"Mayor, you have been like a second father to me. Please accept a bow from Good Fortune Born." Tears of gratitude streamed down Good Fortune Born's face as he bent low in a bow.
Zhang Wentian laughed heartily and helped Good Fortune Born up. "We're all townsfolk. There's no need for such courtesy. Go back for now. I'll invite the Prince of Chu over to discuss this."
They exchanged a few more pleasantries, then Good Fortune Born left, and Zhang Wentian sent someone to invite the Prince of Chu.
Wisps of the Devil God's black aura surged up from the earth and flowed into everyone's bodies.
Before long, the Prince of Chu arrived. After exchanging greetings, Zhang Wentian smiled. "Your Highness, do you know why I summoned you here?"
Hearing the lofty way Zhang Wentian referred to himself, the Prince of Chu kept his expression unchanged. "Could it be about making offerings to the Ginseng Fruit Tree?"
"We can discuss that in a few days. I asked you here because I'd like to borrow someone from you," Zhang Wentian said.
The Prince of Chu's expression remained unchanged. "Who?"
"Good Fortune Born. He just left."
Even the Prince of Chu, who had weathered countless storms, showed a faint flicker in his eyes.
"Mayor, please don't joke," the Prince of Chu said.
Zhang Wentian sighed. "I'm truly not joking. You know the town's current situation. Between the Eerie Mist and several outbreaks involving the Devil God, our population has plummeted, and we're short of people everywhere. Lately, for reasons unknown, things have fallen into chaos again. Mr. Fu is putting out fires everywhere, so busy his feet barely touch the ground, while the Night Guard holds its position, watching like a tiger, ready to bite off a chunk of flesh at any