Summoning (13,000 Words Across Three Chapters)

At that moment, Miao Xin contacted him. The medical experts on Earth had already responded to the question Su Ming had just asked.

"Thanks, Miss Encyclopedia," Su Ming said to Miao Xin.

[You're the encyclopedia, your whole family are encyclopedias!] Miao Xin said angrily.

Su Ming turned to Jielusi Ruixiuli, who was in so much pain he could barely stand up straight, "This guy probably has acute traumatic cholecystitis. If he doesn't want his gallbladder removed, get him back to the hospital right away and let the doctors treat him properly."

"We can go back to the hospital together for a checkup," Ruixiuli suggested, though he hesitated.

"I'm not injured," Su Ming replied irritably.

Jielusi arranged for a giant dragon to come over, which picked up Ruixiuli with its claws and flew towards the Ruby Base.

****

With everything initially sorted out, Su Ming assigned the investigation task to Rupert, who had arrived at the scene, and then leaped onto the back of a giant dragon, taking off towards the Ruby Base.

He then established a telepathic connection with Zijin.

"Initial feedback has come from the Dwarf Kingdom," Zijin's voice came through the earpiece. "Although Baroque Shenyan, who was exposed this time, doesn't hold a high position, he has considerable seniority in their mining department."

Su Ming's gaze swept across the video screen, noticing that Zhimeng was perched on the windowsill of Zijin's office, her huge dragon eyes fixed intently on Zijin's back, almost without blinking.

"The Zhimeng Weaver behind you," Su Ming couldn't help but say, "Your gaze... is a bit strange."

"You could have just said 'tenderly Maimai,' I know that's the word you wanted to use." Zijin sighed helplessly. "I tried, but she's acting strangely today, I can't get rid of her no matter what I do."

Su Ming coughed lightly, quickly steer the conversation back on track, "So, this is a spy network that has been lurking among the dwarves for many years?"

Dwarves generally lack interest in the sacred doctrines of the Holy See of Light, making it extremely difficult to infiltrate them. The fact that Baroque Shenyan was conveniently assigned to the crucial Red Ridge Mine suggests that there are members of the Divine Covenant Faction hidden within the dwarven high command, working in concert with them.

"That's right, the Dwarf King is furious and has ordered the arrest of several high-ranking officials who are considered prime suspects," Zijin confirmed. "I believe the entire network will be uncovered soon."

Su Ming exhaled a breath carrying a gust of wind from the bone dragon's back, pondering the matter. "I feel like the Divine Covenant Faction suffered a bit of a loss this time." He mused, "Exposing such a high-level pawn like this, the price is far too high?"

It's not that it can't be used, but rather that it shouldn't be done in such a desperate, direct, and exposed way—the mission itself might not have succeeded, yet these spies were completely exposed.

This is the current situation: Su Ming is still alive, but the dwarven intelligence network that the Divine Covenant Faction has painstakingly built over many years is about to suffer a devastating blow.

"Not only us, but the dwarven leadership also finds this suspicious," Zijin responded. "Moreover, the nature of this incident is extremely serious, and it will inevitably cause the Dwarf Kingdom's strategic attitude towards the Temple of Light to shift from neutrality to hostility."

Su Ming was initially puzzled. Although espionage activities were not something that could be openly discussed, they were almost an open secret in the power struggles among various forces.

However, after a moment's thought, he suddenly realized, "The problem is not that the Divine Covenant Faction spyed on the Dwarf Kingdom, but that their actions carried an extremely dangerous intention to sow discord!"

Currently, both of them are using terms like "undercover agent" and "spy." But if interpreted from another angle, Su Ming could easily assert that the Dwarf Kingdom itself was involved in the assassination plot!

Proving one's innocence is an extremely troublesome matter, even for those in positions of power.

For the dwarves, this not only severely damaged the foundation of trust between them and the Final Bone Mad Machines, but also completely offended the neighboring Dragonflight, resulting in incalculable losses.

