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55 Global Evolution
“What’s going on here?” exclaimed Liu Fengyu. Since the apocalypse, it was the first time they had witnessed such a large-scale battle among the crowd. Not only were there over a dozen mutants participating in the fight, even ordinary humans were rushing forward with various weapons in hand.
Zhuang Yao said, “Those outsiders might have the same goal as us, which is to obtain gasoline. Let’s just watch the fight from here. It would be best if they both end up badly wounded, so we can save some energy.”
Cong Xia said in a deep voice, “I don’t agree with taking advantage of the chaos like this. The local residents here, including the elderly and children, don’t seem to be in good living conditions. They can’t even have a proper meal, yet they are risking their lives to protect the gasoline. The gasoline must be closely related to their survival. Even if we don’t help, we shouldn’t seize the opportunity to plunder.”
Since the apocalypse, Cong Xia had followed the principle of not seeking trouble and doing what they could handle. They didn’t possess the strength to fear nothing and no one, so they wouldn’t act like heroes for strangers. But they wouldn’t stoop so low as to steal food from the elderly and children just to make their own journey more comfortable.
Zhuang Yao chuckled, “Naive.”
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Ubldt Mkydck pyke, “Fkdnl ol nyd’v pvlyz, zlv’p nsdvakcwvl kd psxl oyu.”
Nkw Wldtuw pbawttle, “R esd’v xkde.”
“Rv’p alyzzu byae vs elyz okvb usw yewzvp,” Hbwydt Zys ryvvle Gcw sd vbl cynj yde pyke, “Gcw, eke usw pll vbyv bwdvkdt est? Zsw nyd lyv kv vseyu.”
Wszzsokdt vbl saela, Gcw zlyrle wr qasx bkp saktkdyz prsv yde, okvbkd vball pvlrp, rswdnle sd vbl hknkswp bwdvkdt est vbyv oyp shla vball xlvlap zsdt. Ekvb kvp nzyop pzypbkdt esod, vbl est eked’v lhld byhl y nbydnl vs cyaj clqsal kvp dlnj oyp pzknle srld, yde czsse twpble swv.
Ubldt Mkydck aykple bkp pwcxynbkdl twd yde qkale y pbsv yv vbl rsola-vurl xwvydv nzsplpv vs bkx. Mbl xwvydv’p pbswzela oyp rklanle, nywpkdt bkx vs qyzz vs vbl taswde yde pvawttzl vs tlv wr.
Nkw Wldtuw fwxrle esod qasx Gcw’p cynj, yde bkp ldsaxswp rlvyz powdt kd vbl yka, jdsnjkdt esod qkhl sa pkm rlsrzl vstlvbla.
“Ebs yal vblpl rlsrzl? Mblu pvkdj!”
“Mblal’p y nyv, eyxd kv, kv’p y bwtl nyv!”
“Where did that cat come from? Ah–“
“Why do they have guns? They’re not supposed to have guns!”
atOptions = { ‘key’ : ‘819083b5141e2ddc81cd1b66b82e3d92’, ‘format’ : ‘iframe’, ‘height’ : 250, ‘width’ : 300, ‘params’ : {} }; document.write(”);“Hold on! Kill that cat!”
“He’s back! They couldn’t hold him. Run!”
The leader, a mammalian atavistic evolver, was startled, and his fur stood on end. He frantically waved his arms and shouted, “Retreat!”
However, just as he took two steps forward, an arrow whizzed through the air and pierced his neck from behind. Blood mist filled the air, and the mutant fell to the ground without making a sound.
“He’s back! Run!”
Before the terrified voice could even fade, arrows kept raining down from the sky, each one hitting a vital spot. The retreating group became defenseless prey with nowhere to hide. One after another, they fell to the ground.
The four individuals looked up in astonishment and saw a figure dressed entirely in black through the smoke. Despite that, the figure possessed a pair of enormous wings on its back. Hovering in mid-air, the figure continuously shot arrows from a full bow, repeating the motion like a machine. However, every arrow struck its target accurately.
Cong Xia marveled, “An animal…mutation?”
Zhuang Yao murmured, “It’s also possible it’s an avian atavistic.”
Liu Fengyu shook his head, “Wow, that’s cool.”
The dozens of people attacking the gathering site fled in disarray. While the explosion’s smoke hadn’t completely dissipated, those people had already escaped beyond the archer’s line of sight, causing the archer to cease his action.
Cheng Tianbi lightly waved his hand, and a gust of wind dispersed the smoke produced by the explosion, significantly improving their visibility.
The archer immediately raised his arm, his bow fully drawn, and shot down a person in the distance. He continued to shoot until everyone had disappeared from his line of sight.
Finally, the four individuals could see the true face of the archer.
