Chapter 33
Sky Base. They were the ones who had harmed the little mushroom and sent hunters after Xiaozhi.
Even the injuries Lajiao had sustained when Qian Hui found it in the ruins were inflicted by Sky Base.
And… and Mimosa.
Qian Hui had never asked Xiaozhi what exactly had happened to the little mushroom. He feared reopening old wounds and causing Xiaozhi more pain.
He had promised himself that if they ever encountered those humans again, he would show them no mercy.
Qian Hui calmed the two mutant plants beside him