"City Lord, Shopkeeper Lin mentioned earlier releasing the second issue of Justice Weekly. We two have come to discuss it with you and to understand the true stance of Qian City and Taiyi Country towards the Cultivation World and us, the heaven-descended folks." Crispy Rice bowed respectfully to Guo Yuan.

There were three people in the room: the City Lord, Zhao Wenshi who frequently interacted with players, and a player with the name 'Think Tank' displayed above his head.

Seeing the player beside the City Lord, Crispy Rice let out a silent sigh of relief. Thankfully, during Lin Bai's meetings, all players had switched off their live streams. Otherwise, he probably wouldn't have had the opportunity to use his Staff of Love.

"So soon?" Guo Yuan asked in surprise.

"Shopkeeper Lin wants to build momentum before the expedition." Crispy Rice glanced around the room's decor, showed the City Lord a stack of organized documents in his hand, and said, "City Lord, as you know, I am the Gang Leader of the Beggar Gang, and I generally manage the gang's affairs. The Justice League aims to change the situation in the Cultivation World and for the common people, fostering a closer bond between cultivation and daily life. I also want to take this opportunity to discuss our future cooperation with you, City Lord, to see how we can maximize our mutual benefits for a win-win solution."

"Alright!" Guo Yuan pondered for a moment, then agreed.

He had just heard about Lin Bai's plans for refining tools for ordinary people. Guo Yuan thought it was superfluous. A kitchen knife that could cut through iron like mud didn't offer a significant advantage over an ordinary one for chopping vegetables; instead, it would be a considerable waste of resources and might even stir up trouble.

However, he still thought this was a good start, a way of bringing the Cultivation World down from their pedestal. The heaven-descended folks were destined to bring change to the world, but no one knew which direction the future would take. Therefore, everything Lin Bai did could be regarded as a pilot program. If successful, it should be promoted. If not, there would still be lessons to learn. Furthermore, Lin Bai drew all the attention, which eased Guo Yuan's pressure considerably. This was a chance to learn from Crispy Rice and his companion what Lin Bai truly intended to do.

Would Lin Bai harm him? Guo Yuan never considered it. He had already offended the Cultivation World. Was Lin Bai prepared to become an enemy of the state by offending the official circles as well?

"Please, have a seat." Guo Yuan motioned to the nearby chairs. "Someone, serve tea."

Crispy Rice and Dumbelldore exchanged glances and sat on the indicated chairs. "City Lord, let's skip the pleasantries and get straight to the point."

"Good," Guo Yuan nodded.

"City Lord, what are your views on the Cultivation World? Don't you think they've monopolized societal resources and hindered progress?" Crispy Rice asked, fiddling with his Staff of Love, using the topic to create an opening.

Such a pointed question right off the bat?

Guo Yuan paused for a moment, then asked back, "Are you planning to publish this sort of content in Justice Weekly?"

"Yes," Crispy Rice replied with a smile. "As the official supervisor of the Justice League, your stance will determine the direction of the Justice League's development..."

Guo Yuan was silent for a moment, then looked at Crispy Rice and said, "Ever since Taiyi Country was established, the common people and the Cultivation World have coexisted peacefully without mutual interference. Everything has been under the state's control. But with the arrival of the heaven-descended folks, change is inevitable. As for what these changes will lead to, I confess my understanding is limited, and I cannot accurately predict the outcome. We must let time reveal what it will bring..."

Beautiful! After such a long speech, it was as if he had said nothing at all.

Hearing this diplomatic response, Crispy Rice smiled nonchalantly, "I understand. City Lord, you mean we shouldn't rush things but proceed gradually, correct?"

Guo Yuan shot him a glance. "Gang Leader Lao, don't twist my words. My stance is one of neither support nor opposition. The way the state treated the Cultivation World in the past is how it will now treat you heaven-descended folks. You can do what you wish, but everything must be under official supervision and must not violate the laws of the state."

