Chapter 77: The Majestic Yanling

Chapter 77: The Majestic Yanling

For lunch, Zhou Yun personally prepared several of Yao Huan's favorite dishes. The young people, accustomed to household chores since childhood, worked quickly and efficiently, and soon the meal was ready.

The lunch was pleasant, with Qin Sheng's sweet talk making Yao Huan very happy, continuously discussing matters about Beiming.

Although Guan Yuanfeng spoke little, he paid close attention to the conversation between Yao Huan and Qin Sheng, quickly understanding the situation there and piecing together what Zhou Yun had done after he left.

First, he approached the Qin brothers to sell medicine, then went to sea. Upon returning, their base was seized by a criminal organization, which they reclaimed, even taking over a prison farm to use as a medicinal garden. They also established a Wood Psychic Abilities Guild to attract and recruit people to cultivate mutated herbs.

No wonder Mr. Yao Huan was so captivated by it.

Even he himself felt that the Central Base was rife with intrigue, with every action bogged down by cumbersome procedures and the need to balance various interests, which was exhausting. Only in the past few days, with Zhou Yun's arrival, did he feel a bit of relief.

After the meal, Zhou Yun and Guan Yuanfeng compared schedules, planning to finalize the date for entering the mountains.

Qin Mu said, "City Lord Gong is very anxious. The meeting is over, and the joint declaration has been signed. He plans to return tomorrow. He asked me to consult Mr. Yao to see if he would like to fly back together."

Zhou Yun was somewhat puzzled: "With so many bases, large and small, Beiming shouldn't really stand out that much."

In his previous life, it was only after Qin Sheng took over Beiming City that it gradually prospered. From what he saw today visiting various bases, apart from the official large bases, small bases and private city lords also fully utilized their regional resources and pre-apocalypse industrial advantages to develop their bases. Beiming was not the most outstanding among them.

Could it be that after his illness, Gong Yanqing became overly sensitive, perhaps even paranoid?

Guan Yuanfeng said, "A lot happened at this conference that wasn't disclosed. It's different from the times when media and the internet were thriving, and information exploded. Nowadays, most city lords and governors are indeed unwilling to leave their spheres of influence, as there are too many uncontrollable psychics—from the perspective of base governors, the Survivors' Alliance Government is not trustworthy."

Zhou Yun thought of Ren Yuefei's situation, Guan Yuanfeng and the special operations team members rushing about these past few days, the Northern Liang City Lord personally selling goods, and the hurried withdrawal of exhibits from the exhibition hall today. He vaguely understood: "You're right." With people's hearts not united, he himself felt that people were unreliable, which was why he preferred to live in seclusion, lying low.

Yao Huan thought for a moment and said, "I'll go with City Lord Gong. Delaying a few more days might mean encountering bad weather. It's better to take advantage of the good weather now and travel with their entire delegation, which is much safer." Being older and more experienced, he deeply understood the importance of acting promptly. Thinking of Dou Zhijun, who had gone without a trace and never returned, he felt a sense of unease.

The thought that the Psychic Research Institute had long colluded with his disciple to steal his academic achievements, and that his room had been unknowingly filled with various monitoring devices, was chilling. If they knew he was leaving, and Dou Zhijun was fully aware of his research results, would they not resort to some means again?

These are troubled times. While it may seem that experts are well-treated and their benefits guaranteed, isn't it also a way to control talent and scientific resources?

Zhou Yun was somewhat worried: "I'm not at ease with you going alone." But having already come to the Central Base, missing out on Yanling, a natural treasure trove of medicinal resources, would be a great regret.

"Yanling has no useless grass." The main peak of Yanling has been a Taoist paradise since ancient times. An important branch of traditional medicine, Taoist medicine, relies on Yanling's unique herbs for its alchemical and medicinal schools. The "Thousand Gold Prescriptions" by the Medicine King were also written here during his seclusion.

This was also why his mentor did not oppose when he heard he was going to Yanling to collect herbs.

It's crucial to know that as we move into the summer and autumn seasons, all plants, zombies, and mutated creatures will enter a period of vigorous growth and maturity. Their psychic abilities are also constantly upgrading, constantly fighting, and what remains are very strong mutated monsters.

