Who could have thought that the System’s Ultimate Item would be so reckless, that it actually changed the entire world’s setting just to make the gang that I built match the one I bragged about in the past...
"Mom, these are a few rings I acquired, what do you think? You can choose one to wear... Oh right, not this one, I have already activated it..."
Zhang Xiaoman took out the remaining Star Rings from his pocket for her to choose from.
His mother was also full of surprise when she saw these mysterious rings.
But after she understood the powerful abilities of these Star Rings, she didn’t want to wear one, reasoning that Zhang Xiaoman should save them for those genuinely in need when he recruited people in the future.
However, Zhang Xiaoman ultimately rejected this suggestion and insisted that she take one.
In the end, Ms. Pei Lingsu chose one of the rings under her son’s urging.
"This ring has a nice pattern, and it’s called Spirit Star, which just happens to contain a character from my name, so I’ll pick this one."
His mother said, slipping a ring with a water droplet pattern onto her finger.
At this moment, when Zhang Xiaoman opened his attribute panel again, he discovered that indeed a new ability had been activated, precisely the Master of the Mind.
Zhang Xiaoman was quite pleased with his mother’s choice.
The passive ability of Master of the Mind not only allowed him to double the energy damage he caused in the future, but it also granted him immunity to mental attacks, which undoubtedly made this ring the most useful at the moment compared to the other Star Rings.
As for why he insisted on having his mother choose a ring?
Zhang Xiaoman had his own considerations for this.
Firstly, no matter how you looked at it, his mother was the closest person to him, and now with the threat of thought alignment, he had to give her an ability that allowed for instant teleportation.
Secondly, considering the current situation, once a ring is worn, it becomes bound, and Zhang Xiaoman urgently needed the benefits brought about by its passive abilities.
Therefore, having his mother, the person he trusted the most, in control of it was obviously a very safe method.
Now, Zhang Xiaoman had activated the abilities of two different types of Star Rings. Although it wasn’t a significant boost to his combat power, there was no doubt that the help these abilities would provide was immense.
Afterward, the two discussed matters related to the Star Alliance. To Zhang Xiaoman’s surprise, his mother actually had considerable insight into this area.
"You little stinker, did you forget what I do? I’m a university professor! A Ph.D. who specializes in public relations! If I give you some advice on your little venture and you’re still surprised, huh?" his mother said, annoyed.
Zhang Xiaoman quickly apologized with a smile and nodded in agreement.
Latter on, over the next period of time, his mother provided guidance on the organizational structure of his Star Alliance. She analyzed the situation through aspects such as demand, supply, and interests, and told Zhang Xiaoman what he needed to prioritize to improve, which played a crucial role in the establishment of the early phase of the Star Alliance.
Ms. Pei Lingsu: "It’s not that I’m criticizing you, but since you’ve already bamboozled so many people back and forth, you should establish a formal framework quickly, tying everyone closely together. That way, they can feel a sense of belonging. Otherwise, if you keep going without showing anything concrete, without sufficient restraint, their passion will fade away, and all your efforts will have been in vain."
Ms. Pei Lingsu: "Moreover, your organization isn’t structured like a typical company. You need to understand the nature of your relationship with others—who contributes what and how much? Once others join the Star Alliance, how do you keep them bound? How do you maintain their enthusiasm? What is the next goal? These are all things to consider."
Ms. Pei Lingsu: "Ah, forget it, I’ll stop nagging you. I’ll help you draft a preliminary plan in the next few days. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just come and ask me."
Zhang Xiaoman: "Mom is awesome!!"
Binglong Province, Dingxianghua City.
A gentle breeze caressed the area, which, as cool as an autumn day, made the imminent arrival of summer unnoticeable. Even at noon, under the blazing sun, there was not the slightest hint of stuffiness.
This place was the pearl under the swan’s neck, and every tourist that came to visit was intoxicated by its beautiful ambiance, feeling carefree and reluctant to leave.
However, one person’s mood at the moment was not so beautiful.
At the edge of a little alley, Pei Laoliu squatted by a small wooden table, holding a 2B pencil, his brows furrowed as if pondering something profound.
Pei Laoliu had been here for more than half a month, from the initially promised cultivation exchange conference to now, after a grueling wait of over ten days. He suddenly felt like he’d been stood up.
Although the organizers had paid for hotels for masters like him who temporarily didn’t want to go back, dragging their feet waiting for others obviously wasn’t the right thing to do. If it weren’t for the six-figure travel expenses, Pei Laoliu felt he would have gone back home long ago!
Although Dingxianghua City had its own charm, the old goose of Qionghua City was his true love!
However, now came a piece of good news: the largest investor was finally arriving, albeit late, and the conference was expected to start tomorrow.
But the bad news was that the six-figure travel expenses he had been promised were gone! The reason given was that he impersonated someone else!?
What a joke! In his many years of roaming, when had Pei Laoliu ever impersonated someone else!? His name, Half-immortal Pei, was known far and wide—known to everyone, acknowledged by all!
Those old geezers, who knew what kind of drugs they were on, insisted that it wasn’t him, especially that Master Liao from Jinling who was the most active in this baloney! He even vowed to expose Pei Laoliu, clearly having some wires crossed in his head.
"No way, I, Master Liu, have never suffered such a loss. When the investor arrives tomorrow, I must confront them face to face!"
The more Pei Laoliu thought about it, the angrier he became. He had been a part of the martial world for half of his life and had never encountered such a situation!
It must be those old geezers wanting to find someone to impersonate him and claim his six-figure travel expenses! Moreover, even several of his friends seemed to have been bought over, claiming he was just riding on coattails? Truly, you can know someone’s face but not their heart!
Pei Laoliu made a firm decision in his heart to fight against this group to the end.
But right now, there was another problem in front of him.
And that was his cash was running low...
Although the hosts had covered the accommodation costs, Pei Laoliu, thinking he would receive a large sum of money, had spent his little savings traveling everywhere. He did not expect that the waiting would turn into over half a month and now this unexpected mishap occurred. If he didn’t think of something soon, he feared he would even lack money for food in a few days.
Having no other choice, he had to pick up his old trade again.
At his side, a chubby little boy had just finished a round of pesticides, and then glanced sceptically at the little wooden table in front of Pei Laoliu, saying:
"Grandpa, are you really up to it? I’ve finished three games already, and you haven’t even completed one page! You took the money already, if you don’t finish it today, I’m asking for a refund!"
Impatiently, Pei Laoliu waved his hand and said, "Go on, go play your game. I’m analyzing the question here. Although it looks slow now, I’m actually finding the pattern. Once I’m done analyzing, I’ll solve the remaining problems in minutes, believe it or not!?"
The chubby boy uttered an ’oh’, ignored him, and buried his head to start a new game.
However, though Pei Laoliu was full of bluster, the hand that held the 2B pencil shook vigorously, and he inwardly shouted in extreme frustration: "Why is elementary school summer homework so hard these days!!!!!"