Chapter 69: Birth in the Water

Chapter 69: Birth in the Water

The scar-faced giant relentlessly pursued Shenchi, who knew it was because he was the highest-ranked individual present.

Shenchi clumsily dodged the scar-faced giant's attacks, the pain in his lower body intensifying.

Shenchi braked and turned around; an ice net appeared before him, and dozens of icicles sprouted from the snow. As the scar-faced giant took a step forward, the icicles clung to its thighs and grew wildly, yet the giant was unaffected and even accelerated, crashing straight into the ice net!

The ice net shattered into countless ice shards. The scar-faced giant reached out to grab its delicious prey, but just as it was about to seize it, the prey vanished into thin air.

Shenchi reappeared behind it, his weapon now covered with sharp ice blades, brimming with lethal intent, and stabbed fiercely at its heart!

"Clang!"

The weapon broke upon entering the flesh by half an inch!

Shenchi couldn't stop his momentum and collided with the zombie's back. The scar-faced giant swung its arm backward, but Shenchi vanished again, leaving the giant grasping at empty air. Another cold weapon emerged from the same spot, aimed at its heart!

The scar-faced giant let out a silent roar, flailing its four claws wildly and rapidly. Shenchi lost another chance to attack and hurriedly left the area.

The zombies that Xiao Wang and the others were holding back seemed to hear the scar-faced giant's call and stopped chasing the vehicles, instead heading toward Shenchi.

Ming Jing hid nearby, his large eyes now like star-filled skies, bright, dark, and boundless. The second-level zombie he was staring at suddenly stood still, then clumsily picked up a triangular bayonet from the ground and turned to stab the scar-faced giant!

Ming Jing shouted, "Now!"

The scar-faced giant had no interest in its own kind; even when the second-level zombie approached, it ignored it until the bayonet pierced its chest. It paused for a moment, then belatedly slapped its chest, crushing the zombie.

Shenchi didn't have time to ponder how Ming Jing made the second-level zombie turn against its own. He gathered energy, and another weapon appeared in his hand. At the moment the giant released its grip, Shenchi struck, aiming for the same spot!

After landing the blow, Shenchi quickly fled. The scar-faced giant pulled out the bayonet from its chest, revealing a dark red heart that had long ceased beating. It then threw the bayonet at Shenchi!

Shenchi deftly dodged, but the scar-faced giant caught him with its right hand, sending him flying—

Shenchi crashed heavily into the thick snow, and as he rose, a warm flow suddenly gushed out below!

The scar-faced giant pounced, and Shenchi, already seeing stars and struggling to breathe, lacked the strength to dodge.

Cao Kun, who was dealing with a fourth-level zombie, yelled, "Quick, enter the space!" He rushed over, "Shenchi, hide in the space and don't come out!"

Cao Kun was thrown far away by the pursuing fourth-level zombie.

But Shenchi didn't listen. If he hid in the space now, everyone here would die.

Shenchi watched the approaching zombie, calculating the timing and the chances of success. He touched his belly, soothing, "Be good, hold on a little longer."

Ming Jing, sweating profusely and veins bulging on his forehead, hid in a tree. The zombies below were increasing in number, even beginning to collide with the tree.

Ming Jing focused solely on Shenchi. Four of the second-level zombies summoned by the scar-faced giant suddenly changed direction and grabbed its limbs.

In that instant, Shenchi's fingers transformed into sharp ice blades, and he charged forward like an arrow, stabbing the same spot where he had previously wounded it, grabbing the crystal core!

The scar-faced giant suddenly froze.

A gentle breeze blew, and the scar-faced giant toppled backward. The other four second-level zombies, as if waking up, lunged at Shenchi.

Cao Kun's eyes widened in fury. The fire dragon attacking the fourth-level zombie suddenly veered and crashed into the four second-level zombies!

Shenchi fell with the giant zombie, and the impact finally forced a cry of pain from him: "Ah!"

He writhed in agony on the ground, blood and amniotic fluid staining the snow beneath him.

Shenchi breathed deeply, trying to calm himself. Ming Jing's ethereal chanting gradually filled his mind, easing his agitation.

White mist seeped from his tightly clenched right fist into his body. Shenchi's body tensed as a surge of power flowed through him, until the last bit of the crystal core disappeared. The air around him twisted, and he vanished.

Cao Kun was engulfed in raging flames: "Shenchi!!"

A splash echoed as blood and filth stained the pool. Shenchi, drenched in sweat, lacked the strength to climb out and leaned against the pool edge, gasping for breath. The sensation of falling intensified, and the tearing pain grew stronger.

Shenchi lay on the pool edge, occasionally touching his belly and digging into the soil beside him, groaning in discomfort.

Just as he held his breath, pushing down and worrying about the child suffocating or getting infected, something suddenly dropped out.

Shenchi stared in disbelief, lifting a dirty infant from the water.

The baby's eyes were closed, covered in blood and amniotic fluid, its skin red and wrinkled, not particularly beautiful.

Yet, looking at her, Shenchi felt a lump in his throat, tears falling onto the child.

"Aaah... Aaah..."

Shenchi was startled, looking down at the crying baby, which hiccupped mid-cry. He felt something else drop out.

