"Changli, you're here too! It's just a Martial Soul awakening, there's no need to make such a big fuss. You're always so busy with work; you're already working hard enough," Lu Jingming said a bit embarrassedly. In reality, his title of City Lord was more in name than in fact—this alluring woman before him was the one truly managing all of Haiyuan City with impeccable order.
She, too, was a game character summoned into reality by Lu Jingming's power of Truth, hailing from the mobile game Wuthering Waves. In the game, she served as a Jinzhou Magistrate—brilliant, quick-witted, and a top-tier strategist in every sense.
Thinking back to six years ago, after Lu Jingming summoned Jingliu and relied on her extraordinary power to slay the rebel forces, the chaos in Haiyuan City was finally subdued. The city had just suffered a frenzied sea soul beast invasion, with its strength severely depleted and its vitality gravely wounded.
The following rebellions by other noble families only made things worse, plunging the city into utter chaos.
Although Jingliu's overwhelming force suppressed all resistance, she felt at a loss facing the city's chaos. With no other options, she kept things under control with pure force, barely maintaining order.
Two years later, after Lu Jingming had accumulated more power of Truth, the first thing he did was summon someone who could solve the city's troubles—and that person was Changli.
To be honest, there were many characters he could have chosen, some with even greater abilities. But in the end, Lu Jingming followed his heart. After all, Changli's impressive figure—was just too irresistible for a boy his age.
After successfully summoning Changli, Lu Jingming had a new plan. The city's affairs were too complex for any one person to handle alone. He intended to summon another character specifically to manage the internal affairs of the City Lord's mansion, creating a clear division of labor: Changli would handle external matters and city-wide affairs, while another would meticulously oversee the mansion.
After much thought, Lu Jingming set his sights on Yae Miko. In his mind, Yae Miko's cleverness and cunning would be perfect for managing the mansion efficiently.
However, when using the power of Truth, he miscalculated the energy required for manifestation. When the summoning light faded, the elegant, captivating Yae Miko didn't even have time to speak before she transformed into a pink-haired little fox.
With no other options, Lu Jingming had to put both the city and mansion's management into Changli's hands.
At first, he was worried—both roles were heavy burdens, and managing both seemed impossible. But Changli displayed astonishing capability as if born to lead and manage. Not only did she remain unflustered in the face of countless affairs, she handled everything smoothly, bringing perfect order to Haiyuan City.
The various families who once acted with impunity were brought firmly into line by Changli's deft maneuvering and toughness, no longer daring to act rashly.
Even with her busy schedule, Changli still had the energy to help plan the mansion's affairs. Thanks to her strategic planning and Jingliu's intimidating power, Lu Jingming was able to firmly hold on to his position as City Lord.
It was important to note that, under the Star Luo Empire's strict rules, the underage Lu Jingming was not eligible to inherit the title of Earl of Haiyuan, let alone City Lord.
Haiyuan City, even in decline, was still a major coastal city in the Star Luo Empire, and many coveted it.
With Lu Jingming the only bloodline left in the Lu family, he was the first in line for inheritance, and the city would eventually be his. But before he reached adulthood, the Empire would likely appoint a temporary City Lord. When Lu Jingming came of age, would that person willingly hand over power? No one could say—things could get very complicated.
Fortunately, Changli was farsighted. When officials from the Star Luo Empire arrived, she immediately proposed to act as the City Lord herself, resolutely refusing any outside interference. With her political skill and Jingliu's intimidating force, after fierce maneuvering, Lu Jingming managed to keep his seat and maintain control of Haiyuan City.
Without Changli's shrewdness and careful planning, relying on Jingliu alone would have been extremely difficult. Either he'd have to suppress everyone with force, making enemies of the entire Empire—not a wise move—or give up Haiyuan City and flee, seeking safety elsewhere.
Also, the Jingliu summoned by Lu Jingming was not at her peak. She'd lost her world-shaking power and lacked her original destiny and imaginary energy. On Douluo Continent, she could only use this world's soul power. Though still strong, she wasn't truly invincible against the might of an entire empire.
Hearing Lu Jingming's concerned words, Changli's lips curved into a gentle, captivating smile.
She spoke softly, her voice like a spring breeze: "It's fine, you don't need to worry. Ever since Lady Herta joined us, Haiyuan City's affairs have gradually gotten on track. Plus, I've been training some reliable confidants—they're sharing the workload, so I'm much more relaxed now and have more free time."
Lu Jingming nodded slightly, secretly relieved he hadn't overburdened Changli.