Xu Huo has been collaborating with the Special Defense Department, and Ting City now belongs to him and the Girl in the painting, so offering a little help is expected.

"Then it’s settled!" Chief Wu said with a smile, "I’ll send out the list right away."

"Are there that many unofficial players in Ting City?" Xu Huo paused for a moment.

"A lot." Chief Wu’s smile widened, "After you showed up yesterday, people kept contacting me all night. If we met with everyone, the plaza wouldn’t fit them all, let alone gather for a meal, so we need to filter a bit."

"That post by X, isn’t your Special Defense Department going to do something about it?" Xu Huo said, "With so many players attracted here, it’s bound to cause trouble eventually."

Chief Wu looked at him in surprise, "Don’t you know? The one behind the hype of X is your cousin, Yu Qingqing."

Since it was done by Yu Qingqing and there’s a family connection, the Special Defense Department didn’t intervene. Moreover, it’s not a bad thing; at least the spiritual leader is positive.

Xu Huo was speechless for a moment, "Has she caused more trouble recently?"

"Kids, you know, mischievous behavior is understandable." With those "up-and-comers" constantly performing various tricks, what Yu Qingqing does is a minor issue.

It’s apparent that both Chief Wu and the people from the Special Defense Department have become more tolerant.

The Girl in the painting was too absorbed in shopping to waste time on a meal, so Xu Huo had to attend the luncheon alone.

He and Chief Wu arrived at the venue, which was almost full. Those without seats were crammed to the sides of the venue, a sea of eyes seemingly reflecting the crowd.

Among these people, only a few were acquainted with Xu Huo, such as Tan Yang and Huang Junjie, but most were drawn by the reputation of "X", some out of admiration, and others out of inquiry.

Walking to the table at the front of the venue, Xu Huo first nodded to Tan Yang and others before surveying the entire venue, then slowly said, "The posts on the forum are somewhat exaggerated; I’m just an ordinary player. I made you all come for nothing."

"Mr. Xu, there’s no need for such modesty; your strength is evident to all." Tan Yang immediately responded, "We all heard about how you handled those Outer Zone players yesterday. Those individuals were all Rank-B players and skilled in combat. Even the elite team from the Special Defense Department suffered considerable losses and couldn’t take them all down, allowing them to enter Ting City. If not for your timely return, there could have been more casualties!"

Tan Yang was among the earliest Player Organizations to come into contact with Xu Huo. Having interacted previously, he moved his entire Player Organization to Ting City after learning it was assigned to Xu Huo.

Finishing his words, some people agreed, and those coming solely for Xu Huo suggested he form a Player Organization to unite more players, to avoid everyone shirking responsibility when something happens.

Small Player Organizations are like this; without an absolutely dominant strong player, no one yields to another. In times of trouble, they hesitate, unwilling to incur losses while knowing this situation benefits no one, thus necessitating a leader who commands widespread respect.

"I’m used to going solo; I have no intention of forming a Player Organization." Xu Huo interrupted them, "Moreover, everyone has to enter instances; there’s no need to expend energy on this."

"That sounds a bit insincere, doesn’t it?" A middle-aged man’s voice overshadowed the others. He walked to the front and looked directly at Xu Huo, "If you had no intention, how would your feats be known everywhere? Among those of us who came here, many admire you, whether for resolving the Black Rain incident or taking down opponents at their base..."

"Those with strength are acknowledged; if you choose to act, you’ll likely have considerable support. Now, with Player Organizations depleting each other, we all desire someone to lead, not only for now but to contribute and minimize losses when integrating with the game in the future."

"Do you just want the fame without the responsibility?"

"So you’d like to have both fame and responsibility, but I’m conveniently in your way, correct?" Xu Huo pointed out his intention.

As he said, there are too many Player Organizations; some inevitably want to consolidate smaller groups, enhancing their strength and voice, which is essential for future government tactics for growth. They don’t want to end up like those technologically advanced zones, constrained by machinery; a degree of freedom is their right.

The middle-aged man wore a serious expression, "Like everyone else here, I’m not narrow-minded. Admiring you is one thing, solving issues is another. If you truly don’t want this responsibility, let us handle it!"

"At least fifty Player Organizations and group representatives are here today. Some are from Ting City, but most are from nearby cities. Among them are capable individuals, more than enough to form a Player Alliance that encompasses this area. Going forward, our Alliance will address any issues that arise!"

Unable to help himself, Xu Huo glanced at Chief Wu, questioning how the Special Defense Department tolerates the Player Organizations openly discussing self-governance.

What else could they do? 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Chief Wu wiped the sweat from his forehead; compromise is where the Special Defense Department must yield. The Player Organizations also serve as a defense line for the city. Even as they team up to challenge the Special Defense Department, with increased autonomy, they can independently resolve security issues in the city, like spontaneous instances and future influxes of Outer Zone players.

In other words, defending their turf can greatly alleviate the pressure on the Special Defense Department.

Currently, their focus is on resource acquisition. The government has an edge in information, and the resources inaccessible to ordinary players are crucial for future development.

The middle-aged man’s words reflected the sentiments of many. They came for this purpose. If Xu Huo would lead, they would have no objections. It’s understood that might makes right. But if Xu Huo declines, they might form the Player Alliance using his name, appointing some spokespersons.

"What Player Alliance? It’s just some of you larger Player Organizations trying to monopolize power," someone opposed this after others supported it, "If you really join forces, we smaller groups will just have to obey. It’s one thing to listen to Mr. Xu, but why should we listen to you?"

Most attendees were small groups, weaker due to fewer members, yet unwilling to cling to large organizations and become expendables. They hoped Xu Huo would say something fair.

As tensions rose, Chief Wu reminded them, "We can’t let them start fighting here."

Xu Huo slightly furrowed his brow, and his Psychic Power swept across the entire venue. Facing the crowd’s gazes, he repeated, "I have no intention of forming any Player Organization or Alliance."

"I don’t mind if you want to settle in Ting City. I just hope you adhere to one bottom line: don’t cause trouble. I don’t like coming out of an instance to see a mess everywhere."

"Ting City is where I’ll reside long-term. It’s mine now. Respecting me means respecting yourselves."

After speaking, he pulled out a chair and sat, "You’re guests from afar; feel free to join for a meal if you wish, or leave if you prefer."