Inspection (Third Update)

Bai Xiaowen looked at the Zombie Doctor with a skeptical gaze. "Do you really have the ability to decipher the research notes left by the great scholar Norton?"

"Of course, I'm a professional." The Zombie Doctor patted his skinny chest.

"I think it's better to be cautious. After all, this notebook can only be viewed by one person, and it will self-destruct after being read. I can try to get through Prince Nicholas to find a master alchemist." Bai Xiaowen stroked his chin. "Hmm, if Prince Nicholas isn't reliable, I can wait until we go on adventures in other dimensions..."

"Brilliant Boss, you must trust me!" Zombie Doctor exclaimed. "I once helped you develop the Plague Bane! I also created Zombie Lure Fluid and Disguise Fluid! My professional skills are absolutely trustworthy!"

Bai Xiaowen said awkwardly, "But you're on vacation."

"As your loyal and diligent employee, I can temporarily forgo my vacation!" Zombie Doctor shouted. "I won't give up this opportunity to anyone else—this precious notebook containing the secrets of alchemy!"

"You... volunteered to work overtime?"

Yes, that's right!

"Alright, then I'll give you this Yi-Yi chance to study Master Norton's research notes," Bai Xiaowen carefully took out the somewhat Scrawled Research Notes from his Storage Space and handed them to the Zombie Doctor. "Now, let me state my requirements."

Zombie Doctor couldn't wait to open the notebook, but Bai Xiaowen raised his hand and pressed it down. He said sullenly, "Okay, fine, requirements... requirements, hurry up and say them."

"I have a summoned creature that should be related to this notebook," Bai Xiaowen raised his hand and summoned the Voodoo Stitched Monster Fatty. "After reading the notebook, you need to come up with a practical plan to help Fatty awaken his consciousness."

Zombie Doctor's face fell slightly. "Boss, you know nothing about the contents of this notebook. Isn't it a bit too early to make this request? What if the notebook isn't about the Stitched Monster's consciousness? I think we should wait until I've read the notebook before making any decisions, okay?"

"Impossible," Bai Xiaowen scoffed. "My judgment is never wrong. You better study this carefully. If you don't meet my requirements, you can expect to work overtime until next year."

"... The evil capitalists!"

"Um?"

"Ahem... I mean, I'm heading back to the research institute now. See you later, Boss!"

With an agility completely disproportionate to his size, Zombie Doctor dashed away in a flash.

Bai Xiaowen and Cecilia smiled at each other.

Only the two of them remained in the room. An inexplicable, ambiguous atmosphere quietly spread.

"Cecilia ..."

"Don't speak," Cecilia pressed her long, slender, white fingers to Bai Xiaowen's lips, then her arm quietly slid down to hook around Bai Xiaowen's neck, and she closed her shimmering eyes, "Kiss me."

The following morning.

Bai Xiaowen stretched and sat up.

Cecilia lay there lazily and said to Bai Xiaowen, "Don't get up."

"Ha?"

A pair of snake-like arms wrapped around Bai Xiaowen's neck, gently pulling him down onto the bed. Cecilia rolled over, pinning Bai Xiaowen beneath her, a captivating smile playing on her lips, "You're so strong, Dio."

The blanket slipped off Cecilia, and Bai Xiaowen's eyes were immediately overwhelmed by the sight...

When it was time for lunch, the two finally got up, washed up, and had lunch.

Bai Xiaowen had never experienced such comfort during his time in the Spirit Realm. He didn't have to do any missions, nor did he have to worry about anything. He was accompanied by a beautiful woman, and even the government affairs of White Stone City were handled by Cecilia, since she was already very familiar with the business.

However, in Cecilia's schedule for Bai Xiaowen, inspecting the territory was still the highest priority. It was necessary to let Bai Xiaowen, the lord, show his face in front of the people and strengthen his presence.

At the very least, shouldn't the city's garrison recognize the lord they serve? These were Cecilia's exact words.

Bai Xiaowen didn't seem to care—he had just received a notification from the Spirit Realm Rules that Cecilia's Infatuation Level for him had reached the "Devotion" level. He didn't know if it was due to the charm of the Peony Behind Leaves Painting or Bai Xiaowen's hard work...

Bai Xiaowen searched for information about the Spirit Realm Rules regarding Infatuation Level, but the reply he received was still "Please explore on your own." He wasn't in a hurry anymore. After all, true Devotion is definitely better than casual romance. Cecilia seemed completely devoted to him, and considering Cecilia personality, the possibility of her usurping his place or betraying him was practically zero.

During the afternoon inspection of the city's defense forces, Bai Xiaowen discovered that the White Stone City's defense forces had become a formidable military force.

This army consisted of three types of soldiers: the largest, longbowmen, numbering four columns and four hundred men; the second largest, guards, armed with short swords and wooden shields, numbering two columns and two hundred men; and finally, Light Cavalry, mainly responsible for patrolling and relaying messages, numbering only half a column and fifty men.

This army of 650 men had an average level of 5 or above. The strongest Light Cavalry unit was composed of the core members of Cecilia's cavalry, with many reaching level 7, making them the most formidable.

The type of troops trained is related to the level of the barracks. The existence of the current level 3 barracks is mainly due to the presence of Cecilia as the Boss Tier. These soldiers are all trained by her.

With Cecilia's abilities, these three troop types are not her limit. If conditions are right, Cecilia can even train powerful troops such as archers and heavy cavalry.

The so-called conditions refer to the level of supporting facilities such as blacksmith shops and stables. Currently, the blacksmith shop in White Stone City is a level 2 building, which can only produce equipment such as iron swords, longbows, and leather armor, with the highest quality being only basic. It is extremely difficult to build a strong army with such equipment.

To establish a foothold in the dangerous Northern Frontier, a strong military force is indispensable.

"So, my next goal is to upgrade the blacksmith shop and recruit skilled blacksmiths. As long as I can forge powerful bows that meet the requirements, I can train a strong archer unit. Strong archers are a main combat force even in the Imperial Central Army," Cecilia said.

"Hmm, you told me yesterday that you've been negotiating with Blackrock City to buy a batch of powerful bows? Why not just buy a blacksmith directly?" Bai Xiaowen asked. It's better to teach someone how to fish than to give them a fish; borrowed things are always someone else's, only self-sufficiency is the right path.

"The Ironthorn Family certainly won't agree. Even if we offer higher wages, those blacksmiths won't come to White Stone City," Cecilia said.

"Hehe...that's not necessarily true now," Bai Xiaowen said with a smile, toying with a silver seal engraved with thorns. "Tell me, how much do you think the Ironthorn Family is willing to pay for their reputation?"