Chapter 142: Species Collapse (14)

Gao Jianming: “???”

He couldn't understand it. Since these people had all seen He Yu's tangyuan appearance, they should know he was a toy. So why were they calling him a Red Camp General?

Ignoring the pain wracking his body, he pointed at He Yu.

“He's a toy! He's a toy too!”

Wasn't the Red Camp the faction that despised toys the most?

Then why would they make a toy one of their generals?

Black Bear frowned. With a slap, he knocked Gao Jianming's outstretched paw aside, his voice icy.

“Show some respect to the General. Although you've rendered great service to us, if you continue disrespecting General He Yu, we won't let you off either.”

Standing beside He Yu, Li Mao nodded.

“Mr. Gao, you can have any toy you want, but don't set your sights on our General. Otherwise, you won't be able to bear the consequences.”

Gao Jianming could ask for any toy belonging to the Black Camp. After all, they still needed him.

But if he wanted He Yu's life, he was dreaming.

As for General He Yu's original identity, and everything that had happened to General Kunhui...

Those were Red Camp secrets.

Neither Li Mao nor Black Bear had any intention of letting Gao Jianming learn the truth.

General He Yu?

Perhaps there was still some hidden meaning behind the title "General," but once the name "He Yu" was attached to it, Gao Jianming became certain—

The Red Camp had truly acknowledged He Yu.

He Yu really was a Red Camp General.

His battered body throbbed with pain, and his head swam with dizziness, yet at that moment, his eyes saw only the tangyuan draped in a crimson cape.

Supporting himself upright, one paw pressed against the ground, he stared in disbelief.

“You made a toy into your General? He's obviously from the Green Camp!”

As though recalling something, excitement flashed across Gao Jianming's eyes.

He Yu was cunning. He must have deceived the Red Camp.

But Gao Jianming had personally seen and heard it himself.

He Yu held status in the Green Camp as well.

Surely the Red Camp didn't know that.

Slowly lifting one paw, he took several steps forward. Picking up the green cloak Li Mao had stripped off earlier, he raised it high and fixed his gaze on He Yu, raising his voice.

“Look! This is the Green Camp's cloak! I personally saw He Yu standing together with Green Camp members before. They called him General. He's the Green Camp's General! You've all been fooled!”

Although he didn't know how He Yu had managed to make both the Red and Green Camps recognize him as a General, there was no way these mortal enemies would allow an enemy spy to become one of their own generals.

Gao Jianming believed he had finally found decisive evidence.

He sneered at He Yu.

A leopard's face was ugly enough already. Wearing such an expression only made it even more hideous.

【Bullet Screen: "He's so disgusting. He actually exposed He Yu. I want him dead."】

【Bullet Screen: "Let's see how He Yu handles this."】

Li Mao and Black Bear both froze for a moment.

However, He Yu tilted his head and quietly said to Li Mao,

“Once I learned Gao Jianming existed, I found a Green Camp cloak and risked pretending to be a fake Kunhui. I forced him away and helped our Red Camp recapture the city.”

His voice was so soft that only Li Mao could hear it.

Li Mao suddenly understood.

So that was it!

When he had first arrived, he had actually wondered why He Yu was wearing a Green Camp cloak.

But his instinctive trust in the General had kept him from asking any questions.

Now that He Yu explained everything, it all became clear.

The General had learned of Gao Jianming's existence.

If this toy was used properly, he could sweep across the battlefield and capture countless cities.

For the sake of the Red Camp, the General had donned the Green Camp's cloak, impersonated the fake Kunhui, risked gaining the Green Camp's trust, then driven Gao Jianming away so they could reclaim Lilu City...

This...

This was their General!

Li Mao's eyes filled with tears.

“General... you've worked so hard... Everything you've done for the Red Camp will never be forgotten!”

He Yu nodded calmly.

“It's nothing. This is what I should do.”

Li Mao sobbed.

“General...”

He wanted nothing more than to kneel and hug He Yu's legs while crying.

Unfortunately, He Yu had no legs.

He simply floated in midair atop his Wind Fire Wheels.

Gao Jianming: “?”

He genuinely couldn't understand anymore.

