"Yuyou, this name seems quite fitting for me." Zhouyou noticed the dagger belonged to a senior researcher and curiously inquired, "Is this Geng Qinglu from the research institute?"

Shao Qi leaned in and saw a photo of Geng Qinglu: long hair cascading past the shoulders, an androgynous face adorned with glasses, looking refined and delicate. However, if one were to see his full figure, they'd realize he had the physique of a warrior—imposing and powerful, an odd contrast with his gentle face. It was as if King Kong and Barbie merged into one.

"Ah, him. You like his dagger? He’s quite cunning and deceptive. Be careful not to show interest in this dagger around him. If there's a chance in the future, I'll help you get it."

Zhouyou found these words puzzling. Firstly, he hadn't shown any particular interest in the dagger, and secondly, did he and Shao Qi share such a close bond that Shao Qi would help him acquire it?

"What, don’t you trust me?"

"It's not that... It’s just..." Zhouyou hesitated for a moment, then added, "It feels like you've been very kind to me. I owe you a lot for the care you’ve shown me along the way."

Shao Qi raised an eyebrow, looking at him incredulously, "Wasn’t it always you who took care of me? Do you really think I would’ve dared to enter the Yunlan Mountains without my powers restored?"

What Zhouyou meant was different. As a rookie fresh off the mountain, naive to the world, Shao Qi played the role of a mentor, helping him bridge a decade-long knowledge gap.

They locked eyes for a brief moment, their gazes warmer than usual—emotions overtaking logic. Neither seemed to realize the intensity of their stare. They looked away almost simultaneously.

"Anyway, besides the crossbow, what else suits me?" Zhouyou quickly changed the subject.

Shao Qi replied in a deep voice, "Each set consists of three items: attack, defense, and support. If you don’t like any, you can replace them. I can arrange it for you... Set A is pretty good: a crossbow, Sky Silk Armor, and a Space Barrier. Weren't you looking for a Space Barrier?"

"Is this a one-time use item? And yet, it's so expensive?"

"Do you know its primary function? Did you really think it was invented to put out fires?" Shao Qi had used the barrier to extinguish a fire last time, which was akin to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

Zhouyou pondered and asked, "What would happen if a mutated beast was placed inside the barrier?"

"It would undoubtedly escape. This device only obstructs the air; it doesn’t actually tear and trap space. However..." Shao Qi paused, building suspense, "If you ever encounter a mutated beast you can't handle, activating this barrier will hide your presence, making it easier to evade pursuit. It's a lifesaver."

"So that's how it's used. No wonder it's pricey. Are the Sky Silk Armor and Sky Silk Net made of the same material?"

"Pretty much. However, the Sky Silk Armor is custom-made by the country’s top designers. It's not only resistant to fire and water but also looks elegant. With one of these, you won't need to wear anything else when you go out. It's durable and doesn't get dirty easily."

Zhouyou was amazed. To improve their quality of life, humans had conceived so many innovations. Although the apocalypse had posed significant survival threats, it also provided numerous new materials and a conducive environment for cultivation. If humanity stepped out of its comfort zone and earnestly practiced martial arts, the world would remain rich and colorful.

"I'll take that set then. But is the bear really worth all these precious items? The research institute seems fair in its dealings."

Shao Qi wanted to say all merchants have their cunning sides, but considering the research institute's esteemed reputation, he refrained and simply stated, "If they're willing to exchange these items for the bear, they must see its value." Whether the value was in the goods or in the individual was another matter.

After Zhouyou made his choice, Shao Qi relayed it to the other side, then wrapped himself in a blanket and drifted off to sleep. The journey back had been tiring, and both were in desperate need of rest.

Zhouyou, after taking a shower, couldn't resist browsing some websites. Engrossed by all the fascinating discoveries, he lost track of time. Only when air raid sirens blared from the military district did he realize night had fallen.

Shao Qi cautiously sat up, dressed in the clothes and trousers beside him, and walked out the room. The military compound was brightly lit, with soldiers carrying weapons everywhere.

"What's happening?" Zhouyou asked, emerging from the room.

"I'm not sure. I didn’t sense any danger approaching."

Zhouyou released his spiritual sense, sweeping the surrounding area of the base, and shook his head, "Neither did I."

"Something's not right." Shao Qi suddenly looked up and said with a smile, "I think I understand now. Let's go welcome them."

As they reached the parking lot, the military broadcast announced, "Alert dismissed! Alert dismissed! All units stand down from alert!"

"What happened? Why is the alert suddenly lifted? How could the military's alarm system make such a blunder?" a soldier asked in confusion.

"Perhaps it's another drill. As long as it's not a real attack, we can return to our drinks and food," another mused.

"Look up! What's that in the sky?" Someone was the first to spot an anomaly above, something flying above the clouds.

"Is that... birds passing over our base?"

"Are you joking? Aren't the base's ultrasonic barriers always active? How could birds fly through?"

"No, it looks like an aircraft." As it descended rapidly, everyone could clearly identify it as a plane.

"It doesn't resemble a military aircraft. Do civilian planes dare to fly these days?" Ever since birds mutated, the skies were dominated by them. Any collision between a plane and a mutated bird almost always resulted in a catastrophic crash, so most commercial flights were halted.