The one who spoke was Xu Yujie, City Lord of the *Red Rock*.
All eyes instantly turned to him, yet he seemed utterly oblivious, his gaze fixed intently on Jiang Zhixu.
Jiang Zhixu nodded, somewhat surprised. “That’s correct. Why? Do you have a grievance with them, City Lord Xu?”
*Bang!*
Xu Yujie slammed the table. “Grievance? It’s more than that! It’s a blood feud! The *Roar* was a dishonorable bastard! Good riddance!”
Then, under the curious gazes of the others, he recounted his grudge with the *Roar* in detail.
It turned out.
Just a few days ago, the *Red Rock* had been fortunate enough to discover a special vein—a Thunder Vein—guarded by a Tier-1 Mutant Beast, the “Thunder Rat King.”
A special vein, even if they couldn’t use the ore themselves, could be sold for a high price once mined.
But with the *Red Rock*’s mediocre combat strength, they stood no chance against a single Tier-1 Mutant Beast.
Let alone one like the Thunder Rat, which could burrow, summon swarms, and launch lightning attacks from underground—incredibly agile.
Thus, they invited the *Roar*, who were still “allies” at the time.
The two cities combined expended dozens of artillery shells and suffered over a dozen casualties to finally slay the Thunder Rat King.
Yet, to their surprise, the Thunder Rat actually dropped a Tier-1 Blueprint!
That’s right—the Thunder Cannon!
At the time, the *Red Rock* was pondering how to divide the blueprint, but Xu Yujie never imagined that the *Roar*, who had just been cooperating so closely, would suddenly turn their cannons and open fire on them!
Fortunately, that shot missed.
But the *Red Rock*’s artillery reserves were nearly depleted, leaving them powerless to retaliate. They could only retreat in disarray, seething with rage.
What happened next, even without Xu Yujie spelling it out, everyone could guess.
—The *Roar*, eager to convert the blueprint into power, didn’t pursue the *Red Rock*. Instead, they immediately began mining on-site and manufactured the Tier-1 Thunder Cannon.
However, knowing full well they couldn’t remain in the area after such betrayal, they transformed themselves and joined a raider organization.
The *Singularity* was likely their first target, but they never expected to kick an iron plate and be ruthlessly obliterated by overwhelming firepower.
“City Lord Jiang, words cannot express my gratitude. You avenged me. I toast to you!”
Xu Yujie seemed genuinely overjoyed. He poured himself a full glass of strong liquor, stood up, and downed it in one gulp.
Jiang Zhixu also raised his glass from across the table in acknowledgment.
Setting down his glass, Xu Yujie added, “The *Roar* has probably already exhausted that vein, but rest assured, City Lord Jiang. The next time I encounter a Thunder Vein, no matter what, I will deliver the news to you immediately!”
Jiang Zhixu smiled and nodded his thanks.
At that moment, the usually taciturn City Lord of the *Iron Guard*, Lei Qing, spoke up in his deep voice:
“Thunder Veins spawn too randomly; we have no information on them. However, we do have intelligence on a Tier-2 Elite Dungeon. I wonder if City Lord Jiang would be interested?”
“Tier-2 Elite Dungeon?”
Jiang Zhixu’s gaze shifted to Lei Qing.
Lei Qing nodded. “Yes, a Tier-2 Elite Dungeon that will soon activate. Unlike regular dungeons, an Elite Dungeon is guaranteed to drop a Tier-2 Customizable Loot Chest!”
The prerequisite for a Tier-2 city is possessing three Tier-2 modification components.
A customizable chest means you can specify a category—such as Lifestyle, Combat, or Modification—for the reward draw!
Obtaining such a chest would directly fulfill one-third of the condition. Naturally, Jiang Zhixu was tempted.
But he didn’t agree immediately. Instead, he calmly countered, “What kind of Elite Dungeon is it that even with your combined strength, you can’t handle?”
Lady Ying chuckled lightly. “While Tier-2 Elite Dungeons are difficult, our combined forces would likely be sufficient under normal circumstances. But this time is different.”
Jiang Zhixu: “I’m listening.”
Lady Ying: “Before an Elite Dungeon activates, it broadcasts its location to all cities within a 300 km radius.
“This time, City Lord Lei Qing received this broadcast while engaged in combat with the raider city *Calamity*.
“The *Calamity* is not a lone wolf; it belongs to a seven-city raider alliance. They will definitely come to seize this prize!”
No one could remain indifferent to a Tier-2 blueprint.
Jiang Zhixu was no exception.
He pondered for a moment before asking the most crucial question: “If I join, how do you plan to distribute that customizable chest?”
The dungeon’s greatest reward is undoubtedly the chest. He saw no need to hide his thoughts.
Qian Wansan answered with a jovial smile. “We have a well-established distribution system based on contribution! After the battle, each party’s contribution is calculated. The highest contributor gains priority selection rights over all loot.
“However, for something as precious as a Tier-2 Customizable Chest, even with priority, the selector must compensate the other allies with a sum of gold coins.”
After careful consideration, Jiang Zhixu nodded. “A reasonable distribution method.”
Qian Wansan: “So, City Lord Jiang, your meaning is—”
“I agree to join.”
Upon hearing this, smiles appeared on everyone’s faces.
Out of curiosity, Jiang Zhixu asked another question. “But if all of you leave Rust Town, how will its security be guaranteed?”
Tens of thousands of people in Rust Town rely on the protection of the five mobile cities.
Once they leave, the town becomes an undefended shell, vulnerable to raids by any raider city.
“No need to worry about that.”
The eldest, Meng Qingcang, spoke up. “I will remain to guard Rust Town. We maintain ten Tier-1 cannons, thirty standard cannons, over thirty Tier-1 shells, and hundreds of standard shells here.
“Add to that a radar capable of detecting enemy movements in advance, plus the town’s mercenaries and adventurer convoys, we can quickly assemble a formidable combat fleet at any time.”
A hint of pride appeared on his aged face. “Over the years, we’ve fortified Rust Town into an iron fortress. Even if several raider cities join forces, they won’t breach it easily!”
…That’s quite the declaration.
Perhaps due to his recent transmigration, Jiang Zhixu still felt somewhat superstitious about such “jinxing statements,” and an uneasy premonition instinctively arose within him.
But objectively speaking, if Rust Town truly possessed such defensive capabilities, it would indeed be impregnable.
Even if Jiang Zhixu’s *Singularity* were to attack, relentlessly firing Tier-1 shells, it would likely be destroyed here!
Thinking this, Jiang Zhixu shook his head, dismissing the chaotic thoughts from his mind.
He looked up and said, “Alright, I understand. When does this dungeon activate, and where is it located? Also, I need to procure some supplies.”
City Lord Lei Qing of the *Iron Guard* replied, “We depart at noon the day after tomorrow. City Lord Jiang can rendezvous with us then. As for the supplies you need, you can provide a list.”
Qian Wansan immediately chimed in, smiling like a Maitreya Buddha. “Indeed! Just give the list to me, City Lord Jiang! Considering our upcoming cooperation, I’ll definitely offer you the most favorable price!”