Chapter 137: Striking First to Gain the Advantage

After closing the door behind Old He, Wu Jue unconsciously took out the amethyst crystal stone again. Ever since acquiring this item, he felt it had greatly aided his cultivation.

He needed to carefully study how to harness the amethyst crystal to enhance his own power.

After being infected by the virus before, he had survived against all odds thanks to the “Yi Marrow Scripture,” even strengthening his abilities in the process. But after all this cultivation, it seemed he was nearing a bottleneck.

If he could use the amethyst crystal to break through his body’s limits and evolve his physical form to a stronger realm, facing enemies from the Tianzhu Clan in the future would be much more manageable.

Holding the crystal, a mischievous smile played on Wu Jue’s lips as he began savoring the changes the stone brought him.

As the purple light once again enveloped his entire body, every cell, bone, and vein within him underwent earth-shattering transformations.

Especially the Tianzhu Clan virus previously absorbed into his body—it seemed stimulated into a new phase of vitality, becoming even more active.

Wu Jue suddenly had a strange illusion that the internal evil element’s activity was actually spurring his body’s evolution.

The more wicked and unrestrained a person was, the stronger their explosive power and creativity.

This was something the formerly rigid and conservative Wu Jue had never considered before.

From now on, he decided he would be a monk who enjoyed life’s pleasures freely.

Outside, someone knocked on the door, saying dinner was about to be served and asking if Wu Jue planned to eat out or stay inside.

Wu Jue opened the door and said, “Wait, let me see what we have now. Tonight, everyone can celebrate properly.”

Standing outside was an older woman, the cook known as Sister Ming. She was said to have been a head chef at a high-end restaurant. Upon seeing Wu Jue, she was startled and quickly took a step back, lowering her head to say, “Well, there isn’t much left. Mostly vegetables and fruits from the fields, with about a hundred pounds of grain left—only enough for a few days. The fresh meat from chickens, ducks, cattle, and sheep is mostly gone.”

Wu Jue thought about it—given the circumstances, having any food was already a blessing, let alone anything better. He asked, “Where did these foods come from? Could there still be supplies in the city?”

Sister Ming shook her head. “I don’t know about that. It’s lucky we have something to eat here. Who dares go to the city now? Even if there were supplies, they’d likely be infected by the zombies. Who’d dare eat them?”

Wu Jue studied Sister Ming carefully. Despite her somewhat gaunt face and crow’s feet around her eyes, and her head bowed so her features were unclear, she still retained a certain charm from the side.

He waved his hand. “Don’t worry. I’ll solve the food problem. I won’t let you, a skilled cook, have to work without ingredients.”

Jokingly dismissing her, Sister Ming was somewhat surprised, not expecting Wu Jue to be so kind.

Wu Jue went out to find Huron and Old He to discuss plans. He wanted to use the dinner to boost morale and set out with the South China Gang to attack the local tyrants.

Just then, Xun’er came out from the next room and pounced on him, saying, “Great Monk, what have you been so busy with? I barely see you! Hey, why do you have hair now? And parted like that? Is it a wig?”

She reached out to grab the hair on Wu Jue’s forehead, but he caught her hand and said, “What are you doing? Don’t mess around. I recently practiced martial arts and comprehended the workings of heaven and earth. All my hair grew back. Isn’t that great?”

Xun’er began to act coquettishly, pulling him insistently, wanting to grab his hair. Eventually, Huron saw this and excused himself, saying, “Maybe I should come back later; you two continue.”

Wu Jue said, “No, don’t go! Get this little rascal out of here. I have important things to do; don’t waste time.”

He gently pushed Xun’er toward Huron, then leapt down from the second floor into the courtyard.

Old He was organizing his men for a briefing. Seeing Wu Jue descend from above, he was momentarily stunned before asking, “Boss, how about you say a few words?”

Wu Jue stepped forward and cleared his throat. “Good idea. I was just about to say something. Since we’ve arrived here, there’s nothing to show for it, so tonight, I want everyone to have a good meal. I have an important announcement to make. I’ll bring out the fine wine stored in my room for everyone to enjoy.”

Hearing about a good meal and fine wine, everyone was delighted and began to cheer, “Boss Wu Jue is righteous! Boss Wu Jue is mighty!”

After the noise settled, they began tidying the yard, setting up tables to gather all the farm’s survivors. They prepared a dozen cold dishes, steamed two large pots of white rice, and Sister Ming used the last of the ham and cured meats to make something special for everyone to feast upon.

Facing the table laden with wine and food, Old He and his dozen or so men were ravenous, eating eagerly while toasting Wu Jue with endless praise.

