Chapter 100 A New Era, The New Game Has Just Begun...

At this moment, the battle in Dongling City has reached a fever pitch.

The players were exhausted, but they had no choice but to stand like nails outside the barrier, using their own bodies to create a defensive line. The territory barrier had already begun to show signs of damage. Every monster that was allowed to attack meant that the already precarious barrier would have to bear more pressure, and the materials for repair were already in short supply.

With human flesh serving as a defensive line, the casualty figures are silently rising.

Suddenly, to everyone's surprise, the entire city of Dongling was jolted, and all the players who were fighting or waiting were stunned.

Immediately afterwards, they clearly felt the stifling heat inside the barrier, which was almost the same as outside, rapidly receding, and their body surface temperature dropping sharply, even more effectively than when they had previously used the bamboo crystal core cooling device.

"Has the temperature dropped? It feels so cool."

"What's going on? Could this commotion mean the game has come up with another new way to torture us?"

Even more surprisingly, the combatants fighting the monsters on the front lines suddenly felt a significant reduction in the pressure of the battle. When they turned around, they discovered that the monsters that had broken through the defenses and attacked the barrier had all been instantly annihilated upon reaching it.

The barrier actively attacks monsters, and its power is immense!

Seeing the familiar damage reflection effect, someone exclaimed, "Why does our barrier look just like the Star Territory's?"

Those nearby were both surprised and delighted, and a bold guess blurted out: "Could it be that our Dongling City Research Institute has finally cracked the secret of the Star Territory's barrier and made a technological breakthrough?"

Lin Nanxing, far away in the Star Territory, was naturally unaware of the misunderstanding about the technological breakthrough in Dongling City. She simply waited quietly for a few minutes after confirming the fusion.

Immediately, the map module on her lord management panel, which she had been keeping open, lit up slightly, and a brand new coordinate point representing "Dongling City" was lit up.

She clicked on it out of curiosity—

"Buzz!" A massive amount of information rushed in instantly!

The real-time thumbnail map of Dongling City, the densely packed and constantly scrolling list of basic information about its residents, the city's building overview, resource inventory briefings, and countless other data and labels almost filled her field of vision.

Lin Nanxing was overwhelmed by the flood of information, his vision blurred, and his temples throbbed. He hurriedly and frantically turned off most of the push notifications and detailed lists, keeping only the most essential map overview and key alerts.

Even with just a fleeting glance, she could sense the profound heritage of Dongling City as one of the five major cities. The map was densely packed with icons representing functional buildings, and the planning was orderly, far surpassing that of emerging territories like the Star Territory.

"No wonder it's a big city..." Lin Nanxing exclaimed subconsciously. Before the two people waiting next to her could hear her clearly, she composed herself and, according to her previous plan, opened the system shop and quickly purchased ten plots of basic farmland.

Next, she found an empty space on the miniature map of Dongling City, and with a slight thought, she tried to place the ten virtual icons representing farmland on the selected space.

[Is it confirmed that standard farmland has been placed in the "Dongling City Sub-district"?]

【whether】

The icon fell and solidified.

Almost simultaneously, Lin Nanxing seemed to see, through some invisible connection, that on those previously barren vacant lots in Dongling City, the soil churned up, and neat ridges and light green growth barriers instantly took shape.

Success! Farmland can be placed across territories.

After the fusion, her infrastructure permissions as the holder of the main barrier can extend to the merged safe zone!

Just then, Qi Changkong on the other side also ended his emergency communication with his deputy who was left behind in Dongling City.

With an indescribable sense of relief on his face, he strode up to Lin Nanxing, his voice trembling slightly: "Nanxing, the barrier over Dongling City has stabilized, it really has stabilized! And, and they said that ten standard farmlands with growth barriers that we've never seen before have suddenly appeared in the city!"

Mayor Qi, who is usually known for his composure, was so excited that he stammered.

Lin Nanxing nodded. She had already seen these messages in the system interface. She was more concerned about another question: "Mayor Qi, what is the overall situation in Dongling City after the changes? And how are they reacting to these sudden changes?"

Qi Changkong calmed himself down and quickly said, "The casualties have stabilized for now. Because the pressure has eased and the wounded are being evacuated, the players' morale has surged from rock bottom to its peak. As for their reaction..."

His expression turned somewhat strange: "The secretary who stayed behind just asked me if I had secretly kidnapped the Star Lord to get so many good things."

Lin Nanxing: "..."

