Forge a path to success

"Everyone, get down here as soon as possible. There's no time to explain." Magic Bo looked tense. "The attacks from the fake divine tree will get stronger and stronger. Many of our comrades have been captured, and all the remaining fighting forces are underground. Please remember, never think about anything related to the 'Oppose Bill' on the surface."

"—Brother Magic Bo! The flowers are blooming!"

At that moment, a scream came from outside the warehouse. Molibo gasped and rushed out of the warehouse: "I'll buy some time. Everyone, go down and destroy the secret passage! Don't try to fight it head-on. There's no hope of fighting the fake divine tree!"

Van Der, with his sharp eyes, noticed that the area outside the window was suddenly covered with flower-shaped shadows, as if a large patch of flowers had suddenly sprouted on the surface of the warehouse. Chu Heng, skilled and daring, was the first to peek out. The previously empty flat ground was now occupied by wildflowers, which bloomed out of thin air, their hearts emitting inorganic sounds:

"Anti-Act ideology detected. Anti-Act ideology detected. Please have the Divine Guard take action."

"Fourth Team received your message. You are now being detained on charges of antisocial and anti-peace. Please enter the prison van in an orderly manner. If you have any comments or suggestions, please send them to the Fourth Team's citizen mailbox. You will receive a response within three working days of receiving your letter."

With a booming sound, the "Four-Feathered" flying machine, resembling a bee, arrived and launched wooden claws towards the farm. The wooden claws accurately caught Magic Bo and tossed it into a hamster cage.

Magic Bo quickly started running, and a gentle notification sound followed:

"Your punishment is: mandatory labor. The punishment period is: thirty-three working days."

Gulibo raised his paw in anguish: "No! Cousin Bo!"

"Don't worry about me, huff, you guys, huff, hurry up and go!" Magic Bo ran out of breath, "Say hello to my great-great-grandfather for me!"

Chu Hengkong swiftly sliced ​​through the incoming beam of divine power, grabbed Gu Libo, and leaped into the ground. After confirming that everyone had left, he struck again, and the collapsed rubble buried the secret passage forever.

"I'm still a little dazed," Ji Huaisu said.

Van der stared blankly: "This is insane."

The underground space was pitch black, without a single light source. Ji Huaisu was about to turn on the torch when he saw a small flame appear in the darkness. The one holding the torch was a large, furry snowman, who grinned and gestured for them to follow.

Chu Hengkong felt the face looked familiar, and after a moment of recollection, he remembered: "You are an employee of Feiyan Amusement Park."

"Work, work!" the snowman said cheerfully.

With its neck hunched and head bowed, it led the group through a maze of twists and turns until they reached a wide-open plaza. The place was teeming with people; small animals dressed as farmers chattered anxiously, a few tree-people darted about carrying ledgers, and numerous burly amusement park employees toiled away, moving things around. Chu Hengkong even spotted many demons, hiding under their suits, bustling about with great enthusiasm, seemingly embracing a grand reunion of all races in the turbulent world.

"Thank goodness, you've finally arrived!" said Mr. Gray.

Mr. Lan looked around: "Which one of you is VV?"

The two veteran amusement park employees were also underground and came to greet them after discovering them. Wilbert handed over a business card with a design of a double caduceus, which Mr. Grey examined for a while with his glasses before handing it back with satisfaction.

"Test passed, thank you Miss VV." It glanced at Chu Hengkong. "I must say, your secrecy is truly impressive. You were having so much fun at the amusement park without giving anything away. Even I, Mr. Gray, who was a professional in intelligence back in the day, couldn't have guessed that you were reinforcements sent by VV."

Chu Heng thought for a moment and said, "Actually, we only found out a few days ago."

"So you two haven't known each other for very long."

"We've known each other for over ten years."

“Friend, I really don’t understand what you’re talking about,” Mr. Lan said.

Ji Huaisu patted Vilbert on the shoulder: "Mind explaining?"

“Before heading to the city of Thorns, I had already established some cooperation with the local conservative faction and jointly funded the anti-Act organization in the field,” Wilbert replied. “I did not choose Mr. Just Trek as my partner because he is an important figure in the military, which makes his every move closely watched by the independence faction.”

