188: The Lost Territory, Qinghai
The group looked on with curious eyes, but what they saw in front of them greatly astonished them. Inside the box were 13 jade fragments, each the size of a fingernail. There were four different colors of jade in total: two pieces of creamy-white jade, three pieces of emerald green jade, three pieces of red agate, and the remaining five pieces were blue crystal.
Shan Ming casually picked up one piece of creamy-white jade and asked, “Is this our armor? Are the colors based on energy attributes?”
Cong Xia explained, “Yes, what you’re holding is armor infused with Cambrian energy as a medium. It belongs to the two of us. Emerald represents wood energy and belongs to Tian Bi, Xiao Tang, and Abu. Red agate represents fire energy and belongs to Liu Ge, Colonel Shen, and Al. Blue crystal represents water energy and belongs to the rest.”
“You made all of these?”
Cong Xia smiled and replied, “Yes, for the sake of easy differentiation, I selected these colored jade pieces to inject different attribute energies.”
“How do they function as armor?”
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Usdt Dky rknjle wr y rklnl sq nalyxu-obkvl fyel yde nzldnble kv kd bkp byde. Tl nswze nzlyazu pll vbyv vbl ldlatu yaxsa wdqszele wdela bkp ynvkhyvksd, kdpvydvzu ldhlzsrkdt bkp ldvkal cseu. Tl pyke vs Fbyd Ykdt, “Fbyd Ykdt, qkal y pbsv yv xl.”
Ekvbswv blpkvyvksd, Fbyd Ykdt rwzzle swv y twd qasx bkp rsnjlv yde qkale y pbsv yv Usdt Dky’p yax.
Jlqsal ydusdl nswze alynv, vbl cwzzlv bye yzalyeu zlqv vbl cyaalz, nalyvkdt y zswe cydt. Usdt Dky oyp qsanle cynj vball pvlrp cu vbl kxrynv. Tsolhla, wrsd nzspla kdprlnvksd, vbl cwzzlv oyp pwprldele ycswv vos nldvkxlvlap kd qasdv sq bkx, yp vbswtb nywtbv cu psxl kdhkpkczl qsanl. Wkdyzzu, okvb y psqv nzyvvla, kv qlzz vs vbl taswde, zlyhkdt Usdt Dky wdbyaxle.
Fbyd Ykdt’p lulp zkv wr. “Eso, vbyv’p kdnalekczl.”
Usdt Dky lmbyzle yde awccle bkp yax. “Mbl kxrynv kp pvkzz pwcpvydvkyz.” Tl yvvlxrvle vs ynv dsdnbyzydv, cwv bkp yvvlxrv oyp kd hykd. Mbl ldlatu yaxsa bye pvsrrle vbl cwzzlv, ulv kv nswzed’v nsxrzlvlzu dltyvl kvp qsanl. Tkp yax yde yefynldv satydp olal zlqv ynbkdt qasx vbl kxrynv.
Ubldt Mkydck qwaasole bkp caso. “Pke usw alyzzu byhl vs vlpv kv vbkp oyu?”
Usdt Dky nbwnjzle. “Mbkp kp vbl xspv ekalnv yrrasynb, yde kv’p byaxzlpp.”
“Mbkp vbkdt kp kxralppkhl. Tso es ol ‘olya’ kv? Kwpv bsze vbl pvsdlp kd swa bydep?” Gz rknjle wr y rklnl sq ale ytyvl, vsukdt okvb kv kd bkp ryzx.
“I can help you put it on,” Cong Xia explained. “Let me explain the principle of this energy armor. I’ve woven the energy armor into these jade pieces. When the jade comes into contact with your bodies, I’ll assist you in releasing the energy armor. It will meld with your bodies, making you able to feel it, yet others won’t. The armor utilizes your own energy as a power source. If your energy becomes too weak, the armor won’t function. As long as you maintain some energy in your body, the armor can be used continuously. The only exception is if the jade pieces separate from your body. Additionally, be aware that if the armor is attacked when your energy is critically low, it will be severely damaged.”
Cong Zhenzhong exclaimed, “This is truly remarkable. With this, we can evade so many stray bullets.”
Cong Xia held a hint of pride. “And fatal attacks as well. However, it does have a drawback; it relatively consumes energy, especially each time it blocks an attack. It draws energy from your core.”
Shen Changze toyed with the agate. “But as long as you’re around, our energy can stay balanced, right?”
