Chapter 82: The Well Thief – 5

Captain Jia smiled.

Ning Yang followed the plan and invited Master Zuo to go out together.

After lunch, Yang Zicang received news from the headquarters: the team of experts, driven by his provocation, had been dismantling many things. In just one day, three or four Nightmares had already manifested, nearly resulting in tragedy.

Yang Zicang found the situation utterly overwhelming.

–Except for the wells, hold off on dismantling other things until I return. No matter how many formulas there are, there aren’t enough Disorientation Moxels for these experts to squander.–

Last night, Yang Zicang had obtained two Disorientation Moxels from the haunted gathering place, which were extracted from the corpses of the adventurers outside.

That place should have long been regarded as a forbidden zone by nearby residents.

Telekinetic attacks are the hardest to counter—ordinary blades are utterly ineffective against them. Yet even so, most of those Frequency-Lost Moxels had already been plundered by others; he only managed to find those two.

These pitch-black, glassy crystals stirred indescribable emotions in Yang Zicang. Perhaps this land can only be this way—the later generations barely surviving by relying on their predecessors.

……

Chang Yuanxin tested the formula again, but the result was still unsatisfactory; to be precise, it simply didn’t work.

–I remember that’s exactly how they did it back then. Where did I go wrong?–

Most of the people who would help him today were absent. Out of sorts, Chang Yuanxin rose and walked out of the small shack.

–It’s almost noon. Where’s Penglord?–

–Went out with Master Zuo.–

Chang Yuanxin grew even more irritated.

That bastard had sneaked and dug a well—what a disgusting move.

He stepped out, intending to take a walk by the well to clear his head, but after his eyes swept past the rough and bold stone house next to Ning Yang’s place, he suddenly wanted to go inside and take a look while no one was around.

Didn’t someone enter his own house without even a greeting? Taking a look at this one shouldn’t be a big deal.

Chang Yuanxin walked over as if no one else existed. The door frame, the stone steps—truly beautiful. This was the house Ning Yang had hinted would be his, but now he couldn’t even dream of it.

He tried the door. It wasn’t tightly fastened—after all, there were no locks here, and besides the house and that coat, Zuo Fen didn’t have anything valuable worth stealing.

He pulled out the latch bolt and pushed the heavy wooden door half open.

Then he saw the most vicious scene in the world.

–This… this is, this can’t be! Isn’t it exactly that!–

Chang Yuanxin’s head rang and buzzed. He didn’t know how he had managed to walk inside the house; when he came to his senses, there was already liquid clinging to his hands that gave off a faint smell of chemical agents.

–How could anyone be so vile.–

He checked again, then looked around.

Chang Yuanxin set down a Coldward Hearth valve and muttered to himself.

Then he grabbed a curved steel pipe and took a look, suddenly a rush of heat surged to his head, and with a bang he threw the polished alloy steel pipe to the ground, shouting angrily, –How can there be such a vicious person in this world! That bastard!–

That man didn’t just dig a well—he’d quietly gotten his hands on a Coldward Hearth!!

And such a high-grade semi-automated Coldward Hearth at that—he’s trying to cut me off at the root!

Just thinking about being driven out of Peng Zone and tossed into the wilderness made Chang Yuanxin shiver with terror.

I’m eyeing his house, and he’s out for my life!

–What to do…– The thought of the guy who had squatted with him in the pit the day before instantly flashed through his mind.

By the time Chang Yuanxin turned his head, he found several people already gathered at the doorway.

–Is that a Coldward Hearth component?– The person outside the door asked, eyes glued to the parts.

–Holy crap, Master Zuo is that badass.–

–So Master Zuo really is an unrevealed master after all—these are clearly Coldward Hearth fittings, and they look like high-end stuff too.–

As they caught sight of Chang Yuanxin standing dazed in the house, his face a tangle of rage and bewilderment, and the pile of Coldward Hearth parts, the people outside already grasped the situation.

Someone quickly ran off to contact Captain Jia.

Chang Yuanxin’s face alternated between red and pale. He gritted his teeth and decided to go all the way, committing to the deed.

–I was the one who placed these here. Xiao Zhang, Xiao Wang, help me carry these parts out.–

–Wait, Master Zhang, aren’t these items left by Master Zuo?–

–This room was originally supposed to be assigned to me by Lord Ning. Didn’t you know that? So I stored them here a couple of days ago. Who would’ve guessed Master Zuo happened to rig up a well? Now I’m just retrieving my own stuff. Hmph, still not moving? Do you expect me to carry them myself?–

–Well…–

Chang Yuanxin’s face remained expressionless. He picked up the box of medicine and walked past the two men.

Captain Jia, who was about to drive them away, realized something had gone wrong and quickly contacted Lord Ning Yang.

Upon learning that Master Zuo’s workshop still contained a set of Coldward Hearth components capable of producing a complete Shin Engine, Ning Yang, journeying across the wild plains, nearly stumbled.

