extremism. Since she dared to show her face here today, she had likely long since cast aside any concern for her own life.

Much like placing an advertisement, her merely appearing here and declaring her identity meant she had already succeeded.

"I don't like talking to the lapdogs of deities."

The Black Dragon said coldly, "You have already stepped onto the wrong path, betraying your own country and compatriots. You are far inferior to even a dragon like me!"

"Heh, Mr. Dius, you..."

A smile appeared on the woman's face, and she was just about to engage in a proper debate with the Black Dragon to help spread the glorious name of her deity, when she was horrified to discover that she had suddenly lost the ability to speak!

The Black Dragon gave her no opportunity to perform at all, directly placing a silencing spell upon her!