Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Zong Yue did not dare to hide anything from the representatives of the three major regions at this point.

After all, he was the one in the wrong.

So he truthfully recounted what he had seen and heard underground that day.

”I did indeed discover the existence of the underground world long ago, but that time I only caught a fleeting glimpse while chasing the Ground Centipede into that place.”

”At that time, the Ground Centipede’s strength was far inferior to what it is now, yet it could rapidly grow stronger by stealing the power of the purple crystals.”

”However, the commotion wasn’t as big back then, and I didn’t encounter the child transformed from that White Snake.”

A bitter smile touched the corner of Zong Yue’s mouth.

”So I thought it was the nest of the Ground Centipede species, believing that as long as I could kill the two Ground Centipedes, I could take away those mysterious purple crystals.”

Hearing this, and looking at Zong Yue’s severely injured body, the others mostly understood.

Zong Yue had misjudged his opponent, which led to him almost being killed by Bai Longzi’s blade.

”Even if that’s what you say, why should we believe you?”

Zhang Yi spoke unhurriedly.

”Your Shengjing Region has been operating in the Qinling Mountains for over a year. Is it really possible that you knew nothing about what exists underground?”

”Moreover, the information you hold is far more extensive than ours.”

Zong Yue gave a bitter laugh. ”Do you really think we have that much information in our hands?”

He seemed to be airing grievances as he voiced his inner thoughts.

”The three Epsilon-level superhumans of the Shengjing Region each have their own duties. The Ksitigarbha King guards the capital and cannot leave without authorization. Houtu is the foundation of the Shengjing Region, residing deep within the Earth God Temple year-round.”

”Only I am stationed at Wuyou Valley, solely responsible for developing the Elemental Stone Vein. And those two Epsilon-level Ground Centipedes were my biggest trouble. How could I possibly have the ability to bypass their swarm and explore deep underground?”

”If they weren’t unable to adapt to the surface environment, we would have likely lost the mining rights to the Elemental Stone Vein long ago.”

When Zhang Yi heard these words, a sudden flash of insight crossed his mind.

The Ground Centipedes cannot adapt to the surface environment?

Then Bai Longzi, having lived underground for so long, would surely also find it difficult to adapt if he came to the surface.

Then he thought of the Black-armored Strange Man in Mist Valley.

Perhaps the reason these subterranean creatures haven’t come into conflict with humans is because their living environments are too different.

It’s like how humans and creatures living ten thousand meters deep in the ocean rarely come into conflict.

The difference in living environments means there isn’t much competition for the resources each needs to survive.

But the arrival of the Apocalypse seems to have quietly changed all this.

And what is the biggest change, exactly?

Zhang Yi frowned, sinking into deep thought.

On the other hand, Li Changgong and Han Shanzuo were pressing step by step, demanding that the Shengjing Region must provide sufficient compensation.

Furthermore, they were clearly filled with curiosity about the underground world and also demanded that Shengjing hand over their research data.

Regarding the compensation they demanded, Zong Yue said this matter was beyond his authority, but Qin Qigong would give them a satisfactory answer.

As for the so-called data...

He let out another bitter laugh.

”Your memories seem a bit faulty, having forgotten that period of history from years ago.”

”Much of the data on mysticism research was burned during those years.”

”Nowadays, if we want to find many records from ancient times, we even need to borrow and transcribe copies from other countries.”

Zhang Yi and the other two looked at each other, speechless.

If they wanted to investigate information about those mysterious subterranean creatures, they would have to search for traces throughout history, past and present.

But the history of the Huaxu Kingdom indeed has large gaps from many past calamities.

That afternoon, Zhang Yi and the other four talked for a long time, essentially just wanting to make the Shengjing Region provide more compensation to make up for their losses.

Additionally, there was the issue of how to distribute the origin energy they obtained from killing the two mutated insects.

The Broodmother’s origin energy and half of the King Worm’s origin energy contained roughly comparable amounts of energy.

Zong Yue had already stated he would forgo any claim to the origin energy, because his ambitions were greater, targeting the purple crystals in the formation.

Although his goal was now unfulfilled, he could only admit his bad luck. Not only would he get no share of the mutated insect origin energy, but Shengjing would also have to provide other resources as compensation.

The Shengjing side had received news of this matter early on, so Qin Qigong instructed them to return to Shengjing for further detailed discussions.

There were many contentious points in the negotiations, too numerous to recount one by one.

As for Wuyou Valley, they naturally dispatched many Dragon’s Roar Guards to observe from a distance.

Their worry wasn’t the Ground Centipedes, but the existence of the underground world that had been disturbed.

Zhang Yi was even clearer in his mind: Totoro had stolen a purple crystal. It was hard to say whether Bai Longzi might come out to cause trouble for him.

Fortunately, half a day passed without any unusual activity there, which put Zhang Yi’s mind much more at ease.

Zhang Yi left Zong Yue’s place. Li Changgong and Han Shanzuo followed on either side, taking turns persuading Zhang Yi to form a united front with them and not give in easily.

Li Changgong said, ”This time we must advance and retreat together. No one can compromise prematurely. Only then can we obtain the greatest benefit.”

Han Shanzuo also said, ”Those two portions of origin energy are in your hands. We can discuss how to split them later. But for now, we must be of one heart and mind, and really make those old bastards from Shengjing bleed!”

As they spoke, both men gritted their teeth.

After all, given their status and position, it was absolutely intolerable to be deceived.

Zhang Yi nodded. ”Alright, we’ll do as you say.”

Subtly, the attitude of both men towards him had become much more respectful.

This was partly due to Zhang Yi saving their lives. It must be noted that during this underground expedition, without Zhang Yi’s escape abilities, they likely wouldn’t have even gotten past the mutated insect stage.

But more importantly, it was the formidable strength Zhang Yi had displayed that earned their respect.

Zhang Yi returned to the rest area of the Jiangnan Region group.

They had agreed to rest for the day, to treat the injured superhumans and let everyone recuperate, so they would set off back to Shengjing City tomorrow.

On his way back, Zhang Yi saw an intimate couple sitting under the eaves.

Well... he wasn’t sure if that was the appropriate term.

But Fatty Xu and Li Yangyang were holding hands, their eyes brimming with affection, gazes so intense they could practically thicken into a sauce.

Zhang Yi’s gaze fell on Li Yangyang. Her eyes were as gentle as a pool of spring water.

And Fatty Xu was also completely mesmerized, looking almost foolish with infatuation.

Zhang Yi recalled what he had heard from Fatty Xu and the others.

During their time in the abyss, they had encountered danger several times, and each time Li Yangyang had stepped in to save them.

After going through bloody battles together, the feelings between Fatty Xu and Li Yangyang had rapidly intensified.

Even Deng Shentong and Old You spoke quite highly of Li Yangyang.

”As absurd as it sounds, I can feel that she is serious about Fatty Xu.”

The experienced playboy Deng Shentong said this to Zhang Yi.

Author’s Note