Rainy Night

"Citizens of the city, heed the divine decree!"

Just then, a solemn and grand voice resounded throughout the city.

On the ruins of the now-destroyed Saint Lan Cathedral, the Gospel stands firmly atop a towering, remaining stone pillar.

"I am the God of Light."

"Standing here a thousand years ago, it witnessed past glories, and it also witnessed your enslavement to this day under the deception and usurpation of the god thieves."

Its body is fully activated with amplification and propagation runes specifically designed for missionary work.

The broken pillar beneath their feet began to glow with runic light, section by section, spreading outwards along the magic array that had originally been set up for it during construction.

"Now, those who falsely claimed to be the Destiny ones have been driven out."

"Truth has been restored, and God's spokesperson has returned!"

Its sound echoed throughout the entire Holy City.

It looks so familiar!

It is the voice that has been etched into the souls of the people of this city for thousands of years.

"Heavenly Father of the Gospel has returned!"

Many people became excited.

The previously panicked and agitated crowd instantly found a leader.

Many people listened intently to the sound, tears welling in their eyes.

"God has truly returned!"

Watching all this, Su Ming couldn't help but twitch his lips, and whispered to Zijin, "Why do I feel like Gospel is more popular than you?"

"Just kidding," Zijin replied calmly, "It's a customer service receptionist who's worked in this kind of city for a thousand years, how can you compare!"

The voice of the Gospel continues.

"Chaos is the aftermath of restoring order."

"Trial is the beginning of the restoration of order."

As the gentle yet firm voices echoed, the public's emotions gradually calmed down.

"Our homeland did not fall, but was purified."

"Our city has not been destroyed, but is about to Nirvana!"

The Gospel speaker raised his hands high, issuing a call, "My people, put away your fear, and cease your whispers!"

"Rescue the injured, clear the rubble!"

"God will wait with hope at every dawn for His people to follow in His footsteps!"

****

The heavy rain arrived as expected.

The drizzling rain quickly covered the Holy City, enveloping the entire city in a damp, cold curtain of water.

Su Ming pressed the communicator.

"Newman, what's the situation on your end?"

In the underground Magic Power hub, a halfling skeleton was leading a group of alchemists in a busy activity.

"Fifteen minutes!" Newman responded, "The ' Angel's Protection ' system is too badly damaged; you guys smashed it too hard!"

"We did it together," Su Ming corrected.

Sure enough, after working for several minutes, the incomplete "Angel's Protection" was temporarily repaired and restarted in the lowest intensity mode.

A thin barrier of light slowly rose, covering the entire Holy City once more and keeping the continuous rain out of the city.

The halfling skeleton raised its bone claws and wiped away non-existent sweat from its forehead.

This thing will probably only last for a little over two hours.

"Knew."

With this protective shield, rainwater was kept out, making disaster relief work in the city much easier.

People were moving among the collapsed and shattered building ruins everywhere, searching for the injured and providing medical treatment.

Residents who have lost their homes are being organized and resettled.

This defensive weapon, designed for wartime defense, was activated for the first time for reasons unrelated to war.

Ainuobia accessed the channel.

"King Xialike, under the protection of the Celestial Pivot Battle Group, has proceeded to his designated encampment area, and supplies have been arranged to be delivered there."

"Don't be stingy in this regard. The Emperor himself is here; we can't be impolite," Su Ming instructed.

"Yes."

Su Ming glanced down at the time; it was almost midnight.

"Inform Xialike Like that tomorrow's meeting is scheduled for 10:00 AM. Also, there will be a management meeting at 8:00 AM tomorrow; night shift personnel will not attend."

"Receive."

Ainuobia agreed and immediately went to arrange the details.

Beianqi sent a message in the work group: The supply fleet has successfully arrived at the Meiladas Tidal Flats.

Due to the rain, sea conditions were not good, and things were somewhat chaotic at the scene.

The sailors were pulling the mooring lines with all their might, trying to moor the cargo ships one by one next to the Pansy.

