Chapter 325 Fire in the Rear

"Nonsense!" Old Wang felt even more distressed hearing this. How could it not hurt? She's not a machine. This girl is the typical type who lacks love and swallows her pain. "No lying in front of your senior brother! You're flesh and blood—if it hurts, say it hurts. I'll go easy on you!"

Somehow, she had already lost sensation, but now she actually felt pain. When Wang Feng's hand touched the wound, she couldn't help but let out a muffled groan.

Old Wang was startled, "Does it hurt?"

Mapeier blushed, "No, not at all."

From her childhood life of wandering to the harsh training in the Mi Group, and then to the life in the Judgment these past few years, no matter what injuries she suffered or hardships she endured, who had ever cared about her?

Old Wang also wiped his sweat. In such a dim environment, such sounds were unbearable. Damn it, she got injured for me—how could I be a beast!

"It's okay, senior brother, I can handle it!" Mapeier actually felt her eyes moisten, but for the first time, she smiled sweetly.

This was an incredibly relaxed feeling she had never experienced before—a sense of safety and belonging. In the Judgment, she was always an onlooker, cautious and envious, out of reach. At this moment, Mapeier felt like a normal person.

...The bandaging took quite a while. Although the self-healing abilities of these cultivators were far beyond ordinary people, Old Wang still handled it very carefully. Perhaps due to some lingering guilt, he cleaned the wound with magic medicine three times before applying a layer and finally sticking on a plaster bandage, then wrapping it with gauze.

Mapeier remained motionless throughout, letting her senior brother do whatever he wanted on her back. Her heart felt full, but she couldn't quite articulate what it was. For the first time, she wished her wound would heal slowly, yearning for time to freeze in this fleeting moment.

"This magic medicine of mine is the real deal. A wound like this? Healed in a day or two!" The wound was already bandaged, and Old Wang was tidying up while chattering, "We're not going anywhere these two days—we're staying put here. Yinfu stuffed a lot of good food in this bag for me. Later, I'll show you my skills and make a nutritious combo meal..."

Old Wang was still talking when he felt a warm body gently leaning into his arms, trembling slightly. He was slightly stunned, his hands still half-raised.

Mapeier's body in his arms trembled slightly. After all, it was the first time she actively released her emotions. Her mind suddenly went blank, and then she just did it, "Senior brother, thank you."

At this moment, Mapeier no longer resembled a cold killer, but more like a little kitten that had just found its mother.

Old Wang fell silent.

No matter what her previous identity was, she was actually just a nineteen-year-old girl—an age where she should be carefree and cherished. In his hometown, a girl like Mapeier should be wearing beautiful dresses, dancing freely in the sunshine every day, and being cherished. But in this world, she had to go through life and death, cruel killings...

Old Wang sighed softly, gently put down the things in his hands, and then reached out to stroke Mapeier's smooth long hair. It took a while before he felt the trembling body gradually calm down.

"From now on, you are my Wang Feng's person!" Old Wang said gently, his voice carrying a promise of protection.

At this moment, he certainly understood the weight of his words in Mapeier's eyes, otherwise he wouldn't have hesitated for so long. But he still said it.

Mapeier's just calmed body trembled slightly again. The connection from the soul seed was infinitely magnified at this moment, as if Wang Feng's soul had finally completely opened to her. But this time, the trembling quickly subsided.

Mapeier nodded gently. Her senior brother's embrace was so warm, filling her with a sense of belonging she had never known.

…………

At this time, the distant Aurora City was once again embroiled in chaos. Although it couldn't be said that the Rose had risen, after Karida's commotion, the Rose Holy Sanctuary had indeed attracted everyone's attention.

However, no one expected that Karida, who had just made some noise, suddenly resigned as the principal, and Hawkland was promoted to the position of principal. The incident was particularly abrupt.

The Rose Holy Sanctuary publicly stated that Karida, as a high-level hero, had other critical assignments, but the underground public opinion believed there was internal strife. Obviously, there was no reason to make such a move before the outcome was decided, and Thunder Dragon did not oppose it, which somewhat implied something.

In the shadows, whispers spread like wildfire—someone from the Holy City had taken Karida away! It was not for any other important task. Evidence? It was not seen that on the day Karida left Aurora City, the new city lord of Aurora City, who had been delayed for a long time, suddenly officially took over Aurora City, and a member of the Blade Council accompanied him.

A coincidence? In these times, who in their right mind would believe such a coincidence? A person who could become a city lord, even if it was a real coincidence, wouldn't he keep a low profile for a few days before announcing his takeover of Aurora City? The timing of these events was far too convenient to be mere coincidence.

The Rose Holy Sanctuary was in disarray, and the disciples were rife with speculation. If it wasn't for the fact that the new principal was Vice Principal Hawkland, who was also a member of the Rune Department and had a good relationship with the old principal and Karida, it might have been a big deal.

