Their footsteps froze.
The middle-aged woman in noble garb turned back. _”This is His Highness our Grand Duke’s…
Yao Xiaoqin immediately cut her off and said to Yang Zicang, “I hadn’t finished what I was saying. His Highness the Crown Prince will prepare tickets for the two of us—one for me, and one for him—to journey to the next continental epoch, so President, you need not trouble yourself. “
The man smiled and said, “Yes, Mr. Buchen. Our Highness the Crown Prince possesses the qualifications to head to the next land and continue establishing a new state. After all, the principles of their governance have already been proven in this continent. Moreover, this also owes much to the assistance of Mistfolk like yourself. “
“Especially in light of this incident, ” added another man with an oval face, who looked to be in his late thirties, “it has fully proven that our Grand Duchy of Herzogenhochburg is a fertile soil for nurturing new ideas. “
Yang Zicang felt a blockage in his chest, as if a breath was stuck and wouldn’t rise.
The man stepped forward twice, carrying himself with considerable poise.
“I hope you will continue your efforts, Mr. Yang. I believe that within two days, one of our special envoys will come to invite you to give a speech—to lend momentum to this ideological trend that brings a new life to the people. By that time, Sir Hero, this monumental feat of yours should be enough to earn you the glory due to your Mistfolk. We’ll meet again in a few days. ” He turned his head and said, “Let’s go. “
……
He Yishu’s injuries were worrisome, but nothing new could be gleaned from this side any longer.
They waited another day, and eventually, the man from the trade fair found his way to them. This time, he was dressed smartly and crisply.
“Sorry to have kept you waiting, Sir Hero. “
“This name card is what you want. However, producing it requires a special place, and for the time being, I cannot take others there. “
“Ah, I see! ” Shegui looked very disappointed.
After Yang Zicang told him the relevant information about the sub-ether force field, the man became even more discouraged.
“Such a dangerous place, ” Shegui hesitated, looking up. “Sir, you know that many people wouldn’t dare to stay long in the Sub-Ether World even if they had the nameplates. This has been a puzzling issue for me, and I thank you for your explanation today. “
“I’m sorry I couldn’t help you. Regarding the mask you gave me… “
Yang Zicang thought for a moment with slight unease and said, “I can pay you a handsome sum. I believe even tens of thousands of silver coins is no small amount for such a mask. “
“Those things are fine. “
The man straightened his back, pulling himself together, and said:
“Actually, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask of you. I didn’t come these past few days because I left Hydrapower City to confirm the status of that place, and it’s still exactly the same as before. “
“What is it? “
“A somewhat peculiar factory research lab. Please don’t tell outsiders—it used to be a research laboratory of the Golden Shell Federation, collaborating with Hertzholtzburg. “
-｛Distributor May Valkyrie has started to take an interest in my current life experiences.｝
It was about the Golden Shell Federation.
This was also something that had recently piqued Yang Zicang’s curiosity. He had been spending days reading magazines and literature about the scientific world; however, materials on scientific research had long been tacitly downplayed and kept within small circles. Only professionals, not the general public, usually accessed livelihood-related topics.
“I believe you must already know what happened afterward with the Golden Shell Federation. “
“Indeed, the outcome of that research was truly a tragedy. ” Yang Zicang couldn’t help but grieve for them.
“But recently, that laboratory has been plagued by Nightmares again, and the few villagers living nearby have all left because of it.“
Yang Zicang’s head shot up. “How could there be Nightmares without the creation of some sort of scientific artifact?“
The man’s gaze lowered briefly, then he looked up and said, “Are you interested in dealing with the danger there? If you’re willing to help with this, I can forgo all those Silver Coins, and I’ll also help you pick some materials you need.“
Yang Zicang could already sense something was off.
“Then please, let’s sit down and talk.“
According to Shegui, people nowadays were no longer willing to actively get involved in dealing with these inconspicuous anomalies.
“Mm…” After hearing the description, Yang Zicang clasped his hands together and placed them on his knees, thinking about that elusive little metal bird.
Right now, he was like a dangerous time bomb. The only places that could offer him the maximum protection were the sub-aether locale where he rented the land, and the Divine Hotel.
If he went out, he could easily run into danger.
Unless he had a large amount of Chronos to guarantee his safety… but where could he possibly find Chronos now?
For a moment, Yang Zicang felt overwhelmed and at his wit’s end.
-｛Distributor May Valkyrie, with her wealth of experience, indicates that I am gestating the prelude to a brand-new glory.｝
Is that even possible…? Suddenly, an idea struck Yang Zicang. But if he did that, he might just end up bringing that invisible, wretched bird back with him.
He immediately stood up and said to the man on the sofa across the table, “Alright, follow me to a place. I’ll conduct an experiment while I’m at it. “
“An experiment? ” Shegui followed him with some curiosity as he stood up.
The two of them walked toward the rented office building, Yang Zicang pondering the feasibility of his plan: would a powerhouse like that actually agree to help him?
