Chapter 569: Shifts in Heichao City

Walking along the street, I immediately sensed that Heichao City was no longer the same as before.

After an almost city-wide white-day nightmare, during which many inexplicably died, Heichao City had become a warped, terrifying epicenter of severe pollution, shrouded in an irrational fear.

Yet, while residing within the city, one could feel a quiet calm and the slow return of life.

Without the Main City Administration Hall, the expected chaos never really took hold. The white-day nightmare not only dealt a heavy blow to the Black Grass trade but also suppressed other forms of turmoil.

Now, as you walk through Heichao City, numerous shops are open and people bustle along the streets, shopping.

At least on the surface, it appears to be a city that is peaceful, prosperous, and brimming with vitality.

……

……

However, if you listen closely, you can still catch fragments of heated discussion about that nightmare echoing through every alley.

Everyone was sharing their own opinions and interpretations.

“Is it that those in that trade finally got their comeuppance?”

“I heard the day turned ghostly!”

“Someone from so-and-so’s family claims that the ancient catastrophe is about to happen again…”

“You don’t understand—this is a revival of spiritual energy. The ancient malevolent god has descended upon Heichao City…”

“……”

“Perhaps the fate of Heichao City is about to change?”

Han Bing, listening to all the gossip, found herself struck by a peculiar thought.

Over the past few days, she had been increasingly uneasy, closely observing the changes in Heichao City.

More importantly, she was watching Lu Xin’s transformation.

She needed to ensure that Heichao City wouldn’t collapse under this pollution, for if it did, she would have to report to Qinggang immediately—and it could spark a conflict between Qinggang and Lu Xin, an outcome no one wanted but could not avoid.

The second matter, and perhaps even more important, was Lu Xin’s stability.

That was the most critical task since she had followed him out this time.

What surprised her was that Heichao City continued just as Lu Xin had predicted: there was neither a spread of fear nor an overwhelming sense of distortion. For many ordinary people, this pollution had turned into nothing more than a topic of conversation…

It was a situation Han Bing had never encountered before.

Recalling Lu Xin’s words carefully, she remembered him saying that the role of the Mental Overlord shouldn’t be limited to merely countering pollution.

That meant the Mental Overlord could, in some way…

…imbue certain conceptual rules with power?

It was then that she gradually found the answer: Mr. Lone Soldier hadn’t lost control; he had simply…

…become even more powerful.

That realization gave her pause, because it clearly didn’t break any regulations.

At least, Qinggang had no such rules.

Of course, Qinggang’s lack of such rules didn’t mean it was the right way; it just hadn’t been expected by anyone before.

So, Mr. Lone Soldier was essentially exploiting a loophole?

She made a note of it but said nothing, since Mr. Lone Soldier had claimed he hadn’t done anything.

……

……

“Boss, bring out the most expensive dishes on your menu.”

“And get each of us a bowl of stinky tofu braised with flesh buds, along with a case of salty water beer each.”

……

They had returned to that same hotel where Lu Xin and his crew had eaten and clashed with Group Leader’s subordinates.

But now, the two groups that once fought had merged into one band.

During this period, Group Leader had stayed by Red Serpent’s side as if he feared that his treasured daughter might get into further trouble.

Occasionally, he would gaze at Red Serpent and suddenly be moved to tears.

Aware of his fragile state of mind, Red Serpent never severed their connection.

In fact, over these days, he even helped Group Leader arrange the funeral of his family members.

However, because Group Leader was constantly by his side, wherever Lu Xin and his cohorts went, they were surrounded by a throng of hoodlums clearing the way, making them look less like experts from Qinggang and more like thugs.

Ordinarily, a big shot like Group Leader would have his subordinates scatter the moment he decided to change his ways.

Yet since Group Leader had resolved to fight Black Grass to the bitter end—and since other traders in Heichao City were forced to clean up their act—his lackeys had nowhere else to go. Many of them, having lived through the white-day nightmare in sheer terror, naturally gravitated toward him, preserving an aura of the old bravado.

Nonetheless, subtle changes in the group were noticeable. With hollow, blackened eyes, whenever Lu Xin happened to hand them a cigarette, they would frantically wave their hands, exclaiming, “No, no! Who would want to smoke that stuff…”

This left Lu Xin, with a cigarette dangling from his mouth, extremely embarrassed.

……

“Guys, we can’t cook the dishes anymore…”

Seeing such a formidable group, the Boss quickly stepped up with a forced smile: “Our Master Cook was just about to simmer a special broth this noon for the dishes, but he had a nightmare in broad daylight. Now he’s gone off to pay homage at the temple…”

“Had a nightmare?”

A group of thugs sneered, “Seems like your Master Cook isn’t exactly a stand-up guy after all…”

“People used to say that some chefs used this very broth in their dishes. Turns out it’s true?”

……

The Boss shrank back, too intimidated to respond, silently thinking, don’t you remember what you used to do?

“I’m too tired to move; do you have the stinky tofu braised with flesh buds and salty water beer?”

From afar, Gecko listened and called out loudly, pointing at Lu Xin, “My big brother loves this stuff.”

“?”

Lu Xin, who had just pulled out a chair to sit, paused in surprise…

…he had only answered a simple question about what specialties they offered.

