Chapter 101

Chapter 3: Ningning’s Grand Plan

　　Yuan Xiaoling smirked.

　　”Anyone who comes here is a guest, so what’s this nonsense about mountains and relying on stuff? You’re not exactly young anymore, you know,” the Blonde-haired Maiden said with utmost seriousness. “As for this place, we’ve been coming here regularly. We’re all friends by now.”

　　Gray Wu, in his early thirties and at the peak of his strength, was flustered: “You… you chatty little brat!”

　　But he understood Yuan Xiaoling’s implication—this bar had been dealing with them for quite some time, and they had gotten there first.

　　”So, you’ve already colluded with them?” Gray Wu continued with a cold laugh. “Back when Gray One met his unfortunate end, it was because you leaked the information, wasn’t it?”

　　He implied that Gray One’s death was due to the bar leaking information. Talking about this didn’t serve much purpose but could irritate the other side and perhaps sow doubt among the bar patrons.

　　Yuan Xiaoling thought for a moment before remembering who Gray One was—the unlucky guy who died at the cemetery back then.

　　”Not really, buddy. What level was Gray One, and what level were the people he brought along? They were way below my tier. Do you think I need intel to fight them? Are you sure your brain works fine?”

　　In fact, the people in the bar now barely remembered that incident. It had caused quite a stir back then, but with everything that had happened recently in Tianhai City, including several Fourth-tier ability users dying, a few Third-tier users weren’t worth mentioning.

　　And listening to it… the Blonde-haired Maiden made sense.

　　Gray Wu’s face turned grim.

　　At this point, Bai Ling also came out, standing behind Yuan Xiaoling, glancing casually at the group in front of her.

　　She didn’t recognize them, nor did they seem particularly powerful. None of them had reached Fourth-tier. A pity; they clearly weren’t key figures from the Yun Family. Still, if she encountered a core member of the Yun Family today, she’d have to suppress her killing intent.

　　Bai Ling saw them, and they noticed her too. One of the henchmen whispered something into Gray Wu’s ear, who then glanced over. After a few seconds, he redirected his gaze back to Yuan Xiaoling.

　　”The girl surnamed Bai, huh? Miss Yuan sure has peculiar tastes, going so far as to kill Gray One for her sake.”

　　Upon hearing this, the few individuals who emerged from the private room paused, especially Yuan Xiaoling, who didn’t understand right away.

　　”What do you mean? You don’t think I killed him, do you… uh, wait, it seems like I actually did.”

　　However, it was Bai Ling who had immobilized him, allowing Yuan Xiaoling to deal damage freely. Anyone could’ve done it. But since he put it this way…

　　Yuan Xiaoling suddenly realized something—perhaps the Yun Family still didn’t know Bai Ling’s true strength.

　　”Killed him? So what? He came looking for trouble and got what he deserved.” The Blonde-haired Maiden stepped forward, exuding confidence. “What? You wanna try too?”

　　”Fangirl, don’t get too cocky,” Gray Wu’s veins bulged on his forehead. “The Yun Family isn’t someone you can afford to anger.”

　　When Yuan Xiaoling initially mentioned her connection to the bar, Gray Wu knew the mission would likely fail. However, returning empty-handed meant facing punishment from Yun He.

　　But if he could issue threats in front of Yuan Xiaoling, making their formidable enemy retreat, it would count as a great accomplishment…

　　”Haha! I’m still Miss Yuan of the Yuan Family!” Yuan Xiaoling laughed. “I represent the Yuan Family, but can you represent the Yun Family? You don’t even share their surname!”

　　”…”

　　Gray Wu seethed with rage. Playing cards floated around in his hand, ready to attack, when he noticed a giant water frog crouching beside him.

　　When did that happen?

　　”Ribbit!”

　　Yuan Xiaoling hadn’t used lethal force; she simply let the frog swallow him and transformed it into a torrent of water, washing him and his companions out of the bar.

　　Splash splash splash!

　　Gray Wu was flushed out of the bar and landed outside, dizzy and tasting metallic sweetness in his mouth.

　　He was a late-Third-tier Elemental Wind-type user with relatively average physical strength. In the face of a Fourth-tier Water Element impact, he had no resistance. More importantly… how could it be so fast!

　　Water elements gathered around him, forming the frog in an instant—a process he hadn’t detected at all. This terrifying casting speed was more frightening than the water itself.

　　”Captain!”

　　His subordinates quickly helped him up.

