Lotus Village

As Su Chen delved deeper into the process of magically-changing his mobile phone, everything initially proceeded as expected. However, with the passage of time, he discovered that the potential for magic changes seemed boundless. After completing the hardware modification, Su Chen realized that even the phone's software could undergo magical alterations. The first software to be transformed was the basic phone function itself. The once familiar icons now turned into an abyssal, pitch-black void. Intriguingly, as Su Chen injected more energy units into the phone, he could continue the magical modifications on other software.

This revelation took Su Chen by surprise, prompting him to pause.

He had already expended thirty-nine energy units in the process, and should he continue the modifications, he would be completely drained.

Though Su Chen had initially intended to create a formidable monster to experiment with his perception capabilities, he had no intention of delving into dark magic.

By this time, their off-road vehicle had nearly reached Lianhua Village ahead. Su Chen glanced at the phone, barely transformed into a magical device, and decided to settle down there before testing its phone function.

However, he wondered if the magic-changed phone would still function without a SIM card.

Lianhua Village, though not large, had been evacuated by its inhabitants at the outset of the cataclysm. Now, cloaked in darkness and silence, it resembled a chilling cemetery from a horror movie.

Just as Wang Li was about to drive the car into Lianhua Village, his vigilance peaked as he announced, "Someone!"

Su Chen set aside the phone, grasping the Miao Dao on the other side, and replied, "Let's go in."

For Su Chen, humans ranked among the least threatening adversaries in their current reality.

Wang Li nodded, continuing to drive forward.

Soon, a figure emerged under the illuminated headlights, gesturing for their attention.

Wang Li shot a glance at Su Chen, intending to step out of the car to assess the situation firsthand.

However, Su Chen had already taken a decisive step forward, leaving behind the words, "I'll keep an eye on the equipment," before alighting from the vehicle.

As Su Chen got out of the car, he preemptively readied his Miao Dao, the blade gleaming with a fluid light. He had no desire for unnecessary conflicts; they only brought about complications.

To his surprise, upon witnessing his poised stance, the survivor's face contorted with fear, prompting them to recoil and scream.

Frowning, Su Chen quickened his pace, advancing towards them.

In the midst of the darkness, another voice pierced through the air, urgently calling out, "Brother! Brother! Wait! We mean no harm!"

A familiar bearded man emerged from the shadows, rushing towards Su Chen. It was none other than the group of survivors they had encountered when leaving the Midtown area, who had proved to be swifter than rabbits. Little did they expect to cross paths again in this desolate place.

As the bearded man approached, more figures gradually materialized from the darkness. Among them were middle-aged individuals armed with various weapons, as well as numerous ordinary survivors, including frail elderly and frightened women and children. The group had grown significantly since Su Chen last encountered them.

Su Chen observed them closely, recognizing that they were merely a gathering of survivors. The bearded leader still clung to a sizable group of individuals who were seemingly of limited use.

The shabby man and the gentleman from their previous encounter also stepped out from the shadows. The shabby man appeared somewhat afraid of Su Chen, hesitating to approach. However, a woman gently persuaded him, and to Su Chen's surprise, he acquiesced and followed her.

The bearded leader hurried over, casting an inquisitive glance at the lone military vehicle behind Su Chen before speaking cautiously, "Brother, we harbor no ill intent. We were forced to resort to survival tactics before. All we desire is to make a living and avoid conflicts with your military. If there's anything we can assist you with, please don't hesitate to ask. Oh, by the way, we managed to find two pigs. If you don't mind, we could have a drink together when you have the opportunity."

Having caught a glimpse of Su Chen's suspected advanced equipment, the leader and his group assumed Su Chen was a member of the military. They even speculated that this small group accompanying Su Chen to this location most likely possessed special status. However, their reverence was not directed at the military's background, but rather at the fact that Su Chen possessed the means to thrive in this treacherous environment. They were in awe of his strength and merciless disposition.

Such an individual was not one to be trifled with.

