Chapter 90: Magnetic Fields, The Master of Backstabbing

Before riding his motorcycle back to the small courtyard, Ren Zhong had basically sorted out the various connections in his mind.

He had perfectly integrated his common sense from Earth with the unique circumstances of Source Star.

The metallic elements saturating the soil and rocks could not influence the Ruin Beasts out of thin air; there must be an interaction force between them. It was just like the relationship between humans and the sun: although they are vast distances apart, the sun's gravity still exerts an influence. Even if this force is invisible and intangible, it exists eternally and objectively.

The medium through which the abandoned mine exerted its influence on the Ruin Beasts was, in all likelihood, a magnetic field. Even if there were discrepancies and his hypothesis wasn't entirely accurate, Ren Zhong could tentatively treat it as a magnetic field in his own mind.

On Earth, a massive geomagnetic field exists. Beyond protecting the planet from high-energy cosmic rays in space, it has permeated the billions of years of the Earth's ecosystem evolution through time. The geomagnetic field is omnipresent, influencing biological life and modern human life in every aspect. Migratory birds, homing pigeons, and human navigation all depend on it.

However, beneath the global geomagnetic field, there exists a vast number of regional geomagnetic fields. When an earthquake occurs, the geomagnetic field experiences regional disturbances. The magnetic field in that area does not break away from the Earth’s magnetic field, yet it displays distinct, differentiated characteristics. The most typical example is that before and after an earthquake, cell signals attenuate before the signal towers fail, and precision instruments on rescue helicopters are also noticeably affected. Furthermore, in certain specific regions, anomalous regional geomagnetic fields have been known to persist for long periods, triggering more thunderstorms and causing lightning to repeatedly strike the same mountain peak. Or, daring and ignorant explorers trekking into deep forests might find their compasses inexplicably losing function upon reaching certain areas, leading to them losing their way and encountering danger.

Before science intervened, humans often attributed these phenomena to supernatural forces. But none of these so-called unsolved mysteries eventually escaped the scrutiny of scientists.

Source Star, of course, also possesses a planetary geomagnetic field and regional magnetic fields. However, Ren Zhong had long been convinced that the physical laws of Source Star differed from those of Earth. The metallic elements on this planet were eerie in every way. Otherwise, one could not explain the emergence of the Ruin Beasts—half-mechanical, half-biological lifeforms—nor how chips could grow out of thin air within their bodies.

Ren Zhong first made a bold assumption: assuming that what gave birth to the Ruin Beasts and the chips were the magnetic field of Source Star and certain underlying information flows. Then, as the Spark Mining Area was once one of the largest molybdenum-iron mines on Source Star, even if the high-purity ore had been exhausted, the remaining vast quantities of ionic and elemental metals gathered together to form a special, localized magnetic field. This, in turn, would make the Ruin Beasts in the abandoned mine unique—which was perfectly logical.

Ren Zhong extrapolated further. The surface crater of the abandoned mine spanned eight kilometers in diameter, and its underground network spread to unknown depths and distances; it was vast and expansive. The essence of the Spark Mining Area was no different from a pile of ground magnetic powder; one could entirely understand the overall magnetic field of the abandoned mine as being composed of countless smaller magnetic fields. If a larger neodymium-boron permanent magnet were placed directly beneath a pile of magnetic powder, the original regional magnetic field would be swallowed by a larger, stronger one, altering the original distribution into an explosive, radial shape resembling a sea urchin. Each spine of the sea urchin would be a magnetic flux path formed by the convergence of the smaller magnetic fields within the larger one.

The abandoned mine was the pile of magnetic powder, and Source Star’s planetary magnetic field was the large neodymium-iron-boron magnet beneath it. The two habitats chosen by the Crystallized Pangolin and the Dream-Weaving Maze Bug were likely two "magnetic particle" nodes within the mine's large magnetic field.

