Chapter 202: Glimmer of Light
"Ally?" I raised an eyebrow. "An elite official from the official investigation bureau is talking about alliances with a 'former colleague' hiding in the wilderness with unclear intentions? Jiang Wang, how are you going to write your report?"
"My report will state that I encountered an accident while tracking the source of the pollution. Fortunately, I survived with the help of an unknown force. I also obtained preliminary intelligence on the emerging faith 'Starry Sky Lord'. This faith currently appears to be a regional self-defense organization. There are no active offensive actions or obvious signs of harm. I recommend observation rather than radical intervention."
Jiang Wang spoke fluently, his eyes brimming with cunning and seriousness. "As for the details... the investigation is not yet complete, and further contact and verification are still needed."
I was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing. This guy actually started covering for me so quickly.
Seeing me laugh, Jiang Wang continued, "Sister Yubing and Song Nanxing actually think the same way. I can act alone, but I still have to rely on them to cover for me."
"You are playing with fire."
"I've already been infected once, so this time won't make a difference." He shook his glowing arm, looking like he'd given up. "Besides, I've always felt that the 'harder path' you mentioned might... be the right path. The Bureau's resources are limited. If there were a way for people to band together and survive, rather than relying solely on increasingly inadequate rescue efforts, that wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing."
He paused, his voice lowered. "Of course, the premise is... that the path is really as you said."
I understand what he means. Trust, but not unconditional. Support, but accompanied by observation and supervision. This may be the most ideal state we can achieve between us right now.
"It's up to you," I finally said. "But don't expect me to make any promises, nor will I be responsible for your choices."
"Understood." Jiang Wang smiled, his smile radiant under the fluorescent light. "Then... Comrade Ally, what are your instructions? Do you need me to go back and ask the Bureau to show some mercy to 'Lord Xingqiong'?"
"No need." I shook my head. "Just maintain the status quo. The Bureau will conduct all necessary surveillance and probing, but as long as you don't cross the line, I have my own way of dealing with it. You just need to... bring some news occasionally, like today, and that's enough."
I need him to understand the movements of the Investigation Bureau and the overall changes, but I must not let him get too involved in the specific affairs of the Black Dragon Gang and "Lord of the Starry Sky". That would be too dangerous for both him and me.
"Understood, it's an information exchange." Jiang Wang nodded, then frowned again. "However, you have to be careful too. Those emerging faiths... 'Lord of Thorns', 'Thousand Faces' and so on, although they give the Bureau a headache, they will never let them go. Once a faith is determined to be highly threatening or destructive, the crackdown will be very severe. It's best that the 'Lord of the Starry Sky' you believe in never makes that list."
After all this time he thought I believed in a new god, but it doesn’t matter, I just believe in myself.
"I'm aware of this," I replied. I'm familiar with the tactics of the other members of the Secret Garden Society. To rapidly expand their following, they'll inevitably act aggressively, and the conflict with the Bureau of Investigation will only intensify. My "Lord Starry Sky," on the other hand, needs to maintain a low-key, pragmatic, and defensive posture; that's actually safer for me.
After a few more conversations and exchanging some information about monster activities and pollution sources in the surrounding area, Jiang Wang had to leave.
Watching his back disappearing into the darkness and the halo on his arm gradually fading away, I stood there, not moving for a long time.
ally……
It gave me a new idea.
I turned around, my figure merged into the mirror, and returned to the base.
At least tonight, it's not all bad news.
…
Inside the Black Dragon Gang's stronghold.
The intelligence Jiang Wang brought about the external situation and emerging beliefs was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples within the Black Dragon Gang. Of course, it was limited to a few core members such as Bai Zang and me.
"...This is the situation." I selectively told Bai Zang about my meeting with Jiang Wang and the information I obtained.
Bai Zang sat opposite me, tapping the table with his fingers habitually. There was not much expression on his fair and clean face, but his eyes were particularly sharp.
"So, not only do we have to survive among monsters and predators, but we also have to be careful of official pursuit."
"Yes," I confirmed. "It's actually not difficult. People who come to the Black Dragon Gang can indeed live better and safer than those in other places. This is our amulet and our only way to expand."
Bai Zang pondered for a moment, then suddenly curled up his lips into a cold smile that didn't match his quiet appearance. "Sounds interesting. Instead of waiting to be sacrificed or cannon fodder by unknown creatures, why don't we decide how to live ourselves? Second in command, what do you say?"
"Deepening the 'Symbiotic Barrier' Program."
I already had a plan in mind.
"First, expand the scale of internal planting and breeding. Even if it's only a small increase, we must give everyone hope. Second, organize a technical team to attempt to repair some simple water purification equipment or generators, even if it can only supply a small area. Third, strengthen training, but focus on defense and never take the initiative to cause trouble. We want the names 'Black Dragon Gang' and 'Starry Sky Lord' to first remind outsiders of 'order' and 'a chance to survive,' rather than 'threat.'"
"Okay." Bai Zang nodded decisively, "I'll arrange it. However, resources are a big problem."
"I'll find a way to get the resources." I thought of the Secret Garden Club's salon and commission system. It was time to utilize that platform more actively, whether it was to obtain intelligence or trade for some much-needed supplies.
Over the next few days, changes quietly took place within the stronghold.
Although people are still busy and hard-working, there is a clearer sense of purpose in their eyes.
The small planting area that was opened up was carefully cared for; a few people who knew some mechanical principles began to tinker with some discarded parts; and the patrol team's training became more targeted.
And I contacted Lin Hanning through the mirror.
"I need some things." I got straight to the point and listed some food seeds, basic medicines, and simple energy equipment. "I can exchange them for contribution points or intelligence."
Lin Hanning's figure was still blurry in the mirror. She didn't seem surprised by my request. "Sure. I have a few commissions with good rewards recently. Are you interested in clearing out the derivatives of the 'Fengrong' mother nest or investigating a new base of 'Dark Moon'? The rewards should include what you want."
"Send me the information." I didn't agree immediately. Commissions from the Secret Garden Society often come with high risks, and I needed to weigh the pros and cons.
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