Page 533

Upon learning of the expansion of the economic and trade zone in Liyue Outer City, they scrambled to move in. They also actively cooperated with the 'Penguin Logistics' companies operating across the country to build logistics storage warehouses in the large mobile cities.

With local logistics and storage warehouses, the speed at which buyers receive their orders will be greatly improved.

The ten-yuan shipping fee per order was too much for private companies to handle. As they gradually withdrew, the entire logistics market was monopolized by capitalists and Tencent Logistics. Even so, people still found things cheaper than before. A true win-win situation for both buyers and sellers was achieved.

Losses incurred in physical stores are recouped through online transactions. Capitalists who benefit from this no longer need to hire online trolls to spread malicious rumors or engage in other underhanded tactics.

After all, you can't afford to mess with Zhongli, the God of Wealth.

Shi Lei never looks at the evaluations of himself in the Liyue community or on forums. He is content with his life now, spending his days with his loved one and occasionally playing mahjong with friends.

In May 1099, Niyan gave birth to a daughter for Shi Lei.

She has white hair and red eyes like her mother, as well as glossy black horns. Apart from the horns, her other physical characteristics are more human-like. It can be inferred that she will definitely be a beauty when she grows up.

Originally, Shi Lei said that if they had a boy, they would name him Shi Ni (Stone Mud) or Shi Yan (Stone Rock). But Texas said that such a name would make the child feel ashamed, so the idea was dropped.

Fortunately, it was a girl. Seeing that Ni Yan's white hair was as white as snow, Shi Lei eventually named her Shi Xue.

In July 1099, Texas gave birth to a son.

However, the child looks very human and shows absolutely no characteristics of the Lupo race.

Shi Lei came up with a bunch of terrible names, all of which were rejected by Texas. Considering the child's lively and energetic nature, and the fact that Shi Lei's true form is a golden dragon, they named him Shi Long (Stone Dragon).

Influenced by the traditional patriarchal values ​​of Terra, Texas secured her position as the principal wife through her sons. Although Shi Lei loved both his eldest daughter and second son equally and showed no personal favoritism, his veteran subordinates tended to side with Texas.

Shi Lei clearly stated that he would treat all his sons equally, but they ignored him. Moreover, most of these elders were acquainted with Texas, so their bias was understandable.

Shi Lei has emphasized many times that the elders all say what they will do and I will do what I will do. Anyway, I'm still young and healthy enough to handle three wives every night. Let them be biased if they want; the matter of establishing an heir is still a long way off.

Knowing she wasn't very popular, Niyan comforted her with Botao's magnanimity. She said she was content just to be with Shilei and didn't care about anything else. As long as the master treated her and her daughter well, she didn't care who inherited the family business.

The shameful things Mud Rock used to do in front of Shi Lei's life-size clay statue in that secret room have now come true. Power and such things are indeed not within her consideration.

Perhaps because of the fragments of the Year Beast, Xi's belly didn't react whether she wore a condom or not. She could draw a child, but that would be too self-deceptive.

Compared to Niyan, Xi has even fewer connections. Although her social anxiety has lessened somewhat, she still doesn't have many friends.

Anyway, Xi is very open-minded; like Niyan, she has no interest in power. She's content with her daily sexual encounters, and if she can't have children, she won't.

And to put it bluntly, Xi had already thought it through when she mustered up the courage to confess. Her greatest advantage as a long-lived being was her lifespan; she was confident she would eventually succeed.

Wealth and power are external things; the care and love of a loved one is Xi's greatest pursuit in this life.

While in Texas and Niyan for postpartum care, Xi learned how to care for two children from a postpartum nanny. She treated Shilong and Shixue as her own children, becoming their third mother.

Xi had met Texas and Mudrock openly and honestly, and even shared the same elixir. Even with their excellent physical condition, they were still somewhat weak after childbirth. Entrusting them to someone they knew well was naturally a great comfort.

This blissful period lasted for more than two years. In December 1101, a distress message from Rhodes Island shattered the long-lost tranquility.

Perhaps it was Shi Lei's heroic act of breaking through the star pod that triggered a sense of crisis among the Hai Si group.

They have evolved rapidly in just two years and recently launched an attack on the Iberian continent.

……

P.S.: The next chapter will be in five days. If I don't finish writing it, there might be a grand finale and a second part.

Chapter 606 The Grand Finale (Part 2)

When Shi Lei received the message, he was making a handmade cake with his wife and daughter in the bakery. The family had just returned from a trip to Dosoles when they received Ines's report.

Texas and Mudrock also showed their mettle in the local competition, taking the top two spots.

This wasn't because of Shi Lei; it was entirely due to their own abilities.

After three years of development, Zhongli's name has become renowned throughout the continent of Terra.

