"When I joined the mine, I had high expectations for you."
Wearing sunglasses, the Witch Shion looked at the Chongxu employees who had come to negotiate, a regretful expression on her delicate face.
After the two warships on the outer perimeter were destroyed, she didn't expect Chongxu to be so patient.
They didn't send any troops to attack us.
They finished feeding the turtles.
"I was hoping your company would give it your all during the interview and leave a lasting impression. However, you didn't demonstrate sufficient business acumen. What is your value, or what differentiates you? Why should I specifically choose your mining farm? Can't I work for other mines? You need to demonstrate initiative. Going forward, incorporate your thinking into the interview process. I want to see your thought process, not just your speed. Just a heads-up, your process is somewhat slow compared to other companies—"
To be honest, Shion was somewhat disappointed.
Such a large mine, apart from a few mechanical dogs and managers like Little Raincoat who rose from the ranks of miners, didn't even have a single security guard.
Moreover, all the miners had their edges smoothed out, losing their edge.
The result of lacking any edge is that they never cause trouble. Even if Shion's side goes a little too far in provoking them, the miners' only reaction is to back down.
Unless they take the initiative, these geniuses from the lower realms will only retreat into their shells.
Being afraid to cause trouble makes one mediocre; actively causing trouble makes one a fool.
Shion isn't so wicked as to actually pry open someone's turtle shell to start a fight.
However, the mundane and even boring life at the mine had truly caused her to accumulate a great deal of dissatisfaction.
It's far from the Kunxu recorded by her octopus ancestor in the Azure Cloud Canon.
There were no conflicts, no troublemakers, and no pressure or oppression from above.
This can be called a mine?
Shion's requirements weren't so high that she needed you to replicate the legendary God Realm Mine one-to-one, after all, she's not exactly a cosplay enthusiast.
I also dislike seeing superior beings sent by the upper realms being attacked by inferior beings;
The dispatch of a superior Heavenly Deity was met with a rebellion by a higher-ranking deity.
Then another 180 god-kings were dispatched, but the Heavenly Deity gods broke through their defenses and launched a counterattack.
Finally, the Celestial Venerable arrived, only to be effortlessly defeated by the Hongmeng Controller—a death filled with passion and without any setbacks.
However, they deliberately provoked trouble, destroying two warships and killing three Nightwatchers.
Can't we at least get someone who can fight?
No matter how much provocation they posed, the other side only inquired about matters related to compensation and loans.
It only deducts from their own credit score and blacklists their employee ID.
This is the main reason why she hates capitalist cultivation of immortality.
They're clearly part of the capital chain, but what about the Kunxu spirit of these people who Chongxu?
Yesterday she tried to seize one mine and no one came; today she tried to seize two and no one came; tomorrow she will try to seize four and no one will come.
Later on, they couldn't even fight anymore!
After all, from the perspective of cultivating immortality through capital, fighting and killing, which wastes the resources of immortality, must be approached with extreme caution.
In the early stages, cultivation level and advancement are somewhat important, but in the later stages, the importance of rank and sect power can actually suppress cultivation level!
This is an utter disgrace and defilement to the millennia-old cultivation Immortal Realm!
"Your request is far beyond the company's capabilities. We apologize, but please be patient."
"If you don't want to start a company, there are plenty of other people who will."
Shion took off her sunglasses. "A company that can't pay salaries, can't provide benefits, requires overtime, and can't meet the needs of its employees should go bankrupt immediately. If you can't do it, get out."
Hearing these candid words, the Little Raincoat next to him felt refreshed and invigorated.
The employee on the other end was clearly visibly terrified, his face turning purple.
These are all our words! They've turned the world upside down!
Since Shion took control of the outer mines, the companies that originally controlled the mines in Chongxu have been constantly contacting Shion, demanding that she return the mines, and offering very generous prices.
But Shion rejected them all.
"Don't talk to me about money, it hurts our relationship. Come and take it with your fists!"
"See this Filthy Magic Power? I'm a witch, not a skeleton! I don't need to use gold!"
"I have no interest in money. If you're a magical girl, come and chop me down!"
I've never seen anything so outrageous.
Such a person, devoid of refined tastes, unmoved by money, and solely indulging in the base pleasures of barbaric slaughter, is, if not extremely rare, in Chongxu.
