Chapter 392: Usurpation
Su Tao and Zhong Gaoyi widened their eyes simultaneously.
The cost of those medications only amounted to a few thousand federal credits, but Zhuo Ercheng had casually demanded 500 crystal cores.
Without changing his expression, Zhuo Ercheng explained:
“Don’t worry—medication is in short supply now. Besides, with you in Xindu, not only 500 crystal cores but even 5,000 can be earned back. A life is worth far more than crystal cores.”
Ling Tianji finally caught on—so if he tried to haggle, it would be like saying his life wasn’t worth much?
He was instantly at a loss for words, unable to argue.
Right there and then, Su Tao received the “medical fee” of 500 crystal cores. The heavy box in her hands suddenly made both Ling Tianji and Zhuo Ercheng seem much more agreeable.
However, as they left the clinic, Su Tao candidly said to Zhuo Ercheng:
“You really don’t hold back when you’re scamming your own people. It makes me a bit scared—I’m even less likely to take you in now.”
Zhuo Ercheng flashed a bright smile—one that held a hint of mischief:
“No worries, Boss Su. This is just fine. From today, can we say our previous grievances are settled?”
Su Tao said, “As long as you’re not plotting against Taoyang, everything between us is water under the bridge—well, except for your two lovely wives.”
Zhuo Ercheng’s smile froze:
“Correction—just one now.”
Except for the most clever and understanding Deng Zilu, he’d broken things off with the others, giving them a generous severance package.
He hadn’t even seen much of Deng Zilu recently.
Since the Alliance Summit, she had said she was delivering some kind of puppet doll to the Chu family. She hadn’t returned or sent word since.
If Su Tao hadn’t mentioned her, he might have forgotten he even had a girlfriend named Deng.
Su Tao shrugged and asked, “When are you guys leaving? If you delay any longer, the weather’s going to get colder, and the road will be even more dangerous.”
Zhuo Ercheng grew serious, raising his head to gaze at the world beyond the protective shield—it seemed as though the chill was already creeping in.
“We’ll leave in a day or two. This winter is coming too suddenly and strangely—there’s a real chance of large-scale zombie activity or even new mutated zombies appearing. You should prepare in advance as well.”
Su Tao accepted his warning with appreciation, though she felt confident in Taoyang’s defenses.
Invincible might be a stretch—but impenetrable was entirely accurate.
Unless multiple “Bone Wings” joined forces and attacked the shield day and night, Taoyang would hold.
But if that happened, not even Changjing would survive.
Although Ling Tianji had narrowly escaped death, he quickly realized something even more terrifying—Zhuo Ercheng had usurped his power.
The subordinates he brought to Taoyang no longer obeyed him. Every time he gave an order, they hesitated and said they needed to “consult Chairman Zhuo first.”
Ling Tianji was livid.
“You bastards! Who’s the leader of Xindu Base?!”
His subordinates lowered their heads, staring at their toes, avoiding eye contact with him.
Days ago, news of Ling Tianji’s critical condition had reached Xindu. Panic spread among the leadership—if not for Chairman Zhuo’s swift intervention to stabilize the situation, Xindu would’ve fractured.
If Xindu splintered, it would lose its status as the largest southern base.
Simply put, Zhuo Ercheng was the one holding things together—and under his leadership, they enjoyed better treatment in Taoyang.
If Ling Tianji had his way, he would have offended Boss Su beyond repair, and they’d all be suffering because of it.
Enraged, Ling Tianji slammed a cup against the table.
“Bring Zhuo Ercheng here—NOW!”
The door swung open.
“No need to yell—I’m already here,” Zhuo Ercheng said calmly.
His subordinates scurried out, shutting the door behind them.
Ling Tianji, trembling with rage, pointed at him, but before he could speak, he was overtaken by a fit of violent coughing.
“Mr. Ling, you should focus on your recovery,” Zhuo Ercheng said with a warm smile. “I’ll handle all matters for Xindu in the meantime.”
The smile faded quickly as he added coldly:
“You should be grateful that you fell ill when you did—if you had pissed off Taoyang any more, Changjing would’ve stripped you of your title.”
Ling Tianji’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
Zhuo Ercheng sighed softly:
“Oh, right—you’re still in the dark. Minister Xu Chang has already reported Taoyang’s contributions to Changjing—materials, medicine, everything. In response, Changjing is promoting Taoyang to a Level-3 Base and will be providing them with advanced medical and military resources.”
His voice grew even colder.
“This means they’ve investigated Taoyang’s lack of weapons. And that means—they know about the agreement you made with other southern oligarchs to restrict Taoyang’s access to arms.”
Ling Tianji’s heart nearly stopped.
Damn Xu Chang—his support for Taoyang had made them untouchable.
If Changjing pursued this matter, Ling Tianji would be the first to lose his position.
Zhuo Ercheng, noticing his pale face, chuckled:
“You think Xu Chang exaggerated Taoyang’s importance, or that Su Tao bribed him? You’re still as arrogant and narrow-minded as ever.”
“Do you realize what Taoyang’s survival means? It means they can sustain more humans through this endless winter. Without it, famine and drought will kill us all—even without the zombies.”
Ling Tianji’s face flushed with shame and fury, his throat burning.
“Cough, cough—“
Zhuo Ercheng’s voice softened.
“So, if you keep opposing Taoyang, you’re digging your own grave. Think carefully about your next move.”
With that, he turned to leave.
Ling Tianji, still struggling to breathe, choked out: “Changjing—cough—what about Changjing?”
Zhuo Ercheng glanced back:
“Wondering when Changjing will strip you of your title? Don’t worry—I’ve already pinned the blame on the Dingnan Base. As far as Changjing knows, Xindu is now Taoyang’s most trusted ally—after all, Taoyang saved our leader’s life.”
Ling Tianji’s jaw dropped in disbelief.
With a slight smile, Zhuo Ercheng delivered the final blow:
“So, Base Leader Ling—take your time recovering. Just remember, a base can’t have two rulers…”
His words rang out like a death knell, echoing through Ling Tianji’s mind—leaving him frozen in place.
