Choosing a Site for the City!!

At this moment, Qian Xunzong knew nothing of the absurd farce that had unfolded here.

He had already flown beyond the layered complexes of Spirit City's main hall. Just as he was about to leave through the gates of Spirit City, he thought, "System, check in!"

[Ding! Detected that the host is in Spirit City. Check-in successful. This location cannot be checked in at again!]

[Reward: Luxury Giant City Fragment ×1]

[Current fragments: 3/3. Synthesized!]

[City attributes: covers an area with a radius of one hundred kilometers; fully equipped buildings; complete formations; profound foundations. It may be freely placed by the host in any unclaimed region of the continent. It can be upgraded, expanded, and remodeled.]

A gleam flashed through Qian Xunzong's eyes, and he was overjoyed.

Over the past half year, Qian Xunzong had visited Star Luo City and Heaven Dou City, checking in at each and obtaining the other two fragments.

Once all three fragments were gathered, he could obtain a luxurious giant city spanning a hundred kilometers!

This was a true top-tier stronghold city. It came with a complete system of formations and buildings. Once placed, it would become his most secure base of operations, capable of housing all the forces and personnel under his command. Its value was immeasurable!

"Nice."

Qian Xunzong nodded inwardly. His expression remained calm as he securely stored the city placement permit away. With a thought, he could choose a site and place it at any time.

Without lingering, he stepped on the accelerator and headed straight back to his own Cloud-Treading Villa.

The moment he entered the villa's main hall, Shen Ye, dressed in black with an upright bearing and a sharp aura, strode forward and respectfully bowed as he reported.

"My lord. Following your orders, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has surveyed many regions across the continent and selected three locations most suitable for building a city—ideal sites for our base of operations. Please make the final decision."

As he spoke, he raised a hand and presented a detailed regional dossier, clearly listing all the advantages and disadvantages of the three sites.

Qian Xunzong accepted the dossier, slowly opened it, and carefully scanned its contents.

"The first site is called the Wildwind Plains.

"This place lies at the border between the Heaven Dou Empire and the Star Luo Empire. The entire plain stretches for thousands of miles, with fertile land and broad, level terrain. It is extremely suitable for large-scale cultivation and the construction of cities and settlements. Food supplies could be self-sufficient, and its transportation routes extend in all directions, making it convenient for the expansion and development of our forces.

"However, it has one flaw—and its greatest hidden danger. It lies in the buffer zone between the two nations, where war rages year-round and battles never cease. Major forces are tangled together in constant competition and conflict. If we build a city there, we may be dragged into war for years on end, never knowing peace."

"The second site is the Purple Mist Mountain range in the southern part of the continent.

"Surrounded by mountains and backed by water, this place has steep and perilous terrain that naturally forms an excellent defensive layout, easy to defend and hard to attack. It is highly concealed, difficult for outside enemies to invade, and extremely safe. It is very suitable for gaining a foothold in the early stages and developing quietly.

"But its shortcomings are equally obvious. The land throughout Purple Mist Mountain is barren, and the soil is poor. It is unsuitable for growing all kinds of crops and cannot support large-scale grain cultivation. The pressure on food supplies would be immense, and its potential for development would be limited."

"The third site is an uninhabited island four hundred li out at sea.

"The island is vast, spanning a full eight hundred kilometers in every direction. Its area far exceeds that of ordinary islands. The soil is fertile, and water is abundant, allowing for the reclamation of large tracts of farmland and complete self-sufficiency. Surrounded by the sea and isolated from the world, it is far from the vortex of conflict between the continent's major powers. It would not be controlled or restrained by imperial courts or sect forces, granting us the utmost freedom.

"The only drawback is that its ecosystem remains primitive. The island is inhabited by vast numbers of wild soul beasts, with many varieties and enormous populations. Countless powerful sea soul beasts also lurk in the surrounding waters, making it extremely dangerous. To build a city there, we must first thoroughly clear out the soul beasts nearby."

The three sites each had their own strengths and weaknesses, their pros and cons clearly defined, making the choice difficult.

After reading the dossier, Qian Xunzong closed it and said calmly, "Summon Mo Hengchuan, Kong Deming, Ma Jinyan, and Yun Yan to discuss this matter."

"Yes!"

The commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard answered and withdrew. Moments later, four figures entered the courtyard in succession and bowed deeply.

"Greetings, my lord!"

Qian Xunzong handed the dossier on the three sites to the four of them and said in a deep voice:

"No need for formalities. Each of these three sites has its advantages and disadvantages. Examine them carefully and tell me your views. Which should we choose as the base for our new city?"

