The Ice City of the Northlands

Stepping back onto the land of the City of a Thousand Towers, Li Lin gazed at the somewhat deserted city before him and couldn't help but sigh.

The integration and fusion between the City of a Thousand Towers and the Magic Empire has entered its fourth phase. In this phase, Ringwraith City will accept not only students with magical talent, but also ordinary residents. Ringwraith City is slowly developing into a normal city, which is a good thing. Of course, the selection of personnel is subject to strict regulations. In addition to a few necessary factors such as physical health, Li Lin maintains his consistent special requirement: pure-blooded humans are not allowed; only hybrids are permitted to enter Ringwraith City.

Of course, this requirement took into account the need to minimize the infiltration of spies from the Five-Nation Alliance. Although Li Lin believed that there were definitely spies from the Five-Nation Alliance among these mixed-blood humans, given the current situation, they should understand which side would be more advantageous to them. Furthermore, even if some were truly stubborn... did they think the mages and surveillance magic in Ringwraith City were just for show?

The people of City of a Thousand Towers didn't object much to Li Lin's unusual request. They were originally outcasts who had gathered here out of desperation after being unable to survive in ordinary human society. Therefore, this request was even welcomed by many—they could finally experience what it felt like to discriminate against others.

Initially, the integration of the Magic Empire and the City of a Thousand Towers did not go smoothly. After all, the Magic Empire's legendary influence was deeply ingrained, and even with the three old wizards as guarantors, it was difficult to change people's minds. Therefore, when children with magical talent were initially selected to go to Ringwraith City, most people living comfortably in the City of a Thousand Towers chose to wait and see. Only children from families without status, wealth, or power were chosen to enter Ringwraith City to learn magic. At the time, most people thought that even if these children weren't used as sacrifices in some evil ritual, their fate was probably grim.

However, after the two months of basic training ended and the children returned to their hometowns through the portal, public opinion underwent a dramatic change. They shattered the deep-seated impression people had of mages as mysterious and terrifying. People had initially thought that even if these children were sent back, they would be drastically altered, becoming eccentric and frightening. But most of them did not change in this way. On the contrary, these students excitedly told those around them about the beautiful scenery of Ringwraith City and the treatment they received while studying there. Similarly, many of them even deliberately used some low-level spells to help their families with chores, gradually changing people's perception of magic itself.

At Nia's behest, the old mage who ruled the City of a Thousand Towers elevated the status of these magic students and granted their families certain preferential treatment. This gave more people confidence, so when the Ringwraith City recruited its second batch of magic students, apart from those children of low status, many wealthy families also chose to send their children to the Magic Empire to study.

Because of these positive changes and influences, many people no longer feel fear towards the Magic Empire; on the contrary, their dependence on it is gradually deepening. These people are well aware that although City of a Thousand Towers is nominally an autonomous city, in terms of strength, it is far from being a match for the Five-Nation Alliance. Previously, City of a Thousand Towers mostly tolerated the Five-Nation Alliance, precisely because it lacked a strong backer. Now, however, the Magic Empire has become their best support, especially with the development of the war, the reports of the Magic Empire defeating the Federation and besieging the Five-Nation Alliance's city have filled these residents with confidence. The Five-Nation Alliance has always oppressed City of a Thousand Towers; seeing it destroyed only brings joy to the people of City of a Thousand Towers, without any other thoughts.

Of course, the three old mages weren't fools; they strictly controlled intelligence on the battle situation. As for the information about the Magic Empire using its undead legions to massacre Federation residents, they didn't let it spread. After all, while it wasn't particularly troublesome, it wasn't exactly good news. Fortunately, the residents of City of a Thousand Towers were only interested in the victory itself; they didn't pay much attention to how the battle was fought. Mages, after all, were mysterious and powerful beings; who knew what methods they would use to eliminate their enemies?

Of course, these can only be considered spiritual gains. After that, the City of a Thousand Towers also gained material wealth from the Magic Empire.

Due to the invasion of the Magic Empire, most of the Five-Nation Alliance had begun to reduce their supplies and cease exporting military equipment, including food, as a precaution. The geographical location of City of a Thousand Towers meant they couldn't possibly have enough food to sustain themselves. Normally, during winter, City of a Thousand Towers would trade with the Five-Nation Alliance for enough supplies to get through the winter. Any shortfall was supplemented by hunting parties in the surrounding wastelands. This year, Nia, having already considered this, had made preparations. Furthermore, this winter was colder than usual, so the three old mages also made their decision.

Lockdown earlier than planned.

This decision initially caused a huge uproar in the City of a Thousand Towers. There was no food, and now the three old mages were even announcing a city-wide lockdown. Without even hunting wild animals, how were the people of this city supposed to survive the winter?

However, they soon received an answer.

The grain transported from Ringwraith City became a new lifeline for the City of a Thousand Towers. Moreover, because Ringwraith City was enveloped by a barrier that made it spring-like all year round, the people of the City of a Thousand Towers were surprised to find that not only could they buy grains that were previously unavailable at high prices, but they could even buy some fruits that could only grow in spring and summer. This was an extraordinary surprise for the residents of the City of a Thousand Towers.

