Zhu Xianhou paused deliberately, observing Zou Xiong's reaction. Seeing he had calmed down, Zhu Xianhou continued, "More importantly, they have these magical talismans. Just these can save us a lot of trouble when resting outdoors. And who knows what other powerful talismans they might have?
Don't rush in recklessly and risk getting hurt for nothing, or worse, lose their goodwill and gain nothing in return.
If we follow my plan and stay outside to handle the zombies for them, even if they think we did something useless, at least the person guarding the breakthrough will see what we did. Even if it doesn't win us their favor, it won't harm our chances either."
"Then when we ask them to teach us how to absorb energy from the air or to give us some of these magical talismans, they won't easily refuse us. Even if they do, at least they won't attack us as we wait outside, and we'll still have a chance to persuade them to give us some compensation for our efforts. What do you think?"
Zou Xiong understood that Zhu Xianhou's strategy was essentially about currying favor. He knew Zhu Xianhou wouldn't harm him but didn't quite grasp why they had to go to such lengths. Though Zhu Xianhou's reasoning made sense, Zou Xiong wondered if they needed to fear the people inside that much.
However, as Zhu Xianhou said, their goal wasn't to fight but to learn cultivation methods. Plus, discovering such powerful talismans was indeed tempting, so he decided to follow Zhu Xianhou's advice and stayed at the door, dealing with any passing zombies.
The convoy members, initially packing to leave, were moved by their leader's efforts to protect the house from zombies just to win over a powerful ability user who wouldn't even meet them. They admired Zou Xiong's loyalty, despite his sometimes simple mind.
Unbeknownst to them, Zou Xiong's loyalty was primarily towards ability users. When dealing with ordinary people, he saw them as zombie fodder or escape shields, though his outward behavior didn't reveal this, keeping them unaware.
Zou Xiong understood the mindset of the lower ranks, knowing how to gain their unwavering support through occasional care and encouragement, masking his true intentions. This strategy, along with Zhu Xianhou's help, accelerated the convoy's growth, inflating his ego slightly.
Aware of Zhu Xianhou's principles and cleverness, Zou Xiong knew he couldn't reveal his true thoughts. He framed his actions as helping those in need, a sentiment Zhu Xianhou, whom he had saved and protected, trusted deeply, working diligently in return.
Seeing their leader's rejection at the door, yet persistent efforts to protect the occupants, some convoy members were indignant, wanting to teach the residents a lesson. Zhu Xianhou quickly diffused the situation, reminding them to focus on organizing the convoy and leaving this matter to them.
By noon, the influx of energy waned, indicating the breakthrough was nearly complete. This relieved Zou Xiong, speeding up zombie cleanup to impress the perceived master inside.
Xu Nuo, observing their actions, was surprised they chose to win favor this way, bypassing his formation traps. He admired Zhu Xianhou's keen sense but was wary of their intentions towards Park Su, whom he was determined to protect from exploitation.
Unsure of when Park Su would fully break through, Xu Nuo remained vigilant, especially with the external threat and the internal risk of the unstable woman. By evening, sensing the diminishing spiritual energy, he knew Park Su was close to breaking through, easing his concern for disruptions.
While their cleanup seemed redundant to Xu Nuo, he appreciated their persistence. Their full day of zombie elimination, despite being ignored, showed their determination. However, the accumulating zombie corpses raised blood scent, attracting more zombies, potentially creating a small horde by nightfall.
Conflicted about whether their actions helped or hindered, Xu Nuo kept watching, suspecting Zhu Xianhou's true motives. If Zhu Xianhou, who seemed pure-minded, was an ability user, why serve under someone like Zou Xiong?
Zou Xiong's growing impatience was evident as he helped clear zombies, his discontent slipping through in his words. "We're helping them so much, but they don't even acknowledge us. They must look down on us. Might as well leave these bodies at their door and let them fend for themselves."
Zhu Xianhou managed the situation, insisting they continue to show goodwill and hope for a positive outcome.
By noon, Zou Xiong noticed the energy flow towards the house was diminishing, indicating that the person inside was about to complete their breakthrough. This gave him hope, reducing his anxiety and speeding up his efforts to clear the surrounding zombies, aiming to make a good impression on the perceived master.
Xu Nuo, observing the two men's actions, was surprised that the formation trap he had set up was ineffective, and they chose to curry favor in this way. He developed a bit of respect for Zhu Xianhou, who seemed perceptive and helped resolve several potential problems. However, any plans they had for Park Su would ultimately depend on his willingness. Park Su was his person, and he wouldn't allow anyone to exploit him.
Xu Nuo's primary concern was not knowing when Park Su would complete his breakthrough. He would have had the patience to wait if they were in a safe place, but the dual threats of people outside and the ticking time bomb inside forced him to stay on high alert. By evening, Xu Nuo sensed the spiritual energy in Park Su's room starting to stabilize, indicating the breakthrough was nearly complete. This allowed Xu Nuo to breathe a sigh of relief, as he no longer worried about potential fights disrupting Park Su's breakthrough.
Although Xu Nuo saw the efforts of the two men to clear the zombies as somewhat unnecessary, he admired their determination. Clearing zombies all day without acknowledgment demonstrated their persistence. However, the accumulating zombie corpses emitted a lot of blood scent, attracting more zombies, potentially forming a small horde by nightfall. This made it difficult to determine whether their actions were helpful or harmful, giving Xu Nuo the impression that they might be trapping them inside the house.
Through his continuous observation, Xu Nuo recognized Zhu Xianhou as more astute than the more brawny Zou Xiong. Zhu Xianhou seemed genuinely interested in recruiting them without any ulterior motives, while Zou Xiong appeared to have many schemes. Xu Nuo was sure that if he and Park Su refused to provide any benefits or join their convoy, Zou Xiong would likely resort to force.
However, Xu Nuo remained skeptical of Zhu Xianhou's seemingly pure intentions. If Zhu Xianhou was truly so calculating and capable, why would he willingly serve under someone like Zou Xiong?
Not expecting much from their persistence into the night, Xu Nuo prepared to instruct Park Su in using spiritual energy once he completed his breakthrough. It was a good opportunity to teach him how to use spiritual energy, essential for making spatial rings, using the situation as a practical exercise.
Unexpectedly, before Park Su completed his breakthrough, Zhu Xianhou called over the convoy members to clean up all the zombie bodies. This practical move, orchestrated by Zhu Xianhou, showed his ability to think and act strategically.
Zhu Xianhou convinced Zou Xiong by arguing that since they came to seek advice, they shouldn't cause any trouble for them. Hence, cleaning up the zombie corpses was essential.
At this point, even Xu Nuo couldn't fully understand Zhu Xianhou. Was he genuinely kind-hearted, or did he have ulterior motives?
If Zhu Xianhou was as thoughtful and meticulous as he seemed, and if he wasn't an ability user, it might make sense. But if he was an ability user, why would he be willing to serve under someone like the muscle-brained Zou Xiong?
Although Zou Xiong was helping to clear the zombie corpses, his face had turned quite unpleasant by this point. He could hardly contain his frustration and said coldly, "We're helping them so much, but they don't seem to appreciate it. They haven't even come out to see us. I think they just look down on us. We might as well pile these corpses at their door and let them fend for themselves."