Care Guide to Raising a Max Level Leaf in Apocalypse - 93

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Compared to those trembling Blood Sect members, the hunters were even more brutal.

 

If the members of the Blood Sect were considered twisted, the guild hunters were an assembly of freaks.

 

Yanking Jiang Yi out of the crowd, Si Yin Yuan threw him to the ground, asking, “Speak, did you send Weixian away?”

 

Freshly awakened from unconsciousness, Jiang Yi spat out a mouthful of blood, “Why should I tell you?”

 

Laughing with amusement, Si Yin Yuan asked, “Why?”

 

His usually well-hidden fierce and cruel demeanor surfaced, and his thin but sharp lips curled into a smirk. His muscles, encased in black combat pants, tensed as he delivered a forceful kick to Jiang Yi’s chest.

 

The kick retained some restraint, yet its strength was enough to kill an adult man.

 

Blood continuously oozed from Jiang Yi’s lips and between his teeth, and each breath was a struggle. “I don’t know.”

 

“That room should have had a teleportation array set up by you from the beginning.” Si Yin Yuan disdainfully glanced at his black boots splattered with a droplet of blood. “How could you not know?”

 

The last three words were spoken softly, but everyone present could feel the intense killing intent they contained.

 

The killing intent was like an invisible hand squeezing Jiang Yi’s throat, and a dull pain began to radiate from his chest. Several ribs were probably broken, with visible depressions even from the outside. If not for the enhanced physique of an awakened, he would have died long ago.

 

However, even for an awakened, such a forceful kick caused internal organs to shift. Without a healing ability, he wouldn’t survive for long.

 

Every strand of Jiang Yi’s body hair conveyed how terrifying the man before him was. He could only grit his teeth and remain silent.

 

Suddenly, Guan Yin approached and whispered to Si Yin Yuan, “Those few people we rescued from the basement are dead.”

 

Recalling the way those people were tormented, Ji Jiu couldn’t feel indifferent.

 

Guan Yin’s voice was not loud, but with the exceptional hearing of the awakened, almost everyone present heard it.

 

Jiang Yi relaxed, then suddenly burst into a maniacal laugh, “Good, let’s go to hell together!”

 

He had long harbored thoughts of death.

 

He also knew that falling into Si Yin Yuan’s hands meant he couldn’t survive.

 

Ji Jiu crouched down and poked him, “What’s your relationship with the person in captivity?”

 

Jiang Yi grinned, his white teeth now all stained red, “He’s my cousin.”

 

No one expected this answer, and everyone fell into a brief silence.

 

Si Yin Yuan’s gaze, carrying a chilling intent, swept over him, but when it returned to Ji Jiu, it softened. He took Ji Jiu’s hand and carefully wiped it clean. “Don’t touch him; he’s dirty.”

 

For once, Ji Jiu was curious, “Why are you torturing him?”

 

Jiang Yi breathed slowly, feeling that his death was imminent. The secret he had hidden in his heart for three years suddenly poured out, “Because he killed my parents and wanted to kill me.”

 

“At the beginning of the apocalypse, many awakened were ostracized, especially those whose bodies also changed. In our village, my anomaly was reported to the village chief by him. In the end, he suggested killing me to prevent me from suddenly turning into a mutant like in zombie movies. My parents were beaten to death by villagers while trying to protect me, and I was the only one who managed to escape.”

 

This statement contained no emotional rendering, only the most straightforward and cruel reality.

 

Jiang Yi clenched his fists, his expression indifferent, as if he were narrating something entirely unrelated to himself.

 

He turned his head to look at the other members of the Blood Sect.

 

These people all had changes in their bodies due to awakened abilities, presenting various bizarre forms, half-human and half-mutated.

 

Because of his words, painful expressions appeared more or less on their faces, indicating a certain level of resonance.

 

Jiang Yi grinned bitterly, “So, now you know why we’ve gathered together.”

 

Ji Jiu showed no mercy, “Oh.”

