Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1222: Three-tenths of Yuan Stones

Zhang Yi's brow furrowed intensely, seeming deeply contemplative.

Yet in truth, his inner calm was unmatched.

For certain, the rewards he secured this round surpassed those from the other three key areas.

Simply the numerous colossal ore heaps stacked in his Dimensional Space signified an enormous reserve of the Elemental Stone Vein.

Beyond that, he had gathered plenty of Ground Centipede remains. These creatures subsisted on the Elemental Stone Vein, and upon consuming it, their forms transformed into intensely refined energy.

And above all, he secured that coveted Purple Crystal piece desired by all.

With such abundant gains already in hand, deciding his pick came effortlessly.

In principle, their entitled portion was the three-tenths of the Elemental Stone Vein.

Following contemplation, Zhang Yi concluded that, given his circumstances, the Elemental Stone Vein proved more beneficial.

Though unaware to most, Zhang Yi, after delving far into the subterranean realm, uncovered that the Elemental Stone Vein's extent vastly exceeded the Shengjing Region's assessments— at minimum, exceeding it tenfold.

Moreover, Zhang Yi's power level stood already quite elevated, rendering extra Origin absorption less effective.

Nevertheless, acquiring the Elemental Stone Vein would swiftly elevate Tianhai City's collective might.

And consequently, fortify the Jiangnan Region's forces too.

He recognized the concerns weighing on Li Changgong and Han Shanzuo's minds.

Undeniably vital as the Elemental Stone Vein was, to them, the enigmatic entity lurking below ground posed a lingering danger.

Hence, aggressive extraction could summon unforeseen perils later on.

On the other hand, the exotic beasts' Origin fragments carried no drawbacks and offered the securest reward.

Should further issues erupt in Wuyou Valley's depths, Zhang Yi—despite claiming the three-tenths Elemental Stone Vein share—could ultimately forfeit everything despite his labors.

After mulling it over, under the watchful eyes of Han Shanzuo and Li Changgong, Zhang Yi crossed his arms and uttered deliberately, “I also very much want the Origin fragments.”

To seize what one desires, one must first offer a concession.

Zhang Yi intentionally avoided a firm stance, allowing Han Shanzuo and Li Changgong to stew in worry, thwarting any potential backtracking.

As anticipated, Han Shanzuo grew uneasy at these words, “If that's your view, I'll select the Origin too!”

Zhang Yi chuckled coldly, “However, only two Origin fragments exist. How shall we divide them?”

Han Shanzuo declared, “I'll relinquish my Elemental Stone Vein portion as well, but I insist on securing one Origin fragment!”

Li Changgong eyed Zhang Yi and remarked abruptly, “Chaos, you didn't hesitate to collect plenty for yourself down in the underground world. You've reaped sufficient advantages already. This round, allow us to pick first!”

The others hadn't overlooked Zhang Yi's actions; they witnessed them plainly. Yet amid the conflict, survival demanded focus, so none confronted him then.

A trace of reluctance flickered across Zhang Yi's face.

“The Elemental Stone Vein holds great significance. Our Jiangnan Region's forces remain comparatively frail and require strengthening. Still, yielding that Origin fragment feels begrudging.”

Noticing Zhang Yi's indecision shift, Li Changgong and Han Shanzuo pressed eagerly to sway him.

“Everyone recognizes your prowess; it's already immensely powerful. Prioritize solidifying your territory's might instead.”

“Grant us the Origin fragments on this occasion! As you observed, our defensive capabilities against threats lag far behind yours. We genuinely require them more.”

Zhang Yi paused extensively before acquiescing with a subdued nod and resigned demeanor.

“Only this time, I'll yield the upper hand to you.”

Internally, Li Changgong and Han Shanzuo exhaled deeply in relief.

Had Zhang Yi resolved to vie against them, they would surely have suffered the worse outcome.

Since both Origin fragments resided safely in Zhang Yi's Dimensional Space.

Besides, should conflict erupt, Zhang Yi's superior might would still dominate them firmly.

This reality both had silently conceded following the underground world's confrontation's end.

Therefore, the issue settled flawlessly.

Zhang Yi transferred the duo of Origin fragments to Li Changgong and Han Shanzuo, claiming in return the three-tenths slice of Wuyou Valley's Elemental Stone Vein.

All parties obtained their desired shares, drawing this episode to a provisional close.

Still, concerning that cryptic subterranean realm, intricate reflections lingered in everyone's thoughts.

With Huaxu Kingdom's present capabilities, venturing profoundly into that territory proved beyond them.

Bai Longzi's might proved overwhelmingly dominant; dispatching a Chariot-level superhuman resembled an adult toying with a youth.

None dared approach that taboo territory anew.

Even aware of its vast riches, they could merely stare longingly at the vast sea, helpless.

Once the assembly dispersed, participants withdrew to their own abodes.

With affairs resolved, despite the perils endured, they had decisively purged the Ground Centipede menace.

Each faction claimed fitting reparations and departed Shengjing no longer, gearing up for homeward travels.

Zhang Yi likewise readied to escort his group back to Jiangnan Region.

A profound mystery rested in his grasp: the Purple Crystal filched by the Totoro for him.

He grasped its priceless worth.

Yet presently, its precise function eluded his understanding.

He needed to convey it homeward for thorough examination.

As for Shengjing Region, honoring their pledge, they disclosed select confidential intel, encompassing chronicles of past enigmas and superhuman studies.

These archives varied widely and intricately. Zhang Yi delegated them to Yang Xinxin for analysis in his stead.

“I consistently sense these subterranean enigmas connect to our forebears,” Zhang Yi confided to Yang Xinxin.

“What's your view? Might they represent humanity's progenitors? Did they forge us?”

At this, Yang Xinxin responded indifferently, “It's not impossible. Should the serpent-folk embody legendary divinities, then global myths portraying gods with human torsos and serpentine tails gain lucid rationale.”

“Yet numerous enigmas resist easy clarification. Like, why reside below ground? And across history's expanse, scant mentions of them exist. As though they shun deliberate interaction with surface dwellers?”

“Plus the elusive being in Mist Valley, and Totoro. They resemble Wuyou Valley's serpent-folk enigmas, yet diverge markedly too.”

Zhang Yi inhaled sharply, “The deeper I delve, the more convoluted it appears. I sense this world conceals some colossal mystery.”

Yang Xinxin eyed Zhang Yi with a smile, “Maybe nothing's intentionally concealed. We're simply not elevated sufficiently to perceive the full truth.”

Zhang Yi scratched his nose, voicing helplessness, “I figured my current strength sufficed. With such capability, thriving in this devastated era seemed assured.”

“But these abrupt unknowns have hurled me anew into doubt and disquiet.”

Yang Xinxin bowed her gaze and murmured gently, “Then, keep advancing your power! All dread arises from personal weakness.”

Zhang Yi affirmed, “That's my mindset as well.”

Armed with the Shengjing-sourced Elemental Stone Vein and that enigmatic Purple Crystal, Zhang Yi believed he and his allies could surge in strength yet again.

“Time to depart.”

So declared Zhang Yi.

Author's Note