Dimensional Supermarket - Chapter 88

Under the cool moonlight, Ye Zhou once again takes the treasure that Claire and Ryan present to him. However, he can’t help but feel speechless when he looks at the carefully framed painting.

The painting’s technique isn’t bad, but it’s perhaps too realistic. The person depicted in it isn’t particularly attractive, so it lacks any true beauty.

At first, Ye Zhou didn’t want to accept the painting, concerned that others might think he has unusual tastes. But then he considers that things Ryan and the others give him must hold some value in this era. Perhaps this painting, too, is particularly valuable.

Since it’s likely something of worth, Ye Zhou decides to set aside his personal distaste and keep it for the sake of money.

Ye Zhou doesn’t pay much attention to Claire. He isn’t curious about the strange man, but from Claire’s attire, he can tell he’s another nobleman of “honorable” status. As such, Ye Zhou figures Ryan can handle him.

Among the kneeling worshippers, Ye Zhou notices knights in armor carrying long swords. He observes that there are far more people kneeling than before. A quick count reveals over 300 people—almost double the previous number of less than 200.

Ye Zhou glances at the dimensional box in his hand and realizes it’s time to leave.

The crowd is growing larger. If he stays much longer, a new religion might form around him. With this group of greedy people, it might become a cult.

After all, a god can’t watch over everything at all times. True power always lies in the hands of those who hold authority in the name of the god.

Even if the god doesn’t give them wealth or favors, they can still find countless ways to exploit faith for personal gain.

But Ye Zhou can’t allow that to happen. Before he leaves, he has to make arrangements for Kane.

“Kane.” Ye Zhou calls his name.

Kane, who has been kneeling before the crowd, quickly stands and approaches Ye Zhou with his head bowed.

In front of so many people, Ye Zhou doesn’t say much to Kane. He simply says, “When there’s no one around, come to the cliff.”

Kane responds, “Yes, my lord.”

Ye Zhou needs to ensure Kane’s safety once he leaves. For that, he needs Ryan to listen to Kane.

Of course, Ye Zhou can always kill Ryan and arrange for Kane to replace him. But that would require silencing the entire territory’s population.

Alternatively, he can force Ryan to completely submit to Kane.

However, loyalty doesn’t always last, and Ye Zhou isn’t sure how long he’ll stay on this plane. He might not be able to visit regularly, so the first option seems safer.

Ye Zhou turns to Kane and asks, “Who is that person?”

Kane quickly guesses who Ye Zhou is referring to. “That’s Ryan’s uncle, Duke Claire.”

Ye Zhou is taken aback. “The Duke…?”

Then he reconsiders. The Duke is a blood relative. If Claire acknowledges Kane after Ryan’s death, Kane will be safe, even if the people in the territory don’t approve.

Ye Zhou purses his lips and waves his hand, signaling Kane to leave. Ye Zhou then turns to leave as well, disappearing into the shadows.

Back in the woods, Ye Zhou tells Zou Ming and the others about his plan. Sitting on a rock, he rests his chin on one hand and uses a stick to draw on the ground. His expression is calm as he says, “Now the question is how to get Ryan killed.”

He doesn’t even furrow his brow as he says it.

Zou Ming offers, “I’ll do it.”

Ye Zhou shakes his head. “It needs to be more impactful. Something more justifiable.”

Everyone understands what he means.

Ye Zhou needs Ryan’s death to appear justifiable—everyone needs to believe Ryan’s death is deserved. It has to be clear that Ryan’s death isn’t cruel or unwarranted, but necessary for the greater good.

Sarah asks, “What crime has he committed?”

Ye Zhou answers, “In this era, it’s not considered a crime.”

This era lacks human rights. Only royal and divine powers matter. Nobles are allowed to abuse and kill slaves without consequence, since slaves are seen as property, not people with lives of their own.

“I’m worried that if I kill him for abusing slaves, it might provoke a backlash,” Ye Zhou explains. “Here, gods also have slaves, and the image of a god overlaps with that of the king.”

If Ye Zhou acts in ways that contradict a god’s image, people might see him as a false god—or a heretic.

He can leave and take Kane with him, but that would make everything he’s done for the slaves pointless.

Sarah understands. “Then make him go against the will of God.”

Ye Zhou sighs and leans against a tree trunk, speaking with a complicated expression. “That’s exactly what’s been bothering me.”

What actions would be considered going against God’s will?

Sarah thinks for a moment but can’t think of a suitable answer. “It’s really troublesome. Why don’t I just kill him tonight?” she suggests in a low voice. “I haven’t had human blood in a while.”

Ye Zhou gently pats her head. “No.”

Sarah sighs. “Why does it always have to be so complicated to kill someone?”

Ye Zhou thinks for a long while before coming up with an idea. “Let them kill each other. There’s Claire, right? If he kills Ryan, he’ll want to cover it up. And since he’s a noble—and Ryan’s blood relative—the royal family won’t let him off either. He’ll have to hide what happened. And the best way to do that… is to make it look like Ryan is still alive. Kane has leverage over him, and with the Moon God’s favor, and the protection of the slaves, Kane will be fine as long as he doesn’t do anything reckless.”

Ye Zhou plans to leave Kane with a pistol, explosives, and bullets. As long as Kane is careful, there shouldn’t be any issues.

This harsh plan is unanimously agreed upon by Sarah and Zou Ming.

Zhou Yuanhe, on the other hand, feels a chill running down his back as he watches the trio discuss Ryan’s fate so calmly.

They share a silent understanding. Despite their differences, they are all on the same page when it comes to what needs to be done.

For them, there’s little hesitation when it comes to killing someone who deserves it.

Zhou Yuanhe shudders and sits quietly on the other side. He has a growing sense of dread about his association with Zou Ming and now these two as well.

Ye Zhou, after finalizing the plan, takes a sip of water, seemingly unbothered. If Ryan were a good person—or even just an ordinary one—Ye Zhou wouldn’t have considered this.

But Ryan is a feudal lord who treats human life as insignificant. Moreover, he’s an obstacle to Ye Zhou’s goals.

So Ye Zhou doesn’t hesitate.

He isn’t about to let his “kindness” ruin everything for the slaves he has worked so hard to protect.

Before bed, Ye Zhou whispers to Zou Ming, “Have I changed too much?”

He feels like he’s become more ruthless, but he doesn’t know if that change is good or bad.

He still doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with what he’s done.

Zou Ming looks into Ye Zhou’s eyes and answers, his voice soft but firm. “You’ve changed a lot. In your own world, that might not be a good thing. But here, it’s a good thing.”

Ye Zhou glances up at the moon. “Go to bed early.”

Maybe, one day, he’ll become someone completely different. But change is inevitable, and no one can stay the same forever.