Chapter 141: Born of Heaven and Earth

Chapter 141: Born of Heaven and Earth

The golden mutated plant honey was poured into a dish, and green vines twisted together to form a massive cage, adorned with vibrant orange flowers.

The remaining thick honey was drizzled over the vines, leaves, and flowers, releasing the sweet aroma of honey.

Soon, the distant electric butterflies seemed to catch the delightful scent, fluttering leisurely in pairs and landing inside the cage, extending their long proboscises to savor the rare winter sweetness.

Gradually, the butterflies all flew into the beautiful vine cage, and the wisteria vine silently extended, sealing off the cage entrance.

Guan Yuanfeng waved for Zhou Yun to take Comet farther away, removing his walkie-talkie and other electronic devices, then turned and walked into the electric field under the wisteria vine with his battle knife in hand.

Under the vine, thunder boomed, and dazzling blue lightning arcs streaked across, startling the birds and beasts in the surrounding mountains.

Guan Yuanfeng stood expressionless amidst the brilliant electric glow, as lightning poured down and struck him, yet he seemed unfazed. His protective suit was made of special fireproof and insulating material, slightly billowing in the electric glow.

Guan Yuanfeng closed his eyes, as if relishing the lightning’s baptism. The violent lightning energy struck his body, wildly lashing and condensing into his muscles and bones, merging with his lightning psychic powers. The crystal core in the depths of his dantian solidified, giving him a sense of rebirth.

Busy with affairs, he hadn’t focused on psychic training for a long time, and his usual exercises were mostly physical. He hadn’t expected that immersing himself in the electric field could also enhance his abilities. Artificial lightning wouldn’t have the same effect.

After the thunder subsided, countless electric vines suddenly fell from all directions, wrapping around Guan Yuanfeng!

The glowing vines quickly coiled around his strong body, tightly wrapping around his limbs, torso, and neck, squeezing every muscle and bone.

An ordinary person or beast would be immobilized, suffocated, and electrocuted into a state of unconsciousness.

However, Guan Yuanfeng simply swung his knife, and with a flash of cold light, he severed the vines wrapped around him. The terrifying electric vines were cut into pieces and fell to the ground.

The lightning flashed for about ten minutes, then gradually weakened and subsided, leaving only the wisteria vine trembling, its petals scattered on the ground.

Guan Yuanfeng turned and called out, "It should have exhausted its electric energy."

Zhou Yun walked over and looked at the now depleted wisteria vine, smiling as he touched the reddish-brown old vine trunk. A slight tingling current gently touched his palm, just a mild numbness.

Zhou Yun said, "It’s still full of life." He then activated his natural energy.

The wisteria vine glowed brightly, slowly contracting into a beautiful green and silver crystal core. Zhou Yun grafted it into his own crystal core and summoned a new mutated wisteria vine in its place, casting growth spells.

In the gentle green light, the tender green vines extended inch by inch, and leaves of varying thickness quickly unfurled, growing luxuriantly in the winter snow.

The woody stems climbed energetically up the nearby trees and the concrete trellis of the viewing platform, passionately intertwining. Under the leaves, jade-like buds swelled, hanging down like tassels, lush and fresh, resembling plump, playful birds frolicking.

Guan Yuanfeng, seeing Zhou Yun’s spell for the first time, silently watched the entire process: "Can you use this fusion grafting spell indefinitely?"

Zhou Yun shook his head: "There must be a limit, but I’ve always been restrained. Each time I fuse another mutated plant, my overall crystal core energy is diluted, and they demand a lot of energy. It’s hard for me to summon multiple mutated plants at once; I can only train gradually."

He smiled at Guan Yuanfeng: "Unlike you, who focuses on electric attacks, delivering a single, fatal blow, thus concentrating your energy."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "After being struck by lightning for a quarter of an hour, I feel my psychic ability level has improved."

Zhou Yun, however, felt a bit eager: "Since there’s no one around, why don’t we spar on this icy ground?"

Guan Yuanfeng: "..."

He picked up his battle knife and other equipment, preparing to leave: "Someone’s coming. Let’s head back first."

Zhou Yun also heard the voices.

"Just ahead, it’s a large patch of electric vines mutated after the lightning strike. I saw a mutated wild boar get electrocuted by those vines."

The scenery at Jiudao Water Forest is characterized by winding mountains and rivers. They were deep in the forest, quiet after the winter snow. They didn't see the others but heard their voices first.