Before Lao Mi could ask another question, Guo Yuan continued, "Gang Leader Lao, Justice Weekly holds sway over public opinion; it cannot be solely controlled by the Beggar Gang. I will assign personnel to your gang to review articles published in Justice Weekly. I trust you will cooperate."

So, the oversight begins right away. These official NPCs are certainly astute, unwilling to easily let control over public discourse fall into outside hands! Indeed, to have free rein, controlling those in official positions is essential.

"That's to be expected." Crispy Rice nodded and continued to ask, "City Lord, are you optimistic about the Justice League's prospects? What impact will the new model promoted by the Justice League have on the people's livelihood?"

"There are positive aspects, and negative ones," Guo Yuan continued his diplomatic talk. "After all, the Justice League was only established yesterday. It's too early for you to ask such a question..."

When they entered the room, Think Tank had already started a live stream, piggybacking on the Beggar Gang's popularity. Watching Crispy Rice and the City Lord making idle chit-chat, he privately messaged Dumbelldore, "Deng Cancan, what are you two up to?"

"An interview, obviously!" Dumbelldore glanced at him, annoyed. "Call me Deng Cancan one more time, and I'll lose it!"

To maintain confidentiality, the players in the City Lord's Mansion only live-streamed mundane, everyday activities. Moreover, Qian City already had the Beggar Gang, a major attention magnet, so their live streams didn't attract large audiences. This was especially true now, with Lin Bai outside refining artifacts for public benefit, drawing all the popularity. Even with Think Tank's live stream active, there were only about twenty to thirty viewers in the room. Half of these were passersby who had lingered upon seeing Dumbelldore and Crispy Rice on screen.

Looking at the sparse "This is problematic" comments scrolling across the live-stream screen, Think Tank said, "I don't buy it. A real interview? Does it really require a Gang Leader and a direct disciple? You must have another mission, right?"

"Nothing of the sort." Dumbelldore wouldn't reveal Lin Bai's plans to an outsider. Looking at Think Tank, he changed the subject. "Think Tank, the Beggar Gang is planning to focus on economics in the future. If you get any inside information from the City Lord's Mansion, let us know in advance, alright? I'll make the decision and give you a cut of the profits..."

While the City Lord and Crispy Rice were engaged in fervent conversation, Think Tank and Dumbelldore were exchanging furtive messages.

The Scholar had initially been wary. But when Crispy Rice shifted from the Beggar Gang's development to the impact of economics on society and the Cultivation World, his guard lowered, and he even pricked up his ears to listen intently to their discussion. He had never imagined someone could systematize economics into a field of study. The idea the City Lord had previously discussed with him—converting the talents of the heaven-descended folks into strategies beneficial to the country—surfaced in his mind once more.

Beyond their immortality, these heaven-descended folks truly possess great talent. Used correctly, they could indeed benefit the nation.

"...the economic foundation determines the superstructure. Once politics, culture, and other elements of the superstructure are misaligned with the economic foundation, society will fracture, leading to transformative changes to restore alignment. The role of the Beggar Gang, at this moment, is to serve as a bridge, utilizing the unique status of the heaven-descended folks to break down the barriers between the Cultivation World and the common people, thereby enabling the entire nation's economy to soar..."

Crispy Rice observed the City Lord, who was listening with rapt attention, completely captivated. He silently tightened his grip on the Staff of Love and, carrying the documents, walked towards the City Lord. "City Lord, I've deduced a few macroeconomic variable formulas based on the characteristics of several Cultivation Sects. Perhaps they can provide you with a general understanding of the future..."

Crispy Rice's plan, meticulously developed by the Beggar Gang's strategists, involved gradually disarming the City Lord's caution through casual conversation, then piquing his curiosity with real-world knowledge, and finally, succeeding in a single, decisive blow. When playing games and doing quests, players could give 200% effort, far more serious than when studying or working. So far, except for suffering setbacks at the hands of the unconventional Lin Bai, the Beggar Gang had thrived in Qian City, with their strategists playing a crucial role.

