The crowd, which had been silent just moments ago, slowly began to stir with discussion. People started talking among themselves about the rules, some believing in them while others doubted their practicality. A few liked the structure and safety the rules promised, while others felt restricted and uncertain about staying under such authority.
Some individuals were hesitant and wanted to leave, but many more were inclined to stay. The rules clearly covered the safety and survival of both ordinary people and sequencers, and that reassurance began to influence the crowd. Even members from other convoys showed interest, and a few sequencers from outside groups considered joining the New Order.
The original members of the Peace Convoy had initially feared that Li Xuan would establish a tyranny, especially after witnessing his ruthless actions earlier. However, after hearing the detailed rules, they found themselves speechless. He had included protection and structure for everyone, whether they were ordinary survivors or possessed sequence abilities.
Even Xu Ming, who had been calm and composed until now, felt at a loss for words. Others around him were equally shocked, unable to reconcile the image of a ruthless leader with someone capable of creating such a balanced system.
As the discussions continued, people talked about joining along with their friends and families. The atmosphere grew louder until Li Xuan raised his hand, signaling for silence. His voice cut through the noise with authority.
"Be quiet," he said calmly, yet firmly. "Now, I will appoint Aril as the vice-captain of this group."
As soon as his words fell, a small figure suddenly rose into the air, flying more than ten meters high. Her silvery hair flowed freely in the wind, and a golden-yellow light radiated from her body, giving off a calm and gentle aura. Yet, beneath that calmness, there was a terrifying pressure that made people instinctively uneasy.
The crowd was stunned. Seeing such a small and cute girl floating in the air shocked everyone. Those who had witnessed her fight before immediately turned pale as she released her pressure. They knew very well that this seemingly harmless girl was far more dangerous than she appeared.
"How… how did he even find someone like her?" someone whispered in fear.
"And tame her…" another muttered, their voice trembling.
Meanwhile, some children and a few women were captivated by her appearance. To them, Aril looked like a fairy, and her cuteness overshadowed the danger she radiated.
Li Xuan had deliberately allowed her to reveal her power. He understood that rules without strength were meaningless. Through this display, he was making it clear that his authority was backed by overwhelming power.
To convince Aril to cooperate, he had spent considerable effort, offering her various foods, snacks, chips, and drinks. Only after much persuasion had she agreed to appear and display her abilities.
"In my absence," Li Xuan continued, "her words are equal to mine."
The crowd fell silent again, this time out of respect and fear.
"Further changes will be notified later," he added. "Tomorrow morning, the rules will be published on all convoy vehicles. Designated personnel will collect biodata and organize skill training."
"If you have any queries, report them to Xu Ming, the former captain of the Peace Convoy."
"Those who want to join the convoy must report to Shen Miao for women and Zhou Xun for men."
"Those with extraordinary abilities or talents should report to Old Lin."
"Zhang Xuan will handle protection and temporary guards."
"Rou Xi and Zi Ling will be responsible for collecting supplies and recording contribution points."
"I will provide the contribution and privilege system details to them tomorrow morning."
His voice remained steady as he continued issuing orders.
"No fighting or quarrels are allowed. Anyone who wishes to join must register by tomorrow morning."
He paused briefly, letting his words sink in.
"I will also address concerns regarding the snake. I already have a way to deal with it. You do not need to worry. I will not use anyone as a scapegoat… unless you are my enemy."
A heavy silence fell over the crowd. People exchanged uncertain glances, unsure whether to believe him. But if his words were true, it meant the looming threat of the black snake could finally be resolved.
For many, that snake had been like a sword hanging over their necks, threatening their lives at any moment.
Even the sequencers from other convoys grew curious. They wanted to see how Li Xuan planned to deal with such a terrifying creature.
Without another word, Li Xuan raised his hand and took out a black egg from his spatial storage. The egg was about the size of a human head, its surface dark and ominous.
As he held it, his thoughts briefly returned to the moment he found it in Mo Tianyu's bedroom. Using his Sage ability, he had immediately understood what it was—a black mamba snake egg that had not yet hatched.
That realization had explained everything.
The black snake had not attacked recklessly because it had been waiting. Waiting for its egg.
It must have come searching for it and stayed nearby because of the barrier. During one of their scavenging missions, Mo Tianyu and his group must have taken the egg without knowing its origin.
"They probably knew it was something valuable," Li Xuan thought, "but they didn't realize it belonged to that snake."
Clearing his throat, Li Xuan addressed the crowd.
"This is a black mamba snake egg," he said. "It was found in the Tiger Gang leader Mo Tianyu's room."
He lifted it slightly for everyone to see.
"The snake you see outside is also a mutated black mamba. Now do you understand why it has been waiting all these days?"
The crowd erupted in shock and anger.
"The Tiger Gang…!"
"They caused all this?!"
"They brought that monster here!"
People were furious. For days, they had lived under constant fear because of the snake, and now they realized it was all because of the Tiger Gang's actions.
