Yang Liya was very well-mannered and quickly came to terms with not finding an answer. Treating the wounded and settling the civilians was more important than anything else; it was best not to dwell on those other matters for now.

"Alright, alright! Everyone, prepare to receive the wounded and civilians. Prioritize medical treatment for the wounded. The others will register and gather first, then we'll arrange for production and construction."

"Understood!"

Yang Liya and the Hunters were busy. Under the direction of the Security Bureau guards, the civilians began to gather, register, and evacuate in an orderly manner. The civilians visibly relaxed when they saw the guards. In their hearts, the Hunters were equally trustworthy. The scene on the city walls, where that powerful Hunter had defeated the Nightmare Demon, was especially etched into many people's hearts. In a way, the Hunters had become the true guardians of the Fourth Ring. They were more trustworthy than the Church and the Council!

The work of taking in the displaced people continued for a long time, and Yang Liya was exhausted. She longed for a good rest, but the current situation in the Fourth Ring offered no such opportunity.

As she passed through the crowd, Yang Liya's gaze suddenly fell upon a little girl. The little girl, about seven or eight years old, had a furtive look in her eyes and shivered all over, appearing very cold. She clutched a Nightmare Demon doll, her hair soaked by the fog, giving her a somewhat bedraggled appearance.

Yang Liya stopped because the girl bore a striking resemblance to Ludie. She didn't just resemble Ludie; she also looked like Yang Liya's old teammate, Qiu Guling! Without even needing to ask, Yang Liya was certain: this girl was Ludie and Qiu Guling's daughter!

Seeing this girl, Yang Liya felt an inexplicable pang of heartache. She slowly approached the girl, knelt on one knee, and gently brushed the girl's hair.

"Little one, what's your name?"

"My name is Lu Xiaotian."

Yang Liya's pupils contracted slightly. A profound sense of regret suddenly washed over her. Regret for not having stood by Ludie in his most desperate hour, for not fighting alongside him.

Why was I always so bound by the rules! Are all the rules I followed truly right? If the rules I adhered to were all correct, then why has the Fourth Ring ended up like this? Where is the Church? And the Council? The two most powerful organizations didn't act, so why were we left to face an Eighth Order calamity?

Yang Liya couldn't understand why the Church and the Council would join forces to target someone who had already been abandoned. Ludie was already an outcast in the Fourth Ring. Why did they want him dead? Yang Liya, who had always firmly believed in the Alliance, felt her conviction waver once more.

She gently embraced Lu Xiaotian, trying to offer her some warmth.

"Lu Xiaotian, where are your father and mother? Do you know their names?"

Lu Xiaotian pushed Yang Liya away, her brow furrowing slightly.

"My father... is Ludie. My mother is Qiu Guling. Stop pretending. I know you killed them! The Alliance killed them!"

The determination and courage in Lu Xiaotian's voice stunned Yang Liya, filling her with immense heartache. A girl of only seven or eight already understood the meaning of hatred! Yang Liya wasn't surprised that Lu Xiaotian hated the Alliance. This time, Yang Liya even felt such hatred was justified.

What surprised her more was that Qiu Guling should have transformed into an Exotic Species. How, then, had Lu Xiaotian grown up?

"Lu Xiaotian, where did you grow up?"

"I grew up in the Nightmare Demon's castle!" Lu Xiaotian said fiercely.

But as soon as she finished speaking, Yang Liya covered her mouth.

"Xiaotian, I'm a friend of your father and mother. I won't hurt you. But I need to tell you something. From today onward, no matter who asks, you must say you grew up in the Fourth Ring orphanage. Understand?"

Lu Xiaotian still looked defiant. "Why should I say that? I clearly grew up in—" Her words trailed off into sobs.

Yang Liya covered Lu Xiaotian's mouth again, her gaze turning stern. Lu Xiaotian, a little frightened, quieted down.

"Alright, I'll listen to you. But they like to call me Da Tian."

"Da Tian, how about this: from today on, you can stay with us!"

Yang Liya invited Lu Xiaotian, but the girl didn't agree. She took a few steps back, clutching her Nightmare Demon doll.

"Hunters are just lapdogs of the Alliance! Why should I trust you?"

Yang Liya's lips moved. The seed of doubt in her heart, once planted, seemed to stir and sprout anew. She didn't quite understand why her emotions fluctuated so much when talking to Da Tian. It was as if this little girl possessed a special power that tugged at one's heartstrings.

Perhaps it's guilt towards Ludie and Qiu Guling!

"Your father was also a Hunter, a very formidable one. I can teach you the abilities your father possessed. Once you have those skills, you can avenge him!"

Yang Liya didn't speak of forgetting hatred or starting anew; such words would sound too hollow. Lu Xiaotian didn't seem foolish; only a practical offer would move her.

Upon hearing Yang Liya's words, Lu Xiaotian was indeed tempted.

"You'll really teach me?"

"Of course!"

"Alright then, I'll go with you! I want revenge."

