Chapter 44 Pollution Spreads, Mei Hexuan is Shocked by Yu Xing’s Love…

Chapter 44: The Spreading Contamination

Mei Hexuan was profoundly moved by Yu Xing’s compassion…

The arrival of the cultivators offered a much-needed reprieve to all the Divine Chosen and soldiers.

"What a relief," Da Ya murmured, her eyes inexplicably welling up as she watched more and more people being purified and saved. "So many lives rescued."

Yu Xing slumped onto the ground, utterly exhausted. She yearned to share this experience on the Transmigrator Exchange Forum, but the crowd was too large. Still, she wasn’t idle; she used her terminal to snap several photos of the cultivators purifying the contamination.

Seeing her, Miao Yuanjin and the others quickly followed suit.

Today’s events were unforgettable, so capturing a few photos was essential—after all, this was their first direct encounter with pollutants.

By now, Mei Hexuan had regained his composure, though the day’s events felt almost dreamlike.

Yet, the terror he’d experienced after leaving the treatment chamber and confronting the pollutants was undeniably real. He subtly lowered his head, stealing glances at Yu Xing from the corner of his eye. Even his own family couldn’t save him, but Yu Xing had.

Mei Hexuan was an exceptionally proud and self-assured individual, rarely given to introspection. But now, he couldn’t help but wonder: Was Yu Xing truly as despicable as he’d once believed?

Once this thought took root, memories of his interactions with Yu Xing involuntarily flooded his mind.

Truth be told, he’d noticed Yu Xing the moment he entered Seventh Middle School. The prospect of having a "defective" person as a classmate had repulsed him; he considered merely sharing a space with such an individual a form of contamination.

However, once classes began, Yu Xing maintained a low profile, never causing trouble. Being inherently arrogant, he disdained wasting energy on trivial matters. Crucially, from the very start of the term, Yu Xing had been relentlessly bullied by other classmates—sometimes quite severely. He’d always assumed she wouldn’t last long at Seventh Middle School and would soon drop out.

To his surprise, Yu Xing endured for over two years, surviving such prolonged torment without breaking down.

Then, not long ago, Yu Xing inexplicably began stirring up trouble at school, becoming strikingly prominent. He felt disturbed by her sudden visibility.

Finally, he decided to act. Before doing so, he resolved to give Yu Xing a chance, condescending to have a private talk with her. He intended to persuade her to transfer classes or drop out. If she complied, he wouldn’t pursue the matter further. But he never anticipated Yu Xing would dare humiliate him in front of the entire school, making him a laughingstock among his peers within the family.

For someone of his immense pride, this was utterly intolerable. Since childhood, he had always been revered and admired wherever he went. How could he endure such an insult?!

At this thought, Mei Hexuan clenched his fists. Yet, after this life-and-death crisis, his earlier fury and shame had strangely dissipated.

Compared to survival, a single embarrassing incident seemed utterly trivial.

Though some peers mocked him, the elders in his family paid it no mind—they simply didn’t care. Moreover, compared to his humiliation, Gu Ya’s ordeal—being filmed and posted online—was far more unbearable. Yet Gu Ya was still living well and hadn’t sought revenge against Yu Xing.

And today’s events—had he not lured Yu Xing to the amusement park intending to kill her, he wouldn’t have been there at all, nor would he have faced such danger...

His thoughts were a chaotic swirl, emotions churning wildly. Just then, an officer in a hazard suit approached.

This was the same officer who had nearly argued with Yu Xing and Miao Yuanjin earlier. Now, he removed his helmet, revealing a stern, resolute face.

The officer stopped before Yu Xing and the others, staring down at them.

The five girls were chatting and drinking water when they suddenly found themselves under his scrutinizing gaze. They froze in surprise.

Miao Yuanjin was the first to stand, tilting her chin up defiantly—she refused to let anyone look down on her.

The officer observed them for a long moment before focusing on Yu Xing. "I know you’re the first Beloved of the God of Misfortune."

Yu Xing stared up at him, bewildered. What did that mean?

"I’ve observed your performance today," the officer said with a nod. "Truly impressive."

Yu Xing grew even more confused. Had he come just to praise her?

"Your Divine Skill is extraordinary and powerful," he continued. "Would you consider joining the military in the future?"

Ah...

Now they all understood—he was here to recruit!

"Hmph! Dream on!" Miao Yuanjin’s dislike for the officer intensified. She stepped in front of Yu Xing. "She won’t join the military, and definitely not your unit!"

The officer ignored her entirely, turning instead to Zhao Lan and the others. "You’re all outstanding as well. The military welcomes you too."