It was a man's voice, full of flattery and self-promotion: "There's also a large group of lightning-based butterflies. They likely mutated in autumn. The weather has been strange this year, with sudden snow, so no one has discovered this specific location yet. However, someone saw it before the New Year and posted a mission to gather teammates to find the lightning butterflies. That's why I hurriedly invited Luo Shao to come as soon as possible, fearing that other lightning users might beat us to it."

Another somewhat arrogant voice said, "I even arranged a helicopter specially for the New Year... Forget it, let's see if it's really that good. Is its crystal core also lightning-based?"

"Hard to say, I don't know much about psychic abilities research. This is the first time I've seen lightning-based mutated plants. I thought they must be rare. If City Lord Lin finds out, it will be gone. I even took some measures to cover it up, blocked the road with lots of wood, and with the heavy snow and many wild beasts, ordinary people wouldn't venture in."

Zhou Yun and Guan Yuanfeng exchanged glances. Indeed, when they came, there were many piles of gravel and wood on the road. If they hadn't used drones for reconnaissance, they probably wouldn't have thought there was such a patch of mutated honeysuckle plants deep inside. Because they used drones, they came from the other side of the mountain, so the other party didn't see their footprints and probably didn't expect someone to have beaten them to it.

"Luo Shao" said, "Hehe, I will be appointed as the deputy governor of Zhucheng Base after the New Year. By then, she will be under my command."

The voice that reported the situation seemed genuinely happy: "That's great. When City Lord Lin agrees to your proposal, it will be a perfect match, like a celestial couple."

"Luo Shao" sneered, "A fourth-tier psychic, one tier higher than me, and with some looks, she puts on airs. If it weren't for my family... Now I'm sending resources and weapons, showing enough effort in pursuing her. If she continues to put on airs and refuses the proposal, she will only have herself to blame..."

They turned around the forest, stepping on the snow, and suddenly saw Guan Yuanfeng and Zhou Yun. They abruptly stopped talking. The man with the flattering voice in front changed his expression: "Who are you! Why are you eavesdropping here!"

Zhou Yun: "..." What a case of the thief crying 'stop thief!'

There were six people in the other party. Besides the man who spoke and the arrogant "Luo Shao," there were four tough guards in camouflage combat suits behind them, all seemingly psychics.

Comet had already rushed to Zhou Yun, arching its back and baring its teeth threateningly at the other party.

Guan Yuanfeng stepped forward with his sword, standing in front of Zhou Yun. Although his long sword was not unsheathed, and he didn't say a word, his entire demeanor was imposing, full of fighting spirit.

The man who questioned them was intimidated by his aura and lowered his voice: "Which team are you from? You're not from Hailong City, are you? I haven't seen you before."

The "Luo Shao" behind him had already noticed the large, eye-catching vine cage next to Zhou Yun. The butterflies inside fluttered their wings streaked with lightning. His eyes flickered: "You've taken all the lightning butterflies? These are mutated creatures bred by Zhuyang Base. It's not right for you to take them all at once."

Guan Yuanfeng drew his long sword, lightning crackling around it. The other party involuntarily took a step back, and two guards immediately drew their guns and stepped in front to protect him.

In an instant, the gleaming long sword slashed down, splashing snow on the ground, and a deep trench was gouged between the two groups. At the same time, four thick lightning pillars descended at the four corners of the opposing crowd, exploding with a deafening roar. The sudden loud noise made them too late to cover their ears, all of them left with ringing ears and pale faces, unable to react immediately.

Guan Yuanfeng said coldly, "Born of nature, first come, first served. We've taken the things. If you have any objections, come and fight."

Luo Shao, being a lightning user himself, knew he couldn't forcibly take it upon seeing such lightning pillars. He reluctantly changed his expression: "Brother, you misunderstand. We mean this is under the jurisdiction of Zhucheng. Since you've taken them, could you leave some for us to continue breeding and studying? We can offer a high price."

Guan Yuanfeng said coldly, "They're not for sale."

He reached out and lifted the large cage. The butterflies inside were startled and flew over, releasing a few small lightning bolts on Guan Yuanfeng's hand. Guan Yuanfeng acted as if nothing had happened and only said to Zhou Yun, "Let's go."

