571: Not interested (5k words)

Lu Chongguang smiled slightly. "The competition within the Star Divination Tower is intense. Those in ordinary spacetime branches aspire to be promoted to higher-level branches, while those of us already in a higher-level branch naturally aspire to promote to the headquarters."

"Various family forces are entrenched within the Tower. As long as it does not affect the Tower's interests, the headquarters will not interfere with such competition."

"Our Lu Family is one of them."

Having said that, Lu Chongguang stopped speaking.

However, Lin Yang understood. Lu Chongguang was indeed not an ordinary manager but a member of the Lu Family, a major power within the Star Divination Tower.

To be able to establish a family power within the Star Divination Tower in a high-level spacetime like the Mirror Ruins Realm—it was easy to imagine that the Lu Family was certainly not simple.

This was no wonder Lu Chongguang had dared to promise him priority for special resources earlier.

"It seems that this Lu Family is a very powerful force within the Star Divination Tower in the Mirror Ruins Realm."

Lin Yang thought to himself, then said, "Then many thanks, Manager Lu."

Lu Chongguang clearly intended to befriend him.

His current response was also an expression of his willingness to accept the favor.

He did not mind accepting this friendship.

After all, having such a connection would be very useful to him.

Priority access to special resources, along with further discounts and the like—this was already an internal privilege.

Throughout the entire Endless Spacetime, no one could refuse such benefits.

These were things many people couldn't even beg for.

Of course, he was also prepared to return the favor in the future.

In the world of adults, especially the world of the strong, friendships and connections were mostly built on the foundation of mutual benefit.

Lu Chongguang, representing the Lu Family, was extending this friendship to him because he saw potential in his future; Lin Yang was well aware of this.

Seeing that Lin Yang accepted the connection, Lu Chongguang was quite pleased. "Haha, Your Excellency is too kind. I will go prepare the Lingyuan Liquid for you now; you can come to collect it later."

"Very well."

Lin Yang nodded, then left the Star Divination Tower.

It would take one day for the Lingyuan Liquid to be delivered.

He decided to use this time to go to the He Family to attend to some matters.

After obtaining the Lingyuan Liquid, he intended to continue his closed-door cultivation to push for the third level.

...

After Lin Yang left, Lu Chongguang went to a VIP room on another floor.

There, he found an elderly man with a tall stature and a dignified countenance.

Although the old man had white hair, his aura was imposing; clearly, he was not just an ordinary old man.

Upon seeing the old man, Lu Chongguang bowed respectfully. "Third Uncle, I have followed your instructions and spoken with Your Excellency Lin Yang. He has accepted the friendship offered by our Lu Family."

"Mm, Chongguang, well done. This time, I will record a merit for you within the clan." The old man nodded in satisfaction.

Lu Chongguang did not react much to these words; he seemed uninterested in merits or rewards. Instead, he hesitated for a moment before speaking:

"Third Uncle, although his talent is astonishing, is it really necessary to offer such a high price?"

"There are too many geniuses in the Endless Spacetime, yet very few truly manage to rise to the top."

"After the Returning Origin Realm, every step is a hurdle; advancement is extremely difficult. I believe he would have gladly accepted it even if we just offered a few more discounts. Is it really necessary to go to such lengths to win him over?"

The old man narrowed his eyes slightly. "Chongguang, you have never paid much attention to family affairs. Why are you asking about this now?"

"Just curious," Lu Chongguang replied indifferently.

"Hehe, your curiosity shows that you haven't completely given up on the family."

The old man smiled leisurely. "Chongguang, while there are many geniuses, not every one of them possesses both talent and luck."

"He is at the first level of the Breaking World stage, has mastered Dao Rhythm, and possesses that supreme treasure that completely isolates his aura. Such a genius, possessing both strength and luck, is worth our increased investment."

"Furthermore, he is of the Human Race, not some special species."

"The Human Race possesses no innate divine abilities or special talent bonuses. The aptitude he has displayed makes it worth it!"

Lu Chongguang remained silent.

The old man continued, "Your judgment of people and your approach to handling affairs still need further tempering."

"Oh..." Lu Chongguang still replied indifferently.

Seeing this, the old man did not get angry. Instead, he waved his hand. "Forget it. This is just an interlude; I happened to see this young man and felt he was quite extraordinary, so I decided to invest in him."

