"Is it almost done, little sister Luo Ning?" Sabo asked, a note of helplessness in his voice. Over a week had passed since Luo Ning's master had sought out the old city lord, who then tasked Sabo with overseeing the legion's affairs.
In response to Luo Ning's directives, nearly all legion members had been mobilized, tirelessly working on arrangements and adjustments. Sabo believed these efforts were unnecessary.
"Dongwu City has 300 launch silos, each missile covering a seven-kilometer radius," he reasoned. "If those invaders dare to attack en masse, they'll be obliterated on sight. Plus, the intercontinental missiles in the four eastern cities can support us with nearly 500 additional launch silos. What enemy can withstand such firepower?"
To Sabo, this seemed like a colossal waste of time; he'd rather generate another hundred million yuan.
Luo Ning smiled reassuringly. "That's enough. Dongwu City is no longer in danger."
Sabo exhaled in relief. "Alright, I'll be on my way. If you need anything, just contact the old city lord. I'll be out of Dongwu City."
With that, Sabo left decisively, feeling that any delay would be an insult to the profit-minded.
This was the first time he had been confined in the city since becoming the treasurer. Outside awaited a world of possibilities. He possessed valuable resources—evil god materials, devil materials, and more. Strengthening himself and generating wealth felt far more productive than managing affairs that anyone in power could handle.
Luo Ning closed her eyes, feeling the fluctuations of fate swirling around her. Each vision revealed a shifting future: a terrifying monster that was supposed to emerge had vanished, and the impending war had been postponed indefinitely.
With a sigh of relief, she said, "Master, let's head back. Sister Irene is still waiting for me."
Aisha smiled and nodded, lifting Luo Ning into the air. "Why do you insist on letting everyone stand idly by?"
Luo Ning's growth had been rapid; under Aisha's mentorship, she had reached level 28. All the resources Aisha had were funneled to her, and even if Aisha lacked something, she could secure it from the Federation or Dongwu City. With SSS-level potential, the Federation would provide ample resources without her lifting a finger.
However, Luo Ning pondered, "I'm not sure. I just know that this approach helps keep Dongwu City out of war."
Aisha gently touched Luo Ning's head, a mixture of pride and concern in her expression. "You can be bolder. See the bigger picture instead of skirting around it. Dawn will support you; there's no danger."
Luo Ning nodded, feeling a twinge of conflict. "I understand, but my intuition tells me that I shouldn't burden others."
As Aisha flew her into Tobu City, she added, "That's fine, but remember to communicate with Master if you have questions. The city lord has his own path and won't always be around. Don't repeat the mistakes of the past."
"I understand, Master," Luo Ning replied, her gaze dropping in slight embarrassment.
Despite her newfound abilities, she often sought Bai Yi's guidance whenever faced with challenges. Before becoming the seventh top potential, she had perceived malice everywhere—from neighbors to extraordinary beings, even beggars. This negativity had frightened her, especially on the day her mother froze to death. Despite her foresight, she had been powerless to save her.
Since then, she had lived cautiously, numbed by fear until she met Bai Yi, a rare soul devoid of ill intent. Now, when conflict loomed over Dongwu City, her instinct was to reach out to him. Unfortunately, he was unreachable, having entered Night Town, leaving Aisha to notice her distress.
Feeling a flush of warmth at the thought, Luo Ning followed Aisha into Dawn Pharmacy.
"Ah, Xiao Luo Ning is back. Unfortunately, I don't want to see you," Irene lamented, her expression one of despair.
For Irene, Luo Ning's return signaled the end of her brief vacation. Though she had reached the lower silver level, she longed to avoid work, while only Luo Ning tolerated long hours.
"Um, Sister Irene, you're already proficient now. You don't need to practice anymore. I remember telling you that before I left," Luo Ning replied, her eyes wide with confusion.
Irene paused, doubt flickering in her eyes. "When did you say that? Didn't you insist I wouldn't treat you in your absence?"
"Of course not! We've successfully treated at least 20,000 patients together. Our collaboration has met the boss's expectations," Luo Ning stated earnestly.
Tears welled in Irene's eyes as she stood and embraced Luo Ning tightly. "Finally, my hard days are over! I love you, Luo Ning!"
Helplessly, Luo Ning felt a disconnect with Irene's exuberance. Just as she was about to respond, her phone rang with a special tone. Surprise lit her face as she pulled it from her pocket.
"The boss replied! He said he'll be back soon!" she exclaimed.
Irene's excitement faltered, and she turned to Aisha. "Master, can we go out and play for a few days? Just a month?"
Aisha smiled. "Of course, but you can't leave Tobu City."
"Great!" Irene cheered. She then turned to Luo Ning. "Do you want to join us?"
