Gao Wu: A centenarian old man, many children and good fortune! Chapter 131

The aftermath of that battle was far from over. The bloodstains on the wilderness might be covered by wind and sand, but the drastic changes in the power core of the Fourth New Nanjing City were like a huge rock thrown into a deep pool, stirring up layers of ripples that lingered for a long time.

War King Lieyang, a giant who once stood shoulder to shoulder with Cangshan and Jingtao, jointly supporting the sky of this city, now truly felt the sorrow and powerlessness of a hero in decline. The tragic deaths of his two companions were partly their own fault, but Xiao Yan’s terrifying strength, which was like a destructive force, and his cold ruthlessness, treating War Kings as mere weeds, left an indelible mark in his heart. That mark was not only fear but also a clear recognition of the arrival of a new era—an era that no longer belonged to old-timers like them.

The severe damage to his mind was far more serious than his physical injuries. Every time he closed his eyes, Jingtao’s desperate face, split in two, Cangshan’s venomous curse before his death, and Xiao Yan’s eyes, devoid of any emotion, like those of someone looking down on ants, would alternately appear. His proud fighting spirit, the unyielding flame that had burned for hundreds of years, seemed to have been completely extinguished at that moment, leaving only cold ashes.

He was old, his sharpness gone, and his heart was tired. He had guarded this city for too long and paid too much. Perhaps it was time to let go.

Inside a heavily guarded secret chamber, War King Lieyang looked at Xiao Yan, whose aura was restrained yet profound, as if he had merged with the entire world. His voice carried an undeniable weariness and desolation: “War King Xiao… no, perhaps I should call you City Lord Xiao now. This old man… is truly incapable. After this battle, my origin has been damaged, and I am mentally exhausted. I can no longer bear the heavy responsibility of guarding this city.”

He smiled bitterly, a smile full of relief and a hint of liberation: “The waves behind push the waves ahead; new generations replace the old. It is a blessing for the city and for the alliance that a strong person like you has risen in the Fourth New Nanjing City. This old man… has decided to retire. From now on, you shall bear all the affairs of the Fourth New Nanjing City on your shoulders. I believe that under your leadership, this city will surely…” He paused, looked at Xiao Yan with complex eyes, and ultimately did not say the words “be more glorious,” only letting out a long sigh.

These words, rather than a recommendation, were an inevitable transfer of power. War King Lieyang knew very well that whether he spoke or not, Xiao Yan was already the undisputed number one person in this city. His statement was more for himself, and for the city, to secure a relatively stable transition and preserve the last shred of dignity.

Xiao Yan listened calmly, without the slightest hint of triumph or arrogance on his face. He knew that Lieyang’s choice was wise and the only one. He held a few points of respect for this old War King who, at a critical moment, did not choose to oppose him and even tried to maintain urban order, but that was all. The transfer of power was always cold and cruel.

“War King Lieyang, you overstate it,” Xiao Yan nodded slightly, his tone indifferent. “You have contributed much to this city, and your achievements are outstanding. Even in retirement, you remain the bedrock of our Fourth New Nanjing City. If there is a need in the future, I hope the War King will not hesitate to offer guidance.”

A few polite words, and he had accepted this heavy authority. From this moment on, Xiao Yan became the highest leader of the Fourth New Nanjing City, both in name and in fact. He was no longer just the captain of the special operations team but the true controller of this steel city. His every word and action would profoundly affect the fate of millions of people.

Having become the undisputed number one person in the city, Xiao Yan did not immerse himself in the satisfaction brought by power. For him, this was just a new beginning and a greater responsibility. Beneath the apparent calm, undercurrents still surged. The threat of the Blood Ghost Cult hung like a sword over their heads, ready to strike again at any moment.

He wasted no time. On the very day he officially took over all urban affairs, he convened representatives from the military, administrative departments, and major core forces, issuing his first directive as the city’s supreme leader.

“Immediately establish a special investigation team!” Xiao Yan’s voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority, echoing in the solemn command hall. “General Zhao Meng will be in overall charge, and the intelligence networks of the Lin family, Chen family, Wang family, and other families will fully cooperate. You must clarify three things for me in the shortest possible time!”

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on him, holding their breath.

“First!” Xiao Yan extended a finger, his eyes sharp as an eagle’s. “How did those three vice-cult masters of the Blood Ghost Cult infiltrate the core area of our city so silently? Are there any loopholes in our internal defense system? If so, find them immediately and plug them!”

“Second!” He extended a second finger, his tone even more solemn. “What was their true purpose in coming here? Was it just to assassinate me? Or do they have a larger scheme? Is there a higher-level commander behind them? Is there an inevitable connection between them and the beast tide outside the city?”

“Third!” Xiao Yan’s voice suddenly turned cold, carrying a chilling killing intent. “Where are those two vice-cult masters who used blood burning to escape? Their identities, abilities, and possible hiding places must be thoroughly investigated! Any remaining members of the Blood Ghost Cult found lurking in our city will be killed without mercy! Better to kill by mistake than to let one go!”

Three consecutive directives, clear, decisive, and straight to the core!

Everyone present felt a chill in their hearts. From these three directives, they clearly sensed a completely different style of action than before—a more iron-blooded, more efficient, and more uncompromising will!

This was the “new standard” brought by the new city controller, Xiao Yan!

He wanted not just superficial stability but a complete elimination of all potential threats! He wanted to build this city into a truly secure stronghold that belonged to him and was absolutely safe!

Facing Xiao Yan’s cold gaze and unquestionable orders, no one dared to object. Zhao Meng immediately accepted the order, and Lin Jianye, Elder Chen, and others also expressed their commitment to using their family’s full strength to assist in the investigation.

An unprecedented and powerful comprehensive investigation targeting the Blood Ghost Cult quickly and efficiently unfolded throughout the Fourth New Nanjing City under Xiao Yan’s personal deployment. An invisible giant net began to envelop every corner of the city, attempting to ferret out and eliminate all venomous snakes hidden in the shadows!

Xiao Yan stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of the command center, overlooking the steel city below, which was now operating under his will. His eyes were deep and calm.

The taste of power was certainly tempting, but he was even more aware of the responsibilities and challenges that this power carried. The shadow of the Blood Ghost Cult had not yet dissipated, the complex situation within the alliance, and more unknown enemies that might appear in the future… He still had a long way to go.

But at least now, he had enough strength and confidence to calmly deal with all of this. And the first step was to completely control this city in his hands, leaving no hidden dangers.