Cargo ships that were not assigned berths were anchored in the outer area.

The Pansy's searchlights were turned on at full blast, illuminating the surrounding sea.

"Unload the cargo tonight," Su Ming ordered. "The transport team needs to be deployed ashore first thing tomorrow morning."

The Holy City is just the first strategic node; the next step is to quickly expand outwards and complete the full takeover of the Radiant Jurisdiction.

"Understood," Hansite replied immediately.

"Also, have the escorting Feather Race fleet turn towards the waters near Treasure Island."

"Starting tomorrow morning, we will attack the surrounding islands one by one, and complete their suppression and occupation."

With the Pansy in existence, there are no otherworldly warships that can run rampant.

The Feather Race fleet can then free up its resources to deal with the surrounding islands, large and small, in sequence.

"Okay, deploy immediately," Beianqi replied.

****

Su Ming put down the communicator and rubbed his temples wearily.

He walked to the window and looked outside; the rain had indeed been stopped.

The light cast by the floating soul lamps, which had been dappled, became exceptionally clear.

Su Ming, then simply leaped out of the window and landed on the street with a crisp, light sound.

Behind him was an antique building, its doors and walls covered with the foliage of plants.

This is the diplomatic embassy of the Elf Kingdom located in the Radiant Holy City, which Su Ming has requisitioned as his office.

At the entrance, an elven guard immediately bowed slightly.

"President Su."

Because of Queen Ghostly Flower's instructions, the elves were very hospitable to them and granted their every request.

Ruixiuli and Jielusi quickly jumped out of the window and landed beside him.

Elder Can Xin, who was lying prone not far away, heard the commotion and glanced over in this direction.

"Jielusi, go and rest first," Su Ming instructed. "I'll need you to keep watch for the rest of the night."

Jielusi didn't say much, and turned back to the accommodation area inside the embassy. Almost the entire area had been cleared out for them.

"Ruixiuli, come with me for a patrol around the neighborhood."

"OK."

The two took off, soaring into the night sky and traversing among a vast array of soul lamps.

Can Xin followed behind at a leisurely pace.

Although these soul lamps are not very bright, their effect on the ground exceeds the illumination of a full moon.

Qiluo appeared out of nowhere, flapping her wings and chasing after them.

As she drew nearer, she flicked her mane.

Crash!

Soaked by the rain, Su Ming was covered in rainwater.

"How was it? I did a good job, didn't I!"

Qiluo raised her chin smugly, looking like she was about to praise me.

"It's quite good."

Su Ming wiped the rainwater off his face and said irritably.

The fanatics' souls are tormented, their screams are sealed away, and the light extracted from them is their final, insignificant atonement for their sins against this world.

It has to be said.

Qiluo's method of punishment is indeed extremely practical.

"I just don't know how long these new energy lights of yours will last?"

Qiluo looked around and noticed that some of the soul lamps had already begun to dim.

"These souls don't have enough stamina."

She curled her lip in disdain.

"They're thrilled when tormenting others, but when it's their turn, they're utterly devastated."

"I estimate that only a few of the stronger ones can hold out a little longer; most will be wiped out before dawn."

"That's enough." Su Ming was quite satisfied upon hearing this.

****

Below, on the ground, the residents have been initially organized.

Some were involved in rescue efforts, while others received explanations of the new policies and order at various information booths.

The brightness provided by the soul lamp is sufficient to support these tasks.

After all, the inhabitants of this other world are already used to dim lighting at night. The streetlight system that Su Ming introduced from the technological side even had to be manually reduced by more than 60% to avoid being too glaring.

As he flew, Su Ming saw Yuya and Yise.

That was the ruins he created during his previous fight with Augustus.

Su Ming glanced down and quickly surveyed the ruins, finding them to be at least the size of dozens of football fields.

Especially during Augustus's final escape phase, the two giant beasts fought as they ran, managing to cover a large area.

"How's the rescue progressing?" Su Ming landed beside the two girls and asked, "Can it be finished within two hours?"

