Chapter 108: The Lost Great Green Hide

After that whole incident, Ji Ming lost any desire to keep playing, said goodbye to those players and teleported back to Dog Village.

Donning a black robe, he took advantage of the fact that the players hadn't returned to the village en masse, and first found Elder Da Huang at the village chief's house.

"Lord Envoy, what brings you here this time?"

Elder Da Huang already knew what had happened at Sacred Tree Lake, his aged face split into an uncontainable grin, with a hint of lewdness.

Ji Ming sat before him, his voice steady.

"The Sovereign said the second stage went very well, so tomorrow we will commence the third stage."

"You know this area better; is there a suitable place for the Pioneers to go?"

"Well…"

The old dog seemed to have already had a plan, but now pretended to be shy.

Ji Ming could only hum a line.

"Speak!"

"Sir, actually it's mainly because this matter is prone to misunderstanding; I'm afraid you might think it's my personal selfishness."

Elder Da Huang forced a laugh twice and pointed toward the east side of the village.

"To be frank, those dog‑heads have been at odds with us for a long time."

"They rely on their numbers to bully us, raid our caravans, and even kill our compatriots."

His demeanor flipped like a page, and sorrow spread across Elder Da Huang's face.

"But when we try to take revenge, the cunning ones retreat into their caves, blocking us with countless unstoppable traps—truly detestable."

"I can't swallow this grievance; I have a few old comrades, and when they died it was…"

He even sniffed at this point, wiping away a tear.

"And do you know why they wield iron rods? Because their mines are actually a vein of premium iron ore!"

"Alas, such fine iron ore wasted in the hands of those vile dog‑heads—truly…"

He fell silent, staring at the question‑mark mask on the envoy's face; everything was left unsaid.

The envoy remained silent for a while, then lifted his head.

"Fine, you go make the arrangements."

After returning behind the curtain, the first thing Ji Ming did was…

"D Zone!!!"

That old thing is a walking bioweapon; its whimpering is downright disgusting.

Later, if anyone in Sunlight City provokes me, I won't throw a toxic bomb; I'll just hurl Elder Da Huang over there!

Calming himself, Ji Ming opened the map.

In the northern Training Ground, Greson's tree‑person monitoring system had been completed, with all manner of plant life acting as eyes among the ruins.

In the western Training Ground, players were still trying to increase fish harvests and preparing a celebration banquet, so no new developments are expected until dawn.

The dog‑heads in the east and the goblins in the armory were both stable, unlikely to cause any trouble.

Thus…

【Pay attention to scouting and management; I have other matters to attend to】

After leaving that nonsense, Ji Ming teleported straight back to the Clinic and fell asleep peacefully under Mouse Kid's expanding intelligence network.

The continuous rotation went on for several days, and he finally experienced a sleep where he woke up on his own.

So when he opened his eyes again, he couldn't help shedding a single tear.

The Clinic is so dilapidated it can no longer operate, but that doesn't mean today is a day off.

The raw materials for SpiritGathering Liquid are still lacking, the third‑stage rewards are undecided, and many places still need arranging and grinding.

Dressed neatly, he moved the large door fragments blocking the entrance.

Ironically, when he had no strength, he could encounter bandits blocking his path anywhere he went.

Now that he has power, everywhere he goes he is met with smiling faces, and his crooked skills have no use at all.

Moving to Inner City still takes time, so he first commissioned a sturdier new door from a craftsman, then went to the Sick Tree Material Shop.

"Why do you suddenly need these herbs?"

"I'm afraid the Inner City lords won't foot the bill, so I'm working on a new formula."

Putting down the list Ji Ming handed over, Buluowa looked up and reminded him.

"Developing a new potion requires caution; it's best to test it on a small animal rather than foolishly applying it to yourself."

"Got it, I'll remember!"

Ji Ming naturally went along, after all his household is full of mice eager to volunteer for test dosing.

Buluowa relaxed and pointed to his left.

"Everything's in that direction; you find it yourself."

He packed bat wings and green sap fruit into two bags and returned to the counter to pay.

"Um, Ms. Buluowa, any news on the sheepskin coat?"

"I found a decent craftsman; it should be in the stitching stage, probably by tomorrow."