The integration of Dongling City is progressing smoothly, and naturally, Zhongyuan City should not be forgotten.

Lin Nanxing followed the same method and used the second fusion voucher in Zhongyuan City.

The same events occurred: the earth tremors, the temperature plummeted, the barrier's backlash was activated, and Lin Nanxing silently "airdropped" ten plots of primary farmland there.

After confirming the results, the female mayor of Zhongyuan City, who had long since returned to the front lines of the fight, simply and forcefully said two words to Lin Nanxing through the private channel that appeared after the territory merging: "Thank you."

Everything is understood without words.

After finishing the integration of the two cities, it was already dawn. The tension and operation that had lasted all night left Lin Nanxing feeling exhausted. She said a brief goodbye to Qi Changkong and went back to her villa to catch up on sleep.

The remaining three mayors and the people of the territory discussed and deliberated all night, and finally reached a difficult agreement. At ten o'clock in the morning, they rushed to the Star Territory, wanting to talk to Lin Nanxing in detail, but they found no one there.

The group waited somewhat awkwardly and anxiously at the entrance of Lin Nanxing's villa, whispering about what to say when they saw Lin Nanxing, when they happened to run into Qi Changkong, who had finished breakfast and was preparing to return to his villa to rest.

When Qi Changkong saw the undisguised weariness and anxiety on the faces of this group of people, and then thought about how his own Dongling City now had a stable barrier, much less pressure, and even ten extra plots of farmland that had already started to grow food, he couldn't help but feel a sense of superiority.

He strolled over leisurely, deliberately waving the milk tea he had just bought from the milk tea shop, and said in a relaxed tone, "Oh, did you just receive the notice and rush over?"

Qi Changkong's attitude was so arrogant that the former mayor of Xijiang City immediately turned ugly: "Mayor Qi, why be so sarcastic? You're only arriving now, aren't you?"

Qi Changkong pointed to himself, "Are you talking about me? I'm not as calm as you guys. I'm too worried about my own safe zone. I came here last night."

He arrived last night? Judging from his appearance, he must have already met with Lin Nanxing and finalized the fusion voucher.

Qi Changkong could see the doubts in the people present, and slowly said, "I have to say, the function of sharing the Star Territory is really too comfortable. The barrier can kill most of the monsters by itself, and the temperature has also dropped. Lord Lin even put a few fields in my safe zone. I heard from the secretary that there has been a good harvest now, and the logistical pressure is much less."

"As the mayor of this city, I've become an idle man. I have no choice but to come to Lord Lin's place for a vacation, to rest, and to have some leisure time to enjoy tea."

With each word he spoke, the faces of the three people opposite him darkened further. This wasn't casual conversation; it was blatant boasting and mockery!

Seeing their changing expressions, Qi Changkong felt much better and became a little more serious, but his tone was still teasing: "Alright, stop standing here. Lord Lin has been busy all night and just rested. If you really understand, you should learn from me and that guy from Zhongyuan City and be more decisive."

"This fusion...tsk tsk, you'll know once you use it."

After saying that, he stopped looking at the three men's red and bruised faces, hummed an off-key tune, and leisurely walked towards his villa. He had been busy all night and needed to go back and catch up on some sleep.

Upon hearing that Zhongyuan City had also merged with Xingxing Territory, the remaining three mayors had mixed expressions. They had originally wanted to put on a show and use this matter to negotiate with Xingxing Territory, but now it seemed that obediently following Lin Nanxing's ideas was the most suitable approach.

*

[Current overall cleanup progress: 15%]

Lin Nanxing slept soundly for a long time. When she opened her eyes again, it was already four o'clock in the afternoon. She hadn't eaten all day, and her stomach was so empty that she felt like she could swallow a whole cow.

She rubbed her messy hair, threw on a coat, and slipped on her shoes to head out to a restaurant for food.

“Clatter.”

The moment the villa door was opened a crack, the sight outside froze her instantly, and half of her hunger vanished in fright.

In the open space in front of her villa, several mayors who hadn't been there the day before were sitting in a row at her door. Around them sat a group of researchers from various cities who had previously been stationed in the Star Territory. They were all sitting upright, their eyes fixed on the doorway where the commotion had occurred.

This is quite a spectacle.....

Lin Nanxing's lips twitched, and he couldn't help but say sarcastically, "Are you all making an invisible bonfire in front of my house, or having a silent tea party?"

