Awakened Zhongli Template, Retiring in Terra — Clay Artisan

As Texas went after his other leg, Boxing Cat collapsed to the ground in agony. His ankle bent at a bizarre angle, and he completely lost the ability to fight.

At the same time, Croissant swung her iron hammer and unleashed Pinwheel. Like a meat grinder, she charged into the crowd and sent every Cat Gang member who dared try anything flying on the spot.

Shi Lei walked toward the low-rise building with his hands behind his back, as though strolling through his own garden. Rock Spears continuously appeared around him, pinning in place anyone who tried to flee.

The Cat Gang members present completely lost their will to fight. Some even recognized him and cried out warnings to their companions:

"Zhongli! It's Zhongli! Run!"

Shi Lei took a look around the low-rise building and found hostages such as dog-headed people and Rabbitfolk being held in the rooms.

He took out his phone and dialed a number.

A moment later, Chen's voice came through:

"Hello, what do you need from me?"

Shi Lei looked at the missing people trembling in the corner of the room and gave a slight crooked smile.

"Officer Chen, I'm bringing you some achievements."

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Clay Artisan

Although District 27 was in the Lower City, the hostages these Cat Gang members had abducted were citizens of the Upper City.

For crimes committed across districts like this, the Lungmen Guard Department could exercise its law enforcement authority and arrest the suspects. The local gangs in the Slums could obstruct them too, but no one was that blind.

While waiting for Officer Chen to arrive, Shi Lei freed the eight landlords being held there. Having regained their freedom, the hostages sincerely expressed their gratitude to him.

To vent their anger, these landlords specifically picked Cat Gang members who had been immobilized by Rock Spears. They went up and viciously kicked them in the crotch, exacting testicle-kicking revenge.

Nearly all of them were injured, so walking back to the Upper City was not a wise choice. Moreover, the Slums were a mixed bag, and the streets were not necessarily safe. Once they learned that the Lungmen Guard Department was on its way, they stayed in the hideout and waited for an escort.

Shi Lei showed no change in expression when he heard the notification that 3 Roleplay Value had arrived. He stood at the exit of the low-rise building with his arms crossed, preventing the Cat Gang members present from escaping.

Whether seeking protection or acting out of gratitude, the landlords insisted on coming over to talk to him. When they discussed how he had found this place, Shi Lei raised a hand and pointed at the dog-headed person.

"Actually, the reason you were all saved today was this gentleman. I wanted to rent his warehouse, but I couldn't get in touch with him. Later, after checking through private channels, I learned that the kidnappers were in District 27. Then I traced them here and rescued you."

The dog-headed person was deeply moved upon hearing this and wanted to repay him.

"Little brother, didn't you want to rent a warehouse? I can waive three months—no, half a year's rent."

"I appreciate your Good Intentions, but there's no need."

Shi Lei firmly refused to accept any financial reward. He had come to District 27 today purely to save people, not because he wanted someone's rent.

As he had said before, saving people came from the heart, not from weighing the pros and cons.

"What's the big deal? The warehouse is mine anyway. Wouldn't it be good to let you use it for free for a few months?"

Shi Lei shook his head and offered a personal suggestion.

"If you really want to thank me, just treat me to a meal when you have time. It doesn't need to be expensive; any affordable restaurant will do. As for the warehouse rent, charge whatever you should charge. You don't need to give me any extra discount."

Seeing that this handsome young man expected nothing in return, the dog-headed person found him more and more agreeable and confessed honestly:

"Sigh, it's mainly because my father recently fell ill and urgently needs money, while the company's funds can't be turned over. Otherwise, I could just give you this warehouse outright."

Shi Lei did not care whether he bought or rented it, so he asked the price.

"Sure. How much are you planning to sell it for?"

The dog-headed person held out both claws and gestured.

"When I bought this warehouse two years ago, I spent eight hundred thousand. How about I sell it to you for five hundred thousand after depreciation? That's about the market price too."

Shi Lei had seen the warehouse on-site. Though he had not gone inside, they were basically all the same. The surrounding area was all warehouses, with no residential buildings. At night, he could switch to Immortal Body Mode and absorb the essence of the sun and moon without worrying about being exposed.

"Sure. Once I've looked over the inside of the warehouse and found no issues, we can sign the contract."

With that, he turned his head toward Texas. She understood immediately with just a glance and gave a slight nod, indicating that she would pay the relevant expenses when the time came.

