Chapter 125: Coercion and Lure

“Everyone, quiet! Quiet down! Quiet down!” Commissioner Gong pressed his hands down with commanding force, clearly pleased with the effect he was achieving.

“In addition, I hereby promise to provide grain subsidies for your contributions—anyone who steps forward or takes action will receive no less than one metric ton of rice! Naturally, the greater your contribution, the more you will receive!”

One metric ton equals one thousand kilograms—already quite substantial. Eating half a kilogram of rice a day is sufficient for one person, meaning this amount could feed someone for five or six years.

“Lastly, in recognition of your contributions to the migrating population, I promise you an elevated status within the group. You will hold superior authority, as long as you avoid causing widespread outrage or severe disturbances. The only condition is that you assist when called upon.”

Frankly, Commissioner Gong was pushing the limits of public office for personal gain. No matter the cost, he was determined to settle the score with Liang Jing.

Suddenly, the room seemed to explode with excitement—buzzing and chatter everywhere. Gong’s promises were like a series of detonations, shattering the previous atmosphere. Even the calmest among the crowd could no longer contain themselves; they were overwhelmed, thrilled to the core.

Grain? What was grain? Grain was the fundamental necessity for survival. Without it, people would starve. Except for the military’s few old-fashioned, non-electric tanks and tractors capable of transporting food, no one else had that ability. Even if some did, the army quickly ‘requisitioned’ it.

Consider the current mass exodus: everyone needed to wear thick clothing, carry quilts, warmers, and various daily necessities, not to mention basic self-defense tools. All combined, the burden was immense. Adding food transport made it even more difficult. Hence, neither ordinary people nor the various factions in the group had much grain on hand.

Faction leaders had two or three hundred people to feed under their command, so the pressure was enormous. At every pre-apocalypse human settlement they encountered, they had to mobilize forces to collect supplies, often engaging in deadly, bloody conflicts that came at a heavy price.

Grain was vital to them! Commissioner Gong’s promise was like a heavenly blessing—providing relief in the snow, a timely rescue, a salvation in desperate times.

More importantly—the last promise! Superior authority!

What did that mean?

It was a get-out-of-jail-free card, a license to commit crimes from the highest perch. As long as they didn’t incite mass chaos or widespread fury, they could commit any atrocities: harming others, abusing women, destroying families—none of it would be punished. It was as if they acted under official sanction.

What had Commissioner Gong become? Had he gone mad? Did he not realize this was a regression to a primitive, hierarchical, slave-era society? Did he truly believe he could control everything? Was he not afraid of intervention from higher authorities?

None of this mattered to them. More importantly, this was a tremendous opportunity. Previously, with military private guards overseeing them, they could leverage their own power to do things they had wanted to before the apocalypse but dared not. None among them was clean, yet there were limits—they dared not act too boldly, operating mostly in the shadows.

Now, with Commissioner Gong’s promise, they could act openly without restraint. As long as they didn’t spark a riot, nothing was off-limits.

One could say the man issuing these promises had lost all sense.

Seeing the crowd’s excitement and disbelief, Commissioner Gong was thoroughly satisfied. Though he felt his actions were somewhat excessive, he had been driven into a corner and anticipated no mercy from Liang Jing. He had to strike back.

He now commanded only a few dozen private soldiers, and held only this position and title. With these, he represented justice, stood on the pinnacle of morality, and his words still carried weight.

At least, no one doubted him yet.

Once Liang Jing was dealt with, he expected few would remain. Their remnants would be excellent reinforcements.

“Commissioner! Commissioner Gong! There’s trouble! Young Master Tu has been killed!” A wailing voice came from outside the gate.

“What is it? Speak!” Gong, still basking in his triumph, was abruptly interrupted and displeased.

“Young Master Tu is dead! He was killed—by Wu Yong, by Commander Wu Yong!” The messenger spoke without hesitation. He did not consider the implications—whether Wu Yong was connected to Commissioner Gong or not—only that he had achieved merit. After all, he was personally assigned by Gong to infiltrate Young Master Tu’s camp and was considered a trusted subordinate.

