110: Chapter 110 Dominating the Golden Triangle: When Fear Becomes the Rule

The lightning-fast change of ownership in East Shan State was like a super Hurricane, turning this land of the Golden Triangle, which had been in chaos for half a century, upside down.

Once, this was a paradise for evil. Warlords carved up the land, drug lords ran rampant, and telecommunications fraud parks sprouted everywhere like poisonous mushrooms. As long as you had a gun, you were a king; as long as you had money, you could buy a life.

But now, the rules have changed.

Because an unreasonable and even more heartless "Sovereign" has emerged here.

In former "Cities of Sin" like Mong La and Tachileik, those swaggering private militias with guns and tattoos can no longer be seen on the streets. In their place are Kokang National Army patrols, dressed in black uniforms and as disciplined as robots.

Those once-arrogant minor warlords and drug lords have either vanished like the Shan State Army, their ashes scattered to the winds, or they have fled in terror. They fled into the deep mountains of Thailand and Laos overnight, clutching their money boxes, fearing that if they were a step too slow, that terrifying "Black Army" would come to their door and light them up like human lamps.

There were also those quick-witted ones, like a Tusi in Nanban County, who took the initiative to change flags before Zhang Cheng's army arrived. He brought the county's household registers and land deeds, kneeling by the roadside to welcome the royal army. Now, he has transformed into the county magistrate of the autonomous region. Although he no longer holds military power, he has at least saved the lives and fortune of his entire family.

In the Golden Triangle, the name "Zhang Cheng" is no longer just a person's name, but a symbol.

To criminals, it means "Destruction." To ordinary people, it means "Order."

Supported by the powerful infrastructure maniacs of Dragon Country, the changes in the newly occupied areas are occurring daily.

What was a potholed dirt road yesterday has been leveled by engineering teams today, covered with gravel, and rolled over by steamrollers; tomorrow, it might be a wide asphalt road. A village that was pitch black yesterday saw Dragon Country's power workers arrive with utility poles today; the moment the electricity was turned on, the cheers from the entire village were louder than New Year celebrations. Patients who could only wait for death at home yesterday were sent to temporary aid stations today, where Dragon Country's doctors treated them and gave them medicine for free!

This earth-shattering transformation quickly turned the common people, who initially harbored fear toward their "new master," into Zhang Cheng's most loyal supporters. Whoever lets them live a good life is the one they acknowledge!

Meanwhile, at the border crossings, an even more soul-stirring "Great Migration" was underway.

More than twenty thousand Dragon Country compatriots who were rescued began returning home in batches after preliminary rest and screening.

On the port bridge, crowds of people surged. Most were dressed in rags and were skin and bones, but every face bore tears and smiles of having survived a disaster.

"Thank you! Thank you, Commander Zhang!" "We're going home! Wuwuwu..." "I will repay this kindness in my next life even if I have to be an ox or a horse!"

As countless people passed through the checkpoint, they would instinctively turn around, face the direction of Pangkham, and bow deeply, some even kneeling and kowtowing.

On the other end of the bridge, Dragon Country's armed police soldiers, doctors, and volunteers were already standing by. Flowers, hot porridge, cotton clothes, and the heart-wrenching cries of relatives formed the most touching scene in the world.

These images spread across the world through media lenses. Zhang Cheng's prestige in the hearts of the Dragon Country people soared like a rocket, making him a well-deserved "National Hero."

Inside the Bangkok Camp, Zhang Cheng stood before the floor-to-ceiling window. He looked at the system panel where points were frantically ticking up due to "rescuing compatriots," "restoring order," and "winning the people's hearts," as well as the massive amount of real-world resources supported by Dragon Country, his heart filled with grand ambition.

Now, sitting on the entirety of Northern Myanmar and East Shan State, with a population of millions under his rule, strong soldiers, sturdy horses, and ample food and funds, he was no longer a minor warlord who needed to watch others' expressions, but a true regional hegemon!

"Sovereign," Old K appeared behind him like a ghost, holding the latest intelligence. "The Southern Line military government and the Northwest Line Kachin Independence Army have stopped all provocative actions after our main Eastern Front corps moved west. Their troops are retreating and building defensive fortifications. Clearly, they are terrified and have switched to a full-scale turtle-shell defense."

"Hiding in their shells?" Zhang Cheng chuckled, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. "Do turtles think they're safe just by shrinking into their shells? Fine, it gives us time to catch our breath and digest our gains."

He turned and walked to the giant map of Southeast Asia. His gaze did not linger on Northern Myanmar, which had already turned green, nor did he care about the lingering enemies in the south. Instead, it crossed mountains and plains, heading straight south, fixed firmly on that azure sea—the Andaman Sea, the Indian Ocean!

There was the true chessboard of the great power game. There was the strategic breakthrough point that Dragon Country dreamed of.

"Old K."

"Present."

"Tell Zhao Gang that we can start discussing the next topic." Zhang Cheng's finger pressed heavily on the location of "Kyaukpyu Port" on the map. "Regarding the possibility of 'jointly maintaining the safety of the Indian Ocean shipping lanes,' and... how to find a home for our 'Navy' there."

A red light suddenly flashed in Old K's Electronic prosthetic eyes: "Navy? Sovereign, we currently don't have..."

"Not having it now doesn't mean we won't have it later." Zhang Cheng interrupted him, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. "As long as the points are in place, let alone a navy, I can even conjure up an aircraft carrier for him!"

"The southern military government, the KIA in the northwest, and even the Eagle Sauce behind them, are all just stepping stones on my path to that great sea."