Apocalyptic Flood: Sexy Beauty Neighbor's Midnight Plea for Food Chapter 1288 - 622: Guide

"Yangshan!"

Ma Gaoxuan's heart was stirred, and he inquired with practiced calm, "What is your destination in Yangshan?"

Hu Peigang chuckled, responding, "Is there a need to discuss such a matter?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Gaoxuan quickly offered a smile, "Indeed, indeed, I was being overly meddlesome."

"Yangshan is not a great distance from our location, and quite a number of people from this area frequent Yangshan for trade."

"I was merely considering that if you are unfamiliar with the route, perhaps my people could offer their guidance."

"I intend no other purpose; as you are aware, the great flood has inundated the land, leaving everything blanketed in pristine snow. Without any road markers, it is exceedingly easy to lose one's way."

In these times, even a compass proves useless. Superpower Energy permeates the globe, resulting in a chaotic magnetic field that renders communication devices inoperable.

The task of locating anything amidst the expansive, snow-covered plains is an undertaking of immense difficulty.

It is for this very reason that Wu Yaobang established a replicated presence in Linjiang City. By harnessing the connection between these replicas, he could swiftly pinpoint Linjiang City, traversing nearly 500 kilometers.

However, upon reaching Linjiang City, the journey to find Yangshan would still consume considerable time.

With this in mind, Hu Peigang deliberated for a moment before stating, "This matter is not of immediate urgency; let us first conclude our supply transaction."

"Our provided list details the precise exchange standards for various materials. You may examine it and select items agreeable for trade."

Ma Gaoxuan’s gaze swiftly scanned the document, noting that a significant portion of the materials were quantified in terms of Seed Points.

For example, the Rune Walkie-Talkie utilized Rune Technology to transmit information via Superpower factors, thereby bypassing any interference from the chaotic magnetic fields.

This device offered short-distance communication, effective within a radius of approximately five kilometers, and was valued at 500 Seed Points.

In contrast, a kilogram of Mutated Beast meat was valued at a mere single point.

This implied that one Rune Walkie-Talkie was equivalent to 500 kilograms of Mutated Beast flesh.

That is a considerable price.

Especially now, during the winter season, Mutated Beasts had retreated, making them significantly more challenging to hunt.

Nevertheless, it was fortunate that a number of more affordable items were also available. Ma Gaoxuan made a deliberate selection, focusing primarily on certain Superpower Technology items.

He reasoned quite clearly: once these Superpower Technology items were acquired, he could attempt to deconstruct and study them.

Should he succeed in replicating them, he could then trade them elsewhere for profit, ensuring a favorable outcome without any loss.

Consequently, both parties engaged in the exchange of approximately 5000 kilograms of materials.

Naturally, this included a portion of rather valuable Superpower Stones.

The value of Superpower Stones could by no means be compared to that of Mutated Beast flesh.

The prices for vegetables were also not insignificant.

At this juncture, Xiaojing approached and conveyed a few words in a hushed tone to Hu Peigang.

Hu Peigang offered a slight nod. Following the completion of the transaction, he turned with a smile and remarked, "Just moments ago, our manager Wu expressed a desire to engage a guide. Do you happen to know anyone here familiar with the route to Yangshan?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Gaoxuan immediately let out a laugh and stated, "We have a Mercenary Corps here that has long established trade relations with Yangshan and is quite familiar with this commercial route."

"Oh? Would Valley Master Ma be so kind as to introduce us?" Hu Peigang inquired with a smile.

"Naturally, there is no issue with that."

Ma Gaoxuan turned towards Shen Yan and instructed, "Shen Yan, please go and summon the leader of the Hope Mercenary Corps."

"Understood."

Shen Yan nodded promptly and departed.

Ma Gaoxuan elaborated with a smile, "This Mercenary Corps is known as the Hope Mercenary Corps. It was founded by a pair of siblings. They maintain a permanent establishment in Yangshan and possess territory here, engaging in various trade activities and are exceptionally knowledgeable about the routes."

"Hope Mercenary Corps? Haha, it certainly resonates with our Mengya Company; it does seem like a destined connection."

Hu Peigang chuckled.

Mengya signifies hope, and the parallel in their names indeed suggests a harmonious destiny.

Not long thereafter, Shen Yan returned, escorting Lin Jingtang with haste.

Lin Jingtang offered a respectful greeting to his counterpart, feeling a measure of nervousness.

One should not be deceived by the fact that his Main Attribute had improved, he had successfully formed a Genetic Species, and had become a formidable Superpower User.

