In this cyberpunk era, why are you still playing the traditional villain?

This should have been the perfect moment to act all haughty, but Xia Wuyou didn't deny it at all. She just pinched him in annoyance, saying, "Some people's combat strength is a complete mess. They won't train, so I, as their wife, have to put in more effort."

"After all, we're not just facing 'Poseidon,' but also many potential backstabbings, aren't we?"

The group did not deny that Xia Wuyou's concerns were not unfounded. What was called a group to attack the "Sea God" was actually more like a battle royale.

Not to mention the Vatican, which is the most important party to watch out for. Given Luo Yu's personality, he certainly won't let this go easily. They've even sent more people, which makes it even more necessary to be on guard.

The Holy See dispatched seven Silver Knights, which is more than two-thirds of the total number of Templar Knights. Judging from the performance of Luo Yu and Lu Baiyan, this group should not be underestimated.

Not to mention the large number of priests and clergy. Although these people are not of high status, there may be some hidden talents among them. They don't have time to investigate them one by one, so they can't be careless.

That's only one aspect. Even Cheng Gujian, who seems to be an ally, cannot be let down. When the cooperation was finalized, everyone knew that the relationship between the two sides was just a matter of using each other. If something really happens, it would be good if they weren't sold out; they would have to rely on themselves.

Under such circumstances, even if Xu Shi had a backup plan, the three A+ level combat-type "upgraders"—herself, Yu Xingchuan, and Shen Qin—seemed insufficient.

"Thank you for your trouble, Madam."

Xu Shi scratched his cheek sheepishly. He had said he would train with them too, but he had been training on the recliner these past few days. He had something to say about it, but he had to teach his apprentices. He didn't have the time.

So this embarrassment was just an act, as always. Although his behavior seemed frivolous, he felt warm inside.

It's always touching for someone to say something like, "I'm improving my strength to protect you," and it aligns with her previous statement, "I'm willing to be the sword in your hand."

Of course, he also wanted to say that he was not as bad as she said. With "Yujing" in hand, he was not powerless. However, it was true that he needed protection. The shortcomings of non-combat personnel were fully demonstrated.

He suddenly felt like complaining. Although they were in a world where superpowers and technology coexisted, the cultivation method of "Ascendants" still had a bit of a fantasy and martial arts flavor. By analogy, even if Xia Xiaomao was stuck in a bottleneck period for a long time, she would need a little help to push her and help her break through to a higher level.

"Stop acting innocent after getting a good deal."

Xia Wuyou snorted, "It's not just for you. Not everyone is as unambitious as you. I also want to explore higher realms."

This was also her true feeling. Which "Ascended One" doesn't want to be as strong as possible? She had been thinking like this for more than just a day or two. To be precise, back in the riot in Night City of Sin, when she saw Wen Shengkui instantly kill Long Tianding, she began to yearn for that kind of absolute power.

However, it's obvious to anyone with eyes that this is just an attempt to cover up the mistake after the fact, and the main reason is still the former.

Well, she's still being a bit arrogant... But since she'd already gotten her hands on him long ago, it doesn't really matter whether she's arrogant or not; it's more like a playful flirtation.

"Anyway, it deserves a reward, and I'm very pleased."

Xu Shi made no attempt to hide it, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her forcefully.

"Who wants you... um..."

Xia Wuyou struggled symbolically for a moment, but her body was very honest. She took the initiative to hug him back, stood on tiptoe, and kissed him passionately.

"Wow."

Xia Ke'an blinked and immediately covered the eyes of the Feng and Ling sisters, saying, "Children shouldn't look."

This action is quite comical. She's just a little girl, and she can't possibly cover the eyes of two teenage girls. Even if she covers one eye each, she might not be able to see anything.

The main reason was that she herself enjoyed it—she used to think that her niece and the little boy were shameless and shameless. When they were in the hospital room, her inner complaints were enough to write a book. No one could withstand the shock of being so openly flirtatious.

But gradually she also found it very interesting, and even enjoyed being a bystander... She wanted to see not only Xu Shi and Xia Wuyou, but also anyone else's live sex show, but unfortunately her bad father and bad mother wouldn't give her that opportunity...

"Who's the child here?"

Pan Feng was both amused and exasperated by his junior sister's childish behavior, but he was still willing to cooperate with her and pretended to have his eyes covered.

Pan Ling cooperated, but not proactively; she was passive. Watching her master and mistress kiss, her face turned even redder than theirs, her mind already wandering elsewhere...

"..."

Xie Qingyan opened her mouth but didn't say anything more, but she looked somewhat emotional.

Regardless of what Xia Wuyou really thought, her attitude of "becoming stronger in order to protect Xu Shi" sounded like something that was being said to her in the eyes of that scoundrel.

It's just a medicine injection, what risks are there? Why make it sound like a life-or-death situation... But she still felt inexplicably uneasy.

"Would you like to get an injection too?"

So she looked at Yu Xingchuan, who was observing from the sidelines, and tentatively asked a question.

"...I will protect the young master."

The adjutant paused for a moment, then smiled and downplayed the issue.

When did you start calling him "Young Master" too? Xie Qingyan was a little surprised, but the other party's obvious intention made her feel a little better.

This guy really wants everything, expecting to gain Xu Shi's favor without giving anything in return? How is that possible?

