Chapter 401: – The Second Letter

It seemed that if Wolf Machine dared to utter a single "no," his life would be decided here the next second.

At first Cheng Shuili truly didn't show any temper; after all, this was the wolf tribe's own affair, and even though she was the wolf tribe's king, she still wasn't that familiar with them.

Ultimately, she dealt with this matter hoping the wolf tribe would bring her fewer troubles in the future.

The other wolf tribe beastfolk trembled under this pressure, and none dared to speak up for Wolf Machine.

Wolf Machine's whole body trembled, all pleas for mercy crushed in his throat by the invisible pressure.

He slammed his forehead back onto the cold ground, his voice hoarse and broken: "No… I don't dare! King… I… I accept punishment! Thank you, King… for forgiveness!"

He knew the king was already merciful enough.

According to the old wolf tribe law, merely attacking a fellow comrade would be enough to strip him of his patrol duties and flog him publicly.

And his offense against the king could be either great or small.

Now merely reassigning him from his post to be disciplined by Wolf Orange is already a lenient opening.

This realization extinguished the last strand of his resentment, leaving only gratitude for surviving the calamity and a bone‑deep awe.

Cheng Shuili no longer looked at him, her gaze sweeping over the mute wolves, her voice steady again: "Today's matter ends here. I hope you all remember that the wolf tribe's fangs and claws should be aimed at external enemies, not our own kin. If anyone offends again, they will be severely punished without mercy."

"Yes! We will faithfully obey the king's command!"

All the wolf tribe, including the punished Wolf Machine, responded in unison.

The goal has been achieved; if we don't move now, we won't be able to move today.

Cheng Shuili briefly explained the situation to the patrol's wolves, straightened her back under their increasingly intense gazes, and stepped into the Safe Zone first.

Several people argued all day and presented three proposals for Cheng Shuili to choose.

Cheng Shuili immediately favored the first proposal they submitted, and after confirming it was the best choice, she instantly activated the Safe Zone's construction function and began building.

With the residential and commercial zones delineated, the remaining task was to erect the basic structures.

For Cheng Shuili, who wields influence, these operations were routine.

Unlike faction buildings, constructing in the Safe Zone consumes no time.

The moment Cheng Shuili pressed "Confirm," orderly wooden houses sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain, rising from the ground within the designated residential area.

Roads extended accordingly, and simple yet sturdy fences quickly closed along the Safe Zone's border, sealing off this newborn area from external dangers.

The commercial district's foundation was also laid, awaiting future facilities.

The entire process was silent yet completed in an instant, like a miracle.

Those who had been arguing over proposal details were now speechless, staring dumbfounded at the scene before them.

Cheng Shuili wasn't surprised by the procedure, but witnessing this miracle unfold, she couldn't help being amazed.

At that moment, the wolf tribe entered the Black Feather Safe Zone, saw this heart‑stirring scene, were completely awed by the king's masterful move, and their gazes toward Cheng Shuili's back brimmed with fervor and reverence.

Wolf Orange helped Wolf Machine to his feet and sighed softly: "Did you see? This is our king."

Wolf Machine's face turned pale, he nodded heavily, and the last grievance in his heart vanished, leaving only complete submission.

Cheng Shuili gave a light cough twice, drawing everyone's attention back to herself; catching a glimpse of the wolf tribe beastfolk lugging big and small bundles, she then announced the matter.

Regarding the wolf tribe staying long‑term in the Black Feather Safe Zone, the Black Feather members had no issue; what puzzled them even more was:

"When did Lao Da become the wolf king?"

"If Lao Da is the wolf king, are these wolf tribe beastfolk dragging families to seek relatives?"

"Hey, these wolf tribe beastfolk really are dragging families! On what grounds?! I haven't even started a family yet!"

…

In short, in Cheng Shuili's words, these people are focusing on matters that can't be aired publicly.

Earlier in the afternoon, Cheng Shuili had already briefed Xinxue on this matter.

This person and Su Rui are the number‑one and number‑two supervisors of Black Feather; they can arrange big and small affairs single‑handedly. The location for the wolf tribe beastfolk's residence had already been planned by Xinxue, even though the houses weren't built yet.

The difficulty of this matter was unimaginable, and she was too lazy to imagine it.

As a superior, she only needed to know whether a person's ability to act was good or bad.

With that, the wolf tribe was fully settled in Black Feather.

