On the other side, in the Inner Ring, lay the Platinum Courtyard.

This was the political core of the Alliance's Inner Ring, where the Wasteland Alliance discussed and generated the majority of its policies, such as the most fundamental Wasteland Constitution. Besides its essential administrative functions, the Platinum Courtyard also served as the largest private assembly center for the 13-person council.

That's right, the supreme power structure of the Wasteland was unabashedly a private assembly center. Most of the advanced commercial interest exchanges in the Wasteland actually took place here.

Of course, to ensure that no scandals or odd events were exposed, the Platinum Courtyard had no such "delicacies" on its menu. The entertainment activities here mainly comprised card games, chess, or some simple combat sports, and so on.

In the council chamber of the 13-person council, two groom candidates were summoned. These two candidates shared their experiences, including the scene where they witnessed Ludie and the Nightmare Demon in their final battle.

"Ludie indeed fought a decisive battle against the Nightmare Demon in the end, but we too are unclear about the final outcome. The environment was too dangerous at the time, so we couldn't stay. However, according to my personal judgment, they must have died! After the Red Pillar solidified, all the Exotic Species also retreated. If the Nightmare Demon hadn't died, those Exotic Species would never have retreated. There are past records of such events during the Black Tide Wars."

As the groom candidate spoke, other staff members passed reports to the council members.

The 13-person council was silently reading the reports submitted by their subordinates, some showing expressions of joy.

"The Nightmare Demon is dead, and so is Ludie. Could there be anything more worth celebrating?"

The council member who spoke was Jia Hu. After he finished, realizing that no one was responding to him, he lost the interest to continue.

Other council members gradually started to whisper among themselves.

Not providing support to the eastern Fourth Ring was mainly due to Ludie's uniqueness. They couldn't allow a Seventh Tier expert to remain uncontrollable; that would be far too dangerous. They had never imagined Ludie could actually defeat the Nightmare Demon; the original plan was to use the Nightmare Demon to kill Ludie.

But he actually did it. Ludie killed the Nightmare Demon, and it was a showdown where both perished. In a way, this was indeed good news.

However, the Fourth Ring was now in an uncontrollable state, and for them, this qualified as a rather bad situation.

Chairperson Shi Haoxuan continually tapped his fingers on the table.

TAP, TAP, TAP! TAP, TAP, TAP!

His tapping returned the meeting to silence.

It wasn't until Shi Haoxuan turned around to face the other members of the council that he said, "Although the Nightmare Demon is dead, and so is Ludie, it seems you have forgotten: there's still Qiao Xing in the East Ring! He is also an uncontrollable factor. I wonder what you are so pleased about? Moreover, have you considered whether the Fourth Ring will still be under the control of the Inner Ring after this?"

Councilwoman Jin Lu stood up. "Qiao Xing's current position is in the Southern Ring, and he hasn't come out since he entered Noah's amusement park. Therefore, I think his threat may not be that significant. Even if Qiao Xing comes out, it will be the Church's task to deal with him, not ours. It's just like this time with Ludie."

Shi Haoxuan glanced at Jin Lu; he really didn't have any fondness for this brainless woman. But there was no helping it. Currently, during the Wasteland's transformation period, the 13-person council still needed to maintain the bare minimum of stability and collaboration.

He no longer looked at Jin Lu but instead shifted his gaze to a refined, middle-aged man wearing glasses. This cultured middle-aged man was Bai Yuetong's biological father, Luo Xuemin.

Luo Xuemin looked at Shi Haoxuan, and after they nodded to each other, he began to recite some data.

"Since you currently lack an accurate understanding of the Fourth Ring's situation, let me analyze it for you from a data perspective. You're still stuck with old conceptions regarding the Fourth Ring, thinking that even if it descends into chaos, you can just repress it with military force and regain control afterward. But after my detailed investigation, I've realized that it's not that simple.

"The Dark Energy Level in the Fourth Ring has increased by approximately 4.53 times in the past two months. The number of registered Transcendents has risen 15 times in just the last month compared to the previous total. Listen well, the number of *registered* individuals is 15 times the previous total.

"Under normal circumstances, many people are unaware that they have awakened superhuman talents or their Sequence. Therefore, the majority are unregistered. According to an imprecise survey, the probability of becoming a Transcendent in the Fourth Ring has exceeded that of the Inner Ring, reaching an astonishing 25.7%.

"Furthermore, this number is continuously rising, leaving many people at a loss due to their growing strength. Power has caused their self-confidence to inflate without limit. They have become selfish and uncontrollable.

"After discussing so much data, my personal conclusion is quite simple. Given the current situation, the Inner Ring will soon lose control over the Fourth Ring. Whether this loss is permanent depends on the decisions the Inner Ring makes next and whether the Fourth Ring will see the emergence of individuals capable of shaping its future."

Luo Xuemin's speech was logical and well-founded, silencing the others once he finished speaking.

The council members were no fools; they all understood the cost of losing the Fourth Ring. They had just relinquished control of the East Ring, and cleaning up the mess now would not be easy.