Even in remote countries like Iberia and Sargon, he has many fans.

What Shi Lei has been most worried about over the years is the Temple of Poseidon, whose situation is completely unknown.

He didn't know what the sea spirits inside had evolved into after three years.

Upon learning of Hai Si's unusual behavior, Shi Lei handed the child he was holding to his wife and made a phone call to Anmatalu.

The signal coverage of the first phase of the transnational communication network only covered the Sami Ice Field.

The second phase of the project will fill in the remaining areas, and the signal has now achieved full coverage in Sami.

Anmataru never used a mobile phone before; he communicated with the Sami people through dreams.

In order to stay in touch with Shi Lei at all times, he eventually asked Typhon to help him buy a mobile phone.

"Hello, it's me, Zhongli."

After the call connected, Shi Lei provided intelligence regarding Hai Si's attack on the Iberian continent:

"I forgot to ask last time because I left in a hurry, but I'm going to ask you for a clear answer this time. Can you tell me all the information about Haisi? As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated. The more information you have, the easier it will be to deal with Haisi later."

"Okay, please allow me to think about it."

Anmataru was silent for a moment, then replied:

"HaiSi was a planetary terraforming tool deployed by the Creator when he first arrived on Terra. I am not in charge of this section or project, and I only know some general information."

Sea-Children are beings with a collective consciousness who constantly evolve and adapt to their environment. At that time, the Creator created four primordial Sea-Children, each responsible for a different function.

The first one is responsible for reproduction, using cell division to propagate the Sealings. Only when there are enough Sealings can Terra be terraformed. Otherwise, relying solely on the original Sealings, it's unknown how long it would take.

The second person in charge is responsible for environmental transformation, aiming to make Terra a habitable environment for the Creator.

However, the current marine life has been outside the control of the Creator for tens of thousands of years. Their function of modifying the environment hasn't changed; only the reference point has. The environment they now create is a more suitable breeding ground for the marine life.

The third is responsible for providing nutrition to sustain the daily energy needs of the ever-growing sea brethren population.

Just as humans discover a patch of fertile soil but cannot directly absorb nutrients, they need to grow crops on it and allow the nutrients to be processed before they can be consumed.

I've seen this primordial sea creature before; it resembles a deep blue tree. But whether it possesses any function beyond providing nutrition, I'm not so sure.

This last one, the original Sea Child, is likely related to evolution. It's possible that Sea Child could evolve body parts that are more conducive to its work, depending on its environment.

Mr. Zhongli, I must remind you of this. This information is from ten thousand years ago. As for how Haisi has evolved recently, you will need to verify that yourself.

If you're going to venture deep into Haisi's headquarters, it's best to bring someone with you; you might be pleasantly surprised.

Upon hearing this, Shi Lei asked:

"Who?"

"Doctor, the doctor from Rhodes Island. Whether he has amnesia or not, as long as his fingerprints aren't worn away, it's fine."

"With the nuclear energy supplied by the Creator, the equipment might still be operational. The doctor is the last remaining spark of a previous civilization; going with him might lead to unexpected discoveries."

Once you understand the reason, things will be much easier:

"This intelligence came from Rhodes Island, so calling the Doctor shouldn't be a problem. What about you? Can you go?"

Shi Lei had helped close the stargate from the non-icefield region, for which Sami owed him a debt of gratitude akin to being given a second life. Upon hearing this, Anmatalu agreed without hesitation.

"You toil for this land every day, and I'd like to contribute as well. However, I'm not very good at fighting. Would it be alright if I became your guide?"

For the past three years, Shi Lei has devoted himself to his family, leaving all matters concerning Liyue to his subordinates. He only occasionally approves a few important documents submitted, essentially acting as a hands-off manager.

Hearing Anmatar's praise, he felt a little embarrassed and flicked his nose in response:

"Okay, I'll pick you up tomorrow if nothing unexpected happens. I'll call Rhodes Island to check. I'll hang up now."

After disconnecting the communication, Shi Lei retrieved the Doctor's number from his contacts. Seeing that no one answered after calling more than ten times, he then called Amiya, the leader of Rhodes Island.

Shi Lei needs to understand the situation clearly before he will go to the Iberian coastline to investigate.

Since nearly being defeated by the demon Krezon three years ago, he has become increasingly prudent.

Everyone says that when the sky falls, someone will hold it up, but Shi Lei has unknowingly become that person who holds the sky up.

If he were to fail due to carelessness, there would probably be no one else in the world capable of dealing with the Sea God. Even though Shi Lei's acting skills were sufficient to advance to the True God Realm, he still maintained a cautious attitude.

