Chapter 1611 - 829: Oasis

"Don't be so tense, I'm just wandering around with nothing better to do, just think of it as a vacation. If you keep this up, I might have to find a new place."

"Besides the sandstorms and deserts, what else is there to see in the White Country?" Ni Lin gave a bitter smile, "There's not even decent hospitality."

"Stop clinging to the old rituals of serving the White King; those days are over." Ji Jue yawned, "If I really wanted to play local tyrant, I'd still be sitting in Tower City sipping champagne."

Amidst his leisurely stroll, he bypassed the last high wall, revealing in the distance tender saplings stretching to the horizon, newly planted rice swaying in the gentle breeze like waves.

It's hard to imagine that such an oasis exists amidst treacherous mountains, where cultivation and grazing can still offer a last glimmer of hope to this already barren nation.

Compared to the chaotic scenes outside, it's as if time stands still, peaceful and serene.

Since the dramatic upheaval of the White Deer devouring the Wolf months ago, under the summons of Superior, White Deer Chosen Ones from the entire White Country and Central Earth have been emerging like bamboo shoots after rain.

Meanwhile, the influence of the Federation and the Empire began to shrink rapidly, even actively giving up certain minor resource zones to ensure stable Fuel Element supply.

Like a beast shaking off its shackles and returning to the wilderness, the whole White Country turned from partial necrosis to overall vitality.

Every region and settlement began enthusiastic performances, almost as if a doomsday martial arts tournament instance had begun, chaos reigning supreme.

To seize power, pursue ambitions, and rebuild their homeland, countless people raced to the stage. In just a few short months, from the White Tiger Army to the White King Guard, Central Earth United Front, Tower City Rescue Association, and various chaotic organizations, everyone took their turn on stage. The killing and struggling grew ever more intense.

Outside of a few limited cities and military zones, the status of the entire White Country has spiraled out of control. Among them, not few underhanded fighters and lackeys pushed forward by the Federation and Empire, though most don't last long...

Because they die too quickly!

Today, things are going well, then tomorrow the adjutant is promoted, and the next day the entire army is crushed by a sudden assault from the other side.

Compared to the rapidly expanding warlords outside, the White Country Restoration Army organized by Ni Lin only quietly developed in secret, occasionally attacking some refineries or Fuel Element supply lines but otherwise remaining silent.

As a former King's Guard, Ni Lin already possesses part of the old White King's influence, sufficient to exercise authority. As the last one to receive the king's command, the recognition and blessing left on him by the Sacrificial King can be sensed and seen clearly by every priest.

Lu Changsheng may be a mere roadside figure, but the prestige and authority of the old White King have almost all gathered on him alone.

The sacrifices and the blood left by the Sacrificial King for the White Country, who among the knowledgeable White Country people could fail to be moved by gratitude?

He doesn't even need to rally people; merely revealing an intention to restore the homeland can attract countless followers.

With the devoted assistance of the remaining priests, they continued the ancient traditions of the White Country before it entered modernity, using monks, rituals, and villages as the main structures, with traditions and beliefs as the bond to support each other through regular assemblies, spreading influence across every corner of White Country.

One could say that now every village and nomad in the Wilderness of White Country is an eye and ear for the Restoration Army.

Even if most people lack the determination to reclaim everything and the resolve to sacrifice themselves, the hearts brought by these traditions alone are enough to lay a strong foundation for the Restoration Army.

In a few months, this oasis has flourished under material and assistance from all sides, like a newborn heart quietly throbbing, nurturing and pumping fresh blood.

Amassing strength, waiting for the moment.

"No rush, take it slow."

Ji Jue energetically skipped a few stones by the lake, feeling the cool breeze, gazing at everything before him, chuckling softly, "Isn't this nice?"

Ni Lin smiled, slowly nodded, just about to say something.

"Woohoo, take off!"

From the distant lakeside came an excited voice, a naked young man running with a group of excited children, leaping with a splash into the lake, swimming energetically.

Ji Jue: "..."

Ni Lin: "..."

In a brief silence, Ji Jue withdrew his gaze, wanting to act as if nothing had happened, then saw the young man swimming back with a big grin, waving and shouting at him: "Mr. Inaya, is this...?"

Swimming and realizing something was off.

Just as he wanted to turn around, it was too late.

He raised his head, staring in a daze at a face he hadn't expected to see there.

His expression twitched a little.

And again.

"...Mr. Ji?"

In shock, Yan Fei struggled to put on a fawning smile, "You've... come?"

"Yes, your brother said you've been risking your life outside lately, braving the elements, worried you'd be too tired. He especially invited me to come over and take a look at you."

Ji Jue nodded with a smile, approvingly, "You're having fun, aren't you? I hope I didn't interrupt you."

"N-no!"

The lively young lad snapped to attention, almost sinking into the lake from the bubbles.

Pulled up with a hand.

"Don't be nervous, at your age, still so rash."

Ji Jue's smile was genial, patting his shoulder, "Work and rest should go hand in hand, even a craftsman needs a strong body, and you've got potential!"

He paused, his smile growing more delighted, "But you've completed the assignments I gave you, right?"

"..."

"Almost!"

Yan Fei swallowed hard, nodded with difficulty, wanting to run: "I'll just..."

"Ah, no rush, assignments are no big deal, don't stress about them!"

Thinking of what was coming next, Ji Jue's grin widened furiously, "I just suddenly remembered, our lineage actually has a good old tradition!"

Recalling his teacher's kind guidance and hands-on teaching mere weeks ago, he suddenly brightened up.

"Since we're here, let's have a lesson!"

In silence, Yan Fei said nothing, only looking back at the water behind him, regretting why he hadn't managed to sink into it earlier.

At least the water is deep, hiding sweat-drenched skins, and so cold, concealing tears...