　　Gray Wu spat out a mouthful of blood and said, “Let’s go!”

　　Although the mission failed, probing Yuan Xiaoling’s “trump card” counted as a significant achievement, needing to be reported to Mr. Yun immediately.

　　Inside the bar, those who needed to clean up did so, while others tended to their injuries. Despite being disrupted, after Yuan Xiaoling’s display, morale improved slightly.

　　”Lawless! Absolutely lawless! A bunch of outsiders,” one ability user with a cut on his forehead angrily exclaimed.

　　”I heard they wield immense power elsewhere, bullying everyone.”

　　”So what? This is Tianhai City. Even strong dragons find it hard to overpower local snakes.”

　　”But they really have the strength. If it weren’t for the Water Goddess today, we wouldn’t know how things would have ended… sigh.”

　　The Water Goddess was a nickname given to Yuan Xiaoling by the free-spirited ability users in Tianhai City. At this stage, with most people having limited exposure, Fourth-tier Water Element abilities seemed godlike.

　　Bai Ling was somewhat more famous earlier, but it was mostly hearsay, and few had witnessed it firsthand. Later, in photos taken, Yuan Xiaoling’s displays of power were more prominent. Not to mention, the massive Water Dragon Lord was pretty intimidating.

　　”The Water Goddess is stunning,” an injured person, with a bandaged arm, reminisced. “Strong, good temperament, perfect in every aspect.”

　　His friend pondered for a moment and agreed, “Indeed.”

　　Meanwhile, Yuan Xiaoling and Bai Ling had returned to the private room, Ah Lan following them, while Ting Ting stayed behind in the lobby to manage things.

　　”Thank you, Ningning,” Ah Lan said happily and excitedly. “If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have known what to do today.”

　　Had Yuan Xiaoling not shown up, they… well, they would have had to comply with the Yun Family’s actions.

　　Thinking back to the early days, when Boss Luo started his business, bringing together unconnected ability users and settling down, creating a small haven, using their powers to earn quick money—it was such a carefree life. But now, they were almost reduced to being dogs for external forces, truly lamentable.

　　”No problem,” Yuan Xiaoling waved her hand. “Didn’t I say we’re all friends?”

　　Ah Lan chuckled wryly, touched. Back then, the Blonde Little Sister… Blonde Big Sister, always talking about sisterhood, she thought it was just talk, but when push came to shove, she really showed up.

　　At this point, her phone vibrated.

　　”The boss is back,” Ah Lan said.

　　Luo Zou Cheng had just heard about the commotion at the bar. His weary face bore additional melancholy. However, walking into the private room, facing Yuan Xiaoling and Bai Ling, he managed to force a smile.

　　”You’re back, welcome.”

　　What he wanted to say was “you’re finally back,” but reconsidering, he felt it inappropriate for a man in his thirties to say this to two 18-year-old beauties.

　　Like those internet folks shouting “mom” at anime elementary school girls.

　　”Took a trip back during the break, played enough, so I’m back,” Yuan Xiaoling said. “How’s it going, Luo Boss?”

　　It had been quite some time since they last met. Luo Zou Cheng felt that something had subtly changed about this duo of beauties, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what.

　　Without dwelling on it, he began eagerly recounting:

　　”Recently, many things have happened in Tianhai City. After the Tianhai Tower burned down, the entire ability user circle’s structure changed drastically.”

　　”After the bosses in the Chamber were exposed, various people kept showing up, claiming to conduct ‘judgments’ on them.”

　　”Some were freelancers, either seeking fame or profit, and even some subordinates of the Chamber bosses turned against them after the incident, seizing their wealth.”

　　This outcome wasn’t surprising. The Hai Tian Yi Se Chamber controlled too much wealth in Tianhai City, and its ability users were lured by money. When they were exposed, judging them became an act of justice, and many were eager to lend a hand.

　　With the tower fallen, it was time to split the money and flee.

　　Yuan Xiaoling glanced at Bai Ling, feeling somewhat complex. As a witness to the event’s secrets, she knew Uncle He’s plan had been a resounding success.

　　But all of this came at a cost. However, for him, it was probably worth it. It was just a shame he couldn’t see this moment himself.

　　”After the Chamber collapsed, their ability users scattered. Some took advantage of the chaos to grab a portion of their boss’s wealth and hid temporarily. Others moved too late, failed to seize anything, and didn’t want to return to their old 9-to-5 lives, so they became rogue ability users.”