After he shared alien technology for free three years ago, gaining massive global fame, the amount of role-playing points he earns daily has increased slightly, shortening the time it originally took to reach the maximum by six months.

"Click".

Lost in thought, the call connected. Before Shi Lei could ask any questions, Amiya explained first:

“Mr. Zhongli, are you looking for me because of Haisi? The Doctor and Dr. Kal'tsit have already gone deep into Iberia, where there is no cross-border network signal, so I will have to reply to you later.”

"Yes, it's about Haisi. When is it convenient for you, Doctor? I'll call back then."

Amiya pondered for a moment and then responded:

"I'm sorry, Mr. Zhongli. Almost all of Iberia's ships are currently damaged. I don't know when the Doctor and Dr. Kal'tsit will return."

"Oh, okay, then I'll call later."

Hearing that Shi Lei was about to hang up, she immediately called out to him:

"Hey, please wait a moment, Mr. Zhongli! I have something I'd like to ask you for help with."

He didn't have the habit of agreeing first, and instead asked:

"What is it? Tell me first."

"Two hours ago, Specter and Skadi, two operators who had been recuperating in the medical pod, went missing. According to the intelligence we have, they should have set off for the Saltwind City area of ​​Iberia."

Dr. Kal'tsit once said that they were Deepsea Hunters created using the flesh and blood of the Sea-Beasts to fight them. They might play a crucial role in the future battle against the Sea-Beasts. But we simply don't have enough manpower right now. Could you please find them and bring them to join us?

Skadi?

Shi Lei felt the name sounded familiar, and after a moment's thought, he recognized her. Several years ago, when he participated in the Knights' Tournament in Kazimierz, he had met a cute-looking operator whom Dobermann had mentioned.

Judging from its appearance, it seems to be related to marine life, but it turns out to be a deep-sea hunter modified using marine organisms.

"That's possible, but I need to go to Sami to pick up a guide. I'll be in Saltwind City by tomorrow or the day after at the earliest."

Amiya's elite operators were transferred by Dr. Kal'tsit, and the remaining available operators did not have enough individual strength to penetrate deep into Iberia, so they had no choice but to ask him to come out of retirement:

"It's alright, your willingness to go is a great help. We will settle the relevant payment for you afterward."

"Talking about compensation is too formal. I'm not short of money right now. If they're really useful to Haisi, what's wrong with me making a trip? Once you've contacted the doctor, remember to confirm the meeting place and let me know via text message."

"Okay, thank you for your help, Mr. Zhongli."

After ending his call, Shi Lei called AYA, whose life was fleeting. Thanks to the convenience of international communication networks, he no longer had to worry about not being able to contact anyone.

He arranged to meet AYA in Saltwind City two days later, then hung up the phone and returned to the cake baking workshop.

Texas, keenly aware of the unusual situation, held the child and asked Shi Long:

"What happened?"

Shi Lei used to be a hands-off manager, not reporting ordinary trivial matters unless he encountered trouble.

"The sea creatures along the South China Sea have been very active lately, so I need to go check on the coastline. You all stay home and take good care of the children. I'll be back as soon as I'm done."

Three years had completely erased the aloofness from Texas's features, replacing it with a mature, sweet, and mature charm. She wasn't so easily fooled by Shi Lei's arrangements and offered her differing opinions:

"Don't try to be a hero by yourself. No matter what, we'll go with you through thick and thin."

Upon hearing this, Mud Rock chimed in:

"Yeah, we're not a burden. Helping you deal with the henchmen shouldn't be a problem."

Shi Lei shook his head, politely declining:

"This time the situation is different. The Sea Insects are currently the biggest threat to Terra. If we can resolve this, they will be unable to cause trouble for the next hundred years."

Texas remains steadfast and refuses to back down.

“That’s precisely why we need to stay by your side and offer whatever help we can. We’re husband and wife; what difficulties can’t we face together? I know you’re doing this for our own good, but what we want isn’t just to share wealth and prosperity, but also hardship. We don’t ask to be born on the same day, month, and year, but we ask to die on the same day, month, and year. I…”

"Stop, stop, stop."

Upon hearing this, Shi Lei immediately interrupted:

"What do you mean by 'die'? That's bad luck!"

Don't be fooled by his outward anger; as long as he doesn't firmly refuse, there's still room for maneuver.

After all, they'd been married for three years; they knew each other's strengths and weaknesses. Shi Lei was completely under Texas's control and had no choice but to agree.

"I'll go to Sami to pick up Anmatalu first. You guys get ready, I'll be back tomorrow and we'll set off together."

Seeing that he had changed his mind and agreed, Mudrock cast an admiring glance at Texas.

Both she and Xi have soft and gentle personalities, and only Texas can keep their master in check.

"Go early and come back early, we'll be waiting for you at home."