Chapter 215 - 215: Opportunity
Just as Liao Ning was about to wrap up the live-stream, she received a message from Li Xian via the Al system. As she read the contents of the message, disbelief filled her eyes. She glanced at Li Xian, who nodded in confirmation.
Gathering herself, Liao Ning continued, “The rebel army will be providing free servings of fans and golden toads to the local civilians. Each person can only receive one serving. Please contact the rebel army units stationed near the base for more information. However, please note that the daily quota is limited to 100 servings. First come, first served.”
After delivering this announcement, Li Xian abruptly cut off the live-stream.
Liao Ning looked at him discontentedly. This man’s demeanor was excessively domineering. Every live-stream ended so abruptly because of him.
However, Li Xian seemed oblivious to her displeasure. He instructed Kevin to take away the clam noodles, nodded at Liao Ning, and left the live-stream room.
“Where are we going?” Zhou Ye inquired, holding the clam noodles.
He was aware that Li Xian was not the type of person who would disregard social etiquette just for the sake of satisfying his appetite. So, why did he leave with the clam noodles?
“To the laboratory,” Li Xian replied tersely.
He went on to explain that Liao Ning’s ancient delicacies had the ability to dispel the effects of loyalty potions.
“You’re suggesting that these clam noodles can counteract the elven potions? How is that even possible?” Zhou Ye questioned.
The various potions crafted by the ancient elves possessed distinct effects, and apart from the elven antidote, no one had managed to break free from their control.
“I was skeptical at first as well,” Li Xian responded. “But the evidence is right in front of you. You’ll see for yourself soon enough.”
Upon arriving at the laboratory, they found a mermaid already seated in the center. His delicate face bore no expression, and his eyes seemed somewhat dim.
When Crete noticed Li Xian entering, he hurried over. “This mermaid was captured three months ago and has been subjected to a loyalty potion. Moreover, the potency of the potion has never diminished. It appears to be a loyalty potion with a higher concentration. Shall we proceed with the experiment now?”
Li Xian nodded in agreement. Crete took the clam noodles from Zhou Ye’s hand and served a small bowl to the mermaid.
However, the effects were not immediate this time. It wasn’t until the mermaid had consumed two bowls that his expression began to relax slightly. Only on the third bowl did his wooden voice start to regain some semblance of normalcy.
“Leader, I’m deeply sorry. I truly can’t eat anymore,” the mermaid apologized.
“But this vermicelli is truly delicious. I’ve never tasted anything so exquisite.”
Zhou Ye stood frozen in astonishment at the sight. He knew Liao Ning’s ancient delicacies were remarkable, but he hadn’t anticipated that she could create an antidote.
Li Xian’s expression turned pensive. “The effect this time isn’t as potent as before. Could it be due to changes in the ingredients?”
Crete shook his head. “Could it be related to gender?”
At that moment, Tina chimed in, “Perhaps it’s because the concentration of the potion his wife consumed wasn’t as high as mine.”
Upon hearing their analysis, Li Xian handed the clam noodles to the laboratory staff and departed the laboratory with Kevin.
Upon returning home, Zhou Ye promptly informed Zhou Ling about his encounter with Liao Ning.
Zhou Ling had also watched Liao Ning’s live-stream earlier in the day. He hadn’t expected Li Xian to genuinely ask her to declare herself as a consultant to the rebel army. It seemed that a fierce battle between the rebel army and the royal family was inevitable. They would now begin to win over the hearts of the people.
After Zhou Ye explained the sequence of events, Zhou Ling remarked, “Olift did recover after consuming Liao Ning’s seafood porridge. It appears that this matter won’t remain a secret for long.”
If the rebel army could master the formula for the Loyalty Removal Potion, the merfolk would undoubtedly change their allegiance. This would result in the royal family losing their most powerful military force.
“What should we do then? Is there any chance of saving Liao Ning?” Zhou Ling asked, his anxiety evident.
Given the current circumstances, it was inevitable that the rebel army would eventually oppose the royal family. The initial step of the confrontation involved pitting Liao Ning and Loya’s ancient delicacies against each other to determine which side could win the support of the people.
“Now that Liao Ning’s situation has been revealed, it’s impossible for us to leave at this point. I propose that we exercise patience and wait a little longer. Once Li Xian can persuade Liao Ning to venture out and purchase ingredients herself, we can devise a plan to rescue her,” Zhou Ling suggested, albeit reluctantly. He gazed at Liao Ning on the live-stream, feeling a mixture of emotions.
Meanwhile, Loya, who was also watching Liao Ning’s live-stream, wore a grim expression. Liao Ning’s ancient delicacies comprised unique recipes, and at best, Loya could only enhance existing ones, unable to create any truly distinctive ancient delicacies.
The citizens of the Empire were far from foolish. Even though Liao Ning had only conducted one live-stream, many individuals had already taken notice of her ID. Numerous people had even visited the rebel army base in an attempt to acquire the required ingredients..