Chapter 18
The spikes protruding from the carrot’s body were small and colorful, so realistic they looked like children’s toys at first glance.
When the human ability users on the other side saw this, their expressions grew even more unpleasant.
Over the past few days, two or three teams had encountered this special-grade xenoplant in the wilderness. They all knew how terrifying these carrot spikes were.
Not only did they have an extremely high hit rate, but their explosive power was sufficient to pierce through walls dozens of meters thick.
The person in charge of commanding at the front immediately shouted, “Defense!”
Several ability users pressed their hands against the wall. Stones, soil, flowing water, and nearly solidified wind layers accumulated one after another.
A large number of carrot spikes collided with these “walls.” Both sides expended energy until only a dozen or so spikes successfully struck the wall itself, creating several large dents.
By then, the human ability users had completed their preparations again. Various long-range attacks rained down toward the carrot.
Due to the recent special circumstances, many ability users had already been dispatched to assist. Although tonight’s incident was sudden, they were still somewhat prepared. The wall wouldn’t be breached so easily.
Moreover, unlike zombies, plants usually acted alone. Even if a special-grade mutant plant’s combat strength was high, human ability users could still win with numbers.
If they could directly eliminate this carrot… capturing it alive would be even better.
On the other side, Luobo discarded its tree branch shield, now reduced to less than half its original size, as it watched the third wave of long-range attacks coming again.
The surrounding ruins that could have served as hiding spots had all been blasted flat. Unfazed, Luobo patted its forehead, and another hundred carrot spikes split off.
The carrot spikes clashed with the ability users’ ranged attacks as if they cost nothing.
Luobo had nearly forgotten why it came here tonight, completely absorbed by the battle.
It paid no mind to whether its body could sustain the number of spikes it had spawned, its mind consumed by thoughts of mutual destruction and killing its enemies.
Just then, two more figures appeared in the distance, their greedy eyes fixed on the carrot.
These were two high-level zombies that had been lurking nearby. Startled by the carrot’s presence, they had fled when human ability users arrived, but hadn’t gone far.
Now that the carrot was engaged in battle with the humans, they grew restless, ready to strike from the shadows.
High-level zombies possessed greater intelligence and required more sustenance. Beyond satisfying hunger, they craved power.
Eating a super-grade xenoplant would give them a better chance to evolve into a Zombie King.
Luobo, busy attacking and evading, remained in place. Though it refused to flee, clear signs of exhaustion showed.
The two high-level zombies crept closer, undetected by Luobo.
When Qian Hui reached the fence, he saw a group of ability users gathered in one spot, occasionally hurling fireballs or wind blades outward.
The tall, thick walls blocked the view, with human guards stationed at every window or side door.
Mimosa’s leaves pointed outward, indicating Luobo’s location just beyond.
At the same time, it detected the faint scent of high-level zombies—and there appeared to be more than one.
Though unaware of Qian Hui’s motives for seeking the carrot, Mimosa trusted him and instinctively worried for its fellow kindred.
With so many human ability users present, along with lurking high-level zombies, that carrot was in grave danger.
Mimosa’s leaves expanded, coiling around Qian Hui’s fingers and tugging urgently.
Qian Hui grew anxious too. He scanned his surroundings, searching for a way out.
Reinforcements arrived along the road. Qian Hui retreated into the darkest shadows.
He looked up at the towering wall beside him.
Just as everyone focused on Luobo, an explosion suddenly erupted from behind.
This disturbance occurred within the Safe Zone, prompting nearby guards to immediately investigate.
Simultaneously, Qian Hui stuffed Tudou, the potato, into his pocket.
The substitute bomb was one of Tudou’s skills, leaving minimal traces. Seizing the moment, a slender vine emerged from Qian Hui’s sleeve, rapidly extending and climbing.
The vine securely hooked onto the wall’s highest point, pulling Qian Hui upward and away.
The fence was equipped with detection instruments at regular intervals. These devices would sound an alarm whenever the energy of zombies or mutated plants approached.
When Qian Hui touched the fence, the instrument emitted a single alert. However, the guard responsible for monitoring had gone to inspect the bomb at that moment.
By the time the guard hurried back, Qian Hui had already climbed down the fence, undetected by anyone.