“I said, He Yu and the Green Camp—”

“Nonsense!” Li Mao had been moved to tears moments earlier, but now he glared at Gao Jianming with naked hatred. “If you continue slandering our General, I won't be polite anymore.”

Gao Jianming felt his temples pounding.

He simply couldn't understand.

Why wouldn't these people believe him?

What kind of spell had He Yu cast over them?

Raising one trembling paw, he shouted,

“He absolutely isn't your Red Camp General! His goal is to restore—”

His voice stopped abruptly.

Only then did Gao Jianming realize that in his anger he had nearly revealed their instance mission.

Exposing the truth about the system to NPCs would trigger their rage.

If the offense was serious enough, the contestant would be erased immediately.

That was one of the first rules every contestant learned upon entering the competition.

And he had almost broken it.

His breathing grew rapid.

He Yu sneered.

“Go on. What exactly do I want to do?”

Gao Jianming couldn't say it.

He gasped violently, chest heaving, sharp fangs exposed as he ground his teeth.

“He Yu... I truly underestimated you. You actually managed to—”

“Bang!”

Black Bear slammed him to the ground.

His claw shot straight toward Gao Jianming's throat, murderous intent blazing in his eyes.

Li Mao might still have reservations.

Black Bear had none.

He would never allow anyone to insult his benefactor.

“Black Bear. Stop.”

He Yu's calm voice sounded.

Black Bear's claw halted just short of Gao Jianming's neck.

By then, Gao Jianming's breathing had become labored. His leopard face had turned bluish-purple, veins bulging, his eyes nearly popping from their sockets.

He Yu remained perfectly composed.

“He's still useful. The Green Camp still controls many cities. Gao Jianming can help us capture them. Don't kill him.”

“General! He's full of hostility toward you!”

Even if Gao Jianming could help them conquer cities, insulting the General was something Black Bear simply couldn't accept.

Li Mao sighed.

“Black Bear, listen to the General. Let Mr. Gao go.”

He still addressed him as "Mr. Gao."

But there was no respect left in his voice.

Only disgust.

Black Bear gritted his teeth before finally withdrawing his hand.

Li Mao warned,

“Mr. Gao, considering your contribution in helping us capture the city, we'll spare you this once.

But there won't be a next time.”

Gao Jianming couldn't utter a word.

His leopard body struggled twice, but he couldn't get up.

He still wanted to target He Yu.

But he no longer dared.

This He Yu...

Was an even greater liar than he had imagined.

The Red Camp had clearly been sold by him, yet they were still happily counting the money for him.

He wondered whether the Green Camp still believed He Yu.

But then again...

He had already betrayed the Green Camp.

Thinking of that, Gao Jianming slowly closed his eyes.

His heart filled with despair.

【Bullet Screen: "...He abused our Zhen Xing and still wants to bully Lord He? Dream on."】

【Bullet Screen: "This Gao Jianming is so annoying. Good thing he didn't cause He Yu any trouble."】

【Bullet Screen: "Cause trouble for He Yu? Zhen Xing only got into trouble because circumstances were stacked against him. Lord He is different. Anyone trying to expose his disguise is dreaming. Anyone trying to outsmart He Yu is an idiot."】

【Bullet Screen: "Hahaha, He Yu can literally talk people into becoming crippled."】

Earlier, the audience had been worried about He Yu's lies.

After all, the web of lies he had woven was enormous.

He was deceiving both camps at once.

The moment the Red and Green Camps collided, He Yu should have been in mortal danger.

Yet unexpectedly...

Despite everything, he still stood firm.

He didn't even need to change clothes.

He could wear a red cape into the Green Camp.

He could wear a green cloak into the Red Camp.

And nobody questioned him.

It was simply unbelievable.

—As expected of He Yu.

—As long as he could speak, nobody could beat him.

Li Mao smiled faintly, his gaze turning cold.

“Take Mr. Gao away so he can rest. Keep him company and chat with him. Don't let Mr. Gao become lonely.”

In other words—

Keep him under constant watch.

“Yes!”

Two soldiers immediately stepped forward and carried the leopard away.

