Abyss Summoner-Chapter 324 - 317: Simple and Brutal

All departments in the Economic Development Zone have commenced operations. At this time, the city changes and progresses daily. Coupled with the cooperation between natives and goblins, construction within the Order is evolving rapidly.

Forts, watchtowers, simple houses, wide roads—all these structures owe much to the contributions of these slaves.

After the strike, the natives’ food was halved. In two weeks, over ten people succumbed to hunger and fell ill, passing away. It was only after Gray Wolf’s desperate plea that Chen Feng made an exception to restore the food supply, bluntly stating that if it happened again, it wouldn’t be half, but two-thirds.

Having experienced despair recently, the natives dared not show any resistance. They knew the corpses of the rioters who stirred emotions were still hanging at the camp entrance as a warning.

Sticks.

Chen Feng displayed the cold-bloodedness of a ruler.

In his eyes, these natives were merely his slaves, and even if he chose to kill them, no one would object.

However, using both kindness and severity helps them see reality more clearly.

After some time working, Chen Feng pardoned the natives who demonstrated a good work attitude. Not only were they no longer deprived, but they were even allocated housing...

A simple brick house.

The brick houses, designed and built by goblins, were created by these small creatures with tremendous talent in construction, despite their lack of combat ability. Through special construction methods, these houses became more insulated and secure. With a fire inside, no matter how cold it was outside, it remained warm inside.

Having lived in thatched huts for a long time, the natives wore thick furs to sleep during the winter to fend off the cold. Even so, many perished each winter.

But here, the houses’ presence delighted the newly freed natives, who saw them as miracles.

With the cold wind howling outside, inside the houses, they only needed to cover themselves with some cloth to sleep peacefully—this was what they called a Divine Kingdom.

Additionally, the natives were allowed to choose partners and, every weekend, received a pound of meat as a reward. Moreover, their work hours were reduced from all-day to ten hours. After work, they had complete freedom to arrange their time.

With comparison comes harm.

The identity of the free was extolled, and countless natives began working earnestly. With so many benefits, there was always something they desired.

If they didn’t want houses, they wanted women; if not women, then meat. Even if they didn’t want meat, the lure of rest was irresistible.

In conclusion, with both stick and carrot provided, most natives, except for those unredeemable, showed unprecedented enthusiasm, hoping to be selected as the next free person.

One issue after another got resolved, but Chen Feng was not idle. A week later, an invitation from Qiaodong arrived at his doorstep.

Qiaodong discovered new movements regarding the Insects and specially invited Chen Feng to a meeting in Qiaodong.

This was a matter of great significance.

Chen Feng did not refuse. After delegating his tasks, he set out for Qiaodong District.

After a period of adjustment.

The roads between the Economic Development Zone and Qiaodong were fully open. Furthermore, due to control over the river, a bridge built by professionals drastically shortened the distance. This meant that even on foot, it only took three hours to reach Qiaodong District.

If any combat issues arose, both sides could quickly support each other, minimizing the danger.

......

Inside the hall.

Important figures began taking their seats.

Compared to the meeting between Feng Zhiyong and Hong Jiuling earlier, the conference room was still in the original place, but the faces were somewhat unfamiliar now.

Hong Jiuling’s power was overthrown. His loyal followers were either dead or captured. Most were turned into Corpse Demons, completely destroyed. Even if there were remnants, they hid among the crowd, not daring to reveal themselves in this situation.

Feng Zhiyong, due to his unique status, left some confidants. But most had already defected. Even if there were some stubborn individuals, they were deprived of power. Their former identities were merely those of advisors, unable to influence the true course of the city.

Time elapsed bit by bit.

Xu Zhe, specially transferred from Order to succeed Han Qiang’s work, presided over the meeting, patiently explaining the circumstances discovered around the area recently.

The report lasted for two hours.

At this point, the Inferior Demon sitting beside had already become somewhat drowsy, her little head even resting on Chen Feng’s leg.

"Alright, that’s the situation," Xu Zhe finished reading the last word.

Chen Feng gently caressed the little girl’s hair and softly said, "So, does this mean that more than fifty people have already disappeared exploring West Qiao?"

Xu Hongzhuang sighed, feeling somewhat distressed, "It’s my negligence. I should have listened to your advice. Otherwise, so many people wouldn’t have died."

Chen Feng replied, "The death of those people isn’t entirely meaningless. This proves that in the deepest part of West Qiao, there indeed lies a significant threat."

The deepest part of West Qiao.

It was a forbidden area.

Because the Insect Emperor might very well be hiding there.

Chen Feng had long ago expressed this concern to Xu Hongzhuang. To verify his caution, she dispatched three teams for investigation.

But the outcome was bleak; 51 people were neither seen alive nor found dead, vanishing without a trace. Notably, among them were even two Silver-class warriors, aces of the Iron Demon Army, with extremely rich battle experience. Yet now they had vanished so mysteriously, like a grain of sand falling into a lake, without even a ripple.

Xu Hongzhuang could only let out a bitter smile.