Unlike Chang Yuanxin’s shock and despair, Ning Yang was overjoyed!

What a relief that Jia Zi hadn’t succeeded! This Master Zuo was truly the great benefactor of his settlement. He’d almost overlooked him!

After grasping the full story, Ning Yang cleared his throat and cautiously began, –Well, Master Zuo.–

–Lord, why bother being so formal again? Look at me, do I seem like a master in this sorry state?–

Ning Yang gave a dry laugh: –If you’re not a master, then who is? That Chang Yuanxin just went into your room. Sorry, we didn’t notice him. He said he might have lost something, so he was just looking around.–

Zuo Feixian’s face changed color.

Seeing Master Zuo’s expression, Ning Yang became even more certain that the old fox had prepared a second sneaky scheme.

Trying to hide your little tricks, huh? Caught with your pants down. But this is truly a devastating move for Chang Yuanxin.

Ning Yang thought, Is this how those ancient emperors felt when they set up Left and Right Chancellors, the Eastern and Western Factories? ~

Truly, letting ministers check and balance each other is the basic move of the emperor’s art.

Zuo Feixian stammered, –He… must be very angry, right.–

–It’s fine, you have me.–

Ning Yang patted Zuo Feixian’s shoulder with a grave expression.

Zuo Feixian gave a helpless, wry smile. Didn’t he know exactly what kind of temper Chang Yuanxin had? He wouldn’t be able to explain himself now even if he jumped into the Yellow River.

But… it doesn’t matter if he had to bear one more pot. Since he was already stuck with the infamous –Biological Master– title, what was one more crime?

–Relax, relax. But the problem now is, Captain Jia and his team didn’t react quickly enough. He’s already started refining the Shin Engine, so…–

–What~!– Zuo Feixian took a deep breath. –Damn it! My reputation is utterly shot now.–

–Hahaha, Grand Master Zuo is wholeheartedly dedicated to the Peng Zone, how could I ever doubt your integrity? If only you’d said earlier that you could build this thing, I wouldn’t have let Chang Yuanxin waste months messing around.–

That person had entrusted me to guard such a precious component in this godforsaken place. And now someone else has taken it!

Zuo Feixian said urgently, –No, that’s not mine—it’s his… I was keeping it for him.–

–You’re not going to say it’s from the guy who made the Well Shin Engine and then just gave it to you for free, are you?–

–Mi—– Zuo Feixian bit his lip hard, forcing a smile as he nodded.

A heavy hand clapped him on the shoulder.

–Don’t talk nonsense. From now on, you’re the second in command of the Peng Zone. As long as I’m here, as long as my child is here, you’ll always be the second. Stop overthinking from now on, alright, our Deputy Penglord Zuo?–

Disheveled, Zuo Feixian shook his head, then smiled through pained tears as he slowly nodded.

–I’ll… do my best to learn these two skills from him.–

–That’s better.–

Ning Yang was overjoyed. A Moxel flashed on his chest.

[Drive the Jiazi Term group away immediately! Have someone contact Grand Master Zuo via Syn-Link, and don’t give Jiazi Term a chance to speak with him.]

{I’ll handle it right away.}

A crowd gathered around Chang Yuanxin’s shed, with materials piled up all around him.

Once he’d forcibly begun his alchemy, no one could stop him—any attempt would waste the materials and Moxel already invested earlier, leaving Captain Jia helpless, arms crossed.

–This is mine! I had them collect all of this!–

Fanaticized, Chang Yuanxin muttered on repeat, his voice carrying loudly as he tossed Coldward Hearth parts into his massive work tent.

The onlookers craned their necks. Among them, Yang Zicang scratched his head, while Shiu Siuchuan whispered nearby, –Those are our parts, aren’t they?–

–I knew Zhao Fen was unreliable. I’ll deal with him.–

–Shh—don’t say that at a time like this,– Yang Zicang cut him off.

Who knew that merely storing something temporarily would lead to such a colossal misunderstanding, spinning Chang Yuanxin into a frenzy?

Shiu Siuchuan complained, –This is all thanks to that bloke. Those materials are rare enough to secure an order letter.–

–Yeah, even Brother Jia must’ve had a rough time gathering those materials without sparking nightmares.–

Yang Zicang glanced sideways, seeing a dozen-odd people vaguely encircling him beyond the crowd.

Someone squeezed through the throng and whispered, –Jiazi Term, come outside for a bit.–

Wang Chong, Shiu Siuchuan, and several others were also called out.

–What’s the matter, Captain Jia?– they asked as they arrived at the entrance.

–Sorry, everyone. You’ve seen the changes in Peng Zone, so starting today, we’re downsizing. We’re going to remodel the shed area; from now on, find yourselves another place.–

–What?– Shiu Siuchuan and the others were a bit stunned.

