Yan Jin led the way to his old mansion, the lifeless Wei Xi in tow. The once grand estate had not been spared from the devastation that swept through Pine City. The mansion stood battered and broken, its walls marred with cracks, the roof partially caved in, and the garden overgrown and wild. It was a haunting reflection of the chaos that had recently engulfed the city.
But Yan Jin knew that appearances could be deceiving. Amidst the ruin above, there was a place of safety below. As they approached a seemingly ordinary section of the mansion's crumbling foundation, Yan Jin moved to a hidden lever embedded in the wall. With a creak, a section of the floor shifted, revealing a set of stone steps leading down into darkness.
The underground chamber was a stark contrast to the desolation above. It was modest, yet it held a quiet sense of security and purpose. The room was illuminated by a series of small, strategically placed lanterns, casting a warm glow across the space. The walls were lined with shelves stocked with essential tools, from simple farming implents to well-maintained weapons.
There were containers filled with food rations, water, and basic dical supplies, ensuring that anyone seeking refuge here could survive for an extended period.
The chamber also contained a small cot, a basin for washing, and a neatly folded set of blankets. Everything was ticulously organized, reflecting the careful planning that had gone into creating this sanctuary. It was clear that this was a place ant to sustain life, to provide comfort in tis of dire need.
Yan Jin guided Wei Xi into the chamber and gently pushed him toward the basin. "Go and take a shower," he instructed, his voice steady but softened with concern. "Find sothing to eat and try to fall asleep. We will talk more tomorrow."
Wei Xi moved chanically, his mind and body numb from the overwhelming trauma he had endured. He didn't utter a word as he began to follow Yan Jin's instructions, the weight of his experiences pressing down on him. As he stepped into the basin to wash away the dirt and blood, Yan Jin watched with a heavy heart, knowing that the child's spirit had been crushed.
Wei Xi had endured unimaginable trauma—losing his best friend, feeling betrayed by his idol, taking a human life for the first ti, witnessing his grandfather's death, and being abandoned by his teacher. The psychological toll on such a young child was imnse, but this pain could also serve as a powerful catalyst for his future growth.
--
Outside, the ng family and their supporters were working tirelessly to establish a new order of command and implent new rules.
"How many bodies have been found?" asked Purple Pen ng, sitting at the edge of the makeshift council table, his voice carrying the weight of their grim situation.
"156,000 so far," replied Purple Spear ng, his tone equally heavy. "We're still digging through the rubble, and 36,000 more are injured."
Purple Pen ng sighed deeply. "There are 200,000 survivors, including the injured. Of those, 100,000 are without shelter, and we don't have enough food to last more than a week."
"I've already sent a letter to the capital," Purple Spear ng continued. "With Nie Li having fled, help should arrive soon. But our major problems remain Yan Jin and the Vein."
"When help arrives, we'll need to designate a culprit. The city won't allow us to execute him—he's being hailed as a savior," Purple Pen ng noted, frustration evident in his voice. "Where is he now?"
"Back at his mansion," answered Purple Spear ng. "He took the Wei kid with him. I've sent soone to keep an eye on him, to make sure he doesn't slip away."
Purple Pen ng shook his head. "It's not necessary. As long as we have the old man's body, he won't leave."
"What's our next course of action?" asked Purple Spear ng.
"We need to prepare for a beast invasion," Purple Pen ng replied, his voice grave. "It's been a few hours since the beast vein died—we have a couple of days at best. Thankfully, the border walls are still standing. Tomorrow, gather the survivors. We'll make an announcent."
--
Under the cloak of night, Yan Jin moved with the utmost stealth through the wreckage of his old mansion, every step asured and cautious. The city lay in ruins, but amidst the chaos, he saw a glimr of opportunity. His heart raced with the urgency of his mission; he had to escape while the ng family's hold on Pine City was still in flux.
The pain from his injuries was intense, a constant reminder of the Heretical God Eye technique's toll. His body was barely functional, his blood veins sealed, rendering him powerless. He could no longer call upon his Nine-Headed Hydra bloodline or the Ouroboros tactic. His shoulder was dislocated, and his arms were contorted in unnatural positions.
Yan Jin was a shadow of his forr self, crippled and vulnerable.
Despite the excruciating pain, Yan Jin had to make his move. Disguised in Lan Zhan's clothes, he looked like nothing more than a humble servant. The disguise was a small but crucial advantage. To any observer, he appeared as just another figure in the aftermath of the disaster, not the hero who had unleashed fire from the sky hours earlier.
The ng family was busy establishing a new order, their mbers working around the clock to bring so semblance of control to the city. Yan Jin had anticipated that the ng family's new leadership would be preoccupied with consolidating their power, and that provided him with a narrow window for escape. Purple Pen ng, the tactician of the family, had proven himself to be a master of strategy.
He had cleverly manipulated the situation, sending his brother to ntor Wei Xi, and patiently waited for fifteen years to strike. Yan Jin knew that such a formidable adversary could not be underestimated.
Having exposed part of the ng family's plan to Purple Spear ng earlier , Yan Jin had ensured that they would be cautious in their actions, aware that Wei Xi was under his protection. This move bought him so breathing room, but Yan Jin knew the threat was far from over. Once the ng family consolidated their control, he would beco their next target.
The looming threat of Nie Li added another layer of urgency. Nie Li, who had fled with the empty treasure box, was either regrouping or lying in wait for an attack. Either way, he was a dangerous wildcard. Yan Jin's possession of the stem cell made him a pri target for any organization seeking power.
With only three days to make his escape according to his analysis Yan Jin was acutely aware of the stakes. His crippled state made it essential to act swiftly and decisively. He had no ti to waste, especially with the added burden of Wei Xi's situation.
As Yan Jin moved through the shadows, he reflected on his own situation and whispered to himself, "I am not making any more promises." His words were a vow of resolve as he carefully evaded the surveillance he suspected was in place.
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