Cataclysm: The Enhancement Warlock's Rebirth

Chapter 19 Da Yi and the Thousand-Faced Rakshasa

The next day.

The Rock Alliance's temporary meeting place was set up in a shop next to the altar. Several tables were pushed together, with maps and crumpled pieces of paper spread out on them. Qin Xun sat in the main seat, with several core members sitting on either side of him.

A subordinate rushed in, panting, "Brother Qin, there's movement over there!"

"Speak." Qin Xun put down the cup in his hand.

"Jiang Xiao is leading a large group of people this way. There are many of them, a dark mass, probably tens of thousands."

"Tens of thousands of people?" Lin Hansheng's expression changed. "What does he want to do?"

Someone panicked: "Could it be that he wants to monopolize the altar? Isn't a 60% share enough for him?"

Another person gritted his teeth and said, "We're not pushovers either, and we think he doesn't deserve 60%."

"You?" Pan Qiaoyun interrupted with a sneer, "How many heads would you need to chop off?"

The man's face flushed red as he glared at Pan Qiaoyun: "Whose side are you on? You're not protecting Panshi's interests, you're siding with outsiders?"

"That's enough!"

Qin Xun slammed his hand on the table, silencing the argument with a deep voice, his tone full of exhaustion and frustration.

He knew in his heart that this group of people, though seemingly united, were actually each with their own ulterior motives and lacked organization and discipline.

Although he was the apparent boss, he didn't have enough power to control the situation.

Ultimately, it comes down to not having absolute power.

If they had Jiang Xiao's strength, these people would never dare to make such a racket.

Perhaps that's why they're willing to stay in the Rock Alliance. They simply want more say and more personal gain here.

Qin Xun glanced at the crowd and said, "The situation is unclear, why the panic?"

At this moment, his subordinate hurriedly added, "The group includes men, women, and children, with their families in tow, and they're all crying and sobbing. I don't think they're here to cause trouble."

"Why didn't you say so earlier!" someone scolded.

The subordinate lowered his head and remained silent, thinking to himself: You guys are in an uproar as soon as you hear the news, how are you going to give me a chance to speak?

Qin Xun felt more confident.

He stood up: "Let's go take a look together."

He didn't want to clash with Jiang Xiaoqi.

But with so many people coming, whatever their intentions, it's bound to cause trouble if things get out of hand.

On the migration route.

It was a dark, endless expanse.

Some carried iron pots on their backs, some hugged quilts, and some covered their faces and sobbed.

The atmosphere within the team was extremely oppressive.

Song Zizhe ran up to Jiang Xiao and whispered, "President, people keep breaking away from the group and running away. Look—"

The Tongzhou Society has 43 core members and over 300 peripheral members.

Maintaining a migration of tens of thousands of people is already extremely difficult.

"As long as it's not a large-scale escape, let's turn a blind eye and let them do as they please," Jiang Xiao said.

He didn't want anyone to stay because if the insect swarm broke out, those left outside would become food for the insects to replenish their energy.

Rather than letting them die in vain outside, it's better to bring them to the altar; at least they can be of some use.

This morning, in order to get this group moving, he had to kill more than a dozen troublemakers.

It's hard to reason with a damned devil.

When the insect swarm arrives, those who run away will become the insects' sweet treats.

In the distance, Qin Xun arrived with his men.

Both sides tacitly moved aside, away from the crowd, and began negotiations.

Qin Xun cut to the chase: "Brother Jiang, what's all this commotion about?"

"There's something wrong with the bugs," Jiang Xiao said. "My people found two residential areas infested with bugs on their way back. They were densely packed together, lying motionless, and they didn't even attack people walking by."

Qin Xun's expression hardened.

He realized that the men he had sent out to kill the insects the day before had returned and reported that the number of insects had decreased significantly.

He initially thought it was because Wei Qian's gang had previously conducted a cleanup operation, so he didn't pay much attention.

Now it seems that something is definitely not right.