By that time, humanity, even psychics, will find it difficult to set foot in such places. Although it's not impossible to enter, it won't be as free and easy, losing much of the first-mover advantage, unlike Jiuyi Mountains where one can still pick up leftovers.

Qin Mu said, "I'll accompany Mr. Yao. Many orders and agreements need to be arranged immediately upon my return. These were previously written in the brochures, but in reality, equipment, production lines, and workers all need to be arranged. Of course, with the support of the Gong family now, it's much easier, but I still need to go back and arrange things. Zhu Zhuan is at home and doesn't understand the situation. I'm not really interested in Yanling either." Although psychic levels are important, there are so many things to arrange right now.

Qin Sheng said bluntly, "Only Doctor Zhou is interested, right?" During the days of training with the special operations team, who wouldn't turn pale at the mention of Yanling? Only Doctor Zhou, with his daring spirit, treats going to sea like a vacation, enters the mountains alone, and even makes a list to collect goods in Yanling!

Zhou Yun: "..."

Guan Yuanfeng couldn't help but laugh: "I'm interested."

Qin Mu said, "As the manager of Green Bird Pharmaceuticals, it's only natural for me to go with City Lord Gong and Mr. Yao. Xiao Sheng, who no one pays attention to, should go into the mountains for some experience."

Qin Sheng complained: "Brother, I'm so experienced I could vomit."

Guan Yuanfeng glanced at him, and Qin Sheng quickly corrected himself: "But Yanling is also quite good. Captain Guan gave me a pair of monkey claws as weapons, perfect for testing!"

Zhou Yun said, "You need more practical combat experience. I remember there was a large wildlife zoo in Yanling originally. After the apocalypse, these exotic wild animals rapidly developed in the deep mountains, with many mutations. It's not going to be easy."

Guan Yuanfeng glanced at him in surprise, wondering why he was so well-informed about the situation in Central Base despite being in Danlin City: "Indeed, the last time we went in, we encountered giraffes, kangaroos, zebras, ostriches, and even mutated elephants. They even had baby elephants, with incredibly tough skin and massive bodies, practically the kings of the forest. We avoided them directly and didn’t dare approach."

Everyone: "..."

Qin Sheng muttered, "It’s survival of the fittest. Only the strongest animals make it."

Yao Huan said, "Be careful. Herbs aren’t as important as people. There’s plenty of time ahead."

Qin Mu asked, "Then, Teacher Yao, should we hurry and pack your luggage? Is there anything you need to bring? Any equipment?"

Yao Huan shook his head, "Most of the equipment is back at my old home. The equipment here is provided by Central Base’s university. Leave it for the other experts. In times like these, nothing is particularly important anymore. What’s important are my notes and my book collection. These are what I need to take."

Zhou Yun knew that Yao Huan treasured his collection of rare medical books, some of which were even family heirlooms.

Previously, his students had suggested scanning them into digital versions, but in the end, not much progress had been made.

He comforted Yao Huan, "Teacher, just pick the most essential ones to take. The rest of the books, collections, and medicines can be packed up. We’ll move them to Captain Guan’s place first and find opportunities to transport them later."

Yao Huan noticed that Zhou Yun hadn’t even asked Guan Yuanfeng for his opinion, and Guan Yuanfeng seemed to take it for granted that Zhou Yun could make decisions about his house. He understood, "Alright, the sooner we leave, the better."

The four young men worked together, packing the most urgent items into two large storage boxes and three suitcases.

While packing, Zhou Yun found a moment to quietly ask Guan Yuanfeng, "What did the teacher talk to you about?"

Guan Yuanfeng replied, "Don’t worry, it was just casual conversation. He asked about my parents, what they used to do, what my main duties are in the special forces, whether it’s hard or dangerous, how much I get paid, and what the military’s current benefits are like. Then he asked about some military personnel he used to know, discussed the current governing style of the alliance officials, and speculated about the future situation."

Zhou Yun: "..."

Guan Yuanfeng chuckled, "I was afraid he’d ask about my psychic abilities, like how dual-types function, or if I had any unique methods for leveling up my abilities. I was even thinking about how to dodge those questions, but he didn’t ask a single word about it."