However, he was keenly aware that Valley Master Ma Gaoxuan had already drafted a Genetic Map and was currently in the gene recombination phase.

Even Ma Gaoxuan demonstrated courtesy towards this armored contingent, thus Lin Jingtang naturally dared not exhibit any negligence.

"This is Lin Jingtang, the leader of the Hope Mercenary Corps."

Ma Gaoxuan introduced them, "Lin Jingtang, permit me to introduce Mr. Hu Peigang from the Armored Team within the Combat Department of Mengya Company. He is seeking to hire a guide for the journey to Yangshan."

"Here, there is truly no one more intimately familiar with the path to Yangshan than you and your sister. Therefore, you should engage in a discussion with Mr. Hu."

Upon hearing this, Lin Jingtang experienced a wave of relief, realizing their sole requirement was a guide.

A flicker of curiosity sparked within him as he inquired, "Captain Hu, are you perhaps heading to Yangshan for a business deal?"

Hu Peigang’s eyes shifted slightly, a smile gracing his lips as he replied, "One could put it that way, Mr. Lin. Do you happen to know the straight-line distance from Furong Valley to Yangshan?"

"Ah, the direct path isn't excessively long, just a little over 60 kilometers. However, as you're aware, the heavy snowfall obscures any clear landmarks on the vast snow plains, making a perfectly straight trajectory virtually impossible to navigate."

"Then how do you manage to traverse this particular route?"

"That information constitutes our most guarded secret, I'm afraid," Lin Jingtang responded with a polite smile.

Upon hearing this, Hu Peigang chuckled and said, "Then I apologize for my forwardness. Should Mr. Lin be willing to provide guidance, we would be prepared to offer generous compensation. What are your terms, Mr. Lin?"

A subtle shift occurred within Lin Jingtang's heart. "To be candid, we at Hope Mercenary have been engaged in trade for quite some time now; sustenance and supplies are not a concern for us. However, we face certain challenges regarding Cultivation. Does your company happen to possess any Mutated Fruits capable of enhancing core Attributes?"

Lin Jingtang, being a person of sharp intellect, had already inferred the significant standing of this group from Ma Gaoxuan's deferential demeanor towards them.

Therefore, he deliberately refrained from requesting other commodities, focusing solely on items that could bolster primary Attributes, such as the elusive Mutated Fruits.

Hu Peigang mused for a moment before stating, "Kindly allow me a moment, please."

He retrieved his walkie-talkie and stepped away, appearing to engage in a private conversation.

A short while later, Hu Peigang reappeared, his expression amiable. "Mr. Lin, while we do not currently have any Mutated Fruits on hand, our company has recently developed an innovative attribute-enhancing potion."

"The primary components for this attribute-enhancement potion are indeed derived from Mutated Fruits, but through our proprietary formulation, its potency has been significantly amplified."

"This attribute-enhancement potion yields remarkable results even for individuals classified as Genetic Species experts, capable of boosting core Attributes by an impressive five to six points. Within our Mengya system, it requires 10,000 Seed Points to acquire."

"Our Manager Wu has authorized me to offer you one vial of this potion as compensation. What are your thoughts on this arrangement?"

Lin Jingtao was taken aback. "Such a potion actually exists?"

Once again, the sheer influence wielded by the opposing party left him awestruck. He couldn't help but inquire, "Does this attribute-enhancing potion come in a water-attribute variant?"

"Indeed, it does," Hu Peigang replied with a smile and a nod.

Without hesitation, Lin Jingtao declared, "Very well, let us proceed with this agreement."

Hu Peigang added a crucial clarification, "The potion will only be provided once we have officially entered the territory of Linjiang City."

"Understood. That arrangement seems perfectly equitable," Lin Jingtao conceded, viewing it as a reasonable stipulation.

After all, receiving the compensation before even fulfilling his end of the bargain would strike him as somewhat irregular.

With the terms finalized, a foundational level of mutual trust was established between the two parties.

Ma Gaoxuan extended an invitation for the group to be guests at Hibiscus Valley, expressing a desire to meet the yet-unseen Manager Wu.

However, Hu Peigang politely declined, citing company protocols that mandate strict adherence to discipline for the combat department when operating in the field.

This gesture further solidified Ma Gaoxuan's impression of the group's professionalism and adherence to rules.

Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hu Peigang and his contingent ultimately established their camp upon the snowfield, opting for on-site rest.

Meanwhile, Ma Gaoxuan initiated arrangements for the necessary resources required for the upcoming transaction.

Lin Jingtao promptly rejoined his own team and sought out his sister, Lin Miaomiao.

