No strange things are allowed to evolve!

Seeing that he had already taken the bait, Jiang Shu casually said, "Although you are indeed very famous now, I am not bad either. I can only say that sooner or later I will surpass you, and I will be the one who leads my compatriots to regain their freedom."

Upon hearing this, Gandhi couldn't help but smile.

Is that so?

Sure enough, the people who were sent to this prison must be just like me, people who give the empire a huge headache.

He was just as disrespectful to me as everyone else, which seems to be because he has a very strong competitive spirit and is somewhat unconvinced by me.

You have to admit, young people are really energetic.

As a great sage and saint, Gandhi would certainly not take offense at such youthful whining.

He said with a hint of caution, "Son, I don't think the cause of freedom should be a bargaining chip for competition and comparison. If someone can do better than us, I think we should feel gratified."

Who led my compatriots to freedom is not important to me; what matters is that my compatriots truly gained freedom.

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere plummeted to freezing point.

Seeing this, Gandhi could only say helplessly, "Of course, this is just my suggestion. No matter what you think of me, I'm glad to have met you."

Jiang Shu raised an eyebrow, then smiled broadly: "You truly live up to your reputation. I was just joking with you."

“Really…” Gandhi breathed a sigh of relief and nodded with a smile: “That’s wonderful.”

"Everyone says you are a saint, but I don't believe it, so I said that on purpose just now to test you."

As he spoke, Jiang Shu glanced around the cell—

The walls were made of loess, the railings were rusty, the straw was damp, and there wasn't even a small window to let in any air. The air was thick with a damp, fishy smell.

"In such a desperate situation, most people wouldn't have the time or inclination to deliberately put on an act. Now I truly believe it."

"So that's how it is. I'm so glad they don't blame me. How could they possibly be saints..."

A flicker of compassion and self-reproach crossed Gandhi's eyes, then he sighed, seemingly unwilling to say anything more on the subject, and instead asked:

"So, what brought you here?"

“They organized a riot.” Jiang Shu shrugged and said, referring to his past experiences, “but because they were unarmed, it was quickly suppressed.”

"What about the rest?"

“I don’t know.” Jiang Shu shook his head: “Because I was the mastermind, almost all the blame was placed on me. But I think it’s probably because most of the people I organized were workers or farmers, and the empire still needs them to continue working, so they won’t be severely punished.”

"Is that so...that's good." Gandhi nodded in relief.

"What's so good about it?" Jiang Shu asked, dissatisfied. "I was beaten half to death, and you say I'm good?"

“Uh…” Gandhi explained awkwardly, “What I mean is, at least the other compatriots didn’t suffer. If it’s just one person, it’s a blessing in disguise.”

"Yes, that's why I specifically organized those workers. If they were merchants or students, I don't think the outcome would have been the same."

Upon hearing this, Gandhi couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

"Thanks a lot."

But then, Gandhi pointed out Jiang Shu's problem: "But then again, the armed uprising was too impulsive. The conditions in the Kingdom of Zhu are different from other places. We are not capable of confronting the Empire. If we rashly engage in conflict with the Empire, the result can only be what we are seeing now."

Jiang Shu shrugged dismissively: "I think the weak have no right to negotiate with the strong. Only fists can make them obediently sit at the negotiating table."

As for your claim of lacking ability, I can only say that the ability to resist won't just fall from the sky; it always requires a process from 0 to 1. Someone always has to take the first step, and I'm willing to be that first person.

Actually, I knew I would fail long ago. I just hoped that I could ignite that spark, so that those compatriots who were still watching and were timid could realize that reasoning with them would not work. Even if we were weak and unarmed, we might still be able to bite the empire with our teeth.

In short, I'd rather make a mistake than do nothing.

“This…” Gandhi was indeed somewhat moved.

Unfortunately, Jiang Shu's ideas were clearly incompatible with his; he valued reality more.

