"Yes, City Lord! We will obey Miss Ningguang's orders without question!" Lu Wu bowed respectfully, his face full of fervor and devotion.
As one of the Golden Guard commanders, he not only gained the powerful strength he dreamed of, but also enjoyed an esteemed position.
He knew well that all his honor and achievement came from Lu Jingming's favor.
Thus, no matter what orders Lu Jingming gave—even risking his life—he would carry them out without hesitation.
Lu Wu was self-aware; he knew his rise from the masses, gaining the chance to become a soul king-level commander, was not due to talent, but unwavering loyalty.
Other Golden Guard members understood this too; for fusion warriors, Herta's advanced technology and resources were key. As long as one was loyal, anyone had a chance.
"Mhm. Next time the fusion warrior tech is updated, you'll be the first I arrange for surgery," Lu Jingming said, standing on tiptoe to pat Lu Wu's shoulder with satisfaction.
These Golden Guard were his personally cultivated subordinates, and he was proud of their performance.
Sensing Lu Jingming's gesture, Lu Wu subtly bowed to make it easier for the young lord to reach his shoulder.
Hearing the promise, joy lit up Lu Wu's face and his voice trembled with excitement: "Thank you for your favor, my lord! I will do my utmost to protect Miss Ningguang!"
Other Golden Guard members looked on enviously, their eyes full of longing for their commander's opportunity.
At the same time, a hint of hope ignited in their hearts.
They thought that after the commander underwent surgery, perhaps they too could get an upgrade—even a lower-tier one would be highly desirable.
"Mhm, the same goes for all of you. I always reward merit. Anyone who contributes will be rewarded," Lu Jingming addressed them, skillfully promising future gains.
He wasn't just making empty promises; for Haiyuan City to grow, the Golden Guard's strength had to keep improving.
And as Hearta's simulated universe project had completed its foundation and she'd created her puppet, diverting some energy to upgrade the fusion surgery would not be difficult.
"We pledge our loyalty to the City Lord!"
In an instant, over a hundred Golden Guard knelt on one knee, shouting fervently in unison.
To them, Lu Jingming was not just their leader, but almost a godlike figure.
He had transformed them from ordinary people into powerful soul masters, giving them new lives and hope.
Ningguang watched with interest, especially at Lu Jingming's deliberate display of authority—he looked like a little adult, which amused her, and a subtle, meaningful smile appeared on her lips.
Keqing folded her arms, her gaze sharp and satisfied.
She carefully observed the Golden Guard, inwardly judging them as loyal, obedient, and disciplined—excellent subordinates, no less capable than the Millelith Army of Liyue.
Lu Jingming stood in the open, watching as Ningguang and the others boarded Haiyuan City's only soul-guided airship—the Sea Abyss.
He hugged the fluffy pink fox in his arms and waved vigorously at Zhang Lexuan, Keqing, and the rest.
A gentle sea breeze blew through his hair, but couldn't dispel the faint sorrow in his heart.
Soon, the Sea Abyss ascended, accelerating as its massive body vanished into the clouds.
Lu Jingming gazed after it, feeling a wave of loss.
Zhang Lexuan was reluctant to part with him, but he felt the same toward her.
The thought of not seeing Zhang Lexuan or Jingliu for a whole year left him listless and downcast.
"If you really can't bear it, you could always catch up to them. With Herta and me here, Haiyuan City will be fine." At some point, Changli had quietly appeared behind him, her gentle voice tinged with teasing.
"I do miss them, but it's fine! Isn't Sister Changli here to keep me company? Come, comfort me!" Lu Jingming quickly turned and looked at her with a playful grin.
"Alright!" Changli smiled, gracefully kneeling and patting her long, black-stockinged legs.
Lu Jingming's eyes lit up immediately, and all his sadness seemed to vanish.
He promptly lay down on Changli's lap, looking completely at ease.
"Ying ying!" The little pink fox glanced at him disdainfully, then put its soft paw right on his face.
Lu Jingming didn't mind at all. On the contrary, he hugged the fox and buried his face in its fur, making it struggle wildly.
Changli watched this warm scene, a gentle smile and fondness in her eyes.
"By the way, Sister Changli, how's the situation in the Sun-Moon Empire lately?" After subduing the mischievous fox, Lu Jingming suddenly remembered something important and looked at Changli seriously.
Herta was focused on soul tool research, which required large amounts of rare metals.
However, in the former three Douluo kingdoms, such metals were scarce. Only the Sun-Moon Empire had ample supply.
To ensure Herta had what she needed, Lu Jingming had always sought to make contact with the Sun-Moon Empire.
He'd learned that there was ongoing smuggling of soul tool metals within the Sun-Moon Empire's underworld.
And the group he hoped to contact was one of the most influential.