The alarm ceased. The guard opened the window to investigate but found nothing unusual. Outside, there remained only the carrot.
At that moment, Luobo gradually felt its energy dissipating, yet it fought with increasing vigor, growing more excited as the battle continued.
It even advanced several steps toward the fence, personally raising a carrot spear and aiming it at an ability user standing before the fence.
The ability user, terrified, quickly ducked down to avoid the attack.
Luobo narrowed its eyes, suddenly sensing another wave of danger approaching.
An ashen arm, elongated like a stretched noodle, shot toward Luobo from the side. Its withered claw aimed a vicious strike at the carrot.
Luobo dodged, but its attention remained fixed on the fence. The delayed reaction left it with a deep gash across its body.
The zombie arm lunged again. Luobo seized the limb and drove its sharp tip into the flesh.
The moment the spike pierced, the arm jerked back in pain. But another advanced zombie’s windball struck Luobo squarely.
Enduring the pain, Luobo retreated warily.
How careless. I didn’t expect those two advanced zombies to still be here…
Could today truly be the end?
The Safe Zone’s observers quickly spotted the two advanced zombies, realizing their target was the carrot.
This development… actually simplified their situation. With proper timing, they might eliminate both the zombies and the xenoplant in one move.
The zombie arm, now pierced by the spike, rapidly healed. The regenerated limb became more pliable, evading subsequent attacks with greater ease.
Meanwhile, Luobo’s energy reserves were depleted. With dwindling spikes and reduced accuracy, its counterattacks grew increasingly ineffective.
It hesitated between unleashing a stored-energy attack and fleeing. Even if the former could repel the zombies, the humans by the fence might not spare it.
The latter… was simply too humiliating!
Both zombies were ranged attackers, their bodies hidden in the shadows as wind balls pelted Luobo relentlessly. The humans behind the fence kept up their assault without pause.
Within minutes, Luobo began to falter.
The human ability user pressed its pursuit, the two zombies watching hungrily. They were certain they’d capture the carrot and devour it without trouble.
Just then, a deep, muffled roar shook the area.
Luobo froze, looking up.
It was… a Grade S ability plant—a massive man-eating flower.
The flower’s colossal body, like a small mountain, blocked the moonlight behind it, casting long shadows across the ruins.
It had appeared unnoticed, its overwhelming aura unmasked. Its fangs glinted with sinister light.
Neither the human ability user nor the advanced zombies had time to react. The man-eating flower snapped its jaws, severing both zombies’ arms mid-air.
The zombies’ screams pierced the air. The flower swayed its stem, its massive form blocking the fence and intercepting the next wave of attacks.
The man-eating flower, with its tough skin and flesh in peak condition, stood fearless against the onslaught.
With the man-eating flower’s intervention, the situation instantly shifted.
Luobo finally caught a breath, but its gaze toward Xiaozhi held complex emotions.
How humiliating… too humiliating! I’d rather die secretly than be rescued!
Clutching its wounded back, Luobo watched as a money tree and a corn approached.
The two plants looked unfamiliar. As Luobo pondered, the money tree expanded its leaves to block another zombie’s windball.
Meanwhile, the corn peered around while clutching a cornball, secretly observing Luobo with barely contained excitement and anticipation.
The outside world is truly thrilling! So exciting!
More movement caught Luobo’s attention. Turning, it saw a pepper and a potato charging toward two advanced zombies.
Luobo: “……”
It could guess these were likely Xiaozhi’s new friends.
We’ve barely been apart! I never knew Xiaozhi was so social!
Feeling inexplicably frustrated, Luobo pulled out a carrot spear.
Tossing the spear into the air, it leaped up to catch it, preparing to slip away before Xiaozhi came looking for it.
The money tree, noticing the situation, urgently called out, “Woo?”
Luobo didn’t turn its head, unwilling to acknowledge the unfamiliar plant or concern itself further with the humans in the Safe Zone and the two zombies.
Just then, a voice from behind sounded, impossibly familiar, “Luobo?”
Even after so many years, Luobo recognized that voice.
Its body stiffened as it slowly twisted to look back. The grip on its stem slipped, and it tumbled down with a soft “thud.”
Qian Hui rushed forward, found Luobo amidst the rubble, and scooped it up.
