43: Infinite City under the trend

Once, traveling from Infinite City to the outskirts of Nigu Forest required traversing perilous dense woods.

But now, a brand new, wide road has been forcibly carved out.

This road, starting from Infinite City, heads south, passing through the formerly dangerous forest area, directly reaching the edge of Sunset Plain.

This road, forcibly opened by the Engineering Corps working day and night, is wide enough at its broadest point to accommodate eight large carriages abreast.

At this moment, this newly opened thoroughfare presents an unprecedentedly bustling scene...

Displaced people, bringing their families, their faces sallow from long-term malnutrition, push creaking wheelbarrows laden with all their belongings; though their steps are somewhat faltering, their eyes gleam with a light called "hope"...

Dust-covered mercenaries and adventurers, in groups of three to five, carrying weapons, cautiously scan their surroundings while quietly discussing Infinite City's bounty missions and various new discoveries.

Sharp-nosed merchants, driving mules loaded with goods, their faces wreathed in smiles, are already calculating how to make a fortune in this burgeoning city.

There are even some relatively well-dressed individuals, seemingly scouts or envoys dispatched by minor factions, mingling in the crowd, subtly observing everything.

"Hurry up! We're almost at Infinite City's territory! We'll be safe once we're there!" a middle-aged man urged his wife and children behind him, his voice weary but unable to conceal his excitement.

"Dad, is Infinite City really like they say, with food and shelter, and no need to fear Goblins?" a scrawny boy asked, looking up.

"It must be true! Do you see those soldiers in armor on the road? I heard... they're the City Guard! With them around, no monster dares to come near!" The man pointed to a squad of Infinite City soldiers patrolling nearby, his tone filled with reverence.

The City Guard is a force specially established by Su Jin to maintain law and order in his territory.

Its members are mostly recruited from the refugee camps, as well as soldiers rigorously selected from humans gathered from various parts of Adlan.

As Infinite City's sphere of influence expanded to the edge of the Sunset Plain, their patrol routes also extended to this newly opened lifeline.

These well-equipped and disciplined soldiers gave everyone traveling on this road a long-lost sense of order and security.

And in this chaotic land, that is the most precious treasure.

On both sides of the road, the Sky-Peering Vines, disguised as ordinary plants, silently take in everything and continuously transmit information back to the Grand Void Azurewood Palace at the center of the territory...

Infinite City.

Su Jin stood by the glazed window on the top floor of the Grand Void Azurewood Palace, looking down through the ethereal green leaves, formed by spiritual energy, at the city below and the bustling road outside the city.

In just half a month, the territory's permanent population had already approached 130,000. And this number was still growing at an alarming rate.

"My Lord, these are the latest statistics." Li Yi walked in, placing a thick report in front of Su Jin. This former refugee leader, now the chief steward of Infinite City, had a hint of fatigue on his face, but his eyes were exceptionally bright. Managing a refugee camp of a few hundred people and managing a city of tens of thousands, which was also rapidly expanding, involved incomparable pressure, but he relished it.

"The new population is 47,235 people, of which able-bodied young adults account for about 40%, with the rest being mostly elderly, weak, women, and children," Li Yi's voice was steady. "According to your instructions, all new residents have completed initial registration and have been assigned to various production positions or basic military training based on their skills and wishes.

The camps for settling refugees have been expanded three times, but they are still somewhat stretched."

Su Jin picked up the report and quickly scanned it, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly: "The rate of resource consumption has increased quite a bit, hasn't it?"

"Yes, My Lord." Li Yi gave a wry smile. "The consumption rate of various materials is several times what it was before. Fortunately, we captured a lot of things when we took Greystone Keep, otherwise, we would probably be facing shortages by now."

"Hmm, as expected." Su Jin put down the report, his fingers lightly tapping the windowsill. "Population is the cornerstone of development, but also a huge burden. Taking too big a step does indeed lead to problems."

He pondered for a moment, then looked at Li Yi: "Pass on my orders:

Firstly, the Engineering Corps is to operate at full capacity, accelerating the construction of new residential areas, and must ensure that all residents have a roof over their heads.

Secondly, the refugee camps are to continue receiving newcomers, but also to screen them. I will open up some of the Grand Void Azurewood Palace's permissions to you to ensure that no individuals with ulterior motives infiltrate.

Thirdly, the Political Affairs Office is to immediately begin drafting more comprehensive household registration management and taxation system proposals, allocating farmland, and expanding the cultivated area. With more people, we can no longer manage as crudely as before; rules must be established."

"Yes, My Lord!" Li Yi immediately responded, noting down each order.

Su Jin paused, then added: "Also, dispatch the Mithril Heavy Shield and Zhenyue Halberd Guard to assist the City Guard in strengthening urban security patrols.

With so many people, it's inevitable that some scoundrels will try to fish in troubled waters. They must be crushed with thunderous force at the first sign."

"Understood!" Li Yi's spirits lifted. With Silver-tier troops joining the City Guard, the city's security would definitely be as solid as a mountain. He turned, ready to convey the orders.

"Wait," Su Jin called out to him, his gaze seeming to penetrate the glazed window, looking into the distance.

"There's one last thing. In the name of the City Lord's Mansion, announce throughout the city: in two months, Infinite City will hold its first military parade! At that time, all legions will demonstrate their strength. And..." Su Jin paused, a profound smile playing on his lips, "On the day of the ceremony, I will personally preside over an... Sublimation ritual."

Li Yi was stunned, almost thinking he had misheard: "My Lord... in two months? Our time..."

"There's enough time," Su Jin turned around, a hint of inscrutability on his face. "And, we need to flex our muscles. Firstly, to reassure the new residents, and secondly, to let certain people know the power of Infinite City... to prepare for future unification."

"Moreover," Su Jin's tone shifted, becoming much lighter, "I was originally thinking whether I should first tackle the tough nut of Goblin King City. I didn't expect the Elf to be quite effective."

"Elf?" Li Yi was even more confused.

"'Shadow' sent news," Su Jin explained, seemingly in good spirits, "Over in Twilight Forest, the Elf seem to have caused a big stir, and their combat power has soared. Now, that Goblin King Bashaka is in a mess. His so-called 'Three-Month Plan' has completely fallen through. Maybe in three months, he'll still be playing in the mud with the Elf in the forest."

Hearing of the enemy's predicament, Li Yi immediately brightened, excitedly saying, "Hey! That's great! Those green-skins deserve a taste of hardship!"

He patted his chest, "Don't worry, My Lord! I will arrange everything! I guarantee that in two months, the prestige of our Infinite City will resound throughout the entire Sunset Plain!"

Watching Li Yi's excited retreating figure, Su Jin's smile gradually faded. He looked out the window again, his gaze profound.

The military parade was the facade; the real highlight was the "Sublimation ritual."

He needed more power, a stronger army, not just to conquer Goblin King City, but to completely eliminate Bashaka, that major hidden danger, and unify the Adran World, so he could advance to the next stage.

Su Jin's gaze seemed to penetrate endless space, landing on a distant place.

Father... there is only three years at most. Therefore, he must advance his territory to 'Realm Sea' within two years. Only there will he have a chance to find the legendary 'Flower of Eternal Life'...