Apocalyptic Flood: Sexy Beauty Neighbor's Midnight Plea for Food Chapter 1298 - 632: You Will Understand When You See the Celestial Abyss

Liang Yuan's gaze remained steady as he fixed it upon Zhang Yujiang.

The man right before him, who proclaimed intentions of saving the world, had indeed initiated certain actions. For instance, in the earlier stages, he had utilized the radio to disseminate information about superpower runes.

Liang Yuan was once inclined to believe that virtuous individuals, possessing both conscience and a sense of duty, still existed within the military. However, with each subsequent encounter, Liang Yuan began to discern that Zhang Yujiang's underlying motives might not be entirely altruistic. While he genuinely desired to rescue people, personal agendas were likely interwoven.

In this post-apocalyptic era, population constituted the foremost resource. Regardless of the faction, every base aimed to maximize its expansion within its operational capacity. The military was no exception; they too were actively absorbing individuals from external areas.

Naturally, it's quite common for individuals to harbor personal ambitions; truly selfless paragons are, after all, a rarity. Among the people Liang Yuan had encountered thus far, perhaps only Officer Li Hao from Fanshan Island could be considered as such. Of course, this could also be attributed to Li Hao awakening to a Strength Superpower later on, which prevented him from suppressing the superpower users on the island and thus limited his ability to wield absolute power.

Power holds the greatest potential for corrupting the human heart. Liang Yuan recollected a film he viewed before the great flood. In it, a character couldn't comprehend why officials, already living without want and with ample sustenance, would still engage in corruption, embezzlement, or other illicit and criminal activities.

Consequently, this individual procured a custom service to assume a leadership role, intending to resist the corrupting influence, as he personally doubted the existence of such wickedness. The film concluded with this character enduring numerous temptations but ultimately succumbing to the allure of beauty. The movie itself was exceptionally well-made, devoid of any unnecessary embellishments.

That character harbored noble intentions, even a sincere aspiration to be an upright leader. Nevertheless, the myriad of external temptations, encompassing wealth and feminine charm, invariably possess the capacity to erode one's integrity and exert influence.

Liang Yuan remained uncertain whether Zhang Yujiang had succumbed to such corruption. Perhaps, in the initial phase, his sole intention was to aid survivors afflicted by the deluge. However, as time progressed, the extent to which his original purpose persisted was difficult to ascertain.

Liang Yuan decided against further speculation; the complexities of the human heart are indeed unfathomable. His sole desire at this moment was to reclaim what rightfully belonged to him! The Miyuan Rainforest was an asset of the Water God Sect, and having dismantled the Water God Sect, its assets should now be his!

Therefore, he directly challenged Zhang Yujiang's actions in harboring Pei Yuanhu and unequivocally demanded the individual's handover. Zhang Yujiang and Liang Yuan locked gazes for a moment, observing no flicker of hesitation in Liang Yuan's resolute expression. He lowered his eyes and took a deliberate sip of tea.

Beside him, Zhang Wenjing was the first to voice her indignation. "You, Liang, what exactly do you mean by this!" she exclaimed. "Pei Yuanhu's unique abilities can aid us in exploring the Celestial Abyss. He pledged his allegiance to the nation long ago and has been serving the military. What right do you possess to demand him? Do you show no respect for the country?"

Liang Yuan directed a detached gaze at the woman and responded with a cold query, "Naturally, I care for my country, but I would never exploit national prestige as a means to subjugate others."

"In this current era of apocalyptic floods, where the land has long since transformed into an immense ocean, can you genuinely claim to represent the country?"

"We are the military, the national armed forces, and as such, we undoubtedly represent the country!" Zhang Wenjing retorted firmly.

Liang Yuan let out a sneer, "Are you capable of contacting your superiors?"

Zhang Wenjing snapped back, "Our inability to contact them does not negate the fact that we adhere to wartime military regulations."

"In the face of major natural calamities, we are vested with the authority to assume control of local governing structures!"

"Your actions, Liang, in amassing people on Yangshan, already constitute an unlawful act. We have refrained from holding you accountable; instead, we decided to cooperate with you. Yet now you overstep, demanding a person? Who do you believe yourself to be?"

