The figures of the group halted.
The middle-aged woman, dressed like a noble, turned back and said, “This gentleman is our Grand Duke Consort’s…“
Yao Xiaoqin immediately cut her off, then said to Yang Zicang, “I hadn’t finished what I was saying. The Grand Duke has promised to prepare passage tickets for me and my people to the Next Era Land, so we won’t be needing your concern, President. “
The man smiled and said, “Indeed, Mr. Buchen. Our Grand Duke is qualified to travel to the next continent and continue building a new nation, after all, their philosophy of governance has already been proven on this continent. Besides, this is all thanks to the assistance of esteemed Fogtide citizens like you. “
“Especially with this recent event, ” another oval-faced man in his late thirties chuckled, “It has fully proven that our Herzogstvo of Hillhorsequarter is the nurturing ground for new ideas. “
Yang Zicang felt a lump in his throat, as if a breath choked him and couldn’t rise.
The man stepped forward twice, displaying considerable poise.
“I hope you, Mr. Yang, will continue your efforts. I believe in a couple of days, one of our specially assigned officers will invite you to deliver a lecture, to give this trend of thought that brings a new life to the people an extra push. By then, Sir Hero, this great deed of yours should be enough to grant you the glory owed to you Fogtide people. We shall meet again in a few days. ” He then turned and said, “Let’s go. “
……
He Yishu’s injuries were a matter of concern, but little new information could be gleaned from this situation for the time being.
After waiting another day, the man from the trade fair finally found this place. This time, he was dressed very sharply and crisply.
“Sir Hero, I apologize for the wait. “
“This business card contains what you desire. However, crafting it requires a special place, so I cannot take anyone else there for now. “
“Oh, I see! ” Shegui’s disappointment was plain to see.
After Yang Zicang told him the intelligence about the sub-ether force field, the man became completely disheartened.
“Such a dangerous place. ” Heguai looked up, torn with indecision. “Sir, you know, many people wouldn’t dare to linger long in the sub-ether world even with the referral pad—this was something that once perplexed me greatly. I thank you for your answer today. “
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of help to you. As for the mask you gave me… “
Yang Zicang thought for a moment, feeling a twinge of guilt, and said, “I can pay you a sizable sum. I believe that even tens of thousands of silver coins are no small amount for this mask. “
“That’s not really a big issue. “
The man straightened his posture, picked himself up, back and shifted gears.
“Actually, there’s another thing I’d like your help with. I didn’t come by these past few days because I had time left over Hydra Power City to confirm something—the place there, it’s still exactly the same as before. “
“What is it? “
“Rather eerie lab with some gone-wrong facility. Please, and ask—Don’t let word gets out. It used to be a research laboratory Run together with the Ganvilburg Holding Lab—back When The Gold Shell Federation brought its Races Together. “
-｛Distributor May Valkyrie begins following my hour-over current fate path.｝-
So this has something as basis…
This piqued already Stas Zicy his old burning curiosity! He had buried exactly have these times stuck hung-over from magazines, work, reading into how near Sciences exist within the various front histories over possible as documents of the age relating…
_”By now,’ The man continued! even well will exist how what ways closed your eyes yourselves up tight round knew might just been never how through name …
“Yes, the consequences of those studies were truly tragic. ” Even Yang Zicang couldn’t help but feel sorry for them.
“But recently, some more nightmares have appeared in that lab, and the few villagers around have all left because of it. “
Yang Zicang suddenly looked up. “Without the creation of scientific artifacts, how could nightmares emerge? “
The man’s gaze lowered briefly before he looked up and said, “Are you interested in handling the dangers there? If you’re willing to help with this, I won’t take any of those silver coins, and I can even help you choose some materials you need. “
Yang Zicang was already starting to sense something strange.
“Then please, let’s sit down and talk. “
According to Shegui, there are very few people willing to actively deal with those obscure anomalies nowadays.
“Hmm… ” After listening to the description, Yang Zicang clasped his hands and rested them on his knees, thinking about that elusive metal little bird.
Right now, he himself was essentially a dangerous ticking time bomb. Only places devoid of sub-ether like the rented land, or the Divine Hotel, could offer him the greatest protection.
If he went out, he could easily encounter danger.
Unless he had a large amount of Chrono to guarantee his safety… but where could he even find Chrono now?
Yang Zicang felt a headache coming on for a moment.
-｛Distributor May Valkyrie, with her rich experience, indicated that I am giving birth to the prelude of a brilliant new era.｝
Can it really be done like this? Suddenly, Yang Zicang thought of something. But if that were the case, it might also risk bringing back that invisible, detestable bird along with him.
So he immediately stood up and said to the man on the sofa across the table, “Tell you what, come with me to a place. I’ll conduct an experiment while I’m at it. “
“An experiment? ” Shegui looked a bit puzzled as he rose to follow.
The two walked toward the rental office building, Yang Zicang pondering the likelihood of his plan’s success: Would someone that powerful be willing to do him this favor?