"..." Miao Yuanjin was livid. This despicable man was poaching her team right in front of her—and he’d singled out everyone except her!

He was doing this on purpose! He must be deliberately humiliating her!

Though the officer hadn’t addressed her at all, Miao Yuanjin’s face flushed red with rage, her breathing uneven.

Ke Yuan’s face also reddened—but from excitement. He never imagined an officer would call him outstanding and invite him to enlist.

Da Ya, meanwhile, was confused. She’d always assumed that after graduating from the church, she’d join the Federation’s Ministry of Agriculture—most Rain God Chosen ended up there. Did the military really need someone like her?

Zhao Lan was the calmest among them. She frowned slightly—she had actually wanted to join the military even before coming to the church.

Because of her mother’s job, which required frequent travel between cities, the dangers outside the walls always worried her.

She’d hoped that by joining the military, she could work beyond the walls often—perhaps even protect her mother personally.

But now, after making close friends at the church, she also really wanted to work alongside them in the future.

"What about you?" Zhao Lan asked Yu Xing. "What do you think?"

*I don’t want to join anything...*

Yu Xing’s resolve hadn’t changed. She had no interest in enlisting, so she offered an awkward smile. "Let’s... talk about it later."

The officer wouldn't take no for an answer. "With your abilities, you’d rise through the ranks quickly in the military. And our benefits are excellent."

Then he added pointedly, "Better than those of the Divine Chosen Team."

Everyone understood—this officer must have looked into Yu Xing’s background and was now luring her with promises of better pay.

*How shameless!* Miao Yuanjin gritted her teeth.

Yu Xing also realized what he was doing. After all his insistence, was he so eager for her to join because... he’d fallen for her and wanted her by his side?

Once this dawned on her, Yu Xing’s look at him changed. *He’s not even handsome, and his skin’s so dark. No way I’m agreeing!*

"Hah," Yu Xing turned him down nicely. "Sorry, but I already have a boyfriend. I won’t leave him."

Officer: ?

Mei Hexuan, who’d been standing silently nearby, doing nothing: ...

Before leaving, the officer thought sadly, believing young people shouldn’t be so consumed by romance. Youth should be spent contributing to humanity and the Federation—wasting divine blessing on love was a disgrace.

Not long after the officer left, Jiang Lingwen found them. She was one of the cultivators who’d arrived with the support vehicles.

First, she praised the five girls highly for their performance. "You all did exceptionally well today. Without your quick detection, the pollution could’ve been far worse."

The girls lit up under the praise from their teacher.

"Especially Miao Yuanjin and Yu Xing." Jiang Lingwen gently patted Miao Yuanjin's shoulder, "Do you have any rewards you'd like? Feel free to ask, and I'll do my best to fulfill them."

"Do... we also get rewards?" Da Ya hesitantly raised her hand.

"Yes," Jiang Lingwen smiled. "All five of you will receive rewards."

"Great!" Da Ya blurted out her request eagerly, "Can I never have to clean the toilets again?"

Jiang Lingwen's smile froze, clearly stunned by such a modest request.

With a stiff expression, she asked, "Are you sure about this reward?"

"Absolutely sure!" Da Ya nodded emphatically.

"...Alright then." Jiang Lingwen sighed in resignation.

Da Ya was overjoyed. Jiang Lingwen turned to the others, "What about you?"

She hoped the rest would aim higher.

Zhao Lan pondered for a moment. She genuinely lacked nothing—financially stable, skilled, and with promising prospects in either the military or the Divine Chosen Team. What reward could she possibly want?

After some thought, she decided to focus on self-improvement. "I'd like one-on-one guidance from a Frost God's Chosen to teach me how to wield Divine Skills."

"Approved." Jiang Lingwen nodded approvingly.

"Me too!" Miao Yuanjin immediately raised her hand, her eyes alight with determination as she stared at Jiang Lingwen. "I want you to personally mentor me!"

Ke Yuan initially had many ideas—money, a house in District B. He desperately wanted his family to live comfortably.

But after hearing his friends' requests, he felt ashamed of his own desires.

Whether it was a house or money, he would earn them once he joined the Divine Chosen Team. Why waste this opportunity on such trivial things?

Moreover, the military officer had praised his excellence and invited him to join. His future was bright.

With renewed resolve, Ke Yuan lifted his head firmly. "I also want a personal mentor."

Only Yu Xing remained. A few days ago, she would have asked for money. But now, after earning a hefty sum from Jiang Hui, she was financially secure.

She carefully considered what she lacked. Money wasn’t an issue, and with the medicinal pills, her grandmother’s health had improved. Once she had time, she could buy a big house in District B and move her brother and grandmother there.