Liang Yuan emitted a mocking laugh. "The Three Great Sects are indoctrinating survivors, establishing cults. Why do you not address them? When we were cornered by the flood within the building, where was your assistance? And now you invoke these regulations to intimidate whom?"

Disregarding Zhang Wenjing's outburst, he turned his attention back to Zhang Yujiang, stating, "Commander Zhang, let us dispense with this pointless discourse. I simply ask you: Will you hand over Pei Yuanhu to me, or not?"

Zhang Yujiang's brow furrowed as he met Liang Yuan's intense stare. "If I were to refuse, what would your course of action be?"

Liang Yuan's expression darkened ominously. "Then our alliance will dissolve at this juncture."

"I have no desire for my ally to harbor my adversaries."

"Even less do I wish for my ally to harbor ambitions concerning my territory!"

Zhang Yujiang fell silent, then abruptly questioned, "Mr. Liang, what makes you so certain that our military requires an alliance with you?"

"We initially forged an alliance due to the presence of the Three Great Sects and the Hawk Faction within the military," he stated.

"However, with those threats now eliminated, does the decision to cooperate or not truly hold such critical importance?" Zhang Yujiang inquired.

He rose to his feet, adding, "Naturally, I acknowledge Yangshan's formidable strength. Together, we prosper; apart, we both face ruin."

"This is a realization I hope you, Mr. Liang, will embrace," he continued.

"Furthermore, another matter requires discussion. Our stationing here is not due to an inability to expand our territory, but rather our solemn duty to contain the Celestial Abyss passage."

Zhang Yujiang declared in a deep tone, "Rather than engaging in aggressive rhetoric, why don't I escort you to witness the conditions at the Celestial Abyss passage firsthand?"

"Once you have observed the Celestial Abyss passage, you may then make your decision regarding turning against me over the matter of Pei Yuanhu."

Liang Yuan nodded in agreement, "Very well. I too struggle to comprehend your unwavering determination to protect that individual."

"You shall understand once you see it for yourself," Zhang Yujiang responded.

With that, Zhang Yujiang turned and walked away, followed by Zhang Wenjing, who shot Liang Yuan an indignant glare.

Zhao Kai swiftly stood and approached Liang Yuan, cautioning, "Brother Liang, be wary of deception."

Liang Yuan gave a slight nod, assuring him, "Rest assured, if I intend to depart, they possess no means to detain me."

Thus, they followed Zhang Yujiang, departing the villa together.

Upon exiting the villa, Zhang Yujiang and Zhang Wenjing immediately ascended into the air, heading beyond the confines of Cloud Mist Island.

"The Celestial Abyss passage is located off the island?" Zhao Kai couldn't help but inquire.

Zhang Wenjing, flying ahead, turned back and scoffed, "Indeed. Considering the perilous nature of the Celestial Abyss, do you truly believe we would position the Floating Island directly above it?"

"We have arrived."

As she spoke, the four individuals had already completed their journey beyond Cloud Mist Island.

Outside, heavy snow descended relentlessly. Across the vast, snow-covered plains, rows upon rows of frozen vessels stood in formation.

A multitude of military personnel were actively engaged on these ships, with numerous machine guns, tanks, and artillery pieces strategically placed amongst them.

Liang Yuan's initial glance revealed that the military might deployed here was on par with, if not exceeding, that of the Cloud Mist Island military base.

After a brief survey of the surroundings, his attention was captured by the activity in the sky.

He observed helicopters hovering vigilantly. High above, within the dense cloud cover, a vortex-like formation of clouds churned ceaselessly.

Periodically, a helicopter would venture beneath this anomaly, triggering a resonant, rumbling vibration.

"Is that the Celestial Abyss passage?" Liang Yuan inquired.

Zhang Yujiang nodded, affirming, "The Celestial Abyss passage does not consistently feature the descent of Floating Island Parasitic Beasts.

"It has been approximately half a month since our last encounter with a descending Mutant Beast. By the passage of time, it appears another Mutant Beast is imminent."

Liang Yuan surveyed the impressive military deployment and then posed the question, "With your current military strength, is confronting such a Mutant Beast proving to be a difficult undertaking?"

"It is difficult. The military forces assembled here can only serve as a diversionary element, capable of dispatching lesser Mutant Beasts.

"Among the Mutant Beasts that descend, there will invariably be one possessing extraordinary power.