But getting humans and beastfolk to coexist peacefully has never been an easy task.

Even from the beastfolk Cheng Shuili had encountered, their prejudice and stereotypes toward humans were evident.

The wolf tribe beastfolk were the same; with the king's order and Wolf Machine's handling ahead, even if they felt displeased toward these humans, they could only swallow it.

And the Black Feather members, being warm‑hearted, let these un‑exploded tensions fade away with time.

Cheng Shuili didn't know the specifics, but whenever internal conflicts among other beast tribes gave her headaches, she always sighed at how carefree the wolf tribe was.

A brand‑new week arrived silently.

Though it was still night, the sky was full of stars, the moon shone, and there was no wind or cloud; anyone looking would think it was a bright daytime.

Discussions on the regional channel about the disaster shifted from "extreme weather" to speculations like "resource shortage" or "monster siege"; occasional mentions of "disease" were quickly drowned out by flashier, more striking theories.

Cheng Shuili woke early, standing by the window on the top floor of the main building, overlooking the Safe Zone gradually waking in the dawn's faint light.

The wolf tribe beastfolk rose early and were already quietly active in the residential area assigned to them, adapting to the new environment.

Black Feather players also began to appear, curiously observing these new neighbors; although both sides kept distance, everyone could see the friendliness in each other's eyes.

Everything looked calm and hopeful.

Yet on the regional channel, players had already started coughing.

As for how to resist this disaster, Cheng Shuili still couldn't think of a suitable solution.

That's why she woke especially early this morning.

In the small group, early‑rising Wan Yi and still‑asleep Xinxue discussed what to eat for breakfast.

With the recipe pool expanded, the choices multiplied as well.

Just like when a laborer in a past life can't decide what takeout to order during a noon break, Wan Yi was at a loss and asked the group for suggestions.

Xinxue is not greedy, but she gets along well with the gluttonous girl Jiang Tang, so of course she remembers that she constantly wants to eat meat buns.

Since Wan Yi asked, she took the opportunity to bring it up.

Making meat buns isn't difficult for Wan Yi; the flour that was once quite rare is now common, and life really has been getting better, but speaking of flour:

【Wan Yi】: The last time I used flour was when I made small cookies for Lao Da.

Seeing this, Cheng Shuili's pupils narrowed; she naturally didn't forget that Wan Yi had been shot and still insisted on fiddling with those small cookies.

Cheng Shuili furrowed her brows, about to say something, when a flash of inspiration struck and she pulled the two Eternal Life Bottles from the Abyssal Ring.

The golden liquid glittered especially bright in the morning light.

And Cheng Shuili was thinking…

If this thing can heal a gunshot in a second, curing a plague would be a piece of cake, wouldn't it?

The only problem to solve is that this item is extremely scarce; even diluting it with water would certainly be insufficient.

But if she could get into Shou Ren Xiao Zhen, guard a special device, and change the state of the Eternal Life Bottle at any time…

Cheng Shuili briefly weighed the cost against the possible gains.

The cost is clear: each state alteration requires 100 energy stones, and the benefits…

Cheng Shuili squinted; if the 100 energy stones could also be bought from a seller, this deal would be pure profit!

The risk Cheng Shuili must bear is that this item might have to be made public.

If Cheng Shuili were an ordinary player with a precious treasure, she might hesitate for a long time, but the current situation is that she is Number One!

She's Number One in her region, even in the Long Guo district; would anyone covet the item enough to act against her?

Wouldn't that just be someone bringing supplies?

And even if it's for the members of Black Feather, she still needs to go to Shou Ren Xiao Zhen; since that's the case, she might as well earn a bit on the side.

Having made up her mind, Cheng Shuili gazed at the view from the building's base and suddenly felt a bit anxious.

Shou Ren Xiao Zhen isn't a place like a Jiao Yi Zhan; there are no teleportation cards. To trigger anything voluntarily you'd have to rely on a radio battery—aside from the odds, those batteries aren't easy to come by.

After much contemplation, Cheng Shuili took out the letter from the Rat King.

He certainly has a way to get to Shou Ren Xiao Zhen.

Moreover, the parchment scroll has only three uses; Cheng Shuili used the first on Bao Chi, and for the second she intends to use it on a member of Black Feather.

Since the item has already been given, the Rat King can't backtrack, and perhaps she'll even see the Rat King this time.

She's curious about how this old friend's attitude is now.