 

Guan Yin was somewhat angry, “This cannot become an excuse for your indiscriminate killings.”

 

His third and fourth hands had also manifested due to awakened abilities, and he too had been feared initially. The debate over whether the physical anomalies in awakened individuals were a mutation or an evolution still had no conclusive answer. He had experienced malice in the base but ultimately retained only the goodwill in his heart—perhaps because human communities embody inherent contradictions.

 

Humans are a mixture of baseness and greatness, selfishness and kindness.

 

There has never been a true definition that can explain humanity.

 

Hence, he couldn’t forgive or empathize with these demons.

 

Jiang Yi, expressionless, said, “Not everyone is as fortunate as you.”

 

They were always peculiar, unwilling to categorize themselves as human yet unable to fully detach from that identity.

 

Ji Jiu asked, “So where is your mutation?”

 

After removing the purple robe, the distinctive mutations on the other Blood Sect members’ bodies were quite evident. Jiang Yi, however, appeared almost indistinguishable from a normal person.

 

Not just him, Weixian was the same, possessing a seemingly normal human appearance.

 

Suddenly, Jiang Yi reached out and rubbed his face, and a large piece of skin, soaked in blood, peeled off. “I lost all my skin after gaining the ability.”

 

Surprisingly, it was artificial skin, and judging by its lifelike appearance, it seemed to have been peeled off from a real person.

 

He had never shared this information with others, but he suddenly wanted to see a hint of fear in Ji Jiu’s seemingly indifferent eyes.

 

A person like him might scream in terror upon seeing Jiang Yi’s true, skinless body, just like the villagers in the past who would shout and swing their clubs, calling him a devil and saying they would beat the demon to death. Even when he pleaded, crying out for uncles and aunts, they were left with nothing but fear, claiming they would kill the demon and swinging their clubs.

 

A body without skin becomes incredibly fragile, with blood vessels and muscles exposed. Even the slightest contact with the air causes intense pain. He could only hastily escape amid the cries of his parents, urging him not to look back.

 

After escaping, he couldn’t understand why those kind elders who had watched him grow up since childhood would eventually turn into menacing figures holding bloodied clubs, leaving only a terrifying and fearful expression.

 

This question found an explanation when he encountered Weixian—because humans were too weak, because they were a failed species.

 

He, too, was a failed individual; otherwise, how could he have failed to protect his parents, watching helplessly as they were beaten to death by the villagers wielding clubs?

 

Jiang Yi peeled off the entire skin from his face, sneering at Ji Jiu.

 

No matter how composed someone is, they cannot help but fear his appearance, which seems to come straight from hell.

 

“…”

 

The anticipated fear did not manifest; instead, there was undisguised disappointment.

 

Ji Jiu glanced at him and said, “Is this all?”

 

Many hunters in the guild had mutated in cool ways, such as those heading in the direction of bestial transformations or those whose irises had turned golden.

 

In his eyes, Jiang Yi’s appearance was something that could only be associated with ugliness.

 

Si Yin Yuan also remained indifferent, taking a glance before retracting his gaze without any discernible reaction. “First, detain them. We have plenty of time for a slow interrogation.”

 

He had a thousand ways to make Jiang Yi speak.

 

Jiang Yi, who had finally exploded after breaking through his limits: …

 

Suddenly, he felt that in the eyes of the two of them, he was nothing more than a clown.

 

He still wore a stunned expression, unable to believe that someone could ignore his terrifying appearance.

 

Ji Jiu effortlessly leaped over him, ready to return to the car with the host. However, before taking a few more steps, the ground suddenly shook beneath them.

 

The entire pipeline endured a violent impact.

 

Before the shaking could escalate, Si Yin Yuan steadied him securely.

 

“What’s happening?!”

 

“Something hit us!!”

 

“Ahhh!!”

 

The external force struck more than once, successfully creating a breach in the pipeline, as hard as iron. Since it was underwater, water began to flood in after the rupture.

 

Ji Jiu peered out, “It’s a ‘Laisain’ mutant!”

