Chapter 72 Reunion

Chapter 72 Reunion

In the north, it was already the sweltering summer season. Over a month of continuous high temperatures had melted much of the snow and ice in the northern regions, causing floodwaters to rush down mountains and into lower-lying cities, occasionally accompanied by torrential rains.

The three adults and one infant changed into light summer attire. Shenchi had cut his long hair, and his belly was now flat. Dressed in a white T-shirt and work pants, with a trendy buzz cut, he looked much sunnier.

They got out of the car, stowed it away, and switched to another vehicle that had been stored in their space for months before continuing their journey. As they approached their destination, Shenchi placed the child back into the space.

Luye City, a thousand-year-old imperial capital and one of the world's four holy cities, was rich in culture and folklore.

During his junior year winter break, Shenchi didn't go to work or return home but instead came to Luye. He walked around and sat on a flower bed opposite the Sui-Tang Luye National Relics Park, watching people of all kinds come and go, discussing various topics in different languages. He truly felt the changes brought about by the passage of time, realizing that things were not static but evolving.

Unlike other safe zones, the new capital's safe zone had many mobile vendor carts parked neatly on both sides, enthusiastically inviting passersby to buy goods, rent vehicles, or join them in killing zombies.

Shenchi, Cao Kun, and Ming Jing, as unfamiliar faces and clean-cut appearances, immediately drew attention outside the safe zone. They calmly underwent thorough checks by staff in uniforms, who meticulously registered everything, including their car and its contents.

Inside the safe zone, the scene was bustling with activity. People milled about, chatting at a distance. Compared to the strict divisions in Yushan City, this place seemed more relaxed, with many newcomers not affiliated with local guilds.

The trio rented a room and inquired about the current situation in Luye from the staff. Although the staff member's knowledge was limited, they provided an overview of the new capital's current state.

Months ago, the melting of the South Pole caused global sea levels to rise, submerging coastal and low-lying cities, including the capital Kongji City.

Fortunately, the government had anticipated this event and dispatched earth and metal elementals to build flood barriers while organizing the relocation of citizens inland.

The journey was harsh, with severe weather and difficult conditions. Their vehicles broke down halfway, forcing them to continue on foot.

The cold weather reduced the zombies' mobility, but humans were similarly affected. Sometimes, while walking, they would suddenly be ambushed by hidden zombies, unable to even struggle.

This staff member wasn't from Kongji City but had heard many stories from those who made the journey. The most terrifying part was waking up to find someone stiff and unresponsive beside them, or someone silently disappearing.

One thing that spared them further hardship was the plague. Due to the climate, the plague did not spread widely in the north, and many were unaware it had occurred.

After relocating to Luye City, the two city populations quickly merged and reorganized. The Kongji Research Institute combined with the local institute and sent helicopters to search for researchers.

With the relocation, many people, including a dual-elemental, flocked to the new capital, leading to smooth progress and gradual recapture of territories.

The trio exchanged glances, surprised that the dual-elemental was indeed in the new capital.

Cao Kun asked, "I heard that the dual-elemental and her son both have earth and wood elemental abilities?"

"Yes," the staff member replied, "they were tested with specialized equipment. Not only do they both have earth and wood elemental abilities, but they are also Level Two elementals." He sighed, "Even in the apocalypse, being born right is still a skill."

Shenchi: "Who delivered them?"

The staff member paused, then laughed, "I don't know that, sir."

He hesitated, then whispered, "There's another rumor I'm not sure if it's true..."

Cao Kun looked at him and handed over a Level One crystal core, "Tell us, and you'll get another one."

The staff member happily accepted, "I heard they're researching how to extract energy from crystal cores to use as a new energy source!"

Cao Kun was slightly surprised but thought it might be possible.

After the staff member left, Shenchi quickly retrieved Ping'an from the space, worried she might wake up alone and be scared.

But when he picked her up, she was still asleep.

Cao Kun and Ming Jing became interested in the potential applications of extracting energy from crystal cores, considering military and civilian uses. They also pondered the source of crystal cores—what would happen if the zombie population dwindled?

After a brief rest, they ventured out. Many people were still discussing the dual-elemental. They found a restaurant, where the staff greeted them politely and led them inside.

These days, those who could afford to dine in restaurants were either powerful figures or formidable elementals.

"First, let's settle in..."

As they spoke, four people emerged from a private room. Shenchi froze upon hearing the voice, looking up in disbelief at Jiang Zhendong!

Jiang Zhendong sensed someone staring at him and approached, smiling, "Do I know you?"

Shenchi remained silent, staring at him. Cao Kun stepped forward, blocking Jiang Zhendong's view, and smirked, "Can't look if we don't know you?"

Jiang Zhendong maintained his good-natured smile, his hawk-like eyes fixed on the young man, "No, I just think this brother looks familiar, like an old friend. See for yourself—"

He waved and called out, "Xiao Tian!"

"Coming!"

A young male voice responded, and a youth in casual suit emerged from around the corner, wiping his hands with a handkerchief as he walked past the others, smiling, "Ready to leave?"

Jiang Zhendong nodded, nudging him, "Look, aren't you two very similar?"

Shen Tian followed Jiang Zhendong's gesture and his expression changed instantly.

