Chapter 90: Chapter 90: Blind Spot, the City Lord’s Reassignment_1
The matter of White Wind quickly caused a stir in Black Rain City. Given the scale of the incident, it was impossible for it to go unnoticed.
The commoners were thrilled and gossiped about it, but the higher-ups in Black Rain City were petrified.
They worried Wang Linchi had died, and they also worried he hadn’t.
However, their greatest fear was that Wang Linchi had not only survived but had also eliminated White Wind. That was the truly terrifying part.
"White Wind turned out to be a swarm of insects. That’s unbelievable," Yan Chuan said, his expression clearly showing shock. He too had felt the hardness and terrifying nature of these insects.
"What’s so unbelievable? Strange occurrences like weasels seeking cultivation titles or a Snake Demon blocking the road can happen. It’s quite normal for a swarm of insects to gather and become White Wind."
According to my understanding from my past life, these things are just a man-eating locust swarm. It’s those spirits and ghosts that are more terrifying.
"My lord, since you’ve dispersed White Wind, when will you disperse the Black Rain too? Then we can rename this city after you," Yan Chuan said fawningly.
He no longer harbored any ulterior motives. Someone capable of dispersing White Wind could just as easily obliterate their bodies.
"Next time, definitely next time," Wang Linchi replied perfunctorily, then continued, "Quickly get the Mud Gang, the Government Officials, the Dart Bureau, and the martial arts schools to investigate. I need to know what these insects are and where they came from as soon as possible."
I didn’t call Yan Chuan over to listen to his flattery. Given my current strength, I even feel his compliments are a form of mockery. I can be weak, but I cannot indulge in illusions.
"Yes, my lord. I will mobilize the entire Mud Gang to find the information you require," Yan Chuan replied. Discerning Wang Linchi’s impatience, he picked up the corpse of a White Wind Bug and left to carry out his orders.
Wang Linchi, meanwhile, observed the White Wind Bugs he had separated into several containers.
There were twelve in total, the few surviving insects from last night.
Having lost their vast swarm, these twelve insects appeared somewhat dazed.
Their strength had also significantly decreased. Of course, they were still very hard. However, when Wang Linchi handled them, they didn’t dare to resist.
However, if two White Wind Bugs were placed together, their previous dazed state would vanish, and they would transform into ferocious predators.
Wang Linchi didn’t even need to handle them; the two White Wind Bugs would menacingly pounce the moment they were put together.
That was why he had separated them.
A single White Wind Bug was no threat, but once there were two or more, their temperament would drastically change.
What the principle behind this is, I’m not sure yet. I’m still researching it.
I originally planned to investigate Rooster Crow Temple, but then this happened.
Besides White Wind, the enemy should also be able to interfere with the Black Rain. If I had really gone, and they had made the Black Rain fall on me, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have been as lucky as I was this time.
If the White Wind Bugs hadn’t been unlucky, even another Awakener might not have defeated them so easily.
Since Black Rain isn’t merely rain but a type of monster from among demons and ghosts, it must have a true body, probably hidden in the clouds.
If it were truly commanded, who knows if Black Rain might fall even during the day?
But if I don’t go, wouldn’t I be playing right into their hands?
I definitely have to go, but I must ensure my own safety first.
Wang Linchi naturally wouldn’t give up.
It’s not suitable to go during the day now. It won’t be too late to go at night.
Wait, I think I’ve forgotten another group that could target me.
Wang Linchi suddenly thought of a blind spot, one significant enough to cause his downfall.
That was the upper echelon of Black Rain City.
If the enemy can command demons and ghosts, why not humans?
If the higher-ups and this hidden mastermind hit it off and team up against me, I could really be in trouble.
As for the Three Corpse Brain God Pill in the higher-ups’ heads, it might be difficult for these ordinary people who haven’t encountered the Transcendent. But for that mastermind, there’s a high chance they have a way to deal with it, perhaps even remove it remotely.
Just like how they directly interfered with the Yellow Weasel’s memory before.
Thank goodness I realized this, or I really would have been done for.
It was the White Wind Bugs that led Wang Linchi to consider these possibilities.
If even such bizarre monsters can be controlled, how could humans escape their influence?
Wang Linchi wasn’t counting on luck at all; instead, he immediately began formulating a contingency plan.
Regrettably, the explosive effect of my Fanciful and Fickle wasn’t satisfactory. If I had known, I would have learned about explosives earlier.
When I get back this time, I absolutely must study demolitions properly.
Once he became stronger, the power of conventional explosives might not keep up with him, but he wasn’t at that level yet. Besides, large-scale explosions still required explosives, which were very cost-effective.
After all, once he controlled Black Rain City, obtaining raw materials would be simple.
Then, he could completely control the higher-ups using the Three Corpse Brain Worm Pill, gather raw materials to manufacture explosives, and embark on the path of a mad bomber.
He already had a rudimentary form of this now; it was just that the explosive effect of Fanciful and Fickle was rather ordinary, relying entirely on Impact to generate its force.
Actually, Wang Linchi himself knew that threatening them with the Three Corpse Brain Worm Pill wasn’t a good long-term solution. The best method was a carrot-and-stick approach. If he could provide enough benefits to the native higher-ups of Black Rain City—for example, establishing an exchange system for them to obtain Transcendent abilities—they would work much more effectively.
Otherwise, relying solely on force would only make them obedient on the surface. In their hearts, they would surely wish him dead and might even feign compliance while deliberately underperforming or sabotaging their work.
I’m too poor; I simply can’t offer any Transcendent abilities.
I do have Soul Kind, but the problem is Secret Realm Natives can’t use them. They can’t even see or touch them.
Even the cleverest housewife can’t cook without rice.
"My lord, the City Lord is outside requesting an audience. He says he has something to report to you," a voice called from outside the door.
"Let him in." Wang Linchi hadn’t expected this City Lord to actually come see him. How interesting.
The City Lord quickly entered. He was a portly, middle-aged man. Upon seeing Wang Linchi, he clasped his hands in a salute and then sat down.
"I’ve received a reassignment notice from the Court," the City Lord stated as soon as he was seated.
"Oh? And then?" Wang Linchi asked, somewhat puzzled.
"A new City Lord will arrive in a month. I am not resigned to this," the man stated.
"So, you’re looking for my help to get rid of this new City Lord?" Wang Linchi said, grasping the man’s intentions. This position has been passed down through their family for generations; they are the local despots here. How could he tolerate it being taken away by someone else?
"Exactly. With a different person in charge, you won’t find it so easy to control Black Rain City. Therefore, maintaining my position is your best option," the City Lord stated bluntly.
Wang Linchi nodded. "You have a point. But that’s something for a month from now, not what I need to consider at this moment."
He was mulling over the likelihood of the City Lord and the hidden mastermind colluding against him, which was why his reply was noncommittal, neither agreeing nor refusing.