"—So she chose me, the neutral party who prioritizes self-interest, the young captain troubled by demons and with no interest in politics~~"

Fifth Captain Harley Luo's projection popped out from Mr. Gray's bow tie. She looked Violet up and down and laughed, "We finally meet, the famous Serpent of the Underworld! I didn't expect you to look so cute!"

“Right?” Chu Hengkong said happily.

Violet glanced at him sideways: "Please stop with irrelevant topics."

Mr. Gray and Mr. Blue whispered to each other, "Sacrificing lives and the laws of the underworld, it sounds so melodramatic..."

"Don't do that. You know, this is what high school and college students love most. Like the Black Flame, the Black Swordsman, the Red Comet..."

Chu Hengkong couldn't help but interject: "The term 'chuunibyou' didn't exist when the Red Comet appeared."

Vilbert tapped him hard with her cane: "Akong, let's talk about animation after work."

"Alright, alright~" Chu Hengkong stretched. "So this is Tianye's 'resistance organization'? Are you the leader of this organization, Harleiroya?"

“I still have to handle my own pulse sequence work, so another more suitable senior will take over,” Harleroya’s projection waved. “Everyone, please look!”

The center of the plaza was enveloped in a faint purple light, and what was wrapped in the light was a small tree. Long branches and vines branched out from its top, and the light flowed to various parts of the underground structure, supplying power to many devices like electrical wires.

A vine reached out to the group, carrying a familiar voice: "Children, we meet again."

"Oh, it's the Divine Tree!" Gulibo jumped up excitedly. "Divine Tree, you've leveled up again!"

The familiar spiritual energy made everyone recognize at a glance that this tree was the Fen Sprout they had brought to the city-state. Now it had developed from a "sprout" into a "tree," becoming the third point on the path of the Divine Tree of the Forest, the "Thorn Tree."

“The land of the city-state is fertile, and the fields have many friendly gardeners; it is the best environment for me,” the thorn bush said to them. “You must be facing many problems; let me explain the current situation to you.”

“Before that, there’s a small problem. Now that you’ve been promoted again, what should I call you?” Van der said.

The thorny shrubs were silent for a few seconds: "How about we just call it Stone Seed... we're already familiar with it anyway..."

Chapter 363 Abundant Harvest (3)

The condition of the fourth pulse sequence has never been optimistic.

Even before the bill was passed, the idea of ​​independence was already mainstream among the people. Every citizen of the Jingsha tribe will inevitably participate in war to some extent throughout their lives. The "production tasks" during wartime made life unbearable for the farmers. However, the 30-year rotation period is not considered long for a long-lived race, and memories do not fade with time.

This grievance had been accumulating in the field for years, and was finally ignited during the traumatic period 20 years ago. Catalyzed by Parrimanism, the field was transformed into a stronghold for the independence movement.

With Speaker Parriman at the top, the Fourth Captain in the middle, and a group of local councilors like Fifeld at the bottom, the independent thought in the field flourished under the joint promotion of the government and the people. Fortunately, the city-state was ultimately a free country, and there were still a considerable number of people who had no interest in politics and supporters of the allies. In the past, differences of opinion had never interfered with the daily lives of the citizens.

“Until around the time the vote began, the independence faction launched a full-scale attack, and Fife single-handedly changed the situation in the field,” Shi Zhong said.

Upon hearing the name Fife, the surrounding animals were immediately terrified. The Goobo tribe was especially panicked and in complete chaos: "The farmer is coming!" "Run!" "I don't want to be locked in the dark room!"

Vande gasped: "Is that fat guy really that scary?"

"You can't even imagine how cold-blooded and ruthless Phifed is!" a kitten shrieked. "His farmers have to work a full 10 hours a day!"

"I can only get half a day off a week!"

"There is no annual leave except for statutory holidays!"

"And... and..."

A squirrel gardener mustered immense courage to utter the horrifying truth: "Farmers working under its care are also subject to unpredictable... demands... demands..."

"work overtime!!"

Its face turned pale, and it fainted on the spot from overwhelming fear. Upon hearing the words "overtime," the small animals trembled as if targeted by a monstrous beast, exhibiting symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and blurred vision! Some even began to suffocate! What terrifying exploitation of labor!

Ji Huaisu's lips twitched: "What can I say about this 'neither here nor there' level of evil..."