 

Surprisingly, it had awakened and seemed much larger than they had imagined.

 

The intricate pipeline was shattered by the violent collisions, allowing water and mud to pour in continuously.

 

The mutant outside refused to give up, relentlessly continuing its assault, as if something inside was irresistibly drawing it.

 

Si Yin Yuan protected Ji Jiu and ordered, “Everyone, get up!”

 

As his voice fell, the well-trained hunters immediately retreated without a hint of reluctance.

 

The bloodied members of the Blood Sect followed suit, hindered by their restraints, all left behind by the hunters.

 

Screams echoed frequently.

 

Ji Jiu was carried away, and even with an extra person, Si Yin Yuan’s speed remained the same.

 

He looked back to where the screams originated, discovering that the mutant had successfully infiltrated.

 

A monstrous clam, surprisingly, with a shell large enough to swallow over a dozen people in one bite. Blood flowed like juice from the seams of its shell.

 

Jiang Yi, with a ferocious expression, tried to use his abilities but couldn’t due to the remnants of centipede venom. In disbelief, he murmured, “Madman, madman! How dare he… How could he…!”

 

Until the end, he couldn’t utter a complete sentence. The clam enveloped him, chewing him into pieces within its shell.

 

After consuming each person, the clam, relentless, resurfaced, its massive shell displaying eerie patterns as if tortured faces were imprinted on it.

 

The red, bumpy tongue was constantly spitting out and sucking in.

 

On the higher ground, the hunters formed a half-circle, surrounding it. Colorful attacks rained down, but they all hit the sturdy shell.

 

It closed its shell, rendering additional attacks useless.

 

Si Yin Yuan’s expression darkened. With a wave of his hand, he had the Golden Flame engulf the entire clam, creating a massive fireball several meters high.

 

For the first time, the clam, impervious to conventional weapons, felt the scorching burn penetrating its shell, draining its life force rapidly.

 

Alarmed, the clam, realizing it had encountered a tough opponent, instinctively moved its massive body, quickly diving down.

 

No one expected the seemingly unwieldy clam to achieve such speed in the wetlands.

 

In just the blink of an eye, only a few bubbles remained. “Laisain’s” terrain was exceptionally strange; the wet mud seamlessly flattened and undulated as the clam submerged, leaving no trace.

 

Guan Yin became anxious, “Captain…”

 

He turned around and saw Captain Si Yin Yuan standing expressionless, instantly calming his nerves. As expected, within five seconds, the massive clam urgently burst out of the water, its shell infused with even more golden flames, sapping the life force of the trapped mutants inside.

 

Accompanying the clam was a menacing black mist, the force that had driven the clam out.

 

Suddenly, a tremendous cheer erupted around them. These hunters, eager for strength, applauded, “Truly worthy of Captain’s boyfriend!”

 

“Amazing!”

 

“The synergy between you two is too strong!”

 

No mutant could escape.

 

The colossal clam, now lifeless, was motionless. The golden flames and black mist, entwined unknowingly, tore and licked at each other. Under intense confrontation, the golden flames gradually encircled the black mist, tenderly entwining as if coaxing it to merge.

 

However, before this sticky golden flame could succeed, Ji Jiu had already unromantically retracted the black mist.

 

Slightly regretful that he hadn’t tasted the clam.

 

Si Yin Yuan paused, then nonchalantly withdrew the golden flame, turning to Guan Yin, “Go, check the headcount.”

 

The battle beneath the water favored the clam, and during the retreat, they couldn’t attend to everyone.

 

Fortunately, those who followed this time were experienced, having enough real abilities; otherwise, they would have perished in previous missions.

 

Guan Yin quickly ran to count the numbers and returned with an unpleasant expression, speaking bluntly, “We only have injured here, no casualties. However, all of the Blood Sect members are dead.”

 

“All dead?” Si Yin Yuan raised an eyebrow in surprise, not out of sorrow but sheer curiosity.

 

Even though they were bound, did none of the Blood Sect members have any means of self-defense?