Therefore, there must be countless paths formed by connected nodes like the spines of a sea urchin within the mine. Once he straightened out these paths, the mysterious veil of the entire abandoned mine would be torn away, and the general distribution patterns of the Level 4 Ruin Beasts would be laid bare. He would be able to transform into a human-shaped radar, predicting in advance where the Level 4 Ruin Beasts were, thereby avoiding disaster and planning ahead. At the very least, he could turn the abandoned mine into his own personal back garden.

Upon clearing this line of thought, Ren Zhong immediately formulated his next plan of action: first, try to obtain the detailed exploration map of the old Spark Mining Area to see the underground mineral distribution.

So, who should he ask for the map? Ren Zhong had two choices: Yang Bingzhong or Ma Dafu. He chose the latter without hesitation, immediately using his wristwatch to contact Ma Dafu to probe the matter.

Unexpectedly, Ma Dafu told him he had indeed come to the right person. In the entire town, he was the only one who possessed the exploration map. The two agreed to meet at the town government office at 10:30.

Ren Zhong had now officially entered Yang Bingzhong's line of sight, and Yang Bingzhong, unlike Lin Wang, held astonishing power within the town. He could no longer visit Ma Dafu casually under the guise of being tea buddies; he had to avoid the prying eyes of Yang Bingzhong’s subordinates. He could only wait until the dead of night, when Ma Xiaoling would personally ride a motorcycle to pick him up.

After finalizing the arrangements on his watch, Ren Zhong briefly emptied his mind, closed his eyes, and the furrow in his brow slowly smoothed out. He opened his eyes again when Zheng Tian called him to get out of the car. Zheng Tian could clearly sense that Mr. Ren had relaxed again.

"I have something to do and need to head out at 10:30. You guys go to sleep early tonight; don't stay up too late," Ren Zhong instructed before entering the door.

***

"Got it, Mr. Ren, stay safe."

"I know."

As the two entered, that rascal Ou Youning leaned in with a cheeky grin. "How much did we make? How much? Brother, tell me slowly, I'm afraid my little heart can't take it."

Ren Zhong replied, "Total revenue was 7,854. After deducting costs, our net profit for today is 6,600. Split five ways, that's 1,980 for the group, or 396 points each."

"What! My god!" Ou Youning clutched his chest and fell backward on the spot.

Wen Lei, standing behind him, moved aside without a sound. Ou Youning, who was clowning around, hit the floor with a thud and actually passed out—it was hard to tell if he had fainted from the fall or if the sudden windfall was such a shock that he hadn't caught his breath.

Wen Lei stepped over Ou Youning and stood before Ren Zhong, looking rather nervous. He whispered, "It's too much, Mr. Ren. You're giving me too much. I... I don't feel like I deserve it. This is only the first day; it shouldn't be like this."

Ren Zhong patted him on the shoulder. "Don't be nervous. It's enough that I think you deserve it."

"This..."

Ren Zhong looked directly into Wen Lei's eyes. "Wen Lei, don't worry. I'm different from the others; I have my principles. I'm giving you this money because I want you to grow as quickly as possible. The situation we face from now on is different from the past. You and I are both fighters; we shoulder the most dangerous tasks on the battlefield, and we are often the most expendable. If you want to live well and see the people you want to see again, you must summon the courage of those who are fearless and ready to face death. From now on, you don't need to be as timid and cautious as you were before. Do you understand?"

Wen Lei was stunned for a moment, then suddenly awakened. It turned out that his little philosophy of survival had never escaped Mr. Ren's eyes. He knew everything; he just didn't point it out. The rugged man’s eyes actually turned slightly red.

Wen Lei nodded heavily. "I understand."

"Good."

"Ju Qingmeng once praised your talent, but you didn't show it because your character—seemingly rugged but actually overly cautious—suppressed your courage. Try it; let me see exactly what you can do."

"Yeah!" Wen Lei clenched his fists tightly.

Ren Zhong had lied to him. Ju Qingmeng had only said that Wen Lei’s initial rating of 13% was a decent figure for the town, but it wasn't a compliment. However, sometimes, white lies still contain infinite power.