Shi Lei had more than three hundred thousand Lungmen Dollars saved with her, and Texas would need to cover the shortfall.

A hundred thousand or so Lungmen Dollars was the reward for a major job, so it was not a problem. Besides, helping him cover the cost would make him owe her a favor—something money could not buy.

Shi Lei noted down the dog-headed landlord's phone number and agreed to inspect the property the next day before signing the contract and transferring the deed.

Half an hour later, Lungmen Guard Department police cars arrived at the scene. With so many witnesses and video evidence, it was enough to send every person involved straight to prison.

However, just as Isu had said, the Cat Gang's operations were clearly divided. The head office would most likely distance itself from these people in order to ensure the normal operation of its other departments.

Shi Lei would keep an eye on the Cat Gang's movements afterward. As long as he found evidence of illegal activity, he would strike hard.

There were too many people involved at the scene, and even the police cars Chen had brought could not transport them all in one trip. They had to be taken away in two batches.

Shi Lei cooperated with the Lungmen Guard Department officers to remove the Rock Spears and replace them with handcuffs for easier detention and transport. Afterward, he gave a brief statement to Officer Hoshiguma and was allowed to leave.

Croissant truly had a head for business. She proactively pitched an "escort service" to the eight landlords. All they had to do was pay a certain shipping fee and protection fee, and they could ride in the Cargo Box of the pickup truck back to the Upper City. The landlords did not want to share police cars with Cat Gang members, and since they were not short on money, every one of them accepted the service.

Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas, and a sparse drizzle began falling halfway there. After returning to the Upper City, Shi Lei got out in front of Penguin Logistics's company building and parted ways with everyone.

Meanwhile, District 27 of the Lower City.

Chen and several officers remained at the scene, waiting for the reinforcement team to arrive and take away the remaining suspects.

In fact, the Lungmen Guard Department had recently been keeping an eye on the Cat Gang and had even formed a team to gather intelligence. After the last crackdown on illegal organizations, many vacant territories had been occupied by the Cat Gang, which was practically handing them a wedding dress for free.

Moreover, those people knew the law very well and would not easily expose any weaknesses. Even if they had caught so many suspects in the kidnapping case today, it still would not be enough to bring down the Cat Gang, such a large enterprise.

She stared at the low building before her for a moment, then ordered:

"Hoshiguma, stay here and keep watch. You're responsible for overseeing the transfer of the suspects. I have something to take care of."

With that, she adjusted her police cap and headed outside.

To avoid being implicated in the kidnapping case, the Cat Gang would not admit any connection to this place for the time being. In other words, the hideout was about to become unclaimed territory.

As for who it belonged to, naturally, the capable would take it.

Chen got onto her police motorcycle and headed for the dilapidated building where Mudrock and the others lived. The Sarkaz mercenaries welcomed the policewoman warmly and led her straight up to the third floor.

"Boss, Officer Chen is here."

Chen entered the room and saw clay figurines of all sizes as far as the eye could reach. Some were the size of bricks, some as large as basketballs, and some stood half a person tall.

The tallest one was the size of a normal person. Its face had been sculpted with a mask, making its features impossible to discern. Still, judging from the style of its clothes, it somehow looked familiar.

The Sarkaz mercenaries had long regarded this helpful policewoman as one of their own. Grinning, one of them teased:

"Boss treats these dolls so well. She even whispers secrets to them at night—better than she treats us."

The moment Mudrock glared at him, he immediately slipped away.

Now that only the two of them remained in the room, Chen got straight to the point and explained the current situation at the Cat Gang hideout.

"That's the situation. If you don't go now, other gangs will set their sights on the place. When that happens, it'll come down to whoever is more capable. I can't keep helping you forever. Once you have somewhere to stay, you'll have to rely on yourselves."

"I understand, Officer Chen. We're very grateful that you're willing to offer us such an opportunity."

One Woman Holds the Pass

Chen verbally described the route and told her the hideout's exact address. Considering that Mudrock was unfamiliar with the Slums, she used the paper and pen from her notes to draw a rough map. With a rip, she tore it off and handed it to Mudrock.

"The Lungmen Guard Department's reinforcements are on their way. Once the suspects are loaded into the vehicles, we'll leave. I hope that in the future, you can lead your subordinates onto the right path. Don't do anything illegal."

Mudrock nodded to show that she understood.

She had always been someone who preferred peace and quiet. It was only because of various circumstances that she had been pushed into her current position.

After seeing Chen off, Mudrock picked up her heavy armor and prepared to go upstairs to put it on.

