Chapter 682 - 554: Opening with a Kick, Ending with a Punch (Part 2)

The sky is gloomy, the scene silent, with everyone immersed in silence.

The darkness of human nature at this moment is portrayed with utmost clarity, so clear that some feel psychological discomfort.

Zhang Su looks up at the sky filled with dark clouds, not a streak of sunlight to be seen.

Yesterday’s Absolute Justice, this morning’s encounter in Bajiazi Village, and the confrontation at his doorstep with the Flying Wolf Gang—all these scenes of human evil weigh heavily on his heart like the oppressive skies.

"Ah..."

Unable to hold back a sigh, completely unable to understand what goes through people’s minds, unable to resonate with them.

Zhang Su is very aware that in the face of survival opportunities, reason gradually fades, along with morality and humanity. Nothing is important; surviving is what truly matters.

But things haven’t reached that point yet!

If there were a supreme existence imposing rules, forcing a huge battle among the six hundred plus people present, where the lone survivor would live a long and happy life, he’d likely join in the bloody fight.

But reality isn’t that dire; why take things to such extremes?

"Why not follow the brothers from Bridge Town, join Celestial Horse Island, work together for mutual progress? What’s wrong with that?"

Zhang Su couldn’t help but shake his head and step toward Skinny, speaking earnestly, "Why must you stir trouble, seize the opportunity to loot, betting your life only to regret it later? What’s the point?"

"It’s all because... hey!"

Skinny thought Zhang Su was starting to preach and planned to let him go, but didn’t expect Zhang Su to suddenly act when he got within two meters!

In a flash, a fist the size of a clay pot was already at his chest...

Zhang Su didn’t intend to give Skinny a chance to speak, as two meters was within range to land a hit and cause massive damage, and he didn’t want to hear anymore of his chatter.

Thud, splat...

A straight punch landed without suspense on Skinny’s chest, more visually impactful than Bruce Lee’s one-inch punch, with unknown power but astonishing destructive force!

Those standing behind Skinny saw his back bulge outward corresponding to the punch on his chest, sending him spiraling wildly backward like an unbalanced gyroscope.

Many drew a sharp breath, secretly noting that maybe the movies weren’t lying—a single punch really could do such damage. But that takes twenty years of skill!

Splat...

"Ugh... ugh..."

Zhang Su’s goal was achieved; he didn’t let Skinny finish his sentence, leaving him dead in a pool of blood.

The first to charge was cut down by Zhang Su’s kick, and the last Skinny was punched to death—a kick, a punch, curtain up, curtain down.

"The judgment ends, Flying Wolf Gang’s nine bandits deservedly executed, King Yama cleanses the villains to restore peace to Celestial Horse Island!"

Yuwen had been waiting for this moment, and once Skinny fell, he grabbed the microphone and walked to the center of the venue, loudly announcing the result.

Everyone was watching the duel, but he had to clarify the nature of this event—it was not a duel but a judgment by King Yama on invading bandits; just, rightful, public, yet unfair, for King Yama faced nine alone!

"King Yama, King Yama..."

Following Yuwen’s lead, Zhang Su’s biggest fan, Lu Yubo, immediately joined in, leading the chants.

Amidst the cheers, Zhang Su slowly closed his eyes, not to indulge in the honor and praise, but to adjust his emotions.

With the zombies as fierce as mad dogs, it’s best not to be too reckless; a sense of calm swept over him as he lowered his palm, signaling everyone to quiet down.

With the emotional contagion, people’s fervor gradually subsided, achieving significant effect.

Except for one person!

Ju Mumio stood within the crowd, her eyes flashing with surprise, staring incredulously at Zhang Su. Just moments ago, her mind, or rather her spirit, was hit by wave-like impacts—not affected only because her mental fortitude was strong enough.

This astonished her, making her gaze at Zhang Su with curiosity.

Before, she had a similar odd feeling but dismissed it, since the surrounding crowd’s excitement surely impacted her, especially the anger and murderous intent, easy to transmit.

But the feeling just now was distinctly different; everyone was excited, yet a sudden wave swept over, quieting them all, then that invisible wave crashed into her heart, attempting to soothe her restless mind!

What is going on?

Something feels off...

"He’s grown again in the past two days!" Ju Mumio reached a startling conclusion.

Besides Ju Mumio, a dog also sensed the disturbance.

Specifically, Corgi Good Fortune sensed the emotional wave’s fluctuation earlier than Ju Mumio, sitting at the arena’s edge, very close to Zhang Su, intuitively feeling the emotions rolling through.

But Good Fortune didn’t attribute it to Zhang Su, instead delightfully thinking it gained some new ability, happily panting with joy.

Zhang Su was unaware of Ju Mumio’s thoughts and certainly wouldn’t notice Corgi Good Fortune’s anomaly.

He spoke loudly to the crowd, "Members of Flying Wolf Gang are enemies, therefore dealt with severely. However, as fellow humans, I am obliged to bury them. Bozai, gather people to dig nine graves, don’t leave them exposed in the wilderness!"

"Brother Su, Da Zhuzhi already went to handle it."

Lu Yubo pointed to the distance.

Zhang Su didn’t need to ask to know this was Yuwen’s arrangement, nodding to him before turning to face the observing trio of Xie Guangfa and others.

Feeling Zhang Su’s gaze, Xie Guangfa shuddered, bitterly saying, "I suppose King Yama won’t spare my life. No need to trouble you; just dig an extra grave, I’ll handle it myself."

Failing the evaluation might mean being seen as accomplices, probably leading to a grim fate. Better to take initiative, Xie Guangfa thought.

Upon hearing Xie Guangfa’s words, his two remaining Flying Wolf Gang companions nearly burst into tears, internally pleading for him not to seek doom—they wanted to live, after all...

Those around showed mixed emotions, surprised by Xie Guangfa’s decision, everyone struggling for life while he seeks death.

Perhaps this is a retreat as an advance?

But he didn’t look like it.

"I never said you’d die!"

Zhang Su slowly walked over to Xie Guangfa, brushing off dirt, saying, "You Flying Wolf Gang look like beggars with no supplies, you three are the only spoils of war!"

Survival?

Xie Guangfa and the other two shared brightened eyes, accepting being treated as spoils—survival means anything is acceptable!

"Thank you, thank you King Yama for your mercy, I’m willing to be of service to you."

"Me too, me too!"

Ning JianShe and Qian Guangwei both bowed repeatedly.

"Don’t get too happy yet; you three failed the test, so you’ll enter Celestial Horse Island as prisoners with restricted freedom until I deem all three of you are clear. Understand?"

Through emotional observation, Zhang Su figured these three weren’t too problematic, but knowing faces doesn’t mean knowing hearts—precautions are necessary.

"Willing to accept any disposition."

"Me too!"

"No problem."

The three agreed readily, grateful for sparing their lives.

With matters settled, cleanup didn’t require Zhang Su’s involvement. He looked at the crowd and waved toward Celestial Horse Island, "Brothers, let’s rest on the mountain for a while, then deal with follow-up matters!"

With the command, people reluctantly turned and headed to the cars, all discussing the recent duel, something to talk about for days.

From arriving at Celestial Horse Island Mountain’s foot to judgment’s end, perhaps the major battle days ago cleaned the surrounding zombies thoroughly, only minor attacks occurred, yet remained calm thereafter, with no more zombies attracted despite shouting.

Giving a sense like everything improved upon reaching Celestial Horse Island!

Of course, this indeed was merely a feeling—a coincidence-born illusion.