"Brother, why did they summon you?"

Lin Jingtao swiftly recounted the details of his interaction.

Lin Miaomiao's brow furrowed. "The Mengya Company is situated far away in Yu Province, a distance of at least 500 to 600 kilometers from our location. How did they become aware of Yangshan?"

"Brother, what is their precise objective in Yangshan?"

Lin Jingtao replied with a shake of his head, "They merely alluded to conducting a transaction, but offered no specifics regarding its nature."

"A transaction? That seems like a flimsy pretext. Undertaking such a lengthy journey from Yu Province to Jiangnan Province, spanning over 500 to 600 kilometers, suggests their purpose is unlikely to be straightforward."

Lin Miaomiao pondered for a moment before asking, "Brother, are they indeed affiliated with the combat department of that Mengya Company you mentioned?"

"Yes, that is what they stated," Lin Jingtao confirmed.

"Combat department... Brother, I believe it would be prudent for us to alert Yangshan about this development without delay."

"Are you concerned that this group might harbor ulterior motives concerning Yangshan?"

"Precisely. It strikes me as peculiar for a combat department to travel such an immense distance solely for a transactional purpose. The entire scenario feels incongruous."

Lin Miaomiao's expression turned serious. "Irrespective of the exact circumstances, we must relay this information ahead of time to ensure the residents of Yangshan are adequately prepared."

"Even if we guide them there subsequently, should any complications arise, Mr. Liang would hardly hold us accountable for exercising due caution, would he?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Jingtao's own demeanor grew grave, and he nodded in agreement. "You are absolutely correct. It is far better to err on the side of caution."

"If these individuals actually possess wicked intentions toward Yangshan, guiding them there prematurely would undoubtedly lead to Mr. Liang harboring misunderstandings."

"It would be prudent to notify Mr. Liang and the others beforehand."

Lin Miaomiao promptly declared, "I shall depart with a contingent to relay the message to Yangshan. You escort this group at a more leisurely pace."

"Understood. They are unfamiliar with the route anyway. I shall lead them on a scenic tour."

The siblings conferred, subsequently resolving to undertake their respective missions independently.

To be perfectly candid, their precise ability to locate Yangshan stemmed from their prior utilization of the submerged city ruins as navigational landmarks before the calamitous floods froze over.

As winter descended, the surface began to encase itself in ice.

The Lin siblings conceived the strategy of deploying buoys to establish preliminary markers.

Once the surface was thoroughly frozen and blanketed by heavy snow, the siblings simply fortified the locations of these buoys, continuing their endeavor to erect new markers across the snow-covered expanse.

This ingenious method constituted their clandestine means of accurately traversing to Linjiang and locating Yangshan.

At this precise juncture, atop Yangshan.

Liang Yuan's eyes fluttered open within the confines of the Spirit Gathering Tower, situated on the third floor.

In the span of over half a month, the third floor of the Spirit Gathering Tower had seen the establishment of two to three auxiliary rooms.

The construction pace was not inherently slow; rather, the monumental task of inscribing hundreds of intricate runes for generating spiritual energy vortexes within these chambers proved exceedingly time-consuming.

The completion of these three rooms alone occupied a full fortnight.

Presently, these three meticulously prepared rooms were operating at peak capacity, with a multitude of individuals expending points to secure the coveted opportunity to cultivate their supernatural abilities within this hallowed space.

Liang Yuan regained his internal supernatural vigor at this moment, electing to access his attribute panel once more.

Host: Liang Yuan

Constitution: 111

Power: 114

Agility: 112

Spirit: 111

Free Gene Points: 0

Genetic Species: Hundred-Change Demon Ape, Ice Bear, Sumeru Cyan Ant, Dark Abyss Shadow Dragon

Genetic Map: Hundred-Change Demon Ape (10%), Ice Bear (Middle Tier), Sumeru Cyan Ant (10%), Dark Abyss Shadow Dragon (10%)

Talents: Genetic Transformation, Sumeru Space, Dark Abyss Mouth, Ice Star Collision

Skills: [Muscle Burst]...

Points: 460104

"The progress of gene recombination has finally attained the 10% milestone."

A brilliant gleam flickered in Liang Yuan's eyes. Beyond the gene recombination’s breakthrough to 10%, his points had also experienced a dramatic resurgence. Within a mere ten days, they had skyrocketed back to an impressive 460,000!

Everything was progressing commendably, a sensation that Liang Yuan found particularly gratifying.

"The enhancement to gene attributes is not particularly substantial."

"The ten percent degree of gene recombination has only contributed 10 gene attribute points."