Yuan Yao was busy scavenging, coming and going in a hurry. After having a meal and helping tidy up the dishes, he left. However, quite a few people came near the community and lingered for a while.

Seeing that they had no intention of entering, Xu Huo didn’t bother with them and had a solid sleep. Early the next morning, he called the Jing City safety zone and told his family that he would not be returning for a few days.

The Xu Family now lived in the safety zone, which was considered the safest place in the entire Zone 014, leaving nothing to worry about.

People from the Special Defense Department specifically came over to deliver breakfast to them, as well as specially designed shopping cards — giving cash was a bit tacky. Although Ting City’s economy wasn’t managed by the Girl in the painting, it was still possible for her to spend. The unique shopping card allowed her to make purchases anywhere in the city, with bills settled by the government.

The Girl in the painting was quite interested in shopping, and Xu Huo also wanted to see the changes in Ting City, so after breakfast, the two of them went out together.

According to the news, many cities across the country have now added instruments. Ting City also did, but the level wasn’t very high, mainly used for slight interference with spatial artifacts. There was no full city-covering blockade barrier ready yet; it had to be set up by players in a crisis.

There were many more flight recorders and armed flying devices; you could see them by just looking up.

Some stronger players applied to encircle certain areas in the city to form a defense circle. Occasionally, you could see the slight glow of a blockade barrier. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

The White Notes currency was now widely accepted, whether in cash or electronic payments, and was recognized just like the original currency.

When the Girl in the painting entered the shopping mall, Chief Wu arrived with Sima Xiao’er and several other members of the Special Defense Department.

"You go about your business; no need to accompany us," said Xu Huo.

"It’s what we should do," Chief Wu replied without a hint of temper. His gaze was as gentle as the day before. He even took the initiative to talk about several underground defense facilities planned for construction in Ting City, mainly for housing large devices to facilitate city defense. He subtly hinted that if Xu Huo had any suitable defense instruments, the Special Defense Department could purchase them. Currently, most resources were focused on safety zones and super-large cities, temporarily neglecting places like Ting City.

Simply put, players must have a sense of ownership. The Special Defense Department might offer them some privileges in exchange for their proactive efforts to fortify the city.

Xu Huo nodded to the Girl in the painting showing off her new clothes before adding, "Have the players become such a headache for the Special Defense Department now?"

Before Chief Wu could respond, Sima Xiao’er couldn’t hold back, "Brother Xu, you’ve never seen how arrogant these players can be. When asking for money and resources, they’re quick, but when asked to cooperate, they’re slow and reluctant. That’s not even the worst of it—they love making their presence felt in front of us, and it’s not just ordinary institutions. Even our Special Defense Department members often get injured."

"Does the Special Defense Department allow them to be so provocative?" Xu Huo was quite surprised.

"It’s not that; they always cause trouble under the guise of sparring. We can’t ignore it; otherwise, it appears we’re truly afraid!" Sima Xiao’er said indignantly, "Some outrageous players even openly demand we arrange celebrities to accompany them. What do they think the Special Defense Department is? Totally shameless!"

In this player era, many people are willing to attach themselves to players, and intentionally speaking out in front of the Special Defense Department is actually just provocation, not very serious, just a bit annoying.

"Why is it that elite players have not quickly upgraded to B-level? What are they up to?" Xu Huo asked, "Are there suddenly many mutation resources appearing domestically?"

Chief Wu was no longer a core member of the Special Defense Department so he didn’t know about some important matters. Still, he had some understanding of something as impossible to hide as the evolution of zones.

"In the future, we must deal with the fusion of zones and games. So naturally, the more resources we can gather now, the better, to avoid being caught off guard and to prevent profits from going to outsiders."

"Do we have any Primeval Stones?" Xu Huo glanced at him.

Chief Wu smiled helplessly, "How would I know unless they appeared around Ting City?"

"Just asking, no need to be so tense." Xu Huo caught the bag the Girl in the painting tossed over and handed it to Sima Xiao’er beside him, "Have many random dungeons appeared recently?"

Upon mentioning this, Chief Wu became a bit worried, "Random dungeons are increasing in number and level. This seems to be a precursor to the game’s complete fusion. We don’t know how many Outer Zone players will pour in when that happens. I’m afraid we’ll fall into a long period of chaos again."

"Last time, just a few people caused such immense losses, and when a true fusion occurs, it will probably be even more severe."

"At that time, players will be more concerned about the gains from dungeons. After all, newly born dungeons may yield a good prop or two, which would be enough to break even," said Xu Huo.

Chief Wu had no such wishful expectations, earnestly looking at him, "You understand the situation now. Compared to other small places, Ting City, because of you, whether player organizations or some player groups are quite well-behaved. I’m counting on you completely."

Due to interference from player organizations and groups, many heads of the Special Defense Department in various places have been replaced without even bothering to find a good excuse, simply because those heads were not pleasing to the eye and had no desire for cooperation. Some small cities that rely on local players had to compromise at times, making members of the Special Defense Department lose face.

"Ups and downs, stay calm," Xu Huo patted his shoulder.

What else could Chief Wu say? Indeed, some people within didn’t do anything right in the past, so being sorted out was somewhat deserved.

"This card is amazing! I can buy anything without spending my own money!" The Girl in the painting ran over happily, waving the shopping card, "The land here is mine, the houses are mine, and shopping doesn’t cost a thing. It’s magnificent!"

Chief Wu warmly said, "Not just necessities, but some prop and potion trading houses recognize this card too."

The Girl in the painting wasn’t interested in those and dashed into the jewelry store across the street.

"Girls do have a penchant for shiny things," Chief Wu said with a gratified look, "If only all players were as easygoing as Miss Li Chun, it would be so much easier."

Xu Huo gave him a half-smile, "You have quite the wishful thinking."

Chief Wu laughed heartily and brought up the topic of lunch.

Ting City was nominally given to the Girl in the painting, but in reality, the Special Defense Department knew that Xu Huo was the one truly capable of making negotiations. He was now the representative of Ting City, both in affection and logic. It was necessary to meet with key members of the Special Defense Department and local player organizations and groups—many players had relocated to Ting City, drawn by his reputation. They were both a support and an unstable factor that the local division couldn’t suppress alone. Xu Huo needed to step out and establish the rules.