Mù Bīng'ér was about to act against Xú Fāng, but since he was already a Level 3 ability user, she hesitated for a moment before giving up the idea.
As for this point, Xú Fāng insisted on explaining it as his inexplicably good luck.
The three of them knew very well that Xú Fāng was fooling them, but they couldn't find any reason to refute him.
Luck was a mysterious thing, and almost everyone had exclaimed how good someone else's luck was.
It was just that they never expected that the person favored by the “Goddess of Luck” was standing right in front of them.
Especially Xú Fāng's roguish expression, which made Mù Bīng'ér incredibly jealous!
Chapter 40: Changes in the Defense Force
Actually, Xú Fāng wasn't entirely lying.
After all, to have an overpowered ability like a high drop rate, wasn't that the favor of the Goddess of Luck?
Upon learning about Xú Fāng's “cheat,” Mù Bīng'ér's gaze towards him also changed slightly.
Greed! It was naked greed!
“What do you want?”
Xú Fāng instinctively covered his chest.
“Is it that as long as you are the one who kills the monster in the end, the spoils of war will double? No, at least tenfold!”
“Yes… yes!”
Xú Fāng himself had no concept of how many times it would multiply.
After all, neither he nor the previous “Xú Fāng” had the ability to deal with monsters.
Mù Bīng'ér's eyes seemed to sparkle upon hearing this.
“What do you want to do?”
Although he didn't know what conspiracy Mù Bīng'ér had in mind, Xú Fāng knew it was nothing good.
“Of course, it’s to maximize your ability!”
Mù Bīng'ér's first thought was to take Xú Fāng back to the Inner City to kill monsters in the Monster Arena. The spoils of war would surely be inexhaustible then.
But thinking about Xú Fāng's current identity, she had to temporarily abandon this idea.
“What exactly do you want to do?”
Seeing Mù Bīng'ér's expression shift from a cunning smile to a disappointed shake of her head, Xú Fāng grew uneasy.
Could this young lady be thinking of capturing him for experiments?
“You’ll know when the time comes!”
Miss Mu left these words and turned to leave, scaring Xú Fāng into a sleepless night.
After resting for a full two days, Xú Fāng’s body finally recovered.
When he appeared at the Defense Force headquarters, he instantly attracted admiring glances from everyone. Even the old hands who had originally disdained Xú Fāng couldn't help but cast approving looks his way.
In fact, when they first joined the Defense Force, their sole intention was to protect the outer city area and their homes.
But faced with monster invasions and the rampant disruption caused by mercenaries, they felt truly powerless.
Later, the appearance of noble young masters from the Inner City reignited their hope.
But reality dealt them another heavy blow.
Those noble scions were merely out in the outer city area for a temporary posting. After a month, they returned to the Inner City to continue their leisurely lives.
In just one month, those noble scions had no intention of improving the Defense Force. They even ordered them around, forcing them to seize the resources that ordinary people relied on for survival.
But in the face of such noble scions, they could only bow and scrape.
That’s why when Mù Bīng'ér appeared at the Defense Force, these members became so presumptuous; it was their final act of silent resistance.
However, they never expected that this seemingly frail young lady would be different from the noble scions of the past.
Not only did she wholeheartedly work to rectify the outer city area, but she even lowered herself to approach Xú Fāng.
In just fifteen days, she had destroyed the strongest mercenary group in the outer city area, Mǎ Family Village.
Even the strongest person in the outer city area, King Ma, and another Level 3 ability user, Lù Fàng, died at Xú Fāng’s hands!
When the news spread throughout the entire outer city area, these Defense Force members felt a sense of pride in being a member of the Defense Force for the first time!
“Captain, well done!”
“Captain?”
Although Mù Bīng'ér had already appointed Xú Fāng as the captain of the Defense Force, no one had ever addressed him as such before.
Even Brother Hu and the others had only continued the habit from Mǎ Family Village, calling him Master Xu.
Surveying the crowd, Xú Fāng felt the entire atmosphere of the Defense Force had changed and was in high spirits.
“Good, very good! From today onwards, the jurisdiction of the outer city area returns to our Defense Force!”
His words were quickly met with cheers from everyone!
“Yes! We need to let those mercenaries know who the true masters of the outer city area are!”
“We’ve had enough of those people. They’ve turned the outer city area upside down, plundering the resources of ordinary people everywhere. This time, we must teach them a lesson!”
……
Seeing the team members filled with fighting spirit, Xú Fāng, without interrupting their enthusiasm, discreetly went to Mù Bīng'ér's room.