Only after Gao Jianming had been taken away did Li Mao and Black Bear turn back toward He Yu.

Li Mao said,

“This Gao Jianming has gone too far! Once we've finished using him, let's kill him.”

He Yu nodded.

As if remembering something, Black Bear hurriedly pulled out a sword.

The moment he released it, the sword immediately flew behind He Yu.

It grumbled unhappily,

“You could've taken me out sooner...”

At the same time, he spoke in the team chat.

“Mission accomplished.”

He Yu praised him through the team channel as well.

“Well done, Wanrenzhan.”

He Yu had actually praised him!!

Wanrenzhan instantly floated on cloud nine.

Even as a sword, he couldn't help swaying happily through the air, his voice practically drifting.

“Of course. Who do you think I am? As a teammate, I'm way better than those guys.”

Eugene: “...”

Ling Buchen and Bo Jingshan: “...”

...Forget it.

No point arguing with an idiot.

Black Bear wasn't offended. Scratching his nose, he said,

“General, this Gao Jianming really is useful. No wonder Lilu City fell in the first place. Now that he's in our hands and the fake Kunhui is dead, we'll definitely be able to reclaim many more cities!”

Why would they believe Gao Jianming?

Even if He Yu had been seen together with members of the Green Camp, they still believed He Yu.

He had disguised himself as the fake Kunhui for the sake of the Red Camp.

If he hadn't been on the Red Camp's side, why would he have helped them intercept Gao Jianming and recapture Lilu City?

If he truly belonged to the Green Camp, why would he let them seize Lilu City?

The logic simply didn't hold.

The Red Camp trusted He Yu completely.

Not a trace of doubt remained.

How could they possibly suspect a General who had devoted himself so wholeheartedly to them?

Merely doubting him felt like a sin.

He Yu nodded.

“With Gao Jianming in our hands, we can indeed begin preparing to reclaim the other cities.

But before that, we must secure Lilu City and plant our flag.”

The Green Camp's flag had already been cut down.

The instant it fell, its energy dispersed.

The green energy that had blanketed Lilu City vanished completely.

Ownership of the city changed.

Now they needed to raise the Red Camp's banner so Lilu City would once again operate under Red Camp rules.

This was naturally a matter of great importance.

Li Mao immediately said,

“I'll go get the flag right away!”

He Yu shook his head.

“No rush. Notify the King first and have him begin making a new flag. It takes time to create one. Tomorrow, I'll personally return to retrieve it.”

The two nodded.

Then He Yu looked at them solemnly.

“There is another matter I need to discuss.

It's extremely important.

It concerns the future of the Red Camp.”

“What is it?”

Li Mao and Black Bear immediately tensed.

They surrounded He Yu, staring intently at him.

He Yu took a deep breath.

His serious expression infected them.

Both men stiffened, fists clenched tightly, eyes filled with nervous anticipation.

“The toys... are plotting a massive conspiracy.”

“What?!”

The two were instantly shocked.

【Bullet Screen: "...What's he doing now?"】

【Bullet Screen: "The toys: We've already suffered enough, and now you're dumping another pot on us?"】

【Bullet Screen: "The toys digging diligently underground are completely confused. Hahaha."】

With an utterly serious face, He Yu continued,

“This is intelligence I obtained from the Green Camp. The Black Camp has hidden itself extremely well. The Green Camp cooperated with them before, but also remained wary of them. The Green Camp is powerful and possesses many methods, so they know more than anyone else.

They discovered that the toys are secretly plotting to allow the Black Camp to seize control of this world.”

Li Mao frowned skeptically.

“The Black Camp? They're practically finished already. How could they possibly control this world?”

He Yu replied quietly,

“They intend to restore the broken order.”

The two froze.

“!!!”

【Bullet Screen: "..."】

【Bullet Screen: "The toys: Thank you so much. What a gigantic pot you've dumped on us."】

【Bullet Screen: "Hahaha, isn't restoring order your own objective? The Black Camp is suffering so much."】

Wanrenzhan: “...”

He wisely decided to remain silent.

This wasn't somewhere he could contribute.

Li Mao's face darkened.

