40: Chapter 40 City Lord's Skill! The King's Military Might!

The third person was an elderly man who was blind. He had originally been an accountant among the refugees, literate and well-read, and had helped Strategist Zhu Ge record supplies and personnel along the way.

However, during a night raid, he had his eyes slashed by the sharp claws of a Demonic Beast while trying to protect the account books. From then on, his world fell completely into darkness.

At this moment, he sat there quietly, his cloudy eyes unfocused. Strategist Zhu Ge carefully applied the black jade connection paste to his eyes.

The old man trembled slightly, and then—he suddenly opened his eyes! "I... I can see!" The old man's voice was trembling.

"I see the sky! I see the clouds! I see... I see all of you!" He looked around, tears streaming down his face, trembling with excitement. "I can see again! I can see again!"

In the time that followed, one disabled refugee after another received treatment. Every miracle that occurred was accompanied by cries, laughter, and cheers.

Those who had originally thought they would spend their whole lives in darkness saw the sunlight once more. Those who had originally thought they would never be able to walk again stood up once more. Those who had originally thought they would only be a burden regained a complete body.

Ten boxes of black jade connection paste healed nearly thirty-two people in total. On every person's face hung the tears of survivors and heartfelt smiles.

"Quick! Kneel down!" Xiao Yue's mother suddenly pressed her daughter to the ground and knelt down herself. "Kowtow to Zhou Yun! Quick!"

"Thump! Thump! Thump!" The mother and daughter's foreheads hit the ground heavily, making dull sounds. "Thank you, Zhou Yun! Thank you, Zhou Yun, for saving our lives!" "Zhou Yun's great kindness and virtue, my daughter will never forget!"

Seeing this, the other cured refugees also knelt down one after another. "Thank you, Zhou Yun!" "Thank you, Zhou Yun!" "Thank you, Zhou Yun!!"

Cries, thanks, and the sounds of kowtowing intertwined. Within the crowd, a few refugees gathered together, whispering to each other. "This black jade connection paste is too miraculous! Even severed limbs can grow back!"

"Indeed, this must be extremely precious, right?" "More than just precious? I guess this must be at least a Bronze Rank treasure!" "Bronze Rank? I'm afraid it's more than that? Maybe it's Silver Rank!"

"Regardless of the rank, Zhou Yun is willing to take it out for us to use; we cannot forget this kindness!" "That is for sure! Once we settle down in Flower City, we must work hard, save enough money, and pay Zhou Yun back for the black jade connection paste!"

"Right, right, right! Even if we can't pay it back, we must work for Zhou Yun for the rest of our lives!"

Strategist Zhu Ge watched those refugees who were swearing to "save money to pay off the debt" and couldn't help but smile bitterly. Bronze Rank paste, you might be able to pay it back. Living frugally for a year or a half, gritting your teeth, you could scrape it together. But Gold Rank paste... What would you use to pay it back? Selling yourselves wouldn't be enough!

But he didn't point this out. The City Lord intentionally didn't say it, so he definitely had his reasons. Furthermore, if he were to rashly reveal the truth, it would be a huge psychological burden for the people who had just been cured, causing more harm than good.

Ten boxes of black jade connection paste were used up very quickly. The remaining people could only look on with longing. Their expressions were complex. They were happy for their companions' recovery, yet felt dejected about their own situation.

"The black jade connection paste is gone..." "Yes, it's not our turn." "Forget it, it's good enough that we survived; we can't be too greedy." "Zhou Yun has already done his best; we can't cause him any more trouble." "That's right! People have to learn to be content!"

They spoke in low voices, their tone carrying a bit of bitterness, but there were no complaints. Strategist Zhu Ge looked at their expressions, feeling a wave of soreness in his heart. He really wanted to ask Zhou Yun again, begging him to take out some more black jade connection paste. But when the words reached his lips, he swallowed them back.

From the moment they met until now, he had already made excessive requests several times. Zhou Yun was broad-minded and didn't hold it against him. But he, Strategist Zhu Ge, could not be too lacking in propriety.

Just then, a crisp voice came from afar. "Mr. Zhu." Strategist Zhu Ge looked up and followed the sound. Then, he froze completely. He saw a team of priests wearing white robes walking toward him, led by a young woman with a delicate face and a gentle temperament. It was Priest Captain Zhao Qian.

But what shocked Strategist Zhu Ge was not Zhao Qian herself. It was what she and the priests behind her were holding in their hands. One box. Two boxes. Three boxes... Dozens of jet-black jade boxes, neatly held in the priests' hands! That familiar color, that familiar luster, that familiar medicinal fragrance... Strategist Zhu Ge's pupils contracted violently.

It was black jade connection paste! It was black jade connection paste again! Zhao Qian walked up to Strategist Zhu Ge, bowed slightly, and said with a smile: "Mr. Zhu, Zhou Yun felt that it was not very convenient for the wounded to apply the black jade connection paste themselves, so he specifically sent us over to help."

She paused and added: "Zhou Yun said that there are too many injured refugees, and the previous ten boxes were probably not enough. These are supplements; Mr. Zhu can just distribute them as you see fit."

