Chapter 137 On the Road

Chapter 137 On the Road

"The Xuanwu Volcanic Range?"

Jiang Rongqian could hardly believe his ears: "Do you still think we're living in peaceful times with easy travel? Even before the apocalypse, getting to the plateau was no easy feat! And now, with no satellites, communication is a nightmare, not to mention refueling—and there's just two of you! What are you going there for? Didn't you try to talk him out of it?"

Guan Yuanfeng: "..." He touched his nose: "Relax, we're both psychics—we can handle the wilderness. If things get bad, we can grab a chopper at Xining base." The idea of setting off on this long journey with Zhou Yun, who rarely ventures out, filled Guan Yuanfeng with quiet excitement.

Jiang Rongqian: "..." Knowing how strong psychics are, we ordinary folks have to think twice before leaving the base—and here you are, taking a trip! Five thousand kilometers! In the freezing snow, what’s even out there?

He reluctantly downloaded high-def military maps for them: "There are bases along the way, but you’ll need to detour for supplies and fuel—better stock up. Good thing your tricked-out car has solar panels—it’s safer. Use the network while you can to give the base commanders a heads-up, especially in the southwest—it’s your turf, but it’s remote and you’ve been too busy."

Guan Yuanfeng shook his head: "No need. It’s a sensitive time—people might think the alliance sent me to take over, or they’ll know I’m not in Abyss City and stir up trouble. We’ll play it by ear and handle things as they come."

Jiang Rongqian gave Guan Yuanfeng a puzzled look—was his brain still working? The usually rational and decisive Captain Guan—how come he’s bending over backward for Dr. Zhou’s impulsive trip?

Whatever. He adjusted the base station: "I’ll rig up a base station on your car—the drone will work. If you hit a big base, you can get online, but out in the wild, forget it. I’ve set up a radio—you two can use walkie-talkies. Stay safe."

Guan Yuanfeng nodded: "Got it. You handle things here. If there’s trouble, call Qin Mu or Shen Lan. For military stuff, ask Ren Yuefei—or Ye Yuqing if it’s serious. Ling Dingxiu’s not the sharpest, but he’s a decent fighter. But no one’s dumb enough to mess with us now."

Jiang Rongqian: "..." I know you’re at the top of your game. He had the techs give Guan Yuanfeng’s tricked-out car a full checkup.

With everything set, Zhou Yun handed Ye Yuqing’s follow-up care to Yao Lao. While they were gone, he’d only need acupuncture every other day to boost his acupoints and calm his nerves—his psychic powers were already active, so the rest was on him.

Yao Huan was very open-minded: "No problem, I’ll keep an eye on him. Psychics are tough, and he’s friendly—likes chatting to kill time."

Zhou Yun: "..."

Yao Huan said: "Go have fun. Young folks need to get out—staying together every day gets old."

Zhou Yun: "..."

After arranging everything, Zhou Yun even handed over the city lord's private seal to Zhu Zhuan. Qin Sheng was quite envious: "I really want to go and have fun too, I also want to see the Ice Ridge Plateau."

Qin Mu comforted him: "There will be chances in the future, now focus on leveling up, at least reach the fourth tier, so you won't be a burden."

Qin Sheng said: "Brother, you're talking about me, but you haven't been practicing much either."

Qin Mu said: "I have royal-grade shadow hemp, my leveling speed is much faster, now I'm stable at the third tier." He was eager: "I plan to spar with Ye Yuqing."

After arranging things in Abyss City, the two quietly took Comet and left at dawn, traveling low-key.

The highways around Abyss City had been recently repaired, and with the snow not having fallen for long, the roads were still passable. They headed north along the highway, planning to reach the Hailong base in the southwest first.

When they were still close to Abyss and Beiming, they didn't see any zombies. As they went further out, they started encountering hordes, but the vehicle was sturdy enough, or sometimes they let Comet out for a round, or Guan Yuanfeng would cast a lightning chain to disperse the zombie horde.

When mutant creatures came to offer themselves, they also took them, making outdoor barbecues.

They took turns driving for more than ten hours, detoured a bit, refueled at some abandoned gas stations along the way, and stopped by some small towns to replenish supplies and food. The two of them and the dog were incredibly powerful, going anywhere as if it were uninhabited. Occasionally, they encountered some armed bandits who coveted their good car, but Guan Yuanfeng's lightning and Comet's fire breath scared them off.

In winter, it gets dark early, and seeing that they couldn't reach the Hailong base today, they decided to find a gas station nearby to rest for the night before heading to the Hailong base the next day.