The four immediately took the dossier and gathered together to study it closely, carefully analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each location.

A moment later, all four looked up. Their expressions were identical, their eyes filled with the same certainty, and they spoke in unison: "My lord, we unanimously recommend choosing the island at sea!"

The four were in complete agreement, without the slightest disagreement.

Qian Xunzong raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. "Oh? Tell me your reasons."

The first to speak was the steady Mo Hengchuan. He began his analysis slowly and methodically:

"My lord, although the Wildwind Plains has fertile land stretching for thousands of miles and is favorable for development, it lies in a war zone between two nations. Conflict never stops there, and the forces involved are extremely complicated. Our new city will have just been built, its foundations still unstable. The moment it is established, we would be drawn into disputes and exhausted by constant fighting. We would have no time to develop peacefully. The drawbacks far outweigh the benefits."

Yun Yan, ever meticulous, continued, "Although Purple Mist Mountain is easy to defend and hard to attack, peaceful and concealed, its land is barren and its food supply restricted. It can only serve as a temporary hiding place. It simply cannot support a large city, much less sustain our forces' long-term development and territorial expansion. Its potential is too low. It is not a viable choice."

Ma Jinyan's gaze was sharp, carrying a killing intent as he added in a deep voice, "The island may appear dangerous, with soul beasts everywhere, but that danger is precisely its greatest advantage!

"The countless soul beasts on the island and in the surrounding waters are countless natural resources. They can allow the knights and soldiers under our command to train and break through, while also providing my lord with massive amounts of Soul Ring and Soul Bone resources!"

"Moreover, the island is surrounded by sea and isolated from the world, beyond the control of any force on the continent. We can advance by sailing out to wage war and dominate the seas, or retreat to develop in seclusion and solidify our foundations. Both its concealment and safety are top-tier. It is an excellent treasure land for carving out our own territory and establishing an independent foundation!"

Finally, Kong Deming spoke, his tone firm and confident. "From the perspective of city construction, the island is vast and level, with no mountains or ravines obstructing it. It can perfectly accommodate the layout of a giant city spanning a hundred kilometers.

"Sea travel is convenient. In the future, we can build vast numbers of soul tool warships and establish an invincible maritime force. As for the threat of soul beasts, we need only deploy our forces to clear them out. They can be eradicated completely; it is not an unsolvable problem."

The four had each spoken from different angles, yet their conclusions all pointed in the same direction. Their reasons were sufficient and their logic meticulous.

After hearing their analyses, Qian Xunzong nodded slightly, a trace of approval flashing through his eyes.

The four had keen judgment and had considered every detail. Their assessment aligned perfectly with his own intentions.

The Wildwind Plains was plagued by war, while Purple Mist Mountain was limited in development. Neither could compare to the island's natural advantages.

The island was indeed dangerous, but risk and opportunity coexisted.

As it happened, his Soul Power had now steadily broken through level forty, officially reaching the realm of a Four-Ring Soul Ancestor. What he lacked was a fourth Soul Ring that suited him.

This trip to the island would allow him to place the giant city and establish his own base, clear out soul beasts and train his forces, and obtain his fourth Soul Ring in the process. Three gains in one stroke!

Qian Xunzong's gaze was resolute as he made the final decision:

"Good. In that case, our base will be established on this island at sea!"

With the decision made, he immediately looked at Kong Deming beside him and ordered in a deep voice:

"Master Kong, I have an important task for you. Within one month, build three large soul tool warships capable of carrying one hundred people each. Their hulls must be sturdy, their speed swift, and their defenses formidable—enough to carry us across the sea and withstand attacks from sea soul beasts."

Upon hearing this, Kong Deming immediately bowed to accept the order. His eyes were confident, and his voice rang with force:

"Rest assured, my lord! Mere troop-carrying soul tool warships will not require a month! They will certainly be completed within fifteen days, with both quality and quantity guaranteed. The journey will not be delayed!"

Having received his assured answer, Qian Xunzong nodded slightly. A complete plan had already formed in his mind.

"Good."

"Fifteen days from now, everyone will prepare and depart."

"Lead three hundred Judgment Knight Corps members across the sea by ship and land on the island."

"First, thoroughly clear out the soul beasts on the island and in the surrounding waters, purge the territory, and pave the way for the giant city's placement."

"Second, use the island's soul beasts to help me break through and obtain my fourth Soul Ring!"

As his words fell, the young man stood tall. The glowing ornament on his chest lit up with a gentle white radiance, his aura calm yet sharp, and his eyes gleamed with the confidence of one who held every move in his grasp.

"We obey your command!!"