Genshin Impact: Rise of the Desert

"Stop hitting me! Stop hitting me! I was wrong, I was wrong!"

"Awooo! Awooo! Ah-oh-hoo-hoo!"

"Stop fucking hitting me, okay?"

Ivan, mounted on his horse, watched as Esen and his men from the river brutally beat Zhang Hao and his gang of treasure hunters.

After beating a group of people half to death, the two of them returned to Ivan's side, panting heavily.

Ivan looked at Zhang Hao with some curiosity: "Is this the one you were talking about, the one who robbed people after exchanging sheep with Dolly?"

Ye Xian, panting heavily, said, "That's right, boss. Zhang Hao is the leader of this group of treasure hunters. He was captured by Sino and brought to Aru Village. I wanted to exchange four thousand sheep for them, but unfortunately, that damned Sino disagreed."

Ivan nodded, then looked at Zhang Hao in silence.

Ever since Ivan became the Chanyu of Fuluo and published "The Seven Grievances," Seno's reputation in the desert has been completely ruined.

Ivan didn't mind Sano's behavior, but that didn't mean his subordinates didn't. After gaining power, the Muscovites slandered Sano and spread rumors about him to everyone they met.

Look at Candice from Aru Village, and then look at Ivan from Moscow, descendants of the Red King. Which one of them didn't dedicate themselves to us desert people?

Look at Seno, a descendant of Hermanubius, yet he serves as a dog to the rainforest people! He's truly a man of his word, happy to be a dog!

Zhang Hao lay on the ground, pretending to be in excruciating pain, but in reality, he was not seriously injured.

Zhang Hao had studied swordsmanship at the Guhua School. Later, when his mother fell seriously ill, he went to the Yanshang Tea House to fight in underground boxing for six years. Most of the officers of the Fools Group were no match for him, and his resistance to blows was much stronger than that of normal people.

If it weren't for his brothers and his mother at home, Zhang Hao would have risked his life long ago. But since joining the treasure-hunting gang, gaining a group of brothers, and starting a family, Zhang Hao is no longer a worthless person.

He was once a young man who hated evil, but Zhang Hao's childhood dream was shattered after Ye Lan took over the Yan Shang Tea House and imprisoned everyone without asking any questions.

Upon hearing the devastating news, Zhang Hao's elderly mother sent him a letter, and from then on, he viewed officials in Liyue with prejudice.

Whenever he had the chance, Zhang Hao would kill one or two to vent his anger.

Ivan could also see that Zhang Hao was incredibly powerful, and only by joining forces with Esen could they possibly defeat him. Zhang Hao was hiding his strength all for the sake of his brothers.

This person is very similar to me, but not as good as me.

Ivan thought for a moment, dismounted from his horse, and kicked Zhang Hao: "Alright, stop pretending if there's nothing wrong. I have something to tell you, and then I'll let your brothers go."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hao immediately sprang to his knees and kowtowed to Ivan, saying, "Grandpa, all of this was my own decision and has nothing to do with these bastards. You can kill or punish me, but I will do it all myself."

Upon hearing this, the treasure-hunting gang, who were still rolling on the ground, all started cursing: "This has nothing to do with my brother! Rurik, if you've got the guts, kill me and let my brother go!"

"Big brother! Big brother, please don't!"

"Lock big~"

Dixia raised an eyebrow at Jade: "Look at her, she's still a loyal and righteous person."

Ivan laughed and said, "I'll give you three tasks, and then I'll give your eldest brother ten million Mora. How about that?"

Zhang Hao kowtowed repeatedly: "Grandpa! As long as you release my brothers, I'll give you three, or even three hundred!"

"Good!" Ivan clapped his hands. "We men don't beat around the bush. I need you to blend in with the refugees..."

Ivan's task was simple.

The idea was to have this group of people strip naked, blend in with the equally naked refugees, and then spread rumors among them.

Regardless of the means used, the refugees must be made to believe that the Star of Heaven will provide each household with resettlement allowances and compensation for war losses.

In normal circumstances in Liyue, the authorities would provide work relief to support the refugees, and while there might be resettlement allowances, they would be minimal.

Ivan instructed the group to remain hidden among the refugees and not to make any rash moves. The refugees were most likely to first encounter the pursuing Thousand Rock Army, and then, after leaving them, begin spreading rumors.

At the same time, they should sneak into Liyue Harbor with the refugees, disrupt the peace, and ideally incite a riot.

Then find an opportunity to drag one or two officials into the refugee camp and kill them, further escalating the conflict.

When Ivan is about to leave Liyue, he will release Zhang Hao and give him ten million Mora as compensation.

By then, Ningguang's funds will be greatly reduced, Ivan's goal will be achieved, and the treasure-hunting group will also have money.

A win-win situation for everyone—isn't that wonderful?

It's like Qin Shi Huang taking an enema—winning time and time again.

Ivan could have refused to pay, but he truly valued talent.

Zhang Hao, that kid, managed to escape from Sumeru City to Liyue without the authorities in just a few months, so he must be quite capable. Moreover, their slogan changed from "Bao'er's Treasure Thief Gang" to "Shenyu Valley Treasure Thief Gang," which means they must have broken away from their original faction.

When the Liyue authorities find out who's behind this, Zhang Hao will most likely come back to the desert to find his sugar daddy, since he'll have nowhere else to go.

After giving him some instructions, this group of men, who were truly loyal to Zhang Hao, took off their clothes without saying a word, picked up their guns, and kept looking back as they went.

"Brother, boys must protect themselves when they're out and about!"

"Boss, we're leaving now. Take care on your journey!"

"The prison is big~ The prison is big~"

Zhang Hao thus settled down in Ivan's army.

To his surprise, Ivan not only didn't treat him harshly, but the desert people around him also gave him a thumbs up.

In the eyes of the desert people, anyone who is willing to endure humiliation for the sake of their people is a strong person.

Four days later, Ivan finally arrived at the outskirts of Qiaoying Village.

Watching the farmers drop their tools and flee in all directions, Ivan revealed a cruel smile.

"We march north without a single Thousand Rock Army soldier left, and we can rampage through without any hindrance!"

"Brothers! Seize their tea leaves and seeds, burn their houses, and destroy their farmland!"

"For the sake of the Chanyu!"