The mayor of Nansha City, which was closest to the city, reacted the fastest, immediately putting on a bright smile and taking out a delicate food box that was still steaming from behind him.

"Lord Lin, you must be hungry after sleeping for so long, right? I just brought some freshly baked honey-glazed roasted ribs and jade mushroom soup from the restaurant. They're still warm. Would you like to have some?"

Before he finished speaking, the mayor of Beihai City stepped forward and spoke rapidly: "Lord Lin, it is not advisable to overeat on an empty stomach. Why don't we move over first? Our Beihai City laboratory has just made a breakthrough and developed a new type of catalyst that can significantly reduce the amount of plant growth accelerator used while being more effective. It may be of great benefit to the agriculture of your territory. We would appreciate your guidance."

Even the mayor of Xijiang City, who had always disliked her, stood up shakily with the help of his deputy, forcing out a smile that was both kind and somewhat distorted, and moved toward Lin Nanxing.

Surrounded by this sudden enthusiasm, Lin Nanxing felt goosebumps and a chill run down her spine.

She quickly raised her hand to stop their further concern, saying bluntly, "Stop, stop! Everyone, you're here for the safe zone fusion vouchers, right? Actually, there's no need for this. Even if you hadn't come, I would have given you those vouchers anyway. You guys are being too enthusiastic; I can't handle it."

The mayor of Xijiang City's smile froze, but for the sake of his people, he suppressed his shame and said with a forced smile, "Lord Lin, please don't joke with us. Lives are at stake. I know I was rude to you before, and I apologize."

The implication was clear: he didn't believe what she had just said. Lin Nanxing rolled her eyes inwardly; this old man was quite good at moral blackmail.

Those who truly love the people should be like Dongling City and Zhongyuan City, rushing over immediately upon receiving the news and quickly integrating with the Star Territory. They wouldn't dawdle like they have for so long.

Lin Nanxing wanted to engage in conversation with them, but her empty stomach wouldn't allow it. She stopped wasting her breath explaining and directly accessed the system control panel, merging the remaining three safe zones.

With a tap of his finger, he sent the message to the mayors of Beihai, Nansha, and Xijiang respectively.

“Here, the vouchers have been sent to you.” She explained quickly, “If you decide to merge, fill in the core coordinates of your safe zone on the virtual voucher you received, and then sign your names. I will receive the application simultaneously, and the merging process will be initiated after confirmation.”

"This voucher has no expiration date. You can think it over before signing. There's no rush."

After finishing her sentence in one breath, she looked at the group of important figures still surrounding her, each with a different expression, sighed, and said helplessly, "Now, could you please make way? I'm really, really, really hungry, and I need to go eat."

The five major cities were eventually integrated with the Star Territory. At the same time, Lin Nanxing issued a global announcement, calling on players in the safe zone who were still fighting to move to the six major cities in order to preserve the strongest fighting force and reduce unnecessary casualties.

With communication channels fully integrated, they are no longer isolated islands. The combined super barrier's defensive power increases exponentially, and the counter-damage effect makes the monster tide's impact seem ineffective for the first time.

More importantly, the temperature within the boundaries of the six major cities has been adjusted to the range most suitable for human activities.

Exhausted players can finally lie down in the shelter, which is no longer as stuffy as a steamer, during the breaks between battles, drink some clean water, eat a peaceful meal, and even the efficiency of their rest is significantly improved.

When the most basic living conditions are improved, and when the defenses are no longer crumbling, the will to survive that had been suppressed by the game for twelve years transforms into an astonishing power.

The cleanup plan, which was initially progressing slowly, gradually began to accelerate.

[Current overall cleanup progress: 25%]

[Current overall cleanup progress: 45%]

In the laboratory in Dongling City, the researchers, looking at the equipment running smoothly, had the mind to discuss the topic of "after the frenzy ends" for the first time.

Qi Changkong stood before the newly repaired barrier center, remaining silent for a long time.

[Current overall cleanup progress: 65%]

On the streets of Zhongyuan City, people began to try to clear the ruins and repair the buildings damaged by the monster attack. Children hid behind the adults, curiously looking at the monster shadows outside the barrier, which had become much sparser. Their eyes were less fearful and more inquisitive.

finally--

[Current overall cleanup progress: 100%]

For a moment, it was as if the whole world had fallen silent.

The next second, a global announcement popped up on the game interface of all surviving players.

[Server-wide Announcement]: The Beast Tide Season cleanup is now 100% complete.

