Chapter 13: Chapter 12: Paradise on Earth

(PS: Sorry for the late return.

By the way, someone suggested changing the introduction, saying the one above doesn't attract anyone at all, so I'll try a new one.)

The words Lu Yuanming spoke were on a completely different frequency from what people wanted to hear, a stark contrast in style.

However, Lu Yuanming didn't care what they thought—he had already made up his mind to treat everything and everyone with as much sincerity as possible since he believed that sincerity was definitely a powerful weapon.

So he said, "Are we all just going to stay here then?"

Father Edward extracted his mind from the image of Jesus as a bear and a rabbit and respectfully said, "What do you suggest, Lord?"

"We need to go out."

Lu Yuanming stated bluntly, "This place is a safe haven, but it has nothing else—no self-sustaining production base or sustainable resources. Although I can provide supplies, such provisions are ephemeral and unsustainable. Without foresight, imminent troubles will follow, so we must step out."

Ang immediately supported the idea, "Yes, sir, that's what I've always told everyone. We're all dead, and most of us died due to supernatural forces. Everyone is extremely afraid, plus we've encountered monsters; we've witnessed many die at the hands of those creatures. I've been telling everyone that those monsters are just stronger wild beasts, and as long as we find weapons and set traps, we can surely kill them!"

Lu Yuanming smiled at Ang and said, "Exactly, that's my plan. I will go out to look for weapons and resources and to find more people to rescue. If you truly wish to practice my teachings, then come out with me."

After these words, most present hesitated, but Father Edward immediately said, "I shall stay by the Lord's side!"

The bank security guard, John, also said, "Sir, if you have any plans to execute, count me in."

Even Tom, whom Lu Yuanming had been wary of, surprisingly said, "And me, sir, I am your devoted disciple!"

Lu Yuanming nodded, but before he could speak, Father Edward revealed his anger, "I will watch you closely, Tom. You have committed unforgivable acts in the past, but it is because the Lord is merciful that He has given you another chance. Judas, you won't have another opportunity to betray the Lord. This is the Day of Judgment. You might want to weigh your options and see what fate awaits you after you betray the Lord again!"

After Father Edward spoke, the rest looked at Tom with a peculiar gaze and subconsciously distanced themselves from him a bit.

Tom's behavior when they first entered the vault had been noticed by everyone. At that time, however, everyone was skeptical of Lu Yuanming, so Tom didn't stand out. But now, looking back, it was clear that Tom had directly betrayed his savior. If Lu Yuanming hadn't been forthcoming, Tom's action of revealing Lu Yuanming's cards could have led to his death.

In light of Lu Yuanming's ability to navigate the underworld and the real world, and the miracle of the loaves and fish, it was possible that he might be the Messiah. Thus, Tom's actions were alarmingly close to those of the cursed figure from the legends... Judas, the betrayer of Jesus!

After all, as the witnesses of the Messiah's first sermon, they were akin to the twelve disciples of Jesus, although the teachings of this Messiah... were rather hard to put into words.

Lu Yuanming, however, stood up immediately and said, "Let us not be this way. We must judge by deeds, not intentions. Tom's words and actions are still within a controllable range. But I want to make it very clear to you, Tom, do not make a grave mistake that crosses the line. Otherwise, at best, I will exile you, but at worst, I will destroy you. If you do anything excessive, I will surely kill you."

Lu Yuanming's words were earnest, both in attitude and will, and the more sincere he was, the more terrified Tom felt inside. Especially with everyone watching him intently, any small schemes he had in mind were immediately dispelled, as for whether he'd dare again... he probably didn't even know himself.

After Lu Yuanming was finished, Father Edward waited a few seconds before addressing Tom, "Since the Lord's mercy also shines upon you... Judas, I will be watching you!"

Seeing the atmosphere turn slightly tense, Lu Yuanming coughed and said, "All right, everyone, let's focus on the current crisis. I believe you all know what I intend to do, right? We leave the vault carefully, ensuring the monsters are far away, then use this bank as our base to start exploring the surroundings. When it comes to exploration, we have several key points. The first is food and fresh water. I believe since this afterworld is arranged according to the map of the living world, then perhaps supermarkets and restaurants might have food and water. Although I can create food and water through the... Power of Faith, I now only have three opportunities left. Until I gain more Power of Faith, I think it's necessary for us to search for food and water in the afterworld."

"The second matter is the same as the dead. I believe everyone has thought of it by now; the world of the living is undergoing drastic changes, so..."

Father Edward immediately responded with respect, "Lord, it is the day of Judgment that has come!"

