Chapter 102

Chapter 4: Subjugation and New Tasks

　　The night in Tianhai City was quiet, the blonde-haired maiden beside him snoring away.

　　Bai Ling wasn’t falling asleep so quickly. Occasionally, she would glance at the night view outside the window or admire Xiaoling’s beauty.

　　At first, reminiscing about the beach brought a little excitement, but then she thought better of it. Could she really become someone who only thinks about that kind of stuff all day? Every day indulging like this… wouldn’t that make her a dumb idiot with nothing else on her mind?

　　So Bai Ling began reflecting. Why had she become like this? Aside from letting loose after being reborn and Xiaoling being too tempting, another reason was… thinking too little.

　　In her previous life, although she had Xin Lan and Yi Jie as advisors, circumstances were terrible. Every day was spent either fleeing or on the run, surrounded by conspiracies. There were just too many things to consider, let alone the two traitors who betrayed her later.

　　Now it’s different. With Yuan Xiaoling helping out, there’s less for her to think about. Unfortunately, Bai Ling excels in extreme survival situations, not in thriving environments. Thinking too little easily leads her astray into naughtiness.

　　After reflecting, she concluded it wasn’t entirely her fault and decided to sleep soundly.

　　Zzzz.

　　The next day, at noon, No.13 Linhai Road in the West District, Prince Grand Hotel.

　　This used to be some boss’s property in the Chamber of Commerce, but now the boss is presumed dead. The vacant hotel has been seized as a resting place for Spiritual Energy Manipulators.

　　“Wu Brother, Luo Zou Cheng will be here shortly.”

　　“So eager to come early,” the long-haired man with braids chuckled lightly, “Looks like Luo Boss has reconsidered.”

　　He is Wu Bian, a Fourth-tier Perceptive-type Spiritual Energy Manipulator from Tianhai City.

　　That day, Wu Bian was ordered to intercept the two girls on the hillside and ascertain the White-haired Maiden’s true strength. He completed the task easily, just glancing casually.

　　Fifth-tier.

　　Holy crap, Fifth-tier! What the hell am I supposed to fight?!

　　Thinking fast, Wu Bian turned and ran before his companion even realized what was happening. After fleeing, he figured that the Chamber would surely lose in the battle at Xiang Mountain. Even if he deserted, as one of the remaining Fourth-tiers, he probably wouldn’t be punished.

　　But while still on the road, he saw the news of Tianhai Tower burning. At that moment, Wu Bian understood—the Chamber was done.

　　After hiding for a few days, the Chamber indeed fell apart. This is when he re-emerged, gathering some former subordinates to form a decent-sized group of Spiritual Energy Manipulators. Then, he set his sights on the Nameless Bar.

　　Annexing them would make him the new largest group of Spiritual Energy Manipulators in Tianhai City.

　　“Wu Brother, was it really that dangerous back then?” a subordinate asked, “Would we have been in mortal danger if we had arrived slightly later?”

　　Back then, Wu Bian’s retreat was quite the scandal within the Chamber. At that time, the Chamber hadn’t collapsed yet, and the fall of Tianhai Tower was considered merely a sneak attack. Nobody truly grasped how dire the situation was.

　　Thus, many mocked Wu Bian’s actions. Only now do they realize that running away was the right choice.

　　“It’s not just slightly later; if I had hesitated even a bit, your Wu Brother would’ve been gone,” Wu Bian pulled out a pack of soft Zhonghua cigarettes and placed one in his mouth. “I ask you, how many people who went to the battle at Xiang Mountain came back?”

　　The subordinate carefully thought about it and shook his head. “None.”

　　They all died there.

　　“That’s right. If I hadn’t run, wouldn’t I be dead too?” Wu Bian gestured to him. “Light me up, will ya?”

　　The subordinate quickly lit the cigarette respectfully.

　　“You’re right, Wu Brother. Your words are wise.”

　　“If the boss weren’t gone, we wouldn’t know what to do without Wu Brother leading us.”

　　“That’s true, that’s true.”

　　With the cigarette lit, Wu Bian took a deep drag, savoring the smoke while listening to the flattery from his subordinates, feeling rather pleased with himself.

　　“Today, I’ll teach you something important about the New Era. Listen up—what’s most crucial in the New Era is having sharp eyes. If we can’t win, we run.”

　　“Right,” the subordinate clenched his fists. “As long as the green hills remain, one needn’t worry about firewood. We’ll train harder and come back for revenge!”

　　He thought it sounded heroic, but before he could finish, Wu Bian smacked him on the head.

　　“Revenge my ass!”

　　Wu Bian, cigarette pinched between his fingers, looked around at everyone and said leisurely, “Let me tell you, there are plenty of powerful people in this world, some stronger than you can imagine. Back in the day, I traveled far and wide, seeing everything.”

