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By noon, Chen Liu stirred, the last to wake. The wounds from the previous nightâs battle had taken their toll, and even his bodily regeneration ability had only superficially mended his left arm. Another day before itâs fully functional, he thought, flexing it gingerly. Reflecting on his choice to replicate bodily regeneration, he felt no regrets. Though it didnât enhance his combat prowess directly, it was a rare asset that enabled his reckless, all-or-nothing fighting style. The true thrill, however, lay in mastering âMountain Cleave,â the first form of the Axe Manual. That strike felt like splitting the heavens, he recalled, his blood still thrumming at the memory of cleaving the wild dogâs skull. The techniqueâs rustic name belied its devastating power, and Chen Liu knew he had only scratched its surface.
Gurgle His stomach growled. The blood loss had left him famished. âCaptain, youâre awake! Have some porridge!â Yu Na called, rushing over with a bowl. Her face was adorned with adhesive bandages that lent her a comical air. The porridge, laced with slices of dog meat from the three beasts Zhang Chongâs group had slain, was a welcome sight. âThanks,â Chen Liu said, smiling as he took the bowl. Even dog meatâs a luxury now, he thought, savoring the warmth. Yu Naâs expression shifted to guilt. âCaptain, Iâm sorryâŠâ she began, her voice heavy with self-blame. After hearing Yu Dachaoâs account of the fight, she felt responsible for the danger theyâd faced. If I hadnât needed to step away, he might not be hurt. Chen Liu waved it off. âItâs not your fault. The pack was stalking us already. If anything, your scream gave us a chance to fight back instead of being ambushed.â She nodded with acceptance and relief. âYour face okay?â he asked, eyeing the bandages. âItâs fine. A few days, and itâll be good as new,â she replied.
Zhang Chong and Yu Dachao approached. Their faces brightened at the sight of Chen Liu awake. âCaptain, your healingâs insane! One night, and youâre already this far along?â Zhang Chong said, envy lacing his awe. Chen Liu only smiled, keeping his thoughts private. âLetâs move this afternoon. The sooner we reach Liao City, the better,â he said, aware that their morningâs rest had cost them precious time.
By evening, the group had skirted Hong City, finding the roads noticeably clearer, likely thanks to military efforts. It seemed they had been busy and Chen Liu was grateful for the smoother path. They encountered few obstacles and even crossed paths with other convoys, all bound for Liao City. As night fell, four convoys merged, forming a defensive circle with their vehicles around a central bonfire, sharing warmth and security. Mutated beasts were too clever to strike by day, Chen Liu recalled the previous nightâs ambush. The apocalypse, only a month old, hadnât yet turned survivors against each other. Robbery and betrayal remained rare; those who escaped cities were resourceful and capable, prioritizing cooperation over conflict. Food was still plentiful enough to discourage violence.
At Chen Liuâs suggestion, Zhang Chong and Yu Dachao bartered two wild dog carcasses for biscuits, instant noodles, and a machete. Dog meat wonât last in this heat, Chen Liu thought, approving the trade. âCaptain, their weapons are crazy good,â Zhang Chong said excitedly. Cities offered a wealth of gearâsteel pipes, fire axes, machetes, even modern bows and crossbows. Rumors swirled that the Flame Queenâs team had raided a police station, securing guns and ammo. By comparison, Chen Liuâs group seemed ill-equipped. His own axe, notched and worn, required daily grinding. âGive the machete to Chaozi,â Chen Liu decided. Yu Dachao, who fought with a steel rod, had grown embarrassed by its simplicity. He deserves better, Chen Liu thought, noting Yu Naâs flicker of envy. She said nothing, but her silence spoke volumes. Sheâs earned something too, he thought, pulling a seven-star crystal from his pocketâloot from the previous nightâand handing it to her. âTake this and try your luck. See if you can trade for a decent weapon.â To reach nine-star Awakened status, he needed 224 seven-star crystals, but he wasnât rushed; crystals were the apocalypseâs currency, vital for comfort at Liao City. âThank you, Captain!â Yu Na beamed, darting off to barter. âCaptainâs playing favorites,â Yu Dachao teased, grinning. Zhang Chong smacked his head. âHe just gave you the machete. Quit whining!â Heâs got no shame, Zhang Chong thought, chuckling.
âYouâre cheating! You promised the crossbow! I donât want a machete!â Yu Naâs voice cut through the camp, sharp with anger. Trouble already? Chen Liu thought, striding toward the commotion with Zhang Chong and Yu Dachao in tow. They found Yu Na arguing heatedly with a bald man, both red-faced. âWhatâs going on?â Chen Liu asked. âCaptain!â Yu Na straightened, bolstered by his presence, and explained. Sheâd offered her seven-star crystal for a modern crossbow the man carriedâa deadly weapon, easier to wield than a compound bow, though slower to fire. Heâd accepted the crystal but reneged, insisting the deal was for a machete, claiming the crossbow was his âlifesaving trump card.â Plain extortion, Chen Liu thought, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the bald manâs deceit.