Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1248: Snowy Plateau

Right now, Pagyi Gesang brimmed with anxiety throughout his days.

Since the apocalypse struck, relentless blizzards had swept down, turning all travel in and out of the whole Snowy Plateau Region into a grueling ordeal.

On his previous journey to Shengjing, he'd seized the chance to shift some of his wealth away. Yet, to dodge drawing attention from rival clans and nursing a faint trace of optimism, most of his enterprises and personal guards stayed put in the frozen lands.

Naturally, such moves were sure to come to light eventually.

With the Prayer Festival drawing near, the Yasha Langtai Family ramped up their demands on his Pagyi Family even more.

Were it not for the sanctity of the Prayer Festival and a lingering respect for esoteric Buddhism, Pagyi Gesang suspected the Yasha Langtai Family could lash out against them without warning.

Even if they held back for the moment, confrontation loomed inevitably.

His choices boiled down to seeking aid from beyond, escaping, or... facing doom.

Yielding wasn't possible; the Yasha Langtai Family would never spare Pagyi Gesang, given his vast sway in the snowy territories.

While he agonized over this, a message from Zhang Yi arrived.

Spotting it, Pagyi Gesang swiftly commanded his devoted bodyguard, Suolang Deji: "Get everyone out!"

The towering figure like an iron pillar, Suolang Deji, gave a nod. He gestured once, ushering the maids from the opulent chamber right away, then called in armed private troops to watch every spot with fierce alertness.

Only after that did Pagyi Gesang pick up the call.

Zhang Yi had started to grow restless from the wait. Pagyi Gesang flashed a fawning grin and remarked, "Sorry about that, Mr. Chaos. Chatting with you is too critical. I had to make sure no one else was around."

Zhang Yi replied coolly, "I get it. Being careful like that makes sense. Tell me, out of those working for you these days, how many realize you've been talking to me?"

Pagyi Gesang dropped his smile and responded gravely:

"Since departing Shengjing, all my talks with you have stayed completely hidden. Not a soul knows."

"Back in Shengjing, I threw feasts for envoys from all key areas. It's tough for folks to pinpoint you, sir."

Zhang Yi gave a mocking snort. "Better to stay wary of everyone. What if spies from other clans lurk in your ranks?"

These words sent a shiver racing up Pagyi Gesang's back.

"The servants and guards closest to me are utterly devoted. Their kin have served the Pagyi Family across generations. No dirty secrets in their pasts."

Zhang Yi countered, "That counts for nothing. You still buy into loyalty? Everybody's got a breaking point. Offer enough, and betrayal follows. That's why I never trust it."

Pagyi Gesang fell silent for a beat, at a loss for words.

In his mind, he mused: By that reasoning, does it mean you can't rely on anyone in this world?

Truth be told, Pagyi Gesang kept a tight rein on his inner circle.

In this era of info overload, leaking secrets or sneaky outreach was all too simple to spot.

Zhang Yi shifted gears. "Let's discuss the Demon Kingdom!"

Zhang Yi's eyes sharpened. "That place intrigues me a lot. I plan to check it out personally."

Pagyi Gesang's pulse quickened with delight.

All his attempts to win Zhang Yi over had at last yielded a favorable nod from the man.

A spark of hope ignited within Pagyi Gesang.

He might thrive in the Southwest Region after all. There could even be an shot at toppling the Yasha Langtai Family and regaining control of the Southwest!

Pagyi Gesang gulped nervously. "I'll share every detail you want, no secrets held back! Just promise to aid the Pagyi Family in holding on here."

Zhang Yi answered evenly, "That hinges on the rewards you offer me. I only act for something in return."

Pagyi Gesang assured him, "Rest easy. Should you aid me in claiming the Demon Kingdom's hoard under the Great Snow Mountain, the profits will surpass your wildest dreams!"

Zhang Yi let out a dismissive chuckle.

"Deal then."

The fabled gateway to the Demon Kingdom, locked away under the Great Snow Mountain for more than two millennia, remained untouched.

Zhang Yi figured it could be some buried enigma of a civilization, maybe hiding elements like Divine Source or spirit offerings, prompting his visit.

Should those prove absent upon arrival, he'd just pivot and depart.

The pair fixed a timeline.

Under a month remained until the Prayer Festival kicked off.

As Pagyi Gesang described, tensions simmered higher among the four great forces of the Snowy Plateau.

The Yasha Langtai Family schemed to pull in the other two clans for a squeeze on the Pagyi Family.

Still, the Xia Zha Family and La Min Family resisted being mere tools in the game.

Besides, rebels roamed the Snowy Plateau, defying the Khenpo of Sangha Monastery and stirring unrest everywhere.

Zhang Yi's crew aimed to mask their true selves on this venture, posing as hired guns.

After all, every group had been enlisting fighters and gathering gear lately. Mercs popped up constantly across factions, nothing out of the ordinary.

Zhang Yi chose to depart soon, after sorting affairs back at base.

Once the schedule was set, they cut the link.

Straightaway, Zhang Yi gathered the shelter's residents and shared news of the Snowy Plateau expedition.

Upon hearing it, faces lit up with intrigue or eagerness.

"The Snowy Plateau? That's in the Southwest Region's domain, right? Legends swirl around it endlessly. It pulls you in, makes you want to explore."

Yang Siya voiced her excitement.

"Perhaps we'll visit Sangha Monastery to honor the deities and beg for the Ice Age to fade."

Nearby, her cousin Yang Xinxin cut in directly, no holds barred:

"The snowy lands hold mysteries, sure, but danger lurks too. Tales of horror echo from antiquity. Those esoteric Buddhist rites especially—seeing them might turn your stomach."

Zhang Yi shrugged. "This Snowy Plateau jaunt differs from Shengjing. We're guests by invite, with a clear goal."

Up to now, Zhang Yi had only briefed Yang Xinxin on the full intrigue with Pagyi Gesang. The rest knew little.

But that day, Zhang Yi laid out the entire saga for all.

Learning of the tangled faction wars, the group's easy vibes faded.

"So it's infighting in the Southwest. But does treasure truly hide under the Great Snow Mountain? If yes, grabbing it first could land us massive riches!"

Zhou Ke'er broke it down steadily.

Zhang Yi agreed. "Spot on. I've mulled this over plenty. The apocalypse changes everything. Dangers lurk deeper than we thought."

"I'd love for us to stay safe and cozy forever here. Yet our setup lacks the security we need right now."

Zhang Yi stroked his hand thoughtfully, gazing intently at each face.

"That's why no one slacks. Push to grow stronger, ensuring we all thrive as one."

Author's Note