However, he really didn't want to dampen the enthusiasm of such a young man, so he had no choice but to avoid discussing their disagreement any further.

He'll understand someday.

With this in mind, Gandhi changed the subject once again.

“Let’s not talk about that. What I find strange is why you were beaten up like this?” Gandhi asked with some heartache. “Even I wasn’t treated badly.”

Jiang Shu looked displeased: "What do you mean 'even if it's you'? Are you showing off?"

"No, no, no, of course not." Gandhi hurriedly explained, "From what you're saying, you didn't actually cause any serious consequences, did you? Didn't they suppress it easily?"

"..." Jiang Shu disdainfully brushed away Gandhi's hand, which was massaging her legs: "Has anyone ever told you that you actually have a pretty unpleasant way of speaking?"

"I'm sorry... I'm really not good at talking."

With a sigh, Jiang Shu explained, "The riot was one reason. No matter what the consequences were, we had to break ties with the Empire. Another reason was my identity."

After a pause, Jiang Shu said with a wry smile, "In the eyes of the empire, I am a traitor."

Immediately afterwards, Jiang Shu recounted his background and life story to Gandhi.

“They think I benefited from the Empire’s education and got a job from the Empire, but in the end I turned against them, so I am more hateful than the average rebel.”

A look of hatred flashed across his face:

"But they have forgotten who made them so wealthy and able to enjoy such a comfortable life. Without the Kingdom of Zhu, they would have no resources at all. Why don't they think that the empire that took resources from us but then oppressed us in return is just as hateful?"

“That’s how capitalism is,” Gandhi sighed.

Through their conversation, Gandhi's appreciation for Jiang Shu deepened.

The part about studying abroad, in particular, touched Gandhi's heart.

Because he had also gone through such an experience, in his view, Jiang Shu is not only an outstanding young man with ability, ambition, and passion, but also his other self.

In his view, the two had the same experiences and ideals; the only difference was their different paths.

I am more conservative, while the other party is more radical.

Thinking of this, Gandhi couldn't help but sigh, "If one day we can leave here, I think we will become close friends and lead our people to freedom together."

"You're quite optimistic." Jiang Shu shook his head: "So, you've been in here for so long, have you found a way to escape yet?"

"Escape...escape from prison?" Gandhi asked, bewildered.

"You didn't completely abandon the idea of ​​escaping, and were instead waiting for the Empire to have a change of heart and release you on its own?" Jiang Shu asked incredulously.

Gandhi replied somewhat embarrassedly, "Although I know the Empire will not have a change of heart, I have never thought about escaping from prison because I advocate nonviolent resistance."

After all, the core of nonviolent resistance is to avoid direct conflict with the empire, which is why they are so helpless against me. If they were to use violence against me, they would not be able to stand up internationally.

But don't worry, in my experience, you should be able to go abroad in one or two years at most.

"One or two years?" Jiang Shu said with exasperation, "Do you know how much can be wasted in one or two years?"

He paused, then complained, "Besides, you'll be the one who gets out, but what about me? I burned several imperial flags back then, do you think I'll get away with it?"

As he spoke, Jiang Shu struggled to his feet and limped toward the cell door.

"No, I have to find a way to escape. If you're not going to leave, then you can stay here."

“This…” A hint of hesitation flashed in Gandhi’s eyes.

If it wasn't a deliberate escape but just an opportunistic move, the Empire probably wouldn't have anything to say, right?

After all, his fellow inmates have all run away, and he's still obediently staying. Wouldn't that be just plain stupid? His fellow countrymen wouldn't trust someone who's so inflexible.

With this in mind, Gandhi successfully convinced himself.

The remaining question is whether Jiang Shu can successfully escape from prison.

Just then, he noticed that Jiang Shu suddenly stood still, like a stone.

Gandhi asked curiously, "What's wrong? Have you found a way to escape?"

"No... wait a minute..."

Jiang Shu took a deep breath:

"I wasn't paying much attention just now, I didn't see this thing..."

