"Been watching too much TV? We don't have that kind of high-tech that defies spatial principles yet. But there are some handy storage bags with a built-in vacuum feature; they're great for travel." You can easily purchase these online. Shao Qi installed the necessary apps on his phone and showed him how to use them.

After browsing the shopping platform, Zhou You remarked, "Without leaving the base, not only has our living standard not regressed, but it has actually improved. Everyone is striving to better their lives."

"True as that might be," replied Shao Qi, "such a life is built on the premise of the base's security. Only those who've ventured outside know the real dangers humanity faces. Our relative safety is hard-won against nature. If the base ever loses its protective capability, this idyllic life might be but a fleeting moment."

"In the latest educational plan, the government mandates that teenagers over fourteen must undergo two outdoor assessments annually. They're taken deep into the treacherous jungles, and it's a matter of life and death. Many parents are opposed, but it's crucial. The young must confront and understand the world, not remain sheltered. Real-world experience is invaluable."

Zhou You nodded, "It may sound harsh, but it's a challenge humanity has to face. The base isn't entirely safe; only by becoming stronger can we tackle various difficulties."

After making those purchases, Zhou You was almost broke. But with satellite maps and databases, he felt he could finally keep up with the times and not seem out of touch.

"The number of mutant beasts has been updated to over 6,000. Their general locations are marked. Study them. And there are still many unknown ones, especially since they're constantly evolving. If you discover a new type in the wild, you can upload the data to the research institute's official site. If accepted, you'll be rewarded."

Zhou You was already eagerly browsing. Noticing the plant entries, he asked Shao Qi, "What are these? Have plants become enemies of mankind too?"

"While overgrowth of plants affects human life, the database lists aggressive mutant plants, like the mutated Mandrake. If you inhale its pollen, it's lethal, and there's no known antidote yet."

"Then there's the Golden Vine. It actively attacks and releases a paralyzing agent. Many perish from it, not from a mutant beast, but from negligence."

"I understand. One last question."

"Go ahead."

Zhou You pointed at the armored toy car children were playing with on the street, asking, "Can I buy an armored vehicle somewhere?"

"What do you need it for?" Shao Qi inquired suspiciously.

"I've spent so much on equipment; I need to earn some returns. Otherwise, I won't even afford food."

Shao Qi laughed, "Worried about food while with me? Forget the armored car. Xiong Yi's vehicle is available for your use, but only after our contract ends." Noticing Zhou You's eagerness to hunt, he felt the itch too; they couldn't sit still for too long.

"Let's grab a meal first, and then prep. You should join me on a trip back to the Yunlan Mountains."

At mealtime, everyone discussed the matter of the Heavy Sword Sect. Hu Shi'en went from a respected hero to a despised murderer overnight, and the reputation of everyone from the sect suffered.

"The Heavy Sword Sect is probably disbanding, right? My nephew just passed their test and now carries their tainted name without learning a thing."

"If he's not a core disciple, it's not a big issue. Passing their test shows talent; he can join another sect."

"Better to just self-train using the manuals from the sects. Those have been leaked and are well-known now."

"Do you think we could master them just by self-training? It was unattainable before, but now..."

"Better to attend the morning sessions of the Divine Church. They don't check identities, and even though it's physically demanding, it's a start."

"Getting roughed up is better than dying. If I truly learn, I can join missions and earn more, enough to send my son to a better school."

...

Zhou You and Shao Qi were dining in the restaurant's main hall, blending in unnoticed. These days, rugged, tall, and muscular men were the ones turning heads.

"This pine nut and osmanthus fish dish is great. It's the signature dish here. But imagine if it were made with a mutant fish. Remember this recipe and cook it for me next time," Shao Qi said confidently.

Zhou You wasn't a fan of the sweet and sour flavor. However, given the employer's preference for fish, he didn't have grounds for complaint. Recalling the grilled river fish he had in the mountains, Zhou You agreed that mutated fish tasted better, as farm-raised fish often had an overpowering fishy taste.

"The meat dishes on the menu are scarce and expensive. Isn’t there a livestock farm? Regular meat should be easy to get, right?"

"Maintaining a livestock farm is resource-intensive. Can you imagine a scenario where animals mutate spontaneously? Last year, the Dawn Base experienced a mass mutation event among their dairy cows. Not only did the mutated cows devour other livestock, but they also killed all the staff, leading to significant losses."

Zhou You forgave the pine nut mandarin fish on the table that cost twenty points a plate. After all, the fish farmers might have to guard their ponds day and night, guns at the ready, and even venture outside the city to collect grass. It was genuinely a life-threatening endeavor to raise fish.

"Two automatic pistols, a hundred bullets; two Greedy Wolf sniper rifles, five hundred bullets; one rocket launcher, ten shells; five energy laser guns, two smoke grenades, five flash grenades, three incendiary grenades, two poison gas grenades, and supplies like gas masks, filter masks, military knives, antidotes, and more. Everything's here. Load it up," Shao Qi instructed Zhou You, pointing at two large boxes of military supplies.