You can't find it in any other world!
A complete scoundrel.
The problem is that Shion's control over the factory is too strong. Not only has she cut off all energy supply, but the entire mine is out of control. Unless someone is really sent to deal with her, there is no way to regain control of the mine.
"Look at you, you've angered her! What did I tell you? You have to cater to her preferences. Hey, hey, hey, can you hear me? Hey, you pretty little girl over there, wow, looking at you makes me a little sad about my gender. To be honest, if I were a boy, I would definitely pester you relentlessly. Unfortunately, we're both just little girls without boyfriends."
The girl, giggling and laughing, squeezed past the operator from the opposite company. She had a faded gold rose tattoo on her left cheek, covering a scar under her eye. Her pale blue pupils were like jewels. After squeezing through, she glanced at Shion.
I was stunned for a moment.
Then she laughed flippantly, "My name is Su La. I'm Nightwatchers on a temporary contract with this company. Team leader? Not really, since our organization breaks up every few days, it's pretty bad. If you join the Nightwatchers company, I guarantee you can be the boss of the Nightwatchers for a few days. Anyway, if you keep hanging around, it'll be difficult for us. The outer perimeter is outsourced to us Nightwatchers, so if there are any problems, we'll be the ones to bear the debts."
Shion, however, rested her chin on her hand, watching her with great interest.
The Little Raincoat glanced sideways slightly. Over the past few days, the Nightwatchers had received many calls, and quite a few people were looking for Shion baby.
However, Shion showed little interest and was completely indifferent to each one.
This is the first person who has piqued Shion's interest.
"How pitiful."
Shion said it casually, and Su La's smile faded. She then scratched her head and shrugged, "I don't know what you mean, but the way you put it is a bit annoying."
"You're different from those law-abiding Chongxu people, aren't you? You're an untamed beast."
Su La finally stopped smiling.
Those blue eyes concealed madness and agitation.
It was like a suppressed powder keg, ready to explode at any moment.
Shion rested her chin on her hand and shook her head, saying, "You're simply not suited for the Chongxu."
The girl over there stood with her hands on her hips, looking somewhat dissatisfied, glaring angrily at Shion, before finally slumping her shoulders.
After a long while, she sighed helplessly, "How annoying! We've only just met, how could you just pull down my underwear like that? Even if we're both girls, it's very rude. What if I'm on my period? We'd be covered in blood! Or do you like this kind of spicy blood curd?"
The Little Raincoat next to her wanted to cover Shion's ears; she never imagined that one day, words could actually taint a person!
However, Shion didn't care at all and simply asked, "Do you people from Chongxu like to talk like that?"
"Nonononodayo, this is just my personal style, so you should cherish it. Once you leave me, no one in Chongxu will talk to you like this. After all, everyone is very well-behaved, controlled by money."
Even after her disguise was exposed, Su La didn't care at all. She simply pushed aside the staff member, sat down seriously, and looked at Shion: "Oh no, what you said has made my heart flutter. What should I do now? If I fall in love with someone I shouldn't, my life will be ruined. Besides, your words are really making me itchy, I'm almost losing control of my bladder. So, before I go to the bathroom, you'd better make it clear what you want to say to me?"
"I just think you'd be a great fit for our team."
Shion scrutinized Su La like a headhunter, "Come with us and smash the Chongxu."
"Oh----" Su La murmured softly, then grinned, "That's so tempting, my little devil. But if you want to corrupt someone, you have to offer something first. That's how it always goes in stories. Let me see just how far you, this devil, can go. I don't want to be Joker who gets pinned down and spun around halfway through unleashing my wild side."
"Next, I will send a group of people into the Chongxu, bypassing the Chongxu's access restrictions."
For the first time, Su La fell silent, seriously considering Shion's words.
"Then," Shion didn't give her much time to think, "This is a surprise for you."
Before she could ask anything, Su La suddenly felt herself sway.
The entire building Nightwatchers began to shake violently!
Looking outside, in the distance, the unmanned factory area of another large company was surging with waves of intense, Filthy Magic Power!
The factory area contained a large amount of pure magic, and the violent reaction between the two caused a massive explosion throughout the unmanned factory area!