It was a calculated move against an unsuspecting party. The City Lord, completely unsuspecting, leaned forward to examine the so-called macroeconomic variable formulas. Scholar Zhao and Think Tank were also drawn to the documents. No one thought the foot-long bamboo stick in Lao Mi's hand could be a weapon.

As Crispy Rice prattled on, explaining the roles various cultivation sects could play in the Beggar Gang's economic strategy, he gestured with the bamboo stick in his right hand as if to scratch an itch, then, with lightning speed, swung it at the City Lord's head.

It all happened in a flash!

BANG!

The moment Little Pan's bamboo staff landed on the City Lord's head, Crispy Rice was sent flying by the Scholar, who reacted instantly. Crispy Rice spat out a mouthful of blood, his head lolled to one side, and he died on the spot.

WHOOSH!

Five or six men in guard attire suddenly emerged from nowhere, positioning themselves protectively in front of the City Lord.

Dumbelldore, caught off guard, found his body frozen, only his facial muscles still under his control.

Experts! He stared in horror at the Scholar and the suddenly appearing guards, utterly dumbfounded. No wonder the City Lord always takes him everywhere. He's a bodyguard! This fellow has to be at least at the Nascent Soul stage! It was a good thing they hadn't tried to knock him out forcefully from the start; otherwise, they would have most likely failed.

"Your subordinate was incompetent and failed in his duty of protection! Please forgive me, City Lord!" Scholar Zhao's face was ashen. His gaze swept over Crispy Rice's body on the floor, then he glared at Dumbelldore before kneeling on one knee to beg for forgiveness from the City Lord.

Think Tank was dumbfounded. "What the hell are you doing? You went through all that trouble just to hit the City Lord with a bamboo stick? Are you insane?"

"What the hell!"

"What the hell!"

"Has Lao Mi gone mad? Is he trying to make the Beggar Gang break ties with the City Lord's Mansion?"

"What a scene!"

"One is the Gang Leader of the Righteous Gang, protected by Lin, the Storekeeper, and the other is his disciple! These two are betrayers, trying to sabotage Lin, the Storekeeper!"

"Lin, the Storekeeper, is finished! He's offended his only partner."

"How do you know it's not Lin, the Storekeeper's plan?"

"He just consolidated the Justice League. His head must have been kicked by a donkey to let these two hit the City Lord with a bamboo stick just to give him a lump on the head! What benefit does offending the City Lord bring him? Besides, Lin, the Storekeeper, is out there refining artifacts for free!"

"I've been waiting for players to stir things up! What's the point of playing a game so by the book? Finally! Lao Mi struck well! I'm eagerly awaiting Lin, the Storekeeper's expression when he finds out!"

"Miracles happen in small live streams!"

"These two must be moles! The great foundation the Beggar Gang worked so hard to build is destroyed by this one whack, ruined by these two idiots..."

"I thought that bamboo stick looked suspicious, but I never expected he'd hit the City Lord on the head with it!"

"The City Lord is completely stunned, hahaha!"

Scholar Zhao looked up and saw the City Lord staring intently at Crispy Rice's body on the ground, his brow furrowed, oblivious to the blood trickling from his forehead. Scholar Zhao couldn't help but feel anxious. "City Lord, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Guo Yuan subconsciously licked his lips and asked, "Mr. Zhao, Lao Mi will come back to life, right?"

"City Lord, heaven-descended individuals are immortal; he will be fine." Scholar Zhao's face was stern. "Zhao Yi, take your men into the city at once, apprehend Lao Mi when he revives, and throw him into prison. Assassinating the City Lord is an unforgivable crime..."

"No need to send him to prison. Bring him to my room... Ahem!" Guo Yuan picked up the bamboo staff that had fallen on the table, speaking subconsciously. He quickly realized his slip of the tongue, coughed lightly, and explained, "He is, after all, the Gang Leader of the Beggar Gang, personally appointed by Lin Bai, and this assassination attempt didn't involve a lethal weapon. I suspect there's a reason behind this. At present, we shouldn't fall out with Lin Bai. Bring him to me; I will question him personally. Mr. Zhao, you needn't strike so heavily next time. Even though they are heaven-descended, killing them still incurs a loss. After all, we will still have dealings with him in the future..."

