Chapter 52

Chapter 52

While the idealistic young people of Yangcheng were still figuring out how to save the world, chaos was spreading through Yenik City, both inside and out.

Initially, people had only half-believed the rumors circulating recently, not taking them too seriously. But when the soldiers who went to fight returned in complete panic, everyone was stunned.

How could it be? So many people had been sent out, only to be defeated immediately?

Moreover, even if they had lost, these guys shouldn't have been so scared. Weren't they supposed to be the bravest warriors? Where was their courage? Did one loss break them completely?

Just as they were still puzzled and confused, what happened next shocked them even more—these soldiers were now preparing to flee Yenik City with their families.

“What… what exactly happened? What did you encounter in Yangcheng?” A familiar face quickly grabbed one of them, trying to get answers.

The man, in a daze but desperate to get home to gather his family and leave, found himself unable to break free. He could only describe the terrible thing he had witnessed.

“...Just like that, everyone standing in front of me died. It was terrifying. We can’t stay here—they could attack at any moment!”

“What? You actually dared to steal the Holy Tablet? Are you insane?” The one holding him widened his eyes and immediately let go, as if prolonged contact would bring divine punishment.

“No, no—ugh, we had no idea the Hainie Church would try to steal the Holy Tablet! Our orders were only to protect them and attack Yangcheng.” The soldier, clearly distressed, tugged at his hair, as if the image of that massive fireball was still burned into his mind.

The questioner took a deep breath, his expression darkening as he recounted the rumors that had been spreading recently.

The soldier swallowed hard, understanding showing on his face. “No wonder… They really were up to no good. Now we'll pay for it too!”

“Don't give up hope. Think about it—you only planned to attack Yangcheng, but you never actually fought them. The people of Yangcheng say their god is forgiving and will surely forgive your trespasses. The real troublemakers here are the Hainie Church—they’re the masterminds. If the divine seeks retribution, it should fall on them.” The questioner gave his friend a reassuring pat on the shoulder, seeing the despair on his face.

The soldier pondered this and found it reasonable. His racing heart slowly calmed.

“You’re right—it must be the Hainie Church’s fault. But since they’ve already been taken over by darkness, shouldn’t we leave as soon as possible? Otherwise, we might be the next ones devoured by the devil!”

The soldier looked toward the distant church, his old respect turned to fear and hate.

The questioner followed his gaze and got chills. “You’re right. Let’s pack up and leave quickly. I’ve heard Yangcheng is hiring workers—maybe we should give it a shot there.”

His tone was cautious, as if worried his suggestion might upset his soldier friend.

At the mention of “Yangcheng,” the soldier shuddered at first, but then rationality returned. He slowly considered the feasibility of the idea.

“Do you really think Yangcheng is a good place? Are you willing to abandon everything here and start over there?” The soldier looked toward Yangcheng with mixed emotions. Honestly, if they weren't on opposite sides, it did seem like a place that could offer a strong sense of security.

“Yeah. Honestly, I’ve heard so much about Yangcheng and seen all the new things coming from there. I’ve been curious about the place for a while—I just never had the courage to go. Now that things have come to this, I might as well go for it. I have a feeling many people will be heading to Yangcheng in the next few days.”

Seeing his friend’s determination, the soldier set his jaw and decided. “Alright, I’ll go with you. If the divine truly intends to punish me, nowhere is safe. Might as well go to Yangcheng and see if the Lis Church has any use for us.”

Similar conversations took place all over Yenik City, and soon, people started making their way to Yangcheng.

Faced with the people’s choice, the Hainie Church was furious. In just a short time, their followers had dwindled to almost nothing. Their guards were either dead, crippled, or had simply never returned to report.

“Damn the Lis Church! They’re only acting so brazenly because of divine favor!” Simon, the only remaining bishop of the Hainie Church, was actually pleased upon learning of the deaths of his fellow bishops. Now, no one could challenge his claim to the position of Archbishop. In a few years, he could rightfully take control of the entire Hainie Church.

But with the church in such a state, even if he ascended to power, there would be little benefit.

