His sincere eyes overflowed with genuine light.
Under Clay’s gaze, Chen Yu felt an inexplicable sense of elation. It was a look of absolute trust and affirmation, a feeling even the little devils had never quite inspired in him.
“Mr. Chen Yu.”
“To be candid, after you self-destructed the Tiger Seal, I had someone investigate your basic background. I wasn’t trying to vie for the Tiger Seal, merely to see what kind of person was chosen by the Divine Lord.”
“I discovered that you command a city called Freedom City-State.”
“This is your city, isn’t it?”
Clay’s demeanor shifted entirely from his previous distraught, tearful, and irate state. He suddenly became serious, a hidden aura of unspoken gravitas beneath his composed expression.
Chen Yu, smiling with pursed lips, remained silent. Clay, with a pleasant smile, continued.
“I know that while Kailin is the nominal city lord, you are the true master behind the scenes. From what I understand, the city you occupy was once a barren wasteland, its construction perhaps not even a fraction as developed as my Hurricane City.”
This was undeniable; the difference was vast.
When Chen Yu had first conquered the Dead City, its internal structures were almost entirely derelict, with only a scattered handful of buildings in the central area.
Hurricane City, though dilapidated, still possessed the basic framework of urban construction.
“For such a ruined city to transform into what it is under your skilled hands is a testament to your strength,” Clay chuckled softly. “Furthermore, I’ve observed your city. The native Orcs, Humans, and those from foreign lands coexist harmoniously. This is sufficient proof that you do not harbor strong racial prejudices.”
Racial discrimination was, in fact, quite common in the underground world.
To the native inhabitants, Humans and Orcs had always held a mutual disdain, neither looking favorably upon the other. Foreigners, like invaders, were even more like enemies.
Chen Yu himself had often encountered the natives’ dismissive attitude towards his foreign status.
Clay’s deliberate mention of this likely stemmed from his consideration that if natives were so hostile towards foreigners, foreigners might harbor resentment towards natives as well. Yet, in Chen Yu’s city-state, he had observed no such phenomenon. Instead, there was harmony and affection among the inhabitants, leading him to believe Chen Yu possessed the ability to foster coexistence between natives and foreigners.
In reality, Chen Yu found it hardly worth mentioning.
Whether native inhabitants or survivors, there were always good and bad individuals. Ultimately, how much hatred truly existed in this world?
They were all beings struggling on the brink of survival, who wouldn’t wish to live well?
When different races shared the same goals, they would naturally coexist harmoniously. Their initial animosity stemmed from a lack of understanding. Once they truly got to know each other and discovered each other’s positive qualities, harmonious coexistence was not difficult.
Moreover, Chen Yu was the City Lord.
If anyone harbored such racial prejudice, he could simply expel them from his city-state, letting them carry their hatred elsewhere.
Over time, only those who were compatible would remain in the city-state.
Even if they harbored some ill will in their hearts, they could only suppress it internally, as they were powerless to resist.
“You can transform a barren city into a thriving city-state.”
“You can enable natives and foreigners to coexist harmoniously, building a home for their survival.”
“Do you not deserve to control this Hurricane City?”
Clay tilted his head slightly, smiling, then spread his hands, gesturing around them.
“Our Hurricane City also possesses an advantageous geographical location, with vast and ample plains ideal for the flourishing of both livestock and agriculture.”
“There are several mining areas surrounding the city, with veins extending for hundreds of miles.”
“You have mining areas that stretch for a hundred miles?” Chen Yu suddenly exclaimed, unable to contain his surprise, his expression growing considerably solemn. “What kind of minerals?”
“Coal, iron, copper, and high-purity silver ore that can be used for coinage.”
“…”
For a moment, Chen Yu was lost in thought. He glanced sideways at Little Devil.
Both copper and iron were fundamental resources, and coal was crucial for smelting. Moreover, the high-purity silver mine capable of minting coins was of immense value.
“These mineral veins belong to Hurricane City, surely that’s not right?” Little Devil frowned.
“They all belong to Hurricane City!” Clay asserted with a decisive smile. “The former City Lord of Hurricane City was the third prince of the Tatu Kingdom. The entire territory of Hurricane City spans seven thousand miles in all directions, with no other city-states within this region. Everything within this area belongs to Hurricane City, as stipulated in the City Lord’s Seal.”
“Then why don’t you mine them yourselves?”
“Heh…”
Clay suddenly grinned, scratching his head awkwardly. He glanced at Lauren, who shrugged helplessly.
“It’s not that we don’t want to mine them, but we lack the capability. Although Hurricane City’s territory is rich in resources, our location is rather unique. This abundance of resources also means a greater concentration of monsters. Many mining areas are occupied by monsters, and Hurricane City cannot conquer them. The old prince couldn’t conquer them, let alone us now.”
This was reasonable.
If there were no difficulties in mining, such benefits wouldn’t have fallen into his hands. A slight degree of difficulty actually put Chen Yu more at ease.
As for how to deal with the monsters, he was unconcerned.
He would simply kill them!
Even if he couldn’t handle them now, he could increase his elemental affinity to 3000, 5000, or even break through to 10,000 elemental affinity if needed.
What monster could withstand that?
With a territory spanning seven thousand miles, Chen Yu could accomplish so many things.
“Does this seven-thousand-mile territory have no branch cities?” Chen Yu suddenly realized a critical issue. Clay frowned. “That I…”
“Yes!”
Unexpectedly, Li Xing stepped forward.
“How can a territory spanning seven thousand miles have no branch cities? If Mr. Chen Yu wishes to thoroughly control Hurricane City, he will need to deal with the lords of those branch cities as well.”
“This is rather troublesome,” Chen Yu murmured.
“Difficulty and reward are proportional. If everything were so effortless, I doubt you would dare to accept this city,” Li Xing whispered softly. “Though it is troublesome, I believe it is worthwhile.”
As she spoke, Clay approached Chen Yu, holding the City Lord’s Seal.
“Mr. Chen Yu, I am well aware of my limited capabilities and inability to govern a city. However, I do not wish to see the displaced refugees left without a place to call home. I implore you to take charge of this city, so that Hurricane City may become a haven for the refugees of the Tatu Kingdom.”
The City Lord’s Seal was before him. Chen Yu’s gaze fixed upon it.
“Such a generous gift, how can I refuse.” Without the slightest hesitation, Chen Yu took the City Lord’s Seal. Clay and the others immediately knelt on one knee.
“City Lord!”
The synchronized single-knee salute from the multitude stunned Little Devil and Nuo Yi for a moment. They exchanged glances, then after a brief consideration, they too knelt along with the others.
Grasping the City Lord’s Seal, Chen Yu felt it merge with his bloodline.
【Ding—】
【Hurricane City’s Lordship has transferred to Chen Yu】
Instantly, the holographic projection of Hurricane City flooded into Chen Yu’s consciousness. Chen Yu slowly retracted the City Lord’s Seal into his ring and stated with a concentrated gaze.
“The first thing I will do as City Lord is rename this city.”
“Effective immediately…”
“This city shall be named – Feng Qi City!”