"Let's talk business. This ten-thousand-year period is an important time for the Tower's rotation. With the performance points he has provided you, you can now transfer back. Do not let anyone find fault with you again."

The old man grew serious. "I came here personally specifically to warn you. The family paid a great price for your transfer back. During these ten thousand years, you must not commit any impulsive acts."

"Matters of rotation cannot tolerate the slightest mistake. If you are caught again and jeopardize the clan's rotation, even I will be unable to help you. Do you understand?"

Hearing this, a cold glint suddenly flashed in Lu Chongguang's eyes. "Third Uncle, they killed Chan Zhi; how could I possibly be reconciled?!"

"Chongguang!" The old man said with a stern tone, "Even if you are not reconciled, you must endure it for now!"

"Endure these ten thousand years. Once the clan obtains the rotation authority, you may do whatever you wish. But for these ten thousand years, you must endure it for me!"

"After you transfer back, they will surely try to disturb your peace of mind and attempt to provoke you, hoping you will break the rules and sabotage the clan's rotation."

"But you must not let them have their way!"

"The clan has worked for so many years to finally have a chance at this rotation. I shouldn't need to remind you how important this is!"

Veins bulged on Lu Chongguang's forehead. "Third Uncle, I understand, but I... I cannot endure it."

"Even if you cannot endure it, you must!" The old man roared, "Do you want to stay in this remote, small city forever?"

"You were only lucky this time to have met this young man, which gave you the performance points for the clan to successfully arrange your transfer back. Otherwise, under normal circumstances, you would have had no chance of returning!"

"Third Uncle!" Lu Chongguang suddenly grew agitated. "How can I endure it? I wish I could flay them alive!"

"You..." The old man was instantly enraged.

Lu Chongguang retorted, "I won't go back. Since you are afraid I cannot endure it, then don't transfer me back. That way, I won't impulsively ruin the rotation!"

"Lu Chongguang!" The old man slammed his palm onto the table, shattering it into dust. "If you don't want to embarrass the family, then show some backbone!"

"A woman has reduced you to this?"

"If you have the capacity to wallow here in cowardice, then why not have the capacity to reach the Transformation Dao Realm, to verify the Dao, to reach the Dao Above!"

"When you do, not only will you be able to avenge your beloved woman, but you might even be able to resurrect her!"

"..." Lu Chongguang couldn't help but have black lines appear on his forehead. "Third Uncle! Can you speak like a normal person? Even if you want to provoke me, you don't have to say it like that!"

The Dao Above? This old man really dared to say it. If he truly had a chance, he would have strived for it long ago; why would he be wallowing here?

"Hehe, so you know you cannot do it?" The old man sneered. "Since you cannot, then honestly cooperate with the clan's work. Your life may be limited to this, but the clan has infinite possibilities. Sooner or later, we will be able to surpass them."

"When that time comes, it may not be impossible to avenge that woman of yours."

As he spoke, the old man slightly reined in his emotions and said slowly, "Once we obtain the rotation authority, the clan will have a chance to gain another ancestor in the Transformation Dao Realm. At that point, we will be able to surpass them. If you want to avenge her sooner, then cooperate!"

"When you acted impulsively that day, your cultivation realm fell, and had it not been for the ancestor intervening, you would already be a cripple. Now that you have a chance to recover, do you really want to be impulsive again?"

Lu Chongguang was stunned.

The old man then said, "Very well, I have said enough. I will say no more. Consider it yourself. Once you have made your decision, return. Otherwise, the clan will consider you as if you never existed."

"But I advise you to also think of your father."

With that, the old man turned and walked out, leaving Lu Chongguang standing there with a complex expression, lost in thought.

...

He Family. After Lin Yang arrived, he brought out some resources.

He Linxue was in charge of the He Family, but she lacked the strength to suppress dissent. Relying solely on his reputation would not be a viable long-term solution.

Therefore, these resources were for He Linxue to use as rewards.

Only by offering benefits could one make people more willing to work and follow orders.

"My Lord..." He Linxue was so moved she didn't know what to say.

Lin Yang had considered everything for her so thoroughly.

"Linxue, there is something I believe I should tell you."

Lin Yang waved his hand. Looking at He Linxue, he decided to tell the young woman the reason for her physical condition.

Even now, he still did not understand why He Linxue had lived so much longer than originally estimated.

After much thought, he felt it was still very necessary to tell He Linxue.

