Nobody told me this wasn't a game.

Mayumi made a sound and smiled.

She looked at Zuo Chang mischievously and said, "Are you concerned about my relationship with Lu Zheng? Hmm—Zuo Chang, actually, no matter what my relationship with Lu Zheng is, you don't need to care. You can love me boldly, pursue me passionately, and give me meticulous care and consideration. I will give you appropriate benefits and won't let you feel cold."

Zuo Chang shook his head, indicating that he couldn't serve him and was too lazy to speak.

At this point, Makoto finally revealed the truth: "Lu Zheng's identity is extraordinary. He comes from the upper-level community, the 1024 community. His family is very influential in 1024 and can be called a powerful family... The reason I became his deputy leader is not only because Lu Zheng is easy to get along with, but also because I covet power."

Snapped.

Snapped.

Makoto tapped the railing intermittently with the handle of his fan.

She continued, “You know, Lu Zheng will return to the 1024 community one day. If I perform well enough, I might be invited by him to go to 1024 together. Even if I don’t catch his eye, I can still inherit the Deer Dawn Adventure Team, which is at least something... In any case, serving him is a good choice.”

Zuo Chang nodded upon hearing this: "A wise choice. This is a reliable shortcut."

Don't you think I'm snobbish?

"Who isn't snobbish? Selfishness is human nature."

Mayumi sighed softly and said, "That's the problem. There are too many people who think like me! Lu Zheng is surrounded by sluts and hussies, but I am both excellent and arrogant. My excellence makes others see me as a threat, and my arrogance does not allow me to associate with those worthless sluts. I have not received the respect I deserve, but instead have been isolated."

Zuo Chang was stunned upon hearing this.

He looked Mayumi up and down and said, "I can't see your excellence, but your arrogance is genuine. Miss Mayumi, is it possible... that you are isolated not because of anything else, but simply because you consider yourself superior, look down on others, and have an overly strong sense of self, always speaking recklessly and hurtfully?"

"Absolutely not! I would bow my head if the other party was good enough."

"what……"

Zuo Chang began to regret it; he felt he shouldn't have hesitated.

When Mayumi was gazing at the water from the railing, he should have left decisively, lest he be now restless and at a loss for words.

Mayumi turned to look at Zuo Chang and said, "I don't want to go back to Deer Morning for the time being. The three privileges in the group belong to all members; if I take it upon myself to give the privileges to you, I will inevitably be criticized. Zuo Chang, take responsibility and find me a quiet place so I can be alone for a while."

Zuo Chang hurriedly said, "Isn't this... moral blackmail? I'm not taking your privileges for nothing. I'll do my part for Sky City. Besides, where am I supposed to find you a quiet place?"

"Tea room, coffee shop, or if you don't want to spend money, you can go to your home."

Zuo Chang really didn't want to spend money.

He waved his hand and said, "I'm a new immigrant. I just arrived a few days ago and I don't have a place to stay yet."

"Oh."

Mayumi thought for a moment and said, "In that case, let's go to my house. My mother is also in Tennojo Castle, and I sometimes stay at her place for a night."

For some reason, a strange emotion welled up in Zuo Chang's heart.

Especially when Mayumi uttered the word "mother".

“Let’s go. My house is quite big; I can give you a guest room. You’ll probably be sleeping in a hotel anyway, so I won’t charge you. Besides…”

Zhen Gong tapped the cloth bag on Zuo Chang's waist with the handle of his fan.

In his pocket were more than a hundred ancient crystals.

She smiled and said, "Absorbing all these crystals would be a huge undertaking, and you wouldn't want to be disturbed during the absorption process, would you?"

This is true.

In the game, using ancient crystals is instantaneous.

But Zuo Chang is still unsure of the reality. Having someone knowledgeable watching over things is certainly better.

Zuo Chang said politely, "I apologize for disturbing you; is it perhaps a bit presumptuous?"

"Don't worry. My mother is unconventional, knows how to use people well, and has great respect for capable people. She will like you."

"Then, I shall accept your offer!"

Chapter 38: In the end, they were not allies!

No. 7 Hyacinth Street, a detached mansion with a courtyard.

Built in the heart of Tianwang City, it offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling city, making it a top-tier residence that only the wealthiest can afford to live in.

Commander Eagle wore riding boots and a vest, and his mustache was meticulously trimmed, making him look very imposing.

He stood at the doorway, looking at the mansion before him, and asked, "Great Immortal Tanuki, have you ever met General Jianli?"

Beside him stood a man with delicate features, whose gender was ambiguous.

She looked like a teenager, with extremely clear eyes;

Upon closer inspection, it appears to be a woman, with a graceful figure.

Her name is Xia Li.

Xia Li, the "Thousand-Faced One," is General Tianwang's attendant who succeeds Blood Rose as the chief of the Security Bureau.

For Xia Li, gender is meaningless, and species is meaningless.

Her unique ability allows her to mimic any creature, identical in appearance and mannerisms.

Xia Li shook her head and said, "We've met a few times, but we've never actually met."

Eagle General said "Oh," and laughed, "General Tianwang's... widow? Haha, is that an appropriate way to put it? I thought she was long dead, but I didn't expect her to still be alive, and right here in 96511! Great Immortal Tanuki, how did you find her?"

