Apocalyptic Flood: Sexy Beauty Neighbor's Midnight Plea for Food Chapter 1244 - 578: Little Straw Mountain Residents (2)

This locale had, by this point, earned the moniker 'The City That Never Sleeps.'

Upon Little Straw Mountain, Mutated Sunflowers adorned the slopes in profusion.

Like miniature suns scattered across the landscape, these golden Mutated Sunflowers cast warm beams of light in every direction.

The entirety of Little Straw Mountain was enveloped in a comforting warmth, its temperature noticeably elevated compared to surrounding areas.

Even the water at the mountain's base had its icy shell dissolved by the ambient heat emanating from the multitude of Mutated Sunflowers.

This water body stood as one of the rare stretches within the Mirage Snake Space that had managed to evade complete freezing.

Further out, the water's surface was a solid sheet of ice. Upon this thick ice, numerous individuals equipped with ice-saber boots glided with practiced ease.

Each carried provisions strapped to their backs or carried implements like fishing rods, traversing the ice as if in flight.

Observing this spectacle, Liang Yuan's form flickered, and he selected a group, following in their wake.

Before long, the chosen team halted their progress near an abandoned skyscraper, situated at a considerable distance from Little Straw Mountain.

Within the building, light blazed, and a substantial number of people had already convened.

Liang Yuan, too, directed his steps toward this structure, a subtle expression of surprise gracing his features.

"What compels all these individuals to congregate here?"

Upon entering, Liang Yuan discovered that many of the higher levels within this apartment complex had been occupied.

It appeared this location had transformed into a provisional shelter.

At that precise moment, a contingent of people emerged from a room, their paths converging directly with Liang Yuan's.

Both parties ceased their movement simultaneously.

Liang Yuan offered a smile and greeted them, "Greetings, everyone."

From the group Liang Yuan encountered, a middle-aged man regarded him and responded with a smile, "Hello, are you also here for ice fishing?"

"Ice fishing?"

"Indeed, all of us are here with the intention of ice fishing and catching fish."

"Things aren't like they used to be; the temperature is far too low, making it difficult for many crops to grow. The water bodies are entirely frozen, and if one wishes to catch fish, the ice must first be broken."

A moment of understanding dawned on Liang Yuan, and he smiled. "I am merely passing through and sought a place to rest. I noticed the lights hence my approach."

The middle-aged man let out a hearty laugh. "Then you have arrived at an opportune location. This serves as the temporary encampment for us fishing enthusiasts. Proceed inside and take a look; if there is an unoccupied room, feel free to stay."

"If you wish to fish, accompany us."

Liang Yuan smiled. "In that case, I shall explore with you."

The individuals here possessed a demeanor distinct from the calculating survivors encountered elsewhere; they exuded a welcoming warmth and friendliness.

Due to the consistently isolated nature of this environment, resources remained relatively abundant, and the desperate struggle for basic sustenance, leading to fatal conflicts, had not yet materialized.

As the old adage suggests, when the granaries are full, propriety naturally follows. When material conditions are not exceedingly dire, few will readily risk annihilation through violence and destruction.

Following this group, Liang Yuan reached a nearby expanse of ice.

Along their journey, Liang Yuan also learned that this middle-aged man was a local resident of Little Straw Mountain, identified as Xiang Guorong.

He professed a deep familiarity with the region, having resided there even preceding the Great Flood.

The very patch of ice they were approaching had once been a park prior to the Great Flood.

"This was formerly the park's lake. I recall people frequently coming here to release fish in those days. While I cannot guarantee other locations, there are certainly sizable ones here."

Liang Yuan inquired with a smile, "Are many people aware of this particular fishing locale?"

"Heh, not a significant number. Only the locals are privy to it. Young man, we truly hit it off from the start, which is the sole reason I am sharing this with you. Kindly refrain from spreading the word." Xiang Guorong chuckled.

Liang Yuan reciprocated the smile and nodded in agreement.

The other man retrieved a black cloth bag from his basket, and upon its opening, a radiant light emanated.

It was then that Liang Yuan discerned the presence of a small Mutated Sunflower within the bag.

Xiang Guorong chuckled again. "I invested a considerable sum in this, allow me to inform you. Mutated Sunflowers are the paramount treasure within our Mirage Snake Space."