 

Ji Jiu tilted his head, “Jiang Yi seemed like he wanted to say something before he died, but he didn’t finish.”

 

A hesitating hunter spoke, “I think that clam attack seemed planned… A Blood Sect member had already rushed in front of me, but the clam directly bypassed me and ate him.”

 

As this statement surfaced, the surrounding people treated it as an accident, patting the man’s shoulder, “Don’t think too much. How could mutants plan? What else do they have besides their instinct to consume?”

 

“But…” The man hesitated for a moment, rubbing his head.

 

Suddenly, Ji Jiu spoke, “What if it’s not planning but being manipulated by someone?”

 

After a long pause, someone finally spoke slowly, “Manipulated… who could manipulate mutants?”

 

When this question emerged, everyone’s minds conjured up the answer.

 

Regarding the true ability of the Blood Sect’s founder, Weixian, there was still no definite conclusion. However, all clues pointed to a chilling fact.

 

The hunters fell into silence.

 

Ji Jiu sneakily leaned in towards Si Yin Yuan’s ear, “Do you still remember when I mentioned that many mutants like to shout ‘Aster Flower’? Those mutants attacking our base, like this clam, all seem to have clear purposes.”

 

What chilled them was that Weixian could be ruthless to such an extent, orchestrating the annihilation of the entire Blood Sect just to avoid exposure.

 

In his eyes, the lives of these people were no different from weeds.

 

Si Yin Yuan embraced him and responded quietly, “Yes, I know.”

 

However, with Jiang Yi already dead, all these could only be considered their speculations, lacking concrete evidence.

 

The atmosphere between them was naturally affectionate, appearing to outsiders as a couple whispering sweet nothings.

 

It was unclear who initiated a playful comment, but suddenly the mood around them relaxed.

 

These robust hunters usually dared not make jokes in front of Si Yin Yuan, but taking advantage of the current heightened hormones and the fact that Ji Jiu was present, they began teasing without reservation.

 

Ji Jiu didn’t understand the content of their banter, but when he heard someone suggesting they share a kiss, he playfully hugged Si Yin Yuan and planted a kiss firmly on his cheek.

 

Giggles echoed around them.

 

Si Yin Yuan’s brows softened, and the restless tension caused by the absence of survivors from the Blood Sect was instantly soothed.

 

He gave a warning glance to the teasing hunters around him.

 

They immediately restrained their expressions, each turning away to find something to do, pretending to be busily occupied and intentionally avoiding eye contact with them.

 

Men in love are not to be trifled with.

 

Si Yin Yuan, satisfied with the outcome, withdrew his gaze and leaned down to give little grass a passionate kiss, murmuring, “This is how it should be.”

 

Their tongues entwined, dancing together in a blend of shy and bold intimacy.

 

It was only five minutes later that he reluctantly released the dazed little grass.

 

Unexpectedly, the group of seemingly busy hunters had actually found something different. One of the dog-morphed hunters kept sniffing at a black reed near the entrance to the Blood Sect.

 

His companion approached, asking, “What’s up, Lao Gou?”

 

“It seems like someone is hiding over there,” Lao Gou replied, his floppy ears moving slightly.

 

Ji Jiu noticed the commotion and quickly pushed aside his owner, gesturing for him to check it out.

 

Oh, if he kisses any more, his lips might swell!

 

Indeed, Si Yin Yuan, who intended to declare his sovereignty by kissing someone until their lips swelled, regretfully took two steps back, took his hand, and walked toward the disturbance. “What did you find?”

 

“Someone! There’s someone!” Lao Gou, getting closer, was startled.

 

These black reeds were about half a person’s height, making it challenging to spot someone lying there. Luckily, his sensitive nose came in handy.

 

Ji Jiu used the black mist to clear away the reeds, revealing the person inside.

 

Although covered in dirt, he immediately recognized the individual’s identity, feeling somewhat shocked. “Chen Ke? No, wait, it’s Luminous Lilly?”

