I felt as if every cell in my body was beaming with satisfaction. Maybe this is why those protagonists in stories are so obsessed with cultivation. As time passed, I finally awoke. Checking myself in the mirror, I realized I had entered the First Step Body Refiner Stage. My body felt lighter, and I could sense my newfound strength. While examining my muscles, I heard a knock at the door—it was Xiao and his two helpers. They entered the palace, and we sat in the office.
"My lord, Yue Fei has returned, and he brings good news!"
"Send someone to bring him here. Also, call Elizabeth—we need to talk."
As I waited for them, I noticed Xiao's information appear in front of me:
Name: Xiao
Bloodline: High Human {locked}
Titles: Legendary Talent {locked}
Job: Not Assigned
Cultivation: {locked}
Current Rank: Pre-Mortal
Talent: Strategist {locked}
Loyalty: 100%
What is a High Human? Actually, I don't even know who they are or where they come from. Earth didn't have energy for cultivation. Better not to dwell on it. I guess I'm just the frog in the well for now.
After some small talk with Xiao, Elizabeth and Yue Fei arrived. Yue Fei reported on their expedition:
They had encountered a small lair of evolved wolves. After killing them, they dug up four small energy cores and received a bronze-grade chest as a reward from the system. During their perimeter exploration, they discovered an open-air coal vein. On their way back, they came across a medium-sized camp of strange green creatures but decided to retreat, as the fight with the wolves had left them with some injuries.
"The injured should see the medic and herbalist," I said. "They've been gathering medicinal plants around the city; it should help. And what about the construction of the houses?"
"Sir, it's all going according to plan. In six days, the houses should be completed," Elizabeth replied.
With an overview of the situation, I decided to finalize the process of establishing the city. First, using the main token, I created three additional tokens. I handed the first one to Xiao.
"You will be responsible for the development of the interior," I said.
The second token went to Yue Fei.
"From this day forward, you will lead the great army we shall create," I told him.
Finally, I handed the third token to Elizabeth.
"And you will help me as the chief of research," I said.
They all knelt down and shouted:
"WE WILL NOT DISAPPOINT YOU, MY LORD!"
"Xiao, organize your people and take control of the farms—we need to ensure we can feed ourselves. Also, I've started noticing the smell of filth. Work with Elizabeth to construct public bathrooms around the city; we can't let disease spread."
"Yue Fei, give me the chest, and we—"
[First beast wave will happen in 14 hours. Lords, be prepared.]
Oh… shit.