Chapter 809: Little Zhang, I Must Criticize You
After everyone had gathered, Zhang Yi first laid down the ship's rules for them.
"Once aboard, I'll distribute necessary food and freshwater resources to everyone to ensure your survival."
"But you must unconditionally obey all my commands."
"Of course, I won't ask you to commit murder or sell your bodies. At the very least, don't cause me trouble at sea."
"Because this voyage has already consumed massive amounts of time, energy and resources. Moreover, sea travel carries numerous risks - sea monsters, pirates, severe weather."
Zhang Yi clasped his hands behind his back and said sternly: "I absolutely won't tolerate any behavior that causes me trouble! Anyone who dares violate this," the corners of his lips curled into a cold smile, "I'll throw them into the icy sea!"
This speech made many shudder.
"Well, I'm already starting to regret this."
Su Nuanxi also said to Zhu Yunque: "Your crew member is so scary! Aren't you going to rein him in? How can he speak like that? Doesn't this damage the Huaxu Kingdom's image?"
Wanting to save face before her junior, Zhu Yunque replied:
"He's always been , I just can't be bothered lecturing him."
Then, as if to justify herself, she added: "But he's doing this to ensure your safe return. So just cooperate with him!"
Hearing everyone's murmurs, Zhang Yi smiled faintly: "Don't say I didn't give you a choice. Anyone who thinks I'm tyrannical or unreasonable can choose to stay behind right now. The decision is yours!"
The crowd buzzed with discussion, their expressions showing dissatisfaction with Zhang Yi's attitude and anxiety about life aboard.
Yet no one chose to stay - remaining likely meant certain death.
No one could guarantee another ship would ever reach this island.
Seeing no further objections, Zhang Yi continued: "Now, hand over all weapons and communication devices! Especially no privately concealed weapons."
"Guns, ammunition, fruit knives - even nail clippers aren't allowed."
Someone in the crowd sneered: "Then what if our nails grow long and need trimming?"
Zhang Yi narrowed his eyes with a smile: "You can file them on the deck."
Li Zongyu quickly interjected: "Please trust the people sent by the Huaxu Kingdom - they're here to rescue us. Only by trusting them can we leave this hellhole!"
The Rockflow Group members reluctantly surrendered all weapons and communication devices.
The confiscation yielded over a dozen guns, though little remaining ammunition.
Plus knives, metal rods and other items.
But Zhang Yi knew - if people really wanted to fight, anything could become a weapon.
He was simply minimizing chances of these people bringing about their own demise.
Zhang Yi wasn't worried about mutiny at sea - he just hated trouble.
Then Che Haicheng approached Zhang Yi, bowing obsequiously.
"Sir, I'm Che Haicheng from New Rohan. Thank you for rescuing us - please accept my respect!"
He performed a practiced 90-degree bow.
Zhang Yi thought - this old fox knows how to play the game.
He simply nodded without further comment.
He neither liked nor disliked such sycophantic types.
People always found ways to survive in society.
"If there's anything I can do, please command me! You're my savior - my life belongs to you now!"
Che Haicheng tirelessly flattered Zhang Yi, even tearing up emotionally.
Zhang Yi said flatly: "Just mind your own business and don't cause trouble."
"Yes, I'll strictly follow your orders!"
Che Haicheng stood at attention, then turned and shouted to the Rockflow Group: "Long live the Huaxu Kingdom! Long live Mr. Zhang!"
Sure enough, several of Che Haicheng's friends echoed the cheers.
Others looked on with disgust.
But some shrewdly followed suit, heaping praise on Zhang Yi.
"Our lives are in your hands! Please ensure our safe return."
"You're our savior, an angel sent by God!"
A torrent of fawning praise poured toward Zhang Yi.
Just over an hour ago, they'd been sneering about the Huaxu rescue team, complaining why it wasn't Columbus Ocean nations coming instead.
Zhang Yi remained indifferent.
He knew exactly what kind of people they were.
Mostly vacationing officials, wealthy merchants and their families from various countries.
He held little goodwill toward them, remaining unmoved by their flattery.
But for people like Che Haicheng, this performance mattered greatly.
No matter how coldly Zhang Yi treated them, they'd spare no effort to curry favor.
Words and dignity were worthless now.
But gaining even slight favor from Zhang Yi might mean survival when it counted.
They were always so calculating.
Before departure, Zhang Yi asked Li Zongyu: "Is everyone here?"
Li Zongyu sighed helplessly: "A few refused - Columbus Ocean citizens waiting for their own rescue ships."
Zhang Yi nodded: "Fine. If they won't come, so be it. I always respect others' choices."
As he spoke, his gaze flicked toward nearby crew members, his right hand casually making a throat-slitting gesture.
Two crewmen immediately understood.
The Divine Source's secrets couldn't be leaked.
Especially not to Columbus Ocean citizens.
As the group left the cave, those who stayed behind looked at the empty cavern with sudden overwhelming dread.
After much hesitation, they'd chosen to wait for their nation's rescue ships.
But as they waited, footsteps echoed from the cave entrance.
The foreigners looked up in surprise to see returning crew members.
The two crewmen smiled, drawing silenced pistols. Soon "pew pew" sounds filled the cave.
Zhang Yi's group left the cave toward the port.
Later, the two crewmen caught up.
"Sorry, we had to relieve ourselves."
Zhang Yi glanced at them - one look confirmed the mission's completion.
They rejoined the group.
This raised suspicions among some, like Ma Wenzheng who seemed to guess the truth.
But he remained silent, only shaking his head slowly.
They continued toward the port.
The Rockflow Group grew increasingly alarmed seeing fresh corpses along the way.
"These bodies are newly dead - what happened?"
Ma Wenzheng couldn't help asking.
Zhang Yi said calmly: "I killed them."
Che Haicheng quickly fawned: "Well done! These villains clearly meant harm, righteously slain by heroic Mr. Zhang and his crew - most satisfying!"
Su Nuanxi walked beside Zhu Yunque. Thanks to their connection and her assumed noble status, she carried herself with superiority.
Even Zhang Yi, in her mind, was just following orders to rescue a princess like her.
Seeing so many corpses, she turned pale, clutching her chest.
She couldn't resist saying to Zhang Yi: "Don't you think killing them was too cruel?"
Zhang Yi paused, frowning in amusement at Su Nuanxi.
"They were robbers. You pity them?"
Su Nuanxi shook her head. "No, they weren't robbers. Just desperate souls struggling to survive."
"Before, they fought to live. Now you're here - you could've taken them. Why kill them?"
She stared righteously at Zhang Yi: "I must criticize you - this damages the Huaxu Kingdom's international image!"