Upon seeing him, a flash of greed crossed Mù Bīng'ér's eyes, but Xú Fāng still caught it.
“Miss, you’re not really thinking of capturing me for experiments, are you?”
“Experiments? If luck could be researched through experiments, it wouldn’t be valuable!”
It seemed Miss Mu had indeed considered studying Xú Fāng's luck, but had no idea where to start.
“Miss Mu, can you stop looking at me like that!”
Xú Fāng no longer dared to meet Mù Bīng'ér's gaze, fearing she might come up with some strange idea.
“Don’t worry, I just thought of a way to get rich!”
“Get rich? What way to get rich?”
Speaking of getting rich, Xú Fāng's eyes also flashed with the same golden light as Mù Bīng'ér's.
“It’s too early to say. I’ll tell you when it’s really possible!”
“Then how do we split the profits?”
……
Xú Fāng's greedy side also left Mù Bīng'ér somewhat speechless.
Just as Xú Fāng was about to inquire further about the so-called get-rich scheme, the nearby window suddenly opened.
A dark figure suddenly appeared in the room.
“Who are you?”
Xú Fāng instantly conjured a fireball on his fingertip. Just as he was about to attack, a long sword was pressed against his throat.
“Kid, you don’t think you’re my match, do you!”
A stranger’s voice, a familiar aura.
“It’s you?”
This person was Mù Bīng'ér's guardian.
After learning the other party's identity, Xú Fāng relaxed, but quickly showed disappointment.
He had sensed the other party's location before, but he hadn't detected them until they appeared before him when they actually made a move.
If the other party had really wanted to kill him, he probably wouldn't have even stood a chance to retaliate.
“Are you trying to compare yourself to Sister Mumu! You are truly ignorant. Sister Mumu is a renowned expert in the Inner City, definitely among the top ten Level 4 ability users!”
Mù Bīng'ér, sensing his disappointment, couldn't help but tease him.
One of the top ten Level 4 ability users?
In the entire Inner City, there were less than twenty Level 5 ability users.
Level 4 ability users were the main fighting force of the Inner City. For this woman to be hailed as one of the top ten ability users, the gap in strength between them was likely far greater than Xú Fāng had imagined.
Even though he knew the immense gap between them, he couldn't help but want to compare himself.
Xú Fāng's gaze uncontrollably fell on the other party.
A tight black leather suit encased her alluring figure, her long legs appearing even more slender in her boots. Beneath her flowing black hair, her delicate face bore a faint, almost imperceptible smile.
“Scumbag, are you done staring?”
Mù Bīng'ér interrupted his observation, displeased.
“What scumbag?”
“You have Táng Ruòlán, and yet you’re ogling Sister Mumu. Isn’t that the behavior of a scumbag?”
Xú Fāng did not refute Mù Bīng'ér's accusation.
Any man would be unable to resist looking a few extra times at such a beautiful woman. This couldn't be blamed on him!
Of course, he could only voice such justifications in his heart. If Mù Bīng'ér found out, it would likely only earn him another scolding!
Chapter 41: Mu Family Meeting
Seeing the usually strategic Xú Fāng acting so submissively in front of Mù Bīng'ér, Sister Mumu, who was standing nearby, couldn't help but beam.
The two then realized their impropriety.
“Sister Mumu, why are you looking for me?”
She knew Sister Mumu was her guardian. If it wasn't something urgent, she would never have appeared.
“Old Master Mu wants to see you!”
“Father wants to see me?”
Mù Bīng'ér was somewhat surprised. The bet was supposed to have a one-month deadline, so why was she being called back after only twenty days?
Could it be that her father intended to break the bet?
Impossible! Given her father's personality, he would never easily go back on his word.
Then what could possibly require her to be summoned home ten days early?
With eyes full of confusion and worry, Mù Bīng'ér could only look to Sister Mumu for help.
“Don't worry, Old Master Mu is very pleased with your performance in the outer city area. There should be good news when you return!”
“Good news? Could it be that Father intends to fulfill the bet early? But the Defense Force…”
Mù Bīng'ér was eager to return to the Inner City and settle the bet with her father, but thinking about the Defense Force she had invested so much effort in and leaving it just like that, she felt a pang of reluctance.
Sister Mumu also noticed her feelings.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be back soon.”
Seeing Sister Mumu's mysterious expression, Mù Bīng'ér could only follow her back, filled with questions.
Fortunately, Xú Fāng had already established his authority within the Defense Force, so Miss Mu of the Mu Family didn't need to be there to suppress things for him.