Cong Xia said, “After my advancement, I can supply energy to more people simultaneously. But once in combat, I’m afraid I won’t be able to attend to everyone. So, you must find ways to conserve energy and avoid being attacked.”
“That’s a given.” Shen Changze affirmed. “Help us ‘put’ it on.”
“Regarding the jade fragments,” Zhuang Yao retrieved a bottle of milky-white liquid from the box, “this is a potent adhesive. After using it, you’ll need a special chemical solvent to dissolve it. It’s waterproof and fireproof, and once it sticks to the skin, it won’t come off. You can use this to affix the jade fragments to your bodies. Of course, I think it’s even better to implant the jade fragments directly into the skin, as this adhesive needs to be dissolved after a month of use, otherwise, the skin may ulcerate.”
“Then let’s implant them into the skin; it’s more convenient.” Shan Ming suggested.
Cong Xia concurred, “I think so too.” He drew a military knife. “Shan, where do you want it?”
“Anywhere you find suitable.”
Cong Xia took Shan Ming’s hand, made a small incision on his forearm, and then inserted the jade fragment into his skin. With a gentle swipe of his hand, the incision disappeared as if it had never appeared, leaving no trace. Cong Xia released Shan Ming’s energy armor and then lightly cut him with the knife. This time, it caused no harm. He said, “It’s already functioning.”
Shan Ming chuckled, “I’m not a mutant; what provides energy for my energy armor?”
“Your physical stamina,” Cong Xia explained. “In fact, even for mutants, their energy largely manifests in physical stamina. Once energy is depleted, mutants lose their combat effectiveness. Your body also contains the five elemental energies present in all things; it’s just in smaller quantities. So, your energy armor places a heavy burden on you.”
Shan Ming raised an eyebrow. “Are you saying I have low stamina?”
Cong Xia scratched his head. “Not that, your stamina is certainly higher than Zhuang Yao’s or Colonel Tang’s, but they have energy to support them while you don’t. You rely purely on physical endurance, which makes your burden greater than theirs.”
Shan Ming snorted, “My stamina is far more enduring than their energy.”
Tang Tingzhi chimed in, “Cong Xia, that’s the truth. Our energy can be depleted instantly, and it’s not like we can persevere just by gritting our teeth. Shan Ming’s stamina is different; he can fight continuously for over twenty hours, and he recovers faster than his energy does. Without you replenishing our energy, it’s hard to say who would run out of energy to sustain the energy armor first.”
Shan Ming maintained an expression as if he hadn’t heard anything.
Cong Xia laughed. “True, I didn’t consider it that deeply. This is a good thing. Shan, don’t worry; even if it’s stamina, I can replenish it for you.”
One by one, everyone voluntarily made small incisions in their skin and inserted the jade fragments. Cong Xia then released their energy armors.
Lastly, Cong Xia retrieved a blue crystal from his pocket and walked over to Cong Zhenzhong. “Uncle, I managed to craft another one in the last few days. This is for you.”
Cong Zhenzhong chuckled, “For me? I don’t think I need it.”
“Just in case. We’re going to Qinghai this time, and we don’t know when we’ll be back. With this armor protecting you, I can feel a bit more at ease.” Cong Xia swung the military knife and winked, “Or are you afraid of pain?”
Cong Zhenzhong extended his arm with a smile. “Impossible.”
Cong Xia activated the armor for Cong Zhenzhong and used the tip of the knife to make a few stabs at his uncle’s arm. It remained intact, relieving Cong Xia. “Uncle, you must take care of yourself.”
Cong Zhenzhong patted his shoulder. “That’s a sentiment I’d like to return to you.”
Everyone had finished testing their energy armors. They could feel a layer of energy-formed “skin” enveloping their bodies, a sensation that was quite peculiar and filled them with a sense of safety.
Cong Zhenzhong opened a metal cabinet with neat rows of energy fluid bottles inside. “These energy fluids are also prepared for you. Each of you should take some for emergency use. Remember to use them sparingly.”
Al laughed, “I’ve never seen so many energy fluids before.”
“You’re about to face the most challenging mission in history, so you deserve these,” Cong Zhenzhong replied.
“Hurry up and show us the weapons,” Deng Xiao said, rubbing his hands together as he eyed the long row of metal crates. He couldn’t wait any longer.
“Alright, let’s start with yours.” Zhuang Yao opened a metal crate, revealing a sleek, all-black Gatling modified machine gun hanging on a display rack. The machine gun was about one meter long and had been modified back to a six-barrel configuration from its original ten-barrel design. Although the number of barrels had been reduced, the overall size had increased, and the barrel diameter had at least doubled, giving it a dominant appearance.