Imagine sitting in a warm room, no longer worrying about tomorrow's food, and being able to comfortably eat fruits that are not usually available in this season—that would be a life of Heaven.

By this time, the people of the City of a Thousand Towers no longer harbored any hostility or suspicion towards the Magic Empire. Therefore, among the fourth wave of people migrating to the Magic Empire, there were quite a few farmers, artisans, and merchants, while students studying magic were almost nowhere to be seen.

According to the agreement reached between the three old mages and Li Lin, all residents of City of a Thousand Towers should have been relocated to Ringwraith City. However, Li Lin did not think this was a good method. The Magic Empire currently lacked a foothold on land, Ringwraith City was still floating in the air. Considering the current situation, it was unlikely that a city could be built on the ground. Therefore, it would be a pity to simply abandon City of a Thousand Towers, a ready-made border city. Of course, its geographical location was not particularly advantageous, but something was better than nothing, and it was better than spending time rebuilding it himself.

Therefore, Li Lin and the old mages eventually agreed that this place would gradually be transformed into a border military fortress. Of course, the Magic Empire would also make some modifications to the City of a Thousand Towers to enhance its defense and counterattack capabilities, but abandoning the city was unlikely.

Li Lin's visit today was precisely to address the upcoming issues. Previously, Nia had been in contact with the three old mages, but these mages understood that they had already lived a very long time and likely wouldn't live for more than a few years. Regardless, they needed to get things arranged first. Now, City of a Thousand Towers was nominally and in fact a subordinate entity of the Magic Empire, and therefore, they hoped Li Lin could help them decide on the future development of City of a Thousand Towers.

After a winter of migration, a quarter of the population of the City of a Thousand Towers has moved to the Ringwraith City. Therefore, the once bustling streets are now somewhat deserted, as most people have returned home to enjoy their warm and comfortable lives. Only a few wagons transporting goods continue to travel back and forth, using portals to deliver magical metals and materials to the Ringwraith City.

"Owner."

This was Yi Aier's first time leaving Ringwraith City. She looked around at the scenery with curiosity and asked a question casually.

Where is Miss Angela today?

Logically, Li Lin should have brought Angela with him, but this time when he went out, he didn't call Angela or even Nia. Instead, he actually found his three maids, Suoxiate, Yi Aier, and Beika, and asked them to accompany him to the City of a Thousand Towers. Although they had some doubts deep down, the three maids didn't object to going out for a walk.

"Angela is having a lot of fun."

Upon hearing Yi Aier's question, Li Lin blinked and replied with a hint of mockery.

The spring wind is still cold.

On the ruined, burning streets, two men were running desperately, gritting their teeth and sprinting forward. Finally, one man unleashed his last bit of strength, barely overtaking his opponent and crossing the finish line first. The loser, realizing this, didn't utter a single word, his face pale, and collapsed to his knees. He didn't have the strength to turn around and look at the defeated man lying on the ground; the anger over the destruction of his town had been completely replaced by the fear of death. He gasped for breath, staring at the mountain of corpses before him, unable to utter a single word.

Then, several Ghoul leaped down from the nearby wall and began tearing and gnawing at the bodies of the losers.

"Well done."

Angela had been enjoying the match from beginning to end, smiled smugly. She narrowed her eyes slightly, watching the man who had escaped death. He was now exhausted and could barely stand up from the ground.

"So, the knockout stage is next?"

The little creature let out a silvery laugh, then looked to the other side at the crowd surrounded by Ghoul —their only survivors of this horrific massacre—but they too seemed to have little time left.

"Contestants number one, two, and four, come forward. The rules are the same as before: only the champion can be spared from death. Strive to survive, you useless lot! Only those who can survive to the end are qualified to be Olympic champions!"

The petite God of Death once again made a proposal that sent shivers down everyone's spine.

Regardless of whether such a deadly sporting event is inhumane, Li Lin did not immediately rush to the top floor where the old mages were located to continue their discussions. Instead, he took three maids and began to wander aimlessly through the streets.

Since Li Lin remained silent, the three maids naturally kept quiet. Suoxiate, as always, followed closely behind Li Lin, seemingly unconcerned about the surrounding scenery and affairs. Yi Aier, on the other hand, clearly enjoyed the shopping trip, occasionally glancing excitedly at the exquisite, small, and ultimately useless jewelry at various stalls, or looking at the strange locally made clothing. Beika, however, remained expressionless, staring at the ground before her, closely following behind, silent and unresponsive.

Then, Li Lin stopped in front of a shop. He looked up at the sign, shook his head with a wry smile, and went inside. The three maids hurriedly followed him into the shop.

As soon as they entered, they heard a somewhat comical voice beside them.

"Oh, dear customers, welcome to 'Old Pikachu's Hundred Thousand Thunderbolts'! How may I help you?"