Zhou Yun coughed lightly and asked, "So, is the alliance’s situation really that bad now?"

Guan Yuanfeng shook his head, "There’s a lot going on, and I’m too close to it to see clearly. But it’s always been like this—no matter where or what, people are divided into 'your side' and 'my side.' Whatever the other side supports, you oppose. Whenever you try to do something, someone suspects there’s some ulterior motive behind it. It’s exhausting."

Zhou Yun said, "Don’t overthink it. If you want to do something, do it. If not, just go home."

Guan Yuanfeng smiled, "You’re right."

After everything was packed and confirmed with Yao Huan, Qin Mu took the luggage back to the hotel that evening, loading it onto the plane in advance and confirming with City Lord Gong that Yao Huan would be returning with him.

Early the next morning, Zhou Yun and Qin Sheng drove Yao Huan to the airport. Gong Yanqing and his large entourage were there, and when they saw Zhou Yun, they simply assumed he was Yao Huan’s student and didn’t think much of it.

Before leaving, Yao Huan privately instructed Zhou Yun, "If you see Dou Zhijun, tell him not to use my disciple’s name anymore."

"Also, be careful yourself. Don’t let your psychic abilities make you reckless in dangerous situations. Yanling is still quite dangerous. Weather experts say the weather is unpredictable now, and there are many wild beasts in the mountains. Encountering snow, rain, or flash floods can be very dangerous."

"I know this is a long-distance relationship for you, and it’s hard to part after finally meeting. But there’s plenty of time ahead. Return to Beiming sooner rather than later. He’s a good kid, responsible and upright. But in these chaotic times, survival matters more than love."

Zhou Yun laughed awkwardly, "Teacher, do I really seem like the type to be love-struck?"

Yao Huan said, "Before meeting him, I thought you’d made progress over the years. But after seeing you together, I realized you might have only improved to chase after him."

Zhou Yun: "..."

After seeing Yao Huan off, Zhou Yun felt a weight lifted from his heart. He and Qin Sheng headed back to Xiayuan.

Guan Yuanfeng had already arranged for Tang Anchen and a few other team members to move Yao Huan’s remaining belongings and lock up the place.

After preparing everything they needed—tents, weapons, binoculars, compasses, first aid kits, and camping generators—and gathering everyone who would be entering the mountains, Guan Yuanfeng finally had time to enjoy his vacation.

=========

The high-level meeting room of the Psychic Research Institute.

"Green Bird Pharmaceuticals managed to get Yao Huan to publicly support them, and now Yao Huan has already returned to Beiming with Gong Yanqing. Why are we always so slow to respond to these developments? Weren't we supposed to maintain contact with Yao Huan's disciple?"

The presiding elder said coldly.

The curly-haired researcher responded, "Yao Huan's disciple urgently contacted us the night before last, saying there was an emergency. But by the time our people arrived, we couldn't reach him anymore. When we tried to enter Yao Huan's residence, we were discovered by psychics, and high-level ones at that. Our people had no choice but to retreat."

The elder let out a cold laugh, "Why wasn't this reported?"

The curly-haired researcher replied, "At the time, we thought it was just about the disciple stealing materials and that Yao Huan had set a trap. We decided to cut ties and wait to see how things developed. We didn't expect Yao Huan to attend Green Bird Pharmaceuticals' new drug launch a few days later and then swiftly head to Beiming."

The elder laughed in anger, "What, when did you steal Yao Huan's materials again? Oh, it must be that drug for chronic gastric ulcers released last month, the one with mutated herb extract. Mutated fennel is relatively easy to obtain, yet you still needed to steal Yao Huan's materials to release it?"

The curly-haired researcher remained silent for a moment before saying, "Our own research has also made progress. We just referenced Yao Huan's ancient prescriptions. His disciple said his formulas were copied from ancient books. After all, we don't have access to those ancient medical texts."

The elder sneered, "No wonder they are adamant about not cooperating with us. Is the disciple still unreachable?"

The meeting room fell silent.

