You'll Have to Ask Next Door

The flames flickered and the shadows swayed before the fireplace, as if leaping along with Guo Changshi's narration.

Li Yao understood the meaning behind this display of muscle.

This can also be considered a form of diplomatic language.

Why did the Authorities put so much effort into developing Nuclear Weapons back then? Wasn't it to intimidate foreign powers? Although the research on Nuclear Weapons was successful at that time, the Authorities lacked the rocket system to launch and deliver Nuclear Weapons. In other words, they had Royal Flush but couldn't use it! However, no matter what, having this trump card in hand would deter bullies from acting too aggressively.

after all,

When everyone is holding bricks, you have to be careful, regardless of whether they can accurately hit your face.

What if he's reckless? He might charge at you with a bunch of bricks in his head and smash them in your face.

Can you handle it? The current situation faced by the Artificer Association is roughly similar.

The flourishing development of the Artificer Association in recent years has alerted certain forces. Their presence here is intended to flex their muscles; if they appear weak, you'll lack leverage in diplomatic negotiations. This is, after all, a global expo; the side that demonstrates greater strength will gain a more advantageous position in negotiations regarding the global situation.

Yes.

Even in the Esper World,

Not everything can be solved by fighting.

After all, the manpower, material resources, and financial resources required to launch a war are far greater than the costs incurred by diplomacy.

This is the most important reason why artisans want to win.

besides,

The old craftsmen were holding their breath because... this was tantamount to being challenged! Now it wasn't just about showing off at your doorstep anymore.

Instead, they'll storm into your house and start firing their weapons! Sorry, I can't tolerate that.

We acknowledge the gap in development levels!

We've been working hard on this for so many years, but we haven't come out to spout any nonsense.

But you pooped on my head?

No!

After Guo Changshi finished speaking, Li Yao fell silent.

Honestly,

This isn't like going to the front lines to fight; it's just about taking the medicine out to show off, gaining both fame and fortune, and increasing one's worth. Li Yao was tempted.

Joining the Artificer Association is unrealistic.

He cannot produce an academic report every year, and the association is unlikely to make an exception for one person.

That's a place for academic discussions, after all.

Moreover, it is equivalent to the highest hall of honor for extraordinary craftsmen.

Now, someone with connections has suddenly gotten in through the back door. What are those veteran craftsmen who have dedicated their lives to honing their skills supposed to do? Will the association still have any reputation left? On another note...

Li Yao is now considered a celebrity—the bounty on his head on the online forum "The Esper World" has risen to over 20 million USD. He keeps a low profile in the provincial capital and is only familiar with a few people.

No one would associate him with the cowardly and cunning spirit stone manipulator on the Dark Web Forum.

But things are different in the capital.

From local areas to the capital, and onto the world stage...

Li Yao,

He seems a bit weak.

After thinking for a moment, Li Yao said, "First of all, I only have enough materials to make eight potions. Two have already been reserved for Mr. Gu Xinting, and the rest have been reserved for the Wallfacers. I don't have anything to offer for the exhibition either. If you need anything, you'll have to ask the people next door. Secondly, I'm very busy, Mr. Guo."

He wanted to concoct a potion.

To decipher magical knowledge, to conduct construct tests, to modify the Sub-World, and to prepare new products for my senior...

So many things to do! Guo Changshi thought for a moment and said, "I'll talk to Miss Feng Li! They'll definitely be able to give up two potions!"

Li Yao clapped his hands. "Alright! You can just bring the medicine to the exhibition, I won't show up!"

The ball was kicked out perfectly.

Li Yao,

You're such a clever little devil! He couldn't help but want to give himself a thumbs up.

However, Guo Changshi shook his head and said, "We still need you to go. Otherwise, people will say that this is a potion that we dug out from some Mystic Realm or ruin. What we need to show is the power of sustainable development."

Li Yao: "..."

Guo Changshi said, "If you insist on not joining the association, we can invite you to be Special Consultant of the association. That way you can participate in the exhibition legitimately. What do you think?"

Li Yao thought for a moment and said quietly, "There's an appearance fee, you know."

Guo Changshi: "..."

How fresh!

All right,

This has been fresh and new many times today.

So many artisans and craftspeople are scrambling to get a spot at this exhibition, spending huge sums of money to get in touch.

The association was extremely strict in ensuring the quality of its exhibitors, refusing to compromise on standards; any attempts to use connections or bribes were severely punished! Now things are different...

Some people actually demanded an appearance fee in order to participate in the exhibition.

Fresh,

This is so damn fresh!

However, considering Li Yao's behavior on the pleasure boat, Guo Changshi understood what kind of person Li Yao was.

So he nodded. "Okay, I'll go back and get ready. I won't disturb your rest so late."

Guo Changshi stood up, and Li Yao got up to see him off.

Watching Guo Changshi depart, his overly sturdy and robust figure was quickly swallowed by the night.

Li Yao leaned against the door.

Thinking about certain things.

Chen Xi called out to the door, "Boss, are you closed or not?"

Li Yao smiled and said, "Let's close up shop. I'll help you clean up."

Chen Xi: "Mmm!"

After closing the tavern door, tidying up the tables and chairs, and wiping the glasses, Li Yao stretched and said goodbye to Chen Xi at the bottom of the stairs, "Go to sleep early, sweet dreams."

Chen Xi: "Mmm!"

Back in my room, it was quiet all around.

The scattered neon lights outside the window flickered, and the occasional car horn sounded particularly clear, making the late night seem even quieter.

Li Yao slumped on the sofa by the window, feeling exceptionally at ease.

This is the life he wants.

Do what you want to do, and live in the most comfortable way.

He pulled out his phone and texted Lin Xiaowei: "Doggy, let me tell you, there's a lot going on on Earth, it feels pretty lively and bustling. I never realized it when we were just ordinary people, but it's different now... It would be so nice if you stayed home, we could go check it out together—"

Go and see the hustle and bustle of the world!

as well as,

Noise.

On her phone, Lin Xiaowei's profile picture was gray, and the cursor moved silently in the input field, as if waiting for the next word to fall.

Li Yao smiled and put away his phone.

He also needs to analyze the magic model circuits, exhausting his magic power, and he also needs to meditate and cultivate.

every day,

Everyone's so busy!

The next day, early morning.

Li Yao woke up from his meditation. He was wearing the thick fleece pajamas that Chen Xi had bought for him, but his feet were a little cold... Damn, it's not convenient to wear such fluffy house shoes while meditating!

It's time to treat yourself to a pair of extra-thick thermal socks!

The provincial capital... no, Su Province is the most damn damn bad thing about this!

North of the Huai River Line, everyone has underfloor heating. But back then, the planning cut Su Province to the south, leaving only a small area in the north—the entire Su Province! Only Xuzhou has underfloor heating! In winter, they provide central heating, so you can comfortably wear a shirt and wander around indoors in the freezing cold! But what about those south of the Huai River Line? Those in northern Su Bei can rely on some equipment... but those in Su Nan just have to tough it out!

You have no idea!

Damn, Su Province is truly a place with cold winters and hot summers!

So sad!

First update. Seriously, I'm a fan-favorite, so do you want to join the group? Hope you enjoy reading.