Forge a path to success

It vanished from the room, like moonlight withdrawing from the window. Parriman gazed at the empty hall, a cold smile on his face.

Chapter 361 Abundant Harvest (1)

"Guardian Spirits in the Clouds", p. 144, line 4.

The aircraft had just passed through dark cirrus clouds when an announcement came over the intercom that the turbulence had ended. Passengers complained about the terrible treatment they had received on their trip, unaware that the malevolent spirit lurked in the wind, and they had no time to avoid it.

I tossed my cane aside and curled up on the cold metal. The communication crystal at headquarters was still flashing, repeating the message from minutes ago. The situation was worse than ever before, but what was worse was that I dared not look into the eyes of that idiot behind me.

“Guardian spirit, we need to think of something quickly!” Balanse was still chattering on. “I saw that thing, it’s definitely awake! It could knock us all down with just one slap, and if this continues, we’ll all die!”

"It's not that bad, I won't die, I can fly," I said weakly.

"Let's tell jokes after we land!" Balanse urged, pulling at me anxiously. "Now—"

I shook off his hand.

“Listen, delivery guy,” I said as calmly as possible, “five minutes ago, we made an internal decision. We’re temporarily shutting down.”

"what?"

I didn't want to look at that silly face of his; he seemed to trust me so much. "We're quitting. Too many people have died working as guardian spirits, and our land has become barren. So... this is off. Today. Now. I'm going back."

I showed him the constantly flashing call signal, and it took Balanse a while to understand it.

He stammered, "You...you...are you all going back?"

"To live in seclusion in a place like a paradise."

"What about the aircraft? Look at that monster! It's coming soon, and everyone will die without you!"

"What can I do?" My voice was even louder than his. "This is the decision of the collective guardian spirits; I have no right to change anything!"

“But you can’t do this! This is…” He racked his brains for words, “This is wrong!”

I grabbed him by the collar: "What right do you have to judge right and wrong? You're the one who knows nothing and yet enjoys protection! We owe you nothing, so why should I risk my life to protect you?!"

Clearly, he didn't know the answer to that question. Even more regrettably, I didn't know either.

We gaze at each other silently before the approaching storm, an uneasy silence flowing through the high sky.

·

Chu Hengkong put the bookmark back on and put away the book he hadn't finished reading.

He'd read almost two-thirds of the book on and off, and the more he read, the more he felt the plot resonated with the present-day situation of the author, "The Thorn Robe." Perhaps the author, that shy young girl, had also incorporated her own reflections on the situation in her hometown when she began writing. But even her most pessimistic imagination couldn't compare to the current state of the city-state.

The day after the vote results were announced, the entire territory of Jingsha predictably descended into chaos. Supporters of the bill to change the name to independence and those advocating for war attacked each other, and violence broke out frequently. The peaceful city-state of a month ago now seemed almost like a beautiful illusion.

Trek was called to a meeting early in the morning, while the shop owner and others contacted their old comrades, trying to use their influence to get more autographs. Meanwhile, the Trio from Huilong City and Gulibo, led by Violet, headed to the Fourth Lineage to begin their efforts to win over this stronghold of the independence faction.

"I think we should rethink our team name," Vande said seriously. "When the three of us were together, it was simple: the Dragon City Trio. With Qingxia and the others, we were the Wilderness Rebellion. Now that your boss has joined us, what are we going to call us?"

Chu Heng thought for a moment and said, "The four of us."

“I really have to say that your thinking ability has significantly decreased since you reunited with Wilbert.”

"How about an adventure team?"

"Dude, you'd better stop thinking." Vande turned his head in despair. "Captain Ji, any objections?"

Ji Huaisu remained silent, staring blankly at the sky beyond the wind tunnel. Gu Libo jumped over worriedly: "Didn't you eat enough for breakfast, Bo?"

Ji Huaisu shook it hard: "I'm feeling melancholy, and you think I'm hungry?!"

Gulibo, feeling dizzy and disoriented, slumped onto the seat cushion. Vande exclaimed in surprise, "Oh! You can be melancholic too!"