"Tomorrow, then there's still time…"

Whether for AdaiEr's life or for the ultra‑lucrative side quest bound to the curse, this must not be taken lightly!

He first returned the materials to the Clinic, chatted briefly with the door‑installing craftsman, then headed toward Moton's blacksmith shop.

One can only say that greater strength makes work efficient, and the weapons forged are all fine.

After selling that spear, Ji Ming specifically checked the Spearman's Swift Joy model and found he had even posted a video praising the spear.

So he placed more orders with Moton, not just spears, swords, or knives, but also two‑handed swords and greatswords.

As for the reason, it's simple.

"Since that disaster, I don't even dare to sleep at night; arranging a few things always puts my mind at ease."

Moreover, through his connections, Ji Ming also got to know a relatively reliable carpenter and had some higher‑grade ranged weapons custom‑made.

"Make it quick; having stock on hand is best."

After finalizing all the orders and paying the full amount outright, Ji Ming set off without pause and arrived at a market in the south.

It is one of the largest markets in the Outer City, with a dazzling array of shops and stalls.

Looking around, the people moving through it were of all bizarre shapes, making it hard to list every race in a single breath.

As he glanced at each vendor along the road, Ji Ming suddenly felt like picking gifts for children during the New Year.

……

Right, what's the difference between a player and a child? You can just coax them, can't you?

So he bought some sparkling crystals as souvenirs and grabbed a bag of cheap wholesale rings as rewards.

He got a few boxes of wind‑up toys that looked like trophies from a dwarf vendor by the road, then clenched his teeth and snatched a few Fireball spell scrolls from a prop shop.

He bought a huge pile of chaotic junk, and Ji Ming only then stopped.

It was already nearing noon, and he wasn't in a hurry to go home; instead, he sat down at a relatively decent restaurant nearby.

Aurora Dance was right; a fish without spices can't be tasty, so he ordered a honey‑glazed roasted fish as the main course.

Eating and drinking amid a gust that swept away the lingering clouds, he only sighed with satisfaction after the plates were clean and the bowls empty.

Rewarding oneself after overtime is truly a wonderful thing.

Shouldering his bags, he set out on the road back to the Clinic.

But before he got far, he saw a somewhat familiar silhouette—a huge, ultra‑green figure…

He was still trying to recall who it was when the person spotted him.

"Dr. Ji, why are you here?"

The beastman wore a forlorn expression, yet he forced himself to smile.

"Do you still remember who I am?"

"Um, ah, aren't you the…"

Ji Ming was still stretching his tone, while the beastman let out an excited sigh.

"Huo Ke!"

Then he became moved on his own.

"I never expected you'd still remember my name."

……

Ji Ming nodded resolutely.

"Hmm, right, it's Huo Ke!"

He also recalled that his first patient was Bei Li, whose leg was clawed by a wolf, and his second patient was the cursed AdaiEr.

In fact, Huo Ke, whose knee was pierced by an arrow, was his third patient.

What a fate!

"Ah, it's been ages!"

No need to read between the lines; the huge green‑skinned figure before him was clearly in trouble, so he asked.

"I went out to buy some supplies before heading home; what have you been busy with lately?"

"Ugh, don't even ask."

Huo Ke let out a long sigh.

"I might be forced out of Sunlight City…"

Since the chaotic Outer City has bandits, thieves, and gangs, there's no way it lacks con artists.

For Ji Ming, when these swindlers fall into his hands, he ends up taking their money instead.

But for some more naive, honest, muscle‑type contestants, it's far less pleasant.

Just a ridiculously childish "Beast‑God Battle Axe" trapped Huo Ke in an endless scam.

Take money, take money, then keep taking money.

By the time he came to his senses, it was already too late.

Penniless, he sold everything he owned, including his residence, just enough to barely repay the usurious loan the swindler had coaxed him into borrowing.

Actually, there was still a chance to turn things around; after all, though his weapons and armor were gone, he still possessed the beastman's sturdy body.

Even if the Dark Forest grew ever more perilous, a little detour could still net some money here and there.

But after the incident the night before last, Sunlight City immediately declared a state of emergency, halting all outings undertaken for the sake of adventure.

Thus a rather interesting "bug" emerged.