“Go and come back quickly!”
After a brief farewell, Mù Bīng'ér returned to the coveted Inner City.
Unexpectedly, after learning that Miss Mu had temporarily returned to the Inner City, the members of the Defense Force didn't pay much attention.
Instead, Xú Fāng unintentionally became the true leader of the Defense Force.
Although the atmosphere within the Defense Force was high-spirited, they had not engaged in actual combat for too long, and their combat capabilities were only slightly better than ordinary people.
The first priority in reorganizing the Defense Force was to enhance their combat power.
Xú Fāng decided to entrust this task to Brother Hu and Lǐ Jūn, who would respectively guide them in close combat and marksmanship.
To motivate them, Xú Fāng even set up a reward system: crystal cores!
Only by meeting Xú Fāng's requirements would he reward them with a crystal core, helping them become ability users.
Indeed, under this reward system, the team members became highly enthusiastic about training.
However, even with this, for the Defense Force to grow, he needed to recruit more members.
Without Mù Bīng'ér, Xú Fāng suddenly felt that he had too many tasks to handle. If only someone could help him share the burden.
That evening, Xú Fāng, dragging his exhausted body home, informed Sū Yuè and the other about Mù Bīng'ér's temporary return to the Inner City.
As expected, Sū Yuè's face immediately showed disappointment.
“Sister Bīng'er isn’t coming back, is she?”
“Probably not.”
Xú Fāng couldn't guarantee it either, but from the way Mù Bīng'ér and Sister Mumu looked, it seemed like a temporary departure.
Only upon hearing that it was a temporary farewell did Sū Yuè relax.
When she heard Xú Fāng complaining about the troublesome work in the Defense Force, she even accused him of laziness.
Truly, a daughter grows up too fast! After only a few days, she abandoned her beloved brother and turned to her best friend's embrace.
Despite this, Sū Yuè still offered to help him with the workload at the Defense Force.
However, Xú Fāng didn't know if Sū Yuè going to the Defense Force would be to help him share the work or to add more work.
For a moment, he couldn't make up his mind.
To Xú Fāng's surprise, Táng Ruòlán also offered to join the Defense Force.
Recalling Ruòlán's powerful healing ability, he agreed without a second thought.
The immediate difference in his attitude caused Sū Yuè's dissatisfaction.
In desperation, he could only agree to Sū Yuè's request.
Suddenly, he began to understand why the management in his previous life favored relatives and close associates.
Perhaps they had the same thought as him now: seeking a quiet night at home.
Xú Fāng assigned Sū Yuè to train under Lǐ Jūn.
Although Sū Yuè was already an ability user, she had no combat experience. If she encountered any sudden danger, she would likely be unable to cope.
Under Sū Yuè's resentful gaze, Xú Fāng fled as if escaping.
It is said that Sū Yuè performed exceptionally well in her training that day, especially in the long-range attack training. The humanoid target was blown to pieces by her Snowflake Sprite, as if she were treating the target as an enemy.
Driven by her anger, Sū Yuè could control her Snowflake Sprite to do anything for her within three days, and her rapid progress greatly shocked Lǐ Jūn.
Under Xú Fāng's efforts, the Defense Force developed rapidly.
In contrast, in the Inner City, at the Mu Family.
The atmosphere between Mù Bīng'ér and her father was somewhat awkward.
Mù Bīng'ér sat in the living room of the Mu Family, dressed formally, her face devoid of its usual ease.
“Father, do we really have to do this?”
Beside Mù Bīng'ér sat a middle-aged man with a stern face, sitting rigidly upright, exuding an aura of unapproachability. He was clearly a soldier who had undergone strict training!
This man was Mù Bīng'ér's father, the current head of the Mu Family, Mù Yáng!
“The outer city area is not as simple as you imagine. The interests involved are far greater than you think. If you truly control the entire outer city area, many people will stand up to stop you!”
“Then why did you make the bet with me?”
Mù Bīng'ér's question left the tough guy speechless.
Did he expect the man to say that he never imagined his daughter could rectify the outer city area, and that's why he agreed to this seemingly sure-to-win bet?
Although the situation had developed beyond his expectations, he had no intention of breaking his promise.
However, this matter involved complex interests and forces, and a long-term plan was necessary.
Soon, the Mu Family hall was filled with people.
Among them was Mù Bīng'ér's guardian, the Level 4 ability user Sister Mumu, clearly revealing that her status in the Mu Family was far more than just a guardian to the young lady.
