Just then, Wang Mu posted in the chat channel.
"It was a personal grudge between Lord Gu Ning and Noxina, not about looting supplies—I was there." Though Wang Mu didn't know the exact reason, he refused to believe Gu Ning would kill for loot, or he wouldn't have survived. He attached a photo of Gu Ning and Windsor casting spells on a sea beast, taken secretly during a hunt and now proving timely.
"Is that Lord Gu Ning? He's pretty handsome!"
"Anyone notice the woman beside him? Gorgeous—goddess-level!"
"Looks over substance, people! Focus on their power! They use magic!"
The photo triggered a frenzy of messages.
"Hmph, maybe you're his托儿," Wakana Kazuki sneered, but was quickly mocked. Everyone knew if Gu Ning had truly wanted loot, he'd have silenced Wang Mu instead of letting him live.
"Idiot, Wakana's just jealous."
"Wish I'd tagged along with Lord Gu Ning..."
"Thanks to the Lord, I earned extra white stones today!" Wang Mu seized the chance to promote Gu Ning. "We even traded—he's incredibly generous, never haggles!"
Gu Ning felt slightly awkward—while he'd hoped for promotion, Wang Mu's "no haggling" comment might complicate future deals. Hmm, he decided, I'll still haggle. Pride isn't worth money.
"Wang Mu, how strong is Lord Gu Ning?"
"Is that beauty a powerful hero?"
Curiosity surged, even from Wakana, Danton, and Bai Xue. After a pause, Wang Mu—sure Gu Ning hadn't forbidden it—shared vaguely:
"Absolutely. The beauty's a legendary hero; she took down a purple sea beast like it was nothing. I'll never forget that fight." He omitted specific levels.
Gu Ning smiled. Though unbothered by others knowing his strength, he appreciated Wang Mu's discretion. Amidst envy and惊叹 (惊叹), he settled into a comfortable pose, hugging Windsor to sleep.
Day 4
Gu Ning opened his eyes to meet Windsor's pale golden ones, staring intently. She quickly shut them, pretending to sleep.
"Don't pretend—I saw you. Look all you want; I don't charge. But..." he teased.
Windsor blushed, mortified at being caught. Yet curiosity won out, and she peeked: "But what, my lord?"
Gu Ning gazed at her face so close, feeling her breath.
"But you owe me a kiss." He leaned down, pressing his lips to hers, then laughed and rose to dress, leaving her buried in the quilt, shy yet giddy, fingers brushing her lips as a smile stole over her face.
After ordering breakfast from Molly, Gu Ning washed up, collected flour and water, and refilled the seawater converter. He grabbed his fishing rod and stool, heading to the gallery. Huohuo fluttered to his shoulder, looking exhausted from last night's work. He offered her the amethyst.
"Eat up, then rest."
Huohuo hugged the fist-sized crystal, breathing flames to melt it, licking the purple liquid with a contented hum. Gu Ning smiled—her innocence was oddly healing.
His rod jerked; he reeled in a silver chest. Inside: a wooden barrel overflowing with fruits, dozens of pounds worth. He bit into an apple, handing one to each civilian.
"Thank you, my lord," they chorused, grinning.
Gu Ning knew civilian loyalty wasn't maxed, though invisible—Heavenly Mother's test for new lords. He didn't worry; heroes would manage his future territory anyway.
As they ate, Windsor acted composed, but her fleeting glances and pink ears betrayed her. After breakfast, they shared more fruit, storing the rest in the warehouse. Originally planning to use Windsor for ship charging, Gu Ning instead let Huohuo handle it, freeing Windsor for fishing—her Level 12 rod yielded better loot.
Five people, five stools, five rods. One extra rod lay unused, requiring a hand to operate. Huohuo, now fed, nestled against his neck and dozed off.