Chapter 255

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Chapter 255: Tempting Hearts
Lin Cong slowly explained, “That person known as the second Era Sub-merchant has returned.”
“The second? Hmm, it’s about time for him to come back. But when he returns, wasn’t he supposed to have a trading relationship with Wang Liang before? What does that have to do with me?”
Zhang Mu was even more puzzled, waiting for Lin Cong to explain.
Lin Cong looked bitter as he spread his hands and said, “This is a really big deal. Before, Wang Liang did have dealings with that person called the second, but Brother Mu, don’t you remember why he calls himself the second?”
Zhang Mu suddenly realized and blurted out, “Is it because of me?”
“Yes, because Brother Mu took too many resources from his position at the first Era Sub-merchant, it seemed to make it very difficult for him to complete his tasks, so he held a grudge.”
“When he came back from outside, we held a feast for him, but then he saw a large amount of goods exclusive to the Era Store, and immediately understood that Wang Liang and Brother Mu had traded. He left the gathering place with a remark ‘with you, but without him’.”
Lin Cong continued helplessly, “The next day, we received news that he had started collaborating with forces from outside the city. With their help, the strength of those external forces slowly caught up with ours, and those who were originally undecided became firm, not persuaded by us and left.”
On the contrary, many people here were tempted by the benefits, weapons, and food offered by the opposition.
Later, for some reason, thousands of mutant beasts surrounded the entire Luo Yang City, but they seemed afraid of something and dared not attack the city, as if because of the Era Merchant. But even so, just surrounding Luo Yang City and blocking our entry and exit would eventually cause big problems.
It was in this situation that the forces of the old city and the external city united, temporarily merging into the Luo Yang Alliance, symbolizing a blood oath for the future of humanity.”
Lin Cong scoffed and spat on the ground, “Talking beautifully about the future of humanity is nonsense. After the merger, they openly began to deceive us evolvers.”
With the city gates impossible to pass through, the resources of Luo Yang City were basically exhausted. Hunting mutant beasts or searching for food in nearby villages became impossible. At that time, everyone’s food source, aside from the stockpile of the leaders in various gathering places, was the food continuously exchanged from Era Store through Brother Mu.”
Zhang Mu suddenly realized that food was essential for everyone, regardless of their abilities, to fill their stomachs.
He raised his eyebrows and asked, “So the second one is distributing food to the forces in the outer city, right?”
Lin Cong shook his head and said, “No, he is very cunning, doing much more than that. He also gives food to the old city’s evolvers, but not enough to satisfy them, while the outer city receives sufficient portions.”
Once compared, even fools knew where to go, and now many leaders in the gathering places are beginning to waver.
This tactic is ruthless – I’ll give you food, not saying I won’t, to avoid being accused of not understanding human decency.
Want food? Sure! I’ll distribute food, but to get full, you have to be loyal to me!
Clever strategy, plain and simple!
This tactic may be effective, despite clearly being a means of dividing them.
Very clever!
Zhang Mu started to admire the cunning of this second-ranked person. No wonder he could secure the top position as the Era Sub-merchant in the future. He had the strategy and cleverness, but just lacked a bit in generosity.
“By now, there are not many leaders left who have united with Wang Liang. That Qian Bao joined the first group of leaders who pledged allegiance under a man named Qian Sheng. That’s why he acts so arrogantly.”
Lin Cong had a strong disdain for Qian Bao and said, “The selection process for the City Guard involves choosing from many evolvers, with a ratio of six to four between the outer city and the old city. Qian Bao managed to get in through connections because the benefits of being in the City Guard are good. Whereas, my brothers and I fought desperately, risking our lives to bring back the heads of dozens of mutant beasts while the horde had not gathered under the city walls.”
Zhang Mu nodded slightly and said, “It seems that it’s indeed because of me that you all are in such a plight. I believe Wang Liang must be feeling quite anxious now.”
“Yes, Brother Wang Liang has lost weight due to the convergence of internal and external troubles. I used to be close to him, so I know a lot about the situation. Brother Wang Liang often mentions you, Brother Mu. He always says things would be better if you were here.”
Zhang Mu chuckled and patted Lin Cong’s shoulder, saying, “Don’t worry, things will be resolved quickly now that I’m back.”
Seeing Zhang Mu’s confident demeanor, Lin Cong felt a sense of relief. It seemed like their hardships were coming to an end. The past month without Zhang Mu had been getting progressively harder. Moving closer to Zhang Mu, he asked, “Brother Mu, did you bring back a large amount of resources? If we have enough food and weapons, our benefits will increase significantly. With our original foundation, we can definitely regain the lost power.”
“Food? Weapons? These methods of winning people over should only be seen as supplemental tools. The most crucial aspect is personal strength. If you are strong enough, you won’t need to rely on small favors to attract others.”
Zhang Mu and Lin Cong walked side by side until they reached the gathering place. It was the same location as before, where the evolvers who had already recognized Zhang Mu nodded in acknowledgment.
“Brother Mu is back, so we don’t have to eat that bad food anymore.”
“Yeah, I can never forget the bear meat Brother Mu brought back a month ago. Compared to that, the food we’ve been eating lately is either porridge or thin soup. My mouth has gotten used to bland food.”
“Those people were cursing Brother Mu for not showing up for over a month. But now he’s back and showing them who’s boss. We all know Brother Mu is the top Era Sub-merchant. Those annoying guys used to show off their food to us every day, but now they’ll get what they deserve.”
Everyone saw Lin Cong respectfully following beside Zhang Mu and knew that Zhang Mu had returned. They all got excited instantly. Hearing people discussing him made Zhang Mu feel like he was back home.
Suddenly, a figure came rushing over from a distance. Recognizing the person, Lin Cong quickly stepped aside.
The figure hugged Zhang Mu tightly and after a while said slowly, “Brother Mu, it’s good that you’re back.”
It’s Wang Liang!