Wow! The item-dropping rate is really high!

Everyone thought they had misheard.

The leader, the city lord, looked utterly bewildered as he stared at the unfamiliar man before him, "Comrade from the reinforcements, did you just say... what?"

Jiang Bai's gaze was cold and indifferent as he calmly repeated, "I said, get a new city lord, then come talk to me."

The crowd, now certain they hadn't misheard, immediately erupted in an uproar.

Someone immediately lashed out, "How dare you! Do you even know who you're talking to? Standing before you is the city lord of Thorn City!"

But the critique was lonely; no other voices rose to support him.

In normal times, anyone bold enough to speak to their lord like this would likely have their ashes scattered by now.

But today... after witnessing the terrifying might of this man who single-handedly obliterated an entire hive, no one dared to argue over such trivial nuances.

All they could do was wonder — was it some sort of misunderstanding?

Or even if there had been minor conflicts in the past, couldn't they be settled peacefully?

After all, they were allies. What was the point of such hostility?

The city lord's eyelids twitched slightly, "Sir... I don't quite understand what you mean? I am the rightful city lord of Thorn City, unquestionably legitimate. If you have any concerns, feel free to express them. Anything within my power, we will cooperate fully!"

Bai E frowned slightly, his voice dark and low, "Was I not clear enough? I told you all—replace your city lord!"

The city lord's expression clouded entirely, "Sir, you're overstepping your bounds!"

Bai E ignored him and turned his gaze to the crowd standing behind him, "Someone step forward! Say just one sentence, and you'll be the new city lord."

"Sir, this is outrageous!" The city lord's face darkened further, almost roaring in threat, "Let me remind you, Thorn City is not afraid of you!"

Yet behind him, a storm of hidden schemes was brewing.

While most people weren't aware of what grievances existed between the reinforcements and their city lord, few were concerned with the specifics, and even fewer cared about the rights or wrongs.

What they knew was this—this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

The old city lord became the lord because he possessed the greatest resources and power in Thorn City.

This didn't mean everyone respected him.

In fact, in the years spent despairing over the hive, the city lord had all but entirely neglected urban development and focused solely on protecting his rule.

This had long frustrated many ambitious officials, who had grown increasingly discontent with the iron-fisted measures he employed to crush any resistance.

But now...

This might just be their chance to rebel.

In the past, no one had ever imagined that a single individual could so drastically alter the city's political dynamics.

Even someone as legendary as the War God of the Empire's capital would, in their assumptions, need years of maneuvering and climbing to hold a decisive position within the city.

But now...

A true War God capable of single-handedly annihilating a hive could, without question, raze Thorn City to the ground as well.

Faced with someone who could destroy a city alone, what political dynamics could still exist?

Wouldn't the city become whatever shape that individual dictated?

This man wasn't likely speaking casually when demanding a new city lord, was he?

All they needed to consider was whether this unstoppable reinforcement truly intended to support the new leader in good faith—or treat them as a pawn to be discarded after use.

If he genuinely intended to back them, even a complete nobody with zero influence in Thorn City could instantly rise to become the city's true ruler!

Standing behind the furious city lord, a multitude of people exchanged glances, their ambitions stirring.

Aware that any attitude shown toward this formidable ally would only amount to impotent rage, the city lord turned to glare at his faction with burning fury, fully aware of the simmering discontent brewing within ranks, "What are you doing?! What are you thinking?! Do you want to betray me?!"

His accusations seemed only to inflame the rebellious intent in certain hearts, spurring one wavering man to decisively step forward.

Ignoring the city lord entirely, he locked his gaze onto Bai E, "My lord, if you truly promise to protect me, then I will be the new city lord of Thorn City!"

This declaration triggered an immediate wave of support.

"My lord, I am also willing to be the city lord!"

"My lord, I can be the city lord too!"

Even a nearby ceremonial drummer raised his mallets, shouting, "My lord, let me be the city lord!"

Bai E, however, remained focused solely on the first individual who had stepped forward. His steady gaze affirmed the candidate with a single nod, "It'll be you."

"Madness! You're all mad!" The old city lord's finger swung towards the crowd, "This is rebellion! Treason! You'll all pay with your lives! Guards! Elite Guard! Arrest them all! Execute them on the spot! Leave no one alive!"

The elite guard swiftly closed in from all sides, but none dared make a move against the lone, imposing figure of the outsider.

The armor-clad soldiers hesitated, itching for action yet deeply apprehensive.

Knowing full well what was on their minds, the city lord turned back to stare daggers at Bai E, spitting his warning, "This is Thorn City's internal matter—it has nothing to do with you or Blackwater City, sir! Even if this reaches the Alliance Council, right is on our side! I suggest you learn your place!"

His words were both a warning for Bai E and a veiled message to guide his elite guard.