That is to say, Karida must have faced some issues, but it was not serious enough to shake the foundation of the Lei family in Aurora City.

Thunder Dragon neither opposed nor spoke out. This influential figure, who held considerable status in the League of Blades, had clearly been outmaneuvered, losing the upper hand.

The City Lord's Mansion...

The position of Aurora City's city lord is rotational, akin to a governor dispatched by the council. Of course, it must be approved by the Lei family, and it is definitely a highly lucrative position.

The mansion is festively decorated with lanterns and banners, bustling with activity. This is the banquet hosted by the new city lord. At this moment, all the prominent figures of Aurora City are here, clustering in small groups, murmuring and chatting.

Uda Gan stands alone in the corner, watching the humans around him toast and exchange cups. He feels out of place here, which makes him even more surprised. No city lord has ever invited an orc to a banquet without ulterior motives.

What makes Uda Gan uneasy is that the new city lord, Thorleaf, approached him directly instead of sending the invitation to the orc leader who ostensibly controls Aurora City.

The presence of Uda Gan, one of the thirteen orc generals, in Aurora City is not widely known but is only known to friends. Even the previous city lord of Aurora City knew nothing about it, yet Thorleaf found him directly.

This move is a show of strength to the orcs.

To the orcs, there is the glorious title of the thirteen generals, but in the eyes of humans, what difference does it make compared to a cat or a dog?

In the study of the inner mansion, the new city lord of Aurora City, Thorleaf, who should be in the front mansion, is sipping tea, wearing a white city lord's crown robe, appearing both majestic and at ease.

Sitting opposite him is Councilor Nie Xin, who accompanied him this time, wearing the councilor's formal attire, with a narrow face and a goat beard over an inch long. Unlike the sharp and revealing Thorleaf, Nie Xin's eyes are introverted, with a kind and benevolent demeanor.

"Thanks to your support during my appointment in Aurora City, Brother Nie. The political landscape in Aurora City is complex. If it weren't for your intelligence, I'm afraid I would never know that there is an orc general hiding here. Though small, it's a place where hidden talents abound."

Nie Xin savoring the tea's aroma, said, "The situation is sensitive, Aurora City is becoming increasingly important. We are colleagues; there's no need for such polite words. You'll receive even more support from above."

"Old Nie, you truly understand me," Thorleaf said, having heard what he wanted to hear. He picked up the teacup and drank it all in one go. "Old friend, we've been here long enough. Accompany me to the front again, help me humble these locals of Aurora."

"You! How can they outshine you, the city lord? I'm just here to experience the local customs and practices of Aurora," Nie Xin laughed.

The two stood up. Just out of the study, they saw two rows of servants kneeling in the corridor.

"Get up, go to the front mansion," Thorleaf coldly ordered.

The servants quickly formed two lines, front and rear, escorting the two to the front mansion banquet.

"The city lord is here—Councilor Nie is here—"

Instantly, the bustling banquet fell silent. Everyone turned to one direction, "Greetings to the city lord, greetings to the councilor."

Thorleaf's eyes swept across the room, then he showed a warm smile and said lightly: "At today's private banquet, let's dispense with formalities. You are all the backbone of Aurora City. Today I see, it is indeed well-deserved. In the future, I will rely on you to make our Aurora more brilliant, and become a pearl of the League of Blades."

The Lei family did not come. After all, everyone here knows the inside story. At this time, Anbolin, who was temporarily chosen as the representative by everyone, stepped forward and said: "The city lord's words are too heavy. I am really ashamed. I look forward to your guidance in the future."

"Master An, that's not what I mean. Whether official or civilian, we all serve the alliance. In the future, as long as we all work together, we will surely make Aurora City more brilliant, just like your Anhe Hall. Although it is private property, isn't it also continuously providing a large amount of resources for the alliance, even outperforming many of the alliance's own industries?"

As he spoke, Thorleaf looked at Anbolin with a half-smile.

Anbolin knew clearly in his heart that Thorleaf's words were both a threat and a hint. Those who align with him will gain the city lord's support. Whoever still clings to the past will inevitably be struck by thunder.

Although the Holy Sanctuary and the Rose are competing, it is internal, both belong to the Holy Sanctuary system. The relationship between the Holy Sanctuary and the Blade Council is also... hard to say.

However, specifically mentioning Anhe Hall... it seems that this new city lord does not have the determination to deal with the two Holy Sanctuaries in Aurora City, but to integrate the redistribution of other interests outside the Holy Sanctuary. Today's banquet serves as both an introduction and a call to choose sides.

"That's how it should be. Whether official or civilian, serving the alliance, Anhe Hall will naturally follow the city lord and work together."

"Haha, the city lord's words are worth more than ten thousand books. I also represent the Sailing Chamber of Commerce to express my position. In the future, I will definitely follow the city lord's footsteps and work together."

"That's right, we are also willing to work with the city lord!"