Perhaps this girl could figure out some things on her own.

He hadn't mentioned it before because He Linxue didn't have much time left to live, and saying it would only add unnecessary regret and pressure.

But now that she had inexplicably lived this much longer, Lin Yang changed his mind.

The human body itself possesses some wonderful, inexplicable qualities; perhaps once told, under He Linxue's conscious control, there might be some unexpected surprises.

"Please, Your Excellency, tell me!"

Seeing Lin Yang suddenly turn serious, He Linxue couldn't help but feel a shiver in her heart.

"Linxue, the reason your body was so poor before wasn't because it was in bad health; on the contrary, it was because it was too good."

Lin Yang spoke, and amid He Linxue's astonished expression, he explained the reasons one by one.

"This, this..."

He Linxue was greatly shaken.

She was completely bewildered.

She was actually a rare and powerful physique?!

"Your... Your Excellency, do you mean that under normal circumstances, I could cultivate to an extremely powerful realm?" He Linxue's voice trembled.

Lin Yang nodded: "Yes, but it is a pity that the legacies suitable for your cultivation have already been severed, and I cannot help you find them at present. It will depend on whether you can figure something out yourself."

As he spoke, Lin Yang took out a separate portion of resources: "These are resources I have specially prepared for you, suitable for your physique to absorb. You can hold these resources and try to absorb them in your spare time; perhaps in the process, you can master a method suitable for your own cultivation."

This was the limit of what he could do for now; there was truly nothing more he could do for He Linxue.

He could only let He Linxue first try the methods for ordinary people's cultivation to see if she could get started.

He Linxue took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Lin Yang: "Thank you, Your Excellency! Linxue will definitely work hard!"

"There is no need to force it too much."

Lin Yang shook his head: "To be honest, that you have lived until now is already beyond expectations. Just remember, from now on, every extra day you live is a gain. As long as you hold this mindset and don't worry too much about gains and losses, perhaps one day another miracle will happen!"

"Linxue understands, Linxue will keep Your Excellency's teachings in mind!" He Linxue said, suppressing the excitement in her heart.

"Alright, I am going to Brother Yue's place, and afterward, I will go into seclusion again. If you have any matters, go find Brother Yue for help."

Lin Yang turned and headed to the Yue Family.

This time, he would definitely remain in seclusion until he reached the third layer and attempted to breakthrough to the Guiyuan Realm before coming out!

There was only a little over six hundred years left until the Ten Thousand Universes faced the Dark Invasion.

Time was precious!

It could not be delayed.

Yue Duanjiang was quite happy about Lin Yang's sudden visit.

After all, although Lin Yang had not admitted it, the city had already defaulted to the belief that he had destroyed Bone Bloom and Ghost Ruins; his strength was currently an invincible existence within Yun Que City.

Being able to come to the Yue Family to drink with him amidst his busy schedule made Yue Duanjiang very happy.

However, Yue Bu and the other children were more reserved this time, or rather, more awe-struck, and they dared not approach him even more.

Seeing this, Lin Yang shook his head and smiled, not saying much, and exchanged insights while drinking with Yue Duanjiang.

After three rounds of drinks, Yue Duanjiang couldn't help but ask: "Brother Lin, now that the City Lord Yun Que has lost contact, do you have any thoughts on the position of City Lord?"

Lin Yang paused slightly, then shook his head: "No thoughts. Although being City Lord has many benefits, freedom is also restricted."

He truly had no interest in being City Lord.

Just the fact that he would need to be stationed in the city and have his freedom restricted was a huge drawback for him.

As for the matter of Bo Shi losing contact, to be honest, he was also quite surprised.

At the time, Bo Shi did not make a move but turned and left.

Thinking about it now, this guy had long since made plans to run away.

"He is quite a smart person."

Lin Yang sighed inwardly.

He had to admit, Bo Shi's approach was very wise.

If he had made a move at that time, although he didn't have much strength left, he certainly wouldn't have sat and waited for death.

Once the matter was exposed, Bo Shi wouldn't even have had the chance to run away.

By running away decisively, he was actually able to save his life.

"After picking up the Lingyuan Liquid, I will report Bo Shi for privately mobilizing the city's Formation Array and colluding with underground forces like Bone Bloom to the official Inspector of Kunyu Country." Lin Yang pondered.