The two turned and walked leisurely into the depths of the forest, with Comet glaring at them from the spot. Seeing someone about to raise a gun, it roared threateningly and spat a ball of scorching fire at the person aiming.

The man didn't expect Comet to be a mutated dog. He hastily retreated a few steps from the fiery tongue, his gun slipping from his hand and falling to the ground.

The others no longer dared to act rashly.

Only when Guan Yuanfeng and Zhou Yun were far away and out of sight did Comet bark threateningly a few more times before running into the depths of the jungle.

Guan Yuanfeng and Zhou Yun had already returned to the car, placing the cage with the lightning butterflies on the back seat. They waited for Comet to run back and get in the car, then closed the door and drove away from Jiudao Water Forest.

Zhou Yun smiled, "It's a shame about the mutated honeysuckle I just planted. Although it's not lightning and wood dual-type, they will definitely take it."

Guan Yuanfeng frowned, "The newcomers are connected to the military."

Zhou Yun said, "I wonder what the deputy governor they mentioned is. Aren't all major official bases currently commanded and governed by military personnel?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "We can ask Ren Yuefei."

Zhou Yun took out his phone and checked the signal. Fortunately, they were in the car, and Jiang Rongqian had set up a signal receiving base station. He dialed Ren Yuefei, who said, "Deputy Administrator? Have you seen the news? The Alliance government is dispatching Deputy Administrators to Survivor Bases with a population of over 100,000. Moreover, I’ve heard tax audit officials will be dispatched next."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "That was to be expected."

Ren Yuefei chuckled, "I heard you guys went on a trip? Why didn’t you stop by Jingnan? Duoduo thought you would come. It's just a day's drive, and you didn't even visit."

Zhou Yun laughed, "Next time, definitely next time."

After a brief exchange, they hung up. Zhou Yun quickly found the news video on the Alliance forum.

When he clicked on the video, a female host appeared with a smile and reported, "With the increasing number and stability of Survivor Bases, to enhance base management and ensure the safety and well-being of the Survivors, the Alliance government will dispatch Deputy Administrators to Survivor Bases with a population of over 100,000 to strengthen the management and coordination of the bases."

The screen switched to Zhao Jianghui, Deputy Secretary-General of the Alliance government, sitting behind a desk and calmly accepting an interview: "This policy is designed to strengthen ties between the central government of the Alliance and various Survivor Bases through the participation of Deputy Administrators in management. It will also promote the central government’s laws and policies to Survivors."

Zhao Jianghui drawled, "Of course, it is also beneficial for the Survivor Bases. This will boost base efficiency, ensure the rational allocation of resources, and strengthen communication and collaboration between bases."

The host smiled and asked, "Could Secretary-General Zhao explain to us what the main responsibilities of our Deputy Administrators will be?"

Zhao Jianghui said, "The Deputy Administrators will be responsible for supervising the daily operations of the bases, coordinating various rescue and reconstruction efforts, while maintaining close contact with the residents of the bases to understand their needs and difficulties, and promptly relay feedback to the Alliance government."

He added, "Currently, the selection process for Deputy Administrators has already begun. The Alliance government will choose candidates with rich management experience and good communication skills from existing officials and volunteers. They will be dispatched to various Survivor Bases to start their new work after receiving professional training. We also encourage knowledgeable individuals from the bases to volunteer."

The screen switched again, and the female host smiled and said, "The Alliance government explained that by sending Deputy Administrators, the central government hopes to better grasp the actual situation of each base and provide more precise and effective assistance to the Survivors. At the same time, this will also help improve the government's emergency response capabilities, ensuring that swift action can be taken when facing new crises."

"The Alliance government calls on all Survivor Bases to actively cooperate with this new policy, collaborate closely with the Deputy Administrators, and jointly promote the development and reconstruction of the bases."

After the news broadcast ended, Zhou Yun looked at Guan Yuanfeng and asked, "What do you think?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "This is about dividing the power of the commanders. The Alliance government can't tolerate each base acting independently, and the military's power is too great."

Zhou Yun pondered, "Then Guixu City will definitely have to dispatch one as well. The key is that we already have a Deputy Administrator..."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "We'll talk about it when the time comes. You don't need to worry about these things. The current issue is, what do we plan to do with these butterflies? We can't take them to the northwest."

Zhou Yun smiled, "Assign a task, have City Lord Lin coordinate, and hire a team to transport them to Guixu."