Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1311: Garuda

Garuda, a superhuman who had only recently gained prominence within the Bharata Alliance, having surged in fame over the past year or so.

The Golden Holy Sword had been instrumental in the downfall of many formidable individuals, ultimately securing its wielder a position among the Eight Legions of Heavenly Gods.

Yang Xinxin formulated her assessment based on the distinct characteristics of his abilities.

Such deductions were generally highly accurate, as significant disparities typically existed between the powers of different superhumans.

This was particularly true for powerhouses at the Epsilon level; thus far, no two Epsilons had exhibited remarkably similar abilities.

Consequently, Zhang Yi also concluded that the golden superhuman who materialized that night was indeed highly likely to be Garuda from the Bharata Alliance.

"These scoundrels, as expected, their ravenous nature remains unquenched!"

Zhang Yi scoffed, his gaze radiating a chilling intent to kill.

Old You approached, addressing Zhang Yi in a hushed, grave tone. "Zhang Yi, this incident has truly escalated. Should we notify the region and also alert other regions to call for reinforcements?"

The involvement of external forces would undeniably transform the situation from a mere internal conflict.

As a retired veteran soldier, Old You’s devotion to his homeland was unquestionable.

He would never stand idly by while foreign superhumans wreaked havoc on the soil of the Huaxu Kingdom.

Zhang Yi stroked his chin, remaining silent as he contemplated the situation for a considerable period.

All eyes were fixed on him, awaiting his decision.

However, after a pause, Zhang Yi finally spoke. "For the time being, let us refrain from alarming others."

He elaborated for Old You and the others, "We must analyze this situation from two distinct perspectives."

Raising a single finger, he stated, "Firstly, the superhumans from Bharata might be coveting the entirety of the Southwest Region."

"If such were the case, then unequivocally, we would need to mobilize the nation's full might for a war against them."

At this juncture, Zhang Yi let out a light chuckle and shrugged. "However, personally, I deem this particular scenario rather improbable."

Yang Xinxin offered her agreement with a nod.

"Indeed. This scenario is unlikely to unfold."

Zhang Yi gestured towards Yang Xinxin, inviting her to continue their analysis.

Yang Xinxin addressed the assembled group. "The Southwest Region, particularly the Snowy Plateau Region, despite its immense size, is situated at an excessively high altitude."

"Now, with the onset of the ice age, this area has transformed into a desolate wasteland. The higher the elevation, the more severe the temperatures. Resources are comparatively scarce here, and there are no extravagant riches to be found."

"Furthermore, Bharata is currently grappling with its own internal strife. The entrenched caste system and the stark wealth disparity have instigated profound internal crises."

"In terms of overall national power, they are significantly outmatched by our Huaxu Kingdom."

"Regarding military strength, let us set aside superhumans for the moment. Their arsenal of Death Reapers of Love is less than a tenth of our own."

She then emitted a cold laugh. "Heh, it is the Apocalypse now. The restrictions on deploying Death Reapers of Love are lifted. On the contrary, they serve as a critical foundation for deterrence among major powers."

"Unless they have truly lost their minds, why would they dare initiate a conflict with us over a barren patch of land at this critical juncture?"

The explanations provided by Zhang Yi and Yang Xinxin instilled a measure of relief among everyone present.

None desired to witness the outbreak of a large-scale conflict.

Such a war would inevitably render the vast majority of the populace mere cannon fodder, with only a select few in elevated positions reaping benefits.

For individuals like Zhang Yi and his companions, who were content with a peaceful existence, widespread upheaval was their greatest fear.

Yang Xinxin cast a glance at Zhang Yi, who responded with an approving nod.

Feeling encouraged, Yang Xinxin’s expression softened considerably, a subtle smile gracing her lips.

"Therefore, unless it escalates to a full-scale war, there is no need to inform the other regions about this matter."

"The rationale is simple: the more factions that become aware, the fewer benefits we stand to gain."

Spreading her hands, she continued, "Moreover, while concepts like righteousness might seem trivial, we were, after all, invited here. Discarding Pagyi Gesang so readily would also tarnish my brother's reputation."

These explanations were logical and compelling.

Zhang Yi raised his second finger, proceeding with his analysis. "Next, there is the second point. Their arrival here is driven by their desire for the Demon Kingdom treasure situated beneath Great Snow Mountain."

"This is the explanation I find most plausible."

"Should they lack the capability and harbor a need to seize the Snowy Region, then the legendary Demon Kingdom treasure would represent their most coveted prize."

At this point, Zhang Yi stretched languidly, interlaced his fingers, and reclined further into the sofa.

"If this is the sole reason, then we can simplify the complexity of the problem."

All eyes rested upon Zhang Yi.

Old You inquired with evident curiosity, "How do we approach this with simplicity?"

Zhang Yi responded with utmost seriousness, "By focusing on securing the greatest possible advantages."

"Should circumstances prove favorable, my primary objective would be to confront the superhumans from other lands. However, such actions must remain well within the bounds of my own capabilities."

He held up a single finger, emphasizing, "I refuse to provoke a confrontation with them by placing myself in a perilous situation."

Old You offered a nod in acknowledgment.

Having known Zhang Yi for a considerable period, this pragmatic approach was undeniably characteristic of his methods.

"That's sound reasoning. But mark my words, if an opportunity presents itself, I'll definitely give those scoundrels a swift and hard lesson they won't forget!"

He bared a full set of strikingly white teeth, his expression conveying a fierce desire to annihilate them.

Zhang Yi simply spread his hands, stating, "We shall adapt as events unfold."

The future remained shrouded in uncertainty. It wasn't only Zhang Yi; in truth, the other factions were also inwardly on edge, experiencing profound anxiety regarding the impending maneuvers.

In stark contrast, Zhang Yi radiated an unparalleled sense of composure.

His reason was simple: while victory wasn't guaranteed, defeat was certainly out of the question.

Even if the mission were to falter, he possessed the self-reliance to orchestrate his own escape.

The others, having journeyed from distant lands, now faced the potential of meeting their demise right here.

Over the ensuing days, every individual exhausted every possible avenue to obtain external intelligence.

Information pertaining to Sangha Monastery, the Four Great Families, and likewise, the foreign superhumans, was meticulously gathered.

Midway through this period, Zhang Yi found himself once again at the base of Great Snow Mountain.

He stood before the formidable Demon Kingdom Gate, situated at a depth exceeding a thousand meters below the surface of Great Snow Mountain.

During his prior visit, time had been too limited for a thorough examination.

This time, however, he was afforded the opportunity to scrutinize this colossal bluestone gateway in detail.

The sheer scale of this gate was staggering, reaching hundreds of meters into the sky. Any individual dwarfed by its immensity would appear no larger than a mere ant.

Visualize the sensation of standing before the Empire State Building, craning your neck to look upwards.

A solitary gate alone exuded an aura of reaching into the very heavens.

Zhang Yi struggled to comprehend what manner of entity would necessitate such a monumentally scaled gate for passage.

Alternatively, it was plausible that this structure served a purely symbolic purpose, erected for ceremonial significance.

Cautiously, Zhang Yi attempted to channel his Void Power to exert force upon the gate, but his strength dissipated as if swallowed by an abyss, utterly failing to shift it even the slightest degree.

A wave of shock washed over Zhang Yi, prompting a profound sigh. "What kind of being was King Gesar from over two millennia ago? Is it conceivable that even in that ancient era, superhumans far surpassing my own might existed?"

The very notion felt staggeringly difficult to accept.

If such formidable beings had indeed walked the earth in antiquity, wouldn't they have possessed the capacity to dominate the entire world?"