Chapter 352: You Can Only Say, the Luck Wasn't Very Good
The Intelligent Insect described its predicament.
In the convoluted fifth level of the Abyss, besides the Demigods who were its main inhabitants and the imprisoned monsters, there were also Curse Insects that had become trapped there for various reasons.
Curse Insects and Demigods hunted each other, following the most ancient and primitive law of survival.
The Demigods were far more numerous. The remaining Curse Insects had either found unique ways to survive or were exceptionally powerful themselves.
The Intelligent Insect belonged to the former group. It had cooperated with multiple Demigods on the fifth level. It always stated its prices and demands clearly: “Give me the brain of a Demigod, and we can talk.”
Fuguo belonged to the latter.
Despite its immense power, it preferred to lie in wait and launch sneak attacks. Once it set its sights on you, you were in for dangerous trouble.
In the past, nearly all Demigods hunted by Fuguo had fallen. Among them were many highly capable individuals who possessed powerful Artifacts. But with the enemy hidden and them exposed, it was difficult to escape Fuguo’s deadly grasp after being subjected to sneak attacks for years on end.
Fuguo had a fanatical sense of mission toward its prey. Once it chose a target, it would never give up until it was captured.
And now, it had its sights set on the Intelligent Insect.
“Fuguo probably realized that instead of making enemies everywhere and wasting time and energy on hunting, it would be much easier to just steal my Hounds.”
A tangled mess of lines appeared above the Intelligent Insect’s head, showing its agitation.
“It can create panic, driving its target into a state of Chaos and Madness, and uses that as an opportunity to strike.”
“The two Hounds I worked so hard to train were both eaten by Fuguo.”
“That thing has gotten used to hunting and plundering from me. It’s a very serious threat.”
Luh Yao understood.
‘So the Intelligent Insect was being used as an ATM by Fuguo. Whenever it wanted a treat, it would come looking for it. A classic case of bullying among its own kind.’
The Intelligent Insect said, “As far as I know, Fuguo has hunted down at least seven Demigods. If you can take that thing out, your rewards will definitely be substantial.”
“I can act as bait. Fuguo will definitely attack again. At that time, we can coordinate from the inside and outside to eliminate it completely.”
Hai Zhe did not answer immediately.
He thought for a good while before finally speaking. “My suggestion is, why don’t you stay in the Four-Direction Kingdom on the fourth level? We are stationed outside the kingdom. If you want safety, you can come to our camp. Of course, you’ll need to pay the corresponding price.”
“…”
The Intelligent Insect scratched its head with a claw. “But… there are no edible brains on this level… Of course, if you were to agree, I would be willing to purchase your Wisdom at a high price.”
“I have no interest in selling myself.”
“What a shame.”
The Intelligent Insect asked, “Are you truly unwilling to go to the fifth level?”
“Not right now. For a considerable period, we will be stationed on the fourth level, working closely with the Four-Direction Kingdom. If you can pay the price, we can guarantee your safety here.”
Hai Zhe’s attitude was clear.
Go down to the fifth level? Out of the question.
All cooperation would be limited to the fourth level.
“Then let me try another way.” The Intelligent Insect didn’t give up. “If I lure Fuguo here, can you help me eliminate it?”
“If it’s as you say, we can discuss it.”
The two sides engaged in a round of encrypted communication.
Hai Zhe stressed, “I need all the intelligence you have on Fuguo.”
The Intelligent Insect said happily, “No problem! I will give you half of my accumulated Fire of Faith—45,000 points! After it’s done, all of Fuguo’s Fire of Faith, as well as the Artifacts it has collected within its body, will be yours!”
“When we deal with the prey, everything related to it becomes our spoils of war,” Hai Zhe emphasized.
“Alright, alright.”
The Intelligent Insect couldn’t help but remind him again, “Fuguo is stronger than me, and it’s extremely cautious and sinister. Please be careful when you deal with it.”
“Understood.”
After discussing many details, the Intelligent Insect took the Silver Yaksha and returned to the fifth level, beginning the first phase of luring the snake out of its hole.
Luh Yao waited for a long time, but the Curse Insect never returned with its lure.
He wondered.
‘The Intelligent Insect’s story was so detailed, it didn’t seem like a scam or a joke. Or perhaps, it had originally intended to come and avenge the slain Sub-Dragon, but upon realizing the situation was not in its favor, it concocted a story on the spot?’
But then, a single sentence from the Rock King woke him from his reverie.