Grinding his teeth, he said,

“Those Black Camp toys are dreaming. I'll report this to the King immediately and ask him to order a full extermination of the toys!”

Black Bear cursed as well.

“Those damned toys! They actually want to restore order.”

The Black Camp certainly wanted to restore order.

But the Red and Green Camps absolutely did not.

After living as humans for so long, who would willingly return to being animals and plants?

They loved this world exactly as it was.

They would never allow anything to change.

Otherwise...

What meaning would all their current struggle have?

Li Mao soon frowned again.

“But... can order really be restored? Can those incompetent toys actually accomplish something like that?”

He Yu glanced at him.

His tone remained calm.

“Why not?

Don't forget.

Before order collapsed, only the original humans—the Black Camp—existed.

If they could destroy the order, why couldn't they restore it?”

After a pause, he continued,

“Am I not living proof?

Although they haven't succeeded completely yet, they're getting closer and closer.”

Those calm words exploded like thunder.

The two men went pale.

That's right.

The tangyuan before them might be called "General He Yu."

But in reality...

He was "General Kunhui."

He had merely transformed from a human into a toy.

That transformation was connected to the Black Camp.

Which meant...

The Black Camp truly possessed the power to change the world's order.

【Bullet Screen: "He Yu's logic is so airtight. If I didn't have the audience's perspective, I'd believe him too."】

【Bullet Screen: "Damn, it's completely flawless. Every piece of earlier foreshadowing fits together perfectly. Terrifying."】

【Bullet Screen: "Is nobody curious why he's pinning everything on the Black Camp?"】

Black Bear urgently said,

“We must report this to the King! Tell him to wipe out the Black Camp!”

He Yu shook his head.

“We can report it.

But we've already been exterminating toys for so many years. Completely eradicating them is nearly impossible.

Besides, they've hidden their secrets too deeply.

Even if we launch an immediate purge, we may not eliminate every hidden danger.”

Li Mao frowned anxiously.

“General, then what do you suggest we do?”

He Yu's voice became resolute.

“I recommend sending someone deep into their ranks.

Only after uncovering the truth should we strike.

Ideally, we should determine exactly how far they've progressed, uncover every secret they're hiding, and eliminate everything in one decisive blow.”

The two nodded.

It was indeed an excellent plan.

But...

Black Bear looked confused.

“Who could possibly infiltrate them?

Who could earn the toys' trust?

And who could remain absolutely loyal to our Red Camp?”

If they sent someone from the Red Camp, the Black Camp would never trust them.

But if they recruited a toy...

How could they know that toy was trustworthy?

It was an impossible contradiction.

He Yu's tiny little hands might have been too short to fasten a cape.

But pulling one off was no problem.

At that moment, he yanked off the cape in one motion.

His chin lifted slightly.

The lenses of his rimless glasses gleamed coldly.

His gaze was unwavering.

His voice rang out sharply.

“Of course... me.

This time, I'll personally carry out the mission.”

A single tangyuan stood there.

Wind Fire Wheels beneath his feet.

A sword on his back.

His chin slightly raised.

His eyes firm.

An overwhelming aura declared—

"If not me, then who?"

At that moment...

That little tangyuan seemed to be shining.

-

Of course, the Red Camp agreed.

After contacting the King, the King approved as well.

Although they worried deeply about their General and didn't want him risking himself, the General insisted. More importantly, he truly was the most suitable candidate.

So they agreed.

The General was someone the Red Camp trusted completely.

He looked like a toy.

He was the perfect person to infiltrate the Black Camp, gain their trust, and uncover their secrets.

There was no other choice.

The Red Camp could only agree while worrying endlessly.

—Their General had sacrificed far too much for the Red Camp.

With a sword on his back and Wind Fire Wheels beneath his feet, He Yu left the castle under Li Mao's and Black Bear's worried yet reverent gazes.

His lonely silhouette disappeared into the darkness.

Yet his back remained utterly resolute.

Black Bear clenched his fists.

“Our General has sacrificed far too much. If anyone dares speak badly about our General again, I'll kill them.”

Li Mao nodded.

“I only hope the General doesn't suffer. If those toys dare bully our General, I'll wipe every last one of them out.”

The two watched He Yu leave.