With her wealth, they wouldn’t even need to work. She could continue her studies while handling pollution cleanup, spending free time with her beloved boyfriend. Life couldn’t get any better.

Besides, she wasn’t a true Divine Chosen and didn’t need guidance on Divine Skills. Her public identity as the sole Beloved of the God-of-Misfortune meant no one could teach her anyway.

Ah... there really wasn’t anything she wanted...

Yu Xing glanced awkwardly at Jiang Lingwen. Her friends had all voiced their wishes—would staying silent make her seem aloof?

Just as she hesitated, her gaze landed on Mei Hexuan standing nearby.

"Him!" Inspiration struck. She pointed at Mei Hexuan. "He’s my boyfriend."

Mei Hexuan froze. How was this his business?

"He was contaminated and hasn’t been Purified yet." Yu Xing stated her desired reward. "I want you to Purify him once."

At her words, Zhao Lan and the other three gasped sharply.

Moon God! Yu Xing was such a hopeless romantic!

The four stared at her in dismay. Mei Hexuan had hired four Divine Chosen to target her, yet she wasted this precious opportunity on him? What kind of unwavering devotion was this?

Not just them—Mei Hexuan was equally stunned.

He was speechless. He knew exactly how revered the church’s clergy were—even the *Federal Chief Executive* treated them with utmost respect. Their promises weren’t given lightly. Yet Yu Xing had unhesitatingly used hers on him?

Only when the Purify Holy Light enveloped him did it feel real.

Yes, Yu Xing had truly spent this invaluable chance on him.

Suddenly, he realized how wrong he’d been about her. Her public kiss, her insistence they were dating—it wasn’t to humiliate him. She genuinely liked him?

Her feelings for him were... this deep?

Yu Xing remained oblivious to his shock. To her, this was just a trivial request—like avoiding toilet duty—and using it to help her boyfriend was a bargain.

After Purifying Mei Hexuan, Jiang Lingwen motioned for Yu Xing to follow. She had more questions.

Even after Yu Xing left, Mei Hexuan remained dazed. Zhao Lan and the others glared at him with palpable hostility. It took a while for him to notice their piercing stares. What was this about?

"You really..." Da Ya hissed, glaring. "Feel no shame?"

Ke Yuan gritted his teeth. "Those four Divine Chosen were yours, weren’t they?"

"Yu Xing loves you so much, yet you tried to kill her." Miao Yuanjin trembled with rage. "Are you even human?"

Mei Hexuan recoiled in shock. They knew?

Zhao Lan, calmer but no less disappointed, said coldly, "Even if you don’t love her, must you hurt her after all she’s done for you? Have some basic decency..."

Mei Hexuan endured their scolding in silence, too stunned to speak.

Jiang Lingwen had called Yu Xing aside to discuss the amusement park pollution incident. "The source of 07C174 hasn’t been found. Can you describe how you first detected the pollutants?"

Yu Xing frowned. "07C174?"

"The church’s designation for this pollution source." Jiang Lingwen turned toward the crowd behind them. "Most park visitors have been Purified, and the fully contaminated ones have been cleared. But we still haven’t located the source."

If it wasn’t in the park, had it already spread beyond?

As Yu Xing racked her memory, Jiang Lingwen’s communicator pinged. She read the message, her expression darkening.

"07C174 pollutants have been detected in Green Homes Residential Area, District C."

...

"Darling, I’m back." Wang Hai pushed open the door, his white T-shirt soaked with sweat. "You wouldn’t believe it—I almost didn’t make it home today."

A long-haired woman in pajamas stepped out of the bathroom. "What happened? Why are you drenched?"

"I ran all the way back." Wang Hai peeled off his shirt. "Something’s wrong at the amusement park. I took a client there, and right after we left, soldiers sealed it off. I barely got out in time."

"Really? Thank goodness you ran fast." The woman hurried over and hugged him. "Was it something serious?"

"No idea." Wang Hai shook his head. "I need a shower. Grab me a towel, will you?"

The woman turned and entered the room. Just as she pulled a towel from the wardrobe, she heard her boyfriend's scream from outside. She rushed out in a panic and saw him lying on the floor, his stomach unnaturally distended, convulsing in pain.

She stared in horror, paralyzed with horror, unable to react.

Then, her boyfriend's stomach ruptured violently, and a tiny hand emerged from the ruptured flesh. In that moment, the woman felt a primal, overwhelming euphoria—a pure, heartfelt delight at the birth of new life.

"How perfect..." she murmured with deep contentment, gazing at the scene. "The hand is out... such ecstasy..."

...

