Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1312: Rebel Camp

Zhang Yi harbored deep confusion, yet the undeniable reality was laid bare before his eyes, compelling belief despite his reservations.

He closely scrutinized the colossal gate from a distance, perceiving a malevolent, imposing aura that seemed to emanate from its very fissures.

An involuntary shiver ran down Zhang Yi's spine, prompting his decision to depart.

However, by a twist of fate, he observed something peculiar on the bluestone gate.

Intricate carvings depicting ancient battles adorned the door panels, creating numerous uneven surfaces.

Initially, Zhang Yi had overlooked these details.

But upon this more focused examination, he discerned the finer points.

Certain areas were unmistakably shaped into deliberate indentations, appearing as if designed to hold keys.

"Four indentations, four keys. Could these be the inheritance of the four great chieftain families?"

In that moment, Zhang Yi experienced a profound realization.

It suddenly became clear why Pagyi Gesang had stated that joining forces with the four great families was the sole method to unlock the Demon Kingdom's gate.

"So that's how it is, that's how it is!"

Zhang Yi's mind finally grasped certain crucial aspects.

It was no longer a mystery why Pagyi Gesang remained unconcerned about Zhang Yi potentially abandoning them and proceeding independently.

Without the collaboration of the four prominent chieftain families, no one else possessed the means to breach the realm beyond the bluestone gate.

Consequently, even those formidable individuals from outside the region were necessitated to align with the local chieftains.

Having absorbed all this information, Zhang Yi turned and withdrew.

All would have to await the conclusion of the Prayer Festival in a few days to ascertain the answers.

...

Upon his return, Zhang Yi appruded his companions of his discoveries at the Demon Kingdom Gate.

Liang Yue approached, her expression conveying a sense of reluctance to speak.

"Zhang Yi, there's something I must convey to you."

Noticing Liang Yue's unusual demeanor, Zhang Yi pondered for a moment before inquiring, "Did the resistance army reach out to you?"

Liang Yue’s emotions were readily discernible; typically, any inner turmoil manifested on her face. Hence, to mask her true feelings, she consistently maintained an aloof, icy facade when interacting with others, revealing minimal expression.

Liang Yue's cheeks instantly flushed crimson; she had not anticipated being so transparently readable.

She gave a nod, affirming, "Yes, precisely."

Just today, the resistance army’s operative, Drolma, had finally made contact with Liang Yue.

Earlier, when Zhang Yi had rescued them, Drolma had requested Liang Yue's contact details, mentioning she would be in touch if the need arose.

Zhang Yi had encouraged Liang Yue to engage with them then, suggesting potential unforeseen benefits.

As anticipated, they had now initiated contact.

"Oh? What is their objective?"

Zhang Yi smiled and settled onto the sofa. Yang Siya promptly delivered a steaming cup of milk tea.

Zhang Yi sipped the milk tea while attentive to Liang Yue's account.

Liang Yue cast a cautious glance around.

Despite the improbability of any surveillance given their formidable capabilities, she maintained a high degree of vigilance.

Liang Yue stated, "She wishes for me to meet for a discussion. The specifics were not entirely clear. However, I surmise it pertains to the upcoming Prayer Festival."

Yang Xinxin commented serenely, "The Prayer Festival occurs annually and stands as the paramount observance within the Snowy Plateau Region. It also holds significance for the inauguration of the subterranean Demon Kingdom."

"Were I the resistance, I would certainly seize such an occasion to instigate disruption."

Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow, inquiring, "But did they not assert that the Prayer Festival is of profound sanctity to the esoteric sect? To the extent that even the two belligerent factions would suspend hostilities during this period?"

Yang Xinxin offered a slight smile, remarking, "That was in the past; this is the present. People these days are less concerned with rigid adherence to conventions."

A cessation of hostilities during conflict was plausible when the outcome remained uncertain and the crisis was not existential.

Otherwise, consider this: who would relinquish their claim to territory for the sake of a religious observance?

Zhang Yi directed his gaze toward Liang Yue, asking, "Where did they propose to meet you?"

The clandestine nature of the resistance movement's arrangements was understandable, as discovery of their operations would undoubtedly result in their annihilation by the four great chieftain families.

Human nature dictates this: in the absence of an external threat, internal strife prevails.

However, when confronted with a common enemy, unity can be swiftly forged.

The resistance army's objective to dismantle the entrenched power of the four great families meant they could not afford to be complacent.

Liang Yue replied, "They indicated they would inform me of the meeting details tomorrow and extend an invitation. However, the invitation was extended only to myself and Mu Yan."

Zhang Yi chuckled, remarking, "What they say is not necessarily final."

He thumped his thigh in excitement, "We're all going tomorrow! I'm curious to see what kind of people they are."

Zhang Yi had a pragmatic view of people; he didn't easily label them as good or bad.

For him, the world was divided into those who benefited him and those who did not.

Consequently, he didn't automatically equate the resistance army with righteousness.

If these individuals offered no value to him, he saw no reason to associate with them.

Liang Yue nodded in agreement.

The next day arrived, and Liang Yue reached the designated meeting spot within the vast, snow-covered mountains precisely on time.

Zhang Yi and his companions were present too, though they remained concealed within Mu Yan's Shadow Space.

This remarkable Shadow Space had been transformed by the diligent women at home into a veritable castle.

Lu Keran had overseen the construction of the dwelling, while the furnishings were sourced from Tianhai City's premier shopping centers, all representing the pinnacle of luxury.

Beyond mere accommodation, they had even established a fishing pond and meticulously tended flower beds within the space.

While Zhang Yi was occupied with matters outdoors, the women could indulge in leisurely fishing by the flower beds or enjoy afternoon tea.

Life, by all accounts, was exceptionally comfortable.

Zhang Yi himself had even mused aloud, expressing a desire to trade places with them.

Liang Yue waited at the arranged location for an extended period. As the appointed hour neared, she received another communication.

Drolma informed her to proceed to the subsequent rendezvous point.

This cautious approach was anticipated and necessary for their security.

Liang Yue patiently adhered to Drolma's instructions, relocating to the next specified area.

This pattern repeated three times, with each relocation taking them further into obscurity.

When they finally materialized once more, they found themselves in a remote, desolate wilderness.

It was here that Liang Yue finally encountered Drolma.

Drolma was mounted atop a colossal dire wolf, accompanied by a retinue of thick-furred, black-backed wolves.

Through the imaging device Liang Yue carried, Zhang Yi could observe every detail of her surroundings.

This was his first direct observation of the female representative from the resistance army.

Her gear wasn't exceptionally advanced, but she sported a capable combat suit. Her hair was fashioned into braids, and a black alloy whip was secured at her waist.

Upon spotting Liang Yue, Drolma's eyes gleamed with recognition. She dismounted the dire wolf and approached Liang Yue, stopping a few meters away.

"Benefactor, I am truly grateful that you came to meet me!"

Drolma placed her right hand over her left chest and executed a deep, respectful bow.

Liang Yue scanned the vicinity, noting the absence of any other individuals.

Drolma clarified, "I have come alone today. Please do not harbor any suspicions."

Liang Yue offered a slight smile, "You chose to come alone because you, too, were wary of potential risks, weren't you?"