Lighting Lanterns in the Mountains and Seas

"Heh heh, why are we suddenly discussing marriage here?"

Wu Jinliang's laughter suddenly echoed, and accompanying it was Tong Mingshan.

The reason for the two to be here is quite similar to Young Master Nan; it's because they know the Dingnan Prefecture reached its one billion population cap and paused population introduction.

The issue is that their Dingxi Prefecture and Dingbei Prefecture still have vacancies. Now that they're in this position, if there's any hope of holding on, no one wants to give it up. After all, it concerns not only the two but also other members of the original Mingshan Sect, and if they can't hold onto their Commander positions, those in City Lord positions might not be secure either.

The two came over to see if the population Dingnan Prefecture can't absorb could be possibly drawn to their sides. Seeing the bustling scenes in Dingnan Prefecture makes them quite envious.

Yet, reality is cruel. Knowing their intention, Shi Chun could only shake his head.

There's no choice. Each division must reach a billion-population target to complete its task. If they only introduce a small amount, it's better not to introduce them at all. If they complete the task and reach the full quota, the financial resources won't suffice. If the advances double again, Young Master Nan's side really won't be able to handle it.

Facing such a situation, Wu Jinliang and Tong Mingshan could only begrudgingly accept reality

Three months have passed in the blink of an eye, and the prosperity within the various cities of Dingnan Prefecture only grew. Shi Chun once again came to the Domain Master Mansion to demand the Heavenly Court fulfill their promise.

One or two months ago, the population he had quarantined over there was already fully released, meaning they had met the one billion population requirement, hence the demand for the Heavenly Court to fulfill their promise and provide the said reward.

He found it hard to bypass Manxi because there was no Star Lord above Manxi, and Manxi reported directly to the Heavenly Court. A small character like him couldn't even enter the gate of the Heavenly Court and could only apply through the hierarchy.

However, how could Manxi simply agree to run around for him for this matter, considering there's talk that the billion-population in Dingnan Prefecture wasn't fully scrutinized as per the real procedure? It was merely the Heavenly Court granting special privileges for now. Once the formal procedure is complete, surely more unqualified people will be weeded out. You're still yet to finish the task. When you truly finish, the Heavenly Court will officially announce it. There's no way it won't be yours, so why rush?

Shi Chun could not refute the other party's argument, for they made a valid point.

This time, however, was different. Including some subsequent populations that entered, his territory had reached one billion and twenty million. With these marginal figures as backup, any who are later disqualified should still leave him covered, right?

However, Manxi didn't fall for this lineup. Adhering strictly to the rules, he asked for the Heavenly Court's scrutiny first, saying that the three-year deadline hadn't reached its end yet, so there was time.

This approach was of no help from Manxi, and Shi Chun had to depart sulkingly.

Seeing Mo Hei returning after 'seeing off' the guest, Manxi casually inquired, "Left?"

"Yes, already departed, but the entourage was quite grand, always accompanied by a bunch of guards no matter where he goes." Mo Hei snorted before puzzledly adding, "Why is he in such a hurry? After the three-year term ends, the task he completed first won't vanish. Is he hankering to go dig a gold mine on the Yanfu Continent?"

Manxi sneered, "Maybe, or he's eyeing the Xun Gate. Due to the specifications of the Heavenly Domain, it provided an extra gate directly connecting to the Heavenly Capital. If that Xun Gate lands first in his place, making traveling to Heavenly Capital convenient, his development speed will naturally hasten. How could I let him get his way?"

Mo Hei sighed, "The fellow has the skills, but it's too much already."

He felt it's a pity it threatened their side; otherwise, having such a subordinate would absolutely be advantageous, with great potential for usefulness.

Manxi: "Whether he can or not doesn't concern us; we just need to focus on doing our own tasks. How's the population introduction rate at Dongguo Shou's side?"

Mo Hei: "It's the same old story, as of now, under twenty million, similar to our numbers, showing no surge. However, after half a year, our growth speed is also slowing down. At this rate, achieving one billion and surpassing Shi Chun by the term-end seems practically impossible."

Manxi calmly said, "Shi Chun is not a problem. Not to mention whether he can fill such a huge gap, the higher-ups already have strategies in place, bringing in so many poor people, the subsequent tax revenue becomes the biggest flaw, providing grounds for attack from various sides. Therefore, even at most it's just taking advantage of a loophole to finish the task. Even if he passes, it can't be said he truly won."

Mo Hei comprehended and attempted to ask, "So that means, the contest between you and Dongguo Shou remains?"

Manxi nodded slightly, "The Heavenly Court also doesn't want us to stop now, as they enjoy watching us compete. After all, the Heavenly Court is the biggest benefactor from the thriving rush among us..."

Departing from the Domain Master Mansion, Shi Chun did not return to Dingnan Prefecture. Instead, he left directly from the Heavenly Domain, transitioned via the Heavenly Capital, and headed straight for Nanshan Royal City to visit Bowan Building's pivotal base in Nanshan, seeking an audience with Miao Dingyi.

Since Manxi was dragging things on, he could only approach Miao Dingyi for help.

This time, Miao Dingyi did not refuse the meeting. Shi Chun was lucky enough to ascend directly to the core of the place, while his retinue naturally had no chance to enter, all stopped outside the building.

After the formal pleasantries, Shi Chun wasted no time appreciating the views outside, and promptly clarified his intention.

Miao Dingyi, sitting gracefully behind the case, frowned after hearing, "Yours won't escape you, completing the comprehensive review indeed takes time. Given so many people, by the end of the three-year term, achievements will naturally manifest. Why rush this moment?"

At this point, Shi Chun realized he could no longer hide the truth, first taking a look at the room's environment.

Miao Dingyi said, "Rest assured, no outsiders here, speak freely."

Yet, Shi Chun maintained his caution, moving close to the case's edge, he whispered, "Sir, there's no way. If the matter isn't settled, I won't receive the reward. Without the reward, I can't fill that multi-billion gap of mine. I must seize time."