A single palm cannot clap.
A lone city, survival in this underground realm is even more difficult.
Chen Yu's city-state, though now possessing the scale of a third-tier city-state with its entire area developed, has a population equivalent to a second-tier town.
However, no matter how well he develops, he has not yet joined a kingdom.
A city-state without a kingdom,
In essence, it is an unacknowledged encampment by the various nations.
Chen Yu does not believe he currently possesses the capital to establish a nation. Submitting to the Tatu Kingdom is, by far, the most advantageous decision for him at this juncture.
But—
No one can guarantee whether Chen Yu's city-state can actually join.
The decision-making power is not in his hands.
Chen Yu may possess absolute dominion over this outer region, but in the eyes of the Royal City, he is perhaps as insignificant as a single grain of sand in the ocean.
To eliminate him would be as easy as turning over a hand.
To ensure safety, Chen Yu must make preparations for multiple scenarios.
The accession of the Elton family.
With the most renowned family of the Tatu Kingdom joining his city-state, the kingdom, even if it were to fall out with the Elton family, would need to consider the impact within the kingdom.
During the kingdom's period of deliberation, the Elton family will expand its operations as much as possible.
Establishing alliances or cooperative relationships with more factions.
This will further enhance the Elton family's influence within the kingdom, compelling the kingdom to weigh its decision regarding the Elton family.
Another measure is to establish encampments around the city-state.
These encampments are not meant to defend against the kingdom sending troops.
If it truly escalates to the point where the kingdom dispatches troops for suppression, Chen Yu's current strength would offer no chance of victory. This has been clearly assessed for him by Sona and the little demon.
His objective in doing this is to secretly dispatch troops during the kingdom's deliberation period.
The forces dispatched at this time will absolutely not be overly strong. The presence of encampments will ensure that the city-state receives rescue from the outside when it is besieged.
The chances of victory will be greater.
The rest depends on destiny.
With all arrangements meticulously made, Chen Yu will proceed to the Royal City for accreditation. He will utilize various means to gain the recognition of the Tatu Kingdom.
Should he fail, he will have to make further plans.
Chen Yu actually considered leveraging the influence of the Mermaid Kingdom. He possessed Ilia's bracelet and the White Dragon Jade Pendant. However, after careful consideration, he did not do so.
Ilia gave him these items out of the affection between them.
This affection might not necessarily be romantic love, but could also be friendship.
From beginning to end, Ilia had never done anything to negatively impact him, and he would absolutely not drag Ilia down with him again by exploiting her.
However, he would not abandon the strength of the Mermaid Kingdom.
He would attempt to gain the recognition of the Mermaid Kingdom. If a certain form of cooperation could be achieved, it would undoubtedly be beneficial to him in every aspect.
"Chieftain."
Upon hearing this news, Jack and the others displayed varied expressions.
Leading troops,
It was inevitably more comfortable than remaining here.
By leaving the city-state to establish encampments, they would become the absolute leaders of those encampments. By remaining in the city-state, they would be Chen Yu's subordinates.
Many actions would be restricted, preventing them from acting as they pleased.
"Boss, if we all leave, what will happen to the city-state?" Jack frowned slightly. Chen Yu smiled and patted Er Gou's shoulder, "Isn't Brother Gou still here?"
Entrusted with a significant responsibility, Er Gou instinctively straightened his chest.
As he spoke, Chen Yu looked at Jack and the others with utmost seriousness.
"During the initial stages of your encampment's construction, the city-state will provide you with resource support. Once you reach a certain level, you will need to develop independently."
"The extent to which you can develop will depend on your individual abilities."
Fledglings must eventually learn to fly.
Chen Yu could support them in the early stages, but he could not constantly dote on them or tear the hunted meat into pieces to feed them.
They, too, needed to learn to grow.
Chen Yu was actually quite confident in their abilities. After integrating with the divine generals, even if not a complete transformation, they had undergone a metamorphosis from their past selves.
Managing an encampment, or a small city,
Should not be difficult for them!
"Since you are divine generals, act like divine generals." Chen Yu's gaze sharpened as he looked at Kuka and the others. "In ancient times, your fusion partners were divine generals under the Divine King, commanding armies numbering in the millions. Now, you are my most capable subordinate generals. Although I am not the Divine King, I believe in your abilities."
"Boss, don't worry!"
Jack thumped his chest with pride.
"We will absolutely not disappoint you."
"Hmph, you speak quite boldly." Kuka, hidden beneath his cloak, chuckled sinisterly. "If I had to say who among us would disappoint the boss the most, it would probably be you. If only you could grow a bit more brain, and learn to think, perhaps the boss would worry less."
"You!"
Jack glared, raising a finger before abruptly retracting it.
"I can't be bothered with you. We'll settle this at our encampments. My encampment will definitely crush yours in the future. When that happens, don't send anyone to me for troops if you face an enemy attack. Chieftain, I'll go select a site now!"
With a cupped-hand salute, Jack hurried away from the camp.
Chen Yu did not stop him and looked at the provincial governors still remaining in the camp.
"You all go select your sites as well."
Silently watching the retreating backs of everyone, Hei Dou pursed his lips, his expression tinged with a hint of melancholy.
They were all gone!
He knew in his heart that after this farewell, it would not be as simple to see them again as it was in the past. They would all soon have their own encampments.
He believed they would become extremely busy.
"Er Gou, you understand why I didn't appoint you as an encampment leader, right?" Chen Yu murmured. Er Gou immediately beamed upon hearing this, "Chieftain, we never thought of such things. Staying in our city-state to defend it was always my wish. Besides, I know I'm slow-witted, and even after integrating with a divine general, I'm not as capable as Kuka and the others. Being able to stay in the city-state and be by your side, Chieftain, is a sign of your high regard for me."
"Ha..."
Chen Yu patted Er Gou's shoulder and sighed.
"Work hard. If you stay in the city, you will never be inferior to them in the future. Also, have you brought back the clansmen from those few encampments?"
"They are being managed collectively by my subordinates."
"That's good, go and attend to your duties."
Swaying his robust body, Er Gou also departed from the camp. Hei Dou then pursed his lips and sighed.
"All of us old guards have been separated."
"Envious?" Chen Yu raised his hand and tapped Hei Dou's head. "You don't have to think about that in this lifetime. You must always stay by my side."
"I never thought of leaving!"
Hei Dou also grinned, then his brow furrowed slightly.
"Boss, there's something I've held back for a long time, and I didn't know whether to say it or not. But I feel like if I don't say it, I'll feel terrible."
"If you feel terrible, then say it. We brothers are unburdened by secrets."
Chen Yu put his arm around Hei Dou's shoulder, his eyebrows raised as he looked at him with a smile.
"I think that fellow Kuka..." Hei Dou pondered for a moment, then slowly looked up, "has a rebellious spirit!"