Shi Haoxuan looked at the other council members with a growing smile on his face. Although no solution had been found, at least the council's attitude had unified at this moment—that they could not give up control of the Fourth Ring.

"Old Luo, prepare for a press conference!"

"Understood."

On the morning of December 21st, Mr. Luo Xuemin, the Minister of Civil Affairs and an Aries council member, made an important announcement.

"Today, I want to talk about two issues.

"First, I would like to express my deep regret over the recent events in the Fourth Eastern Ring and offer my condolences for the deceased citizens. I have always felt that the people of the Fourth Ring and the Inner Ring are one. We will face adversity without fear, strive tirelessly, and work together to build a new Fourth Ring. We will repair the high walls and keep the Exotic Species outside.

"Secondly, the council is also paying close attention to the anomalous activity of Dark Energy in the Fourth Ring. I hereby call upon and advise all citizens who have awakened superhuman abilities or talents to register with the Security Bureau promptly. This is very important, not just as a respect to others, but also for your own safety.

"Although I, Luo Xuemin, am an ordinary person, I am fully aware of the dangers of Dark Energy. Irregular absorption of Dark Energy without proper methods carries a significant risk of mutation. Therefore, if you respect your own life, please make sure to register with the Security Bureau. There, at the very least, you will learn the basic methods of cultivation!

"On this note, I also hope that the entire Wasteland Alliance can live in peace permanently."

Having finished his speech, Luo Xuemin walked towards the backstage with a look of contentment.

Back in his office, he put away his smile and revealed a rare hint of indifference.

"Boss, Young Master Luo Shan just called."

Luo Xuemin didn't respond immediately. Instead, he poured himself a strong drink and lit a cigar. Lying exhausted on the couch, he took a deep drag from the cigar and let the smoke obscure his face before he slowly said, "What did my eldest son say?"

"Young Master Luo Shan said the young lady has grown up, their relationship isn't good, so he doesn't want to get involved in this mess."

"Their relationship isn't good? If it wasn't good, could they have stolen money from home to buy a Mecha together? If it wasn't good, could they have fought together and covered for each other as kids? If he doesn't want to go, he doesn't want to go. When did my eldest become so slippery? What has he been learning in the Constitution Guard Corps?"

Luo Xuemin's glasses reflected light, making him seem different from the good-natured man he presented to the public.

The subordinate didn't dare to speak in Luo Xuemin's presence, even though he was a Fourth Tier expert. In front of Luo Xuemin, he still felt intimidated.

After a silence, Luo Xuemin spoke again, "How is Tong Tong doing recently?"

"The young lady has been in the Circle Studio in the East Ring, serving as the studio's weapons designer. She has also received 5% of the company's technical responsibility shares and is now one of the shareholders."

"And what about Lu Luo? The one Tong Tong likes?"

"The latest news we received is that Lu Luo, the owner of Circle Studio, has returned to the studio and brought back Qi Xinzhu, the Church's Saintess. Their relationship appears to have become quite intimate and seems to have made significant progress."

While speaking, the subordinate began to stealthily watch Luo Xuemin's expression.

Indeed, as soon as he mentioned Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu's rather intimate relationship, Luo Xuemin's fingers suddenly tightened. The alloy cup was crushed flat by his bare hand! And he didn't use any of his powers at all.

The subordinate awkwardly swallowed his saliva.

Regardless of anything else, Luo Xuemin's strength and the response capabilities he had demonstrated in previous assassination incidents already completely overwhelmed his Fourth Tier confidant. But nobody really knew how strong Luo Xuemin actually was. This man was definitely not as incompetent as the rumors outside suggested.

Luo Xuemin was a person who knew how to restrain himself, and there weren't many things that could make him angry, but Bai Yuetong's issue was definitely one of them.

"A councilor's daughter, throwing herself at a boy from the Fourth Ring! It's simply degrading!"

The subordinate knew Luo Xuemin's temper; at this time, Luo Xuemin needed an outlet, which meant he needed to respond. Although he was afraid of being hammered, if he didn't speak up, he probably wouldn't need to come in tomorrow.

"But you said last time that this Lu Luo has great potential, and that he would be a good match for the young miss if he were properly groomed!"

"Nonsense, when have I ever said such a thing?"

The subordinate meekly lowered his head. "Probably, yesterday?"

"Did I really say that?"

"You really did."

"Even if I had said such a thing, this kid is too fickle. He already has Tong Tong, yet he's still flirting around outside."

"Uhm, boss, Lu Luo knew Qi Xinzhu before he knew the young miss!"

"Even as a man, he shouldn't be so fickle! Is my daughter not pretty enough?"

"But last time you also said, for a successful man, having three wives and four concubines is quite normal! And to many young people in the Inner Ring, Miss Qi Xinzhu is not only beautiful, with a good figure, but she also has a better personality, so..."

The subordinate was getting flustered here. Normally, by this time the boss would have already backed down, but what was going on today? If this conversation continued, he felt like he was about to vanish.

"Alright, have Lao Er and Jin Chen talk to Tong Tong. And, you don't need to come to work tomorrow."