“It’s more accurate to say that you guys are all heartless and carefree, that’s truly amazing,” Ji Huaisu sighed. “After going back last night, I kept thinking about what Parriman said… I know he’s a scoundrel who used despicable means and has no moral bottom line, so he has to be taken down. But from the perspective of a citizen of the city-state, his logic is actually… not ‘wrong’.”

She propped her cheek on her hand, looking sullen: "Jing Sha's current situation is dangerous. Independence is harmful to the overall situation, but theoretically it is beneficial to the city-state itself. Most citizens don't see any great righteousness; they just want peace. So what reason do we have to deprive them of this choice of peace and demand that they continue to 'sacrifice' for the public good?"

This statement pointed directly to the crux of their trip, leaving everyone speechless for a moment. At that moment, Violet looked up from the pile of documents and said, "Miss Ji has always been a very righteous person, hasn't she?"

"Basically speaking, I have always been on the front line fighting against heretics!"

“The battle between good and evil is difficult yet simple, because the evil side is always wrong, and most battles in the turbulent world fall into this category,” Wilbert said. “But in our homeland, another kind of battle is more common. This kind of battle is not as difficult but more complex, because both sides are ‘right’.”

Ji Huaisu frowned: "A civil war?"

"People on Earth give it all sorts of names, calling it ideals, systems, changes, justice... but by the standards of the Submerged Realm, it's all just internal struggle. Ah Kong and I are both very good at this kind of struggle because there's an unchanging trick to it."

Ji Huaisu looked at her expectantly, and Vilbert smiled: "You will understand in practice."

"You really have a terrible personality! Ah Kong, you tell me!"

Chu Hengkong quickly stood up and looked out the window: "Hey, we've reached the fourth meridian sequence! It looks quite lively..."

"Don't change the subject!"

Gulibo rushed to the window and exclaimed excitedly, "It's been so long since I've been back to my hometown!"

As the wind gradually decreased in altitude, a golden field appeared before them. Abundant ears of wheat rippled like waves, and the branches of towering trees were laden with ripe fruit. Country lanes crisscrossed like the veins of leaves, leading to farms, wineries, and simple villages.

This is the fourth lineage, "Harvest Fields," home to livestock and agriculture, a producer of grains, meat, fruits, and wines, and home to the world's largest farm with over 5 million citizens.

·

"Welcome to the Fourth Lineage!" A shepherd presented them with a basket of fruit. "Please accept this gift from the fields; it's a free gift from our farm, no money needed!"

Chu Hengkong thanked the gift and took a bite of the golden fruit. The fruit was crisp and refreshing, with juice bursting in his mouth, like biting into a sweet and vibrant life force, even better than the fruit he had tasted in the swamp.

This single basket of fruit would be a luxury item in Dragon City, but in the fields it was merely a free gift. Shepherds gathered around the cable car, handing out fruit to every visitor to the fields. Their faces were beaming with joy, a stark contrast to the noisy Third Order.

Van der couldn't help but ask, "Has the field always been this generous?"

A robust voice came from afar, answering for the little shepherd: "In the past, we would often recommend that our guests buy some fruit to try. But today is different. The bill has finally passed. Good days without hunger are coming, and the Divine Tree will never be injured again! How can such a grand event not be celebrated in great celebration!"

The voice was rough and deep, like that of a carefree countryman. Ji Huaisu looked over upon hearing the voice and was immediately taken aback: "What... what race is this?"

A huge, white ball of fur swept through the crowd, flying straight towards them. The ball was almost the size of two sumo wrestlers, its shadow looming over the crowd like a miniature cloud. Its fur was as white as snow, and on top of it were two coal-shaped eyes. Below them was a slightly protruding, round, red sphere—judging from its shape, perhaps it was… a nose?

The more they looked, the more familiar it seemed, and the more alarmed they became. Chu Hengkong quickly looked down at Gulibo, relying on his experience to make the final confirmation. The facial features and fur color of these two creatures were almost identical; this giant flying sphere was probably, very likely, a…

Gubo tribe!

Gulibo exclaimed in surprise, "You are... that farmer Bo!"

“Indeed. Welcome, guests from Dragon City and Dustless Land, to Harvest Fields. I am Fife, the local councilor and president of the Fourth Pulse Agricultural Association…”

It took a deep breath and exhaled a powerful, resonant sound: "Pop!"

