Order

Wang Yong was indeed a cunning strategist; not only was he an insect-controlling specialist, but he had also enlisted three formidable professionals under his command. Yet now, only two remained.

For any leader, professionals are invaluable assets. With Rat's death, the blood feud between the two sides was sealed, but Chen Feng had no interest in negotiations—his only goal was conquest.

Wang Yong's base, housing over 600 survivors, was more than just a refuge; it was a small fortress. If Chen Feng could seize it, it would provide him with the leverage he needed to solidify his growing power.

As for the possibility of attracting military retaliation, Chen Feng was unconcerned.

He had saved Feng Zhiyong's life during the battle against the corpse beetles. Without him, Feng Zhiyong would have perished long ago. Besides, in a world riddled with endless crises, even the mightiest military forces were preoccupied with their own survival. As long as he didn't provoke large-scale civilian massacre or established a cult, the military would likely turn a blind eye to his activities.

Professionals were unpredictable variables. While some might prioritize protecting the people and fighting monsters, many became arrogant and uncontrollable, intoxicated by their newfound power. They defied not just the military, but some would even challenge the heavens themselves if given the chance.

Unruly and capricious, they would eventually splinter into countless groups and war bands. Even the strongest military couldn't hope to crush or eliminate all these factions!

In the face of such chaos, even the army would have to tread carefully, unable to impose their will upon the strong so easily.

When the food was brought back to the shelter, excitement rippled through the crowd. The abundance of supplies meant they could endure for a long time.

After the provisions were set down, the fighters stood at attention, occasionally stealing glances at Chen Feng, awaiting his command.

The recent battle had left a deep scar on their minds. By now, Chen Feng's authority was absolute; no one dared voice any dissent.

Chen Feng stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the crowd as he spoke with a voice that brooked no argument, "I don't need to remind you of the world's descent into madness; you're all too aware. Peace has been snuffed out, replaced by death and ceaseless conflict. I don't care what you believed before, but now, you will serve me without reservation. In return, I will protect you and ensure your survival."

He kicked over a box, causing several cans of beef to spill out and roll across the floor.

The crowd stared, their eyes wide with hunger—many hadn't tasted meat in days.

After a moment's pause, Chen Feng continued, his voice cold and commanding, "I don't tolerate half-hearted people. If you don't want to be constrained, you can leave now. But if you stay, you will follow my orders without question. Otherwise, you know the consequences."

A wave of fear swept through the crowd. Women and children began to tremble, and even the men who had fought the ghouls earlier felt their legs weaken, nearly buckling under the oppressive atmosphere.

Chen Feng's presence was overwhelming, his intimidation far beyond what ordinary people could endure.

Seeing the terror and shock in their eyes, Chen Feng shook his head slightly. It was no wonder that professionals often saw themselves as superior. Many didn't even regard ordinary people as human, treating them as mere tools or slaves—because the apocalypse had already split society into two distinct classes.

Just a little pressure, and these people were already terrified.

Some cults had thrived in the Apocalypse by exploiting this very fear, using it to control their followers and gradually amassing power.

Wei Xun was the first to recover, taking a deep breath before speaking solemnly, "I pledge my life in service to you, my lord, unto death!

The others, following his lead, echoed unevenly, "I pledge my life in service to you, my lord!"

Despite their words, some of them looked uneasy. They had once lived in a civilized society where even work was governed by contracts—this felt entirely different, as if they were signing away their lives. But they knew they had to make a choice.

The outside world was far too dangerous.

Previously, while hiding in the shelter, they hadn't fully grasped the extent of the wasteland's horrors. But after venturing out, they now understood—it was a desolate, monster-infested hell. What good was freedom if it only meant becoming a monster's meal?

Chen Feng, on the other hand, could summon powerful creatures to fight for him. His strength was more than enough to protect them, so only a fool would seek some illusory freedom outside.

This situation was akin to people in peacetime envying the 'freedom' of foreign lands, seeing only the democracy but ignoring the underlying conflict and chaos.

"My Lord?" 

It felt out of place...

However, Chen Feng didn't bother to correct them. It was just a title. Once he secured military status, he could always adopt a new one. For now, the title served its purpose well enough.

A stable force is the bedrock of survival and growth. Though Chen Feng yearned for freedom, he understood that like all professionals, he needed resources to sustain his strength. Many of them had families and ties that bound them. On one side, the wilderness teemed with monsters; on the other, orderly and fortified city-states stood firm. The choice was clear—they would naturally gravitate toward the latter.

Only with stability could they truly commit themselves to exploration and combat.

Chen Feng turned his gaze to Wei Xun, the first professional under his command. "From now on, you oversee everything here. Organize the people—combat teams of ten, with medics and quartermasters assigned. Ensure the proper storage of supplies. Anyone caught hoarding food will be executed without mercy."

"Daily sanitation is mandatory. No room for disease to take root."

"And... I have zero tolerance for atrocities. If it's consensual, I'll turn a blind eye, but if anyone forces themselves on women—don't even bother reporting it to me. Kill them on the spot!"

A cascade of orders spilled from Chen Feng's lips, and the crowd nodded in grim agreement.

A disorganized force is nothing more than a rabble. Chen Feng wasn't interested in meddling with personal relationships. If mutual consent existed, even if it was one man with many women, he wouldn't interfere. The external pressures were immense, and such behavior served as a form of stress relief.

Order.

This was the cornerstone of his rule.

Chen Feng wasn't a judge; he had no intention of dedicating his life to combating the darkness that thrived in the apocalypse. He knew full well that darkness could never be fully eradicated. The hearts of men were unpredictable, and he wasn't trying to change that. His aim was to shackle that darkness within his domain.

There would be no gentle persuasion, no forced righteousness. He didn't care how cruel or vile others were outside his jurisdiction, but within it, they would obey his laws or face the consequences.

The flame of order had been ignited.

And anyone who dared challenge it would be thrown into that fire, reduced to nothing but ashes.