"Boss? I..."

"Go with them."

"Ah? Thank you, boss!"

The next day, at the Lan Tian base, Lu Luo looked at the busy members of the workshop and a trace of a smile appeared on his face. Keeping this base might have been the most correct decision he had made recently. Although the base still wasn't truly his, he no longer had any intention of letting it go.

Nonsense, once something falls into my hands, how could I possibly spit it back out?

Qi Xinzhu was outside leading some of the female members of the workshop, providing free treatment for the surrounding injured. This wasn't out of pure benevolence, but a strategic move. Even in the tribal era, people understood the role of a talented Healer, who would often become the tribe's Shaman or Elder, not to mention in the Wasteland Era. Qi Xinzhu, with her assured methods and healing efficacy, quickly gained the support of the surrounding population. They themselves had become the first layer of the base's defenses. Qi Xinzhu could even screen for talented individuals with decent character during the healing and negotiation process, and recruit them for the workshop. It was a win-win situation.

Meanwhile, Bai Yuetong was organizing her mechanical workshop. The space here was clearly much larger than her previous warehouse. Especially the lower-level area, which could even accommodate giant culture vessels tens of meters high. Now the whole area had been taken over by Bai Yuetong, transforming it into a massive comprehensive workspace. She had only one requirement for her office area: it had to be big, big enough! Big enough to fit heavy-duty weapons, machinery, and Mechas!

Then there was the issue of money. Although Lu Luo had none, considering the current situation in the Fourth Ring, it was uncertain whether the economic system would collapse or not. So being broke, in a way, might be a good thing. Whether the Fourth Ring would remain under Inner Ring control was still unsettled. If it really fell out of Inner Ring's control, the currency system might need to be rebuilt from scratch!

And ever since Bai Yuetong returned, she never mentioned anything about the relationship between Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu again. That's what really satisfied Lu Luo!

Ah, living together in harmony, like a loving family, how wonderful!

That's what all old lechers think.

"I want to emphasize again, I'm not old."

Just as Lu Luo was indulging in his fantasy, Zhou Kai came in and interrupted him.

"Brother Luo, a few gangs in the north put together a regional security meeting. They've specifically invited us. Should we go?"

A regional security meeting? Such gang-related stuff didn't use to matter, but things were different now. Many ordinary people had to rely on gangs; otherwise, they couldn't survive. Unfortunately, the high walls hadn't been repaired yet, and Exotic Species might invade at any time. Although the Security Bureau was cleaning up the mess, it couldn't be done that quickly. It was definitely progressing in stages. They also needed to dispatch a large number of Hunters to help guard the breaches in the high wall. Lu Luo knew they would be too busy to manage everything. So it was better to make a trip there.

"What's their attitude like?"

"The people who came were quite humble. But Brother Luo, we shouldn't be afraid of hostility from them, should we?"

Brother Kane is getting cocky!

Hearing Zhou Kai's increasingly inflated tone, Lu Luo immediately adopted an earnest and solemn tone. "Brother Kane, the more powerful we become, the more low-key we should be. The situation in the Fourth Ring is unclear right now. It's best to hide our strength as much as possible, understand?"

"So, we're not going then?"

Lu Luo touched his nose. How could I miss an opportunity to show off?

"Of course we're going. If we don't go this time, we might have trouble coming to our door later!"

"Then?"

"You and Brother Gu prepare a bit. The three of us will go together."

"Alright!"

After giving simple instructions, Lu Luo, along with Gu Fangyi and Zhou Kai, arrived at a gang stronghold not far from the northern part of the base. The place used to be a railway station. After being destroyed by the Exotic Species, it was temporarily turned into a gang's stronghold.

When Lu Luo and his party entered, they found that the meeting had already started. A Second Tier Transcendent was ranting and raving there.

"What the Fourth Ring needs most now is a new order, and only strong teams can bring about a new order. And for a team to become strong, it must have these five types of people: a tiger that can hold down a mountain, an eagle with far-sighted vision, a wolf that is good at fighting, a leopard that is agile, and a loyal dog!"

As the Transcendent said this, Lu Luo and his companions happened to come in. The man took the opportunity to look at them. "A few more friends have come. Gentlemen, what roles do you think you can play in a team?"

Zhou Kai's eyebrows knitted together. He looked at Lu Luo, then waved his tree-branch-like arm. "The grass on top of a wall?"

Lu Luo thought for a moment, promptly remembering his own appetite. "A bucket for serving rice?"

Zhou Kai: "A horse that endangers the group?"

Lu Luo: "A stick for stirring shit?"

The two became more excited as they spoke, shifting their gaze to Gu Fangyi.

Gu Fangyi refused to speak and turned his head away, but Lu Luo pulled him back. "Brother Gu, this gentleman is asking you a question. Why don't you show him some respect?"

Gu Fangyi was nearly amused by the banter between Lu Luo and Zhou Kai. Is it really that enjoyable to toy with a bunch of noobs?

Forced to respond, he could only say, "If circumstances permit, I want to be a person."

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