"It won't take that long," Yuya reported. "The initial cleanup should be completed in about an hour."

Although the destroyed area was vast, the Radiant Holy City itself was enormous.

Of the 500,000 people, there are not many Intermediate Rank combat professionals, but there are still tens of thousands of ordinary extraordinary individuals.

"The Star Sand level in Xingsha here has also been fully mobilized."

Yise continued.

"A large number of lower-ranking priests began to join us, and the people were very willing to accept the organization. Everything is gradually returning to order."

"How are the residents whose life force was drained by the 'Holy Mourning'?" Su Ming asked.

Preliminary statistics indicate that the death toll is approximately 10%.

Yise's tone became more serious.

"In addition, there are 30,000 to 40,000 people who need centralized care for more than two weeks, and resettlement sites have been arranged."

"Revival of the Dead" by infusing spiritual energy is only a temporary solution and cannot truly solve the subsequent recovery problems.

"Fortunately, the remaining hundreds of thousands of people can recover on their own as long as they go home to rest for a few days, eat and drink well."

Yise continued.

"Thank you for your hard work." Su Ming nodded. "Arrange the rotations carefully. The purge of the Holy City won't be finished in a day or two."

"Understood," they both replied simultaneously.

****

A rotary-wing drone flew over, wobbling precariously.

"Hey, are you guys having trouble sleeping, or are you like me, unable to rest at all?"

Miao Xin's voice came from the drone, full of resentment.

She had already been sent back to the Pansy Su Ming to operate the drones for nighttime surveillance.

He was clearly full of rambling thoughts.

Ruixiuli grabbed the drone and took a small package tied to it.

Upon opening it, I found two wraps made by Beianqi.

Thanks!

He turned the camera around and waved at the camera.

"Hmph, you'll all get stuffed!" Miao Xin retorted.

The two continued their patrol.

Su Ming chose a location to give a presentation and landed there.

Members of the Star Sand, dressed in priestly uniforms, are on a platform they have set up, telling the residents about the evil deeds and misdeeds of the Divine Covenant Faction.

Su Ming stood and listened for a while, then called Yise over.

"The content of the presentation was too convoluted."

"We are telling you directly: the Divine Covenant Faction is tyrannical and exploits its followers to satisfy their own desires; Star Sand is acting on divine orders, which is why they have been punished."

Yise clearly didn't understand.

"Compared to everything else the Divine Covenant Faction has done, this is nothing."

Whether the content is comprehensive or not is not important.

Su Ming interrupted.

"Don't talk to these residents about doctrines and politics too much right now; they won't care or understand at this time."

He paused, then continued, "In short, tell them all that, starting today, under the administration of Star Sand, all exorbitant taxes and levies, such as the tithe, are abolished!"

The so-called tithe is the requirement that every "believer" must give one-tenth of their income to God.

But that's far from all.

In addition to the tithe, they also have to continue to pay various additional taxes to local authorities.

Sure enough, the surrounding residents were immediately in an uproar upon hearing this.

"My lord, what about the ransom for the soul?"

Someone mustered up the courage to ask.

"And there's the widow's tax, and the window-opening tax!"

Someone else quickly added to the list.

"Last time I ground wheat at home, I was fined for grinding flour without permission!" another person said, their voice filled with grievance. "Will all of that be happening again?"

Su Ming raised his hands, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"All subsequent tax policies will be implemented in accordance with the Star Empire's regulations, and will be maintained at around 80% of their level."

Blindly implementing a tax system that the people of this other world don't understand is pointless.

We might as well give them a tangible reference, and then gradually adjust it according to the actual situation.

Joy quickly spread across the faces of the crowd.

The Star Empire's tax burden is significantly lighter than that of the Temple of Light!

Faced with a new ruler, what these residents cared about most was not the lofty title.

Who manages them is neither important nor unimportant.

As long as they can have enough to eat and suffer less oppression, there is hope for their lives!

"See, just like that, simple and direct," Su Ming instructed Yise.