“I believe everyone knows why you have all been summoned here today.”
“Although we have an agreement among the major families, if Bīng'ér truly gains control of the Defense Force, I fear they will not stand idly by!”
“Today, I have gathered you all here to discuss this matter! Please feel free to express your opinions.”
Mù Yáng's words did not elicit a response from the crowd.
Everyone understood that this matter involved far-reaching implications, and if mishandled, it could disrupt the balance of power in the Inner City.
“Brother, why don't you share your thoughts first?”
It was Mù Shān, Mù Bīng'ér's second uncle, who dared to speak up first.
Seeing the hesitant expressions on everyone's faces, Mù Yáng knew that if he didn't speak first, no one would dare to utter a word.
“Regarding this matter, I have only one opinion. Since the agreement was made among the families, as long as Bīng'ér has the ability, the outer city area will be left to her to develop!”
Chapter 42: Inner City Situation
Overbearing!
Although the members of the Mu Family had anticipated this outcome, hearing it directly still made them sigh inwardly.
Mù Yáng was already an overbearing person. Coupled with his doting nature towards his daughter, he would naturally support all of Mù Bīng'ér's decisions.
However, in the eyes of many, this decision was still somewhat impulsive.
After all, the outer city area involved immeasurable interests, and other families would definitely not let it go unchallenged.
But at this moment, only Mù Shān dared to voice his concerns.
“Brother, have you considered the consequences? Offending the Seven Great Families simultaneously is probably not a good choice.”
“The Seven Great Families? The agreement was made jointly. No one dares to openly violate it. As for covert means, our Mu Family has never been afraid!”
“An open attack is easy to defend against, but a hidden arrow is hard to guard! Why put yourself in a position of being attacked from both sides!”
If Mù Yáng represented the Mu Family's dominance, then Mù Shān represented the Mu Family's ultimate prudence.
Mù Shān's words were met with agreement from the crowd.
“Mù Yáng, this matter needs to be considered carefully. One wrong step could lead the entire Mu Family to ruin!”
These words were spoken by the only elder present at the meeting, Mù Yáng's second uncle.
“Second Uncle, I have indeed given this matter considerable thought.”
Facing his second uncle, who was also the previous head of the Mu Family, Mù Yáng displayed a rare humility.
“Oh?”
Considerable thought?
The phrase sounded incredibly strange coming from Mù Yáng.
Even Mù Bīng'ér couldn't help but look surprised. Everyone's eyes turned to Mù Yáng, seemingly waiting for his so-called deep consideration.
“It’s not just our Mu family that covets the outer city area. If the Seven Great Families were united, it would be troublesome. But who among them would go all out? At most, they would make a show of it, waiting for other families to act.”
“Our Mu Family can precisely seize this opportunity to snatch the resources of the outer city area. Even if the balance of power in the outer city area is eventually restored, our Mu Family will have already reaped substantial benefits from this conflict!”
“Even if we fail, I don’t see any losses for the Mu Family.”
Everyone stared at Mù Yáng with their mouths agape, completely disbelieving that such words came from him.
Only Mù Shān and Second Master Mu flashed barely perceptible smiles at the corners of their mouths.
Because they had long known that Mù Yáng was not as reckless as he appeared. Beneath his domineering exterior lay a delicate heart.
In fact, one could say that his imposing demeanor was Mù Yáng's perfect disguise.
After a moment of thought, the others also accepted Mù Yáng's reasoning.
“In that case, if Bīng'ér can truly succeed in controlling the outer city area, even for a short period, it will be a good gain for our Mu Family!”
“Yes! Moreover, among the many noble scions sent to the outer city area, Bīng'ér's success alone demonstrates the strength of our Mu Family!”
……
Driven by self-interest, they quickly agreed to Mù Yáng's plan.
A moment later, only four people remained in the vast hall.
The three leaders of the Mu Family and Mù Bīng'ér's guardian, Mumu.
As a renowned ability user in the Inner City, Mumu's status in the Mu Family was second only to the three leaders.
“Mumu, you have been by Bīng'ér's side all along. What are your thoughts on this matter?”
“Didn’t the Family Head already make a decision?”
Mumu looked at Mù Yáng with some confusion, utterly bewildered.
During the meeting just now, Mù Yáng had forcefully overcome all objections and decided to let Mù Bīng'ér go all out. Why was he suddenly asking for her opinion now?
“While that is true. It all still depends on whether Bīng'ér has the ability to control the outer city area. We cannot intervene to help her, otherwise it would provide an excuse for other families to attack us!”