Even from such a distance, the windows of the Nightwatchers's building shattered with a deafening roar!
Forever trapped in a fixed and routine life, like stagnant water, a tranquil building suppressed by loans and power.
For the first time in over a decade, things have descended into chaos!
Glass shards rained down like a waterfall, accompanied by screams, cries, and the crackling of electrical wires. Smoke and blood swirled around her, assaulting her nostrils.
The tingling sensation traveled from the soles of my feet all the way to my heart and head; it was a refreshing and pleasant feeling.
The exhilaration and ease of destroying everything blossoms within the destruction!
I hope you like it.
Su La stood up from her workstation and cheered, jumping around like a child and clapping wildly.
The madness and joy in his eyes overwhelmed his previous agitation and numbness.
"Baby!"
She ran excitedly through the heavy rain, her arms outstretched amidst the shattered glass and stones.
I absolutely love you!
For Jiang Si, he needed a group of people to go and scout Chongxu.
After all, he wanted to mine a little longer and would have to go later. He wanted to send someone to scout out the situation first so that he wouldn't have to investigate who was good and who was bad when he arrived.
As for the internal support personnel, the initial idea was the president of the Witch Association. Once a group of people had a place to stay, they could better develop their operations.
The problem is that he couldn't get in touch with the president of the Witch Association, and he also lost contact with Jialan.
--
Both the Shuangsheng and Sonora attempted to contact each other, but both attempts failed.
As for inviting Su La, it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.
With more people coming into contact with Chongxu recently, they've gained a clearer understanding of what the place is really like.
It's too oppressive to live on money.
Everyone is weighed down by things like loans, but most people appear numb and timid.
Jiang Si had no ability to break the rules and wasn't interested in them.
Su La is a person with a strong desire to seek the Dao.
Although it's a crooked and unorthodox path, as a local who has been suppressed for so many years, she still hasn't lost that pure destructive desire and wildness, so Jiang Si is naturally very interested in her.
He was kind-hearted and couldn't bear to see people suffer. Helping her unleash her true nature was a good deed in itself.
As for how it will ultimately turn out, he neither cares nor is he particularly concerned.
To put it bluntly, as long as I intend to step into the Chongxu, people like Su La will definitely unleash their true nature. Rather than letting her run rampant, I might as well use her for my own purposes.
If they really go too far, just kill them.
The ability to recognize and utilize talent is an essential skill for any protagonist in an online novel.
When they got home, Keke sat on the sofa, curled up, hugging her legs, and quietly watched TV.
Sitting next to me was White Fox, who was also staring blankly at the television.
They looked like two orphans abandoned by their parents.
After the incident in the Land of Mirrors, Jiang Si had the Azure Cloud Sect send Shallow Shadow, Water in the Spring, and White Fox back to their respective Old World.
I guess the White Fox came back on its own.
As for Keke, her performance in the last Dream Marrow Pseudo Full Bloom was quite good. Although it was because it exceeded Yitaen's expectations, making the game more visually appealing, she ultimately achieved Full Bloom through her own abilities.
He was somewhat proud of Keke.
However, such words could not be spoken aloud, Keke Coco become complacent and stop working hard.
On the Azure Cloud Sect's side, the revived Full Bloom magic power was falsely bestowed upon World Bubble through Dragon Lord Shion, which was enough to greatly extend World Bubble's lifespan. Now, Bingtang has begun to distribute World Bubble to disciples for training in second transformations. As for the Alternative Full Bloom power resulting from the fusion of two Personal Reality through Dream Marrow, it is actually not suitable for the Azure Cloud Sect.
This is because it means that one person's Personal Reality will be swallowed up. Coco, who was split into two Personal Reality due to the witch's experiment, is unique in that she can use the Dream Marrow Full Bloom without cooperating with others, Keke her to transform into two evil beings.
Even after they opened the door and entered the room, no one spoke, and no one even looked at them. The two girls just stared blankly at the television, like exquisite dolls.
The television was showing information about the policies planned by the Azure Cloud Sect in recent days, as well as the financial changes of the local Disaster Countermeasures Bureau.
To be honest, Jiang Si didn't think these two guys could understand something so profound.
He was melancholic, as if he had lost his dreams.