Seeing this, the Sarkaz mercenaries swarmed over like beasts that had caught the scent of blood, eagerly asking:

"Boss, what job did Officer Chen arrange for you? Who are we killing? Take all of us with you."

Killing was part of a mercenary's daily life. It was how they made their living, so naturally that was where their minds went.

Mudrock did not answer directly and instead ordered:

"Gather the brothers. Wait for me downstairs."

"Yes, Boss!"

She went to the third-floor room and shut the door. Before she used Originium Arts to expand the interior, the armor looked like an extremely ill-fitting suit.

Facing Shi Lei's clay sculpture, Mudrock closed her eyes and pressed her palms together, seeming to pray silently in her heart.

As the team's leader, she now had to support twenty-one people, herself included. The pressure every day was immense. In the past, she would pray to Queen Theresia, but Theresia had now tragically been assassinated. So, for the time being, she placed her hopes for the future in this man who had helped them.

The power of the earth that Shi Lei had displayed that day gave Mudrock an inexplicable sense of familiarity. Perhaps his bloodline or innate abilities far surpassed her own.

After finishing her prayer, she tucked a stick-shaped clay sculpture resembling Rock Spine at her waist as a lucky charm. Then she used Originium Arts to expand the inside of her armor and went downstairs.

Twelve Sarkaz mercenaries stood ready, like soldiers waiting for their commander's inspection.

Mudrock chose six experienced mercenaries and left the others behind to protect the women and children.

The drizzle falling from the sky showed signs of growing heavier. Given the condition of the dilapidated building, it would likely become difficult to endure. Adults could tough it out, but children caught colds easily.

They had to take the hideout this time. Failure was not an option!

Mudrock had a poor sense of direction, so she took the initiative to hand the map to a subordinate and let him lead the way. By the time they reached the hideout, the Lungmen Guard Department and Cat Gang members had long since vanished.

After getting wind of the matter, gangs from District 27 gathered their men and came near the hideout to observe in secret. Their intelligence was limited, and they were still waiting to see what happened. Once it was confirmed that this had become unclaimed territory, a fight over it would be inevitable.

To their surprise, while they were facing off, a burly man carrying a hammer actually led several Sarkaz inside.

Seeing someone take the lead, the Shovel Gang hurriedly brought their subordinates over, wanting a share of the spoils. But the burly man stopped them at the entrance.

"Friend, what do you mean by this?"

Mudrock's voice came through her faceplate, a muffled sound that made it impossible to tell whether she was male or female:

"I'm taking this place."

The Shovel Gang's leader scoffed and lifted his chin:

"Friend, do you even understand the rules? We've been waiting outside for ages. First come, first served, get it? Blocking the way here—are you trying to keep everything for yourself?"

The Slums differed from the Upper City, governed by the survival-of-the-fittest rules unique to gray areas. Simply put, whoever had the harder fist called the shots. If you didn't accept that, then fight.

Mudrock had long been mentally prepared for this. She used the edge of her hammer to draw a line across the entrance, making her stance clear.

If they wanted a share of the loot from the stronghold, they had to get past her first.

"Tch, get them!"

The Shovel Gang's leader didn't waste words. He immediately ordered his men to force their way in, too lazy to bother with any rules of the underworld.

That big brute looked intimidating, but the armor on her body seemed so heavy that she would only become a living target.

"Whoosh!"

Mudrock's iron hammer whistled through the air. With one full swing, she sent someone flying. Using the simplest and most brutal method possible, she kept everyone out of the stronghold.

The six mercenaries she had summoned today were not the main fighting force. If she could no longer hold out later, she could pay an enormous price to create a colossus to guard the gate.

"Whoosh!"

The Shovel Gang launched a second charge, only to be driven back again. They found it hard to imagine why someone with such a massive body could wield a weapon with such agility.

Some tried to ambush her from afar with bows and crossbows, but they couldn't pierce her heavy armor. Mudrock was like an impenetrable wall of bronze and iron, exuding a crushing sense of helplessness.

The Shovel Gang's leader stopped trying to force his way through and immediately called out:

"Hey, brother, we can say we've become acquainted through fighting. Let's call it making friends today. We'll all go in and loot the place together—how about a seventy-thirty split?"

"No."

"Then fifty-fifty?"

The resources inside the stronghold were extremely important to Mudrock. There was no way she could split them evenly with him. She swung her iron hammer and slammed it into the ground with a bang, making her refusal clear.