"Holy shit, Quan Pu! For real, the Chief of the Security Bureau?! Back in the day, that guy would have been one of the top officials in our Fourth Ring."

The laborers all wore expressions of disbelief; after all, the idea of a Hunter team leader killing the Chief of the Security Bureau was unthinkable. In their minds, it was more outrageous than a fantasy novel.

Quan Pu took another drag on his cigarette, finding the situation a bit preposterous himself. When he first heard about it from Lu Luo, his expression wasn't much different from theirs. But he had already played the role of a gossipmonger once. What he needed to do now was to retell what Lu Luo had taught him with some embellishments, yet without altering the original meaning.

"It's true, but don't go spreading it around, okay? Keep tight-lipped. Now's not the time to let it out; let's all keep it low-key."

As soon as Quan Pu spoke, the men immediately nodded in agreement.

"Of course, you can count on us, Quan bro. We're all tight-lipped. Don't you trust us?"

"Absolutely, I wouldn't even tell my wife."

"You don't have a damn wife."

"Yeah, we promise we won't tell. Go on, Quan Pu."

Quan Pu looked at these guys, pounding their chests and promising secrecy, and found it kind of funny. Last time, when he spread the news as Lu Luo had requested, they had said the same. But by the next day, that news was already common knowledge. The method of spreading it was simple; everyone would discreetly tell a few people, then add a caveat.

"I'm only telling you this, don't mention it to anyone else!"

Just like that, the news spread at an incredibly fast pace. The approach this time was similar.

"The night before last, that is, on February 4th, the former Chief of the Security Bureau, Li Kaizhe, was killed, his breastbone shattered, dead in his office. There were clear signs of a struggle at the scene. Li Kaizhe was a Fourth Tier expert. There aren't many who could kill him, but obviously Wang Jie, the Sixth Tier leader of the first Hunter team, is one of them. The information about this incident is through the grapevine; it is said that Wang Jie has admitted to the killing. However, the Hunters don't plan to hand him over to the Inner Ring. As for the outcome of this affair, that remains to be seen..."

To these laborers, Quan Pu's news was like a depth charge, leaving them speechless for quite some time. But this sensational topic needed some guidance to continue; if they were truly shocked into silence, the word-of-mouth effect would dissipate. So it was time for one of Quan Pu's confidants to pick up the thread.

"So what do you think this means for us in the Fourth Ring, Quan Pu? Give us your analysis."

As that person took over, the others snapped to attention.

"Yeah, Quan Pu, tell us about it. Things have finally started to stabilize; we don't need more trouble."

"Cut the crap; no individual can control this kind of situation."

"Can you shut up and let Quan Pu speak?"

Quan Pu could tell these people were genuinely concerned about the event. This concern was mainly rooted in their regard for their own living conditions. Even though Lu Luo was a capitalist vampire, he really could guarantee that if you worked, you would get paid. At Lu Luo's site, you could at least ensure a steady life and safe survival. These two points sounded simple, but to achieve them, especially in the Fourth Ring where Second and Third Tier Exotic Species occasionally emerged, was an incredibly preposterous task that required absolute martial force to maintain.

The population of Lu Luo's settlement had reached nearly 50,000. Centered around Lan Tian Base, with the slum as its territory, it radiated over a vast area. In fact, Lu Luo was already limiting the population growth of the base; there were many refugees in the Fourth Ring, but his production capabilities and water supply couldn't support so many civilians. So, to be able to stay here already made one elite among the commoners.

The reasons for retaining such elite were many, systematized Transcendental education and a safe environment notwithstanding. It was also because there were relatively more women on Lu Luo's side, and these women were comparatively clean. Furthermore, Lu Luo's internal policy advocated free love and even permitted legally taking multiple wives. This policy held a huge appeal for women in the Wasteland. Yes, it was hugely attractive to them.

Because in the past, the Fourth Ring had a monogamous system. Although due to the overabundance of females, a man would often have several women, the primary policy was still one man to one wife. Monogamy led to intense female competition, with women backstabbing and viciously competing with each other, causing many to never find a partner for their entire lives. That would not happen under Lu Luo, because multiple women could marry one man with equal status for all, which was very comfortable. With women having a reasonable status, as for the men, well, their contentment was what mattered...

Lu Luo swore that this policy was truly not for his own benefit but was promulgated for the welfare of the entire Fourth Ring. Therefore, within his territory, everyone, regardless of gender, was very satisfied with Lu Luo as their leader. They did not want the current environment and order to change. So they were very concerned about the relationship between the Inner and Outer Rings.

For those in the Fourth Ring who were very worried about their futures and had already lost trust in the Inner Ring, Quan Pu naturally needed to guide them properly.

"Given the current rigid relationship between the Inner Ring and Fourth Ring, this matter could be the fuse for a split."

"Is it that serious?"