"There's a gas station ten kilometers ahead." Zhou Yun looked at the car's computer screen, Comet leaned over as if he understood, watching intently.

Guan Yuanfeng was driving: "Let Comet go down and check first." Based on the situation along the way, gas stations were the most likely places for car bandits to gather and ambush, often armed and with psychics.

Comet barked in agreement.

The car suddenly slowed down, Zhou Yun looked up sensitively: "What's wrong?"

Guan Yuanfeng frowned, "There's someone asking for help ahead. Don't stick your head out."

Zhou Yun looked out the car window and saw a motorhome on the roadside emergency lane, apparently broken down. Two men and a woman were holding a red and yellow scarf with bold words written in marker: "Broken down, help needed, king-level crystal core in return."

Zhou Yun chuckled, "The more they do this, the less likely anyone is to stop. Can't they just leave their car? It's getting dark, and walking without a car is indeed dangerous."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "I'll ask about the situation. Don't get out of the car or speak. Let Comet come to the front passenger seat."

Zhou Yun nodded, and Comet happily jumped from the back seat to the front.

Guan Yuanfeng stopped nearby, grabbed his long knife, locked the car, and approached the group.

The group was startled at first, but as Guan Yuanfeng approached—tall, imposing, with sunglasses, a long knife, and a gun at his waist—their surprise turned to caution.

After a brief conversation, the group handed Guan Yuanfeng a box containing the crystal core. He glanced inside, accepted it, and returned to the car, handing the crystal core to Zhou Yun. "They're a psychics team of five from the Sea Dragon Base, out on a mission to gather supplies. They can't afford to abandon their car. They promised us fuel and food if we tow them to the nearest gas station."

"The crystal core is king-level wood abilities, from an ancient tree's crystal core. They gave it to us upfront."

Zhou Yun knew they didn't need the supplies, but free help could backfire. He nodded and smiled, "Smart move. Offering the crystal core upfront builds trust and shows they're strong. They're not worried we'll take it and bolt."

Guan Yuanfeng slowly drove the car to the front of their motorhome and said to Zhou Yun, "Don't get out. I'll go tie the tow rope."

Zhou Yun nodded.

Guan Yuanfeng got out again, locked the car, opened the trunk to get the tow rope and tow strap. Zhou Yun noticed the group eyeing their car eagerly but not peeking inside, a sign they were seasoned outdoor missioners who knew not to pry.

Soon, the group secured their vehicle with the tow rope. Guan Yuanfeng returned to the car, started it, and towed them towards the gas station.

They soon arrived at the gas station. Guan Yuanfeng parked but didn't get out. The female team member came over to the driver's window and said, "Brother, we'll check first. Wait until we confirm it's safe before you come down."

Guan Yuanfeng acknowledged but opened the door to let Comet out.

The group was startled by the large mutant dog and instinctively reached for their weapons. Guan Yuanfeng said, "He's also checking. No need to worry."

Comet bolted into the gas station, instantly rousing a horde of zombies that roared and surged forward.

The team hastily drew their weapons, scrambling for cover to prepare for battle.

Comet deftly led the zombies to the open highway, away from the gas station, then unleashed a fire dragon.

Guan Yuanfeng calmly got out of the car and cast lightning at the zombies.

"Boom!"

The fire dragon and lightning collided, reducing the zombies to charred remains on the central greenbelt.

The five team members were visibly shaken by the display of power.

Guan Yuanfeng said, "Go ahead and check now."

The female team member smiled, "No wonder you travel solo, bro. You're a lightning psychic—total beast. And that dog? Insane. It's getting dark. Are you heading to the Sea Dragon Base too? Will you rest here tonight?"

Guan Yuanfeng replied indifferently, "Yes."

The gas station wasn't large, and the inspection was quickly completed.

Their tall, quiet captain, likely not one for words, had been letting the female member handle the talking. This time, he personally approached Guan Yuanfeng and said, "We've checked. No one's here, but there are no supplies either. The fuel's long gone. We'll have to make do in the gas station rooms for the night."

Guan Yuanfeng nodded. The captain asked, "We're from the Four Seas Team. I'm the captain, Lu Siyuan, a third-tier metal manipulator. May I know your name, brother?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "It's Guan. Anything else?"

Lu Siyuan said, "No, go ahead. Just holler if you need anything. We'll fix the car and bring fuel and supplies later."

Guan Yuanfeng gave a slight nod. As Lu Siyuan left, he drove into the gas station, parked, and found a clean room on the first floor before letting Zhou Yun know it was safe to settle in.