"Dad."

Suddenly, a young and innocent voice echoed from the darkness. A girl, approximately four or five years old, stumbled out from the crowd, rushing towards the bearded man. She clutched her father's hand tightly, her gaze fixed nervously on Su Chen. Following closely behind her was a woman with a pallid face, her expression filled with panic.

Observing this scene, Su Chen sighed and stated, "I seek a quiet residence with a more favorable environment, devoid of disturbances."

The bearded man appeared momentarily taken aback. "Are you planning to stay here?"

"Yes," Su Chen affirmed.

The bearded man's joy was palpable. "Great! Excellent! I'll make arrangements for you right away. I'm Yu Hualong, may I know your name, Brother?"

"Su Chen," came the reply.

Yu Hualong wasted no time, swiftly procuring a three-story house for Su Chen. The dwelling boasted fine interior decor and was said to have belonged to the former village head. He also sent someone to deliver food to Su Chen, saying, "Sir Su Chen, you can live and dine here with confidence. If you need anything, feel free to approach me anytime. It's still relatively safe here. Monsters shouldn't make their way to this place..."

Without hesitation, Su Chen accepted all these arrangements, entering the building together with Wang Li and Qiao Zheng.

As they entered, the bearded man, Yu Hualong, exhaled a sigh of relief, his bushy cheeks twitching slightly.

Watching Su Chen and his companions disappear into the building, the timid stutterer finally felt a sense of relief. Truth be told, it was perhaps due to the encounters with Su Chen's relentless pursuit and "punishment" that he harbored an innate fear of him. Whenever Su Chen was around, an inexplicable terror gripped him. Glancing at his elated boss, he couldn't help but feel a hint of despondency, muttering, "Why are you so thrilled, old boss? If it weren't for my wife's insistence, I-I-I wouldn't dare to even look at him... He's so terrifying!"

The mild-mannered man cast a playful glance at him and quipped, "Old Liu, isn't your wife always telling you to be more apologetic? Why didn't you say a word just now?"

"Don't look at me like that, I... I..." he trailed off, but the fear Su Chen instilled in him was genuine. "I'm truly scared of this Mr. Su. When he retaliated against me, it was beyond frightening!"

"Why should you be unhappy?" Yu Hualong interjected. "With someone as formidable as him present, our safety against monsters is significantly enhanced. Isn't that a good thing?"

Puzzled, Stuttering talent furrowed his brow. "But can he truly help us?"

"Hehe. Although Mr. Su may be bloodthirsty, he's not a true executioner," Yu Hualong chuckled, walking away.

Stuttering talent looked at the mild-mannered man with a questioning gaze. "What... What does that mean?"

However, the mild-mannered man seemed oblivious to the question, lost in his own thoughts as he stared fixatedly at the village chief's house. Suddenly, as if struck by a revelation, he hurriedly departed, leaving him scratching his head in confusion.

Sighing, Stuttering talent turned and walked away. In the light, he noticed a tree in the corner, covered in twisted mold...

.....

Unbeknownst to Su Chen, the group that remained outside began to plan and discuss their next steps. He had no time to involve himself in their deliberations.

Upon settling into the village chief's house, Wang Li wasted no time in inspecting both the interior and exterior for any potential threats, ensuring their safety.

With little else to occupy his time, Qiao Zheng meticulously counted the provisions provided by Yu Hualong. Satisfied with the inventory, he retreated to a secluded room to practice his abilities, diligently striving to become stronger. Alternatively, he closed his eyes, seeking to tap into Professor Chen's wisdom and Su Chen's insights on the enigmatic dark energy within the space.

Regrettably, after closing his eyes for a while, Qiao Zheng failed to sense the presence of dark energy. Instead, drowsiness overcame him, and he found himself drifting off to sleep.

Meanwhile, Su Chen sought out a room on the third floor, locking the door behind him. Retrieving his enchanted mobile phone, he prepared to make his first call since the cataclysmic event.