The person sitting in the guest seat continued to lower their gaze, stirring the foam in the teacup without altering their posture, completely unaffected by the stagnant atmosphere surrounding them.
After a moment of silence, just as the other party's expression was about to crack, a cold voice broke through, "Mayor Xia, I am here to discuss business with sincerity, not to declare war." They pointed at the sword aimed at her by the Patrolling Guard and added, "This is not how one shows respect to those of lower status."
"Leave."
The Patrolling Guard instantly retreated without a trace, and the room returned to its previous state, except for the door frame that was still shaking from being closed.
"Respecting those of lower status? Silent Sister, the information you hold is far more valuable than you," a chilling glint shone in their eyes. "Only capable individuals can hold onto leverage. We have plenty of adventurers like you in Summerwater City; what makes you think I should show you respect?"
"Mayor Xia, I am the only one who can open the Northeast Trade Route in a short time," came the confident reply laced with pride. "Moreover, my leverage isn't limited to just that." A secretive smile crept onto their lips as they produced the Exit Village Qualification Certificate. "The Light Faction has distributed Exit Village Qualification Certificates in every novice village—no, perhaps I should say, Light Adventurer Medals." Ignoring the shock in the other party's eyes at the sight of the yellowed paper, they lightly tapped a point on a blue undeveloped land center and continued, "Plus—this Teleportation Circle here. It should be nearing completion, right? I believe I saw a Mage Alliance wizard leaving when I came in—"
The nonchalant tone struck Mayor Xia like a drumbeat, causing their heart to race.
Suddenly, he broke into a bright smile, his icy demeanor dissipating as the stagnant air began to flow once more.
The tense atmosphere returned to its original state in an instant.
"Hahaha! It is indeed our honor to have an adventurer recognized by the God of Light settle in Summerwater City; we should certainly show you respect." With a wave of his hand, three contracts appeared before him. "The prices for shops and houses will be at half off—totaling this amount in gold."
After exchanging gold coins and signing contracts, both parties exchanged smiles, everything settled in silence.
"Mayor Xia, you can rest assured that I will handle matters regarding the Northeast Trade Route. Before the Teleportation Circle is operational, I will complete the task."
"Good."
System: Player Remains Silent has received the faction mission "Open Northeast Trade Route."
System: Congratulations Player Remains Silent has obtained a pass for Summerwater City and a letter of introduction.
Leaving the Main City Hall, she hurriedly made her way to the teleportation point.
System: Are you leaving Summerwater City for Spring Day City?
A player mentioned by Mayor Xia suddenly flashed through her mind, and her heart sank. She quickly changed her mind, saying, "Take me to Winter Snow City."
One gold coin was automatically deducted, and after a moment of dizziness, the biting cold wind sliced against her face.
Opening her eyes, she found herself in a world of ice and snow.
A white palace stood proudly atop the vast icy plains, while the water-blue city gates were guarded by the protective beast of Winter Snow City, the Glacier Wind Wolf. The Guardians stood resolutely at the gate, unflinching against the wind and snow, steadfast in their duty.
Winter Snow City was on the front lines of the conflict between the Light Faction and the Dark Camp. There were no external teleportation points within the Main City; all teleportation points were located outside the city. Moreover, the residents inside this city were vastly different from those in the other three Main Cities; everyone possessed combat skills, with no innocent civilians unarmed. Thus, this Main City's atmosphere was filled with a sense of iron and coldness.
The solemn atmosphere emanating from the diligent Guardians conveyed a sense of war and valor.
In her previous life, she had spent three years on this battlefield of slaughter.
Taking out her Exit Village Qualification Certificate, she walked into this serious and imposing ice city under the watchful gaze of the guard soldiers.
Arriving at the entrance of Main City Hall, she approached the gatekeeper soldier to state her purpose and handed over her Exit Village Qualification Certificate, waiting in place.
In less than two minutes, the efficient gatekeeper soldier handed back her certificate with both hands and respectfully said, "Adventurer, our lord requests your presence inside."
She thanked him, took back her certificate, and followed him through the grand doors.
The main door of the hall stood wide open, revealing a tall figure clad in armor, holding a sword, exuding an air of authority and coldness reminiscent of a past life.
"Adventurer, I hear you have matters to discuss with me."
"Winter City Lord, I wish to apply for housing and two shops within Winter Snow City."
"Oh? Do you think that holding the Warrior's Medal of the God of Light will grant you this residency easily?" The cold voice seemed to carry an icy chill, making even the spacious hall feel a few degrees colder.
The imposing presence of someone in a high position, combined with the pressure from twenty years of military service, bore down on the person before him.
Suppressing the urge to bow down in submission, she suddenly raised her gaze. Her dark eyes were filled with unwavering determination, and her pale, gaunt face bore an expression of resolute conviction.
"Winter City Lord, I hold only respect and goodwill towards Winter Snow City; I harbor no ill intentions. During my residency, I intend to contribute to the Main City."
Startled by the bloodthirsty intensity in her eyes, the Winter City Lord's imposing aura slightly diminished. Suppressing his surprise, he said, "Young adventurer, you have caught my attention."
"It is Winter City Lord's keen eye for heroes."
"Haha, you are quite bold, Girl. Do you know that not everyone can bear the title of hero?"
"I understand. To wear a crown is to bear its weight. To earn this title requires corresponding strength and merit. I believe I can achieve the glory that comes with this title and also shoulder its heavy responsibilities and obligations. Therefore—" She produced Mayor Xia's letter of recommendation and handed it over. "Northeast Trade Route will not disappoint."