"Yes, quite serious, so everyone should still prepare. If one day the Inner Ring retakes control of the Outer Ring, then everyone must follow the rules, as the Inner Ring's demands are different from our policies."

As soon as Quan Pu said this, a worker who had just taken two women leaped to his feet.

"That won't do! Brother, with the previous Inner Ring policy, earning 180 a month made even drinking water problematic, let alone now."

"Exactly! All the bosses are from the Inner Ring; they just exploit us. Back then, although it was said to be safe, life had no prospects. It really wasn't as good as it is now."

"We might as well declare independence!" someone suddenly suggested.

At this, Quan Pu's spirits lifted. This guy's smart. He gets an extra chicken leg for dinner later.

"Hey, be cautious with your words. Such matters aren't to be blurted out rashly. Even if we sever ties with the Inner Ring, there are still Hunters and guards in the Outer Ring, plus the huddles of refugees gathering there are the main issue. If the Fourth Ring is completely rebuilt, it would start with them first, not us."

"Got it, bro."

Quan Pu waved his hand, preventing them from continuing the topic. However, he knew the seed of secession had already taken root in many hearts, and that was enough.

Nobody knew what Lu Luo's ambitions were, not even Quan Pu himself. But as many had said, the policies implemented by Lu Luo's side were, for the time being, quite good. The split between the Inner Ring and the Fourth Ring, forming a new society, did not seem unacceptable!

At least, that was what Quan Pu himself thought.

Within the Circular Base, Lu Luo was also preparing something very important: summoning the witch.

The confidentiality of this matter was extremely high, known only to Gu Fangyi, Qi Xinzhu, and Bai Yuetong. Zhou Kai was unaware. It wasn't that Lu Luo didn't trust Zhou Kai; it was just that the man couldn't keep his mouth shut!

The witch's tricolored candy was a wildly outrageous alchemical product of the Exotic Species. If it could truly be mass-produced, it would be considered Circle Studio's century-long plan. If this matter got out, never mind the Inner Ring; even with the current state and chaos of the Fourth Ring, Hunters would probably take action against him.

For this reason, Qi Xinzhu, Bai Yuetong, and Gu Fangyi had put aside their work, quietly awaiting Lu Luo's summon. Gu Fangyi and Qi Xinzhu were primarily responsible for protection, while Bai Yuetong was simply curious.

"Brother Luo, I've already sent the guards away," said Qi Xinzhu.

"Good, let's begin!" Lu Luo replied.

Compared to the tension of the previous time, Lu Luo now had experience with the use of the Doomsday Factor. He was calm and full of expectation as he clasped his hands together.

"Summon, Witch Ellie!"

[Activating Doomsday Factor.]

[Sequence S-07-Summoner has been activated.]

[Effect 1 - Primordial Summon: Consumes energy to summon an Exotic Species from the specimen room in biological form.]

[Selected specimen: Witch

Summoning method 1: Consumes 1 Doomsday Factor, 9100 points of energy.

Summoning method 2: Consumes 27300 points of energy.]

[Summoning using Doomsday Factor.]

[Summoning using Doomsday Factor, consuming one first tier Doomsday Factor: Witch-Ellie, consuming 10300 energy points.]

[Summoning Witch-Unknown.]

"Unknown?"

Using the Doomsday Factor as a core, it began to frantically siphon Dark Energy from the surroundings. Transcendents who were practicing inside the base turned their heads, looking towards the depths of the base, as such violent fluctuations of Dark Energy could not be concealed. It was inevitable that it would attract the attention of many people. Many speculated whether Lu Luo was conducting some terrible biological experiment; after all, this place used to be the base of Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals.

Reworking bones, flesh, energy!

The witch was finally revived!

And the moment she was born, Lu Luo inexplicably knew her name.

It wasn't Ellie, but Luo Ling!

Still the disgusting, stitched-together monstrous body, a gigantic head, protruding eyeballs, and the disturbingly coiled tongue. Compared to Witch Ellie, Luo Ling looked much younger. Her skin was fair, and there were very few wrinkles on her body. But overall, she was still as hideous as ever, possibly even uglier than Witch Ellie.

Bai Yuetong covered her mouth the first time she saw this creature. "I'm out of here, out of here! This thing isn't meant for people to see; it's purely disgusting!"

Qi Xinzhu also frowned slightly; Witch Luo Ling's appearance was indeed too hideous. Such a creature, still in human form, was truly revolting!

Only Gu Fangyi was expressionless; he even took a closer look at the holes in the witch's face. However, the witch Lu Luo summoned was relatively clean, at least; there weren't any bugs crawling in and out of the holes on her face.

"Hello! My master, I am Luo Ling." Witch Luo Ling bowed to Lu Luo, showing enough respect and politeness.

