Chapter 41 (1/2): Horrible bullying show
The howling of the gang echoed like thunder across the empty factory yard, shaking the vast space.
These wild dogs were mostly teenagers, boys and girls in their early teens.
They were lost, self-conscious, and uneducated, living amidst the sprawling city’s chaos and harshness.
They were recruited from the streets, simply because they had a tiny glimmer of recognition and intelligence.
But in this cruel, ruthless underworld, their loyalty was only to the gang that gave them shelter and power.
Whether they were common city residents or from other factions, none of them could trust anyone but their own pack of vicious dogs.
Except for Hong, who stood apart with a surprising resolve.
They would vanish without a trace in just a few hours if left unchecked, swallowed by the sprawling web of the city’s underbelly.
Among the crowd, Guo Bing was silently observing the people, who had no hope of escape.
At that moment, Wen Lun’s powerful words cut through the chaos like a shining beacon, wildly striking a chord deep within their pure hearts.
What Wen Lun spoke of was the core truth of “Renzhi Shizhe”—the phrase “Benevolence always prevails,” focusing on the word “strict,” just like Ban Shi himself.
No matter how terrible the situation, they had all experienced death repeatedly, and only through death did they find a kind of release.
His appeal wasn’t about politics or morals, but about inspiring action and emotion, touching something deep inside.
Fengyi nervously whispered, “Big brother, what exactly is Kao Jieheng planning to do with us?”
Wen Lun exhaled sharply, a fierce, almost divine light flickering in his eyes as he spoke: “Perhaps I want you all to use my stubborn spirit, my refusal to give up, to fight with every last ounce of your strength. I want us to reform our group discipline, to act bravely and decisively, to clear out the dark gangs and bring light to the city. You’re the ones I trust most.”
He scanned every shocked and terrified face in the crowd, then added with unwavering conviction: “My goal is simple. I want to sever the shackles that bind people. I want to overthrow all the high and mighty powers that oppress us. I want to build a new world without nobles, without oppression; a world where no one is left in pain, where everyone has dignity, security, and strength—where all people are equal. I want a new Earth where the light of justice shines brightly, where the heavens and earth belong to everyone.”
The entire factory fell into stunned silence.
No aristocracy, no oppression, a kingdom of Heaven on Earth.
This was nothing short of a mad dream to many.
This idea was not only a threat to the princes and generals but also a challenge to the entire corrupt world.
Yan An’s expression was unreadable, yet his voice was like a probe into their hearts.
Like a stone thrown into still water, every member’s soul trembled with the fierce waves of hope and fear.
He was fierce and relentless in his speech, his passion illuminating the darkness inside them, igniting the suppressed spirit of battle and resistance.
Xiao Yu, who had heard of Wen Lun’s plan, looked at the bloodstained man with mixed emotions.
Even if he were a Messenger, Wen Lun was someone you would choose to follow if given the choice.
He was the one who could best seize the moment and the opportunity.
Tang, fearing political abandonment, was not hopeful.
The entire ground under the threat of the Red Spiral Cult was equally unstable.
At the head of the group, Marianne, Chief Maid of Laval House, said quietly, “Shan Li, I will create a new organization and entrust it to you and Wei Lian to manage.”
Wei Lian nodded solemnly: “I will give it my all.”
“Very well. With Wen Lun’s wisdom, Ban Minpei’s guidance, I will no longer be a mere maid but will become the Queen of the underground.”
“Guo Bing will be the king,” came a rare, faint smile from Yan An.
Wen Lun looked at them all: “I am the Messenger of Benevolence.”
“Right,” Ning En muttered quietly.
Despite her soft tone, the divine power within her was astonishing.
“Now you have the chance to rise. Seize it with all your strength,” Wen Lun urged, his gaze piercing through the crowd.
He saw it clearly—their words, though trembling, had stirred their souls, sparking a hope that few others could inspire.
Among them was Hong.
He was not one to be swayed by empty words.
On the contrary, he fully understood Wen Lun’s plan.
An Yang was the first to stand, Ye Shi the staunch supporter.
In fact, the so-called “Renzhi Shizhe” or the Church had never attracted such sincere followers as these.
When Kao Jieheng was young, he was a brilliant man of faith.
An Yang had long abandoned political debates, no longer interested in either side.