　　What about those Yun and Yuan families, supposedly with Sixth-tier powerhouses? Can you even imagine?

　　“So, in this New Era, there’s no such thing as self-reliance. It’s all about bullying the weak and fearing the strong. Look at Luo Boss—he gets it. A wise person knows when to act.”

　　“But Wu Brother,” another subordinate said, “I heard there’s a Water Goddess at the bar, the famous blonde girl. With her backing, won’t they be hostile?”

　　”Big,” referring to reputation and popularity, as well as “big bunnies.”

　　Wu Bian understood who he meant and sneered. “Water Goddess? Meh, she’s nothing special.”

　　Didn’t we already check on the hillside? Just Third-tier Grand Mastery. No matter how complete, it’s still Third-tier.

　　“No need to fear. Let me tell you…”

　　“Wu Brother, Luo Boss is here!”

　　The arrival of guests interrupted him.

　　Wu Bian stood up with the cigarette in his mouth. “Haha, Luo Boss, arriving so early today, forgive me for not greeting you properly. I assume you’ve made your decision.”

　　Luo Zou Cheng smiled faintly. “No, because I don’t need to make any decisions.”

　　He stepped aside, revealing Yuan Xiaoling behind him.

　　“It’s you,” Wu Bian removed the cigarette from his mouth and held it in his hand. “We met once before, hasn’t been long. How’s it going? Aren’t you with your partner anymore?”

　　He said it casually, but Yuan Xiaoling responded seriously, “Still together.”

　　“…What?”

　　Then Wu Bian saw Bai Ling quietly appear behind Yuan Xiaoling.

　　Cold expression, emotionless face, as icy and dangerous as ever, and somehow even prettier.

　　“Looking for me?” Bai Ling asked.

　　“I, I, I’m not looking for you, none of that.”

　　Wu Bian’s hand holding the cigarette trembled slightly. Trying to put it back in his mouth, he felt his lips burn—it was upside down.

　　“Ouch!”

　　Wait, you two are actually dating? Everywhere together?

　　Ignoring his burnt lips, Wu Bian hurriedly fished out the box of cigarettes, stepping forward. “Didn’t expect you to come too. If I’d known, I would’ve… uh, want a smoke?”

　　If I’d known, I’d have run!

　　Yuan Xiaoling crossed her arms. “Young ladies don’t smoke. Keep your traditional habits. We’re here to discuss a merger.”

　　“Merger? Yes, a merger!”

　　Wu Bian wiped his cold sweat, thoughts racing wildly. Finally calming down a bit, he noticed the White-haired Maiden didn’t seem particularly murderous.

　　And it seemed the Blonde-haired Maiden was calling the shots?

　　“Misses, previously I was just earning a living with the Chamber, never did anything unethical. At most, I helped investigate others’ strengths. I didn’t say what I shouldn’t, and certainly didn’t divulge secrets. Now I’m just leading everyone, trying to earn a living…”

　　“Enough, enough. We’re not interested in your career history,” Yuan Xiaoling cut him off. “Just answer—merger or no?”

　　“Yes, yes, definitely merging. Whatever you say.” Wu Bian agreed readily.

　　He thought he’d be held accountable for past deeds, perhaps captured and killed with a line like “no witnesses allowed.”

　　Hearing there was no such intention, he gladly accepted the opportunity, ignoring the odd looks from his subordinates.

　　Not that it mattered. He’d already told them earlier—bully the weak, respect the strong, know when to act. Why question him now?

　　Of course, the one most affected by this scene was Luo Zou Cheng. These past few days, he had been maneuvering against these people, pulling strings to avoid being annexed, stressing so much his hair had turned white. But when the two beauties showed up, without even speaking, the formidable Fourth-tier ability user immediately pledged allegiance.

　　The skies over Tianhai City have truly changed.

　　A few minutes later, under Wu Bian’s orders, the subordinates of Prince Grand Hotel prepared a clean and tidy private room. Yuan Xiaoling, Bai Ling, Luo Zou Cheng, and Wu Bian sat inside for their first simple meeting after integration.

　　“First, we need to standardize our own team and not overstep boundaries,” Yuan Xiaoling stated the first guideline. “Understand?”

　　Luo Zou Cheng merely nodded. He had already handed over control to the Water Goddess.

　　Wu Bian also agreed and took the chance to flatter. “By strengthening team control and gaining a good reputation, it’s a win-win. Truly impressive, Miss Yuan, your foresight is unmatched.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling smirked. “Just take it that way.”

　　Only Bai Ling understood her meaning—if left unchecked, one of the subordinates might cause trouble again, maybe not exactly another “Bai Ling,” but “He Shiyong” would be enough to stir things up.

