Apocalyptic Flood: Sexy Beauty Neighbor's Midnight Plea for Food Chapter 1263 - 597: Zhang Yujiang

The formidable forces of the two figures clashed, generating an invisible, potent aura that filled the air with a low hum.

The remaining soldiers lay utterly defeated, their spirits crushed by the palpable dominance of beings at the apex of the food chain, leaving them no will to fight.

Yet, in reality, both Liang Yuan and Feng Jiangong were teetering on the brink of exhaustion.

The process of genetic recombination demanded a significant expenditure of superpower energy.

By this point in their ferocious battle, their internal reserves were severely depleted.

Liang Yuan, in particular, had already expended a portion of his power within the underground laboratory.

Had his physical attributes not been over a hundred, allowing for rapid recovery of both stamina and superpowers, he would have long since run out of energy.

However, with harsh words exchanged and pride on the line, neither man could afford to yield first.

"Hold! Both of you, hold on!"

Just as the two were locked in a tense standoff, a figure rapidly descended from the sky.

Moments later, a middle-aged man appeared, escorting Zhang Wenjing.

Zhang Wenjing gazed at Liang Yuan, her eyes wide with astonishment.

She had not anticipated Liang Yuan holding his ground against Uncle Feng.

Uncle Feng, the foremost expert of the Dove Faction Military, whose Atomic Breath was rumored to be the military's ultimate trump card.

The very reason the Celestial Abyss remained intact was attributed to Uncle Feng's formidable defense.

Could it be that Liang Yuan possessed a similar capacity to defend the Celestial Abyss?

A flicker of understanding crossed her mind, and she preemptively guessed her father's intentions.

This man was indeed Zhang Wenjing’s father, the leader of the Dove Faction and former military commander, Zhang Yujiang!

"Jiangong, stand down."

Zhang Yujiang arrived and positioned himself beside Feng Jiangong, calling out to him.

Upon hearing the command, Feng Jiangong responded, "Yes, Commander."

Respecting Zhang Yujiang’s authority, his body dissolved into a mist of blood with a loud bang, quickly dispelling the genetic recombination state and reverting to his human form.

He, too, sensed Liang Yuan's resilience, and considering his own substantial energy expenditure, further combat would likely result in a mutually destructive stalemate.

Zhang Yujiang turned his attention to Liang Yuan, a smile gracing his lips, and stated, "Mr. Liang, there is no fatal animosity between us, and our Dove Faction has never sought to interfere with Yangshan's interests."

"Why must we resort to drawing swords and engaging in war? Why not sit down for a cordial discussion, what do you say?"

Liang Yuan's eyes glinted, and he readily agreed, "I suppose Commander Zhang, you express yourself more eloquently than he does."

Immediately, Liang Yuan ceased his aggressive posture, rapidly dissolving his genetic recombination and returning to his normal state.

Feng Jiangong shot Liang Yuan a chilling glare, his heart brimming with indignation.

As a master strategist, he had held a high rank in the military even before the Great Flood.

When had anyone dared to confront him in such a manner?

Yet, he was powerless against Liang Yuan, who was neither his subordinate nor inferior in strength.

Zhang Yujiang chuckled and proposed, "Mr. Liang, this is hardly the appropriate venue for discussion. Perhaps we could descend, find a place to dine, and converse over a meal."

As a high-ranking military official, Zhang Yujiang commanded not only immense authority but also considerable political acumen.

Consequently, he was well-versed in the etiquette of such matters.

Discussions of importance were, naturally, best conducted around a dining table.

However, Liang Yuan offered a shake of his head, "I see no need for a meal, Commander Zhang. Let's dispense with the pleasantries and get straight to the point. Tell me, what is the intention of your Dove Faction Military?"

"The Hawk Faction Military conspired with the Three Great Sects to invade my Yangshan, even holding a conference at Sun Wuge."

"At that time, you made no move to intervene."

"Now that I have annihilated these forces, you all suddenly appear, haha."

Liang Yuan let out a derisive laugh.

Zhang Yujiang shook his head and countered, "Mr. Liang, your statement is inaccurate."

"Firstly, let me clarify, our military has never officially been divided into a Hawk Faction and a Dove Faction; that is merely an external designation."

"In truth, Yuan Shijie was always a rogue element within the military, a radical who led away a segment of our more extreme elements."

