Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1359: Temporary Cooperation

The Asylum was colossal. Gazing outward from their current location, the surroundings appeared ominous and pitch-black, suggesting an endless expanse.

Zhang Yi knitted his brows, stating, "Remaining here indefinitely is not an option. We must venture out to seek any available clues."

"If the established rules mirror those of the Martial Arena, our objective is to subdue all the mentally unstable individuals within this place to conclude the game. After that, we must take the initiative!"

Consequently, Zhang Yi made the decision to depart from the room and investigate the exterior.

Extending his left hand, the spatial manipulation ability designated as [Manifold Phenomena] enveloped the group, thereby averting any unforeseen mishaps.

Yang Xinxin remained closely positioned beside Zhang Yi.

As the strategic mind of their contingent, it was anticipated that she would assume the vanguard in deciphering the enigma of this location.

The entire party exited the room, finding themselves facing two intersecting corridors.

The placement of their room was peculiar—it was situated at a junction where three distinct hallways converged.

Numerous rooms with firmly shut doors stretched into unseen distances. While the illumination wasn't precisely dim, any area beyond approximately a dozen meters was shrouded in impenetrable darkness, rendering visibility impossible.

After a brief period of contemplation, Zhang Yi attempted to re-engage his spatial traversing capability.

However, each activation resulted in the surrounding space expanding infinitely in response.

It became apparent that within this domain, progress could only be achieved incrementally; any attempts at circumventing the regulations were met with strict limitations.

"If that's the predicament, then searching will prove exceedingly arduous. These rooms appear to be without end,"

Zhang Yi vocalized, his expression one of concern.

Drawing parallels with conventions found in foreign horror cinema, such junctures often presented a situation where an impetuous individual might suggest separating to expedite the search for crucial information.

Fortunately, no such recklessness was exhibited here, as a palpable, instinctual dread of the unknown permeated the group.

Zhang Yi had, by all accounts, become the steadfast anchor for everyone present.

Furthermore, should any individual stray from Zhang Yi's proximity, they would be vulnerable to elimination by Batu, whose combat prowess was classified at a high Delta-grade level.

"But this place is simply too vast. Investigating each room individually will consume an inordinate amount of time,"

Zhou Ke'er remarked, her voice trembling slightly as she tugged at Zhang Yi's sleeve.

"Haste often leads to wasted effort,"

Yang Xinxin interjected unexpectedly.

"Moreover, let us not disregard the stipulations inscribed on the wall,"

She raised two fingers, articulating, "The second rule states: The Asylum harbors a multitude of mentally disturbed individuals who will aggressively target any living entity. Consequently, any movement on our part is guaranteed to attract their attention."

Zhang Yi gave a decisive nod, proclaiming, "Then let us commence our journey!"

With that statement, he surveyed his surroundings and made an arbitrary selection to proceed leftward.

Chodak, accompanied by a contingent of Pagyi Family supers, positioned themselves around Zhang Yi and the others, forming a protective cordon as they advanced cautiously, weapons held in readiness.

As they passed by each individual room, Zhang Yi and Old You would reach out from the forefront to swing the doors open.

"Creak—"

Upon opening one particular chamber, the interior revealed a darkened infirmary; aged window drapes swayed gently, and no figures were discernible within.

Behind the vanguard, Fatty Xu and the remaining members of the group scarcely dared to inhale. The atmosphere was utterly still, broken only by the hushed sounds of their deliberate footsteps and even their breaths.

At every instance of opening a door, their hearts were a volatile mix of eager anticipation and gnawing apprehension.

Their hope resided in uncovering vital clues, yet simultaneously, they harbored a deep-seated dread of the asylum's mentally afflicted inhabitants, as forewarned by the rules.

Thus, they meticulously examined in excess of a dozen chambers, but each proved to be vacant, yielding no valuable discoveries.

However, at this precise moment, Zhang Yi's focus intensified abruptly.

[Mind Domain] registered a disturbance within the spatial fabric ahead—an entity had materialized within the shadows!

"Halt!"

He commanded, bringing the entire procession to a standstill. With his left hand, he swiftly drew his sidearm, directing its muzzle towards the dense obscurity before them.

"Whoosh!"

An unseen object shot past with great velocity, vanishing around the adjacent corner.

