NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Chapter 8: East Sea City, Ouyang Jian
In the early morning, a black sedan pulled up outside the Aolai City orphanage. Inside, a stranger with a warm smile sat in the guest lounge, with Jing Ziyuan seated respectfully beside him.
The man was Zhao Wuxie, the administrative officer of Aolai City. Since Aolai was a small fourth-tier city under the Federation's jurisdiction, its chief official was known as an administrative officer rather than a city lord.
Even so, Zhao Wuxie was a genuine Spirit Elder with four rings and held a prestigious purple rank within the Sun-Moon Federation.
After finishing his morning routine, Jing Shaoyu entered the lounge.
"Officer, this is Jing Shaoyu," Jing Ziyuan introduced, standing and guiding Jing Shaoyu over. "A-Yu, this is our Aolai City's Administrative Officer. Greet him."
"Good morning, Officer," Jing Shaoyu greeted him politely.
"Hello." Zhao Wuxie smiled kindly, standing up. "I hear you possess innate full soul power—what a blessing! May I see your spirit?"
"Of course!" Jing Shaoyu agreed, activating his Primordial Elf spirit.
Zhao Wuxie's eyes lit up, a thrilled expression crossing his face. "Such potent life energy—truly a top-tier spirit!"
He stepped closer, placing a hand on Jing Shaoyu's shoulder before encouraging him to retract his spirit. "You're very lucky, child. I hope you'll visit Aolai City often in the future."
Jing Shaoyu tilted his head, puzzled, but after thinking it over, he understood and replied, "I will!"
"Great!" Zhao Wuxie replied, pleased. "Now let's get going. We'll be meeting the city lord this afternoon, so time is tight!"
With that, he led the way out, with Jing Ziyuan and Jing Shaoyu following closely.
As they walked through the courtyard, Na'er came running out, wrapping her arms around Jing Shaoyu. "Big Brother, I want to come too!"
"Alright!" Jing Shaoyu agreed instinctively, then immediately looked nervously at Jing Ziyuan and Zhao Wuxie. "Is that okay?"
Though Jing Ziyuan seemed disapproving, Zhao Wuxie chuckled and nodded, "She can come along; there's enough room in the car."
"Thank you!" Jing Shaoyu sighed in relief, grateful.
Jing Ziyuan's expression softened, though she shot Na'er a warning look, clearly displeased with her insistence. Na'er, however, looked utterly unbothered, clinging to Jing Shaoyu with a triumphant smile.
Aolai City lay nearly a hundred kilometers from East Sea City, the journey taking three to four hours by soul car. During the drive, Zhao Wuxie focused on driving, with Jing Ziyuan in the passenger seat, and Jing Shaoyu and Na'er in the back. Jing Shaoyu couldn't help but find it odd that a county-level official and Spirit Elder would drive his own car while carrying his subordinate and two kids. He wasn't sure if it was Zhao Wuxie's friendly nature or if he had an ulterior motive.
They arrived smoothly at East Sea City, and the car drove directly into the city administration office. After a brief check, they were led to the city lord's office, where they met the city lord, Ouyang Jian.
As one of the Sun-Moon Federation's top eighteen cities, East Sea City was classified as a second-tier city, and its chief official held the title of city lord, with the administration commonly referred to as the city lord's mansion.
"Zhao Wuxie from Aolai City greets the City Lord!" Zhao Wuxie respectfully bowed before Ouyang Jian.
"Greetings, City Lord!" Jing Ziyuan followed suit.
Since Jing Shaoyu and Na'er were children, they weren't required to adhere to formalities, so Jing Shaoyu took the opportunity to study the city lord.
Ouyang Jian was a stern-looking elderly man with graying hair, a goatee, and piercing eyes that matched his name, sharp like a sword. He waved his hand, saying, "No need for formalities. I remember you, Zhao Wuxie, with the Diamond Bear Spirit, correct?"
"Yes, that's me!" Zhao Wuxie replied, straightening up with a hint of pride. "Although, I've yet to break through my current level and have disappointed both you and the administration's support."
"No need for modesty," Ouyang Jian replied with a wave. "I've read your report. Which of these children has innate full soul power?"
As Ouyang Jian's gaze fell on Jing Shaoyu and Na'er, his sharp expression softened a bit. After all, who doesn't like adorable children—especially when there were two of them.
"City Lord, this is Jing Shaoyu," Zhao Wuxie introduced, his excitement barely contained. "This is his guardian and our city clerk, Jing Ziyuan."
"Hello, City Lord Grandpa!" Jing Shaoyu greeted him sweetly, his wide eyes radiating innocence.
"Hello, child!" Ouyang Jian smiled, charmed. "I hear you have innate full soul power. Would you show me your spirit?"
"Sure!" Jing Shaoyu promptly activated his Primordial Elf spirit.
"This…" A mix of awe and joy spread across Ouyang Jian's face as he laughed heartily. "A top-tier spirit, indeed! The heavens favor East Sea City!"
Ouyang Jian's laughter filled Zhao Wuxie with excitement, and Jing Ziyuan's tense expression finally eased. From Ouyang Jian's reaction, it was clear he held Jing Shaoyu in high regard.
"Alright, child, you can retract your spirit," Ouyang Jian said kindly before returning to his seat. He looked at Zhao Wuxie approvingly, "Well done, Zhao. You handled this perfectly!"
"All thanks to your guidance, City Lord!" Zhao Wuxie replied, his voice trembling with excitement.
"Jing Ziyuan, is it?" Ouyang Jian turned to her with a smile. "Forgive my familiarity—may I call you Xiao Jing? You've raised a fine child. What's your current position in Aolai City? Would you be interested in a transfer to East Sea City?"
"Ah?" Jing Ziyuan looked momentarily stunned.
"City Lord, Ms. Jing here is the head of the Aolai City Orphanage," Zhao Wuxie explained quickly. "She's here hoping you could promote her so she can buy a high-quality soul spirit for A-Yu."
"Perfect," Ouyang Jian laughed, understanding immediately. "The administration office just happens to have an opening for a department director. Xiao Jing, consider it yours."
"Thank you, City Lord!" Jing Ziyuan exclaimed gratefully, finally understanding his intentions.
"No need to thank me; you deserve it." Ouyang Jian waved off her gratitude and turned to Zhao Wuxie. "Zhao, take Xiao Jing to complete her transfer and any necessary formalities."
"Yes, right away!" Zhao Wuxie agreed. "Ms. Jing, let's go."
"But… what about A-Yu?" Jing Ziyuan asked, concerned.
"No need to worry," Ouyang Jian reassured her. "I'll personally take him to select a soul spirit in East Sea City. As an innate full soul power user, the city will provide him with a yellow-level soul spirit free of charge."
"Wouldn't that be troubling you, City Lord?" Jing Ziyuan asked, a bit embarrassed.
"Oh, come on, Ms. Jing! Let's get to those formalities!" Zhao Wuxie felt a headache coming on and quickly guided her toward the door.
"A-Yu, be sure to follow the city lord and don't wander off!" Jing Ziyuan called back as she was ushered out.
"Got it!" Jing Shaoyu replied.
"Haha, good kid. Let's be on our way!" Ouyang Jian laughed,
clearly fond of Jing Shaoyu.
"Alright!" Jing Shaoyu took Na'er's hand and followed Ouyang Jian.