Versatile Mage: Starting with the White Tiger Pendant

Near the Huangpu River in Magic City, a middle-aged man with a sturdy build, thick beard, and wearing a councilor's robe stood tall, gazing solemnly at the fifty-meter-high surging waves in the distance.

His face was grim, exhaustion clearly etched upon it. He had been standing here for three days and nights without rest, directing the defense efforts for every ferry, dam, and river.

From time to time, subordinates rushed in with urgent reports—one bad news after another, each presenting a new challenge to solve.

"Councilor Zhu Meng, manpower is critically lacking at the Hengliaojing ferry. We need reinforcements."

"The injured mages have been sent to the rear, but we're severely short on healing mages, and blood serums are running low."

"There aren't enough Earth Element mages at the Shuliao Dam, and the structure is on the verge of collapse, with water already spilling out."

"The crocodile demons that infiltrated the outskirts of Magic City have gone rampant, hiding in the sewers. We're requesting specialized mages to clear them out."

Zhu Meng frowned. Even though he felt irritated, he suppressed his emotions, systematically issuing orders to ensure that every aspect was addressed. He managed to turn limited resources into a fully functioning system.

Under his exceptional leadership, the situation along the Yangtze River near Magic City stabilized. Next came steady progress—eliminating crocodile demons, controlling floods, and reinforcing the dams.

Beside him stood a tall female officer with shoulder-length blonde hair. Her sharp aquiline nose, deep-set eyes, and commanding presence exuded an androgynous beauty, making her strikingly charismatic.

Nan Jue was sent by the Southern Military District to intern under Councilor Zhu Meng. The southern region often faced flooding, and Zhu Meng, a nationally renowned pragmatist, was the perfect mentor.

These days, despite being exhausted, Nan Jue had honed her abilities considerably, with her Plant Element breaking through to mid-tier, second level.

A ghostly wail suddenly echoed in the air. Both Zhu Meng and Nan Jue turned toward the source of the sound. They stood on the rooftop of a naval shipyard's pavilion—a massive fortress-like structure that served as both a repair dock and a barrier checkpoint.

Within the shipyard's reservoir, a white river dolphin spouted water and emitted low cries. Its sleek, round body glistened like a polished pearl, exuding a chubby and adorable charm.

Zhu Meng's face darkened with displeasure. "These are the very creatures that attracted the Crocodile Dragon Monarch's greed, forcing us humans to protect them and triggering this unseasonal flood. And now we're left to clean up the mess—what a joke!"

Hearing this, the nearby officers exchanged uneasy glances. Among them was a disheveled middle-aged mage dressed like a fisherman. Scratching his head indifferently, he retorted, "You'll regret it when the time comes."

He paused before adding, "The current turmoil within the Yangtze River Demon Kingdom has given the white sturgeon (PaddleFish) demons a chance to cleanse their rivals—the [White Yangtze River Dolphins]. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Both are rare water-controlling demon clans, but the dolphins are far gentler and friendlier to humans. Protecting these survivors isn't just about maintaining balance; it's also about preparing for the future. We can use them to counter the sturgeons—fight demons with demons."

The middle-aged mage grew more animated as he spoke. "One day, we could develop a second beast-taming force on par with the Heavenly Eagles. With one ruling the skies and the other the waters, we'd have unmatched homeland security!"

"Don't forget, the oceans cover over 70% of the world's surface. Factor in rivers, and the proportion is even higher. Water is the foundation of all life. I predict that future threats will inevitably arise from the seas!"

"If a water-controlling demon clan sides with us, it will greatly aid our warriors."

The mage concluded firmly, "It's worth saving them. Among the many water-demon species, few are as docile as this one."

Zhu Meng sneered, dismissing the argument. "Fight demons with demons? Demons can't be trusted! How many times have humans nurtured demon clans, only to be betrayed? How many times must we learn this lesson?"

"For years, China has invested countless resources in raising demon species, and what do we have to show for it?"

"I say, as long as it's within human territory, any demon with the potential to threaten us should be eliminated! Instead of wasting resources on them, we should invest in human mages. Stronger mages would have more than compensated for any losses!"

The middle-aged mage fell silent, unwilling to argue further.

Nan Jue, sensing the tension, tactfully offered Zhu Meng a cup of hot water. "Councilor Zhu, you haven't slept in days. Have some water and take a break."

Zhu Meng took the cup, exhaled deeply, and sat down. As his anger subsided, he glanced at the middle-aged mage, still brooding. If not for their deep camaraderie—this mage had once saved Zhu Meng at great personal cost—he might have lashed out.

Pointing at the white river dolphins in the reservoir, Zhu Meng grumbled, "Protect them? For what? There are only a handful left—they're practically an endangered species. How many centuries would it take to breed thousands of them? And how much would it cost?"

"Even if we trained them into something like the Heavenly Eagles, their loyalty isn't guaranteed. Without absolute submission, they'd never pass the higher-ups' approval. And how long would it take to train them? Could you ensure they won't rebel?"

The officers in the command room remained silent.

"Forget it." Zhu Meng finally calmed down. "This isn't entirely their fault. Even without the white dolphins, the Crocodile Dragon Monarch would've attacked."

"Damn it, stuck handling all this instead of hunting down that Crocodile Monarch myself. Ridiculous."

With that, Zhu Meng set down his cup and leaned back, closing his eyes for a brief rest. Most tasks had been delegated, and the established systems ensured that operations would continue smoothly.

Understanding Zhu Meng's exhaustion, Nan Jue and the others quietly left, leaving him to rest.

The middle-aged mage hesitated briefly before murmuring, "Thank you," and then exited.

Unknowingly, several hours passed.

Zhu Meng woke groggily to find Nan Jue still by his side. Startled, he straightened up and surveyed the shipyard, relieved to see it secure. He asked gravely, "How long have I been asleep? What's the current situation?"

"About three hours," Nan Jue replied respectfully. "You can rest a bit longer, Councilor. Things are under control, and the situation has significantly improved."

"Forget it." Zhu Meng frowned, donned his coat, and began reviewing his previous orders and intelligence reports.

He wanted to ensure his earlier decisions weren't made in haste and that no critical issues had been overlooked.

As he read through the reports, Zhu Meng nodded, finding that most plans were on track. Yet, a nagging sense of unease lingered.

Frowning, he reviewed all the intelligence again. The more he read, the deeper his concern grew.

Finally, Nan Jue noticed his change in demeanor and, eager to learn, asked, "Councilor, is something wrong?"

"Hiss!" Zhu Meng took a sharp breath. "It's a big problem. Have you seen any reports from the [Songjiang Ferry] in the past three days and nights?"

"Songjiang Dam?" Nan Jue echoed, recalling the network of ferries and dams she had memorized. As the realization struck her, cold sweat broke out. Her voice trembled as she answered, "No… not a single report!"

[For additional chapters....

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Douluo Dalu:This Soul Master is to Weird {30 Chapters}

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