Wu Jue ate alongside them, pouring wine for Old He and several trusted men. “Although I’ve taken over this place, I never intended to simply enjoy the fruits without effort or be a lone leader. I may have been a martial monk before, but I understand the principle of sharing blessings and hardships alike. The road ahead is long; we must unite and work together.”

“Tonight’s meal is not only a reward but also a send-off.” Seeing the atmosphere was just right, Wu Jue suddenly shifted to the main topic. “Earlier, I went to the city center and spotted a group of people. After asking Old He, I found out they are from the South China Gang. Staying secluded here isn’t a solution. The South China Gang will sooner or later come for our territory, so we must strike first.”

“Boss, you want to take on the South China Gang?” Old He gasped, sobering up somewhat. Facing the South China Gang was no small matter; they had to think carefully.

Wu Jue nodded, setting down his cup. “Yes, fight them. You’ve seen the farm’s situation: we have vegetables but lack grain and meat. You know that to survive, brothers have to eat. If we don’t have enough, we have to take it! The South China Gang is our warehouse. Next, we’ll hit the western suburbs. No one will escape.”

He stood up and slammed the table. “Tonight we march out and crush them utterly. This is the decisive battle. If we succeed, we won’t have to worry about food or drink ever again.”

No one expected Wu Jue to turn a meal into a rally. Even Huron and Xun’er, who had known him a long time, watched him in disbelief.

“This isn’t very wise, is it?” Old He hesitated, voicing his concerns. “We don’t know the situation well. What if we fail?”

Wu Jue patted Huron on the shoulder and smiled. “With Huron and me, what’s there to fear? I want everyone united in spirit. If we succeed tonight, everything we take will be shared. You’ll all get what you want!”

Spurred by his stirring words and perhaps the wine, the dozen men grew excited, shouting, “Let’s go! Fight them! We’ll feast and live well afterward!”

With their spirits high, Wu Jue raised his cup and said, “Then here’s to our swift success! Old He, prepare the weapons. Huron, come over and let’s discuss.”

After finishing his wine, he smashed the cup on the ground, shattering it. He then pulled Huron aside to confer.

This attack on the South China Gang was partly to show the others; the real strike would come from him and Huron.

He said, “We can’t fully trust these men. You go first to scout the situation. I’ll lead the main force after. Remember, don’t act rashly. Assess carefully before striking.”

Huron nodded. “Don’t worry. When you spoke just now, I understood your meaning. Besides, life is more interesting this way.”

For some reason, Huron seemed affected by Wu Jue’s resolve and immediately took the first step.

Wu Jue looked back to see Old He and several men bringing over two boxes of weapons—old rifles and carbines that paled compared to the South China Gang’s arsenal.

He instructed Old He to distribute the weapons and said, “Once we take the South China Gang, these junk won’t matter. I promise the best weapons for everyone.”

Old He nodded and suggested, “We have three old vehicles, barely enough to carry everyone. Should we leave some behind to guard here?”

Wu Jue glanced at Xun’er and beckoned her over. “Xun’er, when we leave, you’ll be in charge here. I’ll leave two men to help you. Don’t cause trouble.”

Xun’er snorted. “I won’t! You’re underestimating me! With Meowpu by my side, nothing can go wrong.”

At that moment, Meowpu was under the table, happily gnawing on a bone. He meowed twice but said nothing.

Wu Jue pulled over two burly men. “I don’t care. These two are under your command. Make sure they stay alert.”

The men straightened up but wondered why they had to listen to a little girl.

Xun’er pulled Wu Jue aside and whispered, “Great Monk, be honest—why have you become so ruthless lately? Did something happen? You’re not as kind-hearted as before.”

Wu Jue knew she noticed his change. He gently cupped the little girl’s chin and smiled. “What, don’t you like this side of me? They say ‘bad boys’ get the girls. I’m like a withered tree blooming again—I must learn to enjoy life.”

Xun’er smiled coquettishly and pinched him. “You’re just playing the rogue. I’ll find out what’s changed you. But I like this version of you more. Promise me you’ll come back safe!”

She threw her arms around Wu Jue’s neck, kissed his cheek, then ran off.

Wu Jue touched the red mark on his face, feeling no discomfort. Sooner or later, Xun’er would be with him. When she grew older, it would happen naturally.

He turned back, resuming his usual stern demeanor, and addressed Old He and the others, “Let’s move out. Take everything you have, and bring your courage.”

He then pointed to the restless women nearby and added, “If you want to return and be close to your women, you must keep your lives. Strive to be the victors.”

Without hesitation, he climbed into a car and drove off.

End of Chapter 137: Taking the Initiative.