After hearing their purpose, the regional affairs liaison officer said, “That bird is indeed a huge headache. We’ve already looked into it; it’s a creation of the ‘Life Alchemy’ study discovered by the Steffen People in the King’s Court. “
Leading the two to the back of the counter, Lion Angulo handed over a report that had been sitting there all day.
“Generally speaking, similar alchemical life-forms belong to the Lunar Realm. But this one is different. As for further details, only the Steffen People themselves know. Please wait a moment while I go find Commissioner Zheng Zhaonan. “
Before long, the liaison officer led Yang Zicang to meet this commissioner.
Although he seemed like an ordinary person—tall stature, rough skin, wearing oversized leather shoes and loose but formal attire—one glance was enough to feel that his aura set him apart: it felt both profound and oddly ethereal, as if an invisible membrane gently moved around him. Yet, upon closer inspection, there was nothing there.
“Hello, sir. I’m very grateful for your intervention against that strange bird the other day. “
“You’re welcome. It was my duty. Just call me Zhao Nan. ” Zheng Zhaonan leaned forward, propping himself against the edge of the table, and offered Yang Zicang a cigar. Yang waved it off, refusing. The commissioner chuckled, “I already know what you need. According to the rules of the Leased Land, when you ask someone for a favor, it’s either tit for tat, or you pay a fee—or some time-sequence. You want to take some people back to that hotel of yours, right? “
Yang Zicang nodded. Facing the intelligence network of the Leased Land, he didn’t believe they were unaware that he was currently in control of the Fee Travel Hotel.
After all, the Leased Land was backed by the Holy Ring Council; Yang Zicang still had a fair amount of trust in it.
“To just make a straightforward request for help with the hotel would seem rather presumptuous of me. So, here’s the deal: I’d like to ask you for asmallpromise. Regardless of whether you can pull it off or not, I’ll still lend you a hand with this favor. “
“And what might that be? “
“Hmm… If, before you leave this continent, you manage to take control of the Divine Hotel, I’d like to entrust you with opening its door and escorting some of thelocalsaway from this continent, heading for the Next Era Land. “
The man’s eyes carried a surprisingly sincere glint.
“You know, that’s something onlygodsandsaintscan manage. “
Yang Zicang was taken aback. “I… I’m still a long way off from that step. And besides, by mid-next month, I’ll be… “
Zheng Zhaonan rose to his feet with a reassuring smile. “I’m just throwing it out there. No need to feel pressured. Many things that seem impossible don’thaveto be shouldered alone. ” He gave Yang Zicang a firm pat on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it. Just follow me. “
Shegui never expected that he would be able to follow this gentleman from the newspaper directly into the core site of the Fog People’s Concession.
In a small room behind the main building, Yang Zicang and Shegui stood as Zheng Zhaonan raised his hand and spread out fluctuation traces of Stellar Yuan, thoroughly checking them for any concealed items. He then said, “Now, go ahead and do what you need to do. I’ll help isolate you from any abnormal influences in the surroundings. “
Yang Zicang nodded, and under Shegui’s curious gaze, he drew a silk scarf from his arm. With a flick of his wrist, it unfurled with a swish, spreading into a large blanket.
Just then, a faint, ethereal silhouette shimmered around Zheng Zhaonan before him, and thin halos of light emerged surrounding his pupils.
One ring… two rings… three rings… a full five rings blazed into existence!
Shegui stared in shock as Zheng raised his hand toward the blanket, which was beginning to arch up and wrap around the pair, hazy divine light shrouding the entire area.
“Is this… a Full-Moon level… Angel? “
｛I paid a tip of 10 to be the unlocker for COSTELLA HOTEL.｝
As the play of light changed, Yang Zicang, who now held the documents alongside his massive blanket, felt that the atmosphere around him was unmistakably different.
He turned his gaze to the man beside him, who looked somewhat lost.
-｛Distributor May Valkyrie indicates that I have completed the gestation of a brand-new ‘Glory of Radiance’.｝
-｛Distributor February. Di’an is scrutinizing my current life experiences.｝
-｛Distributor Di’an is emanating perplexity and bewildered confusion.｝
“This place… ” Shegui looked at the strange room beyond the scattered blanket.
“Don’t worry about where this place is. Follow me. We’ll go out, and then head to the place you mentioned. “
“Oh, alright. ” Somewhat disoriented, Shegui followed Yang Zicang toward the door. Even though he was well-traveled and widely experienced, faced with such a bizarre place that seemed to exist only in legends, he still found himself utterly bewildered.
“President, who is this? “
“It’s nothing. I just came down to let you know that bird has already gone outside with me earlier. You’d better not go in or out of the hotel anytime soon. That ship can no longer be used; it might be under surveillance. “
The two women sighed with relief at the same time despite their frustration.