The reason he didn't report it immediately was that after reporting, as the primary witness, his movements would be temporarily restricted.

He wouldn't be able to go and eliminate Bone Bloom and Ghost Ruins.

And with the delay, Bo Shi must have already gone far away from Yun Que City by now, so there was no rush to report it immediately.

Afterward, he drank with Yue Duanjiang for the better part of the day, and the day quietly passed.

Lin Yang went to the Star Divination Tower in the evening to collect the Lingyuan Liquid, only to see that the manager was no longer Lu Chongguang.

"They said he was being transferred; this efficiency is too fast, isn't it?" Lin Yang muttered, and after collecting the goods, he reported Bo Shi's actions.

Things were much as he expected; a few minutes after he submitted the report, he received a message asking him to go to the City Lord's Mansion to assist in the investigation.

Calling it an investigation, it was naturally to have him explain the situation at the time, but Lin Yang didn't say much.

He only said that he was attacked by Bone Bloom, and Bo Shi came out and inexplicably fought with Bone Bloom, then ran away severely injured.

Then, he was asked to stay temporarily at the City Lord's Mansion for a few days to wait for the arrival of the official Inspector from Kunyu Country.

Lin Yang naturally had no objections.

Although he wanted to go into seclusion, he didn't mind these few days.

Two days later, the Inspector dispatched by Kunyu Country arrived.

It was a Guiyuan Realm powerhouse!

As soon as this person arrived, he quickly understood the sequence of events, and it didn't take long for him to conclude the investigation.

"Bo Shi, as City Lord, violated the rules of Kunyu Country, secretly colluded with underground forces in the city, and privately utilized the power of the Formation Array to cooperate with the leader of the underground forces to attack residents of the city. Now, a warrant is issued for Bo Shi!"

The Inspector was extremely decisive and directly issued the arrest warrant.

All the residents of Yun Que City also received this arrest warrant immediately.

Then, the whole city was shaken once again!

"City Lord Bo Shi actually colluded with Bone Bloom and privately used the power of the Formation Array to attack the Villa of Your Excellency Lin Yang. This is too insane, right??"

"Why are you still calling him City Lord? He is no longer the City Lord!"

"My goodness, there was actually such inside information!!"

"No wonder Bo Shi lost contact; it turns out he ran away because the matter was exposed..."

People were all incredibly shocked.

Previously, everyone did not know the true inside story of the matter and was simply shocked by Lin Yang's strength.

Now, they truly and deeply felt Lin Yang's terror once again.

Even with Bo Shi mobilizing the power of the Formation Array, he was still able to kill his way out of the encirclement unscathed!

This was simply so strong that it made everyone feel suffocated!

Inside the City Lord's Mansion, Inspector Hao Fang looked at Lin Yang, a hint of curiosity appearing in his eyes. When he was investigating the sequence of events, he was also shocked by Lin Yang's strength.

Afterward, he spoke:

"Your Excellency Lin Yang, regarding the matter of Bo Shi colluding with the underground forces in the city, this is the only way to handle it for now. Bo Shi has fled. If my guess is correct, he should have fled to Jin Shi Kingdom. If you want to hunt him down, it might take some effort. I wonder if you are satisfied with this handling?"

Lin Yang nodded: "Satisfied, thank you for your hard work, Inspector."

"It is my duty, no need to talk about hard work."

Hao Fang smiled, then looked at Lin Yang with great interest, and continued:

"Now the position of City Lord Yun Que is vacant. I wonder, Your Excellency Lin Yang, do you have any interest in becoming the new City Lord Yun Que?"

"Hmm?" Lin Yang was slightly stunned, "To become the new City Lord, isn't there a competition?"

Listening to this Inspector's meaning, it seemed that as long as he was willing, he could be directly appointed as City Lord?

Hao Fang had a smile in his eyes:

"Under normal circumstances, there is indeed a competition, and the competition is very fierce."

"But now it is obviously an abnormal situation. Your strength is outstanding. If you are willing to serve as City Lord, there will be no resistance. This Inspector will directly report to the Country Lord to make the appointment!"

"Alright."

Lin Yang sighed slightly, and then said amidst Hao Fang's expectant expression:

"I am truly sorry to disappoint the Inspector's trust, but I currently have no thoughts on the position of City Lord."

"Hmm? No thoughts?" Hao Fang was stunned.

There was actually someone who wasn't interested in being City Lord?