"Well, I've only been back a short time and I'm not very familiar with the Empire's methods, so could you explain to me why this cell door isn't locked, and what this glowing thing is?"

Jiang Shu turned his body to the side, revealing a strange, semi-transparent, glowing disc on the cell door.

"This one?"

Gandhi answered casually:

"This is a seal developed by the Empire using advanced technology, specifically designed to seal the soul power of our Kingdom of Zhu. It is actually a lock."

"Sealing...the power of the soul...?"

Jiang Shu frowned:

"You mean the people of Zhu have superpowers, and the Empire enslaves a group of superhumans?"

"Haha, it's actually a little embarrassing to say."

"Shameless, huh?"

Chapter 320 Indian Religion and the Power of the Soul

"But there's really nothing we can do about it. After all, not everyone can use soul power, and the Empire has even developed technology specifically designed to counter soul power, so... sigh."

Gandhi explained with a wry smile.

Judging from what he said, this is equivalent to the helplessness of Superman, who is strong but helpless against Kryptonite. Everything in the world has its counterpart, and there will always be various natural enemies.

After he finished speaking, he suddenly remembered something and asked in confusion, "Don't you know anything about soul power? You can study in the Empire, so your family must be noble, right? Why do you seem to know nothing about it?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shu was taken aback.

I'm not even from the Kingdom of Zhu, how would I know?

At this moment, Jiang Shu just wanted to give the empire a good scolding.

It can only be said that the Empire is always quite reliable when it comes to being unreliable. Why didn't they tell us about such a big thing earlier? Wasn't it supposed to be just the assassination of an old man who couldn't even kill a chicken?

Even if it sounds like the Empire has already mastered a method to target the soul power of the Kingdom of Zhu and doesn't take it seriously, it would still be good to at least mention it so that we can be prepared.

Otherwise, what should I do in this situation?

Under Gandhi's seemingly aware gaze, Jiang Shu had no choice but to explain, "I really don't know. I went to the Empire when I was very young, and I have no relatives with me, so no one told me."

"Is that so?" Gandhi asked again, "You haven't seen your parents all these years?"

"No, my parents passed away when I was very young. Before they died, they entrusted me to their friends in the Empire. So, I am more like an Imperial citizen than a person from the Kingdom of Zhu."

After hearing Jiang Shu announce his family name, Gandhi finally believed it and nodded in understanding.

"So that's the surname... No wonder then. If that's the case, it's indeed unlikely that you would know these secrets."

Jiang Shu breathed a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, the resume the empire had given him was a case of "reincarnation," using the shell of a real nobleman who had long since fallen from grace and was now dead and unable to provide any evidence. This perfectly explained the situation, and he wasn't afraid of Gandhi investigating.

But solving this problem has brought about an even bigger one—

How do I break out of prison?

Jiang Shu originally thought it was a very simple matter.

With his current stats, once the Great Wilderness Heart negates the limitations imposed by the hatchery, he can easily break any lock, no matter what kind.

If you can fool Gan at the first moment and tell him that the lock cylinder of the prison door had long been corroded and rusted by the humid air here, so you opened it by accident, he definitely won't suspect anything.

But now such a huge seal is hanging there.

That was something even the superhuman from the Kingdom of Zhu could block, yet you tore it apart so easily. Doesn't that seem a bit disrespectful to the Kingdom of Zhu and the Empire?

Can Gandhi be trusted?

Faced with a prison door that could be destroyed directly, but which was impossible to access due to the world-building, Jiang Shu fell into deep thought.

Seeing his expression, Gandhi wasn't surprised.

He comforted us, saying, "You can't do anything about it, right? It's okay, they'll let us out in a year or two."

As he spoke, a look of reminiscence crossed Gandhi's face.

“I can understand you. In fact, when I was first locked up, I also went through a period of confusion and fear, but I got used to it after a while.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shu belatedly asked, "I was saying..."

"what?"