For example, the last person to do something similarly foolish was the Gray Ridge goblin who assassinated Zijin.

Therefore, the Dwarf Kingdom will surely hold this score firmly against the Temple of Light's Divine Covenant Faction.

"Those charlatans, do they hate us so much that they don't even care about the most basic gains and losses?" Zijin's voice carried a hint of disbelief.

A thought suddenly flashed through Su Ming's mind, "It might not be the entire organization that's willing to disregard everything; it could also be—an individual."

"Oh?"

"Ask Miss Nastaya," a glint of light flashed in Su Ming's eyes, "Maybe that'll give you the answer!"

****

The news of Su Ming's assassination caused an uproar even within the enemy camp.

Needless to say, the goblins were furious when King Nilunke heard that the bounty hunters he had hired at great expense had failed, and when he heard that the assassins of the Temple of Light had been wiped out, his face turned pale.

The last glimmer of hope that remained in his heart was gone.

King Nilunke smashed things, hurling all sorts of foul language at the assassins for their stupidity and incompetence.

When Princess Janet received the news at Woden Plantation, she was completely bewildered and shocked!

"I never gave that order!" she explained to Archbishop McIntyre, who had rushed over. "Operation 'Deboning ' is still in the first phase of preparation; the attack hasn't even started yet!"

Seeing McIntyre's blank expression, she had no choice but to reveal some of the key information: "Deboning" was not an assassination operation, but a planned assault!

McIntyre's wrinkled face was filled with incomprehension. "In Dragon Valley, where dragons dwell, and with the enemy possessing a large number of high-end combatants, are we really going to launch a large-scale frontal assault?"

"That's exactly right." Janet's expression was solemn. "Our people on the temple side are only responsible for providing support; the real operation is handled by someone else." She paused slightly, then added, "I cannot reveal the specific details of the plan, but if you give us a little more time to complete the deployment, we will definitely inflict heavy losses on Su Ming's side!"

McIntyre stopped pressing the question about the plan itself and began to ponder, "So, who exactly sent these assassins from our church?"

"God knows!" Janet could no longer maintain her usual elegant demeanor, growling furiously, "I don't know which bastard interfered, messing up our dwarven intelligence network and seriously affecting the preparations for the Deboning ' plan!"

****

The assassination attempt, from different angles, aroused the indignation of almost everyone.

However, as the most direct victim, Su Ming was immediately overwhelmed by a flood of matters upon returning to the Ruby Base.

It wasn't until the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the metal fractionation tower tip of the base a golden-red color that Su Ming managed to sort out his thoughts from the mountain of work.

"A comprehensive internal overhaul, updates to the guard rotation and identification system, a completely new management and operation charter for the mine, and the establishment of a permanent counter-espionage intelligence agency----"

An assassination attempt, like a mirror, revealed flaws in every aspect of his life. Su Ming wearily rubbed his temples, even absurdly suspecting that the assassins' true goal might have been to work him to death with this endless workload!

Su Ming closed the document in his hand. The loopholes that needed to be plugged had to be plugged. The plan had been laid out, and now it was just a matter of waiting for each department to implement it step by step.

He doesn't need to do the specific tasks himself, but setting up the rules, assigning specific personnel, and perfecting the organizational structure—all of these things add up to a great deal of trouble.

"Now—can we settle our personal matters?" On the communication screen, Zijin also looked exhausted. To be honest, the Dragon Race's organizational system was about on par with the newly born Final Bone Mad Machines in terms of being crystal clear.

"I'm sorry," Su Ming said with genuine apology, "I didn't think things through today."

"You've made me your summoned creature!" Zijin puffed out her cheeks. "Tell me, how are you going to make it up to me?"

Although the core technique can theoretically be adjusted again, today Zijin actually accepted the White Bone Mark, a deeper level of soul binding. Changing it back will be by no means easy.