"Our Mirage Snake Space was once consumed by utter darkness—visibility was non-existent. Even venturing outside proved arduous, and everyone remained confined to Little Straw Mountain."

"Ever since Mr. Liang introduced the Mutated Sunflowers and the Agriculture Department began their widespread cultivation, a mere single month has transformed Little Straw Mountain into what is now known as the City That Never Sleeps."

"Nowadays, carrying Mutated Sunflowers is a necessity whenever we venture out. We refer to them as the 'Flower of Hope'; some also bestow upon them the name 'Flower of Yangshan.'"

"It is regrettable that I have never had the opportunity to visit Yangshan. I understand that Yangshan was the place where Mr. Liang and Mr. Li first ascended to prominence."

As he spoke, Xiang Guorong put down his equipment, remarking, "Soon, we'll shatter the ice. The illumination from the Mutated Sunflower will lure the Mutant Fish lurking beneath to us. Then, filling the basket will be as easy as lifting a finger."

"Oh, right, we've been chatting for quite a while, and I still don't know your name?"

Liang Yuan offered a smile. "My surname is Liang as well."

"Haha, what a fortunate coincidence! The same clan as our Yangshan King."

"Xiaoliang, come here! I'll show you the ropes of ice-breaking and net setting. Trust me, once you master this technique, you'll never go hungry in this place."

"The meat from these Mutant Fish fetches a considerable amount of Points during this season."

Liang Yuan smiled wryly. "Can't everyone here venture out to fish? Is there still such a high demand?"

"Ah, that's something you wouldn't understand. It doesn't snow within our Space, and while the ice is thick, it can be penetrated. I've heard the snow outside accumulates over ten meters deep. Attempting to break through the ice and catch fish there is harder than ascending to the heavens."

"The fish we catch here are sent to a processing facility before being sold externally. There's never an issue with sales."

Hearing him detail their daily existence, Liang Yuan couldn't help but feel that the inhabitants of the Mirage Snake Space enjoyed a significantly higher happiness index compared to those outside.

Just as their conversation flowed, the Space adjacent to them began to warp.

Immediately afterward, Li Qinghua emerged from it, stating, "Mr. Liang, Wu Ying and the others have successfully arrived at the Dark Abyss Mouth. They've already established the Spiritual Ability Radio, and we can now establish contact with them."

Xiang Guorong gaped at Li Qinghua, then glanced at Liang Yuan, a look of undeniable excitement spreading across his features.

"You, you two, you are—"

Liang Yuan offered a gentle smile and produced a Talisman Stone. "Brother, thank you for your company and assistance. Rest assured, Yangshan, Little Straw Mountain, and everyone—we will all thrive and prosper."

With that, he placed the Talisman Stone down. Liang Yuan and Li Qinghua then stepped into the Space together, vanishing from sight above the ice.

Alone stood the middle-aged man, Xiang Guorong, gazing at the slowly stabilizing Space, his heart lingering in a state of profound emotion.

The next moment, Liang Yuan and Li Qinghua reappeared within a secluded chamber on Little Straw Mountain.

Li Qinghua then explained, "With the Spiritual Ability Radios now operational at the Dark Abyss Mouth, Yangshan, Meishan, Jueyun Slope, and Little Straw Mountain, information exchange between both operational zones will become remarkably more efficient."

Liang Yuan gave a slight nod. "Excellent work. And this Mirage Snake Space—you've cultivated it exceptionally well. Your next objective is to channel all efforts into raising your Main Attribute to 100 points. You have three days. In three days' time, I will be journeying to Guangfu."

A flicker of shame crossed Li Qinghua's face. "We have held you back. You have clearly provided us with the finest resources and environment—"

Liang Yuan gently shook his head. "There was an inherent disparity between us and Guangfu from the start. That is something only Time can rectify."

"I have faith that everyone will eventually catch up."

"For the next three days, I must enter seclusion for my Cultivation. Ensure you all remain diligent as well."

"Yes, we absolutely will not disappoint you," Li Qinghua affirmed with solemnity.

After imparting a few more instructions, Liang Yuan retreated into the secret chamber.

Over these crucial three days, he intended to attempt a breakthrough to 100 points, formally achieve the Middle Tier of his Genetic Species, and inscribe his Middle Tier Genetic Map!