“Luobo!” he exclaimed, concern etched in his voice. “Are you hurt?”
Luobo stared at Qian Hui in a daze for a long moment before reaching out to touch his cheek. It then pinched its own leaves, as if confirming it wasn’t dreaming.
Its eyes quickly grew moist, like a puppy finally reunited with its owner. It let out soft whimpers and burrowed deeply into Qian Hui’s embrace.
“Shh, Luobo,” Qian Hui soothed. “Don’t be afraid. Everything’s alright now.”
He carried Luobo away, using the money tree’s cover to retreat to distant rubble fortifications.
The wind-ability-equipped advanced zombie had apparently escaped, with Lajiao and Tudou unable to catch it.
The other zombie, with a broken arm, couldn’t withstand the man-eating flower’s assault and was torn in half in no time.
Lajiao had initially gone to help, but ended up digging out crystal cores instead. He then brought Tudou back to Qian Hui.
During the earlier chaos, the vast expanse of ruins outside the fence had been flattened, leaving nothing but open ground.
Some people spotted the money tree, along with one or two other mutated plants, and saw Qian Hui.
The night’s darkness obscured Qian Hui’s face, but judging by his figure and movements, he appeared to be human.
He fearlessly approached the carrot alone, despite the presence of the special-grade mutant plant, and carried it away.
Soon after, two high-level zombies met their end—one dead, one fleeing. The man-eating flower also abandoned the Safe Zone’s perimeter, turning to depart swiftly.
The human ability users, initially on edge, had nearly changed their strategy upon seeing one special-grade mutant plant injured and another seemingly arriving to assist.
They were about to redouble their efforts to fend off the attack.
Yet in the end, while the zombies were eliminated, both special-grade mutant plants departed.
Within the Safe Zone, the human ability users stood bewildered, maintaining their positions warily until certain the mutant plants wouldn’t return that night.
After a long while, someone slowly realized something was amiss.
Why did the man-eating flower seem to depart in the same direction as the human who had taken the carrot?
Since the apocalypse, humans have actually known very little about mutated plants. They only know that the higher the grade, the more irritable and aggressive they become, dislike to form groups, and detest both humans and zombies.
Tonight, they don’t know exactly what happened either, but… it looks like someone appeared in time and calmed down the agitated Grade A mutant plant, saving the Safe Zone.
Otherwise, according to common sense, the man-eating flower would have definitely attacked them too.
However, forget about calming them down—there are hardly any people who can approach Grade A mutant plants in a gentle manner, and such things have never been heard of before.
But even though the situation is unclear, tonight’s defense went relatively smoothly. The fence wasn’t damaged much and could be repaired by tomorrow morning.
The commotion here was too great, so two people from Black Spine Mountain Base came over.
Black Spine Mountain doesn’t participate in nighttime patrols or defenses. Apart from the Zombie King’s movements, they almost only follow Nan Tingjin’s orders, with relatively free actions.
The two arrived late, and both Grade A mutant plants had already left. So they asked others about the situation.
Upon learning it was that man-eating flower again, the two were greatly surprised.
Wasn’t the man-eating flower supposed to have retreated after being injured? Why is it here?
Though their attempt to capture the man-eating flower had failed, forcing them to suspend the mission, the creature had still crossed their paths.
As the two prepared to report this incident to Nan Tingjin and were about to return to their quarters, they spotted Nan Tingjin approaching.
He stood alone at the edge of the crowd, half of his face shrouded in darkness like a sinister specter.
After hearing their account of the night’s events beyond the perimeter wall, Nan Tingjin murmured, “The man-eating flower…”
His gaze remained cold and detached, offering no further reaction. He tossed the detection instrument in his hand to the pair before turning away.
Soon after, Nan Tingjin returned to his residence to find a subordinate waiting at the courtyard entrance.
The subordinate immediately stepped forward. “Liang Jie is here, demanding to see you… He’s been acting like a madman.”
Liang Jie had arrived after dark, insisting on confronting their leader to demand justice and the return of his “hunting hound.”
Nan Tingjin frowned. “Who?”
The subordinate reminded him, “From the Sky Base.”
Nan Tingjin entered the courtyard to find Liang Jie cornered by several guards.