However, Zijin glanced at the faint, dreamlike glow surrounding her. In just one afternoon, she felt that her control over this power had become even more stable, and the expected backlash had not occurred.

If things continue like this, perhaps she could try to continue relying on Su Ming's power and cautiously take a bigger step forward.

Of course, she wouldn't voice these thoughts—this was the perfect opportunity for her to assert her authority and confront him.

"How about," Su Ming changed the subject, a hint of inquiry in his smile, "You should first tell me the truth about this life force within you. I truly didn't expect that even now, you still have such a deep secret hidden from me!"

Zijin shook her head in high spirits—after all, she had found a new path to break the curse of life, which made her feel relieved and much more relaxed.

She blinked, then switched to a sticky tone, "Master~ are you complaining that I, your newly acquired summoned beast, am not obedient enough?"

Su Ming almost choked on his own saliva. He stared at the smiling girl on the screen and had to admit that when that soft "master" entered his ears, a whole bunch of inappropriate lewd thoughts flashed through his mind uncontrollably.

A strange heat crept up his ears, and he instinctively turned his face away, coughing to cover it up. "You make it sound like I can actually summon you to my doorstep."

However, Zijin was slightly taken aback upon hearing this. Although her life core resided in Ailisha's human form, she could indeed transfer her consciousness to her Bone Dragon Form. In extreme cases, she could even control the massive White Bone Fortress through a form similar to soul infiltration.

"How about—" A bold idea formed in her mind. She looked at Su Ming, her eyes gleaming with eager anticipation, "Shall we give it a try?"

"Huh?" Su Ming turned around abruptly, looking at her incredulously. "You—are you serious?"

"Mmm." Zijin nodded vigorously, her eyes filled with a desire to study.

****

The office door was pushed open, Jielusi rushed in, slamming a bulging brown paper bag onto Su Ming's desk. "Here's what you wanted."

"Thanks." Su Ming sighed, looking up at her. "Am I not even allowed to leave the house now?"

"Until we have completely completed the purge and rebuilding of the base's security system," Jielusi declared decisively, hands on her hips, "You are grounded!"

With the formal establishment of the security department, she is now the security director, commanding five necromancer observers, five elite dragon guards, Elder Mo Yuan, and Ruixiuli, a powerful individual suffering from cholecystitis.

Beianqi came in carrying a basket of fresh ingredients. She placed the basket on the table and reported to Jielusi, "The ingredients have all been checked and are safe."

She rolled up her sleeves, went into the open-plan kitchenette next door, tied on an apron, and began preparing the ingredients.

"See? You've been kept as a pet!" She turned to Su Ming and added gloatingly.

Su Ming rubbed his temples helplessly. While everyone hated the enemy, they were also somewhat resentful of him, the "culprit" who had caused such a major security breach.

Jielusi poured herself a glass of water and stretched out on the sofa next to her. "I haven't had dinner either, so make some extra." She gestured with her chin toward the kitchen.

"No problem!" Beianqi's voice came from the kitchen, accompanied by the rhythmic sound of chopping meat.

Jielusi turned her gaze back to Su Ming, her tone becoming serious, "You really need to understand how many gold coins your life is worth on the dark market. Of course, we've already taken countermeasures in this regard."

"How do we counter this?" Su Ming, somewhat puzzled.

"The druids who attacked you last night," Beianqi explained without looking up as she vigorously chopped at the meat on the cutting board, "Their employer was Gray Ridge goblin, but they got the job through the Shadowfang Guild, an intermediary platform. According to the rules of the underworld, such organizations usually wouldn't dare touch jobs involving key figures of major powers."

"These people haven't adapted to the rise of the Final Bone Mad Machines yet, or rather, our rise has been too rapid," Jielusi, taking a sip of water. "So rapid that they haven't been able to adjust their understanding in time."

"Understood." Su Ming's eyes sharpened. "Since 'Shadowfang' dares to post my bounty, then we'll just remove this platform organization from the list!"

