Original God: Start with Qiuqiu, become stronger with food and beauties

Chapter 200 Offshore Island Operation

On Inazuma's outlying island, Ying, Paimeng and Luo Xiaoyue are trapped in a difficult life full of challenges and difficulties.

The outlying islands, supposedly a window for Inazuma to connect with the outside world, are now enveloped in a climate of tension and oppression, shrouded in a closed-door policy. Tightly sealed borders and heavily guarded checkpoints create a suffocating feeling for any outsider.

Ying stood quietly on the shore of the outlying island, her long golden hair dancing freely in the sea breeze. Her brows were furrowed, her eyes deep and worried as she gazed at the turbulent sea, her inner anxiety surging like the endless waves.

"Paimon, this policy of closing the country makes our actions very inconvenient." There was a hint of helplessness and fatigue in Ying's voice, and her eyes revealed confusion about the future.

Paimon flapped his tiny wings and flew lightly to Ying's side, his bright eyes filled with worry. "Yes, Ying, it's become very difficult for us to obtain some necessary supplies. Not only that, but it feels like countless eyes are staring at us every step we take." Paimon's voice was crisp but a little frustrated.

Luo Xiaoyue followed them, clutching a tattered cloth bag, one corner of which was frayed beyond recognition. Inside was their meager supply of food. She lowered her head, her hair shading her eyes. "Furthermore, the people here are wary and suspicious of outsiders like us. Every time I interact with them, I sense a deep disconnect." Her voice was thick with undisguised fatigue and frustration, as if she were suffocating under the weight of this reality.

To move forward, Ying bravely attempted to communicate with the local officials, hoping for some leniency and assistance. With resolute steps, she entered a simple government office. The light was dim, and the air was thick with the smell of stale wood and paper. The officials inside, all with solemn expressions, sat behind tall desks, their gazes coldly fixed on Ying as she came to plead for mercy.

"Sir, we are just travelers and want to continue exploring Inazuma. Can you make an exception?" Ying tried her best to make her tone sound sincere and gentle. Her eyes were full of expectation, hoping to get a positive response.

The official raised his head, revealing a stern and indifferent face. There was no sympathy or understanding in his eyes. He glanced at Ying coldly and said, "During the period of national lockdown, the actions of all outsiders must be strictly restricted. There are no exceptions!" His voice was low and stern, as if he was reading out an imperial decree that could not be violated.

Ying bit her lip, the dissatisfaction in her heart burning like a flame, but she still endured it and continued to try to persuade the other party, "But we have no ill intentions, we just want to understand this beautiful country, experience its culture and customs. We will not cause any trouble to Inazuma." There was a hint of eagerness and desire in Ying's voice, she hoped that the officials could understand her sincerity.

The official waved his hand impatiently, as if to drive away an annoying fly, "No point in talking any more, get out!" His voice was cold and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation for Ying.

In desperation, Ying turned and left the office. Her steps were heavy, and her mood was extremely low. Paimon flew beside her angrily, waving his fist and saying, "How can these people be so unreasonable! We just want to have a good trip, not to cause trouble."

They also encountered great difficulties in finding food. The market was in short supply, as trade had almost come to a standstill due to the closed-door policy, resulting in food being scarce and expensive. Luo Xiaoyue was standing in front of a stall, trying to bargain with the owner.

"Boss, can you make it a little cheaper? These things are too expensive. We really don't have that much money." Luo Xiaoyue looked embarrassed, her eyes full of pleading, staring at the stall owner closely.

The stall owner said mercilessly: "Buy it or not, this is the price! Supplies are so tight now, I'm lucky to have these things to sell." There was no trace of pity on the stall owner's face, only the obsession with profit.

Ying and Paimeng came over and saw Luo Xiaoyue's helpless expression, their hearts filled with helplessness. Ying sighed softly and said, "There's nothing we can do. We can only buy some first, otherwise we will starve." She took out the few Mora from her pocket and handed it to the stall owner, her eyes full of reluctance.

