In the blink of an eye, it had been three days since Han Kexin took up her post. Zhang Nu didn't invite her to be the CEO of the group just to help sell potatoes; her abilities and performance needed to justify her position. The fact proved that Zhang Nu's recruitment was the right choice.
Actually, Han Kexin was not the first Demon King to join Darkness City. There had been dozens of affiliated Demon Kings with Darkness City, among which Chen Guoguo was the most representative. However, they were generally mid-to-small sized Demon Kings, and Han Kexin as a large-scale Demon King with significant power joining Darkness City was unprecedented.
In all aspects, Han Kexin's work performance had greatly satisfied Zhang Nu. First of all, in terms of personal strength, Han Kexin was one of the top existences among the Demon Kings. She possessed great talent and had significant potential for development. In Darkness City, Demon Kings were allocated a quota of souls, and the higher the rank and contribution of the Demon King to Darkness City, the more soul quota they received.
Of course, having a quota didn't mean one could obtain souls for free. The Demon Kings of Darkness City still needed to spend gold to purchase them. However, compared to the Demon King Market, not only was the price very favorable, but Darkness City also had an abundant supply of souls, sufficient to cultivate all these affiliated Demon Kings.
Since Chen Guoguo started following Zhang Nu, she almost never had to fight again, nor did she train her team. But now, she was extremely wealthy and could be promoted to the fifth rank at any time. She was definitely one of the best-off Demon Kings. Compared to Chen Guoguo and others, Queen Han held a higher status and level. Zhang Nu allowed her to advance her soul quota. Therefore, after Han Kexin arrived in Darkness City, she preemptively obtained several hundred Level 3 and 4 souls from the soul stock of Darkness City, activating her last talent and directly ascending to Level 6.
Han Kexin's three Level 5 talents were: Domain of Domination, Permanent Charm, and Soul Pasturing. Zhang Nu was already familiar with Domain of Domination and Permanent Charm. "Soul Pasturing'' was a powerful auxiliary combat skill. Han Kexin could capture the souls of targets she personally killed, refining them into her soul slaves, who retained their abilities from when they were alive. This ability was quite astonishing. The number and quality of souls Han Kexin could pasture were related to her own strength. At Level 5, she could pasture up to five Level 5 souls, and after ascending to Level 6, she could pasture up to ten Level 6 souls.
Of course, the strength of the soul slaves couldn't exceed seventy percent of her own. Even so, this was a terrifying ability. After activating all three of her Level 5 skills, Han Kexin officially stepped into Level 6, advancing her strength to a pseudo-Demon King level. This was a significant increase in power. Not to mention anything else, just being a Level 6 Demon King unit was enough to make her the top powerhouse under Zhang Nu's command.
After Zhang Nu ascended to Level 6, he unlocked two Demon King units. Although Han Kexin, as a Level 6 Succubus Queen, didn't unlock any mythic units, she acquired five new monarch-class units. Including Qiuyue and Dongxue, this meant that Han Kexin could now have up to seven monarchs of her race at her side. A mythic-class Succubus Queen accompanied by seven monarch-class units significantly enhanced the strength of Darkness City, making Zhang Nu feel that recruiting her was worthwhile.
As of now, Han Kexin had not only signed a powerful contract but also bound her soul to the Resurrection Altar of Darkness City. She obtained the right to resurrect in Darkness City, yet her soul could no longer leave Darkness City. The draconian garrison of Darkness City arrived at Gloom City to unify and manage Gloom City's buildings and tribes. Queen Han and Darkness City were thoroughly bound together, showcasing her determination.
She realized that Darkness City was a platform with tremendous potential. The infrastructure, economic structure, and geographical environment of the city were all trending towards perfection. Potato Great Demon King had spent a lot of time and effort to build this ship that was about to set sail. Being able to join as a partner and manager, appointed as the captain of this super ship, was not just an honorable opportunity but also a monumental chance.
Han Kexin believed that Darkness City would undoubtedly stand at the pinnacle of the world. At that time, this world, this era, would naturally have a place for her. As the saying goes, "A new leader shakes things up at the start." After taking office as the CEO of the group, Han Kexin immediately took sweeping measures to streamline Darkness City's production lines, business lines, and personnel structure, significantly improving efficiency. Within just a few days, the financial income had substantially increased.
Before this, the economic potential of the Chaos Federation had not been fully unleashed. Each has its strengths and weaknesses; Zhang Nu wasn't particularly skilled in financial management. However, Han Kexin was different. In her previous life, she had numerous degrees in economics and management and was groomed as a successor by a top financial consortium, so she was adept at managing finances. After fully understanding the facilities and industries of Darkness City, Han Kexin confidently promised to at least double the financial growth targets originally set by Zhang Nu.
Zhang Nu was very satisfied with this. He would now only need to be responsible for major decisions. The financial, administrative, military, and other mundane management issues of the Chaos Federation were all taken care of by Han Kexin, the Executive Vice City Lord.
