Era of Magic and Martial Arts-Chapter 222 - 206: Mentor

This "performance" was not rehearsed.

Therefore, it was also the first time Wang Cong heard this soul-stirring argument of redemption.

At first, he felt a chill, and cold sweat slid down his spine, but soon he was deeply drawn to Feng Mu's profound thoughts, completely convinced by them.

The surrounding prisoners initially also felt a chill in their hearts, sensing a wave of coldness wash over them, but soon, they exchanged glances, with recognition in their eyes, having to admit the truth in Feng Mu's words.

Though the words sounded cold and ruthless, like icy blades cutting through flesh, the compassion they contained was incisive, revealing a wisdom capable of saving the majority.

Such arguments, if in a past life, might have sparked controversy, doubt, and criticism.

However, in this world, divided into Upper and Lower City, implementing a [Global Resource Management Circulation Policy], the concepts expressed by Feng Mu had long taken root, subtly ingrained in the majority's minds.

And this ideology, proliferating and growing on this land, through two hundred years of dissemination and influence, had become the canon and truth most people believed in.

Exchanging the sacrifice of the few for the benefit of the many is not worth debating; the only question needing debate is who should be the sacrificed few.

The prisoners fell into collective contemplation, then looked at Feng Mu and asked, "As long as we endure a few times, is that enough?"

Feng Mu answered emphatically, "Of course. If coercion cannot bring about submission, if killing cannot yield money, someone will naturally report it to the top and halt this losing business."

Prisoners: "Who, who will report it?"

Wang Cong, receiving a subtle hint from Feng Mu's eyes, stepped forward slowly, facing the prisoners directly, and took a deep breath, saying, "I, I will report to the top to stop this unreasonable fee system."

The prisoners looked at each other, silent, but the doubt in their eyes was obvious.

That look seemed to silently express — you, an insignificant prison guard, a prison guard bullied by your colleagues, what qualifications do you have to challenge the rules set by prison management?

Wang Cong's eye twitched, anger rising in his heart — being bullied and suppressed by colleagues was one thing, but now even some damn prisoners dared to look down on him?

Were his electric batons incapable of breaking their bones?

Wang Cong, with bloodshot eyes, rasped, "That's right, it's me. I won't always be just a prison guard; soon I'll climb up to a high enough position to confront the higher-ups."

Feng Mu stepped in at the right time to support Wang Cong's stance, "Wang Cong has been collecting evidence of all the unreasonable aspects of the prison. His being suppressed and ostracized internally is precisely because of this, ultimately, his current predicament is due to his sympathy for you. He is a good prison guard."

The prisoners were stunned, looking at Wang Cong with skepticism, but their eyes softened a bit unconsciously.

Before now, Wang Cong had never realized the suppression he suffered hid such noble motives, but at this moment he immediately grasped Feng Mu's intention, involuntarily straightening his spine and lifting his chest.

Feng Mu continued to add, "Prison Guard Wang Cong indeed has the determination and ability to end the unreasonable fee system in the Second Prison. The only thing he lacks is the opportunity to dialogue with the higher-ups. Now, his opportunity has come."

The prisoners wanted to ask more, but Feng Mu's expression turned slightly cold, "Don't ask more; just listen and endure for a while, and the remaining problems will resolve themselves."

The prisoners hesitated to speak.

Feng Mu, though superficially gentle, in fact, spoke with extreme firmness, "Scour the entire Second Prison, and besides Prison Guard Wang Cong and me, there won't be a third person who cares about your lives, so you need to understand, if you want to save yourselves and survive, you need to cooperate and obey."

Ultimately, the prisoners dared not ask further; they could only bite down and choose to believe Wang Cong, for he was their last straw to clutch at.

"How long do we have to endure?" someone among the prisoners couldn't help but ask.

"Relax, it won't be too long."

Feng Mu didn't provide a specific time, only promised with a firm tone, forcefully and powerfully:

"Soon, you will witness the fastest promotion in the history of the Second Prison, soaring like a rocket. The entire system of the Second Prison will be radically changed by him."

The prisoners understood the implication behind Feng Mu's words, their gazes collectively focusing on Wang Cong.

Wang Cong, inspired by Feng Mu's words, felt a surge of hot blood in his chest, his eyes shimmering with unwavering determination as he scanned each prisoner.

"Indeed, ambition can temporarily make one forget fear, catalyzing a man's rapid growth and transformation."

Standing behind Wang Cong, Feng Mu watched his straightened back, feeling quite satisfied, knowing that the first phase of transforming and nurturing Wang Cong was fundamentally completed.

Subsequently, Wang Cong gradually entered a state and role, with less exhaustion and irritability on his face, replaced by more excitement and warmth.

Moreover, Wang Cong voluntarily took over from Feng Mu, directing the prisoners to carry bodies to the incinerator for burning, and during the process, he would occasionally communicate with the prisoners.

Although not yet as gentle and natural as Feng Mu, in terms of friendliness, it was already markedly better than all the other prison guards in the Second Prison.

In the incinerator, prisoners lifted bodies, mechanically throwing them into the roaring flames of the furnace. As the hatch slowly closed, everything returned to silence.

At this moment, the head prisoner involved in moving the bodies suddenly asked softly, "Prison Guard Feng, Prison Guard Wang, I have another question. If someone is afraid and ends up paying the guards, what should we do to stop this?"

Wang Cong didn't speak; he pondered the question, but for now couldn't think of an answer, only turning to Feng Mu for help.

Unknowingly, Feng Mu had already become Wang Cong's pillar of support.

Feng Mu was silent for three seconds, then answered, "The first time can never be stopped; you can only prevent the second time from happening."

The head prisoner asked further, "How to prevent the second time?"

In a cell, there are usually 8 to 10 prisoners at month's end, yet only four prisoners, including the head prisoner, came to move the bodies. These four were not chosen randomly by Feng Mu, but deliberately selected as the toughest individuals according to his notebook records and verbal observations.

He was waiting for them to ask this question, and in his heart, he had already brewed an answer.

Feng Mu, like a life mentor guiding lost sheep, calmly resolved their confusion, saying:

"For a group to survive in adversity, unity is indispensable. The more perilous the situation, the more it needs close unity. For actions that undermine unity, we must give equivalent punishment."

The head prisoner and the other prisoners fell into deep thought.

Then, Feng Mu gently patted the head prisoner's shoulder, his gaze sweeping over the other prisoners, his tone calm yet firm:

"Remember, the first example is always the most powerful model. The power of example is infinite; it can inspire those who come after to face difficulties together."

The head prisoner and several others felt the scorching heat in the air, yet only felt their blood throughout their bodies, from head to toe, as if instantly solidified.

They swallowed hard, exchanging a look with each other, seeing in one another's eyes their own frightened, rigid, yet eerily pale faces.

...