·

Fifted Farmer is a highly respected farmer and entrepreneur in the local community, and is considered a leader of the fourth order.

It first came to prominence 20 years ago, shortly after the last battle. At that time, the city-state of Jingsha was severely weakened, and excessive consumption of resources had led to a food shortage even in the city-state's granary. Fife, then a farmer, led everyone to recover and helped Jingsha overcome the food crisis with crops he had personally improved.

Fifted gained fame as a result, earning its first fortune in postwar reconstruction activities and embarking on the path of an entrepreneur. Knowing the hardships of war, it found common ground with Parriman, who had also prospered after the war, and transformed itself into a proponent of Parrimanism.

He was one of Speaker Parryman’s staunchest supporters, and rightfully so… also one of the bill’s most loyal advocates.

“Everyone supports the Speaker’s policies,” Philfield said gruffly. “War is too bitter! No one understands the suffering of war better than farmers and soldiers.”

Its voice was as loud as its weight, and when it spoke, it made Gulibo sway from side to side. Gulibo whispered to Vande, "Don't believe it. Fife is the most terrifying Gulibo. It's cold-blooded, ruthless, and meticulous, and it hardly ever makes a 'boo' sound when it speaks!"

“We all caught the last bit,” Van der said. “Thank you for your hospitality, the milk was really good.”

Fifi was handing them glasses of fresh milk. This burly, robust Gubo man, claiming to be a good host, was leading them on a tour of the farm closest to the station. The farmers and gardeners greeted them warmly, and both sides enjoyed themselves immensely, a scene of peaceful tranquility.

"No need to be so polite. You've come all this way, and we never shortchange our guests!"

Phifid took a big gulp himself, wiped his mouth, and tossed aside the large cup that could hold three Guriboos. The two shepherds hurriedly caught it and carried it away.

“I’m a roughneck, not very educated, so let’s get straight to the point,” Philfield said, patting the table. “The entire Fourth Order, from top to bottom, are staunch supporters of the bill. The Fourth Team leader shares my opinion.”

Now that things are settled, we don't want any more complications. If politics is set aside, we will certainly provide you with a warm welcome and ensure you have a great time in the field. However, if you are looking for trouble or something like a re-casting, then the field will not welcome you!

Vilbert gave Chu Hengkong a look, and the latter understood immediately, slamming Vande on the table.

Van Der said seriously, "If we are indeed here on political matters, what will the farmer do?"

Fife shook his head: "You're all reasonable people, yet you're really determined to go against the bill?"

"I'm afraid so."

"OK then."

Fifeld took out a small whistle and blew it: "There are five anti-legislative elements, including Chu Hengkong, active in the fields. The order of the Fourth Meridian is threatened. We request the Jingsha Divine Tree to impose sanctions."

【license】

A deep green pillar of divine power descended from the sky.

Chapter 362 Abundant Harvest (2)

A deep green light descended from the sky, as if a deity above the clouds had brought down punishment. The light felt exactly like the green light that had once shone in the Great Archives; it was undoubtedly the power of the Thorn Robe.

"Rest assured, everyone, according to the current laws of the Fourth Order, the Divine Tree's sanctions are only for restraint... but if you insist on resisting, you may suffer some injuries!" said Fife.

As the light fell, Chu Hengkong had already drawn his Divine Slash. A flash of blood-red blade light shattered the pillar of light into countless fragments. He returned the blade with one hand, his wrist trembling slightly.

"Don't try to take the force of a level 5 peak; I'll handle it."

Ji Huaisu reacted swiftly, reaching out to snatch the whistle. But a transparent green light barrier appeared, resolutely blocking her attack—the same divine protection that had been displayed on Parriman.

"So resolute?" Fifi activated a mechanism within its fur, and a large lotus leaf sprang from its back, carrying its massive body into the sky. It whistled loudly and continued shouting, "Oppose the bill, attack a member of parliament, disrupt production, more crimes! We implore the Divine Tree to see the truth!"