"This creature is the vanguard, the primary force that breaches the clouds and traverses the Celestial Abyss passage. Our objective is to eliminate it.

"A Mutant Beast of this caliber surpasses the capabilities of our present weaponry."

"Even conventional gunpowder-based armaments are incapable of penetrating its defenses, and advanced technological weapons barely leave a scratch.

"Only cultivators at the Genetic Reorganization Level can directly engage such a formidable entity."

Zhang Yujiang turned his gaze towards Liang Yuan, stating, "You, too, are a master at the Genetic Reorganization Level. You must comprehend the sheer might of a being transformed and reorganized through a Genetic Map.

"Ordinary military-grade weaponry would be ineffective against your defenses, would it not?

"Currently, our base's most potent missile system pales in comparison to the destructive force of Jiangong's 'Atomic Breath.'"

Having personally clashed with Feng Jiangong, Liang Yuan was intimately aware of the devastating power of his Atomic Breath technique.

He had deliberately maintained a low profile, largely due to his apprehension of Feng Jiangong.

Liang Yuan offered no reply, silently following the others into the heart of the military encampment.

Without delay, they reached the deck of a colossal vessel.

The Guangfu Military District, originally conceived as a ground-based operational command, would not typically possess naval assets.

This imposing ship before them was evidently a product of construction that occurred subsequent to the great flood.

This was discernible due to the evident integration of Rune Technology.

The warship was enveloped by an energy shield, while soldiers diligently patrolled its perimeter.

Upon recognizing Zhang Yujiang and Zhang Wenjing, they promptly executed salutes and offered greetings.

Zhang Yujiang guided Liang Yuan directly towards the designated meeting chamber aboard the ship.

Inside, Feng Jiangong was deep in conversation with several men in military uniforms.

Upon seeing Zhang Yujiang enter, Feng Jiangong looked up, a smile gracing his lips as he said, "Brigadier, you have arrived."

His gaze then fell upon Liang Yuan, who stood behind Zhang Yujiang, and immediately intensified.

"Liang Yuan?"

"Hahaha, so you've finally decided to visit the Celestial Abyss? I thought you'd gotten cold feet and were too afraid to face me!" Feng Jiangong let out a booming laugh.

Liang Yuan harbored no significant animosity towards Feng Jiangong, recognizing him as a formidable superpower user.

Despite their past confrontations, Liang Yuan held a degree of respect for him.

Feng Jiangong was, after all, a recognized genius who had utilized military resources to forcibly elevate his power to the Genetic Reorganization stage.

Such an accomplishment wasn't solely achievable through resources; it demanded immense self-belief and courage to undertake the Genetic Reorganization process.

Liang Yuan was fully cognizant of the inherent perils involved.

"Brigadier Feng, it has been quite some time," Liang Yuan offered a slight nod in greeting.

He then turned his attention to the men in military attire and inquired, "Who is Pei Yuanhu?"

Zhang Yujiang quickly stepped in, "Mr. Liang, perhaps we can postpone the matter of Pei Yuanhu for the moment?"

"What if we discuss it after you've witnessed the assault by the Celestial Abyss creatures?"

Feng Jiangong, now grasping Liang Yuan's purpose for visiting, his expression darkening slightly, questioned, "Liang Yuan, have you come here to stir up trouble?"

"Now that Pei Yuanhu is one of my soldiers, there is absolutely no way I will hand him over to you!"

"Commander, surely you haven't agreed to his demand?"

Zhang Yujiang shook his head, explaining, "No, I intend for him to witness the peril of the Celestial Abyss firsthand and comprehend Pei Yuanhu's critical importance to our cause."

As Liang Yuan listened to the two men repeatedly emphasize the dangers posed by the Celestial Abyss, a sense of surprise washed over him.

Could the Celestial Abyss truly be that perilous?

This particular passage of the Celestial Abyss was undoubtedly not unique to Cloud Mist Island; there had to be others scattered across different locations.

It was probable that other regions lacked the robust military presence to establish defenses, suggesting that creatures from those Celestial Abyss passages might already be engaged in large-scale invasions.

Yet, to this day, Liang Yuan had encountered no evidence of truly catastrophic threats.

Therefore, was this merely a stratagem by the military to shield Pei Yuanhu, or was the Celestial Abyss genuinely as terrifying as they claimed?