Scrambling for resources.
Chen Yu hadn't even thought of monopolizing; the resources of the underground caves belonged to everyone, so they could explore as they pleased. He hadn't expected these small, insignificant organizations to want to hoard all the resources.
Shameless.
If Jiang Yaqing hadn't told him, he wouldn't have known about this. By the time he was ready to act, those people would have likely explored most of it.
It had always been others trailing in his wake; when had he ever had to grovel behind anyone?
It wasn't that Chen Yu was bragging.
The survivors currently in the area could still live peacefully, occasionally exploring and obtaining resources to improve themselves, all thanks to Chen Yu's benevolence.
If Chen Yu wished, he could have his people explore the caves while simultaneously…
…capturing all other competitors.
These survivors were truly audacious to even harbor ill intentions against him.
"Boss, I still have a concern," Hei Dou said after a moment of thought, glancing sideways at Chen Yu. "If we compete for resources like this, it will inevitably affect the other survivors. Will we be provoking widespread anger? What if all the survivors unite against us?"
"Why would they blame us?"
Chen Yu spread his hands. "The ones snatching the resources are the native inhabitants of the caves. If they have any grievances, it's towards the cave dwellers. What does it have to do with me?"
Would the survivors know that the natives were his people?
They wouldn't!
The scarcity of information acquisition would influence people's perception. In their eyes, their enemies would only be the native inhabitants of the caves, never Chen Yu.
Furthermore—
In the eyes of most survivors now, Chen Yu was a saint bathed in divine light. He was the hope for their survival, a tireless benefactor who dedicated himself to them with all his heart.
Chen Yu provided them with food and employment opportunities.
They would blame Chen Yu?!
Even if they did know that all of this was Chen Yu's doing, at most a small fraction would whisper criticisms against him. The majority would choose not to believe the truth and continue to support Chen Yu's actions.
The reason was simple.
Chen Yu provided them with food and jobs, making them beneficiaries. When weighing the pros and cons, they could distinguish between a temporary fix and a lasting solution.
"At most, those who are opposed to us will question us."
"Am I afraid of them?!"
"If they dare to say another word, I'll directly pin the blame on them. Let's see if they can figure things out then."
"Whoever controls the narrative can twist right into wrong."
In the area where Chen Yu was currently located, no one could pose a threat to him.
Anyone!
He could afford to be so confident.
At this moment, he possessed the greatest voice within the region, and the survivors trusted and relied on him. Whether they were currying favor or genuinely believed Chen Yu was helping them, a large alliance within the region would absolutely not form, and an uprising would not occur.
At this juncture, the only entity capable of suppressing Chen Yu was the native kingdom of the caves.
Otherwise—
Chen Yu would remain the unchallenged ruler of his region.
Alternatively, if the region were to re-integrate and someone with the capacity to rival Chen Yu were to emerge, that might shift the landscape.
The result of a monopoly was that the monopolist would only grow stronger.
Only when someone capable of imposing checks and balances emerged.
Mutual constraint.
Under such circumstances, other forces would gradually begin to emerge, struggling for survival in the cracks, and slowly evolve into a hundred schools of thought.
At least, Chen Yu couldn't see that happening now.
"Hiss, Boss, you truly have the capitalist mindset down pat." Hei Dou couldn't help but grin. Chen Yu shrugged slightly. "This isn't a capitalist mindset; it's human nature, it's psychology. I took elective courses in criminal psychology in college, you think that was for nothing? I've got it all figured out!"
Chen Yu clasped his hands with a smile.
It was as if he held those people in his palm, and no matter how they struggled, they couldn't escape his grasp.
Discussion Group.
Sun Ye: Chen Yu has already started recruiting the second batch of people. When are you guys planning to make your move? If we wait for Chen Yu to act first, we'll be left eating dust.
Guang Chu: Whatever.
Guang Chu: @Zhao Zhi, have your people infiltrated yet?
Zhao Zhi: 1.
Sun Ye: 1 your grandma! I'm really wondering how I ended up cooperating with you two. You both talk so slowly. Are you going to act or not? If you don't, I will.
Guang Chu: I'm ready anytime.
Guang Chu: I have some news. It seems we're not the only ones eyeing the resources. Other factions have already started making moves. However, I actually think exploring the city-states is more valuable than fighting over resources.
Sun Ye: ?
Guang Chu: You brute, doesn't your group have any strategists? Ask him to speak, please.
Sun Ye: Who the hell are you calling a brute?
Xu Sheng Ye: @Guang Chu, don't provoke our leader. He has a terrible temper, and you might not fare well if you meet him.
Guang Chu: (๑＞ڡ＜)✿
Xu Sheng Ye: Exploring the cave city-states is indeed important, but resources are more important to us. Even if we want to trade with the native inhabitants of the caves, we first need to possess resources, especially rare ones.
Xu Sheng Ye: I believe exploring the caves to obtain treasure chests is more important.
Guang Chu: Now that's a strategist, speaking so clearly. Much better than that brute. Xu Sheng Ye, are you interested in joining me? I can guarantee you'll receive better treatment than Sun Ye gives you.
Sun Ye: Go to hell.
Ding.
Sun Ye was kicked out of the group chat.
Liu Tao: Oh my, good riddance! Having him here really lowered the standard of our discussion group.
Xu Sheng Ye: ...
Guang Chu: Tsk, Old Zhao, you're ruthless. Kicking him out like that must have made Sun Ye explode with anger. Xu Sheng Ye, is your leader doing okay now?
Xu Sheng Ye: He's smashing things.
Zhao Zhi: Sun Ye's emotions are too volatile and not suitable for our negotiations. Xu Sheng Ye should also be able to represent them. I also lean towards exploring the cave resources. The city-states can be put aside for a bit. However, I have a question: have either of your factions sent people to Chen Yu?
Xu Sheng Ye: 1
Guang Chu: Just sent them.
Zhao Zhi: Have your people sent you any replies?
Xu Sheng Ye: Chen Yu is working for the city lord of a city-state. The place where survivors are currently being recruited is a city-state preparing for reconstruction. The city-state's strength is not that great, and it's a mix of people.
Zhao Zhi: What role is Chen Yu playing there?
Xu Sheng Ye: Unknown.
It was this single reply that caused Zhao Zhi, in his camp, to fall silent for a long time. He could roughly understand what Xu Sheng Ye meant. It wasn't that he was completely unaware, but rather that he couldn't confirm Chen Yu's true connection with the city-state yet. Anything unconfirmed couldn't be spoken of carelessly.
Incorrect intelligence could potentially affect decision-making.
Just then—
Guang Chu: I just received a message. Chen Yu is not the city lord of the city-state. He is indeed working for the city lord there. The city lord is a native inhabitant of the caves, and the beast soldiers within the city are all owned by the natives. It has little to do with Chen Yu.
Guang Chu: The resources Chen Yu controls are mostly from the natives.
Guang Chu: It's likely he's acting as an intermediary.
Upon receiving this message, Zhao Zhi's expression changed drastically.
Zhao Zhi: Are you sure?
Guang Chu: Certain, absolutely certain!