The discovery of pollutants outside the amusement park was the worst-case scenario no one wanted to face. Seven Cities immediately went into emergency lockdown, with all passages from Zone C to Zones B and D sealed off. To prevent contamination from spreading to Zone B, even the routes from Zone B to Zone A were completely blocked, bringing the entire city to a standstill.

All Divine Chosen Teams and stationed military forces in Seven Cities received emergency deployment orders.

The situation had reversed—now, the outside was no longer safe, while the amusement park had ironically become the safest place.

The pollutants were too numerous, spreading too quickly. If they were to be cleaned up one by one, Seven Cities would suffer irreparable damage. The best solution now was to locate the contamination source. Once it was eliminated, the remaining pollutants would collapse into puddles of corrupted blood on their own.

Upon hearing this news, Yu Xing panicked. "No, I have to leave—my grandmother is still out there!"

Jiang Lingwen tried to stop her. The passages from Zone C to Zone D were already sealed—there was no way she could reach Zone D.

But Yu Xing was determined. When the officer learned of her situation, he granted her a clearance pass, allowing her to bypass the blockade and leave Zone C.

Without time to bid farewell to her companions, Yu Xing left the amusement park and found a blind spot without surveillance to change into her red trench coat and slip on the Bull Warrior Mask. Mounting her broomstick, she flew toward Zone D at breakneck speed.

Tonight, the streets were filled with Divine Chosen and soldiers, all urgently searching for and eliminating pollutants.

Suddenly, someone pointed at the sky. "What's that?!"

A Divine Chosen Team, having just cleared a pollutant, instinctively looked up and saw a figure soaring beneath the pale light of the twin moons, their red coat snapping in the wind.

Soldiers guarding the passageway were busy holding back civilians attempting to force their way through when one of them was tapped on the shoulder. "Look!"

Raising their heads, they saw a red figure clearing the high city walls, leaving Zone C in full view of the crowd.

The would-be fugitives were stunned. Quick-thinking onlookers immediately whipped out their devices to record the scene.

Yu Xing sped home on her broomstick. Zone D remained relatively calm for now, with no visible signs of contamination spreading there yet.

This gave her some relief. The dilapidated complex where she lived had no internal surveillance, so she landed directly inside the complex.

The complex had no gatekeeper, and some of the streetlights had long since broken down. As soon as she landed, Yu Xing dashed toward her home under the dim light. Pushing open the door, she called out, "Grandma!"

No one answered. She assumed her grandmother was asleep—until she spotted the old woman's slippers on the shoe rack by the door. In that instant, Yu Xing's eyes widened.

Looking closer, she realized the pair of leather shoes her grandmother usually wore outside were missing.

Her grandmother had always worn slippers at home—a lifelong habit. That meant... she still hadn't returned?

Back in the amusement park, Su Wenmo reviewed security footage and finally located the first pollutant.

It was in the afternoon, just after a rain shower. A woman in a white dress had been standing under an umbrella in a corner when she suddenly collapsed, clutching her swollen belly in agony. A crowd quickly gathered around her.

"But she wasn't the contamination source," Su Wenmo said, switching to another clip showing the woman being neutralized by the Divine Chosen. "She was already cleared, and no contamination source appeared."

"Which means she was contaminated outside," Bai Qinghe observed, studying the footage. "Can you pull up external surveillance? Any footage of this woman?"

Su Wenmo had already thought of that. As she switched camera angles, she explained, "I checked the cameras outside the amusement park's south gate. She arrived by bus in the afternoon. Then I reviewed the bus footage—she acted completely normal the entire ride."

"Where did she board?" Bai Qinghe pressed.

"Hmm... Zone D," Su Wenmo answered promptly. "A small restaurant in Zone D. She came out of it and got on the bus. The restaurant's name was... let me see... ah, Joyful Diner."

Her grandmother had few hobbies. When she wasn't at home, she liked working part-time at diners to earn extra money, sometimes bringing food back.

Realizing her grandmother wasn't home, Yu Xing immediately rushed out toward the restaurant. Thanks to the body's original memories, she knew its location.

The restaurant was just a short distance from their neighborhood. Her grandmother had chosen it precisely because it was close, making it easier to care for the two children.

Sprinting to the restaurant's entrance, Yu Xing found it late at night—ordinarily, the place would be closed, as Zone D had little business in the evening.

She looked up. The restaurant's flickering neon sign still flickered with light.

Joyful Diner—the place where her grandmother had worked for years.

The front door was shut tight, but light leaked through. Were they still open this late?

Yu Xing mounted the steps and reached out to push the door open.

The moment her hand touched the door, she heard the sounds inside—the distinct wails of not one, but several newborns.