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Chapter 894 Changes

Yang Haoran did not tear space to reach the South Lake Death God Temple this time; instead, he chose to drive.

His villa was located some distance from the city proper, so from within, he couldn't discern the changes in Lecheng's urban area. However, as he drove closer, Lecheng's transformation unfolded before his eyes.

On the outskirts of the city, he saw vast tracts of land that had been cultivated. Large numbers of ordinary people toiled in the fields, and though their labor was arduous, they appeared joyful, their laughter carrying faintly from their conversations in the distance.

Besides the common folk laboring strenuously in the fields, soldiers carrying live ammunition could also be seen there. These soldiers were divided into several teams, continuously patrolling the area, safeguarding the people on-site.

Continuing his drive into the city, Yang Haoran observed the expanded urban area and even more bustling crowds. Each day, they had their own tasks, their own affairs to attend to, making them appear exceptionally busy.

Yet, despite their busyness, they all seemed at ease, some even wearing expressions of pure happiness.

Compared to their past lives, constantly tormented by fear, their current days, though busy and hard, were immeasurably more stable, which explained the relaxed expressions on their faces.

Had this been an era of peace, many would likely have been discontent with such relentless toil; if not explicitly mournful, certainly most would not be smiling.

But this was not an age of peace. The world was in chaos, with wars erupting daily. In such a climate, if one could secure a safe haven, what was a little hardship? No one cared whether it was hard or not; what mattered was whether they and their families could survive in these tumultuous times.

As Yang Haoran drove, he gradually gained a new understanding of the current Lecheng. Although many changes remained unseen by him, the scenes he had witnessed alone were enough to astonish him.

While he had been somewhat aware of Lecheng's changes before and had even witnessed them firsthand, that was merely the beginning, nowhere near as comprehensive as it was now.

Furthermore, the scenes he was currently observing also served as proof of Zhu Rong's capabilities. Thus far, Zhu Rong had not once sought his assistance, yet under her management, Lecheng was improving day by day. Without exceptional ability, this would naturally be impossible to achieve.

Upon arriving at the South Lake Death God Temple, he found a considerable number of believers gathered, making the place quite lively. Yang Haoran's appearance immediately drew the attention of many.

It wasn't that they recognized Yang Haoran as the Emissary of Death; rather, it was because of his brand-new suit and leather shoes. Most other believers were dressed in simple cloth garments, some even tattered beyond repair. Only a very small number wore slightly more presentable clothes, which was why Yang Haoran's arrival garnered their notice.

Yang Haoran was naturally a hands-off manager, so not many believers knew him. However, not all believers were strangers to him. As more and more eyes turned his way, some still recognized his identity.

"Divine Emissary Yang! Divine Emissary Yang has descended!"

One believer, overcome with excitement, immediately prostrated himself on the ground, his body trembling slightly from the overwhelming emotion.

The excited reaction of this believer immediately drew the attention of the others. Upon learning that Yang Haoran was the legendary Divine Emissary Yang, their reactions were no different, and they all knelt and paid him deep reverence.

Seeing this, Yang Haoran smiled and waved a hand, an invisible force lifting the believers to their feet.

"There's no need for such grand reverence; I am not worthy of it. From now on, should your lives or the lives of your families be threatened, do not hesitate to come to the Death God Temple. Since you are believers of my God, my God will naturally offer you protection."

Upon hearing Yang Haoran's words, the believers present erupted in thanks, their excitement even more intense than before. What did they seek by believing in a deity? They sought a degree of protection in a world overrun by demons, monsters, and ghosts. Thus, there was no reason for them not to be thrilled by Yang Haoran's declaration.

The Night Watchers within the Death God Temple sensed Yang Haoran's arrival. They immediately dropped whatever they were doing and appeared before him with the utmost speed.

However, Yang Haoran did not find Old Master Wu among these Night Watchers. Only after casually asking one of them did he learn that Old Master Wu had gone to the Administrative Courtyard, reportedly to discuss some important matter.