—Huo Ke can't go out to earn money, yet being driven out because he has no money is permissible.

A deadlock!

When he finished speaking, the two were already seated at another restaurant nearby.

"So, barring any mishaps, you'll have to leave Sunlight City tonight?"

Huo Ke ate while hanging his head dejectedly.

"Yeah, it's so sad… Ah, this fish is delicious."

Ji Ming surveyed his tall, muscular frame and pulled up a panel to study it.

After a moment of thought, he asked.

"Huo Ke, do you have a dream?"

Ah?

Da Lu Pi clearly hadn't expected Ji Ming to ask that question, but after thinking carefully he replied.

I want to be a centurion!

Afraid the doctor wouldn't understand, he explained honestly.

"That was my grandfather's position in the Tribe, and also my father's dying wish…"

"When you say centurion, you mean commanding a hundred soldiers?"

Huo Ke shook his head, then nodded.

"Usually there aren't that many, but you can understand it that way, I suppose."

Oh.

Ji Ming pondered briefly, then leaned forward slightly.

"Then I have a job that can fulfill your dream; are you interested?"

"I…"

Huo Ke was about to agree immediately, but at the last moment, looking at the doctor's half‑smiling face, the image of that swindler flashed in his mind.

He trembled all over and swallowed his words.

"... I'll think it over again."

That just means he thought the silver taels weren't enough.

Ji Ming tapped the table with his fingers, imitating Mr. Suo La.

"The job doesn't involve much, and there's no difficulty; it's all things you can handle."

"But the pay will be high enough to keep you free from worry about food and clothing."

"And it will have you managing and teaching a hundred people, enjoying absolute respect and praise."

At this point, Huo Ke had already clenched his teeth, as if surrender was just one step away.

So Ji Ming lowered his voice.

"You like eating fish, right? That's enough."

Done!

Huo Ke let out a sudden roar, startling the neighboring table so much that they almost dropped their cups.

"Very good."

Ji Ming snapped his fingers with satisfaction, got up, and paid the bill for the meal.

"After you finish eating, I'll take you to the work site."

Wiping his mouth, Huo Ke followed the doctor excitedly toward the north.

But as they walked, they realized they had arrived at a familiar place.

"Doctor, isn't this your Clinic?"

"Come in first."

Leading Huo Ke into the still‑messy great hall, Ji Ming turned around.

"One last question: are you willing to leave Sunlight City?"

Huo Ke touched his head.

"Actually I don't have many friends, so…"

"Hmm, that's fine then."

Saying that, Ji Ming suddenly seized his wrist.

"You!"

Da Lu Pi hadn't had time to react when his surroundings changed.

The sculptures were exquisite, the benches orderly, and huge colored floor‑to‑ceiling windows flanked them, resembling a cathedral.

"Welcome to the Underground City."

And the doctor beside him turned into a black‑robed figure wearing a question‑mark mask.

His voice was hoarse, yet gently persuasive.

"Are you ready to become a Pioneers Instructor of the Soul Spirit Throne?"

Huo Ke kept touching his head.

"Seems… not yet."

……

"Then work hard!"

Activating the portal, Ji Ming took Da Lu Pi to Dog Village and introduced him to Da Huang, who almost leapt forward in delight.

Who would complain that our combat power is too high here?

With an orc warrior stationed here, Dog Village can finally escape the awkward situation of Qi Mi Si handling everything alone.

After seeing the food warehouse Dog Village opened overnight, Huo Ke became an unfeeling nodding machine.

Eating fish every day—what kind of paradise is this?

After a brief chat, Huo Ke was coaxed by Da Huang into surrendering his weapons, almost revealing the three copper coins he had hidden in his underwear.

Da Huang, knowing the principle of sincere exchange, quickly briefed Huo Ke on all aspects of Dog Village.

Thus, sitting before the Messenger Lord, the two quickly slung arms around each other.

"Kid, don't be shy; from now on Dog Village is your home!"

"Thanks, Brother Huang, for the support; I'll take this fish first!"

Seeing the two half‑incoherent almost becoming sworn brothers, Ji Ming shook his head and returned to the Clinic.

He laid out all the materials in a line, and took out a sharp dagger.

It's time to brew the medicine.