Chapter 153: Listen up, let me have a look!

After a moment of quiet, Buluowa, having calmed her mood, spoke again.

"Ji Ming, do you know why you always yield everywhere, yet people still pick on you?"

Do I even need to ask? It's definitely because I've been busy lately; I just haven't had time to snatch his mother away!

Fine, Ji Ming was afraid of being beaten to death, so he didn't dare to check the old lady's blood pressure that way.

Instead, like being called into the homeroom teacher's office, he obediently gave the answer the other side wanted.

"Because I'm so weak, QWQ."

"At least you have self-awareness!"

Under Ji Ming's gaze, Buluowa scratched the table with her fingernails, her complexion gradually darkening, and her voice becoming muffled.

"It's precisely because I'm weak that people bully me relentlessly; it's because I like to yield that others' malice intensifies, leading to mutinies, wars, assaults on the royal city, and driving you out with swords... uh..."

At this point she finally came to her senses and stopped her second baseless rambling of the night.

She let out a sudden light cough.

"In any case, I'll find a way to deal with the An De Lu side of things; you don't have to worry about it."

"Also, although your progress is indeed notable, since this situation has arisen, I will continue to intensify your training; you should be mentally prepared."

Sigh, I guess I'll have to endure hardship...

Wait.

"Ms. Buluowa, have you already dug an underground training ground here?"

Although magic is indeed wondrous, these past few days, due to precautions against An De Lu, I have had Ge Ruisen monitor me intensively.

If there were any huge changes across from the Clinic, how could I possibly not know?

Buluowa's expression remained unchanged.

"Of course not. But aren't you curious how I can gather so much information without ever leaving the house?"

"You already know, right? This shop was set up with help from people of the Sheng Guang Jiao Tang."

Ji Ming hesitated for a moment.

"So... you are a ascetic?"

Buluowa's hand trembled.

"No, I'm just friends with the cathedral's bishop."

"We have a cooperative relationship, so if I want to borrow some space from them for tactical training, that's no problem."

Borrowing a place from the church for training, wouldn't that be...

"... you mean you want to take me to the Sheng Guang Jiao Tang?"

"That's right."

I'm numb; do we really have to go to such a sensitive place? I don't want to cause trouble the moment I step inside!

Ji Ming fell silent for a moment, gathering his words.

"I think it's not right to bother others with this; how about we just return to the outer city for training?"

Buluowa shook her head.

"How could I possibly let anyone get a hold on me?"

"Using last night's raid, I already leveled and destroyed that place."

…

"Then we could find another spot; I have some connections with the handlers over there, maybe..."

She shook her head again.

"Those guys reek of copper; I don't trust them, and I don't want to expose my abilities to them."

Seeing Ji Ming still on the verge of speaking, Buluowa frowned.

"Being so afraid of the Sheng Guang Jiao Tang, you aren't actually involved with a succubus, are you?"

"Lift your shirt and let me see!"

Ji Ming, frightened, quickly covered his clothes and waved his hands repeatedly.

"No, no, I told you it's just rumor; can you trust the drunken ramblings of tavern drunks?"

Buluowa leaned forward and emphasized again.

"Listen, as a young person you should stay away from those debauched succubi in clubs; they're just scarlet skulls, harmful things!"

On a whim, Ji Ming suddenly asked.

"So how do succubi harm people? Do they use a flesh conduit, with special magical sigils to drain them?"

Buluowa answered habitually.

"No, that's impossible; they just make the body weak..."

He suddenly realized.

"You... really... want... to go...?"

"Uh..."

She suddenly raised her tone.

"Ji Ming, if you go, I'll break all your limbs and expel you from the sect!"

"No, no, I really don't—I'm just curious, that's all."

Ji Ming had to quickly change the subject.

"Don't be so agitated; that... if we go to the Sheng Guang Jiao Tang, when roughly should we go?"

"... the local bishop will return in two days; I'll first take you to meet them, they're somewhat an elder, so remember to dress decently."

"Understood!"

"You don't need to be nervous; even though you're an atheist, the Holy Light Sect is relatively open, and as long as you stand on the side of order, they won't do anything to you."

At that point, Buluowa slightly curled her lips, showing a smile that could hardly be called a smile.

"After all, I do understand you. You're a good kid and wouldn't do such bad things."

Ji Ming recalled his actions over the past month and a half in the other world—

"Ah, right, right, that's exactly it!"

"Alright, that's all I wanted to say; take care of yourself and don't disappoint me."

Ji Ming bowed, about to turn and leave, when he suddenly remembered.