　　”And some… want to join us.”

　　At this point, Luo Zou Cheng looked troubled: “There are really a lot of them. Just this group alone nearly matches all my core members, and they’re not weak. There’s even a Fourth-tier among them. I went out today specifically because of them.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling blinked. “Fourth-tier?”

　　She remembered there weren’t many Fourth-tiers in Tianhai City.

　　”Yes, early Fourth-tier, a Perception User,” Luo Zou Cheng sighed deeply. “If he weren’t purely auxiliary without offensive capabilities, my position might have been taken long ago.”

　　Bai Ling raised an eyebrow. “Is he the one with long hair tied in braids?”

　　”That’s him, calling himself Wu Bian,” Luo Zou Cheng asked. “Do you know him?”

　　”I don’t, but I’ve seen him once,” Bai Ling shrugged. “On the mountain, he was their scout, trying to assess my strength before the battle started. He took one look and ran.”

　　”Hearing you say that, I remember too,” Yuan Xiaoling interjected. “Isn’t he the one in the pavilion constantly urging tea?”

　　At the time, he insisted on drinking tea before letting anyone ascend, acting like he could really stop her. Yuan Xiaoling had genuinely wondered if he’d actually make a move if she refused.

　　Unfortunately, he chickened out.

　　”Yeah, that’s him,” Bai Ling nodded.

　　Luo Zou Cheng was about to continue, but after the two beauties interrupted, he suddenly noticed something. Yes, they were different. He figured out what was different about them now.

　　Previously, whenever they came, regardless of the topic, Bai Ling was the decision-maker, with an extremely icy demeanor, resembling someone who’d resort to violence at the slightest provocation. Back then, Yuan Xiaoling wouldn’t dare interrupt, staying quiet even when Bai Ling spoke, often waiting outside.

　　But today, Yuan Xiaoling initiated the conversation and freely chimed in, while Bai Ling didn’t seem annoyed, instead calmly agreeing with her.

　　…What happened?

　　”Luo Boss,” Yuan Xiaoling said, “don’t worry about this matter. Leave it to us.”

　　Last time, Wu Bian fled after merely glancing at Bai Ling. This time, let him take a few more looks. Of course, don’t let him escape. After all, a Fourth-tier Perception User could be a good support.

　　More importantly, he was one of the few people in Tianhai City who knew Bai Ling’s true strength.

　　Hearing this, Luo Zou Cheng thought for a moment and smiled: “Of course, compared to strangers, I’d rather listen to you two.”

　　He had decided. Recently, there had been constant attempts by remnants of the Chamber to merge, followed by the Yun Family wanting them to become their dogs. Instead of listening to them, choosing the two beauties was better, given their history of friendly interactions.

　　Yuan Xiaoling was momentarily surprised, then smiled, waving her hand: “No need, you’ve misunderstood, Luo Boss. We’re still in university and don’t have the time to handle so many people. Your team still needs your leadership, but we can collaborate and grow stronger together.”

　　While saying this, Luo Zou Cheng understood that in the current Tianhai City environment, lacking high-tier ability users above would eventually lead to the disintegration of the team.

　　So, it would hang under the name of the “Water Goddess” from now on.

　　”What are your plans now?” Luo Zou Cheng asked.

　　”First, integration!”

　　Yuan Xiaoling clasped her delicate hands together. “Absorb part of the former Chamber’s subordinates, like the team led by Wu Bian. After gathering these people, we’ll have enough manpower to clear out the ruffians causing chaos everywhere.”

　　Luo Zou Cheng mused: “Aiming for a good reputation first?”

　　”Not exactly… sort of,” Yuan Xiaoling said softly. “Mainly to end the chaos in Tianhai City sooner.”

　　If left unchecked, soon taxis might be impossible to hail on the streets.

　　Luo Zou Cheng nodded silently, then sneakily glanced at Bai Ling, noticing the White-haired Maiden remained calm, occasionally agreeing.

　　Alright, this was better. Compared to a ruthless killer, a kind-hearted Water Goddess leading the way was definitely preferable.

　　”Next, establish a base. Personally, I propose starting with the Western Beach area, encompassing the coastal region,” Yuan Xiaoling continued. “After securing these areas, we’ll train a capable combat team.”

　　Partly to prepare for future encounters with Yun Family members coming to Tianhai City, partly to anticipate the imminent rise of “ghosts and spirits.”

