Gan Shuo fell silent. He did not refute Zhen Yang's words. He thought about it, and he realized the truth behind Zhen Yang's words.
The old man traced back to his initial decision, the decision why he fought the zombies. The reason he fought the zombies was to protect his family, his wife and his children.
Then Wen came to them, to the survivor group, and offered them shelter. Wen promised food and a place to stay, a safe place. He followed Zhen Yang and Liao Zhenya, then he was recruited to the armies.
He did not think that much as he thought they would fight dozens or maybe hundreds of zombies. Clearing area, scavenging food, and securing a place to stay. He never thought of fighting thousands of zombies.
However, his first victory was sweet for him. He did not expect to win and survive the battle. The older man regained his confidence until yesterday night's battle. The prolonged battle shook his confidence and he vented all his frustration to the Leader.
The prolonged battle taxed his mental as fear of losing his life grew deep inside.
Zhen Yang's words reminded him of his reason to fight. Only then the older realized that his anger toward the Lord was a form of his fear and concerns.
"Furthermore, it's not like Lord Tang did not do anything in the battle. He fought and he killed the King of the zombies, the zombie that controlled those millions of zombies," Zhen Yang continued, "That's the reason why we won. The zombies fought us madly, unorganized, that's why we can win."
Gan Shuo rolled his eyes, "I know, I watched the battle too. Just let me be, I need to vent my frustration, or else I may go crazy for real."
The older man admitted his mistake indirectly. As the oldest, he was too ashamed to admit his childish behavior openly.
'Look at the big picture, Gan Shuo. What if the Empire loses in the battle? The zombies will keep growing and soon the zombies will threaten me and my family. Tsk, even at my age, I can be this narrow-minded,' Gan Shuo thought to himself.
"That's the problem, Uncle Gan. You can't do that. The individual you are talking about is a Lord of many people. You should be careful with your words. Lord Tang is not our superior at our workplace, he is the Ruler of an Empire, and we are his subject. You may lose your life if you talk bad behind our Lord. I am talking about this to you for your good," Zhen Yang shook his head upon realizing Gan Shuo was not aware of his mistake.
"While you may resent him, many of our peers admired him. You should be careful, Uncle Gan," Zhen Yang emphasized his meaning clearly. This was a warning call, not just for Gan Shuo but for the others as well.
Gan Shuo snapped out from his thoughts. He looked around, they were sitting amidst the Tarriors who had been following The Lord longer than any of them. Fortunately, they could not hear his conversation as they were busy by themselves, chatting and eating the food.
'I hope no one hears, or I might be screwed,' Gan Shuo thought to himself.
"Ssshhh!" Liao Zhenya suddenly interrupted while motioning in the direction of the entrance with her head. Everyone on the table subconsciously looked in the same direction.
Tang Shaoyang came out of the building. Gan Shuo immediately turned around, 'Please don't come here! Please don't come here! Please don't come here!"
Of course, Tang Shaoyang did not come for them. He walked in another direction.
Gan Shuo was about to take a peek until someone touched his shoulder. The older man straightened his back and raised his head. Cold sweat soaked his back as he was at the edge. He thought it was Lord Tang who touched him.
"Don't worry, Lord Tang is not that petty to kill you from talking bad about him on the back," Gan Shuo heard a familiar voice.
He slowly turned his head to the back. He was greatly relieved it was Captain Cao, not Lord Tang. A long relieved sigh escaped his mouth.
"However, while Lord Tang may ignore your remark, not everyone could ignore it," Captain Cao smiled mischievously as he pointed in a direction.
Gan Shuo followed the finger and he saw a lion beastmen standing at the entrance of the main building, where the City Steele was. He recognized the lion, his name Kairu. One of the non-human commanders in the Empire. Rumors said that Kairu was the top 10 powerhouse of the Empire's force.
Kairu showed his shiny teeth, giving him a warning. Gan Shuo received the warning pretty well as he immediately looked down. His shoulders were tense and his body went rigid. He froze while looking at his own laps.
"Also, you know the Attribute Sense, right?" Captain Cao Yuntai changed the topic. Everyone looked toward him, including the scared Gan Shuo. They nodded their heads in response.
"Sense enhances our five senses, including hearing. Just like me, I can hear your conversation from there," Captain Cao Yuntai pointed at his table, three tables away from this one. If they had to measure the distance, it was around fifteen twelve to fifteen meters. Quite far, but the fact he could hear them, surprising everyone on the table. They were conversing in a moderate-low voice, after all.
"Meanwhile, Lord Tang's level should be double or even triple of mine. He should have a High Sense, far higher than mine. Do you think Lord Tang could hear your conversation?" The smile on Captain Cao's face became wider while Gan Shuo's complexion instantly paled. He was at the edge, about to break down.
Looking at Gan Shuo's expression, Captain Cao let out a giggle. He tapped Gan Shuo's back two times as he yawned, walking away from the table, "I am going to sleep~."
"Hah, you have become even more mischievous, Captain Cao," Wei Xi who was standing next to Captain Cao all this time commented before he looked toward Gan Shuo, "While Lord Tang Shaoyang does not mind you talk bad behind him, but we mind," Wei Xi spoke in a stern tone, "If you have something in your mind, come to us and ask. We will explain it for you, or you can ask your Squad Captain!"
"Yes, General Wei! I apologize for my unruly behavior!" Gan Shuo stood up and bowed his head toward Wei Xi.
"Mnnn, you don't have to worry about Kairu and Captain Cao. Nothing will happen to you as long as you don't break the rule," Wei Xi tapped Gan Shuo's shoulder two times before he followed after Captain Cao.
'This feels so natural, this is weird,' Wei Xi thought to himself upon realizing he just rebuked someone older than him.
Despite the assurance from Vice General Wei Xi, Gan Shuo was tense and also rigid. He kept glancing in the direction of Kairu. The lion beastmen was not alone now, Pride and Wen were with him.
Gan Shuo looked away, down at his unfinished food. He lost his appetite while the others were laughing at him.