Chapter 354 - 353: I’m Here to Solve Problems

The sparseness of the Northern God Country’s population was on par with the White Hawk.

A smaller population, naturally, required dealing with fewer troubles.

With the "pass" provided by Orville, Li Jing and Yulian traveled unimpeded.

It took approximately forty minutes.

The two crossed a large part of the Northern God Country and reached its magnificent capital city.

As a global superpower, the Northern God Country differed greatly from the White Hawk.

Compared to Longyu, it wasn’t as prosperous.

However, when it came to local customs, they were truly unique.

The most distinctive characteristic was the "sincere" demeanor of the people of the God Country.

Here followed by their unique culture and historic architecture brimming with character.

Li Jing was visiting the Northern God Country for the first time.

The same went for Yulian.

Upon first arriving at the capital of the God Country, both were intrigued by the representative cityscape of the kingdom.

Deliberately or not, Li Jing slowed down his spirit soldier’s speed.

Yulian seized the opportunity to pull out her phone and record the beautiful view below.

In a short while, they arrived near the Malova Hotel, where they had arranged to meet Orville, landing at an inconspicuous spot on the street side.

Upon touching ground, the two wasted no time going straight to the hotel’s main entrance.

Just as they entered, they saw big and burly Orville, arms crossed behind his back, standing upright beside the reception, looking dignified.

At the reception counter, a stunning beauty was sneaking glances at him, her eyes filled with stars.

This sight had both of them wearing odd expressions.

Yulian wasn’t even acquainted with Orville; Li Jing and him weren’t that close either.

However, anyone who was observant could see through the situation.

Orville wasn’t being serious; he was just pretending to be so in order to attract the girl at the reception desk.

Seeing the two from afar, the originally stern-faced Orville broke into a smile and approached them with his fist raised in greeting.

"Brother! Long time no see!"

Seeing how he had changed from calling him "Counselor Lee" to "brother," Li Jing couldn’t help but chuckle. He played along, raising his fist to meet Orville’s, then bent his elbow to bump with his.

This was a unique custom of the Northern God Country.

Its primary purpose was to highlight the bonds of friendship among tough men.

Having gotten the desired response, Orville glanced back at the girl with big eyes at the counter.

Noticing her curiously scrutinizing Li Jing, he didn’t pay much attention.

In the God Kingdom.

The market for relatively thin men like Li Jing was quite small.

The women of the God Kingdom didn’t like pretty boys. A strong, robust man was more their thing.

Having garnered attention from the girl, Orville decided to quit while he was ahead.

The reception girl seemed rather curious about him already.

Now there was Li Jing, a typical guest from Longyu. Wouldn’t she be curious about Orville’s identity?

Having her curiosity piqued was enough.

Asking her out later wouldn’t be a problem.

Anything else would seem too deliberate.

Moreover, he couldn’t neglect his esteemed guests now.

Although Orville seemed like a brute, he was actually very sensitive.

Ignoring the girl with the big eyes at the counter, Orville turned his gaze to Yulian, who was standing beside Li Jing.

"Is this miss your younger sister?"

Orville had never had direct contact with Yulian.

In the Chongyuan Holy Realm, Yulian hadn’t shown her real appearance either.

Therefore, to him, this extremely charming woman appeared entirely unfamiliar.

Upon Orville’s inquiry, Yulian smiled faintly.

"My name is Ayu."

Seeing that Yulian didn’t deny but instead introduced herself, Orville was quite surprised. He casually gave Li Jing a thumbs up.

Upon seeing this, Li Jing couldn’t help but chuckle and sneak a glance at Yulian.

Ordinarily, he wouldn’t overthink it.

Throughout their journey, Yulian had consistently maintained her role as Mrs. Li.

But after that incident, he found it hard not to speculate about it.

Yulian caught his furtive glance and understood why he was looking. She avoided making eye contact.

Orville, seeing the two exchange glances, was detailed in his observations.

But he didn’t think much about it.

He just assumed that they were a new couple still in their honeymoon phase.

"It’s not convenient to talk here, brother. Let’s go upstairs. I’ve booked the private room and the banquet is ready. We can sit down and talk at leisure," said Orville.

"That sounds good."

Li Jing nodded with a smile.

...

It wasn’t long before...

Under Orville’s guidance, Li Jing and Yulian arrived at a luxurious private room on the third floor of the hotel.