They returned to their temporary shelter, a dilapidated wooden hut on the edge of an outlying island, carrying their meager provisions. It was drafty, and every night, a cold wind would seep in through the cracks. At night, the three of them sat together, silently eating their simple fare by the dim candlelight. It consisted of only rough dry rations and a few shrunken fruits, hardly enough to satisfy their hunger.

"This isn't going to work. We need to find another way to leave the island," Ying thought, her brow furrowed as she nibbled at her rations. Her eyes were determined, her heart filled with a longing for freedom and progress.

Paimon nodded, his face full of seriousness. "But, there are guards everywhere. It's not easy to break through the blockade. Those guards look fierce and fierce. They are not easy to deal with."

Luo Xiaoyue suddenly said, "Maybe we can secretly board a departing ship." A glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes, but quickly dimmed.

Ying shook her head. "It's too dangerous, and the consequences would be disastrous if we were discovered. We can't take any risks. We have to think of a safer solution."

Just as they were lost in thought, a sudden commotion erupted outside. It turned out to be the guards checking passersby. Their footsteps were heavy and hurried, accompanied by harsh shouts.

Ying quickly blew out the candle, and darkness instantly enveloped the entire room. The three of them held their breath, not daring to make a sound, their hearts pounding as if they were about to jump out of their throats. Only when the noise outside gradually faded away did they breathe a sigh of relief.

Thomas greeted the group with a smile and said warmly, "Ah, it's been a while since we last met! You all look a bit down, though. Did something bother you?"

Paimon put her hands on her hips and complained angrily, "Hmph! Don't mention it, things here in Inazuma are terrible! If the traveler hadn't insisted on coming to meet that hateful Thunder God, I, Paimon, would not be willing to come to such a hellhole to suffer!" As she spoke, she kept stomping her feet to express her dissatisfaction.

Luo Xiaoyue on the side also echoed, her face full of worry: "That's right, now that we are in a state of closed-door policy, it is really difficult to survive here! Not only are there shortages of various supplies, but even the movements are subject to many restrictions. Alas..." At the end, she couldn't help but sigh deeply.

When Thomas heard the two people's complaints, the smile on his face did not diminish, but there was a bit more understanding and comfort in his eyes.

"Paimeng, Luo Xiaoyue, don't be so anxious. Although the current situation is indeed difficult, there is still a way out." Thomas comforted.

The traveler frowned slightly and said, "Thoma, you've lived in Inazuma longer, so you must be more familiar with the situation here. What are your thoughts?"

Thomas pondered for a moment, then said, "The lockdown has indeed caused a lot of inconvenience, but there are still some loopholes. We can communicate more with local merchants and residents, and perhaps find some special channels to obtain supplies."

Paimon's eyes widened and he said doubtfully, "Really? But we've tried to communicate with others before, and most of them were wary of us and didn't want to talk at all."

Thomas patted Paimon's shoulder gently. "Don't be discouraged. This requires patience and skill. Also, I know some friends with special connections who might be able to help."

A glimmer of hope flashed in Luo Xiaoyue's eyes: "That's great! If we can solve the problem of supplies, we can have a little more ease."

Thomas continued, "As for the issue of restricted movement, we need to carefully study the laws and prohibitions in Inazuma, identify areas and time periods where restrictions are relatively relaxed, and plan our routes accordingly."

The traveler nodded: "Well, this is a feasible direction."

Just then, a hurried figure ran over. It turned out to be Thomas' friend Kobayashi.

"Thomas, this is bad!" Xiaolin panted. "I just heard that the guards have been tightening their checks on strangers lately. They say they're cracking down on violations of the lockdown order."

Everyone's faces instantly became heavy again.

Ma frowned, thought for a moment and said, "Don't panic, everyone. Let's stay out of the spotlight for now and make plans after this storm passes."

Paimon said dejectedly, "Oh, how could this happen? It seems that our situation is becoming increasingly difficult."

