World’s End: My Keyword is One More Than Others

Leaving Lu Yuanwai's residence.

Luo Shuang still hadn't recovered from the shock. "Master, isn't this approach a bit too much? If we recruit talents this way, even if we restore the kingdom, my reputation will be ruined!"

"Princess, history is written by the victors," Du Ge said with a smile, shaking his head. "If you truly ascend to the throne in the future, these people will be seen as loyal followers, and naturally, they will embellish your story. At that time, it won't be that they were forced to join your army, but that they did so willingly because it brought them honor."

"And if we fail? Wouldn't that harm them?" Luo Shuang asked.

"A general's success is built on the bones of countless soldiers," Du Ge replied. "A leader cannot afford to be merciful, let alone a ruler of a nation."

After a long silence, Luo Shuang exhaled deeply and looked at Du Ge. "Master, I truly understand now. Should we look for more people like Lu Yuanwai next?"

"Yes," Du Ge smiled. "Setting up a few pawns might come in handy someday. But to truly start a rebellion, we can't rely solely on common folk. We need the support of major families, big merchants, and powerful sects. War requires both money and manpower."

"Master, your methods can only attract the weak. How do we recruit the strong?" Luo Shuang asked again.

"Move them with emotion, entice them with benefits," Du Ge said. "When we encounter the strong, I will teach you step by step. In making friends, no one does it better than your master."

As they continued their journey, Du Ge and Luo Shuang steadily built their influence.

Wealthy landowners, merchants, anyone with some capability became potential rebels after meeting Du Ge, with a metaphorical sword hanging over their heads.

There were no legends of the Fourth Princess in the martial world, but her shadow was everywhere.

Du Ge was meticulously crafting an undercurrent, solidifying his role as a master and loyal minister.

...

Upon arriving in the major town of Datong in Chongming Kingdom, Du Ge finally received news of other warriors.

On the town's walls, an official notice was posted:

"...In these chaotic times caused by the Heavenly Demons, anyone who suspects someone of being a Heavenly Demon can report to the authorities. If verified, a reward of one hundred taels of silver will be given. Characteristics of Heavenly Demons include behavior drastically different from usual..."

People gathered under the notice, eagerly discussing who among them might be a Heavenly Demon.

"...I heard that a farmer's son in Mingyang City suddenly became eloquent and was hailed as a prodigy. His father proudly showed him off everywhere, but then a team of officials came and took him away. After verifying he was a Heavenly Demon, he was executed the next day."

"A Hall Master from the Five Tigers Sect recently changed the sect rules, insisting that promises must be kept. The members reported him to the Gang Leader, who was then killed by the Hall Master. The members then reported him to the authorities, and he was dealt with as a Heavenly Demon that same day."

"That's not the craziest part. I heard that in Yunxi, a butcher started a scheme called investment returns, attracting nearly half the county's wealth in just a few days. Even the county magistrate got involved. Later, it was found out he was also a Heavenly Demon..."

...

A lot of people got screwed over by these new rules!

Listening to the discussions around him, Du Ge couldn't help but mock in his heart.

They thought causing a commotion would awaken their abilities, but instead, it got them killed.

Sigh!

Du Ge sighed.

Those who get eliminated at this stage are foolish. Trying to fit the keywords without the right identity was bound to get them caught.

...

The concept of Heavenly Demons originated from the Simulation Field, and only people from Qi Yuan Star had access to that data.

So, the warrior causing such a stir in Chongming Kingdom with the Heavenly Demon narrative might be from Qi Yuan Star.

Given the current situation, it's possible he has already controlled part of the situation. According to their tactics, once one person gains power, others will join him and confirm their identities.

I need to find him. Maybe I can get some help from him...

...

"Master, what is a Heavenly Demon?" Luo Shuang asked, interrupting Du Ge's thoughts as she looked at the notice.