“What?”

“Impossible! How could this happen?”

“Wu Yong killed Young Master Tu? Wu Yong is Commissioner Gong’s trusted subordinate. This…”

Some faction leaders immediately tensed, ready to act. To them, Wu Yong was Gong’s man; Wu Yong killing Tu meant Gong was responsible. Had Gong truly lost his mind?

Recalling Gong’s earlier promises, things seemed more complicated.

Was Gong using coercion and inducement? Suspicion filled the hall like a palpable danger—it felt like a trap.

Originally ecstatic and incredulous, the faction leaders now were even more stunned. Their minds reeled.

Commissioner Gong himself was incredulous. He was certain he hadn’t ordered Wu Yong to kill Young Master Tu.

Wasn’t Wu Yong the last person who blocked that bird monster? Wasn’t he still alive?

Then it struck him: Liang Jing had appeared last and saved Wu Yong. Had something happened between them?

Had Wu Yong betrayed him and sided with Liang Jing? Had he used his trusted position to get close to Young Master Tu and then kill him?

Damn it!

Gong’s face darkened with humiliation. Young Master Tu was dead, rendering his previous investments worthless.

Moreover, this had drawn the wrath of Liang Jing—the demon himself—who showed no sign of relenting. His forces were nearly wiped out.

Indeed! His preparations had been correct! His suspicions justified! Liang Jing was a mad dog who would never stop.

If so, then no turning back. Clenching his teeth until they nearly bled, he tightened his left fist, nails digging deep into flesh.

Reading the crowd’s disbelief, confusion, and caution, Gong knew what each was thinking but said nothing.

“Friends, if Liang Jing and I both rise again—I emphasize if—if Liang Jing refuses to spare me, ignoring your counsel, then I will have no choice but to defend myself instinctively!”

“If, at that time, I confront Liang Jing and he is defeated, I hope you will not hesitate to give your all. When the wall falls, everyone pushes!”

“Of course, those who lend a hand will not be disappointed. Rewards of firearms and ammunition will be distributed according to individual contributions!”

“Furthermore, when we return to City N, I will provide your factions with support, preferential policies, and assistance! Please consider carefully—this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

The audience, suspicious and wary, suspected Gong might be threatening or coercing them. Yet his demands were not unreasonable. They thought that if Liang Jing really disrespected them, refused to listen, and insisted on confrontation, then they would have no choice but to respond.

If Commissioner Gong truly had the strength to battle Liang Jing and even gain the upper hand, they would not object. They would gladly join in to bring down Liang Jing, the demon.

Since Liang Jing ignored their advice, it was clear he held them in contempt. They all harbored resentment. Moreover, under Gong’s subtle prompting, Liang Jing had become a thorn in their hearts—chilling and frightening them. Removing Liang Jing would bring them great relief.

Besides, Commissioner Gong’s promises were enormous!

Firearms and ammunition—these were the foundations of his rule. Now, to eliminate Liang Jing, he was even willing to trade his own authority.

Grain! Superior power! No respect shown! Eliminating a threat! Weapons! Control! All these promises stirred their emotions and adrenaline.

Undeniably, Commissioner Gong was a master manipulator, a schemer par excellence. None realized they were mere pawns soon to be discarded. He understood better than anyone the terror Liang Jing posed.

Through subtle hints, persuasion, coercion, and inducement, he seized the moment, stirring the faction leaders’ emotions wildly, breaking down their defenses, clouding their minds with excitement.

Among the twenty or so faction leaders present, there were over thirty awakened individuals. They all believed that if Gong could hold his own against Liang Jing, they wouldn’t hesitate to join forces and kill Liang Jing.

This was almost a guaranteed outcome—there was no way Liang Jing could survive a combined assault by more than thirty awakened powers.

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Second update!

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