“Huh? The rift between the fourth and fifth levels has closed. Who knows when it will open next.”
All one could say was, its luck wasn’t very good.
‘Luh Yao silently wished this strange Curse Insect well. He hoped it could hold out against Fuguo on the fifth level and survive until the passage reopened. Then it would have a chance to call for backup and deal with the Curse Insect bully.’
…
Although the Four-Direction Kingdom’s urban construction was crude, it had many basic facilities.
There were large farmlands where sweet potatoes and taro grew in the soil. There were Fish Ponds where fish and frogs were raised. There were pastures with many chickens kept in pens. There was even a small casino where Extraordinary Beings enjoyed playing a game called [Bone Cards], both for recreation and in hopes of winning a windfall.
However, all public resources here had to be handed over first, to be managed and then distributed centrally by the King’s two generals, General Yuann and General Shi.
In this respect, the Four-Direction Kingdom was more like a giant tribe or clan, employing a simple and crude top-down management style under a patriarch.
As the ruler of this miniature Kingdom, the Mountain Golem had an irreparable intellectual deficiency. He was constantly wracking his brain, trying to find a better way to govern.
Unfortunately, he had little success.
After carefully studying the Four-Direction Kingdom, Sinners’ Hai Zhe sent a prayer to Luh Yao.
“Omnipotent Yao God, your devout servant humbly disturbs you in your busy schedule, hoping to receive your revelation.”
Luh Yao sent Isabel over.
Facing the Apostle, Hai Zhe explained his thoughts. “Miss Isabelle, the Lord God has shown great care for the Corps. Logically, I shouldn’t press my luck… but the Four-Direction Kingdom has a population of sixty thousand. If we can successfully convert these sixty thousand Extraordinary Beings to our Faith and turn them into Believers of Lord Yao God, they will play an important role in the Abyss.”
“The Four-Direction Kingdom currently faces two major difficulties.”
“The first is low production capacity, resulting in insufficient food to support a larger population.”
“The second is severe internal consumption of resources. Management is chaotic and inefficient, and corruption among resource administrators is rampant, leading to numerous internal conflicts and widespread resentment among the residents.”
“The only reason it has maintained overall stability is entirely due to the Abyss’s enclosed environment and the residents’ trust in and support for the Rock King.”
He proposed, “I have repeatedly exchanged opinions with the Rock King and have obtained his agreement and approval. I request that we bring in experienced city managers from the Yao Race to reshape and reform this place. As for Order and security, the Sinful Corps can take over for now.”
Luh Yao understood.
The reason Hai Zhe chose to be stationed here and had no immediate plans to explore further down was that he intended to conquer this city.
But unlike previous wars, this time, the Sinful Corps would conquer this place using a method the Yao Race was better at.
Luh Yao agreed.
Under Isabel’s coordination, a team of forty people was assembled and quickly arrived at the Four-Direction Kingdom.
Leading them was the current mayor of Yan City, Boutu. He had returned the position of mayor to the council and volunteered for this mission. Other Companions included veteran Farmers, herdsmen, Engineers, Mathematicians, linguists, historians, Physicians, and more.
Considering security and dietary issues, all who came were Ghost Elites uniformly clad in Ghost Armor.
When Hai Zhe met Boutu, sparks flew between their eyes for a moment, as if two swords were clashing against each other.
Back in the day, Hai Zhe had been arrested and executed by Boutu. For the two of them to smile at each other and let bygones be bygones was a little difficult.
“Since the goal is to build urban Order, I will faithfully carry out my duties as mayor.”
Old Boutu warned mercilessly, “If the Sinful Corps violates the basic laws and regulations, they will also be severely punished. No exceptions.”
“Heh, still the same aggressive old you.”
Hai Zhe asked, “How are things outside?”
“The Yao Race is developing steadily. We have now entered the Fire Steam Era…”
After listening to Boutu’s brief account, Hai Zhe was stunned for a moment. “So that much time has passed. No wonder you can build those cannon carts.”
“Your deeds of Godslaying in the Abyss are known to everyone. Your name and legend have even spread to other distant Divine Kingdoms.”
Boutu said, “Everyone is looking forward to your return.”
“That will be a long wait.”
A musical note appeared above Hai Zhe’s head, and he seemed to be in a good mood. “A warrior’s best end is to die on the battlefield.”
Boutu corrected him, “No. The honor a warrior deserves is to return home in glory.”