Strategist Zhu Ge opened his mouth, but couldn't say a single word. He only felt his throat ache and his eyes grow hot. The previous ten boxes... were not enough? So he took out a dozen more? He lowered his head and looked at the box of black jade connection paste in Zhao Qian's hand. The same jet-black jade box, the same golden luster, the same rich medicinal fragrance!

At this moment, Strategist Zhu Ge's mind went blank. He slowly turned his head, his gaze passing through the crowd and landing on the young figure not far away. Zhou Yun was standing with his back to him, talking to Lei Lie, his demeanor calm and his posture casual.

It was as if everything that had just happened was merely a trivial matter. It was as if those priceless Gold Rank divine medicines were nothing more than roadside weeds in his eyes. The waves in Strategist Zhu Ge's heart became increasingly turbulent. What kind of City Lord have I encountered?!

This kind of generosity, this kind of spirit, this kind of magnanimity... Let alone an F-grade small city, even those lower-tier cities or Intermediate cities probably couldn't be this generous, right?

On the other side. Zhou Yun was standing side by side with Lei Lie, looking at the busy crowd in the distance. "Lei Lie." He spoke first, his tone peaceful. "Does Zhou Yun have any instructions?" Lei Lie quickly cupped his hands.

Zhou Yun turned around, looked at him, and said slowly: "You saw the Demonic Wolf attack this time." "Flower City is located on the frontier; although there aren't many Demonic Beasts in the surrounding area, that does not mean they don't exist." "Today it was Demonic Wolves, tomorrow it might be even more powerful Demonic Beasts."

Lei Lie's expression became serious. Zhou Yun was right. Although Demonic Beasts were rarely seen around Flower City usually, since Demonic Wolves had appeared today, they naturally couldn't be ignored in the future. Especially since the East City Gate had not yet been repaired.

"Furthermore." Zhou Yun continued: "There are more and more Professionals in the city, and there is an urgent need for someone who can command them." "So, in terms of strength, you are currently the strongest in the city. In terms of seniority, it goes without saying. I think you should stop declining the position of Minister of the Military Department."

As soon as these words were spoken, Lei Lie's body stiffened. "Zhou Yun, I..." He opened his mouth, wanting to speak but stopping. If he remembered correctly, this was already the fourth time Zhou Yun had brought this up to him.

Things shouldn't happen more than three times. Considering Zhou Yun's status, issuing four invitations in a row showed how much he valued him. But... It wasn't that he didn't want to be this Minister. Honestly, he dreamed of it. But... he didn't dare to take it.

He knew very well what he was capable of. In terms of martial strength, he was indeed the strongest in Flower City at the moment. A Silver Rank warrior could be considered a top-tier existence in this small city. But in terms of leadership... in terms of military strategy... he was far off.

Previously, he was just a City Guard captain, leading at most a hundred or so people. Usually, it was just patrolling, standing guard, maintaining order, or at most fighting small groups of wandering Demonic Beasts. But now, how many Professionals were in Flower City? Nearly sixteen thousand people!

Sixteen thousand! What kind of concept was this? Commanding so many people required more than just martial strength; it required the vision to oversee the whole situation, the wisdom to devise strategies, and the majesty to enforce orders. And these... how many times had he asked himself, did he really possess them? Did he really have such ability?

"Zhou Yun." Lei Lie took a deep breath, cupped his hands, and said in a deep voice: "This subordinate is grateful for Zhou Yun's trust! No matter what the task is, this subordinate is willing to do my best, even if I have to risk my life to complete it! But..." He gritted his teeth and said what was on his mind.

"But although this subordinate has Silver Rank strength, in terms of leadership and military strategy, I am truly far from sufficient." "Sixteen thousand Professionals, this responsibility is too heavy. This subordinate is afraid... afraid of failing Zhou Yun's trust." By the end, his voice lowered, carrying a bit of bitterness.

He wasn't being humble; he genuinely felt he wasn't capable. If Flower City suffered losses because of his incompetence... then he, Lei Lie, wouldn't be able to make up for it even if he died ten thousand times! Just as Lei Lie was struggling with his decision, a round figure approached.

"Oh my, Lei Lie!" Minister Wang Fugui smiled all over his face and patted Lei Lie on the shoulder. "I think you should just accept it! This is the Minister of the Military Department, what a great honor!" Lei Lie frowned and didn't speak.

Minister Wang Fugui didn't care about his expression and continued on his own: "If you don't accept this position, even I would be envious!" "Besides, in the whole city, apart from you, who else can be this Minister?" "You are a Silver Rank warrior, the strongest!" "You are the City Guard Commander, the most senior!"

"If this position isn't given to you, could it be given to me, a businessman?" He said, deliberately spreading his hands in an exaggerated manner. Lei Lie's brow furrowed even tighter. This Minister Wang Fugui, why was he everywhere?

"Tsk! Looking at how troubled you are, could it be that you don't want to share the worries for Zhou Yun?" Minister Wang Fugui changed the subject, squinting his eyes as he looked at Lei Lie, teasing him. As soon as these words were spoken, Lei Lie's expression sank.

