Apocalyptic Flood: Sexy Beauty Neighbor's Midnight Plea for Food Chapter 1115 - 460: Investigating the Pathogen, Treatment Plan

A relentless downpour lashed the area, and the temperature had plummeted to a bitter three or four degrees. Despite the water’s surface not yet hardening into ice, the liquid itself felt ice-cold to any ordinary person. However, for the Water Attribute Superpower Users of Yangshan, such conditions were trivial. The physical constitution of a Superpower User easily shrugs off freezing temperatures, and for those attuned to the water element, this environment was essentially their home turf.

Soon, individuals began surfacing one after another. Kong Sheng exerted his will over a surge of water, effectively trapping the fish within it and ushering the catch into a bamboo basket. The threat of viral contamination meant that touching the creatures with bare hands was strictly prohibited. Shortly after, Wang Xiaoya, Qi Delong, Li Xiaojun, and the rest of the Water Attribute Superpower Users emerged as well, each carrying various assortments of smaller fish.

"Mr. Liang, the lake bed is teeming with these small fish. We captured every one we could possibly reach; please, take a look."

Liang Yuan offered a subtle nod, his silhouette shielded by the protective glow of the Spirit Turtle Shield, as he leaned in to inspect the mutant fish within the bamboo enclosure. At first glance, there were no visible defects. In fact, they appeared robust, their life force manifesting as intense, frantic activity. There was not a single sign of illness among the lot. With no medical experts present, Liang Yuan turned his gaze toward Zhao Kai and commanded in a grave tone, "Zhao Kai, select three specimens from each species, preserve them in ice, and see that they are delivered to Dr. Yang for a thorough examination."

"Do not make direct skin contact with them, understood?"

"Understood, I am heading there immediately."

Zhao Kai nodded in swift acknowledgment, stepped forward to carefully sort the fish, and promptly froze them before departing. An oppressive, tense atmosphere blanketed Yangshan, leaving every inhabitant feeling deeply uneasy. Although residents remained quarantined within their own homes, reports of infections continued to surface. The construction team initiated overtime shifts to erect temporary makeshift quarantine cabins.

The following day, Liang Yuan visited the medical wing to confer with Yang Shenmin, only to be met with discouraging news. "The diagnostic tools required to detect this specific pathogen are currently unavailable to us," Yang Shenmin lamented with a sigh.

Liang Yuan pressed firmly, "What specific equipment is missing? I will spare no effort to track it down."

"It is not just one thing. We lack advanced medical microscopes, specialized petri dishes, and a host of other critical apparatuses. Furthermore, my expertise lies in Chinese medicine, not pathology; even if the equipment were provided, I might still struggle to perform an accurate analysis."

Liang Yuan’s brows furrowed in concern, the realization striking him that the medical infrastructure of Yangshan was dangerously limited. Relying solely on Yang Shenmin was an untenable strategy in the long run. It was clear that his next excursion must prioritize the recruitment of professional medical practitioners.

"However," Yang Shenmin added, "a potential method to manage this virus has already occurred to me."

Liang Yuan perked up, his interest piqued. "What do you suggest?"

"Based on my observations, this is likely a mutated pathogen, explaining the sheer speed of this outbreak. While I lack insight into how superpower-based viruses operate compared to common ones, they undoubtedly rely on superpower energy to function and proliferate. My proposal is to construct a Sealing Array within the quarantine cabins and move the patients inside. This should suppress the mutated virus. It may not kill it entirely, but it will certainly hinder its ability to spread. By arresting the viral progression, we can safeguard the lives of the patients while we continue our search for a permanent cure."

Liang Yuan’s eyes brightened. "That is a sound strategy. I will instruct the R&D department to begin setting up the Sealing Array in the cabins immediately."

He lost no time in delegating the task. The R&D department had grown significantly, now incorporating a wealth of Spirit Ability Users. While these individuals possessed strong spiritual power, their talents were auxiliary rather than combat-oriented. Their skills ranged from replications to specialized mental processing reminiscent of Li Hanzhong’s 'Super Brain.' Though they lacked fighting prowess, they were unmatched in crafting complex runes and absorbing knowledge. Having spent months cultivating this talent pool, the department now boasted over ten members under Li Hanzhong’s guidance.

Upon receiving the directive, Li Hanzhong immediately led his team to the cabins. Liang Yuan personally joined the effort, his formidable spiritual power allowing him to expedite the construction of the Sealing Array with perfect precision. His individual speed in laying the runes was rivaling the output of the entire team combined. Within an hour, the Sealing Array was fully active, hermetically sealing the cabin against the flow of superpower energy.

Patients infected with the virus were systematically transferred into the chamber. Yang Shenmin followed them, vigilantly monitoring their condition. Within twenty-four hours, the patients showed a miraculous improvement in mental clarity, and some of the more severely affected individuals even began to manifest recovery. Both Yang Shenmin and Liang Yuan felt a wave of relief wash over them.