Seeing the crowd suddenly become lively, Yise had no choice but to nod in approval.

****

The new working methods were quickly disseminated through work groups, and speakers in various locations began to announce them loudly.

Soon, waves of joyful murmurs echoed throughout the city.

"Was that your leader who just spoke?"

After Su Ming and Yise left, a resident couldn't help but ask Priest Star Sand question.

"That's our leader, Chairman Su!"

The priest raised his head and said proudly.

The surrounding residents were all stunned.

"Chief?!"

"You didn't even kneel down when you saw him?"

"In our Star Sand and the Final Bone Mad Machines, there is no such rule," the priest replied.

The crowd froze, many realizing what they had just done, their faces turning pale.

They all knelt down in a flash, their foreheads hitting the ground.

We didn't mean to be disrespectful!

"Please, High Priest, put in a good word for us and ask Chairman Su to forgive our offense!"

Su Ming looked back at this scene from the air, and couldn't help but twitch his lips.

He did want to fly back and explain, but then he thought that these people had just gone through a war and were still quite vulnerable.

If I were to return like this, before I even opened my mouth, a bunch of people would probably collapse in fear. "Look, I'm here to settle scores!"

"President, don't worry," Yise said calmly. "We at Star Sand are professionals at appeasing the public."

Sure enough, the Star Sand Priest on the ground skillfully used the affinity spell, gradually calming everyone down.

"President Su doesn't care about these superficial formalities."

His face was serious, and his tone was full of admiration.

"Because Chairman Su is a saint sent to the mortal realm by the gods!"

"The ocean, the land, and the sky are all surrounded by sacred beasts."

He rode the winds and waves, causing sea monsters to bow their heads, ice and snow to melt, and the Dome Mountains to make way for him!

"With a mere gesture, the saint transformed ordinary iron into lightning, subduing the super evil dragon—"

In mid-air, Su Ming stumbled and almost lost his balance.

He suddenly felt that the group of people called "Final Bone Mad Machines" were much more lovable.

No matter what, all they did was carve a few statues of him on the ship.

And this group of Star Sand is probably going to incorporate him into theological doctrines!

****

About another hour passed.

Su Ming finally managed to arrange the various affairs in the city in a general manner.

A city of seventy square kilometers with a population of five hundred thousand.

Just flying around and taking a look took so long.

The business is really getting bigger and bigger.

Only at this moment did Su Ming truly understand what he was doing.

The biggest event he had ever managed before his transmigration was simply helping organize a New Year's Eve dinner for over two hundred factory workers.

That one busy meal almost wore him out.

If it weren't for the exceptionally strong support team on Earth behind him, providing him with comprehensive assistance; and if it weren't for the group of capable and efficient elites gathered around him in another world, Su Ming felt that his wisest choice would probably have been to extort tens of millions of gold coins from the Star Empire and then lead his team back to Dragon Valley to settle down.

We must carry on the spirit of keeping a low profile and biding our time!

He shook his head, banishing those distracting thoughts.

Su Ming's personality is actually somewhat easygoing.

But now, he represents much more than just himself.

Back in their homeland, the nature of the whole affair had long since changed from the initial "extradimensional exploration" to "self-defense and counterattack," and was even moving towards "cross-dimensional support for Taya and a war against aggression."

At the very least, he should live up to his identity as a human being on Earth.

Regardless of what the Plundering Clock and Eden truly are.

Regardless of the intensity of the war that lies ahead.

Su Ming had no way to retreat.

He also cannot betray those who trust him, follow him, and stand by his side in the other world.

With a somewhat heavy heart, Su Ming finally returned to the Elf Embassy.

He gently pushed open the door to the guest room and went inside as quietly as possible.

In the dim fluorescent light filtering through the window, Zijin was sleeping peacefully on the bed, her breathing soft and even.

With just one glance, all the turbulent thoughts in Su Ming's mind suddenly calmed down.

If everything eventually comes to an end, if this journey to another world is finally completed.

He hoped that when everything was over, he could still see such a peaceful scene.