When Liang Jie saw Nan Tingjin approach, he lunged forward but was restrained by the guards.
“Commander Nan,” he spat, anger twisting his features, “you’re hard to reach, aren’t you?”
Liang Jie had already caused trouble at the base before Nan Tingjin’s return, nearly coming to blows with the guards. Now, with Nan Tingjin present, he forced himself to restrain his emotions.
Nan Tingjin’s gaze swept over him coldly, as if he’d forgotten who Liang Jie was.
“You don’t remember?” Liang Jie’s teeth ground together. “The Black Spine Mountain Base took our bounty to capture the man-eating flower. That night, both the flower and the mutant pepper escaped. I led the pursuit, and then…”
He recounted the entire incident, including how both teams later found the man-eating flower and the pepper. But then the flower’s recovery speed inexplicably accelerated, wiping out both teams except for him.
Liang Jie had planned to confront Nan Tingjin before returning to the base, hoping to determine if the commander was aware of the man-eating flower’s unusual behavior.
To make matters worse, when he woke up, he found that Mimosa had vanished without a trace.
If he had successfully captured the man-eating flower and the pepper, losing a single Mimosa wouldn’t have mattered. But now, not only had he failed his mission and lost all his subordinates, but he’d also lost the “hunting dog” he’d painstakingly trained.
Liang Jie suspected the inn owner was responsible, but the owner vehemently denied it and kicked him out.
With no other options, he had no choice but to come here that very night.
Hearing this, Nan Tingjin’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“You said earlier,” he said, taking slow steps closer, “that you found the man-eating flower and attacked it?”
“That’s correct,” Liang Jie replied.
As he watched Nan Tingjin’s expression grow increasingly stormy, an ominous feeling welled up in his chest.
He had no idea why Nan Tingjin suddenly seemed so angry. Could he have said something wrong?
Nan Tingjin stopped directly in front of Liang Jie, the gloom in his eyes deepening. “So… it was you.”
In that instant, Liang Jie clearly sensed a thick, bloodthirsty killing intent.
His pupils dilated, and his face gradually twisted into a mask of terror. “You…”
After leaving the fenced area, Qian Hui found a quiet and safe spot among the ruins. He opened the cabbage shell and hid inside.
Xioazhi had already shrunk to its original size. Inside the cabbage shell, all the plants gathered around Qian Hui.
Luobo was still nestled in Qian Hui’s arms, now calm and quiet, completely different from its earlier aggressive behavior.
Qian Hui fed Luobo a few Recovery Herbs and gently stroked its head. “Why didn’t you flee when things got dangerous?”
He was relieved he’d arrived in time. If Luobo had been injured, it might have been captured by zombies.
Qian Hui knew the carrot’s temperament well. While it had always loved fighting, it never went to extremes. It would always retreat when necessary.
Luobo let out a few soft whimpers, clutching Qian Hui’s wrist and nuzzling his hand.
Its body had grown even smaller, wounds rapidly healing as its energy recovered from the Recovery Herbs. Now that the initial joy of reunion had faded, it began examining the other plants around Qian Hui.
There were familiar plants like a money tree, a corn, a pepper, a potato, a cabbage, a vine, a mimosa…
Qian Hui introduced them one by one, “These are my new friends.”
Alright, so they weren’t new friends of Xiaozhi, but Qian Hui’s.
Though Luobo didn’t recognize these plants, back in the plant courtyard, their relationships had always been strained. They only avoided daily brawls out of deference to Qian Hui.
Luobo quickly accepted them, clutching Qian Hui even tighter as its beady black eyes darted around.
When its gaze fell upon the man-eating flower, it paused momentarily before snapping back.
Qian Hui had come here too. Xiaozhi had encountered him before Luobo did.
Luobo’s eyes looked troubled, while the little mushroom was sensible and well-behaved, different from those who loved to fight. In the plant courtyard, it was like everyone’s younger sister, and Qian Hui liked it very much too.
But… the sudden change happened too quickly, and it wasn’t there at the time.
The worsening relationship with Xiaozhi was also because of this.
Luobo buried its face and didn’t make a sound. Suddenly, Qian Hui scooped it up.
“Luobo,” Qian Hui said seriously, “Xiaozhi told me everything.”