"I don't know. I've never heard of it before," Du Ge replied, frowning and lowering his voice. "It seems like Heavenly Demons are some kind of extraordinary individuals. If we encounter them, we might be able to recruit them."

"Recruit them?" Luo Shuang was stunned. "But from what I heard, the things Heavenly Demons do are bizarre and highly dangerous to society..."

"The more bizarre, the more they can help us," Du Ge said. "Have you considered sending these Heavenly Demons to Qingwu Kingdom to trouble Duke Dingguo?"

"Brilliant," Luo Shuang's eyes lit up.

"Duke Dingguo's position is illegitimate. If the rumor spreads that Heavenly Demons are a divine punishment, do you think he will be at ease?" Du Ge pondered for a moment and came up with another idea.

Luo Shuang was taken aback and looked at Du Ge strangely, not speaking for a long time.

"What is it?" Du Ge asked.

"Master, I'm increasingly impressed by you. You can use every situation and every person to your advantage," Luo Shuang blushed and said softly. "If General Sichen hadn't sent you as a spy, with your help, he might have controlled the situation back then. Your talents shouldn't be wasted as a spy."

"Because what I do requires me to know a lot!" Du Ge smiled, glanced towards the city gate, and called Luo Shuang, "Let's go!"

"We're not entering the city?" Luo Shuang looked towards the city gate, where guards were drawing blood from each person entering. Five or six men in fine clothes and long swords were watching every wound intently, ready to strike at any moment...

"No, we'll find a way to sneak in at night," Du Ge lowered his voice. "Don't look over there. There are Dragon Fang members at the gate."

Upon hearing this, Luo Shuang glanced at the gate, pulled her hat lower, and followed Du Ge onto a side path.

...

Realizing the severity of the situation, Du Ge walked ahead, deep in thought, without saying a word.

Neighbors reporting each other, blood tests...

They've learned all my tricks.

If the authorities have adopted blood testing, prestigious sects will likely do the same when recruiting disciples!

This cuts off the path for others to grow...

The martial arts learned from Dragon Fang are clearly inadequate for the current situation. To survive in this world, I need a good cultivation technique.

...

Luo Shuang followed Du Ge, not daring to disturb him, occasionally looking back, afraid that Dragon Fang members might catch up.

She had witnessed the prowess of Dragon Fang assassins firsthand. No matter how good the strategy or the mind, without life, nothing matters.

She deeply regretted not learning well at Qinglan Sword Sect. If she had mastered even a fraction of her master's skills, why fear Dragon Fang?

They hadn't walked far.

Suddenly.

A villager resting under a tree with a basket of white peaches called out to them, "Let's cooperate!"

Du Ge turned abruptly, drawing his sword and pointing it at the villager.

Luo Shuang also reached for her dagger, stepping back and hiding behind Du Ge.

The villager, looking to be in his fifties with a dark, wrinkled face, calmly said, "Don't be alarmed. Look at the notice for capturing Heavenly Demons, then the blood tests at the gate. If you leave now, no one will believe you're not Heavenly Demons.

I don't know which planet you're from, but in this situation, going solo is impossible. Finding someone to cooperate with is the only way to make a breakthrough!"

"Are you a Heavenly Demon?" Luo Shuang's heart pounded, her eyes widening. She had just been discussing Heavenly Demons with Du Ge, and now she encountered a real one.

"Heavenly Demon?" Du Ge also showed a surprised expression, then a look of joy. "I've been searching everywhere, and here you are. Join us. Chongming Kingdom can't accommodate you, but we can. We need talents like you!"

"Now that our identities are clear, there's no point in pretending," the villager snorted. "Given the current situation..."

Swish!

Du Ge thrust his sword.

A blood mark appeared on the villager's face.

The villager's voice stopped abruptly. He froze for a moment, then his legs gave way, and he knelt on the ground with a thud. "Spare me, hero! I'm not a Heavenly Demon. I was hired to say those things..."