After hearing their purpose, the regional affairs liaison officer said, “That bird is indeed a huge problem. We’ve already looked into it—it’s a ‘Life Alchemy’ creation discovered by the Steffen people from the Royal Court. “
Leading them behind the counter, Lion Angulo handed over a report that had been sitting there the whole day.
“Generally speaking, alchemical creatures of this kind belong to the Lunar Realm. But this one is different. As for more details, only the Steffen themselves know that clearly. Wait a moment, both of you—I’ll go find Commissioner Zheng Zhaonan. “
Before long, Yang Zicang was taken by the liaison officer to meet this commissioner.
On the surface, he looked like any ordinary person—tall, with rough skin, wearing oversized leather shoes and loose yet formal attire. But at first glance, there was something different about his aura. It felt both profound and illusory, as if an invisible membrane rippled around him. Yet when you looked closely, there was nothing there.
“Hello, sir. I appreciate your help with that strange bird earlier. “
“You’re welcome. It’s my duty. Just call me Zhao Nan. ” Zheng Zhaonan leaned forward, his body reaching the edge of the table as he handed Yang Zicang a cigar. Yang waved his hand in refusal, and the commissioner smiled. “I already know what you need. According to the rental land’s custom, if you want someone to do you a favor, you either help each other out in return, or pay a certain fee ortimelines. You want to take some people back to your hotel, right? “
Yang Zicang nodded. Facing Rental Land’s intelligence network, he didn’t believe they were unaware that he had taken control of the Fetsu Hotel.
After all, behind Rental Land stood the Holy Ring Council; Yang Zicang still had a fair amount of trust in it.
“It would seem rather presumptuous of me to directly propose an exchange involving hotel-related assistance. How about this: I’d like you to make a small pledge. Whether you can fulfill it or not, I’ll still help you with this favor. “
“And that would be? “
“Hmm… If you can manage to take control of the Divine Hotel before leaving this continent, I’d like to ask you to open the Hotel Door and bring some of the original inhabitants away from this continent, to the Next Era Land. “
The man’s eyes held a genuine sincerity.
“You know, ” Yang Zicang said, “that’s something only gods and saints can accomplish. “
A flicker of astonishment crossed Yang Zicang’s face. “I… I’m still a long way from that step. Besides, by mid-next month, I’ll… “
Zheng Zhaonan laughed as he stood up. “I’m just saying it here. Don’t put pressure on yourself. There are many things you can’t do that you don’t necessarily have to handle alone. ” He patted Yang Zicang on the shoulder. “Relax, just follow me. “
Shegui never expected that he would be able to follow this gentleman from the newspaper directly into the core area of the Fogfolk’s leased territory.
In a small room behind the main building, Yang Zicang and Shegui were enveloped by a Stellar Yuan fluctuation radiating from Zheng Zhaonan’s hand, who confirmed they weren’t hiding anything before saying, “Now go ahead and do what you need to do. I’ll block out any abnormal influences around you. “
Yang Zicang nodded. Under Shegui’s curious gaze, he pulled off a silk scarf from his shoulder—and with a flick of his hand, it unfurled with a rustle, spreading into a large blanket.
At that very moment, faint phantom silhouettes emerged from Zheng Zhaonan’s body before him, and one by one, subtle rings of light surfaced around his pupils.
One ring… two rings… three rings—fully five rings ignited in total!
Shegui stared in shock as the man raised his hand, aiming at the blanket that had begun to curl upward around them—a hazy radiance shrouding the entire area.
“A Full-Moon level… Angel? “
｛I tip 10 for the lockpick at COSTELLA HOTEL.｝
A shift in glow and texture—and beside the data, Yang Zicang sensed that the surrounding atmosphere was already different.
He turned to look at the man beside him, who still wore a hint of dazed bewilderment.
- ｛Distributor May Valkyrie states that I have completed the birth of a brand-new “Glory of Radiance. “｝
- ｛Distributor February. Di’an is watching my current life experience.｝
- ｛Distributor Di’an is emitting confusion and perplexity.｝ “Here… ” Shegui stared at the room, which looked a bit strange from beyond the unrolled carpet. “Don’t worry about where this is. Follow me. We’ll go out, and then head to the place you mentioned. ” “Oh, okay. ” Shegui, rather dazed and disoriented, followed Yang Zicang toward the door. No matter how knowledgeable he was, facing a place that seemed like something out of legend left him utterly bewildered. “President, and this is? ” “Nothing. I just came down to let you know that bird has already gone outside with me earlier. It’s best if you don’t enter or leave the hotel recently. That ship is no longer usable; it might be staked out. “
The two women both sighed with a mixture of frustration and relief.