Shenchi watched Shen Tian, who buzzed around like a fly, and said coldly, "Long time no see."

Shen Tian gritted his teeth, "Shenchi!"

Jiang Zhendong smiled, "You really know each other? He shares your surname; perhaps he's family? That's quite rare."

Shen Tian sneered, "Indeed, quite rare. I never expected you to survive this long."

Shenchi retorted, "I didn't expect you to still be a bootlicker in the apocalypse."

Shen Tian, enraged, shouted, "What nonsense are you spouting?!"

He raised his hand, and a water python lunged directly at Shenchi—

A slight curve appeared at the corner of Shen Tian's mouth, but in the next second, a sudden chill descended upon the narrow space, instantly freezing the entire hallway. The ferocious water python froze inch by inch at an alarming speed, stopping its movement, and finally, with a loud bang, it shattered into countless ice shards!

Throughout this process, Shenchi merely snapped his fingers.

Jiang Zhendong narrowed his eyes slightly. The staff members, caught in the crossfire, hugged themselves and shivered together. Countless invisible wind blades sliced through all the ice, causing a tinkling sound throughout the hotel. When the wind blades reached Shenchi, they suddenly sparked and vanished.

The middle-aged man behind Jiang Zhendong's face changed slightly.

The hotel manager arrived late, hurriedly trying to carefully persuade the guests. Those who came with the manager looked back and forth in disbelief before exclaiming, "Shenchi! Cao Kun!"

Everyone present turned to look.

Xia Yi exclaimed joyfully, "It really is you? I thought I was mistaken."

Xia Yi excitedly stepped forward to hug both of them, his eyes slightly red, "I knew you'd be fine."

Shenchi hadn't expected to meet again under such circumstances, so he smiled and returned the hug, "As long as you're alright."

Cao Kun also smiled, "Never thought you'd actually be here."

Hearing this, Xia Yi wanted to ask why but knew it wasn't the right time, so he shook his head, "It's a long story."

Shen Tian sneered from the side, "I thought you were relying on your own abilities to survive, but it turns out you still depend on men. What about that President Wang... Ah!"

Suddenly, Shen Tian's clothes caught fire, and he frantically tried to put it out. At the same time, a bolt of lightning struck towards Cao Kun, and the lightning and fire met mid-air, crackling loudly.

"Starting a fight here isn't a wise choice," the man standing beside Xia Yi, who had remained silent the whole time, suddenly said politely, "I suggest you take it outside. That way, you won't disturb my rare meal with Dr. Xia."

Jiang Zhendong smiled and withdrew his hand, "Just joking. Fighting within Luyi City would get us confined. We still want to invite Dr. Xia for a meal in the next few days." Jiang Zhendong looked at Xia Yi.

Xia Yi replied, "No need for a meal; just come to the Research Institute when you can."

Jiang Zhendong naturally agreed, and the group left the hotel. Shen Tian followed Jiang Zhendong reluctantly, and suddenly a voice echoed in his mind, "Your thoughts are wicked; beware of falling into the abyss of hell."

Shen Tian immediately exploded, "Who? Who's cursing me?!"

Jiang Zhendong frowned at his outburst.

Seeing Jiang Zhendong displeased, Shen Tian explained, "Someone just spoke in my head."

Jiang Zhendong sighed, patted Shen Tian's head, and glanced back at the hotel after walking a few steps.

Inside the hotel, Cao Kun asked, "What were you mumbling?"

Ming Jing smiled innocently, "Just a little trick."

The five of them sat down in a private room. The man beside Xia Yi, wearing a custom-tailored suit, his hair neatly styled with gel, and a faint scent of cologne, smiled at Shenchi and Cao Kun. He was very handsome, different from Cao Kun's rugged charm, more like a gentleman—elegant and refined.

"I know both of you, Mr. Shen and Mr. Cao. Xiao Yi often mentions you two. As for this gentleman..."

Ming Jing recited a Buddhist chant, "Just call me Ming Jing."

The man looked at him with interest, "Are you a monk?"

Ming Jing nodded.

The man asked, "From Jiade Temple?"

Ming Jing was surprised, "How did you know?"

The man smiled slightly, "From your accent, you're from Xiadu Province. I know four temples, and three of them don't use the name 'Ming,' so I guessed the last one."

"Xia Yi, a third-level clairvoyant," Xia Yi pointed at the man in the suit, "This is Gu Yibei, a fourth-level wind elemental."

Cao Kun responded with a meaningful "oh." Xia Yi's notebook was filled with "Gu Yibei," and Shenchi had mentioned that Xia Yi told him Gu Yibei was his boyfriend.

Actually, Xia Yi never said that; Shenchi made it up to explain why he needed to go to Qinyao Province to deceive Cao Kun.

"Oh?" Gu Yibei tilted his head and looked at Xia Yi, "Looks like you talk about me a lot. Why did you say there wasn't anything?"

"There's nothing, don't overthink it," Xia Yi blushed, confused by Cao Kun's knowing expression.

Cao Kun raised his glass to Gu Yibei, "Care for a spar sometime?"

Gu Yibei clinked glasses with him, "Of course."

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Thank you, "Tiao Tiao Tu," for the landmine. Muahs ^3^~