“Compared to those little brats in the bookstore, this is hell, the kind for all ages,” Van der said.

“By the standards of the city-state of Thornsa, this is quite harsh, because the local productivity is high and the production efficiency is extremely high. Most citizens can maintain a work schedule of 4 days a week and 6 hours a day, which is enough for the city-state to function normally,” Wilbert explained. “The problem lies in the farmer’s excessive actions.”

During the vote on the bill, Fifeld cultivated a series of new war plants to complement Parryman's policies. Its first achievement became a solid bulwark against the bill, while its second created the current situation in the field.

“We call it ‘Little Cosmos’,” Shi Zhong told them. “This flower has no fixed color and at first glance looks no different from a wildflower. It grows extremely fast and takes root in fields in a short time. This flower has a terrifying ability: it can read the minds of citizens.”

Gulibo was shocked: "But this is an invasion of a citizen's privacy!"

“It’s regrettable, I think this era is increasingly indifferent to the right to personal privacy. Fife is using cosmos flowers to monitor the thoughts of citizens, and once anti-legislators are discovered, the Fourth Team will be dispatched to imprison those citizens on Fife’s farm.” Shi Zhong’s tone was heavy. “What awaits them is endless…voluntary labor!”

"Citizens detained under the guise of compulsory labor will be subjected to grueling, completely isolated labor within the farm of Fifeld. They are not allowed to leave, and naturally, they cannot participate in voting; they can only continue working in the dark... You do not see the neutrals and anti-legislatives on the surface of the Fourth Order because they have all been arrested. Currently, those still active on the ground, besides our spies, are only the die-hard separatists!"

Chu Hengkong was greatly surprised: "Is no one going to do anything about it?"

“Working in the fields is an honor, especially since Fifid pays generous overtime and accommodation fees! According to the local laws of the Fourth Order, this is at most an internal management issue for the company,” Harleroya sighed. “And after the law was passed, the Divine Tree also became their backer to some extent, so they have absolutely nothing to worry about now.”

Chu Hengkong recalled the face behind Jing Sha: "The sacred tree you love so dearly?"

"The other side of the Divine Tree, infected by independent thought, has now become our biggest worry," Harley Luoya pointed to the Stone Seed. "Without the protection of this Divine Tree, everyone here would already be locked in a hamster cage!"

“Strictly speaking, this is still Jing Sha’s protection. After the successful ascension, I used the permissions granted by Jing Sha to create this surveillance black zone, which is how I temporarily preserved the power to resist the Act. However, if the Tree of Love continues to grow in power, this place will eventually be discovered by their minions.”

Shi Zhong concluded, "That's basically the situation. I'll be cheering you all on from behind this time."

"Or rather, you always do it..." Vande squinted.

"After all, I'm just a tree, hahaha!"

Ji Huaisu patted his head: "Let's sort out the situation. The forces we need to win over are currently in Fifede's hamster cage. Once they're free from the protection of the Stone Seed, they'll be discovered by Little Autumn Flower, followed by the Divine Tree's attack and the fourth team's capture."

"How about we launch a strong attack on the fourth team first?" Chu Hengkong said.

“That’s not a good idea. Attacking Jingsha citizens without a legitimate reason is against the law, and Parriman would be happy to send the commander-in-chief to detain us.” Wilbert pointed out, “Besides, the ground is full of enemy spies, and being entangled by a large number of residents would easily put us in a disadvantageous position.”

“Those farmers were so enthusiastic it was almost unnatural…” Van der said.

No matter what, this is just a political dispute. Fife's idea of ​​a thought police force was absurd enough, but for the separatists to become his lackeys is even more baffling. Even coups and infighting on Earth require years to build up a base and consolidate power. How could two factions that were tolerant before the vote suddenly transform into extremists afterward?

“This is also an area that needs further investigation,” Wilbert said. “Given the unknown capabilities of the enemy, I think we should first infiltrate the farm to gather intelligence, and then take further action depending on the situation.”

"How do we deal with Little Autumn Flower? Your invisible car probably can't prevent mind reading, right?"

"We... already have a plan for this!"

Guided by the stone, the spiraling vine ladder slowly descended, and an old Gubo tribesman slid down the ladder, circle by circle. Its eyebrows were almost as long as a normal person's fingers, and its white beard drooped to the ground. It took two steps, leaning on its small cane, and solemnly said, "Ah wah wah wah wah..."