　　Luo Zou Cheng reflected for a moment and said, “The beach industries previously belonged to the Zhou family and Huang family within the Chamber, later betrayed and seized by their subordinates. To claim the beaches, we must drive these people away.”

　　”Then let’s start with the integration operation,” Yuan Xiaoling stood up. “Luo Boss, arrange a meeting time with Wu Bian, but don’t alert him prematurely.”

　　”Alright.”

　　After explaining her plans, Yuan Xiaoling and Bai Ling bid farewell.

　　After the two beauties left, Luo Zou Cheng looked at Ah Lan, finally getting the chance to ask his curious question:

　　”What happened between them? They seem… different somehow.”

　　Ah Lan thought for a moment and replied with four words: “Met the parents.”

　　”…What?”

　　”Met the parents, and Miss Bai Ling received a bracelet from the Yuan elders, officially becoming a daughter-in-law.”

　　”…”

　　That explained it. Luo Zou Cheng never expected this.

　　”It’s a good thing,” he reflected. “Miss Yuan is meticulous and calmer. Beautiful and kind-hearted.”

　　This last point was crucial. Being both beautiful and powerful, she enjoyed immense popularity in the circles. Naming the team after her would help maintain unity.

　　”Go to the lobby and announce this good news,” Luo Zou Cheng said.

　　Ah Lan followed his instructions. Soon, cheers erupted outside.

　　The bar had faced numerous issues recently, from Fourth-tier ability users attempting to annex them to threats from external noble families. Not only was Luo Boss stressed, but his subordinates were equally burdened. Fortunately, tonight they finally received good news.

　　”Long live the Water Goddess!”

　　…

　　”The Water Goddess of Tianhai City, huh.”

　　In a dimly lit small room, Yun He sat behind a table, listening to his subordinate report. As usual, he specially placed a chair for the gray hat, symbolizing the impending arrival of the Yun Family heir.

　　Seated beneath, Gray Wu recounted the night’s events at the bar in detail. The colleagues lurking in the darkness remained silent, attentively listening until he finished.

　　Afterward, Yun He contemplated for a long time.

　　”The Tide Agreement. Seems like the Water Goddess of Tianhai City has some real skills.”

　　The intelligence woman hesitated briefly before tentatively asking, “Mr. Yun He, what is the Tide Agreement?”

　　Yun He half-opened his eyes and glanced at them.

　　”It’s normal that you don’t know. When ability users break through to Fourth-tier, each element has its corresponding core ability. The foundation of the Water Element is the ‘Tide Agreement.’ All you need to know is that she casts spells almost instantly.”

　　The core ability of the Water Element at Fourth-tier is the Tide Agreement, while Mental-type at Fourth-tier unlocks Mind Invasion.

　　Fire Element at Fourth-tier unlocks “Bone Marrow Ignition,” similar to Uncle He, enabling the creation of special fuel from one’s blood to unleash terrifying power.

　　For established noble families, these records naturally exist but are restricted to family members. Yun He didn’t disclose specific details, only the effects.

　　Still, the subordinates couldn’t help but feel shocked.

　　”Casting almost… without any time?”

　　That means there’s no warning. Essentially, whenever Yuan Xiaoling attacks, casualties are inevitable.

　　”Let’s see what she intends to do first,” Yun He said.

　　…

　　Bai Ling and Yuan Xiaoling checked into a nearby couples hotel, the same one as last time. However, business seemed slow lately, and they waited a long time for the staff to process their check-in.

　　”Finally, we can rest. Sigh, we should really secure the beach sooner,” Yuan Xiaoling flopped onto the bed, sighing. “We need a place to stay, after all.”

　　Bai Ling sat on the edge of the bed, thinking for a moment before saying, “Actually, staying at hotels is fine too.”

　　She was used to wandering and found couples hotels somewhat romantic.

　　Yuan Xiaoling tilted her head to look at her. “So tell me, which hotel is better—this one or one by the beach?”

　Beachside hotels? Various images flashed through Bai Ling’s mind—wardrobes filled with bikinis, oversized water beds that swayed gently, floor-to-ceiling glass windows allowing sunlight to filter through for sea views, pools where one could bathe together in swimsuits (or naked), and a blonde busty girl in a turquoise swimsuit…

　”Then let’s secure the beach sooner,” Bai Ling said calmly. “Having a fixed base would be better.”

　If it weren’t for the slight increase in her breathing, Ningning might have believed she was completely calm.

　”Why rush? Let’s gather people first!”