Yangshan, covered in vast snow, branches bending under its weight.
Many pine trees on the mountain were bowed by the heavy snow.
However, what lay before were no longer ordinary pine trees.
Amidst the frenzy of mutation and evolution, they not only became more solid and robust, with developed root systems capable of resisting flood erosion, but also could withstand the gnawing of mutated creatures.
A mere snowstorm couldnât really crush them.
Wearing a military uniform, Aftershock stood in the room on the cliff, gazing at the Yangshan patrol team at the foot of the mountain, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
"The people of Yangshan, their mental state is completely different from those survivors I met in the shelters before."
"And the population size of Yangshan is a bit beyond my expectations."
"Itâs just that there are fewer experts, but the resources here are quite good, with Yangshanâs entire mineral resources being abundant, and the spiritual power strength detected by the Spiritual Ability Detection Compass is almost no less than Cangqiong Mountain."
In his heart, he couldnât help but admire, this Yangshan is indeed the second highest mountain near Linjiang.
In this regard, Yangshan does have the qualifications to cooperate with the military.
However, there are too few experts, and their overall strength is far less than the Three Great Sects.
Besides Liang Yuan, whom he hasnât met yet, others like the so-called Space King Li Qinghua and Frost King Zhao Kai, he considered them quite weak.
Their main attributes are less than 90 points, unqualified to be termed experts in his presence.
"Knock knock knockâ"
The sound of knocking came from the door, followed by Monsoonâs voice.
"Mr. Yu? Our Mr. Liang has returned, please come to the Leaderâs Mansion."
Aftershock came back to his senses, immediately raising an eyebrow, a hint of a smile appearing on his face.
"Finally, I get to meet the mysterious Mr. Liang?"
For some reason, he felt an inexplicable pride in his heart.
He wanted to see what made this Yangshan Leader, Mr. Liang, capable of possessing such a vast resource.
"Coming."
He said in a deep voice, opening the door.
Monsoon smiled at him from the door: "Please follow me."
As the captain of Gale Camp, Monsoon coming to invite the guest personally was already a significant gesture.
Monsoonâs figure flickered, displaying his full speed, and said, "Keep up."
He intended to test this expert from the militaryâs Dove Faction, so he immediately started running at full speed.
With his current main attributes, even during the Great Flood, he could walk on waves.
The snow layer seemed soft, one step would sink deep into it.
However, his speed was so fast that he could almost walk on snow without a trace.
Whoosh!
Monsoon indeed seemed like a gust of wind, swiftly darting through the woods and bamboo forest.
Aftershock saw this scene, with a hint of a smile in his eyes, understanding Monsoonâs intention.
He didnât reveal it, suddenly his figure flickered, transforming into a mist, whizzing rapidly towards the sky, speeding towards the distance.
Monsoon on the ground looked up at this scene, with his expression slightly changed.
"A Transformation Ability?"
This military expert, Aftershock, was a Transformation Ability User!
This ability was somewhat like that of the Blood Mist Ability User Zhou Qingming beside Li Qinghua.
The difference was, he was mist and vapor, while Zhou Qingming was blood mist.
And it seemed that Aftershockâs mist ability could transform into other forms.
It seemed more advanced.
At this moment, that cloud transformed into a bird, wings shimmering dreamily, swiftly cutting across the bamboo forest, flying into the Fire Bamboo Forest.
Inside the Fire Bamboo Forest, the plaza was often swept clean, with no snow accumulation.
Inside the sunroom, the temperature was even more pleasant.
At the Leaderâs Mansion, numerous Mutated Sunflowers were planted, making it several times warmer than the outside.
Aftershock landed, transformed back into human form, looking around at the Mutated Sunflowers, unable to stop a look of admiration on his face.
This trip, his impressions of Yangshan were generally average, but he was truly envious of these Mutated Sunflowers.
Although Cloud Mist Island had a barrier for protection, snowflakes were still falling with very low temperatures.
If they could plant a large number of Mutated Sunflowers too, it would greatly improve the soldiersâ lives on Cloud Mist Island.
Thinking of this, he felt a surge of excitement.
However, these Mutated Sunflowers were a treasure of Yangshan, likely not easily allowed to be taken by others.
Of course, secretly taking them wasnât impossible, but if feasible, Aftershock preferred to obtain the other partyâs permission openly.
He wasnât like those Hawk Faction people, and strong-arming wasnât the way of the peopleâs soldiers.
Thinking of this, he settled on his determination.
"Mr. Yu, this way please."
Monsoon broke his train of thought, inviting him inside the Leaderâs Mansion.
Aftershock thought no more, striding toward the Leaderâs Mansion.
This Leaderâs Mansion wasnât extravagant but possessed grandeur, with a minimalist interior, reflecting the ownerâs efficient style.
Aftershock recalled the lavish residencies of those Hawk Faction leaders, each indulging in hedonism despite difficult times, still enjoying luxuries beyond their era.
He couldnât help but harbor a deep resentment, embarrassed by these former military pariahs.
They were not even comparable to the leader of a local armed force.
Aftershock took a deep breath, striding into the Leaderâs Mansion.
He saw someone sitting with their back turned in a chair, reviewing a stack of documents.
Yu Bo carefully looked at the man, who was under thirty years old, with fair skin and well-defined facial features. He had short hair and wore a very ordinary T-shirt, paired with blue jeans.
Looking at the manâs outfit, Yu Bo subconsciously felt a moment of distraction.
The clothes were too clean, and the roomâs decoration was also very simple.
It gave him a sense of returning to the city before the apocalyptic deluge.
After experiencing the apocalyptic flood, whether adults or children, there was a unique aura about them.
It was a tense air, always a bit wary and suspicious of others.
However, the man opposite had a calm demeanor, showing no emotional leakage at all.
At first glance, he seemed never to have experienced the despair of the apocalypse.
Yu Bo took a deep breath and spoke solemnly, "Mr. Liang?"
Liang Yuan had long sensed his arrival and put away the documents in his hand. He looked up at him and asked indifferently, "Are you from the militaryâs Dove Faction?"
Yu Bo raised an eyebrow and said, "I am Yu Bo. Before the deluge, I served as the regimental commander of the Guangfu Military District. You can call me Mr. Yu."
Saying this, he saluted Liang Yuan, indicating his greeting.
Liang Yuan was somewhat surprised but laughed lightly, "The saluting gesture is very standard. Itâs just that I wonder how many among you still remember that you are soldiers."
Yu Bo frowned slightly and said solemnly, "We are different from those people from the Hawk Faction. Mr. Liang shouldnât generalize and condemn everyone with a single stroke."
Liang Yuan laughed lightly, "I only believe what I see. If you want me to trust you, you should show some sincerity, right?"
Yu Bo then realized that Liang Yuanâs words were meaningful.
To cooperate, sincerity must be shown.
Yu Bo couldnât understand Liang Yuan.
Logically, knowing that the Hawk Faction and the Three Great Sects were preparing to unite, shouldnât the other party be very anxious?
At this time, he represented the military Dove Faction to form an alliance, which could almost be said to be the other partyâs only hope.
Shouldnât the other party be eagerly welcoming him?
Why, at this moment, is he instead asking for benefits?
Could this person be a greedy scoundrel?
For a moment, Yu Boâs impression of Liang Yuan plummeted to the bottom.
He shook his head slightly and said, "It seems Mr. Liang doesnât understand the situation of Yangshan. Didnât you look at the intelligence I provided?"
Liang Yuan crossed his hands, leaned on the chair back, and laughed, "I saw it. Isnât it just that the military Hawk Faction and the Three Great Sects are going to ally?"
"Itâs an alliance preparing to eliminate Yangshan. Arenât you worried?" Yu Bo stared into Liang Yuanâs eyes, wanting to see through his inner thoughts.
Liang Yuan remained calm and composed, smiling, "Why worry?"
"A bunch of ragtag chickens and dogs gathering, what can they do?"
Yu Bo didnât expect Liang Yuan to say that, even implying heâs not afraid at all.
He couldnât help but say, "Mr. Liang is underestimating them."
"I admit, Mr. Liang, your main attribute being 100 points indeed counts as a top-tier person in Linjiang."
"But the leaders of the Three Great Sects, and Yuan Shijie of the Hawk Faction, are also masters whose main attribute has reached 100 points."
"If they jointly besiege you, how confident are you in winning this battle?"
"Then letâs try. I also want to know how strong I really am now."
Upon hearing this, Yu Bo couldnât help but ridicule inwardly; this Liangâs arrogance knows no bounds.
Itâs a pity that earlier he had given the other a decent evaluation.
He shook his head, feeling such a person is beyond saving.
Brigadier Feng and Commander Zhang really overestimated such a character.
"Mr. Liang is overconfident, youâre playing with the lives of Yangshan survivors."
"Now I represent the military Dove Faction, offering you an olive branch. Instead of grasping it, you ask for sincerity, reallyâ"
Yu Bo shook his head, his face full of disappointment.
Liang Yuan replied oddly, "Interesting, Mr. Yu, right? What a peculiar thing to say."
"Weâve resisted two invasions from the Three Great Sects and one attack from the Hawk Faction."
"Now weâve made it through, and weâre getting better and better."
"Your Dove Faction suddenly jumps out now, saying you want to ally with us."
"And with an attitude like charity."
"Heh, I really want to ask, if your Dove Faction is so enthusiastic, where were you before?"
As soon as he said that, the face changed, showing anger, "What do you mean by this? Do you really think our military has any benefit in allying with you?"
Liang Yuan said indifferently, "I donât know about benefits, but I responsibly tell you, with me here in Yangshan, there will be no problems."
"Whether itâs the Three Great Sects or the military, anyone who wants to touch Yangshan, will pay a bloody price!"
Yu Boâs expression changed slightly, hearing that Liang Yuan emphasized âmilitary,â not just the military Hawk Faction!
His implication naturally included even their Dove Faction.
Yu Bo felt a surge of disgust; this Liang didnât know whatâs good for him.
He took a deep breath and said, "Recently, our Dove Faction had more important tasks, and couldnât spare attention to you."
"If you are misunderstanding us due to this, I have nothing to say. I can assure you, I came this time with sincerity."
Liang Yuan shook his head, "I didnât see your sincerity, only your arrogant attitude."
"Youâ, what do you want?" Yu Bo took a deep breath, suppressed his anger, and asked.
Liang Yuan shook his head, stood up, and gradually released a terrifying aura of pressure.
Yu Bo felt the pressure and his expression changed slightly.
The overwhelming, terrifying pressure made him subconsciously step back half a step.
But he quickly reacted, immediately gritting his teeth and standing firm.
He saw Liang Yuan approaching step by step, saying, "Itâs not about what I want, but what the people behind you want."