"I'll go find people for this now, design the bridges, and then visit a few major cities to find some elevators. Once we modify them, we can start using them," Lin Yu said, becoming more excited.
"This is only for relatively nearby shelters. For those further away, we'll still need to erect some support pillars. Moreover, it would be best to expand some of the farther shelters towards Wuming City, minimizing the use of external pillars."
"Mm, I'll find someone to check the situation of the nearby shelters later and reorganize the urban planning for those areas." Lin Yu said, taking out a notebook to jot things down, fearing he might forget something. This was a massive undertaking, far more complex than he had initially thought, which was just expanding Wuming City. However, once a large area was connected, it would be more than just a simple city.
"Let's find more suitable land for farming nearby, fence it off specifically for cultivation, and plan the usage of each area."
"Right, and in the current situation, once these areas are connected in the future, we can also restore some service industries. We can arrange for auxiliary professions, those without special abilities or who aren't adept at fighting zombies outside, to work."
"Then you go ahead and get busy. This will likely keep you occupied for some time." Lu Heng handed the storage bag on the table to Lin Yu and stood up, patting him on the shoulder.
"Mm, I'm leaving then, Brother Lu." Lu Heng waved, signaling Lin Yu to depart. He then returned to his own space.
It had been a while since he last saw Lu Da Niu. Also, when he went back to get the herbs, he noticed that Jinyang City had changed considerably. Although many buildings still retained their ancient architectural style, the layout of the houses and streets seemed to have changed as well. Zhu Di, being a modern person, was quick to renovate the city.
Just as he stepped out of his small courtyard, Lu Heng felt the difference in his surroundings. The area was previously filled with low-rise houses, but now they had all been replaced by five-story wooden buildings. Fortunately, the roads nearby had also been widened, so his small courtyard didn't appear like a stubborn holdout. Zhu Di likely knew that these houses were his private property and thus didn't touch them. However, the surrounding tall buildings made Lu Heng feel somewhat uncomfortable. After finally arriving in ancient times, Lu Heng had wanted Zhu Di to develop Jinyang City, but seeing the city transformed like this made Lu Heng feel that he had lost his peace.
No, he needed to go to the City Lord's mansion to inquire about Zhu Di's whereabouts. He wanted to talk to Zhu Di.
Lu Heng went to the City Lord's mansion alone. The mansion itself had undergone even greater changes. The City Lord's mansion had been expanded significantly, and the original衙门-style gate had disappeared. In its place were dozens of steps, with the City Lord's mansion gate built atop them. If Lu Heng hadn't known he was currently in Jinyang City, he would have thought he had gone to the capital city. Zhu Di was truly audacious in his construction! Lu Heng felt that the City Lord's mansion was no less impressive than the capital city he had seen last time. Furthermore, those who wished to conduct business at the City Lord's mansion had to climb so many steps; it was likely that many with poor health would already be deterred.
Ascending the steps towards the high City Lord's mansion, he finally reached the top, where another scene unfolded. Two stone sculptures, designed as mascots not belonging to this world, were placed on either side of the衙门, exuding a majestic and imposing aura. Beneath one of the stone statues, it was crafted to appear as if it were stepping on a small embroidered ball.
"Surprised? See? Throughout the Shenyuan Continent, only the City Lord's mansion in our Jinyang City has such imposing statues." An衙役 standing by the stone statue saw someone finally ascend and looked at the statue with curiosity. The衙役 immediately began enthusiastically explaining the changes to the City Lord's mansion.
"Yes, it is indeed rarely seen in the world." Lu Heng referred to the Shenyuan Continent as "the world."
"This is called a lion. According to the City Lord, it's an ancient divine beast that can ward off evil spirits. However, it's not suitable for ordinary residences; only official mansions like the City Lord's mansion can use them."
"It is indeed majestic and imposing, and it can enhance the image of the衙门."
"Right? My father was also an old衙役. He retired due to old age, and I took over his position." The衙役 leaned his staff against the stone statue, rubbed his hands, and walked warmly towards Lu Heng. "After the City Lord's mansion was renovated, my father came to see it several times, and each time he discovered many new things. He exclaimed that he retired too early and should have stayed for a few more years until the City Lord's mansion was renovated..."
"Then you wouldn't have a job?" Lu Heng glanced at the衙役.
"Heh heh heh, yes, I told my father the same thing."
Lu Heng... why did that sound so awkward?
"Is your City Lord in?"
"Yes, he came yesterday and is still here today. I haven't seen him leave." The衙役 chatted with Lu Heng, revealing Zhu Di's whereabouts. Fortunately, the City Lord's status did not attract too many enemies. If this衙役 were in another sect, he would have caused much trouble.
"Then I need to see him. Do you need to announce me?"
"Of course. And first, state your identity. The City Lord doesn't see just anyone. There's a pavilion over there; go and register." The衙役 pointed to a small pavilion next to the stone statue. Inside, an old man was dozing off, his head nodding so much that he was about to hit the table.
"Excuse me, is this where I register if I want to see the City Lord?"
"Ah~~, hiss... Who? Whom do you want to see? Write your name here, and do you have any petitions?"
"Ahem, I'm not here to file a complaint. I know the City Lord and want to go in to discuss some matters with him." Lu Heng looked at the old man, who seemed not fully awake, and felt a headache coming on. He wondered if Zhu Di knew about the situation of the people at the entrance.
"You want to see the City Lord?" The old man suddenly stood up, and because he stood up too quickly, his head spun. He supported himself on the table and took a long time to recover. "What do you want to see the City Lord for? The City Lord is not that idle. If you don't have anything too important, don't disturb the City Lord easily..."
The old man rambled on for a long time. Lu Heng opened his mouth several times, wanting to lecture the old man on the importance of brevity. In the end, he restrained himself. Standing before the still babbling old man, Lu Heng extended his consciousness into his space to examine the layout of the City Lord's mansion. Soon, he confirmed Zhu Di's likely living quarters. Returning to the present, Lu Heng looked at the old man who was still talking and turned away from the pavilion.
"Hey!! You haven't registered yet..."
Lu Heng left without looking back. "Not going. Too much trouble." He then went around to the west side of the City Lord's mansion, which was closer to the main building Lu Heng had identified. Lu Heng walked to the courtyard wall and, with a leap, climbed over into the courtyard.