"I killed a type of bug in the foggy area called a Legion Bug," Jiang Xiao said. "It's called a Legion Bug in the bestiary. This bug has consciousness and can control the behavior of Red Beetles."

Although what he said was false, the Legion Worms do exist.

Based on what Zhang Wei saw, it must be the Legion Bugs causing this.

Qin Xun frowned: "You mean, the insects are decreasing because the Legion Bugs are manipulating them to avoid us?"

""

"So what are they going to do? Are they planning something big?" someone next to him interjected.

Another person asked, "Why are you so sure the bugs will attack us? Can't we go somewhere else?"

Jiang Xiao glanced at the pillar of light on the altar.

Everyone suddenly realized.

Those who had stayed behind at the altar had told them that the red beetles had swarmed and were attacking the altar like madmen.

Jiang Xiao's speculation was not without basis.

Many people immediately became worried.

Lin Hansheng, however, was unconvinced: "What's the use of gathering ordinary people? Can a rabble resist an insect plague?"

Jiang Xiao ignored him, her gaze still fixed on Qin Xun, and said calmly, "I plan to recruit some of the able-bodied men to assist us in commanding and supervising the battle when the insect swarm arrives."

He knew in his heart that the power of the superhumans alone was not enough to stop the insect swarm; the power of ordinary people had to be mobilized.

Qin Xun frowned and voiced his concerns: "How can we guarantee their loyalty? There are so many people, a mixed bag. If the insect swarm comes, and they defect or cause trouble, it will be a huge problem."

"People are selfish; I would rather die than see my fellow Daoist die."

Jiang Xiao's lips curled into a cold smile, his tone carrying a hint of detached indifference, as if he had seen through people's hearts. "When it really comes down to fighting to the death, they will make the right choice."

"Either stay with us and guard the altar to live, or be eaten by insects and die a horrible death."

"Of course, to get them to obey, you have to feed them first."

Having experienced two major insect swarms, he knew very well what choices ordinary people would make.

Currently, loyalty is based on the premise of having enough to eat and wear.

They also need to make other preparations.

Jiang Xiao paused for a moment, then stated his plan: "By this afternoon, we will thoroughly search the surrounding food processing plants to ensure an adequate food supply before the war."

Qin Xun looked troubled: "Those places have definitely been occupied by superhumans, it's going to be difficult."

"Chen Ming is formidable. If you dare to disagree, kill him!" Jiang Xiao's tone was calm, yet it carried a chilling aura.

The altar was the foundation for future battles against the insect beasts.

If we hold on, the future is bright.

Furthermore, while insect swarms are dangerous, they also present opportunities.

After all, those bugs are practically free points.

Qin Xun was silent for a moment, then asked another question: "What if the insect swarm arrives when we leave?"

Jiang Xiao didn't answer, but instead threw out a question: "If there's a hostile force dozens of kilometers away, and you want to eliminate them, what would you do?"

Qin Xun pondered for a moment: "Recruit men, train the troops, accumulate strength, and then strike again—"

He didn't continue.

The Legion Bugs are also gathering strength, waiting for help.

"Okay." Qin Xun nodded. "Sweep up the food factory, split up and go."

Chuangxiangyuan Food Factory.

Right now, on the sofa in the factory office.

A bald man was half-lying down, with two young women kneeling beside him, one pouring wine and the other massaging his legs.

Various kinds of barbecue were placed on the foil next to them, and the aroma was irresistible.

"Sigh, this place is still too small, it's not very interesting."

A skinny man, looking like a monkey, was gnawing on a chicken leg with a look of disgust on his face. "If I were in a big city like Shanghai or Beijing, there would be plenty of female celebrities. I could just grab a couple and have some fun. That would be what I call a life of luxury."

"What's so great about female celebrities? They're all just packaged up."

A chubby boy shook his head, disagreeing. "If you ask me, the school beauty is still the best. She's pure and young. With a little dressing up, she's just as good-looking as celebrities or internet stars. Don't you think so, Xiao Sun?"

As he spoke, the fat man began to grope his female companion.