Gulibo quickly jumped over and helped it up: "Grandpa, your dentures fell out, Bo."

After searching for a long time, the old Goobo finally managed to put its dentures back in its mouth. It said solemnly, "We've been working day and night recently... and have successfully developed a counter-product of the Little Cosmos Flower! That's the Great White Lotus Flower, capable of protecting the soul!"

“I don’t quite appreciate your naming style here,” Van der said.

The great-grandfather, trembling slightly, revealed a small white flower, his long eyebrows twitching: "This large white lotus... originated from a flower that Lord Jing Sha bloomed long ago. Its power comes from the kindness in one's heart. A kind-hearted person who possesses this flower... need not worry about those despicable surveillance. If one's heart is pure enough, even the punishment of the false divine tree will not escape!"

Gulibo was full of admiration: "To cultivate such a powerful plant in such a short time, you truly deserve to be called your great-grandfather. How did you test it?"

Great-grandfather stroked his beard and smiled: "I think it should be able to kiss..."

"The result was just a guess, haha!"

"We'll know if it works once we try it." Great-Grandpa held up the little white flower. "Miss VV, please give it a try."

Before Violet could even politely decline, the innocent-looking girl had already moved closer to her. The little flower instantly turned half black and drooped down, wilting on the spot.

"What an evil mind!" Great-grandfather exclaimed in shock.

Violet looked slightly embarrassed: "I... probably don't quite fit the standard of kindness. Ah Kong, come on."

“No, the flower will die,” Van der said firmly.

Chu Hengkong quickly took two steps back: "Fan De, why don't you give it a try..."

"The flower might spit out a 'pop'."

Great-grandfather felt dizzy and disoriented: "How could this be... that there isn't a single good person among our allies?"

Everyone turned to look at Miss Ji, who chuckled dryly, "My record isn't quite right, is it..."

"You're already the most exemplary member of our group," Chu Hengkong encouraged. "Keep it up! Go go!"

Ji Huaisu gently took the small flower, and the half-blackened flower was instantly bleached, revealing its fresh and fragrant petals.

Everyone was shocked. The great-grandfather sighed with emotion: "I thought she was a female bandit, but I never expected her to be such a good person."

"Watch out, old man, or I'll beat you up."

Ji Huaisu casually tucked the small white flower into her hair, then turned and asked, "So, shall I go up and test it out first?"

“Given the time constraints and the still-evolving situation, I suggest we speed things up.” Vilbert smiled and revealed a combat suit. “Why don’t we test it out in action?”

·

“Ah Kong, tell me honestly, did she torment you like this before?”

"No, I usually only need to bring my fists when I go out."

"Don't you have your brain?"

"I'll bring it along occasionally."

Chu Hengkong tapped the screen with great interest, while Wilbert pointed the way: "Turn right ahead, go around the gatekeeper, and you'll reach your destination in 76 meters."

The pale blue projection screen was divided into several small sections, showing the condition of the Fife Farm from different perspectives. The farm was heavily guarded, with bright searchlights illuminating the sky and the ground, "Four Feathers" aircraft patrolling overhead, and a dozen armed farmers guarding the gate with various plants, looking much more dedicated than ordinary security guards.

Miss Ji was currently hiding behind a pile of hay, pondering how to break through the defensive perimeter. The armed farmers passed by her several times without any reaction, because Velvet's combat uniform was faithfully serving its purpose.

This suit is said to be the cutting-edge research result of Dustless Technology, which can achieve natural invisibility from multiple angles, including physical visual information perspectives. Even ordinary people can be fooled by ordinary point-4 powerhouses when they wear it.

Its only drawback is that the detection area is very precise, so its design is quite similar to the one-piece combat suits of some female members of the Shura Island's "disabled souls". When she put it on, she was greeted with a long whistle from her boyfriend.

"I feel like this place is even more heavily guarded than the Supreme People's Procuratorate," Ji Huaisu muttered.

“When we infiltrated the prosecutor’s office, Lico helped us hack the equipment, but we don’t have such good conditions now,” Vande said. “Be careful not to get hit by the searchlights. I remember those things are a kind of glowing fruit that has a temporary immobilization effect.”