The leading wolf continued to guide its pack in retreat. Along the way, they faced attacks from various birds. Although animals don't possess human intelligence, they seemed to understand the situation. Eventually, the alpha wolf led the pack into a stream, washing away whatever was on their fur to end the immediate crisis.

Zhouyou had already escaped the danger zone, but he remained cautious. Wolves bear grudges and could track him by scent. His best option was to quickly rejoin the convoy or get out of these mountains.

A muffled whimper came from Zhouyou's chest as the little white tiger cub, trapped and uncomfortable, poked its head out and mewed at him. Clearly, it was both trapped and hungry.

Zhouyou asked, exasperated, "You're hungry? Where am I supposed to find milk for you?"

Lao Qiaotou laughed heartily, "Zhou, you're getting a taste of the challenges and joys of parenthood. We have some babies in our convoy. They're adorable. If we can return to the convoy, there will be formula, but they might not accept a tiger cub."

"If I let it go now, would it survive?"

Lao Qiaotou paused before sighing, "Zhou, haven't you realized? Humans and beasts are adversaries. You saved a cub today, but it might endanger many lives in the future. Will you regret it?"

Stroking the white tiger cub's head, Zhouyou inquired, "What if I raise it? Can it become fond of humans?"

"Even before the apocalypse, animals in zoos attacked humans. Now, their wild instincts are harder to curb. Whether it's a tiger, cat, or dog, it's challenging to domesticate them. In the early days of the apocalypse, many were harmed because they couldn't part with their pets. Now, most bases won't shelter animals."

As Zhouyou listened intently, Lao Qiaotou continued, "The cub in your arms is the only one I've seen that's friendly towards humans. I'm not sure if it's because it's young or unmutated, but a beast will always be a beast. The forest is its true home."

"I understand." Zhouyou found some berries, squeezing out a milky juice to feed the hungry cub. Watching it enjoy its meal made him smile.

Chapter 023: The Mysterious Base

After the cub was full and asleep, Zhouyou found a secluded cave for it, placing many berries inside for sustenance. He then left quietly, realizing the slim chances of such a young creature surviving in the forest. But that was all he could do.

Zhouyou, with Lao Qiaotou in tow, continued on. Having seen Shao Qi's digital map, he was confident they could catch up with the convoy, as long as it kept its current direction.

Lao Qiaotou glanced back, remarking, "You're truly the kindest soul I've met. Most would think of selling such a valuable cub first. Live mutated creatures hold significant research value and can be sold for a high price."

Zhouyou, unaware of this, halted and inquired, "To research facilities? How much can they fetch?"

"Besides research institutes, some pharmaceutical companies buy them too. As for the price, it depends on the mutation level of the creature. So, having second thoughts?" Lao Qiaotou mused, thinking humans are indeed easily tempted by wealth.

Zhouyou sheepishly admitted, "Not this time. I can't bear the thought of handing this little one to a research facility. Next time, I'll catch other mutated creatures to sell." He had originally planned to earn credits by cooking for Shao Qi, but that opportunity was lost. He'd be penniless by the time they reached Yang City.

"You don't necessarily need a live creature. Many valuable parts can be found on a mutated creature, especially those used in medicine or weapon crafting. They sell well. Many exploration teams make their living this way. With your skills, you could join one. It's more dangerous, but the rewards are great."

Eagerly, Zhouyou asked, "Is the compensation for warriors really that good?"

"Absolutely. Once you pass the test and receive the martial arts association's certification, you'll get a monthly stipend. The government encourages martial training, and every school now offers martial arts classes. Sects receive government subsidies for recruiting students. Most warriors spend their time training and, even without working, they won't starve. However, many choose to join sects or exploration teams for better resources and benefits."

"I've heard of Shaolin, Wudang, and Emei. Are there other prominent sects?"

"There are many. For instance, our Haicheng's Tiesha Gang, known for their Tiesha Palm. There's also the Iron Fist Sect, Huashan Sect, Wan Jian Sect, and many more with all sorts of names. You might recognize many of them from wuxia novels. Still, the most famous are Shaolin, Wudang, and Emei, known as the top three sects in our country."

"Who's the most formidable individual in our nation?"

Old Qiao said with evident admiration, "I've heard that there's an internal martial arts ranking within the association that gets updated in real time, based on the performance of each practitioner. Marshal Shao is undoubtedly the top-ranked. Anyone else in that position would face dissent."

"What rank is Marshal Shao? A Martial Marshal?"

"I'm not entirely sure about that," Old Qiao replied. "But it's likely, given that many disciples within the three major sects have achieved the Martial General rank. Marshal Shao, being even more formidable, must've reached the Martial Marshal level."

Zhou You glanced at his hands, unsure of his own rank. Yet he was certain he was more potent than Li Hongxi. Looking up, he asked Old Qiao, "Marshal Shao is still so young. He's bound to progress further. Is there no higher rank classification?"

Old Qiao's eyes sparkled at the topic, "There is! Though the association hasn't officially mentioned it, the word on the street is that Marshal Shao will ascend to divinity in the future, and then he'll be referred to as the 'Martial God'."