Deng Xiao excitedly pounced on it. “Does it have infinite energy? It’s so cool!”
“It does have infinite energy. It doesn’t require external bullets; instead, it uses a new type of energy source to replace bullets. This chamber is filled with the new energy source.” Zhuang Yao pointed to a black steel pipe below the machine gun’s grip, about the thickness of a person’s forearm. “Through Cong Xia’s modifications, it can achieve a continuous supply of infinite energy. The Cambrian energy is converted into the new energy source using the built-in conversion device.” Zhuang Yao then opened a slot under the grip, revealing three coin-sized jade fragments lined up side by side.
“So, these jade fragments supply the energy for the machine gun?”
Cong Xia explained, “Yes, it’s called infinite energy, but it’s relatively speaking. If the Cambrian energy in the three jade tokens is depleted, the gun won’t have bullets either. However, compared to traditional bullets, this machine gun can fire continuously for 25 minutes. As long as the jade tokens are recharged, it can be used continuously. Of course, there are also drawbacks.
The first drawback is similar to the wind cannon of Tianbi; there’s a risk of barrel overheating, so you can’t fire for more than 25 minutes at a time. It needs to cool down for at least ten minutes. However, even Deng Xiao can’t continuously fire for 25 minutes; his internal organs would be damaged. So, when you use it, pay attention to the red indicator line. It will remind you if the barrel temperature exceeds the warning line.
The second drawback is that there’s no space to modify the barrel angle, so it can only fire straight ahead. Another thing is that the bullet’s power is much smaller than traditional bullets. Once it enters a person’s body, it dissolves on its own rather than tumbling around in the flesh like traditional bullets, causing greater damage. However, as long as there are enough bullets, it can still inflict significant harm.”
Deng Xiao exclaimed, “It’s amazing! I finally don’t have to carry those heavy ammo boxes anymore. I used to carry one that’s taller than a person, and the bullets inside would only last me a few minutes of continuous fire. This gun is just two pounds heavier than before, yet it can fire continuously for 25 minutes, and the energy can be replenished. Now I have nothing to fear.”
Zhuang Yao said, “Replacing traditional ammunition with a new energy source is a groundbreaking leap in the history of weaponry. Cong Xia’s presence has doubled this breakthrough. The weapons you’ll be using this time are something that wouldn’t have been possible within the next three centuries of civilized times; it’s one of the benefits of the apocalypse.” Zhuang Yao continued as he opened the largest metal display case, which was filled with a variety of weapons.
Shan Ming picked up an MP series submachine gun. “Is this an MP modification? Does it also have infinite energy?”
“All the weapons in this display case are equipped with infinite energy. They have all been customized according to your usage habits. You can freely choose among them,” Zhuang Yao picked up a modified FN57 pistol and handed it to Cong Xia, saying, “This one’s for you. It should suit you well. In your hands, it’s a true weapon with unlimited ammunition.”
Cong Xia caressed the black barrel, saying, “Finally, it’s done. My marksmanship has improved a lot. I’ll use sneak attacks with Abu, hahaha.”
The four members of the dragonblood Clan each picked up their familiar guns and gestured excitedly, their eyes filled with anticipation.
“Also, the Wind Cannon has been upgraded. After Cong Xia’s modifications, the heat resistance has increased by half, and the safe usage count has gone up to 22 times. I’ve made two extras for you this time, so now you have six in total. It should be sufficient for most situations.” Zhuang Yao opened the next box, took out the hefty Wind Cannon barrel, and handed it to Cheng Tianbi.
Cheng Tianbi ran his fingers over the smooth barrel, expressing his satisfaction with the upgrade.
“Next, we have Tang Yanqiu’s arrows. In addition to performance improvements and increased production for the previous three types of arrows, a new type of arrow has been developed—Energy Shafts.” Zhuang Yao showcased four sample arrows and the new four-bladed arrowhead design to the group.
Tang Yanqiu had a faint smile on his lips. The upgrades to the three types of arrows and the creation of the Energy Shafts were the result of joint efforts by him, Cong Xia, Zhuang Yao, and several other technicians. They were the new type of weapon he had been most eagerly anticipating.
Liu Fengyu asked curiously, “Energy Shafts? What’s special about them?”
