Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2083.5- Building a base (2)

It was common knowledge that Cloud Peak would eventually launch an assault on the sea creatures, driving them back into the ocean. However, the nation waited with palpable anxiety as Cloud Peak remained inactive for a full month. They only conducted minor skirmishes in localized areas, never deploying more than a hundred thousand troops. Each engagement was brief, lasting no more than two hours, with Cloud Peak withdrawing immediately regardless of the outcome, whether suffering losses or achieving victories.

The people of the country found this prolonged caution baffling. Even with prudence, such extended hesitance seemed unnecessary. Were they anticipating the sea creatures to initiate the attack?

Then, one day, astonishing news swept through the nation.

The reason for Cloud Peak's delay in launching a full-scale offensive was the acquisition of three more supreme life forms. Xia Lei and Xia Bai had both achieved the pinnacle of nine-star evolved beings. Furthermore, Xia Bai's loyal companion, Nine Treasures, had ascended to the ranks of a level-nine warbeast.

By the time they emerged from their transformations, the forces amassed by Cloud Peak along the coastline had surpassed seven million. Numerous external combat teams had also volunteered, eager to join the fray. The imminent clash between terrestrial life and the denizens of the deep for survival was about to commence...

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Lie Jujing, renowned as the most celebrated designer on this survivor fortress, had recently received a peculiar commission. He was tasked with conceptualizing a building complex that was simultaneously a formidable fortress and a monument of breathtaking grandeur and beauty, to be erected on a vacant expanse of land.

Intriguingly, the client's sole requirement was a meticulously detailed virtual architectural blueprint, foregoing any involvement in the construction oversight. This stipulation left Lie Jujing perplexed and somewhat irked.

As a preeminent architectural designer, esteemed even among the Cosmic Races, his primary role was indeed design. Nevertheless, he typically insisted on supervising the construction process to ensure his visionary creations were not distorted by the builders. His architectural philosophy centered on absolute perfection; every orientation, every angle, and even the selection of building materials were critical. A single misstep, he believed, could undermine the entire structure, rendering his design a catastrophic failure.

Under ordinary circumstances, he would have outright refused such a commission. However, two factors presented by the employer swayed his decision. Firstly, the offered payment in Moonspan Gold was extraordinarily generous, double his standard market rate. Secondly, the employer expressed a grand ambition: to transform the conceived building complex into a signature landmark of the survivor fortress. A landmark—was this not the ultimate aspiration of any architectural visionary? Without a landmark, how could one achieve recognition and accolades?

Thus, Lie Jujing accepted the assignment, embarking on the design process in strict adherence to the employer's specifications. Fueled by both financial incentive and professional ambition, Lie Jujing's creative genius ignited. He swiftly completed the conceptualization and initial draft, subsequently refining it based on the employer's feedback until the final blueprint was ready for presentation today.

Gazing upon his completed work, Lie Jujing felt a profound sense of accomplishment, believing this to be the zenith of his career, potentially surpassing any future design. "As per your directives, the construction is segmented into three distinct phases. Each phase is conceptualized as a self-contained project, yet upon completion, they will seamlessly integrate into a unified structure," he explained.

Initially, this phasing requirement puzzled Lie Jujing. With ample funding available, why not undertake the entire construction at once? The rationale behind dividing it into three stages was unclear. Moreover, the stipulation that each completed phase should not reveal the existence of subsequent phases was particularly perplexing.

Later, during a site inspection and some preliminary research, Lie Jujing began to grasp the underlying strategy. His design necessitated a vast area for completion. However, the land in question was currently occupied by several families, with his employer possessing less than a fifth of the total required space. Consequently, to realize the complete design, the employer would need to acquire the remaining land from its current owners. Under such delicate circumstances, it was imperative to maintain discretion to prevent the landowners from artificially inflating prices.

Ye Zhongming surveyed the astonishingly realistic virtual blueprint, nodding in approval. The adage 'you get what you pay for' certainly held true; the caliber of the designer hired with substantial funds was evident. The ingenuity embedded within the design was palpable from a single glance. Following the designer's guidance, Ye Zhongming navigated the holographic interface, zooming in on intricate details. He found himself thoroughly pleased with every aspect.

"Excellent. We will proceed with this design. The outstanding payment will be transferred to you shortly. Thank you for your diligent efforts over these past days; you have certainly earned your rest," Ye Zhongming conveyed, his satisfaction evident.

Clad in his bronze Mask of the Order Leader, Ye Zhongming extended his hand. Lie Jujing, who had encountered him numerous times before, grasped it in a cooperative handshake, though the gesture still felt somewhat unfamiliar.

Perceiving Ye Zhongming's intent to conclude their meeting, Lie Jujing knew his stay must be brief. He bid farewell and began to depart, only to pause at the threshold. With a hopeful tone, he proposed, "Order Leader, will you not reconsider? I stake my reputation and integrity that the construction team I select will be the absolute finest, fully capable of perfectly replicating my design with guaranteed quality and scope. Regarding the cost, rest assured, I will not seek a single cent of personal gain. My sole desire is to personally oversee the construction of my creation."

"You understand, for we architectural designers, this opportunity holds immense significance, and is also quite..."

"Designer Lie Jujing, we have already reached an agreement," Ye Zhongming interjected, cutting off the somewhat insistent designer.

"Yes, we have. I simply cannot fathom why you would preclude my involvement. My presence would not negatively impact your structure; rather, I would serve as its most dedicated overseer, ensuring its absolute flawlessness."

"Apologies, but I truly do not require it. Perhaps, should another opportunity arise for us to collaborate in the future, you may then participate."

Ye Zhongming politely saw him out, yet his refusal remained firm, delivered with a smile.

"Very well, the client's wishes are paramount." Lie Jujing conceded defeat with a sigh. After taking a few steps, he halted once more, inquiring with solemnity, "May I inquire as to the reason?"

Ye Zhongming contemplated for a moment before nodding. "Your design will be brought to life by the Su Clan themselves."

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Having seen off the architect, Cheng Liujin and White Robe materialized together within his chambers.

"Eager to commence constructing your personal sanctuary?" White Robe, now completely at ease with Ye Zhongming, treated the room as his own. He settled into a chair, unceremoniously opened a container on the table, retrieved a delicate, small flask, unscrewed it, and took a drink.

Ye Zhongming had never been one to endure hardship. In the estimation of both Cheng Liujin and White Robe, his lifestyle was rather too refined.

There was little alternative; these were habits ingrained during his upbringing at Cloud Peak, nurtured by those women. Such ways could not be shed overnight.

For instance, this minuscule bottle of wine commanded a price of fifty Moonspan Gold, yielding merely three sips per container. Simply because Ye Zhongming relished its flavor, he had procured three hundred bottles.

"If feasible, I wish to expedite the arrival of my people from Earth."

Cheng Liujin, upon hearing this, shook his head. "That can only be accomplished on Rescue Day."

However, Ye Zhongming countered with a shake of his head. "No, not necessarily Rescue Day. For I am aware of at least one individual who may have been previously taken from Earth into the cosmos, only to be returned later."