"You're still the same, Mr. Businessman."

Looking at the plump merchant who had approached, Li Lin smiled and spoke.

"I thought you didn't personally go out to greet customers anymore."

"Oh, Arcane Mage?!"

Upon seeing Li Lin clearly, Old Pikachu's expression changed drastically. He then immediately flashed a smile a hundred times more enthusiastic than before and hurriedly ran to Li Lin's side.

"What brings you to my shop today? If you need anything, just let me know..."

Although this portly merchant had suffered a lot alongside Li Lin, enduring hardships underground with Dark Elf and even starving at sea, Li Lin rewarded him handsomely upon his safe return. Now, the manager of "Hundred Thousand Thunders" has become the largest trade intermediary between the Magic Empire and the City of a Thousand Towers. Most of the goods transported from and to the Magic Empire handled by this portly merchant. His shop no longer looks shabby; it is now quite luxurious and dignified, and the magical jewelry adds to its beauty and sophistication.

"I rarely go out, just taking a casual stroll."

Li Lin glanced into the shop and saw very few people; business seemed to be slow. The servants stood on either side, clearly bored.

"This is how it is now."

Seemingly sensing Li Lin's inner thoughts, Old Pikachu put on a smile and spoke.

"It's like this during this period; it only really gets lively at night. During the day, business is always rather slow for every shop."

I see.

Li Lin nodded without saying anything more, then turned to the three maids beside him.

"I've come this time to buy them some small items, sir. You've traveled all over the country for so many years, and I hope to use your experience as a merchant to select some things that would suit my maids. Of course, it would be best if they were something unique, rather than the magical goods we're tired of seeing."

"Why?"

Upon hearing this, the three maids were all taken aback.

"Master, we are your maids..."

"Since you know she's a maid, then you should understand that accepting gifts from your master is her duty."

Before Suoxiate could even open her mouth to retort, Li Lin calmly silenced her, clearly having anticipated this.

"But, Master, isn't this a bit inappropriate...?"

Although Yi Aier hurriedly refused, her bright eyes betrayed her.

"This... if the other Ring Spirit Envoy knew, they'd probably be jealous..."

"Most jealous people are here."

Li Lin looked at Yi Aier meaningfully, then glanced at Kalin, who remained silent and indifferent with her head down.

Are there any other questions?

Since things had been said to this extent, the maids had no choice but to comply.

Upon hearing Li Lin's words, Old Pikachu was somewhat surprised, but being a shrewd businessman, he quickly composed himself and began to carefully examine the three maids beside Li Lin. It must be said that Suoxiate, Yi Aier, and Beika were all stunning beauties. However, Old Pikachu didn't lose himself in their beauty; he merely glanced at them cautiously before quickly averting his gaze. With a businessman's keen intuition, Old Pikachu naturally understood that these three maids must be important figures. Having traveled between the Ringwraith City and the City of a Thousand Towers for some time, he had heard many tales of the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys. He hadn't missed the blonde twin-tailed girl's mention of "other Ring Spirit Envoy."

Without much hesitation, Old Pikachu returned to Li Lin's side with the items he had selected.

It must be said that as a businessman, Old Pikachu has a very good eye. He chose a crystal pendant for Suoxiate, and for Yi Aier, he presented a rainbow bracelet made from the fur of a rare northern monster. The gift he gave Beika was an excessively small, delicate ring that could only fit on her little finger. Although it didn't look particularly striking, the patterns and craftsmanship on it showed that it was definitely not something an ordinary person could afford.

"What an adorable bracelet..."

Yi Aier was the first to show her fondness for the jewelry, grabbing it immediately and admiring it repeatedly. Suoxiate, as always, thanked the merchant with a formulaic smile before accepting the pendant, but her clenched hands clearly showed her delight. Only Beika didn't take the jewelry offered by the merchant; instead, she looked up and, with an emotionless tone, asked...

"Master, why are you doing this?"

Don't you know why?

When Beika asked him again, Li Lin chuckled and asked her the same question back.

"If you're trying to appease me because of what happened before, then I can't accept that."

As Beika spoke, she reached out and pushed away the gift from the merchant's hand.

"As your Shield of Guardianship, I do not need such comfort. Please take back your gift; it is not something I deserve."

"Beika, you..."

Hearing this, Yi Aier pouted hesitantly. She looked at Beika, frowned, and then looked at Suoxiate with an uneasy expression.

"Don't you know why I did this?"

When Li Lin heard Beika's words, he unexpectedly did not offer an explanation. Instead, he turned to his other two maids and asked them with a strange smile.

"Uh... this..."

"I'm sorry, I haven't found any reason to support your actions, Master."

Yi Aier looked embarrassed, while Suoxiate was clearly clueless as well. Faced with their answers, Li Lin sighed helplessly.

"It seems you really have forgotten."

As he spoke, he looked at his three maids and smiled gently again.

"Well then, happy birthday, my maids."