The constant and chaotic harassment from mercenaries during this period had also fueled his anger. If it weren't for the distraction, everyone could have focused more intently on dealing with the actual enemy.

"That's right." Jielusi nodded. "I've issued a purge order, targeting all the high-ranking members of the Shadowfang Guild. An information-selling intermediary organization, it won't be difficult to deal with."

"Kill one to deter a hundred, that way others in this circle, or those looking for shady work, will naturally know who to avoid," Beianqi added from the kitchen.

Su Ming sighed again, feeling that he had inexplicably gained some more knowledge about "power management".

A strange experience.

He opened the paper bag on the table, revealing seven or eight stiff, dead rats inside. With a flicker of Magic Power at his fingertips, a skeletal rat made of stark White Bone shed its remaining fur and flesh and scurried out of the paper bag.

"I thought you were asking for the rat to have as a side dish for dinner." Jielusi looked at his actions with a puzzled expression. "What use is summoning a rat skeleton?"

Su Ming felt a bit awkward. "Don't you think summoning skeletons is a more normal thing to do than using rats for dinner?"

"I think none of this is normal," Gerald said Jielusi.

****

Su Ming composed himself and, through the complex White Bone Mark deep within his sea of consciousness, began to attempt to connect with the distant Zijin.

A moment later, the consciousness of Zijin's true form, far away at Thousand Illusions Lake, was extracted. Then, a faint light of her soul shone in the empty eye sockets of the skeletal rat.

Zijin's vision suddenly shifted, and she found herself "standing" on Su Ming's large desk.

She looked up and saw Su Ming's face, magnified many times over, looking down with utter curiosity.

Looking down at her.

"Hello!" Su Ming waved to the little skeleton mouse with great interest.

Zijin instinctively tried to respond, but her throat bones could only vibrate, emitting a few soft "squeaks".

Su Ming suddenly burst out laughing, which annoyed Zijin, who angrily scratched Su Ming's hand with her skeletal claws.

"[Your voice is quite nice!]" Su Ming reassured her. "[Your paws are tiny and cute too!]"

[Hmph.] Zijin scratched again to show her displeasure.

She looked down at her "claws" made of delicate toe bones. [This is a striped field mouse.]

"To be able to identify the species just by looking at the skeletal structure, no wonder he's a scholar who's dealt with rats since childhood, "Su Ming thought to himself.

"Can you cast spells using Magic Power?" he asked.

Zijin focused her mind, sensing the simple vessel. The little skeleton rat's head shook from side to side a few times. [No, there's not a trace of Magic Power reaction; this body is completely empty.]

[Then this so-called "summoning" is useless.] Su Ming's tone was regretful. [Except when I want to see you—]

He stopped himself in his tracks; the words he had spoken seemed too ambiguous.

[If you want to see me, you don't need to go through all this trouble.] Zijin rolled her eyes at Su Ming with her eye sockets that had no pupils.

"However, I have a new idea," she said seriously, "Perhaps we can break through certain limitations and more fully integrate our strengths."

Although Su Ming didn't know exactly what Zijin wanted to do, it was definitely going to change the White Bone Mark!

[Please stop making those changes.] Su Ming almost groaned and sighed. [The mess inside is so huge now, it's impossible to revert to a previous version.]

[Hmph, I'm going to change it anyway!] Zijin said angrily, and then deliberately severed the mental connection.

The skeletal rat on the desk suddenly lost its fire in its eye sockets, and its small body scattered with a clatter, turning into a pile of lifeless, fragmented White Bone that rolled onto the desk.

After finishing her water, Jielusi got up and went to the kitchen to help Beianqi.

"What's Su Ming doing?" Beianqi glanced at the desk and asked in a low voice, "Sighing over a pile of rat bones?"

"Maybe it was the assassination attempt today that triggered it?" Jielusi guessed uncertainly as she picked vegetables.

"Hmm, maybe."

Beianqi nodded in deep agreement.