The other person wasn't annoyed, and sweetly said "You're so annoying," and started playing along with him.

The skinny monkey felt a surge of irritation.

The fat guy was lucky to pick up a 9-point beauty, so of course he would make sarcastic remarks.

The women he assigned to him were only barely passable in terms of looks and figure.

He stared intently at the fat man's girlfriend, then reached out with his right hand to his female companion and began to rub her.

This prompted the woman to beg for mercy: "Brother, be gentle."

The skinny monkey, annoyed by the interruption, slapped the other man across the face: "What are you yelling about? Want to go out and feed the bugs, huh?"

The woman covered her face, tears streaming down her face, and dared not utter a sound.

The bald gang leader, Han Peng, frowned and said, "That's enough. Stop humiliating people."

"Boss is kind-hearted, fine." Skinny Monkey grinned and withdrew his hand. "Today, I'll let you off the hook."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a commotion broke out outside.

"Here comes begging for food again?"

The skinny monkey stood up, cursing, "These lowly people, coming three times a day, aren't they annoying?"

Because this place is a processing plant, it has abundant food reserves.

Ordinary people from the surrounding area often come to beg, and sometimes they cause trouble, taking the opportunity to steal and rob.

However, the security personnel outside with batons will teach them a lesson.

But after waiting for a while...

The commotion grew louder and louder, and it seemed that the people outside had broken into the courtyard.

Han Peng stood up, his face darkening. "Go out and take a look."

Everyone went downstairs.

A henchman covered in blood stumbled in, shouting, "Boss! Two troublemakers have come in outside, they look like superhumans!"

Before he could finish speaking, two people walked in from behind him.

The one leading the group was a young man, carrying a Tang sword, the tip of which was still dripping blood.

A teenager with acne followed behind him, carrying a large black sword.

It was Jiang Xiao and Fu Xinyu.

Jiang Xiao glanced around the room, his gaze settling on the bald leader: "Are you the boss here?"

Han Peng didn't answer, but instead asked, "Brother, what brings you here?"

"Borrow grain," Jiang Xiao said.

Han Peng didn't say anything.

The skinny monkey and the fat man exchanged hostile glances and each reached for the weapons at their waists.

Suddenly, the bald leader's expression changed several times.

It wasn't because of the other party's purpose in coming here, but because he recognized Jiang Xiao.

He had caught a glimpse of the extraordinary battle near the altar that day from afar, and the sword, the face, the eyes—it matched!

He shuddered at the thought of the series of sword strikes the opponent had unleashed.

Can't afford it!

They're absolutely not to be trifled with!

"Brother, I'm supporting a whole bunch of people. If they run out of food, they'll all die."

Han Peng first complained for a while, then forced a smile and said, "However, we can't let the brothers come all this way for nothing. I'm willing to give half of it, so we can become friends. What do you think?"

Jiang Xiao didn't speak, she just stared at him.

Han Peng's forehead was beaded with sweat as he gritted his teeth: "Two-thirds! No more than that."

"Boss!" Skinny Monkey cried out, "Why should we give it to them? We're superhumans too, what are we afraid of—"

"Shut up!"

Han Peng turned his head and scolded.

He realized that the wolf was crying, and he had to feed it properly.

"Brother, how much do you want for marking a lane?" Han Peng asked through gritted teeth.

"All of them," Jiang Xiao said. "I want them too!"

Skinny Monkey, who had never been treated this way before, suddenly erupted: "This is outrageous!"

His muscles and bones suddenly tensed, and a series of dense, ear-piercing crackling sounds, like popping beans, burst from his body.

Then, his body rapidly expanded and grew taller at a visible speed, his shoulders and back broadened, his limbs became thicker and larger, and his whole body suddenly became a size larger, exuding a violent sense of oppression.

"Prepare to die!"

The skinny monkey let out a sharp shout and swung his fist at the opponent.

gurgle—

A head, its face contorted with rage, rolled to the ground.

The factory area fell silent for a moment.

The lightning flashing on the fat man's hand silently dissipated.