"Um, there's one more thing…"

Anyway, since we're now opposite doors, there's no need to transport Mouse Kid in the middle of the night or at noon.

So this time Ji Ming took things openly and cheerfully, returning to the Clinic with big and small bundles.

Think about it—after this, my teacher and I will be opposite each other, with over thirty levels of big bosses as my bodyguards; who would dare cause trouble?

Just as I was about to start boiling the medicine and quickly treat my waist, my peripheral vision caught AdaiEr nearby, her face a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.

He's both a teacher and a neighbor, which makes it even more of a family tie; I should at least introduce my assistant.

So he led AdaiEr back to the Materials Shop.

As a former worker, introducing a colleague in front of a superior is basic skill.

"Ms. Buluowa, as you know, this is my assistant AdaiEr, a medical assistant with exceptionally strong professional abilities."

She employs tough methods and specializes in handling medical disputes.

"AdaiEr, this is Ms. Buluowa, my friend, teacher, and also our future neighbor."

AdaiEr had no idea what was happening; looking at the severely wounded, grotesquely curious half‑elf before her, whose body was as hard as a block of wood, she couldn't utter a word.

It's normal for a youngster. Yet Ji Ming noticed that Buluowa's face lacked both the sternness and the kindness he had imagined.

She merely pressed her lips together and lowered her eyelids.

Could it be that, as a disabled elder, she feels sorrow when she sees healthy youths?

Yet Buluowa simply sighed, and the tension in her aura relaxed.

"I understand, but I dislike Deep Forest people, especially Deep Forest aristocrats; you take her away."

What does she consider a Deep Forest aristocrat? She'd love to see the aristocrats die.

Ji Ming originally wanted to tell AdaiEr's story, but spilling a secret that someone struggled hard to keep, right in front of them, would be far too tasteless.

So he said his goodbyes and left the Materials Shop with AdaiEr.

"Um… don't feel disappointed. Though Ms. Buluowa has a quirky personality, she's actually a good person; she's helped me a lot, and without her, the Clinic would have folded long ago."

AdaiEr shook her head.

"I'm just a bit stunned; can a single person get hurt to that degree?"

Hurt to that degree…

Even as he brought all the materials into the decoction room to start processing, Ji Ming kept pondering the question.

Although during his conversation with Ms. Buluowa, he constantly sensed a rawness and sense of frustration about her.

But today, her behavior was especially odd.

So…

The root cause of her emotional swings was that she faced danger yet didn't ask him for help immediately.

The strangest subsequent expression was that rambling about weakness as the theme.

Considering also her vague complaint after seeing AdaiEr, and her appearance—already looking aged and covered in wounds—adds to the peculiarity.

One clue after another intertwined, finally leading Ji Ming to an answer.

—Ms. Buluowa is very likely a descendant of the Holy Tree Kingdom that perished five hundred years ago.

In that case, all the doubts make sense.

After all, the person he met was a veteran who sighs constantly, living in seclusion on the civilized border thousands of miles beyond his former country.

It sounds like another long side story.

Keeping this speculation to himself, Ji Ming refocused on the main matter.

The Clinic's drug shortage is severe, and these medicines are hard currency needed both underground and aboveground.

Today, the dosage must be increased; we need to produce more.

So soon, while pounding the herbs, Ji Ming realized his bowl was insufficient.

He had to check each drawer of the medicine table, hoping to find another container for temporary use.

However, when he casually opened Mouse Kid's drawer, he discovered that, at some unknown time, something new had been placed inside.

It was a blood‑stained red badge, plated with a layer of gold.

One can only say that fortunately Ku Po has already transferred from debt handler to tax handler, and we just met this morning.

Otherwise, Ji Ming would have been startled.

—because this is the badge of the Gold Medal Debt Collector.

Why are matters concerning the Outer City always so terrible, even this kind of

Ji Ming couldn't help but think of the other members of the Iron Chain Squad, who haven't been in contact for several days and are still in the Outer City.

Although, due to family ties, he habitually speculates and doubts others, the more experiences he has, the more he values friendships.

While grinding the mica stone fragments in the mortar, Ji Ming stood up and paced anxiously for a moment,

No, I still have to go to the Outer City.

To see how things are, and hopefully

Ji Ming set down the pestle and prepared to discuss the matter with AdaiEr.

Before he could even speak, the wind‑shielding door curtain was ripped open.

The one who pushed the door open was the silver‑haired squad leader of the Wolf Pack, Da Si Ke.

