Chapter 157 – Signs of Trouble

At that moment, Cheng Yang noticed Yu Kai pacing back and forth in his small courtyard.

“Old Yu, why are you back?” Cheng Yang asked, slightly surprised.

Yu Kai replied, “Lord, why weren’t you cultivating in the territory last night?”

Cheng Yang was momentarily stunned. Indeed, he hadn’t returned last night as it was his final day in Tongling Village. Some matters had kept him busy until after midnight, and to prepare for another attempt at the Dark Night Jungle dungeon the next morning, he had chosen to cultivate in Tongling Village. Missing one day’s time bonus from the Nirvana Divine Stone was insignificant.

“I didn’t return last night. Is something wrong?” Cheng Yang asked.

Yu Kai’s expression turned serious. “Lord, the situation might be turning bad. Last night, my men spotted some professional combatants from the main city near Dongshan Village. Some of them had exceptional stealth abilities, clearly professionally trained. I suspect they’re military personnel.“

Cheng Yang frowned. “Are you saying Dongshan Village has been discovered?“

This was concerning. Dongshan Village’s defenses were nowhere near as strong as Luofeng Village’s. While Yu Kai, a high-level apprentice, was stationed there along with about eighty mid-level apprentices, their forces paled in comparison to the main city’s military might.

Yu Kai shook his head. “It’s hard to say. Without territory guards, we can’t confirm if anyone has entered our territory. But with their reconnaissance capabilities, discovering Dongshan Village wouldn’t be difficult if they ventured deep enough into the jungle.“

Cheng Yang pondered for a moment. “This is troublesome. Someone must be deliberately stirring things up behind the scenes.“

“What do you mean?” Yu Kai asked, confused.

“Just days ago, I warned Yuan Jianze in the main city. Given his cautious nature, he wouldn’t dare violate our agreement so soon. This must be someone acting behind his back. In fact, I suspect these are the same people who planted bombs in our Luofeng Village,” Cheng Yang explained.

Yu Kai looked shocked. “Then what should we do? Help Yuan Jianze expose these conspirators?“

A cold smile appeared on Cheng Yang’s face. “No need. If someone wants to fish in troubled waters, I’ll make the waters even murkier. Let’s hope they don’t drown in it.“

Yu Kai hesitated. “You mean to…“

Cheng Yang nodded. “As the saying goes, one mountain can’t accommodate two tigers. The entire Xiang City region can only have one dominant force. While Yuan Jianze is a decent leader, he’s not one to submit to others. He’s not suitable to manage the main city.“

“Are you planning to take over the main city?” Yu Kai asked immediately.

Cheng Yang shook his head. “According to current rules, no one can control the main city. What we need is to break Xiang City’s monopoly, creating at least a three-way or five-way balance of power. That way, they can’t threaten us anymore. Remember when you suggested finding a spokesperson in the main city? The time has come.“

Cheng Yang’s plan was to take advantage of the upcoming rule changes after the one-month period, when numerous people from other towns would flood into the main city, disrupting its power structure. With proper preparation, Cheng Yang could establish a major force during this chaotic period.

Yu Kai considered this. “Should we send people to establish a new faction or take over an existing one?“

Cheng Yang’s thoughts turned to Xiao Zheng, whom he had rescued in the Xiang City ruins. Xiao Zheng’s sense of justice, rare in these apocalyptic times, made him an ideal candidate. While too much kindness could be dangerous in the apocalypse, Cheng Yang’s plan required a benevolent leader to attract followers.

“We’ll find an existing faction. Whether we send overseers can be decided later,” Cheng Yang said. “I’m heading to the main city soon to handle this matter.“

Yu Kai looked concerned. “What about Dongshan Village? If they’ve discovered it, they might take action. Without your support, we might not hold out against an attack.“

Cheng Yang smiled confidently. “Don’t worry. If they dare attack, I’ll make sure they regret it.” He handed Yu Kai a newly acquired Sound Transmission Jade Talisman.

Yu Kai examined the talisman’s properties and exclaimed, “This is perfect! With this, we can notify you immediately if we’re in danger. At your speed, they won’t have time to cause much damage.“

Cheng Yang nodded. “I’ll be active around the main city these days, deliberately revealing my movements. I suspect the forces behind this won’t be able to resist making a move.“

“That’s reassuring,” Yu Kai said, visibly relieved. While casualties were inevitable in any conflict, protecting Dongshan Village was the priority.

After dismissing Yu Kai, Cheng Yang rode his white tiger, Xiao Bai, toward the main city. The journey, which took only about ten minutes, was much easier now that the path had been cleared of demonic beasts and thorns. Though new beasts could spawn at any time, these low-level creatures were no threat to Cheng Yang.

As Cheng Yang approached the main city’s glowing barrier, several soldiers recognized him immediately, thanks to his distinctive white tiger companion. One soldier approached respectfully, “Mr. Cheng, are you here to visit our commander?“

Cheng Yang nodded. “Yes, is Commander Yuan in the city?“

The soldier replied, “The commander is waiting for you. He’s been expecting your arrival. Please follow me.“

As Cheng Yang followed the soldiers into the city, he left behind a crowd of awestruck combatants. His reputation in the main city had grown to legendary proportions, partly due to Yuan Jianze’s earlier propaganda painting him as a fearsome villain. The sight of Cheng Yang and his massive tiger only reinforced this image.

Cheng Yang soon found himself in the inner city, surrounded by elegant pavilions he had only seen from afar in his previous life. The soldiers led him to a particular pavilion where Yuan Jianze emerged, followed by several prominent figures Cheng Yang recognized from his past life.

Yuan Jianze greeted him with a smile. “Mr. Cheng, you’ve kept us waiting!“

(To be continued… Please subscribe and vote for monthly tickets!)