He also guessed why Luobo was avoiding Xiaozhi, which made his heart hurt even more.
Qian Hui sighed and straightened the leaves on Luobo’s head. “I can revive the little mushroom.”
Hearing his words, Luobo’s eyes first looked confused and shocked, then filled with overwhelming joy.
“Wu?” It got excited, wanting to confirm if it was really true.
“But not right now,” Qian Hui explained. “I don’t have enough money yet. I need to save up.”
Luobo seemed to understand a little, but was still very happy. Even the man-eating flower looked more pleasant to it.
It moved closer to rub against Qian Hui. As he stroked it, Qian Hui noticed a small scar near its head—probably from a long time ago, left behind after healing.
But Qian Hui remembered—there used to be no scar on Luobo’s head.
He touched it tenderly, concerned. “When did you get this? Did you not wrap it properly?”
Luobo mumbled in response, acting like it wasn’t a big deal.
Qian Hui sighed again. “I only came here recently… What about you and Xiaozhi?”
He kept feeling that many things must have happened before he woke up.
Recently? So Qian Hui had arrived much later than them.
Luobo made a soft sound and pulled a sharp thorn from its head, placing it beside Qian Hui.
Then it pulled out a second one, a third… until six thorns lay before them.
Qian Hui hesitated. “Six… six weeks? Six months?”
Luobo shook its head. He tried again, “Six… years?”
Luobo nodded. Qian Hui asked, confused, “Six years… how many days is that?”
His only memories were from the plant courtyard, so he didn’t really understand time very well.
Just as he finished speaking, the carrot patted its head, and suddenly more carrot points flew out.
The cabbage shell’s space was limited. It had deliberately made its spikes much smaller, yet they still filled the cramped space completely, with some spikes even protruding outward.
Qian Hui called out in time, “E-enough… that’s enough…”
Luobo waved its hand, and all the carrot thorns vanished without a trace.
Qian Hui’s expression remained somewhat dazed and confused. “So long…”
So he had merely slept, yet he had been separated from the plants for six years.
Qian Hui hugged Luobo tightly, and in the process, also embraced Xiaozhi. “It’s alright now. I’m here.”
He wasn’t as powerful as the plants, but with the game’s help, he could do many things and strive to protect them.
And then there was… Nan Tingjin.
Before, they could only meet every six days, but this time it had been six years.
Six years… how many six days was that?
No wonder he had forgotten himself… Had he also spent these six years alone like the plants?
Qian Hui’s heart felt heavy as he recalled the letter he had written that afternoon.
I wonder when Nan Tingjin will see this letter… I miss him so much, but after delivering it, I had to leave the Safe Zone.
Qian Hui pulled out the remaining bottle of camouflage potion from his backpack and whispered, “I… I want to go back in and check.”
Luobo looked puzzled. “Huh?”
Where?
Xiaozhi lifted its leaf, pointing toward the Safe Zone.
Luobo immediately frowned and shook its head, showing disapproval.
Humans are all bad. What’s the point of going there?
“Xiao Jin is still inside,” Qian Hui said, pressing his lips together. “I want to see him.”
Luobo kept shaking its head. After tonight’s incident, the Safe Zone’s defenses and inspections would be even stricter.
Qian Hui couldn’t hide like plants could. Going in now would be dangerous—he’d be easily found.
It wasn’t that Luobo feared trouble. It would charge into the Safe Zone alone without hesitation, but Qian Hui going in was unacceptable.
Qian Hui lowered his lashes, muttering to himself, “But I wrote him another letter…”
What if Nan Tingjin received the letter, went to the crooked tree, but didn’t find me there?
At that moment, the corn glanced left and right before pointing at Mimosa on Qian Hui’s sleeve.
“Woo!” It gestured wildly, mimicking opening a window and spraying mist, then huffed and made two punching motions.
The corn tilted its head upward, hands on hips, and asked, “Woo?”
If Qian Hui wants to see someone, just kidnap them!
Communication between plants was simpler and more direct; all present understood the corn’s meaning immediately.
Tudou the potato was the first to raise its hand in agreement, while Xiaozhi turned its gaze toward Qian Hui.
Luobo rubbed its head, finding this plan quite reasonable.
Is that why the symposis is?? Omfg >W<