Chapter 159: Two Matters

Some matters can be set aside temporarily—but they are issues one cannot help but dwell upon.

Take Liu Chang’s current predicament, for instance. He faced two pressing problems he had no choice but to consider. First, he had gone too far, already having missed the agreed rendezvous at Handan City. How was he to find the lost companions? This was a troubling dilemma—turning back to retrace his steps through the Maze Forest was simply out of the question.

After all, that path was treacherous and arduous. Even if he did turn back, the chances of finding that city hidden within the forest were slim to none. That he had stumbled upon Xingtai was already a stroke of luck, but luck was fickle and couldn’t be relied upon indefinitely. Thus, returning meant he would likely never find Handan City. Even if by some miracle he did, his companions might no longer be there—no matter how he looked at it, it was a void on both ends.

So, going back was impossible, and the path ahead was unknown and likely long. Finding his companions had become a thorny issue.

Yet, more pressing than finding his companions was locating Xiao Jing.

His companions’ fate could wait, but Xiao Jing’s could not. Liu Chang believed that even if he failed to find his companions, they might still be safe—but Xiao Jing was different. If she were lost in this vast forest and then left it, all traces of the amphibious people would be lost forever. Beyond that critical period, even if they were found, it would be meaningless.

Before passing, Li Qingshui had entrusted several batches of clones to the amphibious people’s care. These amphibious people were naturally of the same faction, destined to unite under Liu’s leadership, forming a family-like, solid clan. When they gathered, bolstered by the clones’ strength, their combined power would be indomitable—something Liu Chang could not challenge.

Therefore, he had to act before this alliance was formed to have any hope of rescuing Xiao Jing. This matter was the most urgent—and the most elusive.

The amphibious leader had taken Xiao Jing and two clones away, and Liu Chang was utterly unaware of their destination. Even now, with his sense of smell restored, it was futile. Scents fade with time, especially in places where the air flows freely. Over ten days without a trace had rendered Liu Chang unable to track them. In this vast, impenetrable forest, where even an exit was a rarity, finding a few hidden people was practically impossible.

Each time Liu Chang thought of this, a sharp pain would strike his head.

Wiping his body dry, he knew no amount of pondering could solve these two problems for now. After donning the sweat-stained, dirt-smudged clothes, he made his way to the front hall.

“Hey, Mr. Liu, you’re quick with the bath,” said a man as several people gathered, discussing something. Seeing Liu Chang, they fell silent, and the leader, Li Feng, approached him.

“Yeah, it’s been a long time since I had a proper bath. Feels great, thank you all,” Liu Chang said sincerely.

In these times, people’s thoughts were shaped by the pressures of survival; no one remained pure-hearted. Yet, from any angle, these people had helped him without malice, which deserved gratitude.

“Nonsense. Given your situation, even if we hadn’t helped, someone else would have,” Li Feng said, pulling over a stool for Liu Chang. “Besides, I have a favor to ask you too. Come, tell us about the outside world.”

“Alright.” Liu Chang accepted the kindness, sitting on the stool and clearing his throat to begin his lengthy tale. “As for the outside, I don’t know much—just what I’ve seen on the way from Kaifeng to Zhengzhou. But I’ll tell you all I can.”

“Four years ago, when the Red Mist descended…”

Liu Chang spoke for hours, interspersed with questions and clarifications. By the end, he had painted a broad picture of the outside world. Beyond his personal experiences, he even spoke in detail about the great willow tree.

“Are there really such terrifying creatures outside?” The group listened with wide-eyed curiosity, especially about that godlike, dreadful willow tree.

“Yes, very terrifying. It’s currently around Zhengzhou, its body spanning across Zhengzhou and Wuhan, stretching over a thousand kilometers. It devours human brains, claiming them as its own. It’s a supreme being in both strength and intelligence,” Liu Chang explained honestly.

“Then humans are doomed?” Some found the story unbelievable. “It’s only been a few years—how could such a terrifying creature exist in the world?”

“Maybe it’s just a quirk of fate. I don’t know how it came to be, but I have no reason to lie to you,” Liu Chang sighed. “Even if I were making it up, I couldn’t invent a better story.”

“I believe you,” Li Feng nodded. “But you said the willow tree is moving north. Given its size and speed, it would reach here quickly. If we can’t leave this forest, aren’t we as good as dead?”

“I don’t know,” Liu Chang shook his head. “I heard it was stopped near Zhengzhou, but that’s all I know.”

“Ha, who could have such power?” Li Feng laughed bitterly, disbelief etched on his face. “From your description, the great willow has transcended our lifeforms. Even if I believe there are powerful beings in this world, I can’t imagine any human capable of stopping it bare-handed. How incredible must that person be?”

“Who knows?” Liu Chang thought of Li Qingshui’s calm, unassuming face. “There are always some people in this world who are different from the rest…”

Thinking of Li Qingshui, Liu Chang’s spirits sank deeply—that was his kin, someone with whom he once had grievances but who was also his closest comrade and protector. Perhaps the strongest person in the world.

And yet, such a person had simply died.

The world was unpredictable.

Even more so in the apocalypse.

Suddenly, he recalled a phrase Li Qingshui had said when still in Kaifeng… (To be continued)