With the problem essentially solved, Cheng Shuili felt instantly more upbeat. Since Wan Yi hadn't decided what to do in the morning in the group chat, she simply joined the fun.

【Wu Ya Zuo Fei Ji】: I remember there are a few salty duck eggs in the fridge; shall I make some rice porridge to go with the eggs?

【Wan Yi】: Lao Da, you're awake! Salty duck egg with porridge is good! Light and comfortable, I'll go prepare it right away.

【Xin Xue Chuji】: How many eggs, Lao Da? Is there a share for me?

This person still wants breakfast?

Cheng Shuili truly hadn't expected that, chatted a bit more, then turned and went downstairs to tidy up and wait for the meal.

Cheng Shuili has praised Wan Yi's cooking many times, but every time they eat, she can't help but feel impressed.

The rice porridge is sticky and gooey, yet not overly thick—truly the best rice porridge in the world!

Because there were only a few salty duck eggs, Wan Yi also made a few appetizing side dishes to eat with the porridge.

This meal wasn't only for the members of Black Feather; the wolf‑tribe beastmen who had just moved in could also eat it.

Regarding the King's reward, the wolf‑tribe beastmen were astonished and respectfully took the bowls and chopsticks with both hands.

They were mostly accustomed to the rough diet of beastmen tribes—either over‑charred meat chunks or some filling but far from tasty root and fruit.

The steaming bowl before them, exuding an unfamiliar yet enticing grain fragrance, was an unprecedented experience for them.

Wolf Orange, as the representative, was the first to lift a bowl.

She mimicked the Black Feather member beside her, scooped a spoonful of porridge, gently blew on it, and put it into her mouth.

The warm porridge required almost no chewing, gliding smoothly down the throat, a wave of warmth instantly spreading from the stomach to every limb.

The pure rice aroma and just‑right soft, glutinous texture made her pause slightly.

It turned out that besides the satiety of meat and the sweet‑sour of wild fruit, there exists this gentle, soothing flavor in the world.

Other wolf‑tribe beastmen gradually gave it a try.

At first there was some hesitation and clumsiness, but soon the slurping sounds of porridge drinking rang out.

"What… what is this? Soft, warm, it feels so comfortable to eat…" a young wolf‑tribe beastman whispered to his companion, his eyes sparkling.

"Food granted by the King truly is extraordinary," the older wolf‑tribe beastman remarked, appreciating the preciousness behind this seemingly simple dish.

The level of delicate processing and cooking required is far beyond the crude, flesh‑drinking lifestyle they once knew.

A few wolf‑tribe pups ate with heads down, their little faces almost buried in the bowl, while the parents beside them looked on with gentle, grateful eyes.

Wolf Machine also received a bowl.

He cradled the hot porridge, feeling the warmth in his palm, and recalling that not long ago he had attacked his own kind and opposed the King's verdict, he was instantly overwhelmed with shame.

He lowered his head, gulping the porridge, as if to swallow both the gratitude and his remorse, merging them into his bones and blood.

Cheng Shuili didn't realize a single bowl of porridge could wield such power; after finishing her meal at a decent pace and washing the bowl, she took a feather pen and parchment scroll and began writing a letter to the Rat King.

The ink was ready; after a brief thought, she put pen to the uniquely textured parchment.

The handwriting wasn't elegant, but it possessed a brisk, dashing vigor.

The opening remained a simple salutation, but the tone, compared with last time, had less probing and more of an air of inevitability.

That gift was originally offered voluntarily by the Rat King, and even if the current Rat King regrets it, he won't say so.

She didn't mention the Eternal Life Bottle, only stated the need to enter Shou Ren Xiao Zhen, and also briefly described the current situation of Black Feather.

The Rat King's intel is sharp; he surely knew early on that she had established a safe zone here, and if Cheng Shuili were to hide or hoard it, it would seem childish.

Moreover, Cheng Shuili wrote this letter inside the main building of the safe zone; after she finished writing the letter last time, the little mouse appeared.

She needs to use this method to determine whether Black Feather has been invaded by the little mouse.

Until a letter was finished, Cheng Shuili prepared to send it out, and the little mouse did not appear.

Cheng Shuili naturally was pleased to see this result.

She returned to the vehicle, and as she shook the letter twice after taking it out, the little mouse somehow darted out from somewhere, took the letter, and ran away.

Cheng Shuili watched its retreating back, her expression dark and inscrutable.