Huh? Isn't this an adventure kingdom building game?!-Chapter 692 - 676: Above and Below the City
Opportunities have been created for Song Zhi, but whether he can pass the interview and get a stable and well-paying job in the underground caves depends on his performance.
After Jiang Yuan sent a private reply to express his gratitude, Yuan Man gave him further instructions—he could take Song Zhi to find the steward of the City Lord’s Mansion, or wait until dawn for her to personally conduct the interview.
Seeing the side mission numbers occasionally jump up, he had no intention of interfering further.
Although the system could easily identify the traitor with a glance, first, Yuan Man couldn’t possibly let him enter the underground caves without reason to approach the staff, searching randomly in the city would indeed be less efficient than the two of them teaming up;
Secondly, finding the traitor himself and then gathering evidence is way less convincing than letting the little fox charm a demon into confessing their wrongdoings after a few sweet words.
After all, the traitors that Miss Hu Jiu pulls out are all counted by the system under his accomplishments, so it won’t be long before the task is completed, and Jiang Yuan is glad to take it easy.
"Miss, could you please check the quality of these two Silver Condensation Grasses for me?" Tian Lang finally found a gap to squeeze through, watching the demon cultivator in front discourage putting away the unqualified herbs, carefully took out two jade boxes from his storage bag and opened them.
A rich medicinal fragrance filled the air, Yuan Man squinted slightly, reaching out to pick one up for a careful inspection.
Indeed, it was a top-grade Silver Condensation Grass without any damage, impossible to grow such quality on the Cloud Prairie, it either comes from the Mist Cloud; bought elsewhere at a high price; or produced in the underground caves.
But looking at the simple dress of the demon cultivator in front of her, he didn’t look like a well-paid underground cave member and even less like someone who could afford to attend an auction.
"This is the first complete top-grade spirit medicine we’ve encountered since the shop opened tonight." She flashed a satisfied smile, opening the counter divider, "Please come to the back to discuss the price with my sister. If it’s suitable, we’ll take it, and if you have more of the same quality, we can talk about cooperation."
Upon hearing it was indeed of good quality, Tian Lang’s grin stretched to his ears, he chuckled: "Miss, you’re teasing me, after ten years as a full-time Mist Cloud Hunter, this is all the top-grade spirit medicine I’ve got, where would I get more?
If I had more, I’d sell them all at a high price, buy cultivation techniques and magical treasures to enhance my strength, able to chase more Mist Clouds, that’d be the life!"
So, he was a Mist Cloud Hunter, Yuan Man nodded with a smile and whispered: "We purchase spirit medicines at high prices, if the deal is made, please leave quietly through the back door, don’t let people with bad intentions notice."
"Miss, you’re teasing again!" Upon hearing this, he burst out laughing: "Anyone who hears this knows you’re from elsewhere and don’t understand our Cloud City. With Lord City Lord guarding us, there’s no theft, no robbery, people leave their doors unlocked and do not pick up things from the street at night.
If these two spirit medicines indeed sell for a high price, even if I carry a large bag of Spirit Stones flaunting in the market, it’ll spark envy, not jealousy. Miss, just put your mind at rest, in Cloud City, do legitimate business, there’s nothing to fear."
The onlooking demon cultivators echoed: "That’s right, there may be bad people everywhere, but even the bad people in Cloud City have to restrain their ill intentions, or Lord City Lord won’t let them off easily."
"Earlier, Miss demonstrated a skill to intimidate that rascal, if he wasn’t deterred, everyone would make a fuss and soon a guard would come to check, our Cloud City will not let those scoundrels act recklessly!"
"Speaking of which, the city’s security was better in previous years, though recent years without any movement from Lord City Lord, some scoundrels are likely taking advantage of the chaos. Of course, they only dare to do so covertly, not openly..."
...
Hearing the citizens’ praises and concerns, Yuan Man felt a flood of mixed emotions.
Yes, it took countless efforts to build the city from scratch, and endless energy to govern it for the peaceful living of the people. In recent years, being exhausted, I fell into a deep sleep and couldn’t constantly supervise the city’s happenings, allowing vile persons to cause trouble secretly.
No matter what, I cannot die!
I must not only live but also find a way to replenish my origin and further my cultivation, to gain more lifespan and have more time to protect the city’s peace.
[Side Mission: Daughter of Fortune]
[Task 2: Brew a pot of Celestial Immortal Drunken Wine for Yuan Man. Reward: Building Duplication Card +1]
Just as Yuan Man’s heart surged with boundless hope, a new task prompt popped up in Jiang Yuan’s view.
The last time urgent tasks were released simultaneously was the Human Support Plan; it feels like the system is in a hurry, trying to quickly elevate the Daughter of Fortune.
With a thought, he opened the courtyard communicator interface to check the winery.
[Celestial Immortal Drunken Wine: Brewed with Primordial Yang Rice as the main ingredient, complemented by forty-nine spirit medicines and spirit fruits, producing a sweet and sour wine loved by fairies. Drinking it can nourish the veins and alleviate fatigue, bringing joy and lasting excitement. Physical Strength +500; Life +1000]
It almost sounds like an energizer, Jiang Yuan was very curious about why to give such a pot of wine to her, but Celestial Immortal Drunken Wine requires a Level Eight Winery to produce.
Previously, having rapidly upgraded the winery to Level Seven, not mentioning special materials, even basic building materials were consumed up to eighty percent of the inventory, needing some time to consider further upgrades.