Upon learning this, Yang Haoran did not immediately depart. Instead, he found a quiet room and inquired about the recent situation at the Death God Temple from the Night Watchers, while also expressing his concern as their Emissary of Death.

Due to their rank, the Night Watchers had limited information, a fact Yang Haoran naturally understood. The reason he still questioned them was, on one hand, to gain a preliminary understanding of recent events, and on the other, to show these Night Watchers adequate respect.

After all, he had already arrived. If he were to leave immediately just because Old Master Wu wasn't there, saying nothing and asking nothing, what would these Night Watchers think?

After a short while, bid farewell by the Night Watchers and other believers, Yang Haoran departed the Death God Temple and drove towards the Administrative Courtyard.

Earlier, on his way there, Yang Haoran had noticed that the common folk were all bustling about. Whether they were farming outside the city or raising livestock, they all had work to do.

Upon entering the urban area, this too remained unchanged; everyone was engaged in the tasks they needed to perform.

But then, what about those believers inside the Death God Temple? Did they not need to work? Could they simply rely on their faith in the Death God to be fed, clothed, and protected by the Administrative Courtyard?

In Yang Haoran's estimation, Zhu Rong would absolutely never make such a foolish decision. Even though Zhu Rong was now "his person," he believed she would never act in such a manner.

After inquiring with a Night Watcher about this, Yang Haoran learned that Lecheng's citizens all had holidays. As long as they completed their duties, the Administrative Courtyard would not only pay them but also grant them two days off each week, though these two days were not fixed but rather on a rotating schedule.

It was precisely because of this arrangement that he was able to see so many believers at the Death God Temple.

Yang Haoran highly approved of Zhu Rong's approach. Only through a balance of work and rest could greater value be created. If the populace's labor was relentlessly exploited, their bodies would surely break down, leading to countless deaths from exhaustion. Should it come to that, Zhu Rong, as the Administrative Chief, would lose popular support, and people might even rise up against her.

The Lecheng Administrative Courtyard remained in its old location, unchanged by Zhu Rong's ascent to power. However, the Spirit Police headquarters had relocated, moving directly into the Administrative Courtyard.

Yang Haoran had also learned this information from the Night Watchers. As for why Zhu Rong would make such a decision, he could somewhat guess the reasons in his heart.

Before the world fell into chaos, the Administrative Courtyard had not publicly announced the existence of the Spirit Police, as it would cause unnecessary panic. After all, to ordinary citizens, the existence of the Spirit Police was simply too unbelievable.

Thus, at that time, the Spirit Police headquarters was situated in a relatively hidden location, some distance from the Administrative Courtyard.

But now, even three-year-olds knew that demons, monsters, and ghosts existed in this world, and they also knew about the Spirit Police. There was, of course, no longer any need for the Administrative Courtyard to hide it. To do so would merely be burying one's head in the sand, utterly meaningless.

Since there was no need to conceal it, moving the Spirit Police headquarters into the Administrative Courtyard was the best course of action. This way, should war break out or the Administrative Courtyard be attacked, the Spirit Police could protect it immediately.

In Yang Haoran's view, Zhu Rong's decision to move the Spirit Police headquarters to the Administrative Courtyard was likely based on this very consideration.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the Administrative Courtyard, Yang Haoran was immediately stopped. The Administrative Courtyard was now guarded by soldiers twenty-four hours a day, and external vehicles were not permitted entry.

The soldiers guarding the Administrative Courtyard were not only tall and formidable but also exceptionally vigilant. Yang Haoran's car was intercepted by them from a distance before it even approached the Administrative Courtyard's gates.

Yang Haoran did not act presumptuously based on his identity. Seeing the soldiers stop his vehicle, he showed no displeasure whatsoever, nor did he hurl insults at them. Instead, he honestly pulled his car to a stop.