“Then, President, where would you like to choose for our invitation room this time? “
“Uh, I heard you have a villa over in Haven Consult, didn’t you? ” Yang Zicang asked Xue Qi, who was holding a glass of fruit wine in front of him. “Do you have the title deed? “
“Of course I do! ” Xue Qi smugly began, then suddenly realizing something, she warily added, “Wait a minute, are you going to have me transfer it to your name? “
“Well… just renting it to me for a month will do. “
That finally let Xue Qi breathe a genuine sigh of relief.
……
｛I am now beginning the invitation for Room 203 of the Tiring Hotel, to be considered as my guest room.｝
Yang Zicang, holding the Clover Seal, stamped it on the contract under the watchful eye of Manager Mus. In that moment, he suddenly felt a vague connection to a room somewhere in reality, which slowly dissipated.
“Let’s go, Ms. Xue Qi, ” Yang Zicang said with a smile, tucking the documents away. “Take us to see your estate. “
After confirming that He Yishu was still in his strange coma, the group stepped into Room 203. The surrounding walls began to ripple dramatically. This time, Shegui watched in awe as the luxurious hotel suite transformed within seconds into an… even more lavish master bedroom!
“Wow, Qiqi, this is your room? Hey, isn’t that the friend of our leader up ahead! “
Yang Zicang turned to look and saw a massive oil painting of Hong Haocheng hanging on the warm white wall directly opposite the bed.
The man in the painting had a different pose; he was depicted as a triumphant general, smiling as he received a medal.
Yang Zicang felt his head suddenly burn with fury.
“Ahem, well… ” Xue Qi said, looking a bit evasive. “Recently, you’ll find these paintings everywhere—on the streets, in shops… President, I hope you can understand. “
In his heart, Yang Zicang instantly wanted nothing more than to leave this place.
Suddenly, a graceful figure dashed through the doorway. Haili Koni, wearing a casual long skirt, poked her head in from the entrance, her long curly hair draping over her shoulders.
Seeing the sudden arrival of a few people, “You all are… ” She paused for a moment before her gaze suddenly fell upon the man with the burn scars on his face.
“Is it… Mr. Buchen…? “
Seeing this graceful, spirited figure appear, Yang Zicang felt a jolt in his heart, desperately wanting to grab something to cover his face.
The northwest of Heiwencike partially borders the Grand Duchy of Herzhernholtzburg, and wedged between them lies the fragmented Republic of Waldestadt.
Due to the geographical constraints of the northwest, only the highway allows passage; few people leave via hostile territory otherwise.
After a shared meal, Yang Zicang listened to Haili Koni’s comforting words.
“Since you’re here, come with me to the interview first. That way, the local labor movement issues should be resolved faster. “
“Eh, hasn’t Major General Ross solved this problem yet? ” Xue Qi set down her knife and fork, asking.
“They’ve actually already dealt with it. There are just some formalities left—should have good news within a day or two. “
Seeing Yang Zicang was truly about to leave, Haili Koni gracefully rose to her feet. “Will you come again? “
“I might be back a few times over the next month. But I can’t say exactly when. “
Having said that, after Xue Qi led away the locals including Haili Koni, Yang Zicang stepped out under the grove outside the manor. He flicked open the silk scarf, and in an instant, the two of them soared up into the overcast sky.
“Truly an unbelievable method. ” Shegui no longer felt like making any further comments.
“Only with you would I dare to reveal myself like this. Otherwise… ” Yang Zicang shook his head. With any other native, this might have caused them to become a Crossing Person.
The flying carpet wove through the clouds.
As the man beside him lay back with his eyes closed in leisurely rest, Yang Zicang pulled the document about the leased land from his pocket.
He was genuinely grateful that the leaseholder had unconditionally shared this file about the Metal Bird. Silently, he read the text above.
“What are you looking at? “
Suddenly, a fine, piercing sound came from Yang Zicang’s shoulder. He immediately rolled sideways as if electrocuted, his gaze sharp as a torch fixed on the spot.
The owner of that voice had already darted onto his head, pecking him. “Rolling all over the rug again, Cuckoo? “
Shegui jerked upright from the commotion and saw Yang Buchen on the large carpet staring intently, as if facing a great enemy, at a swaying shadow before him. It suddenly landed on the carpet’s surface. It was a small, adorable Cuckoo bird, but… it seemed a bit odd, its form resembling glossy enameled metal.
“You… how in the world did you appear? “
“Eh, ” the Little Bird tilted its head in puzzlement, “Didn’t we sign a pact, Cuckoo? “
Yang Zicang was stunned with astonishment.
Little Bird’s face instantly turned sinister, and she sneezed as she spoke:
“Signed the pact but screwed over the ally to score big points, eh, getaway pigeon?~ If you still think you can dodge Cuckoo’s hunt, watch out—I’ll call in Big Sponsor to come find you!“
Big Sponsor? Yang Zicang jogged his memory, and the tall, upright silhouette of Soldier No. 4 standing atop the ruins of a city flashed into his mind.
“St—damn it!“
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