“Strictly speaking, these Energy Shafts don’t belong to cold weapons. They should be classified as miniaturized rocket projectiles. The rear end is equipped with a new type of fuel as a power source. Upon release, the energy will be ignited, providing propulsion to the Energy Shaft. This reduces the effects of gravity and air resistance to a greater extent, extending the accurate shooting distance to 200 meters. This is currently the maximum range achievable with archery. The downside is the limited production. Before you all leave, we can only produce ten of these. However, with the other three types of arrows as support, it should be sufficient.”
Tang Yanqiu chuckled, “What I lack the most now are long-range arrows. An effective range of 200 meters can solve many problems.”
Zhuang Yao said, “Now it’s time for Liu Fengyu’s turn.” He looked at Liu Fengyu, revealing a cunning smile.
Liu Fengyu had already lost his temper over his weapon and was fully prepared mentally. Yet, he still didn’t like to see Zhuang Yao’s smug expression. He lit a cigarette and said, “Come on, let’s get it over with. I’ll accept whatever it looks like.”
With a smile, Zhuang Yao opened the next display case. A shockingly unconventional liquid gun appeared before everyone. This upgraded version of the liquid gun was even more astonishing than the previous one. The barrel had grown almost ten centimeters longer, and two cylindrical digestant pouches, the size of toilet paper rolls, were suspended beneath it. The nozzle, previously flared like a lotus, had now been modified to retract like a bud. As a result, the whole gun looked even more like…
“Wow, why does this thing look like a… well, you know… a c*ck,” Shan Ming burst into laughter, pointing at the liquid gun, and the others followed suit.
Liu Fengyu’s hand trembled, and his cigarette fell to the ground. Even though he had been fully prepared mentally, the modified liquid gun’s appearance still shocked him. He was so angry that his entire body trembled.
Zhuang Yao explained proudly, “With the barrel lengthened, the shooting power has been enhanced, which means the range has also increased by 100 meters compared to before. Additionally, the nozzle has been designed like this because it can now twist open, allowing for multi-angle shooting while taking up less space. It’s definitely not meant to make it look more like a reproductive organ.”
“You little scoundrel, I’m going to kill you!” Liu Fengyu roared and lunged at Zhuang Yao.
Tang Yanqiu quickly grabbed hold of Liu Fengyu, and Zhuang Yao leisurely walked toward the exit, saying, “That’s the end of the weapon presentation. Take your weapons and get used to them on your own.” He opened the door and left, leaving Liu Fengyu’s furious shouts trailing behind.
The group of people picked up their respective weapons and went to find places to train.
Cong Xia holstered the two pistols on himself, and Cheng Tianbi walked over, selecting a few guns as well. He said, “I’ll give you another shooting lesson this afternoon.”
Cong Xia smiled and agreed, “Sure.”
The two of them entered the shooting range together. Cong Xia took out a pistol and said, “Using energy as ammunition is truly a great invention.”
“Indeed.” Cheng Tianbi pulled out a pistol, fired a shot, and hit the bullseye.
Cong Xia also raised his gun, aiming at a distant target.
Cheng Tianbi approached him from behind, “Remember what I taught you? Raise your arm a bit higher, keep your lower body stable, align your three points, and if you’re not confident, use your left hand to support your right. This way, you won’t shake as much.” He grabbed Cong Xia’s left hand and pressed it against his right.
Cong Xia felt his hand trembling, not because of the weight of the gun, but more like he had been aiming for too long and was getting dizzy. He pulled the trigger, and the bullet hit the seventh ring.
At the same time, Cheng Tianbi embraced his waist from behind and whispered softly, “It’s alright, practice more and you’ll improve.”
Cong Xia lowered the gun and leaned against him, saying with a smile, “How long will it take to become as skilled as you?”
“Ten thousand rounds of bullets. Your accuracy with fixed targets will reach 95%.”
“What about moving targets?”
“At least two years.” Cheng Tianbi’s lips brushed against his neck. “Don’t dwell on that. Shooting isn’t your primary role.”
Cong Xia laughed heartily, “I was hoping to stand aside and take sneak shots during your battles. It would definitely be effective.”
“Providing you with a gun isn’t about having you fight. It’s about ensuring you can protect yourself when necessary. Staying alive and intact is the greatest support you can provide to our battles, understand?”
“I understand.”
Cheng Tianbi sighed softly, unconsciously tightening his arm.
“Tianbi, you seem a bit tense too, don’t you? We’re about to leave soon.”
“A little.”
“It’s alright. No matter where we go, we’ll be together.”