The three sat down. Without a word, Orville pulled out a barrel of God Country Wine from his storage space and placed it on the table.

Yes.

A barrel, not a bottle.

Seeing this barrel, Li Jing’s eyes twitched involuntarily.

Clearly, Orville, who got his message in advance, was prepared for this meeting.

"Bro, you must have finished the bottle of God Country Wine I gave you last time? How did you like it?" Orville chuckled.

Without waiting for Li Jing to respond, he proudly patted the barrel beside him.

"This barrel is a top-grade wine that I just got recently. Its quality is even superior and more potent than the one I gave you last time."

"..."

Li Jing.

Last time, he had given that bottle to Serlina.

Even though he hadn’t tasted a drop, he knew that consuming would instantly intoxicate him.

This barrel, even more potent than the last bottle?

As if to prove the excellent quality of this newly acquired God Country Wine, Orville promptly removed the barrel plug.

In an instant, a pleasing and rich aroma of wine permeated the air.

Being a Fox demon, Yulian’s senses were extremely sharp.

Even after deliberately suppressing them, her sense of smell was multiple times higher than that of a human’s.

The sudden aroma made her eyes twinkle brighter than before.

Li Jing, on the other hand, just silently grinned.

This wine, it was indeed fragrant.

Just by smelling it, he could tell that it was the cream of the crop. Orville had clearly spared no expense.

The problem was-

Just the smell of the wine made him feel a bit dizzy.

If he were to take some sips...

Seeing Li Jing’s uncomfortable expression, Orville was overjoyed.

The "honest" people of God Kingdom wouldn’t have ulterior motives at the drinking table. They only aimed to get their drinking buddies utterly drunk.

Currently, Li Jing’s expression clearly indicated that his drinking capacity wasn’t great.

Making him drunk wouldn’t be much of a challenge.

Although he hadn’t seen Li Jing act, Orville knew clearly.

The man was strong, much stronger than himself!

Plus, his keen mind was beyond ordinary people.

Being able to get him drunk at the table would undoubtedly add to his bragging rights in the future.

Li Jing wasn’t a high-ranking official in Longyu.

But Orville believed.

With his abilities, he was bound to be a significant figure in Longyu in the future.

Looking at Yulian, who had gleaming eyes, Orville’s smile became even brighter.

In God Kingdom.

People who appreciate good wine and are attracted by it, are considered good company by the people of God Kingdom.

He took out three large wine cups and filled them. Orville got up and handed one cup each to Li Jing and Yulian. He then picked up his own cup and smiled.

"Bro, let’s not talk about other things for now. I will drink first, and you can do as you please!"

This sentence, "I will drink first" made Li Jing’s eyes twitch again.

Drinking was no problem for him.

He even anticipated it on his way over, knowing that he was destined to drink.

But, they hadn’t even discussed business yet, right?

Orville must have a high alcohol tolerance.

But who knew what would happen after he downed this large cup?

Without hesitation, Li Jing raised his hand.

"Let’s slow down. We can drink after we talk about the main business. There’s no hurry."

The fragrant smell of the top-grade wine enticed even Orville.

He was just about to down the drink in one gulp, but paused at Li Jing’s words.

Drinking and business don’t mix.

He understood this simple principle.

A little beleaguered, Orville put down his cup and nodded.

"Alright, bro, you tell me what you’re here for."

"Well, the thing is like this."

Li Jing began to speak.

"Recently, I worked on a case in Longyu Country Capital. One of the convicted main culprits is a monster, and behind him is an international criminal organization with its headquarters in God Church Country. The organization is composed of fox demons, and various signs indicate that they have the support of God Church Country."

Just as he was about to continue, Orville’s face darkened.

"Those bastards from God Church Country, as expected, they never stop causing trouble."

Seeing his typical grumpy reaction, Li Jing quickly concluded.

The man before him didn’t harbor any goodwill towards God Church Country.

However, this was within his expectations.

Given the contentious nature of the Divine Sect Nation, even the traditionally kind-hearted Longyu found it hard to maintain a positive attitude towards them, let alone the hot-tempered Northern God Country?

It was already quite a feat given they hadn’t beaten them up yet.

Not that the Northern God Country didn’t want to beat up the Divine Sect Nation.

But there was no benefit in doing so.

The Divine Sect Nation didn’t have much to offer, a fight would only burden their people and drain their resources ── meaningless.

