Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2020: Blackmail

As Ye Zhongming arrived, he happened to cross paths with White Robe, who was storming out in a rage.

While this Star-Eye Clan idol was known for his combative nature towards outsiders and his casual demeanor with acquaintances, White Robe was, in reality, a remarkably composed individual. Even when others perceived him as acting erratically, he maintained a level of control.

Just as Ye Zhongming had articulated to that elder from the Su Race, the general consensus was that White Robe was mad. However, the fact that he had persisted for so long without significant repercussions, and rarely sustained injuries, was a clear testament to his underlying calmness and strategic thinking, far exceeding his outward appearance.

What could possibly provoke such a strong reaction from someone like him?

"Old Ye, you're here at the perfect time. Come, let's round up some people and stir up some trouble." White Robe seized Ye Zhongming's arm, urging him to move outside.

Ye Zhongming, bewildered and on the verge of questioning the situation, caught sight of Cheng Liujin emerging as well.

"White Robe, I understand your anger, but this is hardly the moment for escalating conflict. We should instead remain calm and devise a strategy."

The Gold Camp Order Leader positioned himself between the two, genuinely concerned that Ye Zhongming, being young and fiery, might be swayed by White Robe's impulse to cause mayhem.

"What exactly has transpired?"

White Robe emitted a cold snort, his head lowered slightly, his gaze sharp and evidently reluctant to engage in discussion.

Cheng Liujin let out a sigh and explained, "Today, our clan received directives from the Darkstrip City Committee, primarily addressing three critical issues."

"Firstly, the transport team belonging to the Xuehuo people, operating outside the city, was ambushed. However, the perpetrators remain unidentified. Consequently, the notice indicates that searches will be conducted among various races, and all inhabitants within the city are mandated to cooperate with investigations."

Upon hearing this, Ye Zhongming's eyes narrowed. "They suspect us?"

While the specifics of the attack on the Xuehuo people were unknown to many, it was not a secret among the higher echelons of the Star-Eye Clan. Hearing this news, Ye Zhongming's immediate thought was that their actions had been discovered.

Cheng Liujin responded with a shake of his head, "I don't believe that's the case. Your execution was discreet. Furthermore, I revisited the aftermath to ensure no traces were left. If they possessed any concrete evidence, why would they issue a notice? They would have deployed forces by now."

It was then that Ye Zhongming became aware that Cheng Liujin had returned to the scene after their departure that day.

"Their issuing this notice, I believe, is an act of extortion and a veiled warning," White Robe interjected suddenly at this point.

Cheng Liujin continued, "The second matter stems from the first. Due to recent events, the Eight Powers have resolved to augment the city guard system within Darkstrip City, establishing a Second City Guard Army. Every race is obligated not only to contribute personnel but also to remit a city guard tax, with a stipulated ratio. Providing personnel reduces the tax burden; failing to do so results in a higher tax imposition."

Merely by hearing this, Ye Zhongming grasped the underlying intent. He surmised this was a method for these dominant races to exploit the weaker ones.

"These scoundrels! What 'city guard'?! It's nothing more than their private militia, and they expect us to fund it! Consider the numerous races that have vanished within Darkstrip City over the past century – a grim testament to the depravity these 'beasts' have engaged in!"

A palpable aura of killing intent radiated from White Robe's form, indicating his genuine fury.

"So, they've already opted to supply personnel, meaning we are compelled to provide funds, is that the implication?" Ye Zhongming's heart also simmered with indignation.

The cosmic races operated in such a manner; they had even lost their ancestral homelands, yet they continued to oppress the lesser races relentlessly! Perhaps this represented a natural process of reshuffling, where the elimination of certain races was inevitable.

"No, we do have the option to provide personnel, but there's a quota determined by the race's standing. Our clan ranks quite low among the cosmic races; we can only offer approximately one hundred individuals at most. This means we'll pay a slightly reduced tax, but not significantly less."

After conversing with Ye Zhongming and Cheng Liujin for a brief period, White Robe's agitation seemed to subside somewhat. He addressed Ye Zhongming's inquiry.

"The city guard comprises two thousand individuals. One hundred represents one-twentieth of this number. Theoretically, the financial contribution should be proportionate. However, in practice, the reduction is minimal. Furthermore, joining the city guard necessitates meeting specific strength criteria, which effectively limits participation to warriors from our Gold Camp. Despite this, we are not only denied any supplies but are instead burdened with all the hazardous and strenuous duties in return for a pittance. The most dangerous assignments are invariably given to our people. This was the exact same situation when the First City Guard was established previously. All the warriors we sent perished within mere months. They brazenly demanded we continue sending more personnel. I... !@#$%^&*...!"

White Robe unleashed a torrent of expletives, directing his wrath towards the eight major powers.

Ye Zhongming understood such exploitation all too well. It appeared that irrespective of the world – be it Earth, the myriad races of the universe, or any given era – such exploitative practices were a common occurrence.

It was a clear case of preying upon the weaker races, those lacking the power to resist.

"If we were to solely provide monetary compensation, what would be the required amount?" Ye Zhongming inquired.

"There are two options available. The first is a lump-sum payment of 500,000 Moonspan Gold annually. The second involves installments, requiring five payments of 110,000 Moonspan Gold each time."

Ye Zhongming let out a derisive laugh. They were truly treating the lesser races as easy targets for plunder.

"And what is the third matter?"

Cheng Liujin motioned for the two to take a seat on the side before explaining, "The third matter directly concerns you. Did you not intend to acquire land? The initial agreement stipulated a reward plus 1.5 million Moonspan Gold. After Yashinan received your confirmation, he submitted the request. However, before your assessment concluded, the Darkstrip City Committee responded, citing various justifications about the land's value and demanding 2.5 million Moonspan Gold instead of the agreed-upon 1.5 million!"

"Damnable!" Upon hearing this, Ye Zhongming could no longer contain his anger. These scoundrels were pushing their luck far too much.

"Regarding the land acquisition, do the eight major powers within Darkstrip City have any influence?" Ye Zhongming sought clarification on the intricate power dynamics.

"Officially, they do not possess such authority; approval must come from the survivor fortress we are affiliated with. However, within this established hierarchy, they've managed to extort an additional 1 million Moonspan Gold from us. By diverting a portion of this to higher authorities, they effectively silence any opposition. Even observing the inflated price, the higher-ups are well aware of the situation. Complaining through official channels would be futile as it would directly impede their own illicit income streams."

Both Ye Zhongming and White Robe let out a sigh. Despite comprehending Cheng Liujin's explanation, the oppressive feeling remained.

White Robe had visibly composed himself. He and Cheng Liujin turned their gaze towards Ye Zhongming, preparing to offer words of comfort.

Aside from the two clan leaders, Ye Zhongming bore the brunt of the pressure stemming from the Darkstrip City Committee's notice.

"Give them the money!"

Ye Zhongming abruptly stood up.

"They desire funds? Then let them have it. As for the first matter, as long as they cease their harassment of the Star-Eye Clan, we will comply with their financial demands. Whatever amount they seek, we shall provide."

White Robe and Cheng Liujin rose to their feet as well, intending to dissuade Ye Zhongming from conceding to what was essentially blatant extortion.

"It is acceptable, simply pay them," Ye Zhongming stated, his expression hardening. "It will not be long before they discover... that acquiring money is not as simple as they believe."