"If they hadn't taken it, we wouldn't be in this situation!" someone shouted.
Many began cursing the remnants of the Tiger Gang, wishing they could hunt them down and take revenge.
At the same time, relief spread among the crowd. If the egg was returned, there was a high chance the snake would leave.
However, not everyone thought the same way.
A few greedy individuals saw opportunity instead of danger. They imagined hatching the egg and controlling a mutated black snake.
"If we can raise it…" one man said loudly, "our combat strength will increase significantly."
The crowd turned toward him.
"Even if we return it," he continued, "there's no guarantee the snake will leave. Why not give it to someone who can hatch it and control it?"
Some people frowned at his words, while a few others nodded in agreement.
Li Xuan looked at him with a faint smile.
"So," he asked calmly, "who do you think is suitable?"
The man immediately raised his hand. "My name is Xiao Min," he said. "I used to work at a zoo, taking care of animals. I can handle it."
Li Xuan's smile widened slightly.
"And why should I give it to you?" he asked.
"I'm a professional," Xiao Min replied quickly. "I can take better care of it than you."
Li Xuan's expression turned cold.
"This egg belongs to me," he said. "I can do whatever I want with it."
He paused for a moment before adding,
"If you want it, go ask its mother outside. If she agrees, you can take it."
The crowd fell silent, and Xiao Min's face stiffened. He had no response.
Li Xuan then pointed at him and addressed everyone.
"Look at this selfish person," he said. "He only wants power. He doesn't care if his actions put the entire group in danger."
"Do you want someone like this among us?"
The crowd immediately reacted.
"No!"
"Throw him out!"
"He'll get us killed!"
Li Xuan nodded.
"The New Order does not need fools who create problems, cause internal conflict, or endanger others."
He then added calmly, "If you are truly interested, you can accompany me when I return the egg and ask the snake yourself."
No one spoke after that.
Finally, Li Xuan announced, "Those who wish to join must register tomorrow morning and pay the required tax."
With that, he dismissed the crowd and left. The seven girls and four hostages followed him, while Aril flew happily around him.
Some of the girls were fascinated by both Li Xuan's authority and Aril's presence. The youngest among them, a seven-year-old girl, stared at Aril with sparkling eyes, clearly wanting to hold her.
After returning to his tent, Li Xuan sat down and began thinking about how to return the egg.
He knew the gap between levels was enormous. Even if the snake was injured, it was still a Level 3 creature. Provoking it would be extremely dangerous.
"If this can be solved peacefully…" he muttered, "it's better not to fight."
He considered letting Aril deliver the egg from a safe distance. Since she could fly, she would be able to escape quickly if anything went wrong.
He had no intention of involving unstable individuals who might act recklessly or betray him.
Meanwhile, outside in the camp, people continued discussing whether to join the New Order. Some decided immediately, while others chose to wait and observe.
Many orphans and women with children chose to join, attracted by the promise of protection and stability.
Even members from the other two convoys were debating their options. Some sequencers, despite their pride, understood reality.
"Alone, we'll die sooner or later," one of them admitted quietly.
"Following someone strong… might be safer."
Back in his tent, Li Xuan focused on the abilities he had plundered. He carefully studied three sequence abilities.
Pathfinder allowed him to sense danger, and now he could clearly feel the presence of the black snake waiting two kilometers away.
He also examined Shadow Hunter abilities, including shadow transfer and stealth. Additionally, he experimented with psychic abilities like telepathy and telekinesis.
He discovered that he could communicate mentally within a ten-meter range and manipulate objects within the same distance.
Another realization struck him—after plundering abilities, their level reset. Mo Tianyu had been Level 2 with three abilities, but after being plundered, those abilities had reverted to Level 1, and only two remained.
After familiarizing himself with his powers, he looked at Aril, who was quietly meditating.
He had learned that meditation and breathing could slowly improve one's progress, though the effect was limited.
Aril had once mentioned, "Everyone has their own method. You have to figure out what suits your body."
Li Xuan understood this well. With five sequences, his strength was far beyond a normal Level 1, but his growth speed was significantly slower.
He decided to focus on supporting Aril's growth. If she could reach Level 3, his safety would be guaranteed.
At the same time, his own stats had improved. His physique had reached 45, and his spirit had reached 52, bringing him closer to the second sequence threshold.
Even without abilities, his physical strength alone could rival ordinary Level 2 sequencers.
His spatial ability had reached 39 percent, while his Sage ability had reached 52 percent. However, he still didn't know how to accelerate his progress further.
As he continued thinking, he suddenly sensed an unfamiliar aura approaching.
His eyes narrowed instantly.
Without hesitation, he used space leap and appeared at the entrance of his tent. Standing outside, he observed the surroundings carefully.
"This aura…" he thought.
He had already memorized the presence of everyone in the camp. This one was different.
Something… or someone unknown was approaching.