Chapter 101: One of Our Own

“Knock, knock, knock...”

The sudden sound of knocking echoed through the corridor of the solitary building. Party Wei, alone and listening through his earpiece, looked up in puzzlement.

The others, still drowsy, had gone back to sleep.

Only Party Wei remained uneasy; he chose to listen personally.

Earlier, while the group was discussing how to divide the women, the bug on the other side finally transmitted some voices—though it was just mundane chatter among Cao Fusheng and his companions.

Nothing worthy of deep consideration.

This was, of course, intentional on Cao Fusheng’s part, designed for their side to overhear.

Party Wei quietly paced to the door. At this moment, the knocking would not be from the Predators.

Because the outer perimeter of the solitary building had their own observation posts, any intruder would not approach unnoticed.

Given that, there was only one possibility—the group at the other end of the corridor.

The door was opened.

As if confirming Party Wei’s suspicion, standing before him was none other than Cao Fusheng.

Cao Fusheng wore a gentle smile, appearing like an old friend of many years, without a hint of strangeness.

He deliberately leaned close to Party Wei, whispering by his ear: “Fall into the valley of death, then survive.”

Party Wei shuddered, stunned on the spot, then his gaze sharpened like a hawk’s: “Fall into the valley of death, then live?”

Cao Fusheng pulled the bug from his pocket and smiled: “We all work under the Messenger’s command. Brother Wei, isn’t this a bit unfair?”

Party Wei forced a dry laugh as he took the bug and slipped it back into his pocket. “A flood washing the Dragon King’s temple... turns out it’s someone from our own side—just a misunderstanding... all a misunderstanding...”

“By the way, Brother Fusheng, under which leader do you serve?”

Cao Fusheng smiled faintly: “I have the skill to kill that mutant, yet you ask under which leader I serve? Am I so easily looked down upon? No one can command me except the Messenger!”

The Northern Heavenly Kingdom’s population was uncertain, but it was no problem for the various leaders to know each other. However, expecting every subordinate under every leader to be familiar with one another would be unreasonable.

So although Party Wei doubted the authenticity of Cao Fusheng’s identity, he remained in an exploratory phase, not immediately branding him an impostor.

“Brother Fusheng, why only now come to confirm the password?”

“Ha, I’m just testing my luck. There are many survivors in the Heavenly Kingdom, and they don’t know each other’s identities. How could we recognize each other at first sight? Besides, I initially didn’t dare reveal myself. You know, the Heavenly Kingdom has done many things recently that anger other survivors. If you weren’t our own, wouldn’t I be shooting myself in the foot?”

Cao Fusheng spoke with measured reason, and for a moment, Party Wei found it quite convincing. That was indeed the logic.

“As for now, my friend’s wounds have been treated by you, so I have no worries. Plus, I accidentally found this little gadget… naturally, I had to come clarify if you are friend or foe. If friend, all the better. So, this visit is partly a matter of chance.”

“Fortunately, my luck is good—I happened upon friends.”

Party Wei nodded repeatedly after hearing this, then suddenly rolled up his sleeve, revealing a tattoo of a blazing flame.

Cao Fusheng crossed his hands on his hips and shook his head: “Looks like Brother Wei still doesn’t trust me. How long will you keep testing me? Since when did tattoos become a trend in the Heavenly Kingdom?”

“Uh… no, no, I just wanted Brother Fusheng to see if my tattoo looks good...” Party Wei blushed, quickly dismissing all suspicion. He was now ninety percent convinced that Cao Fusheng was a true disciple of the Heavenly Kingdom.

Mainly because Cao Fusheng’s straightforward and preemptive manner stunned Party Wei, who, in the middle of the night with a foggy mind, hadn’t yet found any cracks in the story.

Cao Fusheng breathed a silent sigh of relief. The tattoo matter was a simple choice—either A or B—and thankfully, he had guessed right.

Earlier, standing with hands on hips, he was ready. Captain Swordfish always concealed a pair of combat daggers at his waist—a secret known only to the dead.

If Party Wei showed the slightest sign of suspicion, Cao Fusheng would have eliminated him before anyone could react.

“Shall we talk? Your comrades are asleep, so I won’t intrude inside.” Cao Fusheng glanced at the still-stunned Party Wei and offered him a cigarette.

“All right, all right…”

Sometimes, the sudden bond between men comes down to the distance of a single cigarette.

“Brother Wei, how long has your team been stationed here?”

“About a month, mainly using this place as a base to search for nearby survivors and recruit them back to the Heavenly Kingdom.”

“The task of your brothers is to bring people back?”

“Yes, it’s currently the most rewarding mission in the Heavenly Kingdom for contribution points. Personally, it’s also the easiest. Few survivors refuse, except for those in larger settlements.”

“Heh, that’s because Brother Wei has a way with people. You’re so thorough it’s easy to earn goodwill. When they feel grateful, they follow you willingly.”

“That won’t last. There aren’t many survivors left to find. At least in my sector, there’s nobody anymore.”

Cao Fusheng and Party Wei smoked by the corridor, discussing their respective missions.

“Hey, Brother Fusheng, what brings you here?”

Cao Fusheng said nothing, his gaze deep as he stared at Party Wei, offering only a faint smile.

“Ah! Look at me… the Messenger personally assigned you this mission. It’s only right; I shouldn’t have been so nosy…” Party Wei’s eyes flashed with a sharp light, but his face wore a smile.

“Actually, there’s nothing I can’t tell you. My goal is to enter the Heavenly Pillar, but beyond that, I can’t say. It concerns the safety of the brothers inside.”

“I understand! Although I don’t know who the covert brothers are, they’re heroes of the Heavenly Kingdom! I never expected Brother Fusheng’s target to be the Heavenly Pillar! No wonder you took down that mutant—your skill is impressive!” Party Wei said with admiration.

Cao Fusheng shook his head, chuckling: “Not at all. Compared to Brother Wei, I’m far behind. You’re handling matters fundamental to the Kingdom’s foundation; I’m just playing small-time. Once it’s done, no one will remember us. It’s talents like you who leave a lasting mark on the Kingdom’s history.”

Party Wei’s heart swelled with pride. He had never regarded his work as so noble, nor had anyone spoken to him this way before. Suddenly praised, he felt like a great figure.

Though he couldn’t rewrite human civilization, he was at least a major contributor to the Heavenly Kingdom!

“Ah, I’m still not up to par. Compared to the brothers digging tunnels underground, I’m far behind. They endure real hardship. When the Heavenly Pillar is taken, the Messenger has promised them a life of luxury and ease.”

Hmm? Tunnels underground?

Cao Fusheng carefully noted this vital information and spoke kindly: “Brother Wei, I’d like to seek your help. You know the Heavenly Pillar is tightly besieged. With just a few of us, it’s hard to get in…”

Party Wei paused, then casually said: “No problem, no problem… we’re all on the same side… uh… you…!”