The White Fox is alright, since it has lost the ability to transform, so it's normal for it to be melancholic. I wonder what Keke is melancholic about.
The people from the Azure Cloud Sect must have mentioned that she wasn't dead before they brought her back.
"Have you finished your homework? Still watching TV?"
Keke curled up, staring at the Bingtang on TV, her gaze then falling on Yinlian beside her.
The magical girl representing the Beihai is discussing the allocation of Beihai's finances with Bingtang.
Coco glanced at the miscellaneous items she had brought back from the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau, Keke out her little feet clad in Bubble socks, and gently kicked them.
They pushed the clutter aside.
Then she heard a familiar voice asking if she had finished her homework and was still watching TV.
Keke only gave a weak "hmm".
Then her curled-up body stiffened for a moment.
Immediately afterward, the White Fox next to him turned its head and looked towards the doorway.
Keke was curled up on the sofa, then followed the White Fox and turned around with difficulty, supporting herself with her hands on the sofa and looking to the side.
On my face, the flickering television screen constantly changed colors, causing my expression to shift between light and shadow.
Jiang Si's image was reflected in his pupils.
Then, his lips moved, "Brother—"
Jiang Si simply turned on the living room light. "If you don't turn on the light, the room will be pitch black. Watching TV is bad for your eyes. How many times have I told you? Don't glasses cost money? Wearing glasses at such a young age is ruining your nose. Even if you have money, you have to be careful—"
Before she could finish speaking, Keke had already slid off the sofa and was practically sitting on the floor.
Then, holding onto the sofa, he slowly climbed up.
Without saying a word, she walked over, her feet, clad in Bubble socks, pattering on the floor.
It stopped in front of Jiang Si.
"What's wrong?" Jiang Si patted her head. "Didn't the Azure Cloud Sect tell you? I'm going to—"
Keke he could finish speaking, Coco quietly hugged him.
She clung tightly to his waist, buried her face in his chest, and trembled slightly.
After a long while, she began to sob softly.
"Brother----where have you been----"
"Mining."
Keke paused for a moment, then repeated blankly, "Mining?"
Even the sob she was trying to utter had vanished.
The White Fox also stood up, looking bewildered and at a loss, and reached out to grab Jiang Si's sleeve. "Sir..."
Jiang Si tugged at Keke's shoulder.
To prevent that idiot from wiping his tears and snot with his own clothes.
She did this when she was a child.
However, Keke just held on tightly, and later even transformed into a magical girl, refusing to let go.
After thinking for a moment, Jiang Si decided to give up on breaking her shoulders. Instead, she dragged her two burdens to the sofa and turned off the TV.
Electricity is free, yet it's still running without being checked.
Even if you're rich, you still need to save money; young people these days don't know how to manage their finances.
"Brother," Keke said in a muffled voice, burying her face in Jiang Si's chest, "Let's live separately."
Jiang Si was stunned for a moment, "Huh?"
After thinking for a long time, I finally found the reason. "Don't you want to pay my salary anymore?"
Coco Keke was still processing her emotions, paused for a moment, but finally nodded, "Mm."
In reality, Jiang Si wasn't short of money; he mainly wanted to keep it Keke and ensure she wouldn't squander it.
So I thought for a moment, "We can just give them half the salary, not the whole thing."
We can't raise Keke to be a gold digger; we need to correct her behavior while she's still young.
Keke just shook her head. "Brother, go do whatever you want. Don't worry about me anymore. I'll take good care of myself. Don't let the Azure Cloud Sect catch me."
"What's wrong? Weren't you unwilling before?"
"I'm all grown up now," Keke said softly. "I can't keep relying on my older brother."
Although Jiang Si found it a little strange that Keke had suddenly stopped acting cute and had become more mature, she was still quite satisfied.
Besides refusing to pay wages...
In any case, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, so it's ultimately a good thing.
As for the reasons for the maturity and how to get along after the changes, we'll ask Bingtang later.
"Since that's the case, I won't be resting at home today. I won't be back for a while; I'll lay low for a bit."
After saying that, Jiang Si didn't stay at home for long before turning around and leaving.
I only came back to let Keke know that I was going to Chongxu for a while and wouldn't be able to come back for the time being, so as not to make her look for me everywhere.