He cared little for politics or morals, only for strength and loyalty.
He was the kind of person who was neither hot-tempered nor easily swayed, but whose unwavering calm made others trust him.
Clearly, he had come to respect Wen Lun’s vision instinctively.
Ye Shi was even more outspoken.
“An Yang,” he said quietly, “there’s a mole among us.”
An Yang’s eyes flashed sharply as he probed: “Who? Speak!”
Wen Lun immediately pointed to Ning En: “She is part of our team.”
“Is that so?”
Ning En’s voice was cold and calm.
“Indeed,” Wen Lun said, indicating An Ji, who was calmly working on some tasks nearby.
Guo Bing’s gaze flickered with suspicion.
He knew all too well Kao Jieheng’s usual distrust, and a wave of doubt crept over him.
Why would old Jack risk bringing in dogs like these unreliable young ones?
Why was he helping the Xiao family’s gang?
Was he simply a good old man?
The truth was that he was an enemy of the Red Spiral Cult, yet he had an agenda.
Ban Minpei controlled the underworld territory, holding a unique position.
Everyone knew he guarded that territory, but few had ever truly seen him.
Those who served him either joined the Church or were forcibly conscripted.
Kao Jieheng was a man who kept his cards close to his chest and avoided unnecessary risks.
Everyone was a player in this underground game, wary and calculating.
The people of the Di Xia Shijie viewed the suspicious activities of the Red Spiral Cult with mistrust.
As long as everyone kept their heads down, life could continue in relative peace.
Many factions had grown from this fragile peace, evolving into local branches of the Crimson Spiral Cult.
The Guild constantly monitored Laval Manor’s movements, especially the battle prowess of Shan Li.
“She has the physical strength of a knight,” the maids analyzed.
“Indeed,” Fengyi said.
“If she unleashes her full power, only a knight like Wei Jun could match her.”
“But why would someone with such strength hesitate to use it?”
Wen Lun pondered.
The Church’s latest intelligence had given Guo Bing a shock.
“Could the Church’s martial arts secrets attract a power like hers? Can Ning En identify traitors? Maybe this is linked.”
Marianne fell into deep thought.
If Wen Lun’s intuition was correct, Ban Minpei had been appointed overseer of Laval Manor’s guards.
Perhaps this was connected to the strange powers displayed by the young Messenger.
Kao Jieheng was physically gifted beyond ordinary men, but facing the bizarre strength unleashed by the Messenger, he seemed like a paper tiger—an easy target, helpless and defeated.
“Great,” Fengyi said, smiling faintly as she patted the red-haired girl.
“Mission accomplished. Go inform the Church. The Guild will reward you.”
“Understood,” Hong replied sharply, striding away.
Wen Lun used the distraction to quietly send An Ji aside.
“Ning En, go calm everyone down. I’ll watch the battlefield.”
Fengyi watched Wen Lun’s steady neck, feeling admiration and a bit of awe.
This young and rare member of the Gui Shou was profoundly valuable.
What exactly had happened to him?
Was he already registered with the Church?
In the Di Xia Shijie, the leader orchestrated major assassinations, and Wen Lun displayed a terrifying power that had everyone tense.
An Yang nodded in agreement: “Yes, Kao Jieheng is no joke.”
Though only in his twenties, Ye Shi had been active in the underground scene since he was a teenager, gathering intelligence and building connections.
He was a true force among the underworld’s elite.
With just a few words, Fengyi conveyed all this to the group, reinforcing Kao Jieheng’s reputation as a soldier and tactician.
Ban Minpei’s presence among the people was both reassuring and unsettling.
His leadership skills complemented Wen Lun’s strategy perfectly.
Now, the true turning point had come.
Wen Lun looked toward Yan An, pointing at Kao Jieheng: “He can recognize you.”
Shan Li’s heart burned, a crimson light flashing across her eyes.
“Don’t worry,” Wen Lun said calmly, “our investigation will not fail.”
“No tricks. He’s one of us. We are clearing our own ranks. Otherwise, they’d be controlling us.”
Wen Lun approached Kao Jieheng, his gaze sharp and unfaltering.
Kao Jieheng’s expression was cold and severe, but inside, his mind raced.
His hand tightened around a hidden blade.
“Stop! What are you trying to do? I am a Royal Knight!”