No wealthy or influential followers, no guards for protection—what would become of the Hainie Church? His future might be even worse than the present.

Simon glared at Saibo, hoping the “well-traveled” Archbishop could offer a solution.

Saibo, reading the reports from his subordinates, was frustrated. Since when had their church been tainted by darkness? Since when had devils lurked among them? If so, why had he never seen them?

Just as Saibo was seething with indignation, the subsequent news made their hearts sink.

Had their actions truly been influenced by the devil?

What were they to do now? The commoners had already packed their belongings and fled to Yangcheng. Where could they, the ones deemed sources of dark corruption, possibly hide? Did they even stand a chance of survival under the gods' judgment?

After several more bizarre incidents occurred within the church, the members of the Hainie Church could no longer keep turning a blind eye to the issue. They decided to make a trip to Yangcheng, hoping to seek the gods' forgiveness.

Meanwhile, as the population in Yangcheng continued to grow, Ning Chan scanned his plans, pondering what to do next. However, Dongmi's sudden sneeze reminded him that the weather was turning colder. Winter, with its biting winds, would soon arrive, yet proper winter preparations had not yet been implemented.

Realizing this, Ning Chan immediately grabbed a new notebook and began jotting down preparations needed for winterizing.

The cotton they had previously found had been planted, but the yield was far from sufficient to supply the entire city.

The nobles had it easy, of course—they had furs, blankets, and fireplaces that burned all night. But what about the commoners? Would they have to suffer through another freezing winter?

Even if they were *willing* to accept such a bitter life, what about their bodies?

The young, with their robust health, might manage, but what about the elderly and kids? How long could they last?

It was common to hear people say that their elders might not survive the winter. But what exactly made winter so much deadlier than other seasons?

If these people could experience warmth like spring during winter, wouldn’t their health improve?

Though the cold here wasn’t severe enough to freeze the city solid, the damp cold that seeped into the bones was unbearable for many.

Ning Chan, with his fire-based superpower, had no such worries. Yet, the memories inherited from the original host made him acutely aware of this suffering.

Thus, winter preparations had to be prioritized immediately.

"Winter is coming soon. To ensure everyone stays warm, I have some methods to share. First, I’ll teach you how to build a *kang*—a heated bed platform."

Though *kang* were typically used in the north, they were practical and efficient. If they worked well here, they could later be introduced up north.

Fireplaces provided warmth too, but their open design limited their heating range and consumed more fuel. How could they compare to a *kang*, which, once heated, kept you warm all night?

When Ning Chan instructed them to move the beds and construct the *kang* with flues, Miced and the others didn’t hesitate—they broke into applause.

Though they had no idea what it was, Lord Holy Son was wise and experienced. Whatever he said must be blessed knowledge, so following his orders couldn’t be wrong.

Seeing their absolute trust, Ning Chan felt pleased and decided to let them "enjoy their ‘peaceful’ winter"—he’d deal with them next year.

While waiting for the *kang* to be built, he’d have them practice making one for themselves first.

After all, not everyone could take the winter off. Some would need to pull guard duty or night shifts, or trudge through snow on errands.

He wouldn’t exploit just anyone, but with these guys, he had no qualms.

Unaware of the toil awaiting them this winter, Miced and his group gazed at the newly built *kang* in admiration, hearts full of gratitude.

Lord Holy Son was so kind! Knowing they were older and struggled in winter, he’d let them practice building *kang* first.

Ning Chan, who had merely wanted them to practice before perfecting his own *kang*, was puzzled by their tearful thanks.

These people were becoming harder to understand. The *kang* had been ready for days, yet they were still singing its praises—had they even used it?

"Fire up the *kang* and test it. See how it feels."

Outside, rain poured, leaving the room clammy and cold. The bishops, who had planned to wait until Winter Solstice to use this "divine artifact," now had even more tears in their eyes.

Lord Holy Son must have worried the rain would bring them illness, disregarding the sacred festival just to let them use the *kang* early.

Lord Holy Son—what a kind-hearted saint!

Join the free benefits group: 239586496