As a result Keke suddenly felt the need to live separately – whether it was because the child was growing up and she wanted to avoid suspicion, or for some other reason, she wanted more freedom on her side.
Things are still busy at Chongxu, so it would be best to leave as soon as possible.
Coco was taken aback, Keke not expecting her brother to leave so soon after entering the house.
I was thinking of staying one more night and talking to my brother.
But in the end, the mature Keke nodded reluctantly, "Okay, brother, be careful on the road, and call me if anything happens."
"Um."
Staring blankly as Jiang Si left, Keke subconsciously took two steps, wanting to follow her out the door.
However, they still stopped.
I can't bother my older brother anymore; I'm all grown up now.
But I couldn't help but feel a lump in my throat, and I reached out to wipe away the tears that were streaming down my face.
"Brother—what's wrong with you—?"
Even knowing he would come back, even though he himself had promised.
There's still a feeling of being abandoned.
An overwhelming sense of panic and unease, coupled with a feeling of being wronged.
Just like when she had just finished arranging her parents' funeral, she cried and begged Jiang Si to stay with her for a while. In the lonely house, the siblings who depended on each other for survival would surely need to confide in each other, right?
But Jiang Si still rushed out.
Always busy, always busy.
I used to think my brother was just giving me the runaround and didn't want to talk to me.
But now, Keke knows that her brother really has something to do.
I've already been extremely accommodating to myself.
But the tears still wouldn't stop.
After wiping for a while, I turned my head.
She noticed that the White Fox next to her was also silently shedding tears—crying even more bitterly than she had.
After all, Keke had already said two sentences, while the White Fox hadn't even had a chance to say a word, nor had she asked the master what she should do now that she had lost her magical girl status.
Having failed to meet her husband's expectations and having lost her strength, she was overwhelmed by the painful reality.
When her husband returned this time, he didn't even glance at her before leaving.
It instantly ignited all the pent-up emotions. Although she still couldn't make a variety of expressions, she no longer held back her tears.
Keke sniffed, forcing a smile. Forgetting her own feelings, she wiped away White Fox's tears and comforted her, "Don't cry, it's okay, it's alright. Brother will come back. Next time, I'll ask for you."
The White Fox nodded blankly, and finally, with Keke's help, stopped crying.
Then Keke took a deep breath and said, "Brother's gone, so let's go too."
Having said that, he led the White Fox to the mirror.
With the activation of their permissions, the two were quickly sucked into the mirror and stepped into a dazzling space.
Welcome to the Main God Space.
This is why Keke wants to live separately from her brother and is unwilling to pay him a salary.
He withdrew from the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau and severed ties with the Azure Cloud Sect.
She joined the Holy Church.
Now, only this place can protect my brother.
Do more missions, become stronger, find more teammates----
The Main God Square was bustling with people. Groups of three or five were shouting to recruit teammates, and many people were sitting on the spot trading information. Keke heard people shouting " Silver Scale Demon Armor, produced by Azure Cloud, purple quality, fifty-one pieces" and " Sword of the Brotherhood, when the Brother Sword comes out, brothers help each other!" and other hawking, which gave her the illusion that she had come to an isekai manga for a moment.
The entire Main God Space is far too lively!
Amidst the rising and falling shouts, the crowd surged, and the two gradually became somewhat dizzy. Meanwhile, most of the Holy Church Member were actually scrambling to buy a certain item—tickets to the world beyond.
They were all eager to leave this place.
Keke squeezed through the crowd, holding the White Fox's hand, and suddenly noticed a girl with a dejected look, huddled in a corner of the square.
His crimson eyes seemed to be covered with a thin layer of gray, dull and lifeless. His silver-white hair even seemed to have a few more black streaks. He was huddled up in a small ball against the corner wall, almost unnoticed by the passersby.
After hesitating for a moment, Keke still went over and squatted down next to her.
"Miss Yitaen."
The Prince slowly raised his head and stared blankly at her.
"May I ask, what exactly happened between you, my brother, and Professor Shion back then?"
The crimson pupils reflected the girl's face, and then, as if remembering something, they gradually brightened.
The initial dejection and numbness gradually melted away, revealing a hint of mockery and ridicule, as if there was a sense of vengeful pleasure.
" Jiang Keke, you really know nothing about your brother."