"Mr. Qing Songzi, you want to give me the position of Lord of Nanke City? Why?"

Xiao Mu was utterly astonished, he could hardly believe the words Qing Songzi said.

"Sigh."

Qing Songzi took a deep sigh, "I know why Mr. Mu is surprised. The position of Lord of Nanke City offers immense benefits to anyone who assumes it."

"Any ordinary person who assumes this position would never consider relinquishing it."

"However, Mr. Mu, you may not be aware that during the time I served as the lord, I experienced countless adversities. First, the Air Bead was stolen by zombies, then the Iron Blood Battle Flag was nearly lost. Moreover, Evil Ghosts were building the Yin Horse Underworld Chariot right under my watch, and I didn't even notice."

"Therefore, I feel that my personal abilities are limited and I am not capable of successfully leading the whole of Nanke City."

"But that does not seem like a reason for you, Mr. Qing Songzi, to step down, right?"

Xiao Mu felt confused.

Lacking personal ability?

Many people lack ability, but how many would willingly cede their place because of that?

Qing Songzi, seemingly guessing what Xiao Mu was thinking, explained further, "Mr. Mu, you may not know this, but under normal circumstances, I would not easily relinquish my position. However, the current situation is extraordinary."

"You're referring to the war with the Evil Absurdity?"

Xiao Mu anticipated what Qing Songzi intended to say and asked.

Qing Songzi nodded gravely, "Mr. Mu is right, it is indeed because of this war. With my limited abilities, I fear I may not be able to guide us to victory if I continue as the Lord of Nanke City."

"In contrast, Mr. Mu, you have helped us numerous times and demonstrated exceptional talent on each occasion. You are therefore the most suitable person to be the Lord of Nanke City."

"But..."

Xiao Mu, however, was still full of questions.

Even if Qing Songzi continues as the Lord of Nanke City and it results in a loss in the war, that shouldn't be a reason for him to step down, right?

Though they'd known each other for a while and have some understanding of each other, Xiao Mu didn't believe Qing Songzi was noble enough to cede his position just because staying on might lead to a loss in the war.

The true Lord of Nanke City has a completely different status from the so-called leaders before the World Mutation.

The Lordship of Nanke City offers private benefits, while the outcome of the war affects public matters.

How many people would sacrifice their personal interests for public issues? How many would give up their position due to the failure of a war?

Of course, there must be such people, even quite a few of them. However, from what Xiao Mu knew about Qing Songzi, he didn't think Qing Songzi was that kind of person.

Qing Songzi gave a bitter smile, "I know what you're thinking Mr. Mu. Unbeknownst to you, once you become the Lord of Nanke City and you hold the Earth Seal, your fate will completely intertwine with the city. Your fortune or misfortune will directly correlate with the city's."

"If Nanke City flourishes, you will be blessed. However, if Nanke City falls and is completely occupied by the Evil Absurdity, as the lord of the city, you will inevitably suffer great harm, and even possibly death."

"Oh!"

Xiao Mu nodded, finally understanding why Qing Songzi wanted to step down and give his position to him. So that's the reason.

The result of the war directly affects Qing Songzi himself, as the Lord of Nanke City. Yet Qing Songzi has no confidence in leading Nanke City to victory in the war.

For Qing Songzi, who had no certainty of winning in the war and feared that he might die if the war was lost, was willing to give up Nanke City.

Thinking it over, he asked again, "Mr. Qing Songzi, aren't you worried that I'm also afraid of dying in case the war is lost?"

Hearing this, Qing Songzi gave an ironic smile, "No matter how you look at it, Mr. Mu, the chances of success with you in charge are much higher than with me. Moreover, I believe that with your abilities, you will be able to lead Nanke City to victory in this war."

"Let me think about it."

Xiao Mu interrupted Qing Songzi's words.

He was actually very tempted by Qing Songzi's proposal.

As someone who practices the way of the Heavenly Emperor, I inevitably need to expand my own forces. Now, such a powerful force is directing in front of me, if I say I don't want it, that would be a lie.

However, once I accept the position, my fate will be intertwined with Nanke City. Our fortunes will rise and fall together.

Especially with the upcoming war.

If the war is won, all is well. But if it's lost, it could be the end for me.

This is a double-edged sword. Accepting it will bring me great benefits, but at the same time, it comes with its own dangers.

The danger is the war.

To eliminate the danger. I must win the war.

Xiao Mu was weighing his ability to lead the war to victory and truly secure his position as the Lord of Nanke City.

Then, another thought crossed his mind.

Nanke City has the Earth Symbol and the Earth Seal, surely the other cities have them too.

Who are they in the hands of? What will the future world look like?

Xiao Mu couldn't guess what the future world situation would be like. But regardless, being the Lord of a City is definitely more advantageous than those who are not in terms of competition.

If I refuse to take the position of Lord of Nanke City and remain an independent force, can I win in the competition with others?

Thinking of this, Xiao Mu couldn't help shaking his head.

If he was up against general forces, he wouldn't be afraid. However, when it came to the Lords of Cities, who held the Earth Seals and Earth Symbols, he would have no advantages in the competition as an independent force.

Thinking of this, Xiao Mu gritted his teeth.

Seeking wealth in danger, why not gamble to see the outcome?

Such a great opportunity is right in front of me, and so many people would do anything to seize it. Yet, I'm still hesitating.

There's nothing to hesitate about. Just take it.

Immediately, he said, "Mr. Qing Songzi, I accept your kindness and am willing to become the Lord of Nanke City."

Qing Songzi was overjoyed, "I knew Mr. Mu would agree. Please wait a moment, Mr. Mu. I will first give you the Earth Seal and Earth Symbol."

Having said that, Qing Songzi spread out his palm.

A faint brilliance was emitted above his palm.

An ancient seal appeared in his hand.

Xiao Mu took a careful look. The seal was green with the words 'Nanke' inscribed on it.

It must be the Earth Seal symbolizing the authority of Nanke City.

Passing the Earth Seal to Xiao Mu, Qing Songzi said, "Mr. Mu, this is the Earth Seal. Please take it."

"Thank you."

Xiao Mu thanked him and took the Earth Seal from Qing Songzi's hand.

The moment he held the Earth Seal, he felt an odd sensation.

The Earth Seal could be absorbed into his body.

When Xiao Mu tried to absorb the Earth Seal inside, he immediately felt a peculiar connection forming between himself and Nanke City.

It felt as if the whole city was blessing him. His own power also clearly increased, about half to one percent more.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.