"No, I'll wait for the boss here," Luo Ning declined, content with her fulfilling life.
"Okay, then goodbye. Master, hurry back! I feel like I owe the capitalist a fortune for the knowledge I've gained."
Outside Nanling City.
[Mission: Night Containment (Completed).]
[You receive 1 God's Inscription, 10 attribute points, 10 skill points, 3 million experience points.]
[You have upgraded to level 56.]
[Your world count has increased. Current worlds: 2.]
Bai Yi examined the ancient inscription in his hand, deep in thought. Despite the destruction of all three rule areas, the coveted Tears of Rules had eluded him. Each kingdom had five mutation zones; if the explosion rate was 25%, he should have received more than one.
Realizing he might be trapped for a while, Bai Yi felt grateful for the player forum's insights about Dongwu City. With war looming, abandoning Tobu Castle for a chance at the Tears of Rules wasn't an option. Dongwu City was too vital.
He studied the God's Inscription further.
[Name: God's Inscription.]
Property: ???
Effect: ???
Introduction: An artifact from the new god, imbued with destiny's power and inscribed with words only comprehensible to deities.
The vague attributes gave him pause. The power of destiny—something he didn't fully grasp yet. Perhaps retaining this inscription was wise for future endeavors.
Bai Yi decided to set aside the complexities of the inscription for now, focusing instead on growth rather than unraveling mysteries.
Suddenly, a message chimed in his mind.
Ling: [Connected to the Bone Dragon network. The Bone Dragon is en route. Received a message from Luo Ning: Boss, it seems like war is imminent. What should I do?]
Bai Yi paused, a smile creeping onto his face. "Luo Ning, it's been a while. I miss you."
[Tell her I'll be back soon.]
Zero: [Message sent.]
With a roar, the mighty dragon filled the sky, echoing its presence. Bai Yi summoned his mental power, lifting himself onto the dragon's back.
The Bone Dragon soared at Mach 5, covering 2,000 kilometers in the blink of an eye.
Nanling City remained unchanged, a testament to elven governance, always pristine yet stagnant. The city's economy lagged, but its cohesion was unshakeable, especially with a formidable silver legion of 30,000.
Upon reaching the City Lord's Mansion, everything appeared as it had before his departure. Addis and Qinxia awaited under the Tree of Life, their faces betraying no excitement at his return.
Bai Yi remained seated on the dragon. An ice card materialized in his hand, which he sent to Addis with a flick of his mental power.
"Lord Addis, prepare Nanling City. War is on the horizon, and we'll need more soldiers."
Bai Bai cautioned, "The elven population is limited."
Addis nodded, his expression serious. "I understand."
Bai Yi signaled to the Bone Dragon, which erupted into action, hurtling into the sky at Mach 5, leaving a streak in the clouds.
Addis regarded Bai Yi's retreating figure, his eyes narrowing. "Prepare for war. You'll be at the forefront when the time comes."
"Yes, Master," Qinxia replied, her eyes alight with determination. The matriarchal society of elves meant that only female warriors, particularly from the Flame Tribe, engaged in battle. She had awaited this moment eagerly.
Bai Yi, high above on the dragon, scanned recent events. Though he had only been in Night Town for thirteen days, the actions of Dongwu City's Legion had caught public attention. The federal network buzzed with a sense of foreboding.
He sent an order: [Inform the parliament I'll be in the capital in seven hours for a meeting.]
Zero: [Message sent.]
Reflecting on his two-year absence from the capital, Bai Yi felt a bittersweet nostalgia. He was no longer the timid alchemist but a city lord with the potential to influence the federation.
He recalled a particular mission on his mind.
[Mission: Boss's Ambition.]
Task Characteristics: Position-based.
Description: Secure at least one promotion and greater authority within the specified timeframe.
Duration: 46 days and 13 hours.
Rewards: Boss Expertise × 1, Legendary Degree × 5, Skill Points × 10, Free Attribute Points × 10.
Additional Rewards: Vary by position and power.
Bai Yi rarely focused on this task but noted its significance. The rewards had escalated with Dongwu City's growth, a reflection of its increased influence.
With over forty days remaining, he wondered what changes might unfold. The potential for random rewards and titles excited him, especially with Luo Ning by his side.
"Luck is a science," he mused, "knowing when and how to seize opportunities."
Bai Yi settled onto his mechanical throne, the landscape of the federation becoming increasingly familiar as they approached. A sudden sense of crisis gripped him.
Who would dare challenge him here, at the heart of the federation?
But as a wave of undead energy surged forth and the Bone Dragon began to falter, he realized he was mistaken.
"Boss, I'm being controlled. The force is too strong to resist."
Bai Yi sighed. "Miss, this is not a friendly way to greet someone."