Bai Feng also approached Ren Zhong. "Thank you, Mr. Ren. I'll buy the new fusion gene injection tomorrow."

Ren Zhong nodded. "Don't be too hasty. Every step of a colonized soldier's enhancement carries life-threatening risks. When you inject it, remember to go to 'Miracle Hands' and find Sun Miao so that if anything goes wrong, there’s a chance for rescue."

"Understood."

At this moment, the dim-witted Ou Youning finally woke up and started giggling stupidly. "We’re really rich this time! I told you, Mr. Ren, you’re my cheat code grandfather, and you wouldn't even admit it. Hahahaha, tomorrow I’m going to treat all the ladies..."

Zheng Tian kicked him. "Shut up! Mr. Ren said that from today on, our mission is to do whatever it takes to improve as quickly as possible! We must reach the mid-stage of a Level 2 professional within half a month and gain abilities comparable to a Level 3 professional! So, Ou Youning, if you dare spend a single cent on women in the next half month, I will break your third leg."

Ou Youning: "Hiss... wait, why is that?"

Zheng Tian narrowed her eyes. "Haven't you noticed? The money Spark Resources gave us is too much. It's much higher than what we estimated."

Ou Youning: "Yeah, why is that?"

Zheng Tian looked at Ren Zhong. Ren Zhong nodded slightly, signaling for her to explain.

Zheng Tian took a deep breath and said, word by word, "From today on, we are no longer a bottom-tier, semi-professional squad in Spark Town! We have just signed a Level 2 professional squad contract with the company! We have become the fourth professional squad in Spark Town! And the only Level 2 professional squad! Do you understand?"

*Gulp!*

Loud swallowing sounds echoed in everyone's throats. As a demolition expert, Ou Youning’s brain finally kicked into gear. He was the first to react: "Does this mean we’ve completely broken ties with Lin Wang and his group?"

Zheng Tian nodded. "You could say that. Although President Yang indicated he would mediate, given Lin Wang's temperament, who can say what he might do?"

Ou Youning was a bit dumbfounded. "This..."

At this point, it was Bai Feng who spoke up: "The moment we set foot in that abandoned mine, these things were already destined."

Ren Zhong smiled and clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention back to himself. Everyone looked at him.

Ren Zhong wore a deep, confident smile. "I know there is fear in your hearts. You were once so cautious, yet... well, you also harbored a flame of unwillingness in your hearts. Living in this world, if you want to climb mountains you haven't climbed and see scenery you haven't seen, you must cross chasms you haven't crossed. Blindly retreating won't let you survive; even a feather falling from the sky can crush your skull. If you want to live, you have to risk your life. The die is cast; there is no way back! Do you understand?"

"Understood!"

Ren Zhong: "Either way, it's a blade to the neck, so what is there to be afraid of? Right?"

"Yeah!"

Everyone understood. They had made the decision themselves to follow Ren Zhong onto his ship; there was indeed no choice. After reaching a consensus to abandon fantasies and prepare for the struggle, the courtyard erupted into a new round of celebration, even livelier than the day before.

But amidst the carnival, Ren Zhong noticed that Chen Hanyu was smiling very reluctantly, looking deeply troubled.

***

He walked over and asked, "What's wrong? You don't seem very happy."

Chen Hanyu, who had been lost in thought, snapped back to reality and hurriedly waved her hands. "It's nothing, nothing. I was just recalling the feeling of dismantling the Level 4 Ruin Beast chip today."

"You're lying. You're worried that Lin Wang will make a move against us?"

"Uh, that's not it."

"You definitely have something on your mind."

Chen Hanyu bit her lip. "No, really. By the way, are we still doing our thing in the morning? I feel like that doesn't hold much significance for you anymore." She started to change the subject.

Ren Zhong shook his head. "Of course we'll continue. Even if I work alone in the morning, I can still earn at least a few hundred points. Every bit counts. And..."

"And what?"

"And I promised Yu Jin that I would take him under my wing. I never go back on my word; I do what I say."

"Yeah."