Cheng Tianbi’s voice was deep as he spoke, “If we can’t leave Qinghai, then let’s live there for a lifetime. No matter what happens, I won’t be separated from you.”
Cong Xia patted his hand and smiled, “I believe we’ll make it out. Our mission isn’t complete yet. Qinghai can’t hold us back.” He turned around, embracing Cheng Tianbi’s neck, “And I won’t be separated from you either.”
The day of departure finally arrived. A total of 34 people departed from Beijing: Cheng Tianbi and five others, twelve members of the dragonblood Clan, and sixteen from Jiujian Prefecture.
In Yunnan, they would also meet up with fourteen members of the Frost Society. In total, this journey involved 48 people, with Tang Tingzhi as the overall commander and Zhuang Yao as the deputy commander. Alongside the people were several war pets, among which Abu was the largest and most space-consuming. Every time they went on a journey, Cong Xia could understand the feeling that Deng Xiao wanted to put Abu in his pocket.
Cong Zhenzhong saw them off at the transport plane, his expression somewhat sorrowful, but he mustered some energy to bid them farewell and give them some instructions. Finally, he watched Cong Xia step onto the plane with a helpless look. Cong Xia didn’t dare to look back. This was the most difficult parting for him because this trip was extremely dangerous. Who knew, this might be a final farewell. He could only sit on the plane, looking out the window at his second uncle.
Except for Abu, the remaining space in the transport plane was filled with weapons and supplies. Most people had only a small seat to sit on. Luckily, the journey from Beijing to Yunnan wasn’t too long. Once the plane took off, the six of them climbed onto Abu and fell asleep.
During the flight, Cong Xia implanted a jade talisman into Abu and activated his energy armor. Abu’s energy armor consumed the most energy due to its size. When Cong Xia took out a knife and gestured while explaining to Abu, he could sense a hint of hesitation in Abu’s eyes. He knew Abu wouldn’t understand complex language, but out of trust, Abu extended his paw, allowing Cong Xia to make a cut on his skin. After Cong Xia repaired his skin, Abu licked the area where the jade talisman was implanted. Perhaps it never understood why it was hurt there in the first place.
Two hours later, the plane arrived in Kunming.
As they watched the city below gradually grow larger, Cheng Tianbi, Cong Xia, and Liu Fengyu were overwhelmed by emotions. Two years ago, they met here. They set out from here, risking their lives to journey to Beijing. That journey took an entire year. Now, two years later, they returned with powerful abilities and a mission they must fulfill. The same distance took only two hours. Nearly two years had changed everything. This city marked the beginning for them, and thinking about their experiences fleeing and surviving here, then considering all they carried now, fate’s capriciousness was truly astounding.
The plane landed. The group walked out of the cabin and took a deep breath of the chilly and fresh morning air.
Liu Fengyu looked around and sighed, “Kunming, we’re really back.”
Cong Xia said, “Yeah, we’re back for real. When I left here, I always thought I might die on the way. I never thought I’d have a chance to come back in this lifetime.”
Cheng Tianbi added, “Almost two years have passed without us realizing it.” He looked at Cong Xia, “Do you want to go back to your home and take a look?”
Cong Xia smiled, “Sure, if the building is still there.”
“Can you find it?”
“We should be able to. After all, I lived there for four or five years.”
Several military vehicles approached from a distance and stopped in front of them. Several officers, along with Wu Yu, and Chen Shao, got out of the vehicles.
Wu Yu said, “You all are right on time. It’s been a while.”
Yao Qianjiang said, “Long time no see, President Wu.”
“I’ve arranged a place for everyone to rest. After lunch, we’ll drive to the house you mentioned. But be mentally prepared.”
“Could the house be gone?”
“We’re not sure about that since we can’t scout the area.”
“Why not?”
“That area is occupied by the Mantis Tribe.”
“The Mantis Tribe?”
“Yes,” Wu Yu chuckled, “Large mantises almost as tall as humans. Each one is a master of stealth and assassination.”
Cong Xia couldn’t help but recall the mantis he and Cheng Tianbi had encountered on the streets of Kunming, the one Cheng Tianbi had decisively defeated with a single strike. It was the first target of Cheng Tianbi’s Wind Blade attack and the first entity he absorbed energy from. They seemed to have an uncanny connection with mantises. Back then, those mantises that ambushed people and animals in the grass had grown into such formidable opponents.
Yao Qianjiang narrowed his eyes and smiled, “Perfect, we can try out our weapons then.”
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