Yang Liya patted Lu Xiaotian's head and smiled happily.

"Good. I'll help you get your revenge."

When Yang Liya smiled, Da Tian smiled too.

But no one knew what Da Tian's smile truly meant.

...

「Meanwhile」

The commoners who had kept a low profile were settled by Lu Luo into the slum district. There were many dilapidated houses there that, with some renovation, could provide temporary shelter for these people.

"Brother Luo, that's over two thousand people! This is more than we can control. Are you sure you want to continue with this?"

"Of course! They aren't the only ones who need stability in the Fourth Ring; we do too."

Lu Luo's strategic vision might not match that of great leaders, but he grasped the general direction correctly. Thanks to the broader perspective from his past life experiences, he understood all too well what a stable environment signified. If the Fourth Ring descended into chaos, the Circle Studio would also face significant hardships.

Just as Lu Luo was about to return and make arrangements, a member of the Circle Studio approached him.

"Brother Luo, someone named Luo Feng is here to see you with a group of people."

"Luo Feng?" I don't recall that name.

Lu Luo hesitated. He was busy and couldn't afford to meet just anyone. After racking his brain and still coming up blank, Lu Luo decided to refuse the visitor.

"I'm not seeing him. Tell him I'm out on business."

Lu Luo had barely finished speaking when several people pushed past the guards at the door and barged in. Lu Luo didn't recognize the man in the lead, but he certainly knew the fellow beside him. Jin Chen, the one infatuated with Bai Yuetong!

So this man must be Luo Feng. Surname Luo... another member of Dumb Hair's family, perhaps?

Compared to Luo Shan, Luo Feng lacked composure and seemed more like a profligate son. But that's understandable. After all, Luo Shan was trained within the military system and is the primary heir. The gap between Luo Shan and this Luo Feng was indeed significant, both in terms of strength and outward demeanor.

"This place of yours is quite spacious, but the ambiance is rather lacking." Luo Feng wiped his fingers with a handkerchief, as if they had gotten dirty when he pushed aside the guards moments before. He scanned the first floor of the base, his gaze finally settling on Zhou Kai and Lu Luo. "I've seen your photo. You're Lu Luo, right?"

[Luo Feng, Third Tier Transcendent, abilities unknown. Attributes: Strength 12, Agility 7, Constitution 9]

Luo Feng's attitude was far from friendly, his tone incredibly provocative. Such an attitude, coming from someone of his apparent strength, puzzled Lu Luo. After all, Luo Shan, the eldest young master of the Luo Family, had already come to an understanding with him. In a way, he had already gained partial approval from the Luo Family. Bai Yuetong had been working at the Circle Studio long-term, implying an unspoken agreement between the two parties.

If the Luo Family had any sense, they wouldn't send someone for such a pointless provocation. So, what's the purpose of this visit? A test? Or something else? The only recent event that could affect my relationship with Bai Yuetong... Qi Xinzhu?

Lu Luo instantly realized his relationship with Qi Xinzhu might have attracted attention. Although their relationship hadn't been publicized, the two had been overtly intimate since their return. This intimacy was a signal in itself.

And if the Luo Family could sense something amiss between me and Qi Xinzhu, then the Church definitely could too. Even though Qi Xinzhu is a Believer of Light from the Pope's lineage... she's also the de facto Saintess in the eyes of most Church members. A Saintess, in most respects, is expected to remain pure. Now that I've slept with the Saintess, what will the Church members think?

Lu Luo had no idea, but he was certain they wouldn't look kindly upon him. Since the Luo Family has shown up, people from the Church probably aren't far behind!

Lu Luo's thoughts drifted far, making him appear rather aloof to Luo Feng. They had come to call him to account, yet Lu Luo was giving them no face? The atmosphere between them grew increasingly tense. But this oppressive atmosphere didn't last long before it was broken.

Jin Chen pointed at Lu Luo and exclaimed to Luo Feng, "Luo Er, that's him! He's Lu Luo! I'd recognize him even if he were reduced to ashes!"

Jin Chen's identification instantly transformed the stiff atmosphere into a ridiculous one. This 'little Jin' hasn't matured at all. How did someone like him even get into their circle of second-generation elites?

Luo Feng's expression soured. "Luo Er" was the nickname he detested most. Now Jin Chen had called him "Luo Er" right in front of Lu Luo. How could he maintain any dignity?

"Jin Chen, if you don't know how to talk, then shut up! No one will think you're mute!"

"Hey! I came along out of goodwill to help you find your sister. Why are you getting hostile with me?"

"Just shut up, will you? You think I don't know what's going on in that twisted little mind of yours? My sister wouldn't give trash like you a second glance! You're just a brain-dead idiot who spouts nonsense all day!" Luo Feng cursed vehemently, and Jin Chen, not to be outdone, retorted sharply.

"Oh, give it a rest, Luo Feng! You can put on airs in front of others, but who are you trying to fool with me? Twenty-six years old and still only Third Tier? Aren't you just trash? A real frog in a well!"

