The night when everything falls apart. [4]

When Jake and Jenny emerged from the sewer pipe, they found themselves deep within a sprawling jungle, far from the city they had just fled.

Despite the ache in their hearts for the child they left behind, survival took priority—for themselves, and ultimately, for their baby. Jenny's sorrow was unbearable, but Jake, while equally burdened, understood. This was the only way their child could remain safe, even if it meant they might not survive.

After nearly an hour of weaving through thick vegetation, they found a hidden spot between dense trees and tangled bushes—safe enough for a brief rest.

Though the journey was long, their strength as

apprentice-rank cultivators

allowed them to cover more ground than ordinary people. Their stamina, reflexes, and resilience made navigating the wild easier, though not without effort.

{Author’s Note: If you’re looking for the cultivation power chart, please refer to my other book. I won’t repeat the same info here—it’s not a cultivation novel, after all. I’ll only mention power rankings when they are relevant to this world.}

{Author’s Note 2: And for those asking why they're running despite being strong—well, let me tell you, they're being hunted by someone from a big family. But... why am I revealing this to you?}

{??? Note: Hey! Who told you to reveal that? Who even are you?}

{??? Response: Me? I am who I am. Why am I doing this? That’s a secret. Wanna know? Not telling... yet. Goodbye.}

{Author’s Note: I

will

catch this guy next time.

Inhale

...

Exhale

... Apologies, dear reader. Let’s resume.}

Hours passed, and the couple finally emerged deeper into the jungle.

During their trek, Jake noticed something strange—some animals they encountered weren't ordinary. Some beasts had an unusual glint in their eyes, their bodies tougher, faster... almost unnatural.

These were

beasts enhanced by Qi

, creatures that had either been exposed to raw spiritual energy or had consumed rare treasures born of nature. Though such creatures were still rare, their numbers were increasing.

The

global energy level was rising

—a phenomenon both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Stronger humans could rise faster… but the weaker ones? They were now prey.

“Hey, Jake. What’s on your mind?” Jenny asked, snapping him from his thoughts.

Jake turned to her, eyes sharp yet weary. “Just thinking about the surge in energy levels. The research I did—it’s happening faster than expected. Even plants are changing... not just beasts or people.”

Jenny nodded. “Yeah, I remember that paper. It felt… ominous.”

They stood up, dusted themselves off, and resumed their journey.

“So, what’s next?” Jenny asked, scanning for water.

Jake pointed ahead. “We’ll leave the jungle first. Then, we’ll rendezvous with my research team. After that, we’re headed for

Blaze City

, in the

Phoenix Kingdom

. We’ve got shelter waiting for us there.”

Soon, they came upon a river cascading from a mid-sized mountain. Cautious, they scouted the area before drinking and washing up.

The jungle thinned out not long after. The trees shrank, and light filtered in more freely.

“We’re almost there!” Jenny smiled and dashed toward the edge of the jungle.

Jake chuckled, following behind.

As they stepped into open plains, the sun cast warm rays across their faces. The darkness of night gave way to a welcoming dawn.

Not far off, a

jeep

stood parked. Two figures stood beside it.

“Hey Max! Oliver! We’re here!” Jake called out.

Both men waved and smiled.

Reaching the vehicle, Jake and Jenny felt the crushing tension lift from their shoulders. They had truly escaped—for now.

Jenny slid into the back seat. “Let’s get moving. We’re not out of danger yet.”

Max climbed into the driver’s seat. “Right. We were waiting for you two. Our lives are on the line too.”

As the jeep rolled forward, a heavy silence lingered.

Jenny glanced at the two men in front. Something felt... off.

“You two seem down. Everything alright?” she asked.

Oliver answered a bit too quickly. “Just… sad to leave home.”

Jenny frowned. “Are you sure?”

Max rubbed his temples. “Yeah. Just a headache.”

Jake exchanged a look with Jenny. Neither pushed further.

A few minutes later, the jeep stuttered to a stop.

Jake tensed. “What now?”

Max popped the hood. “No big deal. Engine died. I’ll check it.”

Oliver joined him, motioning for Jake to stay back and rest.

After a short inspection, they returned.

“Still not working?” Jake asked.

“No, the engine’s fine. Just needs a push,” Max replied.

The four of them got in position—Jake and Jenny behind, Max and Oliver at the doors.

“On three,” Oliver said.

“One... two... three!”

The jeep lurched forward under their combined strength. Jake and Jenny’s cultivation helped push it easily. Max jumped in and turned the key—

success

.

But as they climbed in—

Their smiles froze.

Their breath caught.

Jake and Jenny stood still, watching in horror as—

__

Comment your theories below!

What do you think happened next? Don’t worry if the story feels slow—

this

is just the calm before the storm. The real ride begins once our main character takes center stage. Trust me, this isn’t just another slice-of-life or revenge cliché. Stay tuned.