Chapter 121: It Is Precisely When They Fear the Most

Chu Yun then dismissed the administrators, directing them to arrange breakfast for everyone.

During the meal, Chu Yun instructed Chu Wencai to organize a census of the two hundred or so newcomers. Following the established method, they selected eighteen minor household heads, two intermediate household heads, and one major household head.

Although many of these people were now under the authority of the four intermediate heads and the major head, Chu Lefu, and ultimately under Chu Wencai’s supervision, no one dared to voice any objection.

First, they firmly believed that the explosions were the result of the "Thunder Arts" performed by Chu Yun’s mentor, the God of Thunder. Furthermore, Chu Wencai had slaughtered a sheep as an offering to the heavens and was overseeing the construction of a temple to the God of Thunder in Chu Family Town. As a result, they held profound faith in Chu Yun, convinced that following him would lead to a prosperous life—just like the three full meals a day they were currently eating, a luxury they had never dared to dream of before. If they had any regrets, it was only that they hadn’t followed Chu Yun sooner.

Second, Chu Lefu was exceptionally bright and talented, having already established a respectable reputation in Chu Family Town. As for Chu Wencai, he was a scholar and teacher, naturally commanding the deep respect of the entire town. The fact that he now stood as the singular authority beneath Chu Yun was something everyone found perfectly acceptable.

Once the leadership list was finalized, Chu Yun dismissed them to return home and rest. After all, everyone had spent the entire night transporting grain and searching for horses, and they were exhausted.

Chu Yun returned to the Count’s Mansion with his family. Shortly after his arrival, Yang Cheng sought him out, smiling as he said, "Brother-in-law, you are truly extraordinary, with foresight that borders on the divine! You knew all along that more and more people would be willing to follow you."

"You knew the influx of people would require a major household head whom you could trust and who commanded public respect. That is why, from the beginning, you had me join Chu Lefu’s team and instructed me half a month ago to intentionally act in such an absurd manner."

"Otherwise, how could that scene have played out so perfectly just now, and how could Chu Lefu have been so easily transferred to lead the newly formed major household group? After all, Lefu does indeed have more prestige in Chu Family Town than Cuihua, making him better suited for the role."

Chu Yun smiled and nodded, handing him fifty gold coins. "Fourth brother-in-law, I have wronged you."

Yang Cheng waved his hand dismissively. "It’s nothing. You are Liu’er’s husband and the Count. Relieving your burdens is the same as relieving my sister’s, and it is my duty."

Over the next two days, Chu Wencai busied himself with the construction of the God of Thunder temple. This made the claim that Chu Yun’s mentor was the God of Thunder seem even more tangible and convincing to the people of the town.

On the third day, Chu Wencai found Chu Yun. "My Lord Count, this must be the moment when Viscount Lin Yang is at his most fearful and mentally broken. It is time for me to set off for Nanhai Town and compel him to surrender the town to you."

Chu Yun nodded, agreeing that Lin Yang must be at his most vulnerable, yet he asked deliberately, "Wencai, why do you believe this is the moment of his greatest fear?"

Chu Wencai replied, "My Lord, on the night the God of Thunder used his arts to repel the Witch Doctor Sect’s army, the soldiers were fleeing in such panic that they certainly wouldn't have headed toward Nanhai Town, which is over a hundred miles from the border. However, while the soldiers may not have entered Nanhai, some of the warhorses that supported the Sect may have wandered into Nanhai Town while trying to return home."

"At that point, Viscount Lin Yang would have received initial reports that the Sect’s army was defeated, but he wouldn't have known the cause. He would have been filled with doubt and a touch of fear. After all, the Sect had an army of three thousand, and our town has only a few hundred. Our victory is inconceivable to them; they cannot imagine how we achieved it."

"Once the deserters reached Nanhai Town, their arrival would have confirmed the defeat, but since they never saw the God of Thunder’s arts, they couldn't explain the horrific casualties. That is when the true fear would have begun."

"The Viscount's mansion in Nanhai would have surely sent spies to investigate. They would have passed the site of the Sect’s camp, now a wasteland of pulverized remains. Seeing the scattered, mangled corpses would have filled them with terror. Then, upon infiltrating our town and seeing the temple under construction, hearing that you are the disciple of the God of Thunder and under his protection, they would be paralyzed with dread. Coincidentally, our guards spotted scouts from Nanhai last night."

"Therefore, I am certain this is the peak of their fear. They must be terrified that your mentor, the God of Thunder, will come for them to avenge you. If I arrive at the Viscount’s mansion tonight and offer a few veiled threats, they will undoubtedly flee in terror and dare not lay a hand on me."

*Clap, clap, clap!*

Hearing this analysis, Chu Yun laughed and clapped his hands. "Brilliant, Wencai! Your analysis is impeccable; you are indeed a man of great talent. My decision to promote you to captain was well-justified."

Chu Wencai bowed. "You are too generous, My Lord. Compared to your wisdom, my talent is but a drop in the ocean. I believe you had already foreseen all of this, and sending me to Nanhai to deal with the Viscount was merely a test of my abilities."

Chu Yun laughed heartily. "Indeed, that day was a small test. In truth, I had intended to go to Nanhai myself. I once saved that man's life and cured his chronic illness, yet not only did he fail to aid me or warn me of the Sect’s approach, he actually supported their attack on Chu Family Town. I am incensed—truly, deeply incensed!"

Chu Wencai paused, then nodded. "Such ingratitude from Viscount Lin Yang is indeed an unforgivable crime. However, even with our careful planning, this journey remains perilous. I urge you not to take such risks lightly."

Chu Yun waved his hand. "No, I must go. We shall go together; that way, if any unexpected event arises, we can deliberate on the spot."

Chu Wencai began to protest, but Chu Yun cut him off. "My mind is made up!"

Chu Wencai had no choice but to concede. "As you wish, My Lord. When shall we depart?"

Chu Yun replied, "I have already prepared the flatbread for the road. Let us mount our horses and leave now."

The two men made simple preparations, took four sturdy guards, and set off toward Nanhai Town.