"Doctor, do you remember the matter we discussed the day before yesterday? I'd like to come over to pick something up."

Ji Ming's smile stiffened for a moment, but it quickly brightened again.

"Uh, perfect, I'm just brewing a fresh batch of new medicine. Wait a moment, and then you can take some of the good stuff."

It can only be said that it's fortunate Lao Nv Shi also moved into Inner City; had she still been outside, today would have been awkward.

Since he was the one asking for a favor, not the other way around, Da Si Ke dared not object; he kept praising and sat on the waiting chair beside him.

As a seasoned pharmacist, concocting a rejuvenation elixir or the like is second nature to him.

Soon, Ji Ming pushed a small cart out from inside.

But before handing it over, he placed the medicine case he was holding on the counter.

"Captain Da Si Ke, you know my situation—what combat ability can a pharmacist have? So after moving to Inner City, I haven't dared go out at all…"

"Hey, why are you being so formal with me!"

Da Si Ke instantly grasped his meaning and waved his hand.

"Did you forget? I only found you through my friend Si Tong's connections. Actually, I'm here today to deliver a message from them to you."

The moment he said that, although AdaiEr made no move, his ears clearly perked up.

Da Si Ke didn't hold back either; his smile grew even warmer.

"Don't worry, they have nothing else, they just want to send their regards!"

"Si Tong and An Na are longtime partners, backed by Mo Dun's logistics, so once the two join the handler team, they're in their element."

"In the past two days they've earned consecutive merits, just promoted to bronze rank, and there's already a hint of moving up to silver—what luck!"

With benefits like that, why don't you go?

Seeing his animated words, Ji Ming inwardly scoffed, yet he couldn't relax like AdaiEr.

Throughout history, when do positions change the fastest?

Naturally, when an organization faces crisis.

No matter how generous the reward, each carrot has its own hole; if the front carrot doesn't move, the one behind can't grow.

They've all been rapidly promoted; the debt handlers turned into cannon fodder have suffered huge losses lately…

Thinking of that, Ji Ming spoke.

"Da Si Ke, we're practically old friends now."

"Money, I can earn anyone's, so I don't really want yours; just please look after them and come to me immediately if any trouble arises."

As he said, he took another medicine box from the cart beside him.

"Also, deliver this box of medicine to An Na, tell her everything's fine here, but they need to take care of themselves."

That being a serious matter, Da Si Ke's expression turned solemn at once, speaking resolutely.

"I guarantee delivery!"

The deal concluded, and Ji Ming, as he said, gave Da Si Ke a discount.

Lying on the second‑floor bed, he downed a bottle of rejuvenation elixir; Ji Ming's blood fully revived, and his back injury healed neatly.

The afternoon passed quickly; after treating a few patients, it was time to close shop.

After seeing AdaiEr off, Ji Ming didn't go to the Underground City; he returned to the real world first.

In fact, since the closed beta began, he's been busy day and night, rarely returning here.

Thus, even though time flowed differently during preparation, over ten days passed and the room was covered in a layer of dust.

He lightly wiped the computer desk and chair, thinking he still needed to find time to clean.

He also needs to find time to step out for a walk, otherwise someday the upstairs and downstairs neighbors might notice the little invisible and call the police reporting him missing—what then?

Putting those trivial matters aside, Ji Ming opened the little boss's chat window.

【How's it going, what's the progress on the live‑stream setup?】

As a low‑dimensional world will, a high‑dimensional electronic phantom, Yang Yue has never relaxed in this learning field.

【Just a familiar route, I referenced some great directors' and cinematography techniques; the resulting effect should be decent.】

【After today's final battle wraps up, we'll close the closed beta tomorrow; the game will enter the countdown to the internal test phase. Any preparations on your side?】

【Savior, you needn't worry about that; the helmet‑delivery perk only exists in the closed beta, so the funds are definitely sufficient!】

Ji Ming thought for a moment, opened the spreadsheet the little boss had sent earlier, and scrolled to the end.

Because of personal ability, there are just over two hundred pre‑selected players, so the remaining roughly eight hundred lucky users will all be stream viewers.

Adding the subsequent hundred invited players, the total of 1,200 internal‑test players will naturally be a mixed bunch.

Official notice: capital interference, divergent hearts, each harboring hidden motives.

Undoubtedly, unexpected powerful players will appear, but it's also easy for some sabotage‑oriented troublemakers to join.

A slight slip and this game‑named collective translocation could turn into a catastrophic disaster where high‑dimensional humans unintentionally launch destruction upon the low‑dimensional world.

