A farm that breeds gods and demons
Chapter 357 - 284: New Freedom Village (Third Update) _2

Chapter 357: Chapter 284: New Freedom Village (Third Update) _2

Zhang Zhongmou’s rare blush prompted a stifled chuckle, as he said, "We are pure and upright, unlike you."

Ma Ziye rolled her eyes at him and said, "What kind of a remark is that? If you’re pure and upright, are we not?"

Originally having a casual chat with Lei Rui and Zhou Birong on the other side, Su Yun overheard this and immediately turned to look over, calling out, "Zhang Zhongmou! What’s all this about us not being pure? Are you implying there’s something going on between Ziye and Su Yu..."

Zhang Zhongmou scoffed, "Why did Su Yu take only instant noodles to the Earth Elemental Space, let alone stay there for four days..."

Before he could continue, Su Yu sharply retorted, "Shut your trap, or believe me, I’ll toss you headfirst into a sewer!"

Unafraid of Su Yu, Zhang Zhongmou smirked maliciously, "Well, come on, toss me in. Find a sewer first though — " his face one of unconcern, unafraid of any potential repercussions.

Looking at Su Yu and then at Ma Ziye, Su Yun wore an expression of doubt, her complexion slightly pale.

Lei Rui came over, gently held Su Yun’s hand and chuckled, "What are you thinking about?"

Su Yun lowered her head, her mood suddenly becoming somewhat gloomy.

Zhou Birong, having experienced it all before, quietly shook her head and hid a smile.

Having no way to deal with Zhang Zhongmou’s banter, Su Yu stood up from the wooden chair, "Ziye, where did you go?"

Ma Ziye gave a soft smile, "A few of us obediently followed Meng Ting’s orders and stayed to guard ’Freedom Village.’ Surely someone should stay behind if so many are leaving, no?"

"Oh?" Su Yu was somewhat puzzled. Given Ma Ziye’s character, he wondered why she would choose to remain at "Freedom Village" and not witness the upcoming battle against Wang Di herself?

Despite his doubts, Su Yu trusted Ma Ziye, and didn’t dwell on it. On seeing Su Yu stand up, Ruan Minghong, Murong Dingyuan, and Li Lingsheng diligently followed behind him, abidingly, like loyal bodyguards.

"Let’s go. Let’s return to ’Freedom Village.’" Su Yu lightly flexed his arms; his injuries had healed substantially. The evacuation of "Wangdi Village" was almost complete; horse-drawn carriages pulled by Horned Demon Horses were loaded with various supplies and goods, heading towards "Freedom Village."

"Let’s go, let’s head back." Zhang Zhongmou rallied, calling out with a wave of his arm.

Busy tallying supplies, Qin Jiagui was working so hard he’d broken into a sweat. Yuan Niping, holding a handkerchief, delicately dabbed at his forehead. Seeing this from afar, Su Yu smiled, envious of Qin Jiagui.

If positions were reversed, he wondered who would be willing to wipe sweat off his brow?

Upon Su Yu and his entourage’s return to Freedom Village, they occasionally passed teams transporting supplies. Upon spotting Su Yu, they would respectfully greet, "Sir Su Yu," which felt unnatural to Su Yu. He thought about asking them to stop, but Ma Ziye grabbed his hand and shook her head, signaling him not to.

Su Yu was slightly perplexed, and Ma Ziye said: "Su Yu, do you know why Wang Di failed?"

"Hmm," Su Yu grunted, indicating he was interested in Ma Ziye’s insights.

"Wang Di’s downfall may appear to be due to your arrival and subsequent defeat of him, but even without you, someone similar would have inevitably emerged, leading him to eventually fail. From the very beginning, Wang Di Village was on the wrong path."

"I understand. Wang Di indulged his people, allowed them to rampage and oppress others, which enraged everyone. A power built on such foundations cannot last," Su Yu said with a smile.

Ma Ziye nodded in agreement and said, "So, if we want ’Freedom Village’ to develop healthily, we must avoid repeating their mistakes and refrain from imitating ’Wang Di Village.’ Now, you’ve managed to establish some credibility in people’s eyes. I think it’s not detrimental for you, Su Yu, to maintain that. As our village’s population has increased, we need a figure like you to maintain order. With your credibility, people will remember what you say."

After hearing this, Su Yu began to understand Ma Ziye’s point. Even though Meng Ting was the nominal leader of "Freedom Village," when there were only a few dozen members in the village, most people were willing to follow her leadership because they had started the journey together. However, with the influx of over a hundred newcomers, Meng Ting alone, as a Fourth Order Black Iron Warrior, was incapable of exercising control. There were bound to be instances of covert defiance, potentially leading them down Wang Di Village’s path. Therefore, Ma Ziye suggested Su Yu maintain a certain level of authority for the benefit of Freedom Village’s development and stability.

Take for instance, the three strong Level Five fighters — Ruan Minghong and the others — who were once part of "Wang Di Village." It’s hard to imagine them obeying Meng Ting, a mere Fourth Order warrior. So, whether Su Yu liked it or not, he had indeed become the actual leader and centerpiece of the new "Freedom Village," the one capable of keeping the over one hundred new members reined in with his authority. As long as Su Yu was in charge, they wouldn’t dare flout orders.

Even though Meng Ting was still the leader, in name.

After hearing Ma Ziye’s suggestions, Su Yu nodded, and no longer rejected being called "Sir Su Yu." He understanding when the group size is small, bonds of friendship or brotherhood can sustain it. However, as the group swells to a certain size, those ties are no longer practical nor possible. Instead, it is necessary to establish a corresponding system, to distinguish ranks. In a world where only the strong survive, strength is everything.