Even Bai Yi couldn't handle this operation all at once. Wasn't he supposed to be a top-tier micro-control expert? What happened to his coolness when he used to dominate gaming streams and beat anchors in the past?
All the players activated the recording function without any prior agreement. This was going to make headlines. Big news was brewing.
Meanwhile, Wei Lu's live stream went wild. The barrage of [Hahaha] never stopped, as the viewers clearly hadn't seen such a spectacle before.
Bai Yi glanced at the "crying god" from his previous life and couldn't help but dig through his space ring. In a corner, he spotted a staff that had exploded after he defeated a player. He pulled it out and tossed it to Demacia. "I'm a little busy these days."
Guards: ??? Players: ??? Bai Yi paused, sensing the players around him preparing to take action. Several were already close to tears.
Without a word, he crouched down and snatched the bag of money Demacia had just received. "I'll buy this from you at a low price."
The players immediately held back their tears, clutching their purses tightly.
Demacia looked at the fifty silver coins with a hint of sorrow, clutching the staff in one hand. The scene was almost too comical.
Wei Lu sighed, but Demacia's actions had already done their job—at least they had drawn attention to the matter.
He stepped forward, speaking respectfully. "Mr. Bai Yi, we've identified some hidden members of Night Rose, but we're too weak to deal with them. Would you be willing to help us capture them?"
Bai Yi thought for a moment and then replied, "Then come with me."
As he spoke, he headed toward the official street, drawing envious glances from the players.
The guards exchanged looks, unable to hide their joy. A mission was finally underway!
[Mission Triggered]
Mission: Hiding in the Darkness
Type: Special Mission
Description: Lead official personnel to find more hidden members of Night Rose.
Difficulty: Normal
Rewards: Experience +300, Gold +5, Skill Points +1, Attribute Points +1
Mission Bonus: +100 XP and +1 Gold for each Night Rose member found
Failure Penalty: -10 Gold
The group soon arrived at the official street, which was heavily guarded. Except for the Adventurer's Guild, soldiers stood watch at the entrances of the other buildings, all with serious expressions. Civilians approached the Palace of Knowledge with a mix of caution and hope, their dreams of changing their fates in sight—yet they were fully aware of the cost of stepping out of line.
They were filled with hope, yet wary, unlike the residents of the inner city, who wandered Shengwu Street dressed in fine clothes, seeking entertainment.
The group made their way to General Tianqi's mansion.
The mansion wasn't massive, but it stood out. Along one side of the official street were shops and institutions near the city lord's residence, while the other side was lined with the homes of officials, a mix of military and security residences.
When the soldiers at the gate saw Bai Yi, they saluted respectfully. They only became serious again after the group of six entered.
Inside, the mansion was not as grand as the City Lord's Mansion but still had a refined charm. Servants bustled around, making it look much like any wealthy official's home.
Mossen, who had risen from humble beginnings, had made a name for himself after his talent became apparent. His parents still lived in this mansion.
Led by a servant, the group arrived at the reception hall where Mossen had been waiting.
Upon seeing Bai Yi, Mossen calmly said, "The city lord has agreed. I'll be leaving Dongwu City soon. These are the candidates for generals I've selected. See if any are suitable."
Bai Yi nodded in silence, picked up the documents, and began reviewing them. The five players sat quietly nearby, waiting for Bai Yi's next move.
[Name: Sifu]
Race: Human
Level: 45
Age: 40
Occupation: Swordsman
Rank: Upper Silver
Current Position: Deputy Corps Commander
Bio: A man who fought his way up from obscurity and possesses strong combat skills.
[Name: Martel Moreway]
Race: Elf
Level: 44
Age: 170
Occupation: Magic Swordsman
Rank: Upper Silver
Current Position: Deputy Corps Commander
Bio: S-level talent, from the wealthy Moreway family.
Bai Yi continued flipping through the files, noting that most of these were generals from the Apocalypse Legion. Seven in total, with only two deputy commanders ranking up to Silver. The higher-ranked forces hadn't been deployed during the Scarlet Campaign, as Mossen needed them to guard important locations.
He even spotted the names of Garrett and Magath.
Mossen had brought out all of the Silver-ranked combat forces, showing his resolve to leave. Bai Yi nodded and rubbed his temples, pondering.
"Forget about the two at level 30. Call the other five over. After the handover, you can leave," he said.
Mossen nodded and stepped out. About five minutes later, three mid-level silver players and two high-level silver players arrived.
Among them were two humans, an elf, an orc, and a very rare Dragonborn.
Dragons could reproduce with any species, though true dragons were exceedingly rare. This one was likely an awakened descendant.
Bai Yi assessed the group and said, "I'm sure you all know Commander Mossen is leaving."
Bai Yi observed the subtle resentment in the eyes of the elves and Dragonborn. There was still some affection for Mossen, but Bai Yi could see they were not fully convinced by him.
He focused on Sifu, who appeared the most composed.
"You will temporarily take over as the legion commander. Expect some turmoil, but don't let it escalate in the inner city. Make the necessary arrangements," Bai Yi ordered.
Sifu bowed. "As you wish."
Bai Yi then turned to the two silver-ranked humans and orcs. "You'll handle the investigation into the Night Rose members—Pava and Warren. Take charge."
Both nodded, a little hesitant, but they complied after a stern look from Mossen.
Bai Yi noticed their reactions and then glanced at Sifu one more time. "Let's keep this simple. I know you may not be convinced by me. Today, you have a chance. If you can get me out of this chair before I lose consciousness, I'll step down as acting city lord. How about it?"
Mossen watched in silence, a little surprised, but he said nothing. If Bai Yi wanted to establish his authority, he would let him.
The Dragonborn was the first to speak, his pupils dilating, scales emerging on his skin. The air vibrated as dragon power surged.
"Of course, I, Bai Yi, never lie. Come at me together if you want," Bai Yi said, smiling calmly.
The Dragonborn roared, his power shaking the ground beneath him as he lunged at Bai Yi with incredible speed. His claws, sharp and deadly, sliced through the air.
The room was tense, everyone waiting to see what would happen.
But with a loud crash, the Dragonborn was already lying on the ground, his body awkwardly twisted.
A powerful spiritual force surged from Bai Yi, overwhelming the room with an intensity that warned them all.
Bai Yi smiled as he retracted his mental power. His advanced mental training allowed him to dominate with sheer will.
"I'll give you one more chance," he said with a mocking tone. "If you can make me leave this chair, I'll resign as city lord."
The Dragonborn, dazed but filled with rage, glared at him. But before he could react, his body stiffened, and he collapsed to the ground, foam bubbling from his mouth.
The others followed suit, falling into a similar state of paralysis.
Sifu quickly administered potions to the fallen, though he remained unharmed. He noticed the others' faces, a mixture of disbelief and realization.
Mossen, watching the scene unfold, could only stare at Bai Yi in silence. It seemed his assessment of Bai Yi was still too shallow.
Outside, the players were equally stunned. What had just happened? Was this part of the act?