Clearly, even among the newly summoned Exotic Species, the intelligence levels differed greatly. Witch Luo Ling's intelligence was obviously much higher than Ganmu's from before, and by quite a margin. She could express herself naturally, understanding awe and courtesy. These were characteristics of a highly intelligent species.

Lu Luo didn't care what kind of creature Luo Ling was; what he cared about was whether Luo Ling could produce witch candy. And he was in a hurry. So, on to the main topic.

Lu Luo walked up to the witch and took a piece of witch candy out of his ring. "Can you make this?"

Witch Luo Ling rolled up the witch candy with her coiled tongue. "From the memories I possess, I roughly know this is called witch candy. I can indeed create it, but I am also curious, where did my master obtain this candy? Do you have a second witch?"

Lu Luo slightly raised his eyebrows; Witch Luo Ling's words revealed quite a lot of information.

"Don't you remember the past?"

"What past are you referring to? I, Luo Ling, only have the awakening memories of a witch."

"Do you remember who the Nightmare Demon is?"

"I don't remember," Luo Ling answered truthfully.

Lu Luo nodded slightly. Within his heart, he marveled once more at the immense power of the Doomsday Disc combined with the Doomsday Factor. If I killed the Nightmare Demon one day, could I then summon a Nightmare Demon? Control calamity, bring it down upon the world. Thinking about it carefully, could I alone destroy the entire Wasteland Alliance?

[Wake up, wake up, you're struggling to fight even a Sixth Tier Lord now. Read more, dream less!]

Ahem!

"What conditions are required to make the witch's candy?" Lu Luo asked, returning to the main topic.

"Sufficient Dark Spirit Stones, my lifespan, and the life force of Exotic Species."

The life force of Exotic Species... does that mean energy? I have that! But Dark Spirit Stones... don't even get me started on how hard those are to come by. Although production has increased lately, consumption is massive. As for the witch's lifespan... I summoned her intending to use her as a tool, a consumable. I never expected her to fight or anything. So if her lifespan gets used up, so be it!

"How much of your lifespan does each candy consume? How many Dark Spirit Stones, and how much life force of Exotic Species?"

Witch Luo Ling closed her eyes, seemingly pondering for a moment. "The lifespan consumed per candy is one year. 35 grams of Dark Spirit Stones, and the life force of Exotic Species... there's no exact quantifiable dose for that."

Lu Luo frowned slightly. A candy consuming one year of life meant it definitely could not be mass-produced. No wonder the Nightmare Demon's witch Ellie looked so old; the new witch he had summoned appeared much younger. 35 grams of Dark Spirit Stones—that was no small amount in today's buying power, and there was no monetary comparison either. Let's not consider the life force of Exotic Species for now.

That left the issue of Witch Luo Ling's lifespan.

"So, how many years is your lifespan?"

"The normal lifespan of a witch is about 350-400 years. I can somewhat sense my own lifespan... 371 years?"

371 years? Doesn't that mean 370 candies? Lu Luo looked at Witch Luo Ling, his eyes suddenly becoming kind and benevolent. Don't worry, I won't let you live that long.

"Is there any way to restore lifespan?"

"How could that be? The passing of life is irreversible."

[Long hair but short-sighted. The officials in the Inner Ring can live up to 130 years old.]

Lu Luo didn't refute Luo Ling's words; after all, she was just a tool to him.

"Very well, Luo Ling. Stay here and make candies for me earnestly!"

When Luo Ling heard that Lu Luo wanted her to make witch candies, her expression turned bitter, and she even shed two sickly yellow tears. "Was I summoned by my master just to make witch candies? To obey the master's command is a must for me. But master, I don't have Life Energy or Dark Spirit Stones!"

Luo Ling's expression grew strange, and her attitude a bit odd. This was a reminder to Lu Luo.

"You don't have them, but I do!"

This place was Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals' base. Besides the original stuff, Song Hana's research on Exotic Species Life Energy had been conducted here. Zhou Kai's first absorption of Exotic Species Life Energy also took place here. The method to manufacture the little purple bottle Life Energy potion had always been preserved, but that method was too crude indeed.

Lu Luo had a more straightforward method! He directly used the Devourer to inject Life Energy into the culture solution, saving money and effort.

Lu Luo had Gu Fangyi bring over the liquid container for the little purple bottles from Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals' reserves. There were also some leftover Dark Spirit Stones from the company, about 100 grams.

He dipped his finger into the liquid, injecting roughly the Life Energy of a high-level Third Tier Exotic Species, which equated to about 500 points. 500 points of energy had already turned the liquid in the container a deep purple color, even tending toward black.

He handed the Dark Spirit Stones and the purple Life Energy potion to Witch Luo Ling. "Is that alright now?"

Witch Luo Ling looked astonished, especially after seeing Lu Luo create the Exotic Species Life Energy potion. Seeing Lu Luo's firm attitude, Luo Ling's expression turned mournful. "It seems I have no way to refuse, my master."

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