 

Luminous Lilly lifted his head in confusion, resembling an injured young animal curled up on the ground, soaked from the swamp water.

 

He had no name but, under the guidance of the Research Institute, knew that Luminous Lilly was calling him.

 

It was unexpected that he had managed to escape as well. Perhaps Weixian didn’t realize that his crazy recruitment actions would pose such a significant threat.

 

Ji Jiu’s eyes lit up, pulling him to his feet. “Do you remember me?”

 

Luminous Lilly looked at him, shaking his head, and then suddenly nodded.

 

Ji Jiu didn’t mind. He had previously transmitted the ability of “Vitality-Bestowal” to it. Even if he didn’t remember himself, he would recognize his aura.

 

It was all thanks to him that made him blossom.

 

Otherwise, with the previous malnutrition, it would not have been able to bloom just from the stimulus of Chen Ke’s death.

 

Chen Ke would have died in vain. Human treatment towards mutants and Luminous Lilly, who exhibited a suspected human-like thought process, were entirely different.

 

Against all odds, the Research Institute insisted on keeping him because they saw a kind of value in him—the value of mutants peacefully coexisting with humans.

 

Tong Quancao, who was pulled up, remained silent. He gazed blankly at some spot in the air, as if staring at someone.

 

However, there was nothing there.

 

Ji Jiu poked him, saying, “Can you cooperate with us?”

 

Having been captured by the Blood Sect for so long, he must have come into contact with something.

 

Tong Quancao turned to look at him. Although his expression was very dejected, he nodded slowly.

 

Brave hunters with daring spirits gathered around, some reaching out to touch him.

 

One exclaimed in astonishment, “Oh my goodness, he really is like a human.”

 

Tong Quancao showed no reaction. He seemed uninterested in everything around him, yet possessed a strong desire to survive, as if he were a salted fish carrying the expectations of others.

 

That’s why he fought desperately to escape when things went wrong.

 

He thought he couldn’t die.

 

But why, no one could answer.

 

Tong Quancao followed them to the car, listlessly using a towel to wipe his body, cleaning off the dirty mud.

 

Ji Jiu curiously tilted his head. “Have you ever seen the Aster Flower?”

 

Instead of asking where Weixian had gone, he was more concerned about this question.

 

Tong Quancao’s wiping motion clearly paused for a moment. As they suspected, Weixian did take him to see it.

 

Ji Jiu saw this reaction and knew there was a chance. His eyes sparkled slightly. “What exactly is it?”

 

What is it?

 

What exactly is it?

 

Tong Quancao pondered slowly, “You should have seen it too, to some extent.”

 

His proficiency in human language was still lacking, and he stuttered when speaking in long sentences.

 

Ji Jiu subconsciously looked at Si Yin Yuan, and both of them showed a slight sense of confusion.

 

What does he mean by them having seen it to some extent?

 

Tong Quancao organized his thoughts and said with a depressed tone, “It’s, the blood vessels inside the pipes. Actually, they are the roots of it.”

 

Ji Jiu was stunned.

 

The bizarre blood vessels entwined throughout the Blood Sect, visible everywhere, were actually the roots of the Aster Flower?

 

So, from the beginning, the entire Blood Sect was actually surrounded by it…

 

Ji Jiu looked outside the car window with a complex expression.

 

Now, the entire Blood Sect has been destroyed by that insane clam, and it’s not easy to clean up and find those blood vessels again.

 

Did Weixian directly sever the roots and main body of the flower?

 

Ji Jiu shuddered inexplicably. As a little grass, he has always cherished his roots.

 

Just imagining the separation from his roots made him feel aches and pains.

 

He transformed back into his original form and buried the two round little leaves into the arms of his feeder with a soft, rustling sound.

 

Chirping, he tried to hide his tender roots as well.

 

The safest place he could think of for his roots was in his feeder’s arms.

 

Si Yin Yuan extended his hand, covering him securely with a palm, and reassured, “It’s okay, don’t be afraid.”