　　“Next, we focus on the beach area, seizing control of the coastal region, including the Chamber’s former assets. Use this as our foundation,” Yuan Xiaoling continued. “During this process, beware of outsiders from the Yun family. They have designs on Tianhai City.”

　　“The Yun family?” Wu Bian’s complexion paled slightly. “The Yun family from Central Province?”

　　Yuan Xiaoling didn’t know exactly which province the Yun family hailed from, but judging by his reaction, it must be that Yun family.

　　“What’s there to fear? I’m the young miss of the Yuan family!” Yuan Xiaoling glared. “My Yuan family is waiting in Chunhai City. Do they dare to invade?”

　　Wu Bian thought about it and realized she was right. On one side, there’s a prestigious family; on our side, we have a family backing us.

　　“Alright then, establish a set of rules first. Luo Boss, you’ve managed the bar for years, familiar with this sort of thing. It’s in your hands.”

　　“Understood.”

　　Saying that, he stood up and walked out.

　　Wu Bian also rose. “I’ll inform the subordinates to fully cooperate with Luo Boss… and the two misses.”

　　But a massive water doggo suddenly slapped his shoulder, pressing him back into his seat. Wu Bian turned his head, terrified.

　　When?! He didn’t sense a thing!

　　Direct contact with Yuan Xiaoling’s spiritual power triggered his perception abilities. Now he knew—the blonde beauty was no longer a Third-tier Grand Mastery, but a genuine Fourth-tier powerhouse.

　　“Miss Yuan, you…”

　　“Don’t rush off yet. There’s an issue,” Yuan Xiaoling slowly said. “Our Bai Ling rarely acts, and due to her abilities, even when she does, it leaves no trace. You should know this.”

　　Wu Bian instinctively nodded, looking at Bai Ling. The White-haired Maiden tensed slightly upon hearing “ours.”

　　Why say such things out loud? Annoying…

　　“So, you’re the only one who knows her true strength.”

　　Upon hearing this, Wu Bian snapped back to reality, almost jumping out of his chair. “I won’t say a word, Miss Yuan! My loyalty to you is as solid as heaven and earth!”

　　“If you’re so loyal, there’s no need for me to persuade you,” Yuan Xiaoling smiled. “Drink this.”

　　Bai Ling handed over a cup of tea.

　　Wu Bian felt a strange sense of déjà vu. Back in the mountain pavilion, he had also tried to get the two girls to drink tea.

　　Back then, Bai Ling refused him. He dared not refuse Bai Ling, so he gulped it down hastily.

　　“Miss Yuan, I’ve finished drinking… huh?”

　　It was just a regular cup of tea, a distraction. The moment he placed the cup down, Bai Ling’s delicate finger pressed onto his forehead.

　　Wu Bian didn’t dare move. This spot was dangerous—behind the skull was the brain. If she got angry, his head might explode.

　　Half a minute later, Bai Ling released him. Wu Bian sensed something extra in his mind.

　　“A mental lock. If you reveal my true strength to others, it will detonate,” Bai Ling said coolly. “This lock affects the mind. As soon as you attempt to disclose it, it triggers. So don’t think of indirect methods.”

　　Wu Bian froze, staring blankly for a moment before forcing a smile worse than crying. “Does divergent thinking count?”

　　Yuan Xiaoling giggled.

　　“To ‘attempt’ means you can think about it, but not act on it,” the Blonde Maiden explained. “Best of luck to you.”

　　Wu Bian quickly agreed and left obediently.

　　Yuan Xiaoling turned to Bai Ling, crossing her arms, making her “big bunny” look taller and more imposing.

　　“How was that? Not hard, right? Quite easy.”

　　Bai Ling hummed in agreement. She hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly, originally thinking she’d have to kill a few people to establish authority.

　　The situation was truly different now. She couldn’t use her old mindset from her previous life.

　　After the merger, Luo Zou Cheng and Wu Bian swiftly executed Yuan Xiaoling’s first order and began organizing lists.

　　That evening, the two girls stayed overnight since they were already in a hotel.

　　The next morning, Yuan Xiaoling woke up early, hearing the familiar ding dong sound in her mind, smiling happily.

　　She was getting stronger!

　　But upon seeing the task requirements, the Blonde-haired Maiden furrowed her brows.

　　[Ding dong, Weekly Task Refresh: Balance.

　　Task Description: After two months of relentless pressure, the protagonist has been tormented to exhaustion. In her fragile state, even a single straw might break her. But if the protagonist collapses, what purpose does the antagonist serve?

　　As a mature and intelligent villainess, you must understand the art of nurturing threats and knowing when to advance or retreat.

　　Task Requirement: Make the protagonist happy.

　　Task Reward: A random Fourth-tier Water-based Skill.]