I have an Apocalypse City

Chapter 578: The Fourth Ring

Early in the morning, Song Jian pushed open the window of his bedroom, and fresh air washed over him.

Before him lay a vast plaza, in the middle of which was a fountain gushing with clear water. Some servants had begun to clean the entire mansion early on.

This was a manor spreading over three hundred acres; such manors were rare in the City of Sin, reserved only for those of high standing.

“I originally thought I would only get a normal residency, but I never expected to gain such a large place. This is almost as big as the land I own in Doomsday City!” Song Jian stood on the castle, overlooking the entire manor as he reflected.

Upon gazing at the estate, Song Jian felt a sudden impulse to relocate his safe house here. After all, the City of Sin is far safer than Doomsday City.

After breakfast, Suoen approached Song Jian, holding a pile of magical materials.

Suoen, now dressed in servant attire, respectfully said to Song Jian, “Master, I have gathered all the materials you need.”

Song Jian had been in the City of Sin for almost a week. On the third day after acquiring this estate, City Lord Lein held a grand knighting ceremony for him. Everyone in the City of Sin knew that a new lord had been born.

Suoen was ecstatic, and for several nights, his excitement had prevented him from getting a good night’s sleep. He now acted as Song Jian’s attendant, serving a distinguished Viscount. Normally, he wouldn’t even have the chance to approach such an influential character.

It took Song Jian half a day to learn the “Magic Rune Array” skill from Qi Yun. Then, he began to set up a defensive magical array around his estate.

The Magic array required numerous materials, some of which were even controlled supplies that ordinary supply stores did not sell. This was when Suoen’s local knowledge came in handy; being well-versed in the city’s alleys, Suoen knew about almost every black market and underground trading area.

It took Suoen only two days to purchase all the materials Song Jian needed.

Song Jian was very pleased. He inspected the magical materials Suoen brought back. Soon, he nodded in satisfaction. The quality of these materials was good, entirely suitable for constructing a magical array that could defend the entire estate.

Having left Doomsday City, Song Jian could not return for the time being. The concealment ring’s usage limit had already been depleted. If he wished to return, he would need to find a transfer gate that could bring him directly back to his safe house. This type of gate was typically set up by the game system, so encountering one relied on luck.

Another method involved the Transmission Array to return to Doomsday City.

However, the main problem was that Doomsday City did not have its own Transmission Array yet. So, for now, Song Jian had to purchase materials to build a Transmission Array in the City of Sin; then, he would have to figure out how to use the in-game mailing system to ask other guild members to build the Transmission Array.

“The materials required for the Transmission Array are all controlled materials!” Song Jian shook his head. He had once asked Annie of the Silver Moon Commerce from the City of Hymns to purchase these materials, but ultimately, she did not succeed.

The Transmission Array and the Magic Tower were the special buildings required to upgrade a safe house to a city. Without the Transmission Array, the safe house could not be upgraded to a city.

“Suoen, here’s a list. I want you to buy the materials on it. Remember, even if it costs a lot or takes a long time, the most important thing is to keep it a secret!” Song Jian handed Suoen a list of materials needed for the transmission array and said solemnly.

Taking the list, Suoen glanced at it. Astonishment flashed across his face, but he didn’t ask any questions and only safely put the list away. He said, “Master, rest assured, as long as these materials can be found in the City of Sin, I will buy them all. I’ll be discreet!”

Song Jian nodded and said, “These are materials for building a transmission array; they are all strictly controlled. You have to be careful!”

Despite his young age, Suoen was well experienced in dealing with such matters, so Song Jian didn’t need to worry for him. Soon, Suoen left the manor with the money Song Jian gave him.

“I’m currently at level 28. Just two levels to go before I reach level 30, at which point I can wear the Golden Ant King Ancestor Set. At that time, I can challenge the first-tier Combat Power!” Song Jian contemplated.

At the thought of the Ant King Ancestor Set, Song Jian was filled with anticipation. This was an epic level set, and wearing it would significantly improve his abilities.

Taken by this thought, Song Jian was eagerly considering heading out of the city to hunt monsters and level up. Suddenly, a servant entered the room and bowed, saying, “Sir, a lady named Anna is here to meet you!”

“Anna?” Song Jian was taken aback, then promptly responded, “Please let her in.”

Before long, Anna, dressed in a white dress, came in. Seeing Song Jian, a smile spread across her face, “Song Jian, are you settling in well here?”

“I’m fine, thank you for your concern!” Song Jian bowed his head. Ever since he moved into the Viscount’s mansion, he hadn’t had any contact with Anna. However, he still paid attention to her whereabouts as the epic level quest on his plate was closely related to her.

Ever since all of City Lord Lai Yin’s children were killed by the Blood Queen, Anna had moved into the City Lord Mansion. It also seemed like Anna had not yet disclosed her job class as a Life Priest.

“I came here because I have something that requires your help,” Anna got straight to the point.

Song Jian felt a stirring in his chest. It seemed like the fourth phase of the epic quest was about to begin.

Seeing Anna’s hopeful expression, Song Jian quickly nodded, “No problem. I’ve been looking for something to do.”

Anna clapped her hands to her chest in relief, “I was worried that you might be too busy after becoming a Viscount. With your help, I feel so much more assured.”

“What is the problem? Can you explain the situation to me first?” Song Jian asked.

“This time, it’s about my profession advancement. I need to gather a Bloodline Vine flower from the Mysterious Garden. With the Bloodline Vine flower, I can use the power of the Goblet of Life to improve my constitution and breakthrough to the next realm!” Anna said solemnly.

“Mysterious Garden?” Song Jian’s brows furrowed. The name was strange and unfamiliar to him. He had never heard of it before.

“The Mysterious Garden is a secret location not far from the City of Sin, located in a valley of Thunder Beast Mountain. However, it lies within the territorial reach of the Minotaur Black Hoof Tribe. These beastmen are very wary of humans, we need to approach with caution,” Anna explained.

System: Anna has issued the fourth phase of the epic quest to you: Gather Bloodline Vine Flowers. Do you accept?

“A secret location? The Black Hoof Tribe? I might even run into an old friend,” Song Jian smiled, “No problem, Anna. I’m ready to leave anytime and accompany you to the Mysterious Garden at Thunder Beast Mountain.”

…