All berserk monsters have been permanently removed from the current version of the map; contracted monsters and magical plants can be retained.

[Thank you to all players for completing the 'Survival Trial'. The game has officially entered the 'New Era' version.]

[Current theme: Reconstruction and Prosperity. Wishing you all a pleasant life.]

Outside the barrier, the last few berserk monsters, barely alive, turned into specks of light and vanished completely amidst their hissing cries.

The moment the announcement popped up, something far more shocking happened outside the barrier than the disappearance of the monsters.

The first thing to disappear was the suffocating, ubiquitous heat that had lasted for twelve years.

It was as if an invisible furnace had been shut down, the scorching air quickly became gentle, and the wind that blew by carried a long-lost, refreshing coolness that brought tears to one's eyes.

Then, to the disbelief of all the survivors, the boundless, scorched desert beneath their feet began to undergo a miraculous transformation.

The cracked earth quietly healed, the loose yellow sand began to transform into moist soil, and new seedlings sprouted from the cracks in the ground at a visible speed, with greenery extending all the way from the Starry Territory.

There were no cheers, no screams.

Many people stood there, stunned, staring at the suddenly unfamiliar world, as if they hadn't yet reacted. Until someone's weapon clattered to the ground.

As if waking from a dream, the crowd erupted in cheers. Some even rushed out of the barrier, knelt down, trembling as they stroked the soft, damp grass beneath their feet, buried their faces in the earthy, moist breeze, and wept uncontrollably.

Lin Nanxing stood atop the highest watchtower in the Star Territory, gazing at the world gradually turning lush and green, and took a deep breath.

Shu Yi gently placed his hand on her shoulder.

“It’s all over,” he said.

“No,” Lin Nanxing shook his head, looking at the vast land beneath his feet, a land in need of rebuilding yet brimming with vitality, and a sense of amusement appeared in his eyes.

"The new game has just begun."

-----------------------

Author's Note: Nanxing's story ends here. Although I started writing it in August, I actually started writing about the swimming pool back in April.

After eight months, seeing the swimming pool series surpass 1,000 views during its serialization, and now reach 3,000 views, I, the humble author, am already very satisfied. Nanxing's story has, in my opinion, reached a perfect conclusion. I applaud myself!

I'm a sentimental person, and I want to try every channel. Next, I'll be exploring the ancient romance channel. Wish me luck! [heart emoji]

Next book: "The Princess Doesn't Understand Romance (Rebirth)"

Princess Chang Le, Shen Yao, is well-educated and reasonable, but she has a harmless little quirk: people with outstanding appearances receive special favors from her.

Everyone knows that although there are many beautiful people, Her Highness the Princess prefers gentle and refined gentlemen.

Xiang Tingxuan, the grandson of General Zhenbei, followed his maternal grandfather to the frontier to guard the border since childhood. A battle at Pingguan made him famous. When he returned to the capital, his handsome face immediately made him the dream lover of many noble ladies in the capital.

After arriving in the capital, Xiang Tingxuan acted out of character, wearing a blue robe and white hat, looking more like a scholar than a general.

Finally, he saw the person he had been longing for in the palace, only to find that the person was sitting on a palanquin, staring down at him for a long time, and said with a smile, "Young general, military uniform suits you best."

*

Princess Chang Le, Shen Yao, as the eldest daughter of Emperor Qing, should have lived a life of peace, happiness, and prosperity, just as her title suggested. However, her final fate was that Emperor Qing died of poisoning, the dynasty changed, and she and her maternal clan were branded as traitors, turning from palace jewels into pariahs.

Such is the fleeting and elusive favor of an emperor.

On her deathbed, Shen Yao watched as her husband helped the heavily pregnant princess of the new dynasty, who was also her beloved cousin, walk up to her. Only then did she realize the truth.

As everyone knows, when Princess Chang Le came of age, she openly fell into the water at the Qionglin Banquet, which damaged her appearance. She then married the newly appointed top scholar, and the two lived in harmony and mutual respect after their marriage.

It turns out that all of this was a conspiracy from the very beginning.

After drinking a cup of poisoned wine, in the last moment before she closed her eyes, Shen Yao only had time to see the youngest general in the history of the country, dressed in military uniform, his face covered in blood, tearfully and carefully embracing her gradually cooling body, before picking up a spear and committing suicide in front of her.

When Shen Yao opened her eyes again, it was the day the imperial examination results were announced, three days before the Qionglin Banquet.