"Including the promise I made to you; I won't break it either. I'm giving you a clear new promise now. Although you don't want to tell me yet, I already have some guesses in my mind, so I won't expose it for now. Anyway, Spark Resources and I are only in a relationship of mutual exploitation, and Yang Bingzhong is just farming me like an insect. I have no intention of being loyal to him. What I pursue is something Yang Bingzhong can never give."

Ren Zhong added a thought he couldn't easily voice: He now even believed that Yang Bingzhong was the root of all evil responsible for the vast majority of tragedies in Spark Town. How could such a person not be killed?

Chen Hanyu: "Ah..."

"Forget it. In any case, no matter who your enemy is, as long as they have truly committed a wrong, I will help you make them pay the price."

Chen Hanyu trembled, and a smile gradually bloomed on her face again. "Yeah!"

Watching her smile, Ren Zhong secretly thought he could be considered a master of backstabbing. Within an hour, he had defected from the professional squad—which barely counted as backstabbing Lin Wang—and was already preparing to backstab Yang Bingzhong, who had just begun to recruit him. Even Lu Bu would have to call him a pro.

***

"Thank you for your trust, Mayor Ma. Especially considering I’ve just signed a professional contract with Yang Bingzhong," Ren Zhong said, smiling as he took the data storage disk handed to him by Ma Dafu while sitting at the tea table.

Ma Dafu shook his head with a smile. "You already saw me make a fool of myself last time; I won't fall into the same pit twice. And regardless of what plans you have, your acceptance of this professional contract was something I hoped for anyway. If my relationship with Yang Bingzhong wasn't so much less cordial than that of other mayors and reclamation company bosses, I would have wanted to push you forward myself."

"Given Yang Bingzhong's style, starting tomorrow, he will make a big splash promoting your situation. The news that Spark Town has finally produced its fourth professional squad in recent years will spread to the ears of the wastelanders. Then you will be famous. No matter what timing you are waiting for or what plans you have, at least I’ll have a contingency plan to fall back on."

Ren Zhong sipped his tea. "Mayor Ma, you really do trust me. By common sense, you should be worried that I’ve been bought off by the benefits Yang Bingzhong gave me, right?"

Ma Dafu chuckled. "I've always had a good eye for people. Of course, I believe that a genius mecha fighter who would go without reserve, even sacrificing his sleep, just to help a lowly boy, must be of the same kind as me. Right?"

"As expected, nothing can escape your eyes."

"Nonsense! My guards are the ones clearing you to leave every morning! If I wanted to know what you were doing within ten kilometers in the wilderness, all I’d have to do is check the central surveillance."

"Ha..." Ren Zhong laughed awkwardly. He had been having such a good time playing word games with this old calculator that he had forgotten that detail. My apologies.

Ma Dafu: "Besides, I have no one else to rely on but you all now. My time as mayor has actually been quite a failure."

Ren Zhong: "It is not a crime of war."

"Huh? There’s no war."

"Uh... by the way, I'm a bit curious. Why did you say earlier that if I asked Yang Bingzhong for the exploration map, it would be in vain, and that only you have it in the entire town?"

"Because Spark Town was built by my father."

"Your father was truly a remarkable man, willing to give up a comfortable urban life to come here and build a habitat for the wastelanders."

Ma Dafu shook his head. "It was just a ridiculous act of self-redemption. The debts the old man incurred in his madness are never-ending, and his son and granddaughter have to keep paying them."

"What?"

"Nothing. It's getting late, you should go. Remember to take my daughter's vehicle. No one in the town can monitor her car."

"Understood."

***

Ma Xiaoling's voice came faintly from the front. "Making me a porter and always keeping things from me! So annoying! This is too much! Ren Zhong, don't tell me you're my dad's illegitimate son?"

Ren Zhong, arms around her waist, rolled his eyes. "You really have an imagination."

In a sense, if one calculated by generation, Ren Zhong felt he was at least the eighteenth-generation ancestor of Ma Xiaoling and her father. Ma Xiaoling really knew how to inflate her own status.