"I'm a frog in a well? Then what are you? A toad? That's right, a toad lusting after a swan's flesh. You're definitely a toad!"

Lu Luo and Zhou Kai exchanged glances, confirming that the two across from them weren't joking or putting on an act—they were genuinely arguing.

"Brother Luo, what's your take on frogs versus toads?"

Lu Luo pondered for a moment, then began to speak eloquently. "A frog in a well sees only its little patch of sky; its thinking is feudal, a negative energy. A toad, however, dreams of eating swan meat; its thinking is progressive, a positive energy with grand aspirations. Thus, in ancient times, frogs became a delicacy, while toads were sometimes called 'golden cicadas.' This indirectly proves that being ugly isn't frightening; the key is to have beautiful dreams."

Zhou Kai's eyes lit up. "Brilliant, Brother Luo!" he exclaimed in admiration. "Well-reasoned and utterly convincing."

Watching the bickering duo, Zhou Kai suddenly felt that these Inner Ring elites weren't so impressive after all—just ordinary people with two legs and a mouth.

"Brother Luo, this is getting dull. I'm going to get back to work. You handle them."

Well, if Brother Kane is bored, maybe we should leave too.

Lu Luo subconsciously shook his head. These two had been quite arrogant just now, even pushing one of the Circle Studio's guards. Previously, Lu Luo would have willingly played the peacemaker, eager to smooth things over. But things were different now. The situation in the Fourth Ring required him to be a sufficiently firm leader. If he wasn't firm enough, the people he had gathered would soon fall apart. So, in front of the Circle Studio members, Lu Luo had to display, at the very least, the appropriate resolve.

"Hey, you two! You just assaulted my people. Apologize."

Jin Chen and Luo Feng, still bickering, finally stopped. Though they still despised each other, Lu Luo's words struck them as even more laughable. Apologize? To a Fourth Ring doorman? What a joke! They were elites of the Inner Ring, sons of council members. How could they possibly apologize to someone from the Fourth Ring? Even if an apology were due, it should be to someone of Qiao Xing's status. Other Fourth Ring denizens were simply unworthy!

Luo Feng scoffed, nonchalantly taking out his cigarette case and placing a cigarette between his lips. He pulled an exquisite, handcrafted Inner Ring energy lighter from his pocket, preparing to light it. But just as he was about to flick the lighter—it vanished! Huh?

Luo Feng, who had been about to lower his head to light his cigarette, looked up slightly. Lu Luo was holding his lighter, bringing it toward Luo Feng's cigarette with a friendly gaze, "Second Brother, you smoke too? Such exquisite hand-rolled cigarettes, clearly expensive. Allow me to light it for you. Now then, about that apology to my staff?"

Some of the Circle Studio staff had already paused their work and were looking at Lu Luo. No employee would dislike their boss standing up for them! It fostered a strong sense of belonging, a fact Lu Luo understood very well. So, even considering Luo Feng's status, Lu Luo maintained a relatively friendly demeanor. But the apology was still non-negotiable!

Luo Feng's fingers trembled slightly. He hadn't seen Lu Luo approach, nor had he seen how his lighter disappeared. He stared at Lu Luo, somewhat stiffly. For a moment, Luo Feng was at a loss.

I want to say something tough, but his strength seems... unexpected. What if he beats me up? That speed... even my elder brother, Luo Shan, probably couldn't match it.

"I'm not smoking this!" Luo Feng declared, taking the cigarette from his lips and putting it away.

Luo Feng put his cigarette away. However, he then noticed Lu Luo hadn't lowered the lighter. Instead, Lu Luo reached into his own pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes—one that looked like it had already grown moldy. He took one out and placed it on Luo Feng's lips. On closer inspection, Luo Feng realized this cigarette was also moldy!

His body tensed further. Being stared at by Lu Luo was unsettling; if he had to describe it, it was like being targeted by a high-level, humanoid Exotic Species.

"Lu Luo," Luo Feng managed, "this cigarette... it's moldy."

"Ahem, we country folk are poor. Please bear with it, Second Brother!"

CLICK! The lighter flared, and Lu Luo lit the moldy cigarette.

Luo Feng braced himself and took a drag. The choking, musty taste filled his mouth, truly unpleasant.

"Alright, Second Brother," Lu Luo said, still smiling. "You've had your smoke. Ready to apologize now?"

But Jin Chen, at his side, had recovered by now and lunged to push Lu Luo.

"Lu Luo, right? I've been wanting to teach you a lesson for a long time!"

As Jin Chen's hands made contact with Lu Luo's chest, Lu Luo felt a powerful impact. Must be some kind of pulse-generating equipment. The attack is quite effective, Fourth Tier standard.

Therefore, Lu Luo didn't even flinch.

[You have sustained an energy pulse attack. Your Constitution + Armor property has immunized you against this attack.]

Lu Luo was a bit speechless. This Jin Chen... what can I even say? He's a grown man, yet so naive!

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