Afterwards, Su Ming quickly washed up, changed his clothes, and quietly climbed into bed.

This room is the highest-standard room the elves use to entertain their distinguished guests; the bed and the blankets are very large.

Just as Su Ming closed his eyes, Zijin, who had been sleeping soundly, suddenly moved closer and nuzzled against him.

He bent down and kissed the girl on the forehead.

Zijin was clearly very dissatisfied.

She suddenly opened her eyes, grabbed Su Ming's head with both hands, and kissed him fiercely.

The two cuddled for a while before separating and falling asleep in each other's arms.

"Good night."

Su Ming said softly.

"Good night."

Zijin also replied.

The blanket stirred slightly, and the room fell silent.

After a moment, Zijin finally couldn't bear it any longer and opened her eyes again.

"Su Ming, my wound is fine."

You don't need to check repeatedly!

****

Outside the Radiant Holy City, in a camp that originally belonged to a certain unit of the Temple of Light.

The Celestial Pivot Battle Group, guarding Emperor Xialike, has taken up residence there.

Xialike stood at the window, his mind in turmoil, unable to calm down for a long time.

Even the subtle and nuanced moans that occasionally Augustus from the neighboring tent couldn't calm him down.

But at least, this decision to personally come to the Radiant Holy City was the right one.

The Final Bone Mad Machines I witnessed tonight has far exceeded the limits of any intelligence report and the imagination of any reader.

Chloe hadn't lied to him in the slightest.

Xialike's fingers trembled as he tried to suppress these "personal emotions."

Tomorrow's meeting with Su Ming will involve negotiating numerous matters.

He sat down again, picked up his pen, and began to organize his thoughts.

A commotion came from outside; it was the food and water that the Final Bone Mad Machines had arranged for to be delivered.

Due to their rapid advance, the Tian Shu battle group had kept themselves as lightly equipped as possible, and their supplies were already exhausted, making this batch of supplies truly necessary.

But the noise outside gradually grew louder, as if the delivery person was repeatedly making promises.

Fernand stood up.

"Your Majesty, I'll go check on the situation."

After a while, he came back.

"Two of the supply crates that arrived were empty."

He explained to Xialike.

"It seems there was a problem with the dispatch of the Final Bone Mad Machines. The chive and pork pancakes that were supposed to be provided to us for tonight were forgotten to be packed."

It's alright.

Xialike waved his hand.

"Final Bone Mad Machines are quite complicated, so some oversights are to be expected."

The soldiers outside quickly stopped arguing and instead unloaded the rice, flour, and other supplies that had been delivered, set up a pot, and cooked noodles for a late-night snack.

Xialike looked down at the table again.

In front of him was a detailed document that Su Ming had given him.

Regarding the Plundering Clock ".

Previously, the other party had actually provided them with a considerable amount of relevant information and records.

This document contains recent intelligence, especially Su Ming's information about the Plundering Clock, which is a summary of speculations and evidence from another side of Eden.

Xialike had finished reading it, and many questions that she hadn't been able to understand before suddenly became clear.

For example, there are obvious problems, such as the successive deaths of top scholars in the Taya Plane.

Another example is the continuous loss of promising young generals in the military systems of various countries in recent years.

In the vast kingdom of Taya, the truly capable leaders who can shoulder the overall responsibility have dwindled to the point that only he and the Molten Core of the Dwarf Kingdom remain.

certainly.

Now we also need to add Katharine, and Su Ming from another world.

Unbeknownst to many, such a brilliant star has faded away.

Everything was a prelude to Eden's invasion; it was a blatant act of encroachment!

A sharp glint gradually appeared in Xialike's eyes.

This is the hatred of the entire Taya Plane.

He has an inescapable responsibility.

And that powerful Saint Rank being named "Death Knell"----

He had actually seen it before.

However, back then, the other person's name was Lingna.

That debt from nineteen years ago -

Xialike closed the document, her voice extremely low, yet as cold as a blade.

"It's time for a proper reckoning!"