Reluctantly.

Until he completely disappeared from sight.

Meanwhile—

Wanrenzhan sounded somewhat impatient.

“This is the right direction, isn't it?”

Bo Jingshan answered,

“Stop doubting my sense of direction. This is Eugene's location. It can't be wrong.”

Wanrenzhan shrugged.

“Fine. But if you can't find the place, just have the Black Camp toys come pick us up. Eugene said they all wanted to.”

He Yu immediately shook his head.

“No. That could attract the Red Camp's attention.”

It wasn't far anyway.

Since they already had the location, they could find it themselves.

There was no need for the Black Camp to send anyone.

After walking for a while longer, Wanrenzhan suddenly remembered something.

“Why didn't you kill Gao Jianming? That guy is disgusting. I really wanted to kill him on the spot.”

He narrowed his eyes.

“Or is it because he's from Blue Star? Did you go soft on him?”

Expressionless, He Yu replied quietly,

“Do you think I'd let him die that easily?

He's still useful.

I'll squeeze every last bit of value out of him...

Then I'll let him die.”

Squeeze every last bit of value...

Damn.

As expected of He Yu.

Thinking about Keli Hai, Wanrenzhan shivered involuntarily.

He suddenly began pitying Gao Jianming.

Looking ahead, He Yu spoke calmly, as though gazing through the camera at someone.

“I'll avenge you, Zhen Xing.”

Wanrenzhan: “???”

His eyes widened.

“What?!

You're going to avenge Zhen Xing?

Why?

You wouldn't even avenge me!”

He Yu looked at him.

His little black bean eyes remained completely emotionless.

“If you die, I'll avenge you too.”

Wanrenzhan: “...”

That was technically what he wanted to hear...

So why didn't it make him happy?

The Bullet Screen instantly exploded.

“AHHHHHH I'M SHIPPING THEM SO HARD!!”

“He Yu and Zhen Xing are the real couple! Oh my god! He's actually avenging Zhen Xing! I'm crying!”

“SHIP IT! THIS IS CANON SUGAR!”

“...Did everyone forget about Blue Eyes? That's the real pairing! Don't ship the wrong couple!!”

“But Blue Eyes is dead right now, so let us enjoy Zhen Xing first.”

“Blue Eyes might come back at any time. I'm waiting for Blue Eyes. That pairing is the sweetest...”

...

Transfer Station.

A faint blush spread across Zhen Xing's cheeks.

Watching the little white tangyuan on the screen, he couldn't stop the corners of his mouth from lifting.

Avenge him...

Somehow...

Being eliminated this early didn't seem so bad anymore.

He Yu was going to avenge him.

The smile on Zhen Xing's lips grew wider and wider.

His phoenix eyes curved gently.

—

Because they already knew the location, He Yu and the others quickly found the Black Camp's underground base.

The little mouse became so excited upon seeing them that both legs kicked wildly.

His face reddened as he hurriedly led He Yu inside.

Standing atop his Wind Fire Wheels, He Yu followed him and soon entered the underground chamber.

The instant he stepped inside—

A perfectly synchronized chorus rang out.

“Welcome, Lord He Yu!”

Looking around, countless bright, burning eyes stared at the little white tangyuan with passionate excitement.

Wanrenzhan: “...”

So all the Red Camp's worrying had been completely unnecessary.

Their "General He Yu" wasn't someone destined to suffer wherever he went.

Nor was anyone likely to bully him.

He Yu gave a slight nod, remaining perfectly composed.

“Mhm.

I've finally met all of you.”

Led by Thousand-Year Pine and Old Stone, the toys excitedly crowded forward, talking over one another.

“Lord He Yu, we've finally met you!”

“You're incredible! Eugene already told us everything you've done. With you in the Black Camp, we're truly blessed!”

“You're the first person ever to become General of both the Red and Green Camps!”

“You said you'd switch a city's camp—and the city immediately changed camps! You're unbelievably amazing!”

“My Lord, you've worked so hard. Going back and forth between two camps must have been exhausting.”

...

He Yu expressionlessly interrupted them.

“Enough meaningless compliments.

I'm not someone who enjoys hearing those things.