However, there was no point in comparing herself to such a person. After thinking about it, she simply shrugged and went to prepare the medicine for Xia Wuyou.

Giving medicine is not a matter of life and death. Xia Wuyou also lived up to expectations. Unlike Xu Shi, who would be unconscious for three or four days after just one injection, it only took a dozen minutes.

"that's it?"

Xia Xiaomao was the only one besides the dog woman to receive the "Sublimation II" injection. Seeing how easy the process was, she was a little unaccustomed to it for a while.

"Well, that's good."

Xie Qingyan nodded and handed her a medicine bottle. "The effects of 'Sublimation II' are gradual and won't affect your daily activities. Just take one stabilizer pill a day… Anyway, I'll be with you, so I can keep an eye on things. You'll definitely feel it yourself."

"Thank you."

Xia Wuyou was very happy. She wasn't worried about any side effects; on the contrary, she was more looking forward to what new effects her superpowers could develop after she broke through to S-level.

"You're welcome."

The woman forced a smile, but her tone inevitably turned sour again.

"By the way, are we going to the drill ground again today?"

Yu Xingchuan raised his hand and asked a question.

"It's the last day, let's finish what we started."

Xu Shi embraced his wife and helped her into the carriage as if she were in confinement after childbirth. The two were as sweet as honey.

The training period for the soldiers of the Hualan Empire was not too long, less than half a month at most, but it mainly involved teaching them how to use weapons, which was not a difficult task.

Even without their presence, the other side would still have to set sail on an expedition anyway.

However, despite this, the number of onlookers at the training ground has been increasing over the past few days—only royal officials and ministers are allowed to enter here, and everyone wants to see what kind of improvement these outsiders from the City of Night Sin can bring to their soldiers.

Today was even more crowded. Strictly speaking, Xu Shiyi was late. When he arrived, he found that his usual spot for lounging was also occupied.

Who dares to be so bold... Oh, it's the Queen.

Probably no one expected that the young empress Dongfang Xiao would personally come to such a smelly and sweaty place, with Cheng Gujian by her side, patiently explaining the results of the past few days.

"Her Majesty the Queen."

If it was her, Xu Shi couldn't really argue about who came first or last, so he simply bowed and greeted her.

"Envoy Xu."

Upon seeing him arrive, Dongfang Xiao was also pleased. He stood up from his seat and bowed slightly, saying, "I have already heard from Grand Duke Gujian that, with the help of you all, the strength of the Royal Knights has been greatly improved in a short period of time. Thank you."

"Your Majesty is too kind."

Xu Shi smiled slightly, "Since we are partners, we certainly won't neglect these matters."

"You can't say that. You are, after all, working for my people."

Dongfang Xiao also smiled, "Originally I was worried that this expedition would be fraught with danger, but now... that worry is at least much less."

"Tomorrow you will set off on your campaign, and I will personally see you off. I wish you a victorious campaign, and if you return in triumph, I will not treat you unfairly."

"Oh?"

Xu Shi raised an eyebrow. "I wonder how Her Majesty the Empress intends to reward us?"

Cheng Gujian's eye twitched almost imperceptibly. "You're really taking advantage of this. This is clearly just polite talk, isn't it? And we haven't even set sail yet, but you're acting like you've already won..."

However, considering Xu Shi's personality, this does seem to be something he would actually say.

"...If we can successfully eliminate the 'Sea God,' I will find a way to fulfill all of Your Excellency's requests."

Dongfang Xiao was also stunned for a moment, but quickly came to her senses and wrote him a blank check.

"Then I'll thank you in advance."

Xu Shi laughed heartily, “Your Majesty, rest assured, with Grand Duke Gu Jian and I joining forces, we will definitely not let the Holy See gain the upper hand.”

"If that's the case, then that would be best."

A look of delight flashed in the little empress's eyes.

But after thinking for a moment, she added casually, "But if it's for the sake of the empire's people... then winning is enough."

……

While Xu Shi was working closely with the royal family, the Vatican was not letting up either.

Inside the most magnificent cathedral in the imperial capital, several people dressed in bright silver armor were kneeling on one knee, bowing to the person on the platform.

"Gentlemen, the sea god has been causing trouble for a long time, and we must not let our guard down this time either."

The old man on the stage, dressed in a red robe and wearing an exaggeratedly tall hat, spoke in a hoarse voice under the surrounding light.

"We will certainly live up to the Pope's expectations!"

Several silver knights responded in unison, each voice resounding with conviction.

The leader, in particular, had his red hair tied in a high ponytail and a resolute expression.

"Not only that, your safety is also of paramount importance."

Someone spoke up beside the Pope; she was shrouded in a white veil, making it difficult to see her clearly.

The girl in white slowly walked down the steps and helped the red-haired woman up. "Especially Sister Yiyan, you are the Knight Commander, and everyone needs your care."

"Your Highness the Saint."

Knight Commander Qin Yiyan nodded vigorously, "Leave it to me."

"If you say that, I feel relieved."

The saintess nodded and gently placed her hand on her shoulder. "There's not much I can do, except bless you before you set off and lead the nuns in praying for you day and night afterwards... Good luck."

As she spoke, a faint light shone from her hand, gently rippling across Qin Yiyan's armor.

After blessing her, she did the same thing to the Silver Knights behind Qin Yiyan.

After counting them, she suddenly realized something was wrong, "Where's Luo Yu?"

"I'm so sorry I'm late."