"However, he does not represent our military, and we have never acknowledged their separate command structure."

"Therefore, it is incorrect to claim the military colluded with the Three Great Sects."

Liang Yuan regarded Zhang Yujiang with a cold, dismissive smile, deeming further verbal exchanges a waste of time.

What was the point of arguing such trivialities?

Was it not obvious to the outside world if the military was factionalized? Or were they oblivious internally?

Zhang Yujiang continued speaking, his voice carrying on: "Furthermore, regarding your claim that we simply stood by and did nothing while Yuan Shijie colluded with the Three Great Sects to deal with Yangshan, I must disagree."

"Long before Yuan Shijie made any alliances with the Three Great Sects, I had already dispatched people to Yangshan to notify you."

"We also extended a sincere invitation to Yangshan for an alliance. We promised that if an alliance was formed, our military would surely provide support against Yuan Shijie and the Three Great Sects."

"How can it be said that we did nothing?"

A chuckle escaped Liang Yuan, his eyes glinting with sarcasm as he questioned, "Commander Zhang, your words hold little meaning."

"Whether Yuan Shijie was affiliated with your military or not, you deny it, but we are aware."

"He resided within a military base, utilized military weaponry, and even donned a military uniform."

"Now that he is deceased, you disavow him as military personnel – do you not find this preposterous?"

"Moreover, when your people were sent to Yangshan, was it a genuine request for cooperation? Or did it appear more like exploiting a dire situation?"

"Your envoys observed Yangshan teetering on the brink of crisis and seized the opportunity to approach, intending to reap benefits without contributing effort, essentially aiming to take over Yangshan."

"What you termed cooperation was nothing more than attempting to prey on a wounded tiger."

"Therefore, Commander Zhang, please dispense with the pretense and refrain from using such arguments to dismiss me."

"I am not an imbecile."

Zhang Yujiang’s smile faltered slightly; he was still accustomed to the patterns of interaction from before the apocalypse.

In all dealings, he believed in leaving some room for maneuver in conversation, employing a gentle tone. This way, even if negotiations failed, at least the cordiality wouldn't be entirely shattered.

However, he had not anticipated Liang Yuan’s utterly direct approach.

Did Liang Yuan truly fail to grasp that the excuses Zhang Yujiang was presenting were hollow?

Of course, Liang Yuan knew, but Zhang Yujiang felt compelled to engage in a semblance of argument, offering his side a justification.

Otherwise, how could the negotiations possibly proceed?

Yet, Liang Yuan had stripped away the pretense entirely, exposing their true intentions with blunt honesty.

This left Zhang Yujiang feeling deeply uncomfortable and affronted.

Beside him, Feng Jiangong and Zhang Wenjing also immediately showed signs of indignation.

Feng Jiangong promptly rebuked, "Impudent youth, mind your tone when you address us!"

Zhang Wenjing too, raised her voice, "Mr. Liang, if you genuinely wish to negotiate in good faith, please choose your words carefully!"

Liang Yuan let out a hearty laugh, "Damn it, are you the ones unwilling to negotiate, or am I?"

"If you truly desire negotiation, stop beating around the bush with me."

"The situation is clear now: Yuan Shijie and the Three Great Sects conspired to harm my Yangshan."

"I vanquished them single-handedly, and now I intend to claim their legacies."

"What is your purpose in appearing here now? Speak plainly. If you find it too awkward to say, I shall voice it for you!"

"You wish to carve out a piece of the spoils, do you not?"

The moment these words were uttered, the expressions of everyone present shifted noticeably.

While this was indeed their underlying intention, having it stated so openly induced a palpable awkwardness.

Zhang Yujiang opened his mouth to speak, "Mr. Liang, you misunderstand our intentions; we did not mean…"

"Hahaha, very well, then tell me, precisely what is it you desire?" Liang Yuan interjected directly, his voice laced with a cold smile.

Zhang Yujiang felt a wave of helplessness wash over him, sensing the futility of conversing with this individual.

He cast a glance toward Zhang Wenjing.

Zhang Wenjing understood his silent cue and immediately stated, "Mr. Liang, never mind the Three Great Sects; Cangqiong Mountain was originally our military's stronghold. You are not permitted to lay claim to it."

Liang Yuan nodded, a glint in his eye, "Ah, so it is Cangqiong Mountain you desire, is it?"