Our goals are the same.

We're naturally on the same side.”

The underground cavern had already been expanded considerably.

Numerous tunnels had been dug, making room for even more toys.

Despite being underground, everyone could hear He Yu's voice clearly.

The toys nodded excitedly.

Exactly.

They naturally belonged to the same camp.

Now that He Yu had become General of both the Red and Green Camps, as long as he was willing to help them, the Black Camp's living space would continue growing.

Fewer toys would die every year.

He Yu shifted his gaze.

Nearby stood several familiar figures—

The mask.

The large and small hammers.

Chains.

The calf.

The crown.

Even the cactus, Qiong, had appeared together with Little Stone Ling Buchen.

Duan Yuchen sighed.

“You really know how to stir things up.”

Their mission was restoring order.

Meanwhile, He Yu was creating chaos among all three camps.

They were °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° all weak.

Yet comparing themselves to He Yu...

The difference between people really was enormous.

This instance had terrible starting conditions.

Even Zhen Xing had failed here.

That alone proved how dangerous this world was.

At this point, none of them even considered "ganging up on He Yu."

After all...

He was trusted by all three camps.

If he gave a single order...

They would all be finished.

Better to obediently listen to him, sign a five-million IOU, and maybe He Yu would kindly carry them to victory.

Moving slightly atop the calf's head, Siya stared fixedly at He Yu.

“He Yu, your appearance is way too cute.

I really want to hug you.

You're like a little throw pillow.”

【Bullet Screen: "Tangyuan He Yu plush pillows are already on sale. They're selling out everywhere."】

【Bullet Screen: "I'm literally hugging a Tangyuan He Yu plush while watching the livestream. Hahaha."】

【Bullet Screen: "Seriously? Ordering one through my AI assistant right now!"】

He Yu smiled faintly.

“Please don't describe me as cute.

Thank you.

Otherwise...

I'll turn the toy Crown into a real crown.”

In other words—

Someone would lose their life.

Siya: “...”

She silently shut up.

He Yu then turned toward Duan Yuchen, who had called him a troublemaker.

“I had to accomplish something.

Otherwise, if I became useless like the rest of you...

How would we ever achieve our objective?”

Everyone: “...”

That felt strangely personal.

Eugene's mask wrinkled.

“I'm useful.

I can carry out your orders.”

Gedai stamped one of the calf's feet.

“I can dig.”

Qiong lifted Ling Buchen.

“I can carry things.”

Zhante said,

“...I can fight and haul dirt.”

Yuan Ze added,

“I can haul dirt too.”

Duan Yuchen declared,

“I can forge weapons! I've discovered that using hammers creates equipment with even greater combat power. Once I leave here, my craftsmanship will definitely improve!”

...

Cheng Zhao and Siya: “...”

Apparently...

They really were useless.

They suddenly wanted to cry.

He Yu swept his gaze across everyone.

Then, without discrimination, he sneered.

“Heh.”

Everyone: “...”

Fine.

Compared to He Yu...

They really were all useless.

The group fell silent.

Huddling together, they attempted to become as invisible as Ling Buchen.

He Yu ignored them.

Instead, he turned toward the toys.

His gaze swept over every one of them before settling on Thousand-Year Pine.

“We belong to the same camp.

I guarantee your safety inside Lilu City.

Bring every Black Camp toy here.

As long as you remain within Lilu City...

You will be absolutely safe.”

Absolutely safe.

Those four words stirred the toys' hearts.

They nearly rushed over to hug He Yu in celebration.

Countless pairs of eyes burned with excitement.

He Yu continued,

“Then...

Shouldn't you cooperate with me as well?”

Thousand-Year Pine hurriedly nodded.

“We'll cooperate.

We'll all cooperate with you.”

The other toys nodded one after another.

“That's right. Whatever you ask us to do, we'll do it.”

“No.”

He Yu looked directly at Thousand-Year Pine.

“I don't need you to do anything.”

His gaze remained fixed on him.

“I only want you to tell me the Black Camp's secrets.

I want to know how far your research has progressed.

More importantly...

I want to know why the world's order collapsed.

And what exactly you still have in your possession.”