Published: February 10, 2025
In the apocalypse, not only life is changing, but also the climate.
Some places have become warmer, while others have turned cold.
Although such changes only occur in a few regions with unique terrains.
In a valley in the east, the temperature is surprisingly low. From the peaks on both sides, it looks like a barren land covered in solid ice.
Yet beneath this solid ice is an enormous human base.
This is the headquarters of the five rings society.
Around a large circular table sit four people, each spaced evenly apart, dividing the round table into four equal sections.
In front of them, besides a few glasses of red wine, are several sheets of white paper filled with content.
“The charging of the brightwater realm is nearing completion, and we can open it as planned. The Brightwater Feast can proceed as scheduled without any issues,” said a woman dressed in a white robe.
Her appearance is not breathtaking, but rather pleasant to the eye, with the most notable feature being her beautiful skin, which is healthily fair and smooth to an almost unbelievable extent.
Her slender fingers lightly tapped on the white paper on the table, and upon closer examination, each time she tapped, a faint blue halo would appear at the point of contact, rippling outward like water waves.
The other individuals present all focused intently, with a shared thought arising in their minds: this woman has improved her strength.
“Since Xiao Shui’s brightwater realm is ready, shouldn’t our funds be in place as well? The house needs to have money; otherwise, it won’t work.”
The speaker was a young man sitting opposite the woman known as Xiao Shui. He nonchalantly held a large dagger while picking at his nails, with his legs propped up on the table, occasionally shaking them.
As he spoke, his gaze fell on the elderly man to his left.
“Although our royal guild has faced setbacks this year, we can still come up with this amount of money!”
The elderly man sitting there was the president of the royal guild, but at this moment, his mask was missing.
“Now our five rings society is facing comprehensive competition with the Ogre Chain and is already at a disadvantage. It is a time for unity against a common enemy; everyone must understand our current situation.”
Another middle-aged man who had been silent crossed his arms and spoke solemnly.
The other three fell silent upon hearing this, even the previously nonchalant young man’s expression grew serious, clearly indicating the immense pressure the Ogre Chain had put on the five rings society.
“With Steward Tong absent, busy with the Brightwater Feast preparations outside, we at home must not fail at the groundwork, as we would be laughed at.”
The man continued, further thickening the atmosphere in the room.
“Alright, let’s discuss the invitations. The second page has a preliminary draft of the list; everyone take a look. If there are no objections, we will send it out according to this.”
The only female steward said as she flipped to the second page, which outlined the invitees for the Brightwater Feast. For the five rings society, these individuals are the financial backers, their primary clientele, and the key to whether the Brightwater Feast can be profitable.
“If the invitees have all been identified, it’s time to send out the invitations, as failing to open the brightwater realm after it fills will also consume energy.”
The young man nodded, straightening his posture, and carefully examined the list of invitees.
“I have no objections.”
The president of the royal guild glanced at the list before stating his position and even nodded at the water steward who drafted the list.
“I have some objections.”
The young man suddenly spoke, “I think there are omissions in this list.”
The water steward and the president of the royal guild turned to him, with the former asking, “Steward Bai, who was missed?”
The young Bai steward did not answer directly but looked at the middle-aged man of significant status: “Elder Ouyang, I heard that the manager from Peak Mountain returned only to be killed by you. Is that true?”