Uda Gan stood at the back of the crowd, blending in with the wealthy merchants as they all expressed their support.

Humans are so complicated, always turning simple things into overly fancy affairs. What they call elegance can easily be misunderstood if you don’t catch the real meaning behind their words.

Orcs always get the short end of the stick here, taking human words at face value...

The banquet was all flattery, with both the host and guests seeming to enjoy themselves.

Soon, it was late at night. Seeing his chance, Uda Gan trailed behind two wealthy merchants, trying to sneak out unnoticed. However, just as he reached the door, he was stopped by two of the city lord's guards. "Hold on, the city lord wants to see you."

Uda Gan paused, subtly signaling to Bahanercha, who was watching from a distance, to stay put. He then followed the guards to a quiet courtyard in the city lord’s estate.

The guards stayed at the gate, keeping a polite distance. Uda Gan asked a few unrelated questions, to which they responded briefly.

After sitting alone for what felt like forever, Torleaf still hadn’t shown up. Uda Gan knew this new city lord loved playing these mind games. Since he was the one waiting, he’d already be at a disadvantage in the conversation.

After what felt like forever, just as Uda Gan thought he’d be stuck there all night, Torleaf and Councilman Nie Xin finally showed up with their slaves in tow.

Uda Gan looked up and locked eyes with Torleaf, his icy blue gaze flickering with menace.

"Elder Uda Gan, not bad. Just what I’d expect from one of the orcs’ Thirteen Divine Generals. You manage your subordinates well. You know if your people make one wrong move out there, every orc in Aurora City is done for?"

Uda Gan took a deep breath. The threat was blatant and unrelenting!

"City Lord, your generosity knows no bounds. We’re just humble folk, but we know our survival depends on Aurora City and your estate. We’d never forget. Here’s the ledger of our dealings with your estate. Please take a look." Uda Gan quickly bowed and spoke, presenting a ledger with both hands.

"Cooperation with my estate? You’ve got quite the way with words." Torleaf smiled, quite satisfied with Uda Gan's phrasing. Cooperation with the city lord could imply the city lord's moral failing, especially since orcs are seen as lowly and tainted. Even the shiniest gold turns to filth once an orc touches it... The notion of cooperation with the city lord's residence was a public matter, and if attacked by political enemies, it would be easy to distance oneself from it.

Torleaf naturally would not personally accept anything from a lowly orc. One of his scribe slaves stepped forward, took the ledger without ceremony, and knelt before Torleaf, spreading it open and flipping through the pages one by one.

"According to this ledger, you’ve been keeping fifty percent? Don’t you realize this is the most critical time for the Alliance and the Nine Gods? Starting today, my estate takes seventy percent of everything."

"My lord, this... this can’t be. We’ve barely been scraping by as it is."

"Nonsense! You think the soldiers on the front lines have it easy? Don’t think I don’t know about the fortune you orcs have made from bootlegging! I hear you’ve got some secret recipe to make your liquor better?"

It hit Uda Gan like a thunderclap—he finally understood. Whether it was fifty percent or seventy percent in the ledger, in Torleaf's eyes, it was merely petty cash. Indeed, how could Torleaf, who had overcome countless obstacles to secure the position of city lord in the geographically and economically unique Aurora City, be an ordinary greedy man?

Give a poor man a million, and he’ll be over the moon. But give that same million to someone like Torleaf, and he’d barely blink, maybe even feel insulted, and then try to squeeze even more out of you.

Uda Gan was seething with anger, but he was powerless. The reason the orcs had rooted themselves in Aurora City, the reason he had come here to oversee things, was precisely because of its unique status—a place where no one truly ruled, where even the Holy Sanctuary had two branches. Here, the orcs only had to deal with one city lord. In other places, the various factions would strip them bare, leaving them with perhaps ten percent at best. The orcs living in such conditions, with only a sliver of insignificant freedom, were little better than slaves.

This world has never cared about the orcs.

"My lord, you know that the orcs engage in low-profit ventures, and there are many expenses to cover. Seventy percent is simply too high..."

"Enough. This is not a negotiation; it is an order. Additionally, for safety's sake, the orcs must leave a hostage in the city lord's residence. I hear you have a granddaughter named Su Mei'er here in Aurora. Send her to the city lord's residence. Also, as for the secret recipe, you may continue to use it, but make a copy for the city lord's residence to keep on record, in case the Alliance needs it in the future."

Torleaf's words were neither heavy nor light, but each sentence cut into Uda Gan's heart like a sword, all while Torleaf observed his expression.

With Uda Gan's strength, he could undoubtedly kill this city lord and leave unscathed. But the problem was, if he left, the council would simply replace the city lord. And then what?

What would happen to the other orcs?

He breathed deeply, maintaining as humble a posture as possible. His rage was boiling, but... his face still showed only humble resignation.

What could the orcs do?

They had endured for decades... What was a little more endurance?