Chapter 9: The Larger Village, More Trapped People

Upon entering the operation room of the Dragon Long Car, Li Bin saw Bai Lingyu with a face full of worry. The moment Li Bin entered, Bai Lingyu handed him a map. "Actually, we have already arrived..."

Li Bin was momentarily stunned but immediately understood Bai Lingyu's implication. "You mean this public village has already been destroyed? Then how many more days can your energy sustain, and where is the nearest village to here?"

"I checked the map earlier. Nearby, there are only two level-3 villages that might remain: one is the natural-system village heading east, and the other is the elemental-system village heading west."

Li Bin pondered for a moment and asked, "Are there any other villages near the elemental-system village?"

"None." Bai Lingyu also understood Li Bin's concern. "You're worried that the elemental-system village might also be wiped out by the dense forest plan?"

"Precisely. This village could be destroyed, and others might face the same fate. The entire northern continent is overrun with forests. I don't believe anything can resist the control of the Green Leaf Everywhere Grand Alliance." Li Bin sighed deeply.

"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're a fresh newcomer from the novice village." Bai Lingyu said coldly.

Li Bin had anticipated Bai Lingyu and the others' skepticism regarding his background, but he hadn't expected it to be brought up here. He replied calmly, "My territory lies a short distance to the south. I cannot allow all my efforts to be ruined by these accursed forests. Therefore, before they fully develop, I must stop them."

"Do you believe you will succeed?" Bai Lingyu inquired once more.

"If we don't attempt it, success will never come." Li Bin uttered a proverb that had circulated for ages.

"I see. Let's head to the natural-system city." Bai Lingyu nodded and made the decision unilaterally.

Facing Bai Lingyu's presumptuousness, Li Bin said nothing more but quietly retreated to the room assigned to him, contemplating everything ahead with composure.

The Dragon Long Car soon halted near the natural-system village. Li Bin was about to lead his troops in a charge when he was halted by Bai Lingyu. She handed him an item and stated, "Please return within twelve hours. Preferably, bring some energy back as well—natural energy used by the natural system will suffice."

Li Bin examined the item and discovered it was a level-7 treasure: human skin, capable of transforming mechanical-system heroes into human or elf forms. Naturally, the undead system could also employ it, though the resentment emanating from their bodies would diminish its efficacy, limiting use to a maximum of twelve hours.

"Why are you doing this?" Li Bin queried in bewilderment.

"I have been declaring daily that we will make the Green Leaf Everywhere Grand Alliance people suffer, yet I have yet to act. Aside from lacking funds, it is because I lack courage. I do not wish to forfeit the progress made thus far. Hence, when you decided to confront them, I sought to assist you. If you fail, I will simply flee; no one would suspect me." Bai Lingyu smiled as she spoke.

Li Bin glanced at Bai Lingyu and nodded in acknowledgment. Then, donning the human skin, he shaped himself into an elven appearance, accompanied by Jie Qika and Jiu Gang, and ascended through the passage from the Dragon Long Car.

Upon entering this natural-system public village, Li Bin's initial impression was that it belonged to the Green Leaf Everywhere Grand Alliance. The village lacked any walls, with numerous buildings erected directly into the surrounding forests, making the once level-3 settlement appear as expansive as a level-5 town.

As he navigated the village, Li Bin sensed countless eyes fixed upon him. However, lacking knowledge of the surroundings, he allowed them to follow for now.

After traversing two street blocks, Li Bin noticed a familiar emblem hanging on a tavern's door. The tavern's location mirrored strikingly the counterfeit tavern utilized by the Dark Guild in Ghost Butterfly City.

Li Bin hesitated briefly before entering with Jie Qika and Jiu Gang. Upon entering, Jiu Gang leaped to the bar and cried out loudly, "Bring me the finest wine here!"

The bartender behind the counter eyed Jiu Gang coldly and retorted, "Do you truly seek the best wine?"

Li Bin, familiar with the Dark Guild's circumstances, swiftly approached and declared, "I require the most authentic wine."

Noticing the peculiar hand signal on Li Bin's hand, the bartender inquired softly, "Could you explain again—what do you need?"

Feeling a magic spell enveloping the area, Li Bin grew bolder. "The situation in the village and the energy required by the mechanical system."

The bartender paused in confusion and asked doubtfully, "Are you a mechanical-system individual?"

"Partly." Li Bin replied, considering his unique abilities.

"Why do you aid the Green Leaf Wherever Grand Alliance?" the bartender pressed.

"I have never aided the Green Leaf Everywhere Grand Alliance." Li Bin's response caused him to leap up, startling everyone in the tavern.

The bartender swiftly pinned Li Bin down. "Apologies, sir, but please do not be agitated. In recent days, we have encountered several other-system players and heroes working for the Green Leaf Everywhere Grand Alliance, necessitating caution."

"Cautious? What do you intend to do?" Li Bin asked sternly.

"I hope you can prove you are not affiliated with the Green Leaf Everywhere Grand Alliance. If you are an enemy, that would be even better." The bartender offered a smile.

Li Bin placed the proof provided by the Dark Guild in Ghost Butterfly City before the bartender. "I believe this should suffice. However, if I am apprehended by the Green Leaf Everywhere Grand Alliance upon exiting, I shall accuse you to the Dark Guild's headquarters."

The bartender accepted the proof without hesitation and fled to the rear chamber. Moments later, he emerged and addressed Li Bin, "Mr. Li, we have verified your identity. Please follow me..."

Li Bin hesitated but followed with Jie Qika. Internally, he pondered the bartender's motives for escorting him to the rear.

Despite preparing for contingencies, upon entering the small chamber, Li Bin was taken aback. Within this less than fifteen-square-meter room sat nearly thirty individuals from various systems, evoking the image of them awaiting a grand task.

Before the bartender could introduce himself, a blonde-haired human stood and said, "No need for introductions. We are members of the resistance organization. Newcomer, tell us if you wish to join us!"