Shenchi retrieved the placenta, his nose tingling again, and hugged the child close.

It was all worth it...

Worth it.

Shenchi surveyed the surroundings, confirming it was his space and safe, then dragged himself to shore with the child.

He shook his head, trying to recall what he learned about newborn care—clearing the airway, disinfecting, cutting the umbilical cord, and wrapping the remaining part with gauze. Before he could clean the child, he collapsed beside it.

In the pitch-black mountains, silence reigned. Ming Jing, in a light sleep, suddenly frowned and opened his eyes.

An empty space before him suddenly filled with a tall figure, hair reaching the shoulders, carrying a thickly wrapped bundle.

Cao Kun, his head bowed, heard footsteps and looked up, seeing the person he had been imagining appear before him.

Shenchi looked into Cao Kun's bloodshot eyes, which seemed to hold endless unspoken words.

Shenchi suddenly felt a bit awkward. He glanced at his daughter in his arms and then at Ming Jing, who was smiling at him. He asked softly, "Don't you want to come and see this child?"

As soon as Shenchi finished speaking, Cao Kun sprang up like a wound-up toy, rushing over and pulling Shenchi into his embrace.

Shenchi stiffened all over.

Cao Kun's voice was hoarse as he whispered, "Don't move."

Shenchi, unusually compliant, stood still, feeling the coldness of the other's embrace gradually warm up.

Cao Kun buried his head in Shenchi's neck, inhaling his cool scent, and tightened his grip. He began to complain, though it was unclear whom he was blaming. His voice was low, but the words carried a sense of regained treasure, "Twelve hours, you were gone for twelve whole hours..."

Shenchi's nose tingled. He didn't know if he was being presumptuous, but he knew that he liked this hug and these words.

Unable to resist, Shenchi gently rubbed his nose against the top of Cao Kun's head.

The baby between them moved uncomfortably and, finding no relief, let out a loud cry.

Cao Kun slowly released his embrace but kept one hand loosely around Shenchi's waist.

He looked down at the crying baby, swallowed hard, and then glanced uncertainly at Shenchi's flat stomach. After a moment of silence, he suddenly burst out laughing, "Amitabha, good fortune indeed! Brother Shen, father and daughter are safe; there will surely be blessings in the future!" Ming Jing leaned over to look at the baby in Shenchi's arms, "An'an looks so good! Brother Shen, can I hold her?"

An'an's full name was Shen Pingan. Since the beginning of the year, these two had been asking Shenchi about the baby's name every few days. Irritated by their inquiries, Shenchi named her "Pingan," hoping she would have a life of peace.

Cao Kun wouldn't allow Ming Jing's request; he hadn't even held his own daughter yet.

He took the baby, holding her as he had learned in class, mindful not to jostle her. He reached out to touch her little face, which felt soft and delicate. Afraid of hurting her, he barely touched her skin.

An'an paused her crying when touched, her dark eyes fixed on Cao Kun. Just as he thought she had stopped, she started crying again.

Ming Jing poked his head over, trying to amuse the baby, but seeing no effect, he asked, "Is she hungry?"

Shenchi was taken aback, realizing he hadn't fed the baby yet.

Ming Jing could tell from his expression and asked if he had milk and hot water. He offered to prepare the formula.

Shenchi no longer hid anything. With a wave of his hand, a rugged off-road vehicle appeared before them. It was too cold outside, and water would freeze instantly, making it unsuitable for feeding the baby outdoors.

"Amitabha! Amitabha!" Ming Jing exclaimed excitedly.

Shenchi got into the driver's seat, started the car, and turned on the heater. They would have to spend the night here. Fortunately, Shenchi had recently switched to winter-grade gasoline and added antifreeze, ensuring the car's components wouldn't be damaged by the cold.

As the car warmed up, Shenchi took out a backpack and a thermos, both filled with essentials for the baby.

Ming Jing wasn't exaggerating when he said he had experience caring for infants; he had genuinely looked after a two-month-old baby and attended several classes. Now, he skillfully prepared the formula.

After mixing the milk, Ming Jing quickly put the bottle to An'an's mouth. She immediately stopped crying, smacking her lips and sucking away.

The baby was starving and finished the bottle quickly, still savoring it as if she hadn't noticed. Her cheeks glowed red under the dim light, and she fell asleep softly in Cao Kun's arms.

Cao Kun's heart melted, wanting to kiss her but knowing he was dirty. Instead, he gently brushed his cheek against the blanket.

Ming Jing asked, "How much does An'an weigh?"

Shenchi realized, "I haven't weighed her yet."

Ming Jing rubbed his hands together eagerly, "Then give me An'an, let me estimate!"

Cao Kun teased, "Oh, Master, you're an expert now?"

Ming Jing proudly raised his eyebrows.

After taking the baby, Ming Jing gently bounced her and confidently stated, "Including the blanket, she weighs 10 pounds and 2 ounces. I estimate the blanket is about 5 pounds, so An'an weighs 5 pounds and 2 ounces, slightly light but within normal range."

Ming Jing carefully checked Pingan's condition and added, "She seems fine, but we'll do a thorough check once we reach the safe zone!"

Author's note:

Thank you, "aling," for the 29 bottles of nutrient solution. Love you, kisses!