"It seems it truly is a mutated strain," Yang Shenmin observed.

Liang Yuan mused, "It is bizarre. There was no trace of such a virus previously. Did it emerge spontaneously?"

Yang Shenmin shook his head, "The flooding caused a massive shift in local ecosystems. It is entirely possible that this was introduced by migrating foreign species."

Liang Yuan nodded. "Then our immediate goal is to confirm the pathogen and identify which specific aquatic species is the vector."

"Agreed. Understanding the source is vital for creating a genuine countermeasure."

Liang Yuan pondered for a moment before asking, "Do you know of any experts who could help?"

Yang Shenmin considered this before responding, "Jiang Ziyin, a virology expert from the Linjiang First Affiliated Hospital. She returned from abroad just last year and was headhunted at a premium. The hospital provided her with a private team and a dedicated laboratory. If she survived the flood, she would certainly have the expertise to solve this."

Liang Yuan’s pulse quickened. "Where is she located?"

"In the urban sector. I have her home address, but given the time that has passed since the floods, I cannot guarantee she is still there."

Liang Yuan spoke with resolve, "Regardless, she must be found. Detail her appearance and background to me."

"Dr. Jiang is striking and difficult to miss. She is of mixed-race descent with Euro-Asian heritage. She is quite beautiful; she will be instantly recognizable."

"Mixed-race? That should make tracking her easier," Liang Yuan noted. "What is her address?"

"The Xinghai Garden Villa District."

Liang Yuan raised an eyebrow. "A villa in the city center?"

Yang Shenmin nodded. "She comes from a well-to-do background, which explains her extensive overseas education. Most families cannot afford such tuition."

Liang Yuan finalized his plans. "Prepare a map and mark the location clearly. Help me expedite my scouting."

Yang Shenmin agreed but added a warning, "Do not linger. While the Sealing Array suppresses the virus, it remains dormant within the body. Once they exit that environment, the infection will return with a vengeance."

"Understood. I will be swift."

"Also," Yang Shenmin cautioned, "advise everyone to avoid fish for the current time. Stick to red meat."

"That has already been arranged," Liang Yuan assured him.

Yang Shenmin checked, "Do we possess enough reserves for that?"

Liang Yuan offered a calm smile. "Fear not, that is not an issue."

While other shelters might collapse into chaos under a prohibition of their main food supply, Liang Yuan’s access to the system meant that hunger was the least of his worries. With the urgency established, Liang Yuan organized internal defenses for Yangshan and secured the surrounding waters. He finally sought out Zhao Kai.

"Brother Liang, did you summon me?"

"Have you reached the 50-point threshold for your attribute?" Liang Yuan inquired.

Zhao Kai nodded. "I achieved the breakthrough yesterday, but the infection emergency kept me from reporting it."

Liang Yuan smiled. "Splendid. I am preparing to depart Yangshan to track down the expert we need."

Zhao Kai exclaimed, "You have a lead?"

"Yes, Dr. Yang has pointed me toward someone who could turn the tide. But before I leave, I need you to reach the Genetic Species level so I can depart with complete peace of mind."

Zhao Kai looked surprised. "Are you concerned about the security of Yangshan, Brother Liang?"

Liang Yuan acknowledged with a nod. "The virus is unpredictable, and I lack the time for a deep investigation right now. If you reach the Genetic Species level, your presence will serve as a definitive anchor for Yangshan, allowing me to focus on my mission without distraction. Afterward, you may continue to refine your Blood Ice to further bolster your power. You are the only one prepared to make this leap, so in my absence, Yangshan rests on your shoulders."

Zhao Kai asked, "When can we expect your return?"

"A day or two at best, perhaps a week at most. I will not be away longer than needed."

Zhao Kai steadied himself, "A week is manageable. We have the numbers and the strength to hold the line for that long."

"Do not underestimate the unknown. Come, let us begin your breakthrough now."

Liang Yuan led Zhao Kai to the interior of Yangshan, acting as his personal guardian. Trusting Liang Yuan implicitly, Zhao Kai focused entirely on the task at hand. He retrieved an Ice Attribute Genetic Species and consumed it immediately. Over the previous month, the R&D team had successfully refined twelve such specimens, all of which now rested in Liang Yuan’s possession.

"It is beginning!" Liang Yuan watched intently as Zhao Kai’s form began to exude a dense, freezing mist. Soon, he was completely shrouded in a frost-laden haze. Waves of intense, frigid air surged outward, covering the surrounding ground in a rapidly expanding sheet of ice. Any pools of water or falling raindrops solidified the instant they entered the field of effect. Liang Yuan noted that the intensity far surpassed Zhao Kai’s usual output; he was clearly evolving.

"I look forward to seeing what kind of Genetic Map he awakens," Liang Yuan thought, his anticipation growing as he observed the process.