Ji Ming's mind was full of Death God's hand‑crafted biochemic nukes, and he quickly added.

【Little boss, in short, the review part must never be relaxed!】

【(OK)】

Stretching a lazy yawn toward the night outside the window, Ji Ming watched a laughing family of three under the streetlamp.

"Niang Xi Pi, I'm literally a savior."

The next moment, his figure appeared behind the curtain.

Although Ji Ming was mentally prepared, when he pointed the camera at Dog Village, he almost lost his composure.

Actually, Dog Village was originally a settlement built out of necessity; it sits atop a high terrace, surrounded by steep slopes on all sides, with only one side accessible via steps.

Later, under Ji Ming's instruction, Xi Er Wei Ya added another wall around the perimeter.

A double layer of defense—can't say it's as solid as a golden broth, but it can be called the strongest fortification in the dungeon.

Yet to the players, that is far from enough!

As the representatives of the trap and ambush factions, Qiangzi and Ma Yi were extremely malicious, actually digging up all the ground around the village in one go.

Either they bullied goblins for being dim‑witted, digging a chaotic patch of pit traps.

Or they bullied goblins for being penniless and shoeless, mixing ceramic shards and glass slag into the sand.

It was probably because they feared the Mad King would panic and make a desperate charge with warriors and heroes, so they dug many horse‑trap pits beneath the high platform.

Looking out, layer upon layer stood neatly; after the battle, they might even plant some glow‑trees for greening.

These are only the outer defenses; the interior of the village is even more exaggerated.

The bare walls were piled with many earthen walls and sandbags, raising and reinforcing them further on the original base.

Besides the arrow towers and watchtowers built on existing structures, catapults and triple‑bow ballistae were organized into groups, creating several fixed cross‑fire points on the wall tops.

At this point, it truly could be called a stone turtle.

"Damn, are you going to fight goblins or the regular army?"

But when he shifted his view to the garrison, he realized the players' preparations were not excessive at all, perhaps even a bit insufficient.

"Whoa, what kind of monster did they summon!"

As the dungeon's core structure, the Ruined Castle is more than just a castle.

It seems the Mad King has obtained the leftover treasure inside and intends to use it on the players.

So this battle is essentially a basic magic duel versus basic technology, which is rather interesting.

Besides streaming and filming, such an important night surely involves more official duties than that.

After confirming both sides' strength, Ji Ming brought other Production Team members into an online meeting.

Once the subsequent procedures and program effects were finalized, he switched into a player outfit and went to Sacred Tree Lake.

In a thatched shed, he found Bai Yesheng sitting on the ground loading a gunpowder can; Ji Ming glanced at her panel and discovered she already had a class.

Noticing his stare, Bai Yesheng chuckled.

"Low‑key, just some simple, easy little operations."

"Don't pretend here, tell me, who did you ask for help?"

"Heh, do I still need anyone's help?"

Still smug, he suddenly heard a sentence.

"Stinky drug seller!"

"Say it again!"

"I didn't even say who it was, why are you so worked up?"

Suppressing the urge to explode at Ji Ming, she kept scooping the small spoon into the can.

"This is called labor‑to‑prosperity, understand? I only offered a little help within my ability; they fought to hand me a half‑dead wild monster, what's wrong with me?"

"Selling flammable and explosive items without a license is illegal; come, let's go turn ourselves in!"

As a game producer, Ji Ming hadn't even formally let players work for him yet, yet unexpectedly the first to do so was Bai Yesheng.

As currently the only player proficient in black gunpowder preparation, she can be said to eat from both ends.

Sitting on the island at the lake's center, she gets free raw materials from Death God with one foot, and free exchange points from Uncle Hua with the other.

From time to time enthusiastic players call her to deal with some already‑handled wild monsters that die from a single slash.

It only took a day; she not only easily crafted a huge batch of gunpowder cans, but also completed the bow‑crossbow class promotion quest.

Therefore, the bow leaning beside her is no longer the previous advanced bow, but a unique, excellent longbow crafted by master artisans of Sunshine City and sold in the shop.

"By the way, have you named this bow yet?"

"Yes, it's called Crossbow."

…

Ji Ming's mind had to twist a bit before he understood.

"Naming a bow 'Crossbow' is really your style; then does your dog have to be called Cat?"

Unexpectedly, Bai Yesheng raised her head with a puzzled expression.

"Why would you think that? My dog is definitely called Crooked‑Neck Tree."

…

【Cloi, have you considered renaming yourself Aurora Dance?】

【???】