He was a young man in his twenties, tall and slender, with black hair, black eyes, and dressed in black attire. His appearance was extraordinarily handsome, exuding a calm and reserved temperament. His expression was solemn and stern. He wore a woven chest guard on his left chest and wrist guards on both arms. In his hands, he held an ancient-looking longbow, and a large quiver was strapped to his back. He also carried a sword at his waist. Sprouting from his back were enormous white wings. This combination of attire and features was indeed peculiar, but as he descended slowly from the air, there was an aura of reverence that made it impossible to desecrate.
atOptions = { ‘key’ : ‘819083b5141e2ddc81cd1b66b82e3d92’, ‘format’ : ‘iframe’, ‘height’ : 250, ‘width’ : 300, ‘params’ : {} }; document.write(”);After landing, the man gently flapped his wings, retracting them into his body. He looked at the four individuals. The four of them remained cautious, ready to attack at any moment.
Suddenly, the man bowed deeply and said, “Thank you for your assistance.”
Cheng Tianbi slowly lowered his gun.
“Tang-ge!” A girl of around thirteen or fourteen years old ran toward him and threw herself into his arms, crying. She sobbed, “Both of Uncle Liu’s sons are dead.”
The man furrowed his brows and gently patted the girl’s back. “I understand. Go join everyone at Zhang Gong’s place. I’ll be there shortly.”
The girl left, crying.
The man addressed the four individuals. “I apologize for my earlier behavior. Most people who enter here have ill intentions. Please forgive me. My name is Tang Yanqiu, ‘Yan’ as in wild goose, and ‘Qiu’ as in hill.”
Liu Fengyu found this person’s way of speaking quite amusing and teased, “Tang Hero, are you someone who time-traveled from ancient times?”
Tang Yanqiu glanced at him, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes. “Are you… Liu Fengyu?”
Liu Fengyu pushed his slightly long bangs aside, revealing a rather devilish face, and grinned with narrowed eyes. “So, you recognize me.”
Tang Yanqiu nodded. “My sister and her friends are big fans of yours.”
Just as Liu Fengyu was about to feel proud, Tang Yanqiu continued, “I don’t understand why they like someone like you, who is all show and no substance.”
Liu Fengyu exclaimed, “Are you asking for a beating?”
Tang Yanqiu seemed to recall that these few people had just helped him and nodded towards Liu Fengyu. “Apologies. I want to express my thanks to all four of you once again for your assistance.” After speaking, he bowed again.
Zhuang Yao said, “Let’s get to something practical. You know why we’re here.”
Tang Yanqiu replied, “Indeed, we do have gasoline, and we can give you some, but the quantity is not for me to decide.”
“Just a bit will do. We don’t need much.”
atOptions = { ‘key’ : ‘819083b5141e2ddc81cd1b66b82e3d92’, ‘format’ : ‘iframe’, ‘height’ : 250, ‘width’ : 300, ‘params’ : {} }; document.write(”);Tang Yanqiu nodded. “I’ll take you to see Zhang Gong. Please follow me.” He gestured for them to proceed and then turned to walk towards a large activity building. His back was straight, his steps calm, reflecting the same meticulousness that his overall demeanor conveyed.
Upon entering the activity building, it was filled with people, and the atmosphere was extremely oppressive. People occasionally sobbed softly.
“Xiao Tang.” A middle-aged man with a slightly hunched back walked over and excitedly shook Tang Yanqiu’s hand. “Xiao Tang, thank you. Without you, we…”
Tang Yanqiu comforted him. “Zhang Gong, let’s not talk about that anymore. This is our shared home.”
“And who are these individuals?”
Before Tang Yanqiu could speak, a young boy shouted, “Mom, it’s them! They rode on a really big and beautiful cat and killed that scary dog in an instant.”
Before Tang Yanqiu could speak, a young boy exclaimed, “Mom, it’s them! They were riding a huge and beautiful cat and instantly killed that terrifying dog with a bite.”
Zhang Gong quickly realized the situation and said, “Ah, it was just a moment ago that a few of them helped us. Thank you, rest up.” Zhang Gong bowed repeatedly.
Cong Xia hurriedly said, “No, no, don’t mention it.”
Zhang Gong quickly offered them seats and introduced himself, saying, “Among us, aside from those who have fled here from other places, the rest of us were workers and their families from the industrial area. I am the chief engineer of the refinery transformation project. Because I have some education, I am temporarily serving as the village chief. Where are you all from?”
Cong Xia replied, “We’re from Guiyang and we intend to pass through here on our way to Chongqing.”
Zhang Gong’s expression changed, and he sighed, “Chongqing, I advise you to give up on that idea.”
“Why?”
“The road to Chongqing has been blocked.”
“Blocked by whom?”
“By a group of mutants.”
“Are you referring to the people we just encountered?”
“No, they came to steal gasoline because they also want to go to Chongqing.”
Cong Xia asked, “Could you please explain it from the beginning? We’re getting a bit confused.”
atOptions = { ‘key’ : ‘819083b5141e2ddc81cd1b66b82e3d92’, ‘format’ : ‘iframe’, ‘height’ : 250, ‘width’ : 300, ‘params’ : {} }; document.write(”);Zhang Gong wiped his face and said heavily, “Indeed, this is currently the best route to reach Chongqing. However, many people coming from the west have taken detours because there is a group of mutants stationed along the road from the industrial area to Chongqing, and they don’t allow anyone to pass.”