–That means you can pack your stuff and get the hell out now,– the man next to Captain Jia said coldly.

Their expressions shifted. The burliest among the six growled angrily, –What the hell? We just gave you a big present.–

–Yeah, we built that well ourselves.–

–Enough, no need to say more.– Yang Zicang stopped them.

The burly man, his face twisted with rage, spoke to Yang Zicang in a wounded tone: –But… the Coldward Hearth fittings were clearly brought by Brother Yang.–

–Exactly. And the well’s engine was obviously built by us.–

Captain Jia found it both surprising and ridiculous.

Right at this moment, these people still clung to delusions, hoping to trade their own lies—lies even they didn’t believe—for a chance to stay!

He had heard too many stories of people going mad and spouting nonsense after being told they’d be expelled.

He was about to mock these clueless fools, but in that instant, he felt his mind waver, as if he had glimpsed an unassailable majesty that could not be defied.

Yang Zicang’s cold eyes shifted to the burly Lyu Zhi beside him. –Say no more.–

Then those eyes suddenly swept across the room.

The dozen or so men around Captain Jia felt as if they were shrouded in a distant, profound aura—an indescribable sense of insignificance left them unable to muster even the slightest will to resist.

It felt as if they were standing before an ancient ruler from ages long past.

–Leave now. Almost everything is done here.–

At Yang Zicang’s decision, the six men beside him hardly dared to breathe.

Captain Jia was stunned into silence, watching the man before him stride calmly toward the gate. Wang Chong, who had clung to his weapon all morning, stayed close on Yang Zicang’s heels.

–Brother Jiazi, wait for us! We’ll grab our things.–

–Don’t leave us behind. Without you, we’re done for.–

The remaining five panicked frantically, fumbling in chaos, unsure which way to run.

–Forget the packing. Whatever you need, I’ll give it to you.–

These words were domineering, but those around Captain Jia just pursed their lips—truly a spy from the Big Peng Zone here to haul manure.

The five exchanged glances, then locked their eyes on Yang Zicang ahead, nodding solemnly.

Captain Jia and the others snapped back to reality, a flicker of anger simmering within them as they realized they had been cowed by just a single glance from him.

–Damn it, this kid’s gonna get himself killed sooner or later, mark my words.–

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the depths of Peng Zone.

It wasn’t about Chang Yuanxin successfully forging the Coldward Hearth that might catch Hubville’s eye—it was something far worse.

The woman inside Ning Yang’s stone house wailed at the door, –The Shin Engine is gone! What’s in the box is a fake!–

–What?!–

This sparked an uproar.

–No way, how is that possible?–

A crowd pushed and shoved their way into Penglord’s stone house, scrambling to snatch the transparent engine from the table that Aya had taken out of the box.

It resembled the one everyone had seen yesterday by nearly ninety percent, but the illusion inside was clearly painted on, and it lacked that crisp, sweet resonance of the mind—this was not the real Well Engine!

It wasn’t even an engine.

It was just a piece of glass!

–It was swapped.–

–Who did it?–

The crowd erupted into chaos as someone grabbed the woman by the collar and roared in fury, –Who’s touched it?! Did you hide it yourself?!–

–Leave Aya alone.–

Captain Jia, who had just arrived, stood dumbfounded.

–Boss, that Jiazi guy—he left without a shred of hesitation, didn’t he?–

Among the clamoring crowd, the skinny guard from the security team whispered into his ear, –Could it be that Jiazi was the one who stole it?–

A word awakens the dreamer in an instant!

–Guilty or not, stop him now, drag him back and frisk him—hurry!–

Six or seven men spun around and bolted after him. Captain Jia ordered Aya set down, then seized the arm of this woman, sold here like chattel, and tossed her into the bedroom a few strides away.

Pulling the door shut tight, he jabbed a finger at two men: –You two, guard her tight. The rest of you brothers, with me—let’s go clean up!–

Captain Jia strode forth with a vengeance, a vicious glint steeled on his face.

–Jiazi Term!– he snarled through gritted teeth.

No matter how many facets their Moxel had, no matter how formidable they were, the Shin Engine had to be kept here—no matter what!

The crowd surged after him, as if their security captain had a definite target in sight.

–Who is it?–

–Did Captain Jia figure out which bastard son pulled this off?–

The chaos had finally found a breach. Driven like headless flies, the throng was led by Captain Jia, charging out of the dilapidated Peng Zone.

–You bastard son of a bitch! No matter how high his Chronos is, one punch each and we’ll hammer that grandkid flat!–

Captain Jia charged at the forefront into the wasteland; behind him swarmed the tide of ragged men and women brandishing clubs and pipes.

–Halt!–

–You few there—get the hell back here!–

The complaining Lyu Zhi and his group had only walked a few hundred meters when a crowd of people chased out from the settlement behind them, and growing larger, nearly a hundred strong.

–Get back here!– a voice rang out from behind.