Relaxing my body, I tried to sense the Fate energy. Even after trying different methods, I still couldn't feel anything. Thinking outside the box, I took out my city token and focused my energy into it. Finally, I got some feedback—it was a strange force connecting every citizen to me. While I could feel it, I couldn't influence it, no matter how much I tried.
After several attempts, I gave up. This force was foreign to me, and spending more time experimenting wouldn't yield anything productive. Just before resuming my usual cultivation, I remembered the energy stones Yue Fei had gathered from the evolved wolves. I quickly went to the storeroom Elizabeth had built and retrieved the stones. Back at the palace, I stored them away, leaving only one in my hand. Entering the ethereal space, everything felt normal except for the dense energy radiating from the stone.
Excited by this discovery, I tried channeling the energy from the stone into my body. Unlike before, it felt like my cells were burning—the energy density was too much for my current body. I chose to decrease the intensity of my gathering, and my body became hot but manageable.
When I stopped cultivating, I opened my eyes and realized I had advanced to the Third Step of Body Refinement. However, my whole body ached, and even slight movements were painful. "These energy stones can help you cultivate faster, but overconsumption can definitely cause damage," I muttered to myself.
After finishing my morning routine, I was informed that The Three Horsemen of the Apocalypse—Xiao, Yue Fei, and Elizabeth—had requested an audience. I instantly felt my head begin to throb.
Xiao was the first to report. The people were growing agitated, fights were becoming more common, and they were demanding better treatment for those in more difficult jobs. The lack of housing was also causing significant stress. Elizabeth followed with her report: resources were running low, but the first batch of houses was almost complete, which would accommodate nearly 60% of the population. Additionally, the small court beside the palace had been finished.
After thinking for a few moments, I issued my commands:
"First, identify the individuals instigating chaos and mark their profiles—I can't trust them with powerful positions. Regarding the demands, explain to the people—more firmly this time—that these measures are temporary. To address the housing crisis, I will spend 500 FP to purchase fifty small houses. Elizabeth, plan their locations. As for the resource shortage, we can only rely on harvesting wood for now, so increase the workforce in that area."
"Yes, my lord," they replied in unison.
I turned to Yue Fei. "What about you?"
"My lord, I bring good news! We hunted many wild animals, and their meat should help alleviate our food reserves. Additionally, we discovered several ore veins near the first coal vein. If we create a mining outpost, it could resolve our materials problem. We also revisited the green skins' camp, but it was empty, so we destroyed it and received a silver chest as a reward from the system. Lastly, we found another lord's city but refrained from making contact until receiving your instructions."
"Another territory! Good decision not to contact them yet—we need to be prepared for the worst. Continue training your people."
"Yes, sir!" Yue Fei replied.
After they left, another person entered the palace. It was Xue, now exuding a newfound air of confidence. He had already chosen 20 trusted people and was awaiting further instructions. I taught him the basics of cultivation and gave him one energy stone. With my guidance, he used half of the stone's energy and successfully advanced to the First Step of Body Refinement. I also spent 125 FP to purchase 21 deep blue and black uniforms, batons, and whistles.
Before he left, I explained some strategies used by the British police: patrolling in pairs, always staying within sight of another group, and using loud whistles to call for quick support from nearby patrols. However, I told him the real strategies should be created and adapted by him to fit the city's needs.
Finally alone, I opened the silver chest.
[You have received:]
Population Summon x50
Shipbuilding Talent
"That's new," I muttered, curious about the potential of the new talent. However, my thoughts were interrupted as another message appeared.
[A second beast wave will arrive in 14 hours.]
Blank face... "Why can't I catch a break?"