He looked at the many tasks on hand, thinking if Qing Niao could immediately advance to the Golden Core Realm, it would be great, and upon her next upgrade, the system would reward a Building Upgrade Card, making it easy to upgrade the winery to Level Eight.
Staring at the interface in a daze, Tian Lang, after earning big bucks under Miss Hu Jiu’s Charm Technique trial, excitedly jumped out from the back of the shop, bowed to Yuan Man with a beam, saying: "Miss, doing business with swift payments and being so trustworthy indeed, in Cloud City your business will surely flourish. Wishing the two of you prosperity and a bright future!"
"Thank you for your good wishes, Daoist. I also wish you smooth sailing in your pursuit of the Mist Cloud." Yuan Man smiled as he opened the panel.
Tian Lang bid farewell and left the shop to enter the crowd. He responded casually to many inquiries, boasting, "Today, I’m treating. Let’s go to Wangfu Tower and not return until we’re drunk!"
Song Zhi was still thinking about the five hundred Spirit Stones he owed his benefactor. How could he have the time to indulge in revelry with him? This time, selling two pieces of top-grade Spirit Medicine, as long as they’re not squandered, would ensure Tian Lang a comfortable life for decades, if not a hundred years.
He still had debts to pay, unlike him.
Moreover, having received a favor today, if he joined others in feasting at a grand winery, he would have to find a way to return the hospitality another day. Where would he get so much money to squander?
Seeing his polite refusal to accompany the enthusiastic invitation, Yuan Man was even more pleased.
Faced with the temptations of a beauty and a life of revelry, being able to stick to one’s principles and avoid indulgence, knowing well that he might not withstand the temptation and choosing to stay away, this young man, even if not highly gifted, would at least not fall into decadence.
Jiang Yuan also thought that if it were other Demon Cultivators, they would join their friend to chat with the little fox a bit. Seeing other people would surely inspire many little demons to follow suit.
Let’s not mention friends insisting on treating; there were plenty who, knowing they made Spirit Stones, would clamor for others to spend lavishly. Yet Song Zhi touched neither and proved to be a cautious and simple Demon Cultivator. He should be able to pass the test and secure a job in the underground cave.
"Since Daoist Song isn’t celebrating with friends, come with me to see if we can find a stable job." Jiang Yuan led him through the crowd toward the City Lord’s Mansion.
Meanwhile, in the bustling underground cave, Cai Wenyi was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.
"How could I be so unlucky to run into such a day when I’m on duty!" He slapped his thigh in frustration, watching the news on the Communication Stone, growing increasingly anxious.
As a guard in the Underground City, he was supposed to stand guard from the onset of night in the Wilderness until dawn when Ascension could end his duty and he could return to the surface after routine checks.
Waiting for the next shift change would mean broad daylight when all shops would be closed. Where would he find Miss Hu Jiu then?
Wait until tomorrow night’s break to go? No, no, no, Cai Wenyi didn’t even want to wait a second longer. He wanted to see the beauty right now and ask why she hadn’t replied to his messages these past two days!
Despite their good conversation, where she even contemplated going out with him alone, how could she suddenly cut off contact and ignore him?
As long as they could travel together, as a seasoned romancer accustomed to amorous affairs, he was fully confident that he could coax the naive little beauty into bed.
After a night of passion, if he remained interested, he would use Spirit Medicine to keep her hooked; once the novelty wore off, he would kick her to the curb without a loss on his part.
Cai Wenyi believed his plan was flawless, dreaming of beauties in his arms. But just as he was about to succeed, Miss Hu Jiu stopped responding and started to freeze him out. How could he stand it?
He initially planned to visit Wo Hu Temple Market after tonight. Who knew he’d suddenly receive word—Miss Hu Jiu and her sister arrived in Cloud City, and they opened a shop specifically to purchase top-grade Spirit Medicine!
Nothing else would have mattered, but according to images from his colleagues, the infamous lecher from the Underground City had already gathered around them. Their sweet talk was more abundant, better at tricking naive young girls.
Miss Hu Jiu’s sister didn’t seem particularly bright either. If he delayed further, wouldn’t his little beauty, whom he was the first to fancy, be snatched away by those guys?
No way! No more waiting, I must hurry over!
With the shop now bustling, at most others are merely acquainting and flirting, not capable of swift actions. Hurry and intercept. Otherwise, who knows, come dawn and the shops close, which bed those sisters will be in!
"Ouch!" The more he thought, the more anxious Cai Wenyi became. He immediately clutched his stomach, showing signs of pain, moaning as he sought out the steward for a leave.
The guards were directly supervised by the duty team leader, above whom were the shadow guards and the shadow guard commander.
Under normal procedures, if sudden illness required rest, he needed to report to the team leader, who would call in a physician to assess the situation before making adjustments based on specific conditions. Generally, unless life-threatening, even if requiring bed rest, guards must remain in the designated area in the Underground City.
Cai Wenyi wanted to skip his shift and had no intention of following standard procedures.
Moreover, today was particularly unlucky, with the duty team leader being a no-nonsense sort, allowing no clemency, necessitating alternative plans.
Sneakily observing, everyone was busy with their tasks, and no one paid attention to whether the guards remained on their posts.
Cai Wenyi tiptoed to the lower level, finding the highest-ranking and most influential demon cultivator he knew, Steward He, grinning apologetically, "Old He, I’m suddenly not feeling well and want to go back and rest.
You know, our team leader and I don’t get along; he would seize any chance to retaliate, so... hehe, I was thinking you’re going to escort goods later, right? Could you please tell them to take me along?"
