Chapter 1761
Chapter 1761 - 1757: Changing Situation
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Lu Ping’an’s return did not cause much of a stir... Now, after more than three months, many things have already been settled.
"Two point two billion... huh."
The Plane War was won, but the victory was exceptionally difficult, especially during the battle against the World-Destroying Three Beasts. From the rising sea levels caused by their melting powers to the unstoppable giant beasts that devoured all life indiscriminately, they brought endless death to mortals... Of course, the still-ongoing Dragon and Snake Disaster remained the deadliest killer.
This was the latest statistical result. What surprised Lu Ping’an wasn’t how few survivors there were, but rather that the number was notably higher than previous counts.
"Some were previously overlooked, but the majority... are returnees. Some left aboard the Ark, while others hid in Exotic Realms connected to Earth."
Hearing this, Lu Ping’an set down the latest newspaper, sighed softly, and said nothing more.
Everyone makes their own choices. As long as certain matters don’t cross the line, the law won’t interfere, and moral judgments or condemnations to certain people might as well be farts... These convoluted troubles, Lu Ping’an thought it was better to leave them for the various officials to handle.
"How’s the reconstruction situation across nations?"
"Very bad... Many nations have most of their citizens turned into refugees, and yet they refuse to return home. Some countries have even declared the formation of the American Republic and are now embroiled in a civil war. Oh, and refugees from Sakura Island are protesting in the streets again—they’re demanding we help them reclaim their homeland..."
Three months isn’t too long nor too short. Listening to the latest news reported, Lu Ping’an grew increasingly anxious.
When the old order is shattered, the establishment of a new order is rarely a natural process, and reality often develops in ways far stranger than fiction.
"But America is starting a civil war, Europa is fleeing to Central Asia... Really didn’t expect that..."
Lu Ping’an rubbed his eyes; this kind of development truly exceeded his expectations.
"The American civil war has been brewing for quite some time. Ultimately, it’s the result of the Dragon and Snake Disaster’s cause and effect. Back when the coastal areas were incredibly dangerous, they fought excessively over the safe zones, and now it’s backfiring. Europa’s exodus mainly happened because they’re closest to the Arctic—they’ve suffered badly. Rising sea levels have taken away vast amounts of land there, not to mention the Dragon-Snake coming ashore. The complex coastline and river systems compounded the disaster..."
This time, island nations and small coastal countries have suffered the most. In contrast, countries like Red Star and the Eastern Country, which have vast inland territories, are relatively better off.
However, given the current population numbers, even "better off" doesn’t mean much.
Lu Ping’an couldn’t be bothered to think about these problems... The Eastern Country surviving this calamity is good enough; the troubles outside are too distant.
It seems after this disaster, nations and regions will likely enter a period of isolationism, focusing on recuperation and recovery.
"...You guessed wrong. UO plans to reform and possibly establish a nominal Earth Government. The next era may see nations becoming more interconnected."
Lu Ping’an was a bit stunned. That didn’t seem plausible. Wouldn’t nations focus on recovery instead? The seas are still incredibly unsafe; how could they have the capacity to care about outside matters?
"They’re not planning on intervening externally—they want to receive aid..."
Alright, Lu Ping’an had indeed underestimated the severity of disasters faced by other countries. Under the current circumstances, it wasn’t a matter of isolationism and survival; shutting doors would result in mass deaths.
Lu Ping’an pondered for a moment and began to understand the international landscape.
"As a price for the Eastern Country’s support, they’re asking for the establishment of a nominal Earth Government?"
"Yes, this isn’t a threat. Even if you don’t join, there won’t be isolation. Of course, when sending aid, priority will go to member nations."
This isn’t a threat? Lu Ping’an shook his head and grew even more unwilling to think about it.
With his current standing, if he really wanted to intervene, he could indeed change a lot... yet, like other Quasi-Gods, now that he’s reached this level, he had lost the desire for direct interference.
"...Perhaps setting up ’Trading Lands’ in various states would work—to allow more people to become professionals."
Considering the Eastern Country’s current supernatural rate of over eighty percent, Lu Ping’an felt they could try expanding the branches to other continents.
Now that he is a Quasi-God, the "scale" of his Courtyard has multiplied countless times. Cutting off a portion to construct new Trading Lands wouldn’t be difficult.
Each "Trading Land," inevitably becoming a hub for local Extraordinary individuals, would also serve as a supply station for Lu Ping’an’s Life Points and Extraordinary resources.
"You’ll probably need to discuss this with Wanjing; in some sense, both you and your abilities are national strategic resources."
Lu Ping’an was briefly stunned, then nodded in agreement.
Still, he believed Wanjing wouldn’t refuse... After all, during this historical phase of recuperation, anything essential will eventually emerge. Proposing transactions now could even secure more bargaining chips.
For now, Lu Ping’an anticipated staying on Earth for a while longer.
After all, the current large-scale hunt for Dragon-Snake under Mist Sound’s coordination and reinforcement was still under Lu Ping’an’s control.
To avert further upheaval, Wanjing likely wouldn’t want Lu Ping’an to leave Earth anytime soon.
Lu Ping’an’s return came with notable leisure... After enduring brutal battles, being able to work a bit, slack off, read a book, and complain about things felt like a rare and comfortable blessing.
Yet, considering the abilities and limits he demonstrated in this war, it was inevitable that countless people and problems would come looking for him.
After waking up, Lu returned first to the Ancient city...
𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢
"Not bad, not bad."
Looking at the ruined river dam, city districts resembling a typhoon-hit zone, and a public security dispatch rate that had added an extra zero compared to pre-war levels, Lu Ping’an offered a rather strange evaluation.
The accompanying officials initially thought Lu Ping’an was being sarcastic, until he said:
"...Compared to the frontline and coastal cities, this is actually pretty good. I thought I’d have to start rebuilding the city right upon returning."
Lu Ping’an wasn’t joking. His first stop being his hometown was indeed a plan to start on infrastructure redevelopment.
But seeing that the city was still somewhat intact, he breathed a sigh of relief.
After inquiring about the situation, it seemed that the local military had coordinated remarkably well during the war. As an inland area with only one major river posing a threat, plus other cities in Ben state being easier targets, this one had comparatively suffered less.
This outcome left Lu Ping’an chuckling to himself, especially upon learning about the severe losses suffered by Changping State’s capital, Changping City...
"Why don’t we organize a construction team and take on more infrastructure projects?" Rebirth Commerce might also need some respectable mundane enterprises.
"How much money could you possibly make... Don’t compete with mortals for jobs. Reconstruction is a key opportunity to provide employment for them." This was something Lu Ping’an hadn’t thought of—after the disaster, unemployment was rampant.
Noticing many on the construction sites clearly used to work in offices, Lu Ping’an also shelved the idea of creating complications.
After exchanging some intelligence with local officials and confirming that everything in his hometown was fine, Lu Ping’an felt much more at ease.
And his return to this city was also a signal to the Eastern Country about his comeback... Unsurprisingly, within just three days, new troubles found him.
— End of Chapter 1761 —