Xia Li replied, "It wasn't me who sought her out, it was her who sought me out. General Jianli and I both deeply despise Blood Rose, that traitor! The reason she appeared at 96511 is clearly to clean house and demand an explanation from Blood Rose!"

Commander Ying sensed the hatred and resentment in Xia Li's words, and his expression turned solemn.

As they were talking, several people suddenly appeared and headed towards the door.

The person in the lead was dressed in a black kimono, looking dignified and elegant.

She possesses a unique charm in every gesture; just looking at her can soothe the mind and immerse one in her tranquil temperament.

Eagle Commander's eyes widened, and he subconsciously straightened his back and held his breath, trying to present a better version of himself.

The woman approached, gave a graceful bow, and said to Xia Li, "Qianbian, it's been a long time since I've paid my respects."

Xia Li bowed slightly: "General Jianli, this... this is truly a surprise to me! I never imagined that you were actually still alive! When I first heard the devastating news, my lord was so heartbroken that he couldn't eat or drink, and he was overjoyed. If he knew you were still alive, he would probably be ecstatic! It's just a pity..."

Unfortunately, the Heavenly King General has already passed away!

Kimono-clad woman—

Upon hearing this, General Li looked up and asked, "...Really? General, you were saddened by my suffering back then?"

do not know.

should be.

At that time, Xia Li was indeed working under Zuo Chang, but he was not in a position of power.

Zuo Chang used her purely as a tool for robbery, sending her out hunting all year round, and he rarely saw her.

What I just said was nothing more than saying one thing to one person and another to another.

She immediately said, "Of course! General Jianli, do I need to reiterate the feelings that General Tianwang has for you? Forgive my impertinence... What exactly happened back then? My lord quelled the rebellion in your territory, but the Jianli family vanished without a trace."

"What happened back then... was very complicated and cannot be explained in just a few words."

It seems General Li is not keen to bring up the past.

She smiled slightly and said, "I invited you all here today not to reminisce. Among you, Qianbian, there is also Commander Ying. Qian Wuyi is ignorant and short-sighted, yet he dares to call himself the 'successor of the spirit of the Heavenly King General,' which truly displeases me! Blood Rose was once the General's trusted and beloved general, but now she is aiding and abetting evil, willingly serving as Qian Wuyi's henchman, which I despise even more!"

Xia Li's face also showed some anger.

She scoffed and said, "Blood Rose has let everyone down. She has failed the General in his efforts to nurture her!"

Looking at the two women in front of him who shared the same ideas, General Eagle felt somewhat puzzled.

Qian Wuyi was indeed harboring ulterior motives.

General Tianwang is still not confirmed dead, yet Qian Wuyi is building statues and renaming his capital "Tianwang City," clearly trying to ride the coattails of the event.

He showed no respect whatsoever; he was merely exploiting the Heavenly King General's reputation for his own benefit.

Blood Rose couldn't possibly be unaware of this.

But she didn't care at all and remained the director of the Inspectorate in Tianwang City!

Her presence undoubtedly increased Qian Wuyi's credibility, making people feel that Lord Qian was indeed his spiritual successor.

Otherwise, why would Blood Rose serve under him?

only……

From the perspective of Commander Eagle, Xia Li and General Jianli's accusations are unreasonable.

He thought to himself, "I may not like Blood Rose, but her loyalty is beyond question. Everyone says she's a treacherous minister, that she has persecuted many loyal and virtuous people to death, but would she have done this without the Heavenly King General's authorization? She is simply selfless and fearless!"

"The results of it?"

"Heh... When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked, just like me! In the end, it was Blood Rose who bore everything, taking all the blame upon herself, to enhance the Heavenly King General's reputation for virtue, goodness, and holiness, while she herself ended up in exile, left only with a vicious reputation, a bad reputation, and a bad name!"

"Even the Heavenly King General has treated her like this, yet he still demands that she remain loyal and not serve another master? What kind of logic is this!"

The Transformer Xia Li and General Jian Li are being far too demanding of Blood Rose!

They believe there is only one possibility—

In their hearts, the Heavenly King General is a god.

He deserves everyone's unwavering support and love.

Under no circumstances should Blood Rose regard the Heavenly King General as her sole master; otherwise, she would be committing treachery.

simply……

How ridiculous and pathetic!

Commander Eagle saw through everything perfectly, but he didn't intend to refute anything.

He thought to himself, "These two women are ultimately not my allies... Oh well, Qian Wuyi is the biggest obstacle to my unification of 96511. If I can weaken or even destroy Qian Wuyi's power with the help of Qianbianzhe and Jianli Dajiang, that will be a success! As for the rest, we'll talk about that later."

Seeing General Li sigh softly, he said, "That man is gone, and all that has happened is now just smoke and clouds... I only hope that General Tianwang will soon find peace. People like Qian Wuyi, who use big names to bluff their way into power, will only ruin his reputation."

Eagle General hurriedly said, "Yes! That coward Qian Wuyi... is truly hateful! General Jianli, the Great Immortal Tanuki and I came here specifically for his 'Heavenly King's Department'! Now, with your help, bringing down Qian Wuyi and restoring peace to the Heavenly King General is just around the corner!"

Seeing that the general looked at him with gratitude, he said, "Please come in, both of you. I have prepared tea, let's drink and talk."