Lu Yuanming nodded helplessly and said, "Yes, it is Judgment Day. That's why there are a large number of spectres and curses rampant in the world of the living, leading to disasters. Those who die come to this afterlife world. As it stands, the locations where the deceased land are uncertain, so it's highly likely that many scattered humans are still wandering outside. They have no shelter, no food or fresh water, no weapons, and no organization. Once they encounter monster attacks, they could easily perish. Our second key point is to search for them, rescue them, and bring them back to this sanctuary."

At that moment, Tom and a few others in the team showed hesitation in their expressions. Lu Yuanming directly addressed them, "I understand what you're thinking. There could be harmful elements among them, people with ulterior motives, right? To be honest, when I first arrived in this afterlife world, I was stabbed in the back and abandoned by a black vagrant and a white policeman. I had my leg broken and was left to the monsters..."

Everyone exclaimed in surprise, and Father Edward roared with indignant fury, "Sacrilege, this is blasphemy against the Lord! Oh Lord, let the flames from heaven consume these demons!"

After letting Father Edward vent, Lu Yuanming continued, "I returned to the world of the living before the monsters could kill me, thus escaping that ordeal. So, you need not worry about me being naïve. I'm aware of the darkness of human hearts, the evil in human nature. However, we must make choices. We need to focus on the primary and secondary contradictions. Currently, the primary contradiction is the issue of human survival in the afterlife world. For the sake of this primary contradiction, we can set aside secondary ones temporarily. As for the people you find, as long as they don't immediately attack us, we can bring them back. Observe their actions and listen to their words. Human nature is neither good nor bad by default. Unless they commit some act of betrayal, they will be members of this new collective!"

"In short, treat comrades with the warmth of spring, approach work with the heat of summer, sweep away individualism like autumn winds sweeping leaves, and be as relentlessly cruel to enemies as the dead of winter!"

Once again, everyone was left in awe. The words Lu Yuanming spoke were the famous quotes of Comrade Lei Feng. However, the foreigners present didn't know that. Hearing such proverb-like phrases, they immediately showed great respect.

Actually, Lu Yuanming had no other choice. After all, he was just a young man who had recently graduated and entered society. If you really asked him to come up with moving and famous quotes, it would be torturous for him. However, his mind was full of such quotes, and he would readily use them as long as they fit the current need to unite the masses.

"Lastly, the third item is tools."

Lu Yuanming signaled to John, who was taken aback, then following Lu Yuanming's gaze to his hand, he immediately tossed the semi-transparent white bullet to Lu Yuanming.

Lu Yuanming held up the bullet and said, "This bullet was condensed with the Power of Faith. A single bullet consumes one portion of the Power of Faith, and it is extremely powerful. As Tom said, it's like a spherical lightning. But this is a huge waste. Next, I will use two more portions of the Power of Faith to condense bullets, fifty bullets for each portion, specifically for my handgun and for John's rifle. This way, we can form two teams. But the same thing applies: using the Power of Faith to condense bullets is a wasteful act. It's hard to come by this Power of Faith, and I don't know when I'll be able to obtain it again, nor do I know if this Power of Faith can be used for anything other than turning into bullets or food. Maybe it could save a soul about to perish, maybe not."

"Because of this, we must make do with what we have. When you all search outside, select suitable wood and metal, and try to bring them back to this base. Of course, if you find any finished cold weapons, that would be even better. That's the third item," he said.

After finishing, Lu Yuanming sincerely looked at the people and said, "This is what I can think of as a strategy for the future. What does everyone think? If anyone has other suggestions, please speak up. We need to pool our wisdom and strength. After all, in this afterlife world, all order has been obliterated. We humans are group creatures, social beings, and we must rebuild human order."

The psychologist Keson immediately praised, "Sir, whether or not you're the true Messiah, just by what you've said and what you seek to achieve, you have already moved and amazed everyone."

Keson ignored Father Edward's angry glare and pondered for a moment before saying, "Regarding the three items Sir mentioned, I have no objections and nothing to add. I only have one suggestion, and that is, since we are attached to Sir and have become his disciples, hoping to practice Sir's teachings, our collective should have a name, right?"

Father Edward immediately said, "Messiah Rescue, how about that name!?"

As Father Edward spoke, the surrounding people actually began to nod their heads, agreeing to a name that made Lu Yuanming feel awkward.

"The name is my decision alone."

Lu Yuanming really didn't want to get entangled with them on religion or deities; what he thought now was to start taking action as soon as possible and not to delay on these utterly meaningless matters.

So, Lu Yuanming immediately rejected Messiah Rescue and said, "The name will be called 'Heaven on Earth.' Together we produce, distribute, and fight. That's the decision."

"Heaven on Earth, Afterlife World Team!"

comment 1 comment

Vote

SEND GIFT

Load failed, please RETRY