"Good. Indeed, first instincts do not deceive. I trust Mayor Xia's judgment and my own intuition." After taking the letter, the sternness on his face softened slightly. With a wave of his hand, information regarding the shops and housing appeared before them.
With a quick tap of his finger, he selected the two planned shops and housing. "Thank you, Winter City Lord."
After signing the contract and paying the gold coins, she received proof of passage for Winter Snow City and swiftly took her leave.
System: Are you leaving Winter Snow City for Spring Day City?
"Yes."
As I opened my eyes again, I was almost overwhelmed by the opulent palace architecture. From the lifeless, cold, and solemn Ice Plain City, I suddenly arrived in the luxurious and vibrant Jiangnan city, causing my thoughts to momentarily stall.
Imperial Capital, truly a name that fits.
The indigo double-eaved roofs and vermilion doors, all on the same base, with the sound of ancient zither and chimes echoing softly.
In the center of the neatly arranged streets stood the Main City Hall, adorned with crimson gates and jade stones, glazed tiles, and gemstone decorations, resembling a luxurious island.
Passing through the Handmade Noodle Arcade, I was surrounded by exotic flowers and fragrant herbs. Ahead, an NPC Maid dressed in splendid attire walked gracefully, her figure swaying elegantly.
The elegant and exquisite parlor had a table set with amber wine, jade cups, golden goblets, jade plates, along with fresh fruit platters and snacks—truly a feast for the eyes and a spring for the soul.
Most players in Zero Point spent their early days barely scraping by, spending money only to fill their stomachs. The seasonal fruits and fine wines on the table cost a fortune; only top-tier players from my past life could indulge in such a lavish lifestyle.
Priceless treasure—just for this one meal.
This is Spring Day City, where extravagance knows no bounds.
From head to toe, inside and out, it screamed wealth.
Sitting on the soft silk cushion, Yan Yan calmly surveyed the priceless banquet before her. With her right hand propping up her chin, she gazed out at the azure sky while listening to the gentle zither music drifting in from outside. Her eyes slightly narrowed as she relaxed into a tranquil state.
Just then, as the Spring City Lord entered, he happened to see the beauty leaning against the table in a half-asleep yet content manner.
"Keeping guests waiting is indeed a fault of mine."
The refined tone, accompanied by a warm and soothing voice, exuded an air of pride and arrogance reminiscent of ancient royal descendants.
Yan Yan shifted her gaze and saw a man in splendid robes, mature and elegant, in his prime. Ignoring the fleeting sharpness in his eyes, he could easily be mistaken for a son of a noble family.
However—
This was the Spring City Lord.
Among the Four Major Cities, Spring Day City was the most prosperous and wealthy, as well as the most cunning and inscrutable among the four city lords.
The military strength belonged to Winter Snow City, with its two hundred thousand NP Ironclad Legion that struck fear into the Dark Camp. The wealth and abundance were attributed to Spring Day City, where gold and silver flowed endlessly. The convenience of transportation and logistics was the hallmark of Summerwater City, an important transit hub. Autumn Mist City, with its strategic location and rugged terrain, also stood at the forefront of the battlefield. It was rich in mining resources and advanced in weapon forging techniques, yet it was also the most chaotic, deeply infiltrated by dark forces among the Main Cities.
It was also the only Main City that Yan Yan had excluded from consideration, not only because it fell within the territory of the Blood Alliance but also because Autumn Mist City was the first Main City to fall during the great war of a thousand years in her previous life. It was also the fastest to succumb.
"The Spring City Lord is being too polite; I am but a Nameless Soldier and do not deserve such grand courtesy."
She sidestepped the Spring City Lord's gesture of apology, quickly adjusting her words to adapt to the ancient ambiance.
"I was just entertaining guests earlier and truly could not break away. I had no choice but to trouble Silent Sister to wait in the parlor for a while," he said, a gentle smile gracing his refined face—just enough to be pleasant without being excessive.
"Please, let us discuss matters in the grand hall."
Rising, they moved to a more spacious and luxurious hall. As her gaze swept over a cup of steaming tea, she tightened her fingers momentarily before relaxing them again. Just as she settled into her seat, a maid presented her with hot tea.
"This Mist Mountain White Tea is quite fresh; I am fortunate to enjoy this year's new tea, which must be favored by the city lord."
"Oh? Silent Sister, do you recognize this tea?"
A glimmer of interest sparkled in his eyes as he asked, his tone laden with meaning.
"I have some knowledge of it, though I don't drink it often," I thought to myself, recalling how I had tasted this priceless tea in my past life. I swallowed the unspoken words and let my gaze drift over the cup of agate-colored black tea, speaking as casually as possible. "It seems the other guest of the City Lord does not favor white tea."
"You seem quite interested in my guests."
"I'm merely trying to ascertain whether their intentions align with mine. After all, discussing the same business twice might trouble you, City Lord."
"Hahaha, interesting. All the guests I am hosting today are quite intriguing," he said, suppressing his laughter as he picked up a grape and toyed with it between his fingers, almost casually adding, "Their purposes are even more different."
They?!—
I suddenly lowered my eyelids, concealing the sharp glint in my eyes. My slightly lowered cheeks were mostly obscured by shadows, making it difficult to discern my expression.
The Spring City Lord withdrew his gaze, discreetly retracting his probing.
"It seems you are also different."
"Spring City Lord, I have come this time primarily to conduct a business deal."
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