The lives of fifty-one people only proved this one thing, and the cost was somewhat too high.

"Should I go to investigate?" After pondering for a moment, Xu Hongzhuang spoke up.

"No need. You just need to know that there are powerful enemies there. Going in recklessly would be seeking death!" Chen Feng frowned, his voice becoming somewhat cold.

When the insect tide broke out, countless bugs surged out from the west side of the bridge, likely where the Insect Emperor was hiding. It was the territory of the insects. Instead of being overwhelmed by their encirclement, it would be better to hold the city firmly, making the battle situation clearer and allowing for response if necessary. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

The west side of the bridge was the insect territory, but here, it was the human camp.

Xu Hongzhuang remained silent. She sensed Chen Feng’s rage, even some subtle fear.

In her memory, Chen Feng always acted with absolute certainty. Even when facing Hong Jiuling, that terrifying Devil was in his grasp from start to finish, without causing any upheaval.

But now, why did he show such a demeanor? An enemy whom even Chen Feng regarded so seriously couldn’t help but incite Xu Hongzhuang’s caution and worry.

"By the way," Chen Feng seemed to remember something and said, "How are the preparations for the Magic Crystal Cannon?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Hongzhuang shuddered, and even her glance showed some evasion.

Chen Feng noticed her change and asked, "What’s going on? Is there a problem?"

As a defensive weapon, the Magic Crystal Cannon had significant utility. Chen Feng suggested that Xu Hongzhuang should build at least fifty Magic Crystal Cannons. Only then could they resist the insect tide without falling into passivity.

Now, the high-level personnel of Qiaodong District were sitting around, yet Xu Hongzhuang, instead of being assertive, had been on the back foot, and now even more so. After a long thought, she finally said softly, "We only built ten cannons. Tian Xuefeng... hasn’t been well recently and... hasn’t been refining the Magic Crystal Cannons."

Tian Xuefeng.

He was considered Feng Zhiyong’s right-hand man. As Feng Zhiyong’s era ended, he and Han Qiang similarly lost their chances to hold power, retreating to secondary roles, mainly focusing on weapon refinement.

His rank was at the Silver Peak, common colds or diseases could hardly invade his body. Clearly, the so-called discomfort was just an excuse.

This was a silent rebellion.

He was using his way to say no to the new regime and Xu Hongzhuang.

In that case.

Perhaps some special means would be needed to make him obedient.

"Does he have any family?" Chen Feng’s calm voice resounded in the meeting.

Xu Hongzhuang shivered again, opened her mouth but didn’t make a sound, evidently guessing something.

"Major Chen!"

A fierce-looking professional, missing an eye, stood up, his chest heaving with anger, and said, "What do you mean by that? Even if Major Tian has no achievements, he has hard work. Do you intend to use his family to threaten him? How does that differ from a Devil!"

This was a confidant of Feng Zhiyong.

He had been mingling for a long time, thus establishing some authority. It seemed he still had his allies here.

They were all waiting for an opportunity.

An opportunity for Feng Zhiyong to regain power. As he spoke, many others began to respond. Xu Hongzhuang’s way of power-seeking was somewhat special, which didn’t win hearts. Clearly, Tian Xuefeng’s incident impacted their interests, prompting them to jump out and voice their refusal.

Xu Hongzhuang looked a bit upset, as their lack of respect made her feel embarrassed in front of Chen Feng, so she shouted loudly, "Tian Jian, sit down for me!"

An authority figure must have authority.

This professional named Tian Jian cast a sidelong glance at Xu Hongzhuang and sarcastically said, "What? Are you going to kill me like the conservatives? I have made contributions to Qiaodong, except for Colonel Feng, no one can judge me guilty!"

"I understand."

"You all are colluding, not only suppressing conservatives but now, we have also become thorns in your side and eyes, haven’t we? I never expected that the Martial God trained by Colonel Feng would turn out to be such an ungrateful scoundrel!"

His tone became unfriendly, seemingly lacking much respect anymore.

The faces of others around looked displeased. As the ones who had their power seized, how could they be complacent? Now, some people’s thoughts began to swirl. They wanted to use this opportunity to give Xu Hongzhuang a warning. Only this way could the power of the past gradually revive.

This matter might have been a conspiracy from the beginning, a conspiracy aimed at Feng Zhiyong’s resurgence.

Xu Hongzhuang’s face turned somewhat unsightly; what he said was correct, most of these people had made military contributions to Qiaodong just like Tian Jian’s eye was blinded during the battle.

Heroes.

This was precisely why they could act so recklessly.

However, Xu Hongzhuang was in a difficult position, while Chen Feng was not.

Chen Feng gently lifted his finger, a Flame Ball slowly condensing at his fingertip, then he saw the fierce man before him being blasted away, with a bloody hole appearing on his chest.

Dead.

The man who was clamoring a moment ago became a corpse the next moment.

The whole room fell into silence.

Chen Feng scanned the surrounding pale faces and said word by word, "Anyone else?"