The Northern God Country was known for its "simple folks", but their leaders wouldn’t waste time and resources on pointless fights.

Without giving it much thought, Li Jing continued.

"According to my investigation, I have reliable information showing that their main base is on the border between the Divine Sect Nation and the Northern God Country. They’ve established a fox-demon town named ’God’s Capital’, hiding it under a magical array, quietly developing for around fifty years."

Upon hearing these words, Orville’s face turned extremely grim.

The criminal organization mentioned by Li Jing was along the border with the Northern God Country?

And they had even built a city there?

This, he could not tolerate.

What was even more intolerable was the fact that this city had been growing for fifty full years, and the God Kingdom had been completely oblivious!

Picking up a wine glass, Orville took a sip and asked with a deep voice.

"Do you know the exact location?"

Seeing Orville’s eagerness to rush to the Divine Sect Nation, Li Jing forced a smile and said.

"The exact location isn’t clear, I came to solve this problem. The exact location can only be found out by exploring the border between the Divine Sect Nation and the Northern God Kingdom."

And then, he continued.

"Right now, I only have intelligence, no concrete evidence. Considering the involvement of the national power, any escalation can only bring harm to us. Therefore, even if we lodge a complaint directly to the Divine Sect Nation, they can simply deny everything."

Upon hearing this, Orville clicked his tongue and reluctantly nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, this matter needs careful planning, recklessness is not an option."

Then, he turned to him.

"I think I understand the situation. You came here to collect evidence by passing through God Country, that’s no problem, I..."

Before he could finish speaking, Li Jing smiled and interjected.

"I should’ve been clearer, I’m here to solve a problem."

"Hm?"

Orville frowned and then responded with surprise.

"What do you mean exactly...?"

"Collecting evidence is too much hassle, it’s better if I use a Forbidden Skill to solve the problem directly from its roots."

Li Jing spoke seriously, saying.

"Given that I will cause some commotion passing through the God Country, which could potentially lead to conflict between the Divine Sect Nation and the Northern God Kingdom, I should, out of courtesy, inform the God Kingdom. If possible, I would also like to seek some assistance."

The phrase "using a Forbidden Skill to solve the problem from its roots" made Orville twitch at the corner of his eyes.

Li Jing, a man of few words but decisive action.

A forbidden skill to settle issues involving national powers?

If a conflict arises as a result, wouldn’t it end up in war?

Even the Northern God Kingdom didn’t dare to tackle such an issue directly.

But Li Jing’s approach... Orville was fond of it.

Orville contemplated for a while and then spoke.

"I have to report this to the higher-ups, I can’t make the decision on my own. Allowing you to pass through and providing assistance definitely won’t be a problem, but given the Divine Sect Nation’s tendency to pick fights, even if you’re not passing through our Northern God Country, they would still try to pin any conflict on us like a crazy dog. No scheme would work against this, and it’s definitely going to take some communication and arrangement from the higher-ups."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing nodded in agreement.

"I’m not in a rush to go to the Divine Sect Nation, but I hope the authorities of the God Kingdom can give me a response by tomorrow morning."

Then, Li Jing added.

"I came here on my own, without informing the higher-up at Longyu. Firstly, there was no guarantee they could incentivize -- and secondly, I didn’t want to get stuck in this situation and have it affect my life. If I can quietly solve this problem, I will. I can’t afford to stay in Dog Nation for too long, nor do I plan to waste time in the territory of the Divine Sect Nation."

Reacting to Li Jing’s statement, Orville nodded in agreement.

As someone within the system of the Northern God Country.

He understood perfectly well.

Many a time, various issues aren’t always willingly solved.

Often, problems that could have been resolved by individuals alone become complicated once they are escalated to higher levels.

This can’t be done, that is not alright.

Especially when it comes to matters concerning international relations.

Long-standing problems that persist for decades without any progress are a dime a dozen.

Li Jing had the ability, and he had the boldness.

To allow him to handle the issue could considerably simplify matters.

If this gets reported to the higher-ups at Longyu, he, as an informed party, would have to be involved in this inescapable cycle.

After pondering for a while, Orville stood up.

"Let’s do it like this, I need to make a trip to the Special Situations Bureau now. You stay and eat with my sister, I’ve already settled the bill."

Eyeing the barrel with the exquisite wine on the table, he spoke.

"Take this wine, brother. I have quite a few sources here in the capital of North God Country, I won’t miss this."