“So, President, where will you choose for this invitation room? “
“Uh, I heard you have a villa over there in Havenkreuz? ” Yang Zicang asked Xue Qi, who had a glass of fruit wine in front of her. “Do you own it? “
“Of course! ” Xue Qi said smugly, then suddenly realized something and warily asked, “Wait, are you going to transfer it to your name? “
“Hmm… just rent it to me for a month, that’ll do. “
Only then did Xue Qi truly breathe a long sigh of relief.
……
｛I begin to invite FeeHotel room 203 to be a guest in my room.｝
Holding the Clover Seal, Yang Zicang, under the watchful eye of Manager Mus, stamped it on the contract page. Suddenly, he felt a faint, fleeting connection to a room somewhere in reality, which then slowly dissipated.
“Let’s go, Ms. Xue Qi, ” Yang Zicang said with a smile, putting away the papers in his hand. “Take us to see your estate. “
After confirming that He Yishu was still in a strange coma, the group stepped into Room 203. The surrounding walls began to ripple violently. This time, Shegui watched in awe as within seconds, what had been a luxurious hotel suite transformed into an even more opulent bedroom!
“Wow, Qiqi, so this is your place? Ah, and that up ahead—that’s the president’s friend! “
Turning his head, Yang Zicang saw a massive oil painting of Hong Haocheng hanging on the warm white wall directly opposite the bed.
The figure in the image had been reposed, painted like a triumphant general, graciously smiling as he received an award.
A wave of heat instantly surged through Yang Zicang’s head, blazing hot.
“Cough… uh, well… ” Xue Qi deflected the topic somewhat. “These days, you probably see these paintings everywhere—along the streets, in stores… you should understand, President. “
In his mind, Yang Zicang already wanted nothing more than to leave this place immediately.
Suddenly, a graceful figure came bounding to the doorway with a soft thud. Haili Koni peeked in, wearing a casual long skirt, her long curls cascading down over her shoulders.
Catching sight of the few people who had suddenly appeared, “What are you all… ” After a moment of hesitation, her gaze suddenly fell upon the man whose face bore burn scars.
“Is it… Mr. Bucheng…? “
Seeing this graceful yet spirited figure appear, Yang Zicang’s heart suddenly clenched. He desperately wanted to grab something to cover his face.
The northwest of Blackweizke partially borders the Grand Duchy of Herzenhorzburg, and between them lies the Republic of Waldestadt, which has fallen into a state of fragmentation.
Due to the geographical constraints of the northwest region, apart from the highway, very few people cross the borders of the two countries from there.
After having a meal together, Yang Zicang listened to Hailikoni’s comforting words.
“Since you’re here anyway, come with me to be interviewed before you leave. This way, the labor movement issues here should be resolved faster. “
“Huh, hasn’t Major General Ross solved this problem yet? ” Xue Qi put down her knife and fork to ask.
“They’ve actually already solved it; it’s just that there are some procedures left to complete. I believe we’ll have good news in a day or two. “
Seeing that Yang Zicang was really about to leave, Hailikoni stood up gracefully, “Will you come back? “
“I might come back a few more times this month. I’m just not sure about the exact time. “
Having said that, after Xue Qi led away Hailikoni and the other natives, Yang Zicang went to the woods outside the manor. Flicking his silk scarf open, they both ascended in an instant into the sky shrouded with dark clouds.
“What an unbelievable method. ” Shegui no longer wished to offer any further commentary.
“It’s only with you that I dare reveal myself like this; otherwise… ” Yang Zicang shook his head. If it had been any other native, they might have ended up becoming a Crossing Person because of it.
The flying carpet weaved through the layers of clouds.
As he let the man beside him relax with his eyes closed and lie down for a rest, Yang Zicang pulled the document about the rental land from his pocket.
Since the rental land shared this file about the metal bird unconditionally, Yang Zicang was still deeply grateful, silently reading the text inscribed on it.
“What are you looking at? “
Suddenly, a fine, sharp voice came from Yang Zicang’s shoulder. His body jolted as if electrified, tumbling sideways, his gaze piercing sharply toward its source.
The owner of that voice had already scurried onto his head and pecked at it, saying, “Rolling all over the carpet again, huh, Cuckoo? “
Startled by the commotion, Shegui scrambled upright in a sitting position. Seeing Yang Buchen on the great carpet staring warily at a flickering shadow before him, it suddenly landed on the carpet’s surface. It was a small, lovely cuckoo bird, but… somehow, it seemed off, as if it were made of enamel-like metal.
“You… how did you suddenly appear? “
“Huh? ” the little bird tilted its head oddly. “Didn’t we sign a covenant, Cuckoo? “
Yang Zicang stood there, stunned.
Little Bird’s face instantly turned gloomy, and she sneezed, saying:
“A random runner who signed an alliance but screwed over allies for big points~ if you try to flee Cuckoo’s pursuit again, be careful I ask the Big Client to hunt you down! “
Big Client? Yang Zicang recalled it for a moment, and then the majestic silhouette of Soldier No.4 standing amidst the ruins of a city surfaced in his mind.
“D-damn it! “
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