I Become a Landlady in the Game World

Chapter 43 - 036: Territory Rules

Not only Cao Jingshan, but many of the survivors who had regained their composure glared angrily at Yu Ziming and his newly arrived companions.

Facing those who had added insult to injury when they were in distress, it was hard for them not to feel resentment.

When Yu Ziming and the others saw Cao Jingshan and his group, they were completely stunned.

They had never expected that despite leaving before Cao Jingshan, he had arrived at Hope Village earlier than them and was still unharmed.

Had the people of Hope Village saved them?

That would be troublesome!

Seemingly perceiving the thoughts of Yu Ziming and his companions, Cao Jingshan snorted coldly, "After you robbed us, the soldier team of Hope Village came to find us and brought us safely to Hope Village. Disappointed?"

Upon hearing Cao Jingshan's accusation and seeing the scrutinizing look from Zhou Zhengping and others, Yu Ziming quickly retorted, "What robbing you? You agreed to reward our team for escorting you to safety. When it came time to pay up, you reneged, and we had no choice but to use special means to take what was rightfully ours."

"You..." Cao Jingshan hadn't expected Yu Ziming to be so brazenly self-righteous even now.

The next moment, he turned to Zhou Zhengping and Li Xingteng, "I'm telling the truth, you believe me, don't you?"

Besides Cao Jingshan, the others also hurriedly began to speak.

"Yes, he's spouting nonsense. He's from another territory. When Canglei Village faced a Demon Beast attack, they joined us due to our larger numbers, claiming they could help clear the Demon Beasts from the road. But they harbored evil intentions and threatened us when we encountered the Demon Beasts."

"Don't believe their lies! These people are utterly conscienceless!"

"They are definitely habitual robbers, leaving them in Hope Village would surely be a disaster."

"..."

Watching their accusations, Yu Ziming's expression turned again and again. Then, he recognized from their clothing that Zhou Zhengping and Li Xingteng must be closely related to the Lord of Hope Village. Seeing their calm expressions, unlike the furious looks of the others, he steadied his nerves and addressed them, "The Levels of our entire team are above 5, and our Attributes are very strong. We can do more for the territory and are willing to clear out the Demon Beasts within the territory's range."

As Yu Ziming finished his plea, Cao Jingshan immediately realized what he was implying and a trace of anger appeared on his face, but inside he felt somewhat uneasy.

Indeed, compared to his team with its old and infirm members and several weaker women, these robust young men could offer more to the territory.

It was at this moment that Li Xingteng smiled. @@novelbin@@

Seeing Li Xingteng smile, Yu Ziming breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "The walls of this territory are very sturdy. I am willing to lead more people back here, who I'm sure will also be eager to contribute their strength to the territory."

It appeared they might be able to strengthen themselves through robbery, just like they had in Wuji Village.

Come to think of it, Hope Village's strength must also come from such dealings, right?

Cao Jingshan and the others watched, their fists clenched involuntarily.

Would the people of Hope Village really conspire with the likes of Yu Ziming?

Could they even stay in such a territory?

Xu Ximan couldn't help but grab Cao Jingshan's hand.

Just then, Li Xingteng spoke up, "Our territory indeed needs people, but what we don't need are scum."

Yu Ziming felt jubilant at Li Xingteng's first few words, believing he had truly persuaded them, but his expression froze upon hearing the last part.

Before he had a chance to react, the soldiers who had been calmly standing around swiftly advanced toward them, clearly having planned this all along.

And it wasn't just the soldiers—Zhong Yongnian and his team didn't hesitate to assist.

At the same time, Xu Chengyi, who was standing by Yu Ziming's side, also swiftly took action. His long spear aimed straight at Yu Ziming's neck, "Don't move."

He had noticed something off about this group of people the moment he saw them at the doorway and knew that Captain Zhou and his team were in the cafeteria, so he took the chance to bring them over. Now he realized that it was indeed the right decision!

The others, facing the menacing soldier team, instinctively raised their hands in surrender.

They had hardly thought about resisting. They were well aware that, in terms of both level and equipment, they were destined to be no match for their opponents—let alone the fact that they were now under the "roof" of others. To resist would be to seek death!

A group of people found themselves surrounded and dared not make a move.

At this moment, Zhou Zhengping turned to Cao Jingshan, "How many gold coins did they take from you?"

"Nineteen." After coming back to his senses, Cao Jingshan's expression changed and he quickly stated a number.

"Hand over those nineteen gold coins, and compensate with double the amount," Zhou Zhengping said directly.

Yu Ziming, with the long spear still against his neck, obediently did as told.

After the money was handed over, Yu Ziming couldn't help but speak, "What I said earlier was just a joke. We know our mistake; don't kick us out of the territory."

They had already noticed the differences between this territory and the ones they had been in before, having roamed around near this territory before their arrival.

This territory must have gone through trials, which is why various resource points appeared and even high-level demon beasts that they couldn't defeat.

Now that their gold coins were emptied, if they were also driven out of the territory, especially in this torrential rain, their chances of survival outside the territory were slim.

They didn't want to die, no matter what.

At this time, Yu Ziming somewhat regretted that if he had known Hope Village was like this, they would have followed Cao Jingshan obediently.

With their level, they would definitely have lived better than Cao Jingshan, instead of being reduced to captives like they were now.

Ignoring his words, Li Xingteng turned to Zhou Zhengping, "What do you think we should do with them?"

Zhou Zhengping thought for a moment and then said, "Why not keep them under observation for now and wait for a notification from the territory? We had so many incidents in our territory before, and the territory was able to prepare in advance. Maybe it's the same with this incident. Their arrival has reminded us that not all survivors will follow the rules. More survivors will come to the territory in the future, and the territory will need order."

Setting the territory's rules would have to be brought up for discussion, after he consults with Xiao Bai.

Listening, Li Xingteng nodded, "Okay."

Then he let the soldier team take Yu Ziming and his group to a corner of the cafeteria for custody.

"Thank you." Cao Jingshan once again expressed his gratitude to Zhou Zhengping and Li Xingteng.

The others felt similarly, watching Yu Ziming and his group being "locked up"; they truly felt a sense of relief.

It was truly just deserts!

"No need for politeness. If we let them corrupt the atmosphere of the territory, it would not be good for us or the territory," Li Xingteng said straightforwardly. "Rest assured! We will not let them off easily!"

Even if the territory agreed, they would not.

Listening to this, Cao Jingshan finally felt completely relieved.

Hope Village is truly wonderful!

The place is great, and so are the people.

He had already grown fond of it!

At the same time, Zhou Bai, in the tailor shop, received a notification from the system.

[Dear Host, your soldier team has captured residents committing robbery within the territory of Hope Village. Please establish rules for your territory, punish the criminals, and stabilize the order of the territory.]