Starting as dockworkers, they swept through Chongqing.

Xilun and Haivier walked side by side on the cobblestone path.

"So, the closer we get to the extraordinary, the closer we get to losing control?" Xilun broke the silence.

Haiweier turned her head to the side, chuckled softly, and the white breath she exhaled was instantly blown away by the wind.

"Your current worry is like that of a baby who hasn't learned to walk yet, worrying about breaking their leg while running."

She smiled faintly and said, "Right now, you're not even a first-order 'Baptist.' Besides, even among extraordinary beings, only a very small number lose control because they can't stand the babbling. I think Lord Lothas is just giving you a reminder to maintain reverence for the mystical, not to make you throw the baby out with the bathwater."

Xilun nodded slightly, saying nothing more, his fingers unconsciously stroking the cold bronze badge under his collar.

The two passed through a rusty iron mesh gate, and ahead lay the work area of ​​Group 3 in Zone B.

This used to be a noisy vegetable market.

Dozens of coolies, dressed in tattered cotton-padded coats and covered in oil stains, were gathered together.

Some were squatting on the ground smoking cigarettes, while others were pushing and shoving each other, with vulgar swearing and laughter rising and falling.

Xilun stopped and glanced at the group of people.

Then, he stepped forward.

The leather boots made a dull sound as they stepped on the frozen mud.

"Smack."

With a crisp sound, Xilun closed the roll call list in his hand.

The once noisy crowd fell silent, like a duck suddenly being choked.

Dozens of eyes turned to look at them. When their gaze fell on the bronze badge on Xilun's collar, which was gleaming with a cold light, their relaxed expressions instantly tightened.

The grinning face disappeared.

That mixture of awe, flattery, and fear quickly crept onto everyone's face like a mask.

Some people subconsciously straightened their hunched backs, some hurriedly stubbed out their cigarettes, and others vigorously wiped their hands on their dirty trouser legs, as if doing so would make them look more presentable.

Quiet.

A deathly silence.

Only the mournful wail of the ship's horn on the distant river sounded particularly jarring.

Xilun remained expressionless, his gaze sweeping across the familiar faces like a sharp blade.

Those whose gaze fell upon him all lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.

This feeling is wonderful.

It was the same group of people, the same location. But just because of a bronze medal, because of a change in position, the relationships between them underwent a complete reversal.

No need to roar, no need to brandish a whip, just standing here is enough to make people bow their heads.

Xilun opened the roll call list, his voice not loud, but clearly audible in the deathly silent arena.

"Start taking attendance."

He called out names one by one, and those whose names were called immediately responded loudly, afraid that being even a second too slow would anger the newly appointed "master".

"Kemi".

Xilun paused for a second after reading the name.

Kemi looked up, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

There were surprises and unexpected events, but more than anything, there was an indescribable sense of restraint and alienation.

Back in the dorm, Kemi would casually pat Xilun on the shoulder and call him "brother," complain about how hard the black bread was, and share which alley had cheap prostitutes.

But now, looking at the neatly dressed and aloof Siren in front of her, Kemi felt as if there was a thick barrier between them.

"Here." Kemi finally just nodded slightly, her voice hoarse.

He couldn't help but think that now that Xilun had become the overseer, it was no longer convenient for them to chat.

They can no longer even say that they are Xilun's brother.

Xilun looked at Kemi.

His gaze fell on Kemi's waist, which was still trembling slightly. It was an old injury left by Morgan's malicious harassment and the forced handling of steel ingots.

"Does your back still hurt?" Xilun suddenly asked.

Kemi was taken aback, then instinctively straightened her back and said loudly, "It doesn't hurt! I can work!"

Xilun shook his head.

"How could you possibly be healed overnight after being injured like that yesterday?"

He picked up a pencil and circled Kemi's name on the roster.

"Today we have a batch of tea and cotton from the southern continent; it'll be easier to carry."

Xilun closed the booklet and assigned, "Go move this, and rest for a few days."

Those around him lowered their heads, but a hint of envy welled up in their hearts.

Cargo such as tea and cotton were considered the most sought-after "lucrative jobs" at the docks, as the boxes were large but lightweight, and the piece-rate wages were quite substantial.

Previously, only Morgan's confidants or those who had been bribed could do this kind of work.

Kemi suddenly raised his head, looked at Xilen's cold profile, his lips moved, but in the end he didn't say anything, he just nodded heavily.

Xilun nodded slightly and turned to continue assigning tasks.

"Loki, Somo... in charge of the ballast and logs for Warehouse No. 3."

"Li De, go and clear the mud from the pier."

The instructions are clear and well-organized.

After assigning all the tasks, Xilun closed the roster and turned to leave.

"Lord Siren!"

"Take care, sir!"

"Brother Xilun, please feel free to ask me for any dirty or strenuous work in the future!"

A group of farmhands immediately surrounded him, their faces full of fawning smiles.

A flood of flattery poured in; some praised his appropriate allocation of resources, others lauded his youth and talent, and some even complimented his stylish hairstyle.

Xilun nodded slightly, his expression remaining indifferent.

He silently made a mental note of it.

Which flattery is skillfully executed? Which look hides resentment? Which smile is the most fake?

He might not remember who flattered him, but he would remember perfectly well who didn't.

For example, there was Li De, who stood on the outermost edge of the crowd, his face pale and covered in cold sweat.

Xilun's gaze swept through the crowd and lingered on Li De for half a second.

In that mere half-second, Li De felt as if he had been struck by lightning; his whole body trembled violently, and he almost collapsed to the ground.

Xilun withdrew his gaze and turned to walk towards Hevy.

"Let's go."

The tense atmosphere only eased when the two figures disappeared around the corner of the warehouse.

"Kemi! You're something else!"

"So you and Lord Xilun are brothers, you must be very close."

"I was terrified just now. I thought the new broom was going to burn us down, but I didn't expect to give you such a lucrative job."

Several day laborers who usually had only a casual relationship with Kemi suddenly acted like long-lost brothers, affectionately putting their arms around Kemi's shoulders, offering him cigarettes and massaging his back.

"Brother Kemi, about my brother wanting to work as a long-term laborer at the docks..." A man with a pockmarked face approached, his expression ingratiating, "Could you say a few words to Lord Sir Lun?"

At the Saint Laurent docks, the workers were divided into two types.

One type is the long-term laborer, who is a formal employee of the fraternity. They have a fixed base salary and can get paid regardless of whether there is work or not. It is a "golden rice bowl" in the eyes of laborers.

Another type is short-term workers, also known as temporary workers, who work when there is work and go hungry when there is no work.

The workload at the docks depends on the volume of cargo. During this period, with many ships and plenty of cargo, even temporary workers can make a living. But once the off-season arrives, or if the port is closed, temporary workers will be left with nothing.

The positions of long-term laborers were firmly held by the overseer.

Back when Morgan was in charge, a long-term employee position could be sold for a sum of money, and there was also a monthly tribute required.

Now, the overseer has become Siron.

Kemi was surrounded by people, her hands stuffed with cigarettes, sugar cubes and other such things.

On the edge of the crowd.

Li De stood alone in the cold wind, his body shivering slightly.