Chen Xiao would not let his own close allies participate in the National Fortune Game. The game was far too dangerous—its mortality rate was absurdly high, and total annihilation was not out of the question. The best approach was to choose trusted subordinates from Jiangbei and let them enter the slaughter. Over repeated attempts, some of them would eventually survive.
But the flaw was obvious: loyalty could never be guaranteed. If a second-form awakener he had carefully cultivated defected, the cost would be unbearable.
And unlike Gubuta, Chen Xiao had no ability like "Spark" to control others and ensure they would never dare betray him.
Cao Baiqing's voice trembled as he looked up at Chen Xiao, who stood in the air with his hands behind his back. "Then how many do you want? There are only thirteen National Fortune Game slots in total!"
There were only thirteen slots across all of Huaxia, and every one of them was priceless. This was the first time they had ever offered a slot as compensation, and they had still been humiliated for it.
Cao Baiqing and Pei Tianyuan both waited helplessly for Chen Xiao's answer.
Chen Xiao smiled faintly. "Not many. I want five."
The game affected national fortune. Chen Xiao would not let incompetents participate. But the slots themselves were secure, so securing them first was the priority.
Cao Baiqing's vision swam. He nearly fainted on the spot. He steadied himself and pointed at Cao Linxuan. "Then just kill him."
Cao Linxuan: "?"
"Grandpa, you can't abandon me!" Cao Linxuan panicked. This was the first time he had ever seen his grandfather look like this. Was he really being discarded?
Cao Baiqing looked at Chen Xiao and let out a long sigh. "Little friend Chen, I admit defeat. I truly hope we can resolve this peacefully."
Chen Xiao asked, "Then what do you propose?"
Cao Baiqing said, "I will use all my connections to secure two slots per game for you in Jiangbei. That is the absolute limit of my influence. Even if I sold myself, I still couldn't get you a third."
Chen Xiao chuckled, knowing he was telling the truth. His demand for five had only been a bluff. After all, such decisions could not be made by one person alone. Securing two slots was already a pleasant surprise.
He did not care what price Cao Baiqing paid. What mattered was Jiangbei's development. From this day on, Jiangbei had the qualification to artificially cultivate top-tier awakeners. Whether each attempt succeeded did not matter; lacking strength now did not mean lacking strength forever.
At that moment, under the influence of Dragon's Breath, several imposing figures entered the courtyard.
"Li Taisheng!""Elder Li is here too!""This is getting serious!"
The military district personnel were stunned. They had been stationed here to welcome the hero of national fortune, not to witness this absurd mess.
"Old Li, what brings you here?" Cao Baiqing asked in surprise.
Pei Tianyuan was equally confused. Then his eyes lit up. "Could the mysterious guardian of the old city be your doing?"
The leader was a short old man in a dark black shirt, slightly hunched, with narrow, shining eyes. He smiled. "Old Pei, this courtyard is Huaxia's most important opportunity. It needs a dedicated guardian."
"What's the use of the few people you stationed here?" he continued. "Leave it to Dingping from now on. He has nothing better to do."
A young man stepped out beside Li Taisheng. He wore black workwear, stood upright and straight, and had a handsome, heroic face.
"Damn, An Dingping!""It's really him!""Didn't he leave the capital before the apocalypse?""I heard he went to Modu. Why is he back?""Obviously because Modu fell, so he ran back to the capital.""With his connections—"
"Hush."
The capital military district personnel clearly recognized him. Many greeted him as a former colleague.
Cao Baiqing nodded. "Good to see you back. Dingping was a combat expert before the apocalypse, so his awakened animal should be powerful."
An Dingping glanced at the half-maimed Cao Linxuan and said calmly, "I originally intended to test the General, but it seems unnecessary now."
"You bastard…" Cao Linxuan muttered, coughing blood.
He understood the insult, but he was too weak to retaliate. He did not know whether he would ever recover fully, or whether he would spend the rest of his life with one shoulder destroyed.
Pei Tianyuan stepped forward and slapped An Dingping on the shoulder. "Dingping! It really is you! Does your sister know?"
An Dingping shook his head. "I have nothing to do with her. I came back only for my uncle."
Pei Tianyuan fell silent, remembering the past.
Li Taisheng pushed through the crowd and walked toward Chen Xiao, smiling warmly. He extended a hand. "Little friend Chen, I'll help Old Cao secure a third slot for Jiangbei!"
The crowd drew in a sharp breath.
A third slot.
Jiangbei was rising—three of Huaxia's thirteen slots, all in one place.
Cao Baiqing's expression darkened. "Old Li, what exactly are you doing?"
Pei Tianyuan stroked his chin, already guessing Li Taisheng's intent.
Chen Xiao smiled. "Elder Li, what is your purpose? Jiangbei isn't here to fight for you."
Li Taisheng waved his hand. "You misunderstand, little friend Chen. I'm here to repay a debt for my niece."
Chen Xiao blinked. "Your niece?"
Li Taisheng nodded, still a little shaken. "An Xinning. She's my own niece. When I heard she had offended you, I was terrified."
Chen Xiao laughed. "When did she offend me?"
Li Taisheng lowered his voice. "Everyone else in that group died, but you spared her. I remember that kindness."
He even winked. "Tell me the truth, little friend Chen—do you have feelings for my niece? If she rejects you, tell me. She's stubborn and proud, but she's kind, capable, and brave. Where would you find a better girl?"
Chen Xiao answered calmly, "She didn't reject me."
Li Taisheng blinked. "Huh?"
Chen Xiao sighed. "I mean you're overthinking it."
Li Taisheng laughed awkwardly. "Right. Young people should handle their own affairs."
Pei Tianyuan stepped forward. "Chen Xiao, three slots for Jiangbei. Are you satisfied now?"
Chen Xiao laughed. "Satisfied enough, except…" He paused and glanced at Cao Linxuan.
Cao Baiqing quickly cut in, "Little friend Chen, I guarantee you will never see him again! He'll guard the Western Capital from now on and never leave!"
Cao Linxuan hurried to speak as well. "Mad Ghost Butcher… I submit, I truly submit. I'll never provoke you again! I swear!"
His eyes were earnest, his voice trembling—he only wanted to live. As long as Chen Xiao was near, he was terrified.