The subordinates of Group Leader beside him looked at Gecko with evident admiration.

After several days, they finally grasped the relationship between Gecko and Lu Xin.

This Tiger Boss was truly a stand-up guy.

Everyone had seen relationships break down before.

But after the fall, few would willingly settle for mediocrity, even giving up their status to newcomers while constantly calling themselves big brothers…

…what breadth of heart must that be?

……

“We have it.”

The Boss’s eyes lit up, “It’s all set. Just simmer it and pour on the sauce, and it’s good to eat.”

Gecko decided immediately, “That’ll do.”

The group then sat at several tables, tapping on them with chopsticks as they awaited the signature dishes.

Before long, the Boss personally cooked up pot after pot of stinky tofu braised with flesh buds, and cases of salty water beer were continuously served to the tables.

When a plate of golden, saucy noodles laden with meat and topped with several slabs of dark tofu was placed on the table, the irresistible aroma had Han Bing, Red Serpent, and the others displaying odd expressions.

Each person scrutinized Lu Xin with sidelong glances.

Lu Xin’s expression turned a bit unnatural, though after all, he had introduced himself…

So he pretended to stay calm, opened a bottle of salty water beer, and took a cautious sip.

Surprisingly, he remarked, “Not bad at all.”

Although salty water beer might not sound like a proper beer, its cool, slightly salty taste carried a unique aroma.

“Really?”

A few faces showed astonishment as Gecko quickly opened a bottle and, upon tasting, confirmed it was refreshingly cool and quite good.

Everyone relaxed, and even Han Bing and Red Serpent each grabbed a bottle.

Feeling much lighter, Gecko even grew excited enough to pick up his chopsticks, grabbed a piece of stinky tofu, and popped it into his mouth.

His eyes lit up, “Hey, this one’s even better!”

“Really?”

Others, tempted despite the overpowering odor, took a bite with high hopes.

Then, they all ended up spitting it out.

Gecko included.

He nonchalantly added, “If I’m the only one who eats it, you’ll all end up laughing at me later…”

Lu Xin and his companions exchanged exasperated looks.

After all, they had all been duped—it was understandable, as it’s human nature.

But Gecko, just to make sure everyone got fooled, kept the stinky tofu in his mouth for over ten seconds before spitting it out only after everyone else had eaten…

That kind of perseverance was truly impressive.

Yet, watching their awkward expressions, the Group Leader’s crew burst into laughter, slapping their cheeks and tucking into the meal—a mix of noodles and beer that gave the impression of a lavish banquet.

Even Lu Xin couldn’t help but wonder if he had rushed in prematurely without savoring the flavor properly.

So he secretly took another bite—and then spat it out again.

“At least the salty water beer is really quite good.”

Holding his bottle, Lu Xin let the cool beer ease his stomach as he consoled himself.

……

The atmosphere around them gradually grew livelier.

At mealtime, many other diners arrived, adding to the bustling ambiance.

The chefs in the restaurant seemed to have finished their morning devotions and hurried back to work, steadily sending out more dishes.

Perhaps because they hadn’t relaxed in so long, and when the Group Leader’s henchmen got a hold of the alcohol, their exuberance was contagious. Everyone from Qinggang seemed to be in high spirits.

Even Red Serpent and Han Bing each poured themselves a beer, sampling Heichao City’s special brew.

Gecko was already discreetly questioning one of Group Leader’s junior members about other unique local industries.

However, the junior, clearly uncooperative and emboldened by the alcohol, sternly shot back, “I can’t help you with that!”

“Our Group Leader has just one daughter—she might let you down, but you can’t dare to treat her that way…”

“You can’t even accept that she has two husbands. What kind of man are you?”

“……”

Gecko finally lost it, exclaiming in despair, “We’re really screwed…”

……

Lu Xin, holding a bottle of salty water beer, thoroughly enjoyed the lively atmosphere around him.

Every city had its unique charm—distinctive food and unforgettable people.

At least at this moment, as Lu Xin sipped his salty water beer, he began to develop a fondness for the city.

When making his decision, Lu Xin had felt uncertain.

Although he wasn’t fond of the city, he had worried about making a wrong move.

But now, seeing the city gradually revitalized, tasting its unique salty water beer, he felt a genuine sense of ease. Whether his decision was right or not, he had no regrets.

……

Lost in his thoughts, Lu Xin turned to look toward the street corner.

He had long noticed that at the far end of the street, many high-end cars were parked, and several familiar faces—among them Miss Sun in her cheongsam—were watching him from a distance, as if wanting to approach but too fearful to.

These individuals had been tailing him for days, eager to talk to him.

Lu Xin didn’t acknowledge their presence, nor did he drive them away.

“Let them understand,” he murmured.

Satisfied with his resolve, Lu Xin raised his beer and quietly said to the surrounding shadows,

“Don’t come after me anymore.”

“They’re so persuasive—I’m afraid I might eventually be swayed by them.”

“But now, I’m certain—I won’t be convinced, because I believe that some things are right.”

……

In the darkness, a pair of eyes watched Lu Xin closely.

He sat on a white plastic chair beneath the restaurant’s canopy, holding a bottle of salty water beer with a resolute expression.

Even the presence in the dark shrank back instinctively as it whispered, “Alright.”

That wasn’t like his usual style at all.