Ying looked at Thomas with a hint of expectation in her eyes: "Thoma, why did you come back to see us this time? Is there any solution?"

Thomas had a gentle smile on his face and said slowly, "There's a foreign force called the International Chamber of Commerce on the outlying islands. Perhaps you could seek help from them."

Paimon opened his eyes wide and asked in confusion, "Um... like what?"

Thomas patiently explained, "You can buy food and daily necessities at normal prices. They have ample supplies and are happy to trade with anyone in need. However, their current situation isn't very good."

Ying frowned slightly and asked, "What's going on?"

Thomas sighed and said, "The International Chamber of Commerce is facing high taxes, and the person in charge, Kan Ding, is constantly making things difficult for them. Now they can barely pay their taxes."

Paimon was shocked: "There is actually such a thing, it's too much!"

Thomas suddenly remembered something and solemnly handed the traveler a letter, saying, "I almost forgot. This is what Mr. Hao Wang left for you."

When everyone heard this, they couldn't wait to take out the letter and unfold it.

There were a few big words written on the top of the letter: "Inazuma Unimpeded Travel Plan"

Paimeng was stunned at first, then a smile broke out on his face and he said excitedly, "I really thought Master Hao was going to abandon us and let us fend for ourselves. I didn't expect he was so worried about us."

After reading the letter, Luo Xiaoyue's face darkened instantly. She stamped her feet in anger and shouted, "Knock down the guards on the outlying islands. Attack the magistrates wherever they see us along the way. Kill them all the way to the castle tower and eventually defeat the Thunder God. Then we'll be able to travel freely in Inazuma... What kind of stupid idea is this? Idiot Master!"

Thomas, listening from the side, couldn't help but smile and said jokingly, "I think it would be easier to just find a rope and hang yourself."

Paimon glared at Thomas and said, "Thoma, stop joking now. This plan is too unreliable!"

Ying frowned and said thoughtfully, "It seems that Mr. Hao Wang has overestimated our strength. This reckless approach is not a solution."

Luo Xiaoyue said angrily: "Master is always like this, thinking that others can do what he can do, and he doesn't think about our situation."

Thomas suppressed his smile and said seriously, "We still have to take a long-term view and come up with a more reliable way to deal with the current situation."

Everyone nodded and fell into deep thought.

Thomas broke the silence: "How about...let's go to the International Chamber of Commerce?"

Luo Xiaoyue was about to speak out, but was a step behind Thomas. "I thought... never mind... you just spoke so suddenly that I was interrupted. It doesn't seem to be anything important. Let's get going without further delay."

Thomas scratched his head awkwardly. "I'm so sorry, is that really okay?"

Luo Xiaoyue said helplessly: "If you can't remember, then don't remember. Just finish the job first."

The group arrived at the simple entrance of the International Chamber of Commerce.

Thomas walked up and knocked gently on the door.

A voice came from inside: "Who is it?"

Ying said, "Hello, we would like to meet President Kurisu."

The door opened, and a man who looked like a waiter poked his head out. He looked them up and down and said, "The president is very upset. What do you want?"

Paimon said hurriedly: "Maybe we can help the Chamber of Commerce solve some problems."

The man said with disdain: "Who do you think you are? Go away and cool off."

Paimon was furious: "You!"

At this time, a middle-aged man in Fontaine clothing appeared and said: "If you are here, you are a guest. Don't be rude."

"I'm so sorry for what happened just now. It was my management that went wrong. I'm Jiu Lixu, the president of the International Chamber of Commerce. What brings you here? Oh, Mr. Thomas is here too. If you have any instructions, feel free to ask. Are these people your friends?"

Paimon looked at Thomas in surprise: "So you really are the local boss."

Thomas smiled and gestured for him to look at the travelers. "I heard you had some problems recently, so I found some help."

Jiulisu smiled. "They are the legendary adventurers who appeared recently, Luo Xiaoyue, Traveler, and Paimon, right? I have heard of them for a long time."