What did it mean to not want to share worries for Zhou Yun? His loyalty to the City Lord was clear to heaven and earth! "Get lost!" He barked, a flash of anger erupting in his eyes. Minister Wang Fugui was choked up by his roar.

"Minister Wang." Zhou Yun spoke at the right moment. Minister Wang Fugui immediately put away the expression on his face and respectfully turned to Zhou Yun: "Does Zhou Yun have any instructions?"

Zhou Yun said with a smile: "Flower City is currently in need of people, and these refugees need to be properly settled." "I'll have to trouble Minister Wang to take them to find Wan'er and Elder Tie, and arrange their registration, living quarters, and work as soon as possible."

He paused and added: "If they don't have enough manpower there and can't arrange it, Minister Wang should help out more." Minister Wang Fugui nodded repeatedly, his face full of smiles, "It should be done! It should be done!" "Zhou Yun, don't worry, this subordinate will go and do it right away!"

After finishing speaking, he bowed deeply to Zhou Yun, then turned and left in a hurry. Before leaving, he didn't forget to turn back and glare at Lei Lie.

After Minister Wang Fugui left, the city gate became much quieter. At this moment, Lei Lie had also truly made a decision. He took a deep breath, cupped his hands and bowed again, "This subordinate is extremely grateful for Zhou Yun's trust."

"But this subordinate knows that my own ability is not enough, far from enough." "Sixteen thousand Professionals, this responsibility is too great. If this subordinate were to reluctantly accept the position, I'm afraid I would delay Zhou Yun's major affairs." "Please, Zhou Yun, choose someone else who is capable!" After saying this, he lowered his head deeply.

Zhou Yun looked at him and shook his head slightly. This Lei Lie, everything about him was good, except his personality was too straight. He didn't know how to beat around the bush; he was just stubborn. If he told him to be a Minister and he said he couldn't, then he really felt he couldn't. No amount of persuasion worked.

Zhou Yun pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled, "Lei Lie, since you feel your ability is not enough, then I'll put it another way." Lei Lie was slightly stunned and looked up.

Zhou Yun looked at him and said slowly: "You just take this position of Minister of the Military Department for now." "When someone better than you appears, you can step down and yield the position to the worthy, how about that?"

Lei Lie was stunned. Just take it for now? Yield the position when someone better comes along? This proposal... He lowered his head and thought carefully. If it were like this... It didn't seem impossible? But... What if he messed things up during this period?

Zhou Yun seemed to see through his thoughts, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and his tone carried a bit of teasing: "Lei Lie, if you still refuse even like this..." "Then I will take it as you have an opinion about me."

Lei Lie's body shook violently. Have an opinion about Zhou Yun?! How could that be?! "Zhou Yun! This subordinate wouldn't dare!" Lei Lie almost blurted it out subconsciously, his tone full of panic. "This subordinate is too grateful to Zhou Yun, how could I have an opinion!"

"Zhou Yun's kindness to Flower City, and his trust in this subordinate, even if this subordinate were to be smashed to pieces, I could not repay even a ten-thousandth!" "This subordinate has absolutely no two-heartedness, heaven and earth can testify!" He spoke excitedly, and his voice was even trembling.

Zhou Yun looked at his terrified appearance and couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Alright, alright, I know." He waved his hand, his tone relaxed. "Since you have no opinion, do you accept my proposal?"

Lei Lie opened his mouth, lost for words for a moment. Being provoked by Zhou Yun like this, all the hesitation and concerns from just now were thrown to the back of his mind. Now, wanting to refuse again, it seemed he couldn't say it. After a moment of silence, Lei Lie took a deep breath.

Once. Twice. Three times. He took several deep breaths in a row, struggling to calm his mood down. Then, he slowly knelt on one knee, cupped his hands, and raised them high above his head. "This subordinate..." His voice trembled slightly, but carried incomparable solemnity. "Accepts the order!"

At this moment, his eyes felt a bit hot. He felt Zhou Yun's trust in him. Since that was the case, he, Lei Lie, even if he had to risk his life, had to be a good Minister of the Military Department! Even if his ability wasn't enough, he would fight to learn! Even if his wisdom was insufficient, he would make up for it with diligence! He secretly swore in his heart that he would never let Zhou Yun down!

Zhou Yun looked at Lei Lie kneeling on the ground and nodded slightly. "Very good." He reached out his hand and helped Lei Lie up. "From today on, you are the Minister of the Military Department of Flower City." "The training, dispatch, and combat of all Professionals in the city are under your jurisdiction." "I believe you will definitely be competent." "This subordinate will definitely work until his death for the city!" Lei Lie's voice was resonant and powerful.

At the same time, Zhou Yun heard a familiar notification sound. [Ding! You successfully bestowed the position of Minister of the Military Department, triggering a 100,000,000 times critical strike reward, obtaining a qualitative change reward, City Lord Skill: Kings Army!] [Kings Army: The person is the city; when attacked, the damage is shared equally by all citizens of the city. Can summon all citizens of the city to fight. Duration: 1 hour. Cooldown: 1 hour]