He tried to assassinate you, and you're still planning to deal with him?

Scholar Zhao looked at the City Lord strangely, his brow furrowing slightly. "Your subordinate will be mindful."

Dumbelldore looked at the City Lord, clicking his tongue in amazement. So it worked! The Staff of Love truly is magical! Unfortunately, its effects don't seem as intense as Lin Bai's Arrow of Love!

"Why did you assassinate the City Lord?" Scholar Zhao turned to Dumbelldore and demanded.

"I don't know!" Dumbelldore stuck to the script, attempting to clear Lin Bai's name. "My Master only asked me to accompany him to interview the City Lord. I have no idea why he suddenly went mad and attacked the City Lord..."

"No need to ask him. Lin Bai is likely unaware of this. Heaven-descended individuals are naturally capricious and prone to pranks; they're capable of anything." Guo Yuan took a porcelain vial from his robes, tipped out a Pill Medicine, and swallowed it. The bleeding stopped instantly. He waved his hand. "Let him go. Wait until Crispy Rice is captured; I will question him myself."

"He can tolerate even this?"

"The City Lord is too good-natured!"

"It's not that he has a good temper; he just knows Lin Bai wouldn't do such a thing. However, Lao Mi's position as Gang Leader is probably lost now."

"Thought he could sabotage Lin Bai, but ended up sabotaging himself. Utterly foolish..."

"Instantly boring."

"Why don't we take bets on who will be the next Gang Leader of the Beggar Gang? I bet it's the Lonely Old Man!"

"City Lord, shall I go and negotiate with Lin Bai to replace Lao Mi?" Scholar Zhao asked, releasing Dumbelldore from his restraints as he turned to the City Lord.

"No need." Guo Yuan smiled faintly. He picked up the stack of papers Lao Mi had left on the table and asked, "Little Deng, were these theories compiled by Gang Leader Lao?"

"Yes, and other elders of the Beggar Gang also contributed." Dumbelldore had been keenly observing the City Lord's reactions. When the City Lord's gaze fell upon the papers, a hint of fascination actually appeared in his eyes. Dumbelldore couldn't help but marvel silently at its potency. It was confirmed—that was the look of love! Crispy Rice's position as Gang Leader of the Beggar Gang was secure.

When I get back, I'll definitely have to ask Lin Bai for an Arrow of Love and cultivate the Way of Love! Gender doesn't matter; what I crave is this sweet feeling of being in love!

"A truly talented individual!" Guo Yuan stroked his beard, smiling. "Mr. Zhao, don't be so vindictive. It's nothing for young people to play a prank occasionally; it's not as if it cost me my life. It would be wrong to ruin his future over such a trivial matter. Little Deng, when you get back, don't tell Shopkeeper Lin about Gang Leader Lao hitting me on the head. I greatly admire the plan Gang Leader Lao has formulated. I worry that if it were someone else, there might be flaws..."

Damn it! Is this the power of love? His head was bashed until it bled, yet he's still defending him...

"Understood." Dumbelldore felt a pang of jealousy. Suddenly, his status as a direct disciple of the Righteous Door didn't seem so appealing anymore. If I had known it would turn out like this, I should have been the one to strike with the Staff of Love!

"What's wrong with this City Lord? Is he a masochist or something?"

"Think Tank, why don't you also give the City Lord a whack on the head? It might increase your intimacy with him and help you get promoted faster!"

Think Tank gazed at the bamboo staff in Guo Yuan's hand, lost in thought.

"Oh, by the way, inform Lin Bai that I'm keeping Gang Leader Lao tonight for a candlelight discussion about the details of our cooperation with the Beggar Gang. If the Beggar Gang has other urgent matters, have him assign someone else to them." Guo Yuan's gaze swept over Crispy Rice's body, which hadn't despawned yet. He swallowed imperceptibly and said to Dumbelldore with a smile.