Without a moment's hesitation, Zhang Yi declared, "Pursue it!"

He surged forward with breathtaking speed, resolute in his determination to identify the nature of the entity lurking in the darkness.

Even without recourse to his spatial traversing abilities, his velocity was extraordinary. In a mere flash, he had traversed the shadowed area and reached the corridor's terminus.

At a bend in the path, he abruptly reversed his direction. A colossal, obsidian skull, engulfed in roaring inferno, materialized, filling the entirety of the hallway as it propelled towards him with the intent to rend!

The ferocious flames emanated an aura of absolute finality, and even Zhang Yi, encased within his Hidden Dragon Armor, perceived its terrifying capacity for devastation.

Fortuitously, he had perceived the imminent peril and was fully prepared for confrontation.

The longsword held in his right hand executed a powerful forward slash, and the immense blade's energy wave met the onslaught of the black skull!

Boom!!!

The deafening detonation reverberated throughout the entire Ward, and the sheer magnitude of this impact caused both Zhang Yi and Liang Yue, positioned behind him, to be visibly startled.

Zhang Yi's pupils constricted dramatically.

"Epsilon!"

The force exerted by this offensive maneuver felt uncannily familiar—it was comparable to his own capabilities. The adversary's might was undeniably formidable.

Could it be the case that the Martial Arena's Batu had truly ascended to the Epsilon tier?

However, in the subsequent moment, as the obscuring smoke and particulate matter dissipated, Zhang Yi discerned the identity of the figure opposite him, his gaze registering a complex blend of astonishment and wariness.

"How are you also present here?"

"How is it you?"

The questions were uttered in near unison by both parties.

It was only then that Zhang Yi understood the opposing group consisted of Lancelot and his Knights of the Round Table.

A grin immediately spread across Zhang Yi's face.

"So, we weren't the only ones who were tricked!"

Gao Changkong had orchestrated his people's entry into the Demon Abyss as soon as the opportunity arose.

His grand plan involved his subordinate, Batu, utilizing his abilities to ensnare any who followed.

At this juncture, Zhang Yi couldn't help but feel a grudging admiration for Gao Changkong.

Despite the man's seemingly innocuous demeanor, his calculating mind was exceptionally sharp.

Even more remarkable was his subordinate, Batu.

The feat of trapping two formidable superhuman factions, even if only temporarily, was truly astonishing.

The Knights of the Round Table regarded Zhang Yi with caution. After a brief contemplation, they deduced that as Zhang Yi was the last to enter, he couldn't possibly be the mastermind.

Lancelot then proposed, "Our immediate priority is to locate an escape route. I suggest we refrain from any conflict amongst ourselves. What are your thoughts?"

Zhang Yi responded with a simple, "That's precisely what I was about to suggest."

At that very moment, Yang Xinxin and her group arrived, catching up to the others. The sight of the Knights of the Round Table and the Lhamin family's superhumans elicited a flicker of surprise from them as well.

Lancelot turned, preparing to depart with his brethren.

Abruptly, Yang Xinxin's voice cut through the air, "Please, hold on a moment."

Upon hearing Yang Xinxin's words, the Knights of the Round Table paused and turned back.

Yang Xinxin addressed them, "Since our objective is identical – to escape this place – perhaps we could consider cooperating?"

The Knights of the Round Table had gained entry into this domain a full ten minutes prior to Zhang Yi's group, implying they likely possessed more valuable intelligence.

The Knights seemed to regain their composure. Though they recognized Zhang Yi and his companions as adversaries, ensuring their own egress from this predicament was paramount for the time being.

"Cooperate? In what manner do you propose we do so?"

Lancelot inquired, a gentlemanly smile gracing his lips as he addressed Yang Xinxin.

Yang Xinxin replied coolly, "This trial has been orchestrated by a rule-based ability. Only by discovering a method to dismantle it can we all find our way out. Otherwise, we will be forced to endure the full twenty-four hours."

"Naturally, it is also conceivable that this 'rule' is a fabrication, and our confinement here could extend far beyond the stipulated twenty-four hours."

"Therefore, swift action is imperative. We should divide our forces to explore this area independently. Furthermore, an exchange of gathered information would be beneficial."