He swallowed hard, relieved that he had been a beat too slow and hadn't made a move.

Han Peng stood there, his hands hanging at his sides, like a primary school student who had made a mistake.

He quickly distanced himself: "Brother, it has nothing to do with me. I've been cooperating perfectly, and I'll continue to cooperate with you as always!"

Jiang Xiao glanced at him: "You're quite sensible."

Han Peng gave a wry smile.

He had just become a superhuman and enjoyed a few days of living like a superior being; he didn't want to die yet.

Once the leader takes the lead in surrendering, things become much easier.

The group opened the warehouse and began moving the goods.

The food factory manufactures rice cakes for a certain brand. It is not a small-scale enterprise, with abundant reserves of rice and sugar, and produces three to five tons of finished rice cakes.

Fortunately, there was still a truck in the factory that hadn't been recycled by the system, which made transportation convenient.

Jiang Xiao watched as everyone loaded the truck, then his gaze suddenly sharpened.

In the crowd, a man and a woman were working with their heads down, looking quite ordinary.

"You two over there, come here," he called out, pointing at the two men.

People around them made way, and the two people stood frozen in place, slowly walking over.

The man was in his early twenties, tall, with striking eyebrows and bright eyes.

The woman was about the same age and had an average face.

Han Peng glanced at him and introduced him, saying, "His name is Xu Zeyuan. He just came to the factory two days ago. We hired him because we thought he was quite capable."

He looked at Jiang Xiao: "Do you know him?"

Jiang Xiao did not answer, but stared at Xu Zeyuan silently, a cold killing intent flashing deep in her eyes.

Knowing, and more than just knowing.

There's also a blood feud!

In his previous life, Xu Zeyuan was one of the main forces in the operation to capture him.

His special ability is called "Da Yi," which grants him extremely strong long-range attack capabilities; a single arrow can pierce a 20-centimeter steel plate.

During that encirclement and suppression operation, it was Xu Zeyuan who shot an arrow through his shoulder blade, severely injuring him.

As a result, he was unable to exert his full strength when fighting the Freemason Grand Master and was eventually captured.

I never expected to run into you here in this lifetime.

Did the other party also conceal their identity and pretend to be an ordinary person?

"I don't know him."

Jiang Xiao withdrew his gaze, his tone calm, as if the emotional turmoil he had just experienced had never occurred.

He didn't want to alert Xu Zeyuan, so since Xu Zeyuan wanted to pretend, he would play along.

"I think he's quite strong and worth training."

Jiang Xiao suddenly spoke.

Xu Zeyuan hesitated.

The woman behind him tugged at his sleeve, but he gently brushed her off.

Han Peng urged, "Aren't you going to thank him quickly? Following Young Master Jiang is much better than staying with me."

Xu Zeyuan gritted his teeth: "Thank you, Young Master Jiang."

Jiang Xiao looked at the woman behind him: "And who is this?"

"My girlfriend, Zhou Rui." Xu Zeyuan stepped aside to block her view.

Jiang Xiao's heart skipped a beat.

Zhou Rui.

Zhou Rui, the Thousand-Faced Rakshasa?

In my past life, I was tricked into giving away two extremely powerful magical items.

This was also one of the reasons why he suffered a defeat when he was later besieged.

Zhou Rui's talent lies in disguise and impersonation; she can transform into anyone's appearance, making her impossible to guard against.

If this woman is indeed Zhou Rui, then this face must not be her real appearance.

Jiang Xiao stared at Zhou Rui for a few seconds.

Xu Zeyuan's heart tightened when he saw this.

He subtly shielded his girlfriend behind him, his movements natural, but Jiang Xiao could still tell he was nervous.

Jiang Xiao sneered inwardly.

I never expected to run into two enemies from my past life here.

Moreover, judging from Xu Zeyuan's nervous appearance, he seemed unaware of Zhou Rui's true identity.

Girlfriend?

Ha ha.

This is going to be fun!

Jiang Xiao's eyes flickered slightly, and a revenge plan was quietly taking shape in his mind.