"Is there anything else? Do you perhaps also covet the Floating Island? What about the Miyuan Rainforest and the Yellow Earth Divine Origin?"

"Do you intend to seize control of Mide Mountain, Denggong Mountain, and Cangfu Mountain as well?"

The three individuals were left speechless by Liang Yuan’s rapid-fire questioning.

Naturally, they desired the assets belonging to the Three Great Sects.

However, Liang Yuan’s bluntness had caught them completely off guard, leaving them without any prepared rebuttals.

Indeed, Liang Yuan was overwhelmingly formidable, having single-handedly dismantled the Three Great Sects and Yuan Shijie.

They had been entirely unprepared for this confrontation.

Zhang Wenjing could not help but voice her query, "As the Leader of Yangshan, situated within the New District, why do you seek territory within Guangfu's domain?"

Liang Yuan let out a sneer, "What kind of question is that? We are in the midst of the post-apocalyptic flood; land resources are of paramount importance!"

"Human survival hinges upon land; naturally, I desire it."

"As for whether I am based in Yangshan or Guangfu, that is of no concern to you, Miss Zhang. I can always relocate later, can I not?"

Zhang Wenjing found herself utterly speechless.

Feng Jiangong interjected coldly, "Liang Yuan, peaks like Cangfu Mountain, Denggong Mountain, and Mide Mountain are national territories, belonging to the country. What right do you have to claim them?"

Liang Yuan was left speechless, retorting, "Feng Jiangong, do you truly take me for a fool? Do you even grasp the current situation?"

"It's the apocalypse, a world-ending flood is upon us, yet you speak of land ownership?"

"Furthermore, can you even represent the nation at this juncture?"

"You're clearly out of your senses. When the Three Great Sects seized those peaks, why didn't you step forward then?"

"Do you genuinely believe they would have heeded your words?"

"Damn it all, do you think I'm an easy target?"

The more Liang Yuan spoke, the more incensed he became, culminating in a furious outburst.

Feng Jiangong's veins throbbed on his forehead from the barrage of insults, almost compelling him to undergo gene recombination and engage Liang Yuan once more!

Zhang Yujiang intervened, placing a hand on Feng Jiangong's arm. He sighed and addressed Liang Yuan, "Mr. Liang, since you've expressed yourself so vehemently, let us dispense with pleasantries and speak plainly."

"Currently, in our defense of the Celestial Abyss, we have sustained heavy losses. We require a substantial population, ample resources, and unwavering support."

"Relying solely on Cangqiong Mountain is simply insufficient."

"With the annihilation of the Three Great Sects, their populace requires resettlement. Can your Yangshan accommodate such a multitude?"

Liang Yuan stated with unwavering resolve, "Indeed, our most abundant resources are food and territory."

Zhang Yujiang appeared momentarily taken aback. He offered a wry smile and continued, "Liang Yuan, to be candid, you cannot absorb the entirety of the Three Great Sects' disciples. You must cede at least one of those three peaks to us."

Liang Yuan understood implicitly: the Dove Faction Military had clearly arrived with this objective in mind.

Following their circuitous arguments, their true intentions were finally laid bare.

Liang Yuan's thoughts churned. Honestly, at this moment, holding onto so many peaks and the Floating Island presented a considerable challenge in terms of defense.

Should a conflict arise, the proximity of the Guangfu Military to these locations would grant them a significant tactical advantage compared to Yangshan's arduous journey.

However, the prospect of simply relinquishing them to the Dove Faction Military left him deeply unsatisfied.

An additional crucial factor weighed on his mind: the high-ranking officials of the Earth Mother Sect, Shi Lianhai and Guan Maocai, were not definitively eliminated. These individuals had apparently fled with their elite forces and could launch a surprise counterattack at any moment.

Relying on Yangshan's current capabilities, effectively defending these territories would indeed prove immensely difficult.

After a period of contemplation, Liang Yuan posed a challenge, "Heh, you certainly possess a bold nerve. These three mountains were all conquered by my own efforts, and the Three Great Sects were wiped out by me as well."

"And now you dare to demand such vast tracts of land and population without offering anything in return?"

"I must ask, by what right do you make such a claim?"

Zhang Yujiang's brow furrowed, while Feng Jiangong erupted in fury.

Zhang Wenjing, too, fixed Liang Yuan with a hostile glare.