The elder said, "It's likely the Gong family intervened. This is about curing an illness. If Green Bird Pharmaceuticals could cure Gong Yanqing, he wouldn't have come to Central Base for treatment. Now with Yao Huan's involvement and Green Bird Pharmaceuticals' focus on mutated herbs, it's highly possible they can stabilize his condition. The military originally intended to keep Gong Yanqing in Central Base. I thought it was a sure thing. Ling Dingxiu called me this afternoon, quite displeased."

A female researcher whispered, "Why is so much importance placed on such a small southern base? Although the Survivors population has exceeded 100,000, it's still just a small private base. Wouldn't it be easy for the military to take control? If we're talking about coastal bases, there are two major official bases: Jing Nan and Lin Dong."

The elder said, "Those two bases are nominally official, but Central Base can't control them. Ren Yuefei was assassinated but survived and returned. Beiming is definitely a priority for Central Base to control."

"The post-apocalyptic weather is harsh, and there aren't many habitable bases. Other bases control resources, but when it comes to living conditions, these smaller bases are more comfortable."

"How is the progress at the Dark Valley laboratory?"

The elder moved on to the next topic.

A researcher reported, "Equipment collection is going smoothly. Many bases have donated to us, and some psychics have also contributed. The hardware part is about halfway done, but we encountered a zombie horde. Not to mention, mutated creatures often disturb us at night. It's hard to find people willing to work outdoors for long periods, and even our current workers are starting to hesitate. Can we get more military resources? It's difficult to make progress on our own."

The elder said, "Continue recruiting workers under the guise of mining, and offer high salaries to attract psychics. Recruit from other small bases, but don't draw attention. Don't count on the military; Ling Dingxiu just got angry with me this afternoon. There's no way he'll agree."

The researcher paused, then continued, "Talent acquisition isn't going well. Major bases treat researchers as treasures, offering them generous benefits. Transportation is inconvenient, and many bases are deliberately delaying network repairs. It's hard for us to connect with truly talented researchers."

The elder remained silent for a while, then said, "Focus on building up Dark Valley first. Talent isn't something that can be acquired overnight. The joint convention has been signed, so the network should be up soon."

He slowly added, "Also, start quietly stockpiling large amounts of antibiotics, anti-infective drugs, and surgical and emergency medicines like hemostatics, analgesics, and anesthetics."

"It would be even better if we could acquire Green Bird Pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, you let Yao Huan slip away. Gong Yanqing moved so quickly; he must have sensed something was wrong."

The meeting room fell silent again. Someone asked, "Are we going to war?"

The elder said, "It's inevitable."

"After the joint convention, those who don't comply, refuse to sign, or cooperate will likely face zombie hordes or similar events. They'll either be annexed, attacked, or compelled to seek the alliance's help."

"Those who play these games are ruthless."

=====

Yanling stood majestic, with a vast sea of clouds in the distance and mountain peaks stretching across the horizon like a winding dragon through the mist.

The exploration team led by Guan Yuanfeng and Zhou Yun was climbing the main peak.

It was already August, but as soon as they entered the deep mountains of Yanling, the temperature dropped sharply.

Leading the way on the mountain path was Tang Anchen, who, along with Qin Sheng, formed the vanguard. One used earth manipulation, while the other wielded a blade, smoothing out the uneven and treacherous paths, clearing the vines, thorns, branches, and wild grass that had overgrown the path after a recent rain.

Guan Yuanfeng stood at the rear of the group, keeping a close eye on everyone's movements while stealing a quick glance at Zhou Yun. Seeing that Zhou Yun was still wearing the tactical vest given to him after entering the mountains, walking with Duoduo and Comet, and explaining the medicinal properties of the herbs they encountered along the way to Duoduo, Guan Yuanfeng felt a bit more at ease. He then turned to speak with Ren Yuefei.

"We've been here many times. Up ahead, there's a wildlife observation station and an environmental monitoring station with buildings that can be used for overnight stays. We've reinforced the walls, set up sentry posts, and stored some supplies and weapons inside, making it relatively safe."