Orville not being able to make the decision was something Li Jing had expected.

After all, matters concerning the relationship of two countries were involved.

Even though Orville had been promoted, he still didn’t have the final say in such matters.

However, his sudden departure was somewhat unexpected.

Such matters should ideally be addressed by the decision-making body of the God Kingdom.

Orville’s previous position was the Northern General Commander of the Special Situations Bureau.

While this role carried considerable authority, it was not part of the decision-making body.

He was an enforcer and implementer of higher-level decisions.

It seems that Orville’s recent promotion has led to a significant shift in his responsibilities.

If he were still at the execution level, there would be no need for him to leave; he could just wait for the results of the decision-makers’ deliberation.

Surprised, Li Jing looked at Orville twice before standing up.

"Alright, I’ll await your news."

"I will contact you as soon as possible."

Orville nodded and smiled, then said,

"You should let your junior drink less. This fine liquor of mine is quite potent. Drinking too much can be hard to handle."

Upon hearing this, Li Jing was slightly taken aback and instinctively turned his head.

The sight that met his eyes made his face fall.

While he was busy talking with Orville, he had not been paying attention to Yulian beside him.

At this moment, when he looked over,

Yulian’s small face was flushed abnormally, she sat there swaying, her large glass of wine was empty...

Yulian, who is usually well-behaved, sneaking off to the side and drinking on her own was something Li Jing hadn’t expected.

What he expected even less was,

She had actually finished her drink...

The cup Orville got was a common one-litre cup.

A litre of supreme quality wine...

On this side,

Yulian, who had just downed a litre of fine wine, looked up to meet gaze, belched, showed a silly smile and then glared.

"What are you looking at?"

"..."

Li Jing.

This was clearly more than Yulian just being a little tipsy! She was totally drunk!

Seeing Yulian in such a state, Orville admired her, but immediately took his unfinished cup and put it into the storage space, then turned and quickly walked away.

Regarding the fine wine he had just brought out,

Anyone downing a litre all at once, even he would become disoriented. One has to sip and absorb it slowly to handle it.

The God Country Wine itself was created to match the unique, alternative Immortal Path of the God Kingdom.

The wine is indeed good, but for those following the alternative Immortal Path, it’s entirely custom-made.

No matter how high its quality, if you’re made to handle it, it wouldn’t be too difficult.

However, they usually let loose a little.

Being drunk feels pretty good.

Yulian isn’t from God Kingdom, so of course she doesn’t follow the alternative Immortal Path.

A practitioner of Orthodox Immortality Path drinking a litre, probably would not recognize even themselves in minutes, but Yulian’s ability to still utter, "What are you looking at?" shows that her alcohol tolerance is remarkably high.

Now that she’s drunk to this state, Orville has also started to beat a retreat.

He was fully aware of what condition someone would be in after drinking a lot of fine wine.

Seeing Orville sneak off as quickly as an irresponsible scumbag, Li Jing’s mouth twitched. Without a word, he stored the barrel of wine and his untouched cup on the table into his Little Universe, banning Yulian from drinking any further.

By now, Yulian’s mind was quite blurry.

Seeing there was no more wine on the table, she sprang to her feet.

"Where’s the wine? Wasn’t there a big barrel just now?"

She looked around squintingly as she spoke.

"Did you hide it?"

"..."

Li Jing.

It was obvious that Yulian’s not doing well...

He stored the wine barrel and cup right in front of her, yet she still accused him of hiding it.

As he was left speechless by this, the swaying Yulian suddenly fell backward.

Seeing this, Li Jing quickly reached out to hold her slender waist.

Yulian, smelling strongly of alcohol, didn’t resist or go into a drunken rage.

She seemed to retain the last bit of clarity.

She managed to open her almost closed eyes to stare at Li Jing for a moment, and after confirming that he was someone she could trust, she closed her eyes, relaxed her body, and snuggled up against him.

Seeing this, Li Jing was torn between amusement and lamentation.

He lamented that the God Country Wine truly lived up to its name by making a Six Realm Great Demon pass out after only a litre.

He was grateful that Yulian had completely passed out without causing a drunken scene...

Exhaling softly, Li Jing held Yulian with one arm, with the other hand he pressed the service bell on the table.

In her current state, Yulian was definitely not going to be able to eat anything.

As they were at a hotel, it was best to ask for a room and take care of her here.

...