This division of labor allowed each to play to their strengths. Han Kexin was a complete workaholic. Faced with numerous tedious tasks, she not only didn't feel overwhelmed but was actually enthusiastic and enjoyed her work. This complemented Zhang Nu's hands-off management style perfectly.
Bringing in such a CEO for Darkness City greatly reduced the workload for Zhang Nu, by at least sixty to seventy percent. At this moment, Han Kexin sat in the office of the Executive Vice City Lord in the Demon Dragon Castle, surrounded by dozens of administrative officials, all recruited from the "Imperial Hall," and they were all extremely busy. Despite being promoted by Potato Great Demon King, she needed to produce substantial results to improve her standing. Han Kexin felt a bit troubled about where to start.
"Master! My lord!" At this moment, a stunningly beautiful figure entered the room. It was none other than Han Dongxue, a subordinate under Han Kexin's command.
Han Kexin said, "From today onwards, you're not allowed to use that title anymore. We are all members of Darkness City, and you should address me as the Vice City Lord."
There was only one lord of Darkness City. Although Zhang Nu didn't mind and Chen Guoguo's subordinates, along with subordinates of the other Demon Kings, still referred to their own Demon Kings as their masters, Han Kexin was different. As an extremely meticulous woman, she understood the importance of rules and structure, especially in a large enterprise or group, where even the smallest details and standards mattered greatly. Any minor inaccuracy or laxity could affect efficiency.
Han Dongxue immediately responded, "Yes, Vice City Lord, I understand!"
Han Kexin nodded in satisfaction and asked, "What's the matter?"
Han Dongxue reported, "We've received news that a major upheaval has occurred in the Azure Water Federation. The Azure Water Covenant has been destroyed by an organization called the Deep Sea Hermit Society!"
Upon hearing this, Han Kexin's eyes gleamed sharply, "Is this information reliable?"
Han Dongxue replied, "I believe it's highly likely. The entire Azure Water Federation has now entered an emergency state, with all cities and countries preparing for battle."
"Good!" exclaimed Han Kexin joyfully, "I've just taken the position as the Vice City Lord of Darkness City and was worried about not finding a way to establish my authority and achieve performance goals. I didn't expect such an opportunity to arise!"
She immediately went to find Zhang Nu. The Great Demon King was with Shui Lan, and they both had already received the news. Frankly, it was quite unexpected. Just a few days ago, Shui Lan mentioned her intention to destroy the covenant herself, but before she could act, the covenant was already gone. Now, the Azure Water Federation was in for some serious trouble.
Perhaps, from the moment the covenant was destroyed, the Azure Water Federation ceased to exist. Without the binding force of the covenant, various powers would not be able to coexist peacefully nor follow the instructions of the High Council. What followed was inevitably going to be a grand chaos.
In essence, the so-called Azure Water Federation was already dead in name and reality. This was the last straw that led to its disintegration. From now on, the Azure Water Federation should revert to its name from six thousand years ago: the Sea of Chaos.
The Sea of Chaos is an expanded version of the Forest of Chaos. Compared to the forest, it's a hundred times larger in area and population, making the situation incredibly complex. No one knows how it will evolve next.
The newly appointed CEO was eager to take action, rubbing her hands in anticipation.
Zhang Nu asked, "What are your thoughts?"
Han Kexin replied, "A massive conflict in the Azure Water Federation seems inevitable. I think the business of the Dark Dragon Chamber of Commerce will be greatly affected for a considerable period."
Zhang Nu nodded in agreement. "Indeed, the Azure Water Federation is a significant commercial hub. Its trade routes extend to more than ten imperial powers and countless kingdoms. A large-scale war will inevitably disrupt commercial navigation, making business difficult."
Han Kexin added, "But with every crisis, there's an opportunity. We've almost gained complete control over Holy Tides City. I plan to fully take over the city and use it as a base to annex the entire Pale Moon Peninsula. This peninsula is the most important port in the northern part of the Azure Water Federation and our gateway to the sea from the Forest of Chaos. By controlling this area, we can hold the shipping routes in our hands, allowing the Dark Dragon Chamber of Commerce to significantly expand its business."
"Furthermore, I believe we should increase our research and production of weapons, equipment, and magical armaments. Since this war is unavoidable, we can seize the opportunity to profit from it, which would be far more lucrative than selling ordinary potions and materials."
Zhang Nu thought for a moment and then said, "You will be fully responsible for handling the situation in the Sea of Chaos. I will grant you the highest authority. You just need to report the results to me regularly."
Indeed, Han Kexin, the CEO of the Darkness City Group, didn't disappoint. She already had a comprehensive plan in place the moment she heard the news. Zhang Nu fully delegated authority to Han Kexin because his focus was mainly on the northern Thunder Empire. He needed to quickly secure the southern borders of the empire and couldn't afford to be distracted by the chaos in the south.
"Good, just wait for my good news!"
"Shui Lan, you will accompany Han Kexin in her operations."
Shui Lan, deeply concerned about the wellbeing of the marine races, readily agreed to join the effort. With the backing of the Chaos Federation, there was now a power capable of stabilizing the Sea of Chaos."