“Why?”
Zhang Gong gritted his teeth and said, “They collect various supplies from the people living in the nearby mountains and exchange them for other things in Chongqing—food, clothing, weapons, information. They play the role of middlemen. If everyone goes to Chongqing, they won’t benefit from it anymore.”
“Such an organization actually exists? They’re profiting from this disaster. That’s despicable. But why do so many people want to go to Chongqing?”
“It is said that due to the mountainous terrain, Chongqing is less affected by the radiation from earthquakes. So the situation there is relatively better. Not only are there fewer mutated species, but there are also military forces stationed there. The surrounding mountains are suitable for hunting. As long as people work diligently to find jobs, they won’t starve to death. Unfortunately, that group of people occupies the safest route to Chongqing. In other places, there are either treacherous mountains or large mutated animals. The only way to safely pass through their territory is to buy passage with enough supplies. Among all the supplies, gasoline is the most valuable. We also rely on gasoline to trade with them for other goods.”
Zhang Gong：“So many people come to steal gasoline just to pass through to Chongqing from their territory? Since gasoline is so valuable, why don’t they come and steal it themselves?”
“They have rules. They only wait for people to come and exchange. Perhaps they’re afraid of causing public outrage. But if they don’t steal, others who need supplies will. ” Zhang Gong looked gratefully at Tang Yanqiu, “If it weren’t for Xiao Tang, our group of people would have starved or died from illness without any hope.”
Tang Yanqiu said, “Including me, there are only four mutants here. At first, we could hold our own, but now more and more people are coming to steal gasoline. I’m afraid we won’t be able to hold on for much longer.”
Cheng Tianbicha asked, “What kind of mutation do you have?”
“Those people say it’s avian atavism.”
“Avian atavism, interesting.” Zhuang Yao smiled. “But your archery skills are not from a mutation. Your last name is Tang? Do you have any connection with the Tang family in Sichuan?”
Tang Yanqiu answered openly, “I am the 36th generation descendant of the Tang family.”
“No wonder, coming from such an ancient martial arts family, your skills are truly exceptional. But how did you end up staying here? With your abilities, you could go anywhere you wanted.”
atOptions = { ‘key’ : ‘819083b5141e2ddc81cd1b66b82e3d92’, ‘format’ : ‘iframe’, ‘height’ : 250, ‘width’ : 300, ‘params’ : {} }; document.write(”);Tang Yanqiu lowered his eyelids and remained silent.
Zhang Gong let out a long sigh. “Xiao Tang is burdened because of us.”
Tang Yanqiu said, “Zhang Gong, don’t say that. As a member of the Tang family, I must repay kindness.”
Zhuang Yao leaned on his chin and looked at Tang Yanqiu. “But, as you said, more and more people are coming to steal gasoline. How long can you hold on alone? Especially when your gasoline will eventually run out, what will you do then?”
Tang Yanqiu’s expression was resolute. “We will hold on as long as we can.”
Zhang Gong said, “We initially planned to head west, but the people coming from the western regions say it’s even more terrifying there, and they couldn’t stay. So now I’m considering taking a detour to Chongqing. However, none of the people who went out to explore the route have returned. If we rush into the forest like this, we may never come out again.”
Cheng Tianbicha asked, “Isn’t your gasoline supply enough for all of you to go to Chongqing?”
Zhang Gong smiled bitterly. “It’s not that simple. According to their demands, it’s already good enough if we can go halfway. The people here are all connected by blood or relations. Who would they allow us to take with us? Even if our gasoline runs out, as long as we’re not extinct and they can still squeeze oil out of us, they won’t let us go.”
Zhuang Yao glanced at Cheng Tianbi. “What do you think?”
Cheng Tianbi remained expressionless and said, “Ask Cong Xia.”
Zhuang Yao turned to Cong Xia, and Cong Xia nodded, saying, “We definitely have to go to Chongqing, and we won’t take a detour. Taking a detour may be more dangerous than challenging that group of people. So if you’re willing to help, we’ll take you to Chongqing.”
Zhang Gong and the others in the room brightened up, and everyone began whispering, causing a moment of commotion.
Zhuang Yao raised his young voice to suppress the murmurs. “But we have a condition.” He pointed at Tang Yanqiu. “After they safely reach Chongqing, you have to come with us.”
All eyes turned to Tang Yanqiu, and even Cheng Tianbi and Liu Fengyu raised their eyebrows in surprise. Cong Xia, on the other hand, showed no signs of surprise because he and Zhuang Yao had the same thought.
This descendant of the Tang family was not only powerful but also loyal and righteous. Who wouldn’t want such a companion? Since they had already planned to form a team, they needed to actively recruit trustworthy talents. To become stronger and to survive, they needed to strengthen this team.
Tang Yanqiu furrowed his brow and asked, “Kid, what do you mean by that?”
Zhuang Yao raised an eyebrow. “We will safely escort these people to Chongqing, and in return, you will escort us to Beijing.”
The room fell silent.
Tang Yanqiu stood up and said in a solemn voice, “Let me consider.” With that, he turned around and left.
*************
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