Three more beams of divine power crashed down, but Chu Hengkong wielded the Divine Slash with flawless precision, cleaving them one by one. At that moment, Fife's shout rang out, and in an instant, countless figures sprang up from the golden fields, the working creatures of all sizes glaring angrily at the scene.

"How dare you provoke your peasant grandfather!"

"Damn it, these aren't just ordinary troublemakers anymore; we have to crack down on them!"

"Brothers and sisters, let's unite!"

The echoing whistles rose and fell, and a murderous aura permeated the fields. Vande suddenly felt a chill on his head. He looked up and saw many bird citizens taking flight, scattering dense, golden raindrops.

Those were plump corn kernels, rapidly expanding in mid-air before landing with a deafening bang. It exploded! It turned into popcorn! Creating a shockwave comparable to a storm!

"Retreat! It's a popcorn bomb!" Gulibo screamed. "It's a level 4 war plant!"

Ji Huaisu quickly raised an ice wall for protection. A popcorn that was good at jumping high jumped into her mouth, making her startled: "Holy crap, it's sweet."

"Don't savor the taste now, everyone get out of here! Damn, I see that divine punishment is getting more and more intense!"

In the blink of an eye, the next round of green beams of light was about to descend, this time there were a total of seven. Vilbert tapped the ground lightly with her cane, and a pale blue stream of information flashed from bottom to top. A limousine appeared out of nowhere and enveloped everyone, thoughtfully leaving Chu Hengkong on the top floor.

Wilbert shifted gears, stepped on the gas, and sped off. Chu Hengkong, perched on the roof, yelled, "Hey, driving is my job!"

“I got my driver’s license a long time ago,” Vilbert said.

The shepherds piled up hay and fences to create a roadblock, but Wilbert didn't even glance at them and sped through them. The unfortunate men rolled and screamed on the ground, wrapped in hay. Within two seconds, several off-road vehicles followed, their appearance quite savage but their speed terrifying.

The vehicles were covered in wooden spikes, their windows painted with terrifying images of giant beasts, and their wheels were designed like hamster cages, within which small creatures like rats, otters, and gobos provided the vehicles with tremendous power. Large trumpet-shaped flowers on the roofs opened and closed, broadcasting wild slogans during the chase:

"Opposing the bill is opposing the sacred tree!"

The surrounding farmers raised their arms and shouted:

"Opposing independence is opposing peace!"

Violet jerked the steering wheel, making a sharp turn and drifting to dodge a swarm of cabbage-shaped bombs. Vande yelled, "BoBo, your hometown is insane!!"

“It wasn’t like this before,” Gulibo said helplessly. “How could they put a horn on the rat cage tank? That’s everyone’s toy!”

Chu Hengkong couldn't hold back: "You call that a toy? A toy that can catch up with an F1 race car?"

"I know perfectly well that I shouldn't be trying to reason with people in this godforsaken place!" Ji Huaisu cried out in despair. "Vilbert, where are you going? Where are we headed?"

"Meeting with allies."

Wilbert pressed the switch next to the air conditioner, and the extended limousine was instantly enveloped in a flash of light, blending into its surroundings like a chameleon. At the same time, she created another limousine that continued along the original route, with the rat cage convoy roaring past in close behind, followed by a group of howling little animals carrying pitchforks and shovels.

Violet waited until the pursuers were far away, then turned the invisible car around and drove off. Her invisibility technique seemed to have even fooled the pillar of light from the divine tree. The vehicle drove through a patch of tall grass, transforming from a sedan into an SUV. A short farmer stood by the grass, waving and bouncing at them: "Come here, come here!"

This person was also a Gubo, wearing a small wizard's hat on his head. Chu Hengkong casually scooped it into the car, and Gubo exclaimed in surprise, "Cousin Magic Bo, it's been so long!"

Molibo was startled by this: "Molibo? You're still alive, Molibo!"

Gulibo was deeply moved: "Cousin, you came to save me because of brotherly love, didn't you?"

"Oh, no, it's because VV contacted us," Magic Bo said. "Please come with me quickly, everyone. Time is running out, so the faster we act, the better."

The car drove through layers of tall grass and into the farm. Molibo hurriedly led them into a warehouse. It jumped up and pawed at a switch, opening the floor to reveal a secret passage leading underground.