Ren Yuefei nodded, "That's true. When we go out to sea, we also secure a safer haven first, stationing guards on duty so we can arrange for larger ships to set sail daily. Last time I heard, massive creatures have begun to emerge in the sea. Even large ships may find it challenging. If this continues, humanity will need to continuously upgrade their psychic powers to protect the bases."

Guan Yuanfeng agreed, "I can sense that psychics are also improving, but most psychics are quite comfortable in the bases, unlike the mutated plants and animals that must grow stronger or perish in the harsh natural environment."

Ren Yuefei lowered his voice, "Do you feel that the temporary safety in these bases and the surface-level peace between them won't last?"

"When the apocalypse suddenly struck, communication and transportation were cut off, zombies roamed outside, and psychics had just awakened, very fragile. Everyone claimed their own territory, leaving each other alone. But after this City Lord Conference, mutual understanding might lead to conflict and annexation."

Guan Yuanfeng replied, "It's difficult to predict."

Ren Yuefei rubbed his fingers, "Maybe at some point, a small spark could set everything off, and boom."

Guan Yuanfeng remained silent.

Ren Yuefei continued, "Honestly, the fact that the City Lord Conference at Central Base could be held is largely thanks to you, a high-level dual-system psychic, standing at the peak of combat power. But now that the joint declaration has been signed, with networks and communications restored, psychics will likely communicate across bases, no longer loyal to any single base."

"The Survivors' Alliance Government will probably target your military next, rotating base commanders for defense assignments. If I refuse to obey the alliance's orders, will you come after me?"

Guan Yuanfeng: "..."

Ren Yuefei laughed.

Guan Yuanfeng said, "For the sake of the alliance's overall situation, there won't be arbitrary changes to governors, especially since you're a military base. Ensuring energy and industrial security, the main task now should be fully restoring production in industry, agriculture, and technology."

Ren Yuefei replied, "Everyone can spout grand principles. But the struggle for power never stops. When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked. The military factions are complex. I don't want to take sides, but in others' eyes, you and I are already on the same boat. Of course, I did it on purpose. At least this way, they won't dare send you to Jing Nan too quickly. I truly don't want to end up fighting you."

Guan Yuanfeng: "..."

Seeing Guan Yuanfeng's cold expression, Ren Yuefei couldn't help but laugh, "Alright, I won't spoil your vacation with such depressing talk."

He looked ahead as Comet suddenly dashed out like an arrow. Ren Duoduo exclaimed, "Comet?"

Zhou Yun said, "Don't worry, it must have spotted prey."

Sure enough, after a while, Comet returned with a wild rabbit in its mouth, wagging its tail and handing it to Zhou Yun. Zhou Yun took the rabbit and patted Comet's head, "Alright, I know you want a treat for lunch."

Duoduo asked curiously, "How do we cook the rabbit? Braised?"

Zhou Yun replied, "In the mountains, simplicity is best. Just stew or roast it. It's not like in Jiuyi Mountains where we had the convenience of hotels. No need to be fancy."

Tang Anchen ran over and took the rabbit, "Doctor Zhou, let me handle it. I'll clean and season it, wrap it in mud, and have Comet roast it with a burst of fire. It'll be delicious."

Qin Sheng interjected, "Isn't that just beggar's chicken? Spicy hot pot would be better."

Tang Anchen said, "Comet doesn't eat spicy food."

Qin Sheng replied, "We still have half a day to reach the observation station. I bet Comet can catch ten or eight more." As soon as he finished speaking, Comet dashed out again, returning this time with a pheasant. Tang Anchen strung it together with the rabbit and hung it on his backpack rack, discussing with Qin Sheng how best to cook it.

Meanwhile, Zhou Yun picked a handful of ripe red mountain berries and handed them to Ren Duoduo.

Ren Yuefei said to Guan Yuanfeng, "Being out with Doctor Zhou makes life seem so simple, reduced to just three meals a day. It's really relaxing. Look, everyone was quite tense before, but now it feels like a picnic."

Guan Yuanfeng smiled slightly, "Stay alert."

Ren Yuefei then asked, "If there's a chance in the future, why don't you and Doctor Zhou come to Jing Nan Base? At least life would be peaceful there."

Guan Yuanfeng remained noncommittal.