Chapter 363: Life in the Jianghu, Bound by Circumstance

The Shelter's defenses were now fully prepared.

From the outermost ice wall to the repairs within the Shelter, everything had reached a level that satisfied Zhang Yi. He issued a directive: no one was to step beyond the defensive perimeter.

No one objected.

After all, with the stockpile of supplies they had amassed, they could live comfortably in Cloud Manor for a lifetime without any shortages.

Only Liang Yue had to leave every day, maintaining her routine of delivering food to her students.

Zhang Yi didn’t stop her. In fact, over the past few days, he had even been showing concern for her and her students.

"If you think it's too dangerous, we could discuss moving them closer to the Shelter."

"Of course, since we’re not very familiar with them, this would need to be decided in a group meeting," Zhang Yi added sincerely.

Those who knew him, however, were well aware that these so-called meetings were mere formalities. Once Zhang Yi made a decision, no one would oppose it.

Uncle You, indebted to Zhang Yi, consistently supported him. Fatty Xu was even more loyal, sticking to Zhang Yi like glue.

In essence, if Liang Yue truly wanted to bring her students over, the only person in the entire Shelter who would support her proposal would be Zhang Yi himself. The rest, under Zhang Yi’s implicit guidance, would firmly oppose it.

Liang Yue prided herself on her righteousness and kindness. When her proposal inevitably failed, she would feel disappointed but wouldn’t blame Zhang Yi.

Sure enough, Liang Yue was moved by his suggestion. But after some hesitation, she slowly shook her head.

“Not for now,” she said.

“I’ve been talking a lot with Xinxin and Keran these past few days. The trauma from our time at Tianqing Academy still affects them deeply. Back then, they were ostracized by their classmates, and as their teacher, I bear some responsibility.”

“For now, it’s better to let the others toughen up in Xu Family Town.”

Her eyes lit up with hope.

“Besides, life is peaceful now. There’s no sign of danger. There’s no need to be overly cautious.”

She smiled brightly, radiating positivity.

“Actually, when you think about it, if those still alive can live peacefully, there’s no reason for them to invade others.”

Liang Yue had no idea that Zhang Yi had already encountered and killed people from the Yangsheng Base at a factory 25 kilometers away from the Shelter. ɽâ

Otherwise, her tone wouldn’t have been so carefree.

Zhang Yi nodded approvingly. “It’s good to have that mindset. Even in the apocalypse, maintaining a positive outlook is crucial.”

Stretching lazily, he added, “I should learn from you—stop being so on edge all the time. The world is still beautiful, and tomorrow is full of hope, right?”

Liang Yue chuckled at his relaxed demeanor, her laughter refreshing.

“It’s rare to hear that coming from you!” she teased, tossing her ponytail and winking at him.

“Well then, shall we start today’s martial arts lesson?”

Zhang Yi grinned as he followed her. “What are we practicing today?”

“You’re learning martial arts to handle close-quarters combat, so grappling techniques like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are essential. Let’s start with that!”

Together, they descended to the third underground level to begin their rigorous training.

Jiu-Jitsu was intricate. As they practiced, their bodies naturally became entangled.

Liang Yue, skilled as she was, often used techniques like the scissor hold, wrapping her legs tightly around Zhang Yi’s neck, or locking his head under her arm to force him to submit.

Zhang Yi didn’t seem to mind; in fact, he seemed to enjoy it.

He noticed how her mindset had been shifting since joining the Shelter.

Previously, she had been despairing about the apocalypse. Unable to see a future or find meaning in life, she had poured all her hopes into protecting her students.

But now, the comfortable life in the Shelter was far better than her days as a teacher at Tianqing Academy.

Adversity strengthens resolve, while comfort dulls it.

The Shelter's peaceful environment melted the icy barriers in her heart, allowing her to appreciate the beauty of life.

Though she still delivered food to her students daily, her interactions with others in the Shelter increased, and her smile became more frequent.

Zhang Yi considered this a positive development.

A person with desires and a will to live could be manipulated, turned into a pawn in his grander schemes.

Later that night, Zhang Yi lay on his bed, deep in thought.

“Should I go through with it?”

Opening the Dimensional Gate, he scanned the satellite phones he had confiscated and pondered.

Liang Yue was getting closer to them, and their relationship was in its honeymoon phase.

It was time to deal with those troublesome students in Xu Family Town.

The plan was simple; he had thought of it after eliminating the Yangsheng Base soldiers.

Placing these satellite phones in their homes would lead the Yangsheng Base directly to them.

In the apocalypse, life was cheap. The enraged Yangsheng Base wouldn’t spare them.

This strategy of borrowing another’s blade for revenge could close the loop perfectly.

However, the risk was drawing the attention of both Yangsheng and Chaoyu Bases prematurely.

Yet Cloud Manor 101 was such an obvious target. Even without his intervention, it was only a matter of time before it was discovered.

“What’s the right choice?”

“Could there be a chance that neither base realizes their men were killed by me?”

“In that case, we could live peacefully, and they could continue playing emperors in Tianhai City.”

It was an ideal scenario.

But Zhang Yi quickly dismissed the thought with a chuckle.

“Wishful thinking! How could it be that simple?”

Conflict with the other factions was inevitable.

He had killed their Superhumans—core members of the Yangsheng and Chaoyu Bases. They wouldn’t let it go.

Even if he wasn’t discovered now, once West Hill Base fell, the others would inevitably move in to carve up West Hill and Yuelu.

Could they tolerate a powerful force like his right under their noses?

And Zhang Yi wouldn’t tolerate strong enemies so close to home.

“At the end of the day, life in the Jianghu leaves no room for retreat,” Zhang Yi muttered, narrowing his eyes.

“If tolerance and compromise don’t bring peace, then I’ll carve out a clear sky with my blade.”

“They’ll back off once they’ve had enough.”

Author's Note