Not just Cao Jingshan—many of the survivors on site who'd finally recovered from shock stared angrily at Yu Ziming and his group as they entered.
It was hard not to resent people who kicked them when they were down.
And as Yu Ziming and his group saw Cao Jingshan's team, they were utterly stunned.
They really hadn't expected this. Although they'd left before Cao Jingshan, it turned out Cao Jingshan had arrived at Hope Village even earlier, and all of them were safe and sound.
Did Hope Village's people save them?
This makes things difficult!
Apparently sensing what Yu Ziming and his group were thinking, Cao Jingshan scoffed, "After you robbed us, Hope Village's soldier team came to find us and brought us safely to Hope Village. What? Disappointed?"
Hearing Cao Jingshan's accusation and seeing Zhou Zhengping and the others' scrutinizing looks, Yu Ziming hurriedly argued, "What robbery? You agreed our team would escort you to a safe place and you'd reward us. But when we got there, you reneged. We had no choice but to use special means to take back what was rightfully ours."
"You—" Cao Jingshan never expected that even now, Yu Ziming dared to sound so righteous.
The next moment, he looked at Zhou Zhengping and Li Xingteng, "I'm telling the truth. You believe me, right?"
The others besides Cao Jingshan quickly spoke up, too.
"That's right, he's just spouting nonsense. He came from another territory—later, after Canglei Village got attacked by Demon Beasts, they saw we had a big team and joined us, saying they could help clear the Demon Beasts on the road. Who knew they were hiding ill intent? When we encountered Demon Beasts, they took the opportunity to threaten us."
"Don't believe anything they say! They're all heartless bastards!"
"They must be habitual robbers. If they stay in Hope Village, they're sure to be trouble."
"..."
Watching all the accusations, Yu Ziming's face kept changing. Then he recognized, through their clothes, that Zhou Zhengping and Li Xingteng probably had close ties to the Lord of Hope Village. Noticing their calm expressions—unlike the others' rage—he steadied himself and spoke to them, "Everyone in our team is Level 5 or higher, our Attributes are strong, we can do much more for the territory, and we're willing to help clear Demon Beasts inside the territory."
As Yu Ziming finished, Cao Jingshan immediately grasped what he was getting at, his anger showing on his face, though he was also somewhat uneasy inside.
Indeed, compared to these dozens of strong young people, their own team was old, injured, and had many weaker women.
In terms of value, Yu Ziming's group really could do more for the territory.
Right at that moment, Li Xingteng smiled.
Seeing Li Xingteng smile, Yu Ziming relaxed, continuing, "The territory's walls are sturdy. I'm willing to go out and lead more people back; I'm sure they'd be happy to contribute to the territory, too."
That way, just like in Wuji Village, they could grow stronger through robbery again.
Come to think of it, maybe Hope Village's strength comes from pulling tricks like this, too?
Cao Jingshan and the others watched from the side, their hands clenching into fists.
Is Hope Village really going to collude with Yu Ziming's group?
Is this even a territory worth staying in?
Xu Ximan couldn't help but grab hold of Cao Jingshan's hand.
At that moment, Li Xingteng spoke, "Sure, our territory needs people—but what we don't need are scum."
Li Xingteng's first words made Yu Ziming happy—he thought he'd convinced him. But the second sentence froze his expression.
Before he could react, the soldiers who'd been waiting around sprang forward quickly, heading their direction—clearly they'd been ready for this.
And it wasn't just the soldiers—Zhong Yongnian's team didn't hesitate to help out either.
At the same time, Xu Chengyi by Yu Ziming's side moved fast, his Long Spear aimed right at Yu Ziming's neck, "Don't move."
He'd said he sensed something off about this group at the gate, and happened to know Captain Zhou was in the cafeteria, so he brought them along. Looking at it now, he definitely did the right thing!
The others saw the intimidating team, and Yu Ziming's group instinctively raised their hands in surrender.
None of them really thought about resisting—they knew full well, whether it was Level or Equipment, they were no match for the others. Besides, they were under someone else's roof—fighting back would be suicide!
Everyone was surrounded, not daring to move.
At this moment, Zhou Zhengping looked at Cao Jingshan, "How much Gold Coin did they take from you?"
"Nineteen." Cao Jingshan snapped out of it, his expression intense as he hurried to give a number.
"Hand over the nineteen Gold Coins, and pay double as compensation," Zhou Zhengping said bluntly.
Yu Ziming looked at the Long Spear at his neck, and obediently complied.
After handing over the money, Yu Ziming couldn't help but plead, "What I said before was just a joke. We know we were wrong—don't kick us out of the territory."
Before reaching this territory, they'd wandered nearby and already noticed it was different from their last territory.
This territory was clearly tested and tempered—so all kinds of resource points appeared, and even High-level Demon Beasts, which were way out of their league.
Now all their Gold Coins were gone, and if they were kicked out, especially with this rainstorm, their chance of survival outside would be low.
No matter what, they didn't want to die.
At this moment, Yu Ziming was a bit regretful—if he'd known Hope Village was like this, he would've just stayed with Cao Jingshan's group.
With their Level, they'd surely live better than Cao Jingshan, instead of ending up as prisoners like this.
Li Xingteng ignored him, looking to Zhou Zhengping, "How do you think we should deal with them?"
Zhou Zhengping thought for a moment, then said, "Why don't we keep watch on them and wait for the territory's instructions? Our territory has always been able to prepare in advance for things—even this, maybe. Their arrival reminds us—not all survivors will follow the rules. More survivors will come to the territory in the future, and territory needs order."
The territory's rules need to be scheduled, and he'd discuss them with Xiao Bai.
Li Xingteng listened and nodded, "Alright."
Then the soldier team took Yu Ziming's group to a corner of the cafeteria for guard duty.
"Thank you," Cao Jingshan once again expressed gratitude to Zhou Zhengping and Li Xingteng.
The others even more so—watching Yu Ziming's group get "locked up," they were honestly ecstatic.
Truly, retribution!
"Don't mention it. If we let them ruin the territory's atmosphere, it would be bad for both us and the territory," Li Xingteng said bluntly, "Don't worry—they won't get off easy!"
Even if the territory agreed, they wouldn't.
Hearing this, Cao Jingshan was completely relieved.
Hope Village is really wonderful!
The place is good, and so are the people.
He already loves it here!
Meanwhile, in the tailor shop, Zhou Bai received a notification from the system.
[Dear Host, your soldier team has apprehended residents committing robbery within the Hope Village territory. Please establish rules for your territory, punish criminals, and stabilize territory order.]