### Chapter 2: New Hope (3)
Even though several days had passed, the survivors of Sky Sword City still remembered that their lives were saved thanks to the joint protection of Xiao Ai and the members of the Extermination of Immortals.
Xiao Ai had previously been an unassuming presence, but ever since that incident, people’s perception of her had shifted dramatically.
Moreover, they clearly saw the close relationship between her and a little girl associated with Extermination of Immortals, making it natural for them to regard Xiao Ai as the sole communication channel with the organization and even the Cold Moon Witch.
As a result, when it came to the question of whether they should flee to Cold Wind City, all eyes inevitably settled on Xiao Ai.
Xiao Ai recalled the time spent together with the Cold Moon Witch over the past two days.
The Princess Witch was not only decisive in battle but also incredibly clever in her tactics; otherwise, during that showdown against Firefly at Crazy Dragon Guild, any other person would likely have been toast.
But at the critical moment, the Princess Witch noticed something was off and unraveled the enemy’s scheme.
This left a lasting impression on Xiao Ai, making her realize that the Princess Witch was not just powerful, but her courage and wisdom were exceptional; her name was truly well-deserved, ranking first in players’ hearts since the game launched.
So, even if there had been some hesitation before, after this reflection, she was almost certain that even though the Princess Witch faced a temporary setback, it wouldn’t be easy for the enemy to put her down for good.
“I guess the Cold Moon Witch should be fine.”
As soon as Xiao Ai said this, it was as if she had given everyone a sense of reassurance, and several nodded vigorously.
“If Xiao Ai thinks so, then I suppose the Princess Witch is way too awesome to be beaten easily.”
“If the Princess Witch really had been defeated, those Fallen Species would have popped out to wreak havoc long ago. How could things be so calm these past few days?”
“Xiao Ai, should we go to Cold Wind City or not?”
As soon as this was said, everyone’s gaze once again turned to Xiao Ai.
But faced with their expectations, Xiao Ai shook her head, “I think staying in Sky Sword City is the better choice.”
“Eh? Why?”
“What’s the point of being stuck in this dump with just us hairy folks? Staying serves no purpose!”
“Right! We might as well join Cold Wind City. It has lots of people, and if enemies show up, we’ll at least have some backup.”
Xiao Ai replied, “Think about it, although the residents of Sky Sword City have perished in droves, the main buildings are still intact. If we recruit some refugees, expand our numbers to at least ten thousand, we can establish ourselves here.
Then, once spring comes, we can pledge our loyalty to the Princess Witch and offer her Sky Sword City. At that point, we’d be heroes! Each of us could score a position or two. Isn’t that way better than showing up empty-handed at Cold Wind City?
Plus, the food supplies in the city are sufficient. We don’t need to worry about famine.”
Upon hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement.
“Truly worthy of being a famous content creator; your foresight is definitely higher than ours!”
“I have a worry though—what if Heavenly Sword Sect breaks out from the Small Thousand World? Isn’t Sky Sword City still their territory?”
Xiao Ai contemplated, “That concern is valid. But there’s no need to panic; it’s been over a month, and we haven’t seen a single soul from Heavenly Sword Sect. Moreover, even if they did come to reclaim Sky Sword City, we could just insist that it’s already been taken over by the Princess Witch, and we’re merely acting as temporary managers.
Besides, with the massive population loss in Sky Sword City, if they want supplies, they’ll need us here. I believe they wouldn’t dare lay a finger on us, fearing the Princess Witch’s reputation.”
“Brilliant, brilliant! Xiao Ai! How come we didn’t realize how clever you are before?”
“Xiao Ai’s right; offering up such a huge city, the Princess Witch would definitely take care of us.”
The group buzzed with excitement.
“Let’s post online and invite the nearby refugees to meet up with us tomorrow!”
Xiao Ai shook her head, “That’s not a good idea; we should be cautious about posting.”
“Why?”
“While it may be the quickest way, have you considered what would happen if way more refugees show up than we expect?
Do we accept them or not?
And with our current small number, if they band together, how would we maintain our control over Sky Sword City?”
Everyone exchanged glances, realizing the potential pitfalls. If that scenario played out, they’d be in deep trouble.
“Therefore, the safest approach is for us to send out troops to search for groups of refugees outside the city. If the numbers are right, we can lead them into Sky Sword City, which keeps the initiative in our hands.”
“Well said!”
Suddenly, a clear voice of admiration rang out from outside the hall.
Players inside jumped, hastily grabbing their weapons and pointing them at the black figure slowly walking in from outside.
“Who are you? If you come any closer, we’ll attack!”
The newcomer halted. Once illuminated by the campfire, the players realized he was human and not a Fallen Species, prompting a collective sigh of relief. But their vigilance didn’t wane.
After all, it was late, and anyone who could cross the tightly shut doors of the City Lord’s Mansion wasn’t your average individual.
Xiao Ai felt a slight panic.
She wasn’t used to being in the spotlight; her month-long survival had turned her into an invisible person, not someone who stood out in front of others.
“I am Lin Nan, an Inner Door Disciple of Heavenly Sword Sect, sent by Sect Leader Luo Ying to take over Sky Sword City.”
The newcomer was a charming male character who, after a period of rest and treatment, had almost fully recovered from his injuries.
Luo Ying was responsible for the reconstruction of the Small Thousand World, and she had dispatched her most trusted male character to Sky Sword City.
Demon Empress Frost North Snow had decided to convene a Human Race leader conference in the Small Thousand World, and Sky Sword City, being their first stop, needed to be back to normal as quickly as possible—at least not lose face for Heavenly Sword Sect.
Upon receiving the mission, the male character headed straight to the City Lord’s Mansion.
He had heard from the female character that there were still surviving players in Sky Sword City. Engaging with them, gaining their loyalty and cooperation was an effective way to restore order in the city quickly.
“Xiao Ai, right?” the male character said, looking at the content creator who was trying to hide behind everyone, showing just half her face.
“Uh, yes, that’s me…”
As soon as the male character mentioned Heavenly Sword Sect, the group’s morale visibly deflated.
It was as if all their discussions had suddenly become meaningless, and no one dared offend the nearby Heavenly Sword Sect, regardless of the fact that the visitor was just a single male character.
Xiao Ai noticed that everyone’s gaze had shifted back to her.
After hesitating for a long time, she finally mustered the courage to step forward.
“Brother Lin, Sky Sword City has accepted the allegiance of the Cold Moon Witch and is no longer part of Heavenly Sword Sect. Please inform the acting sect leader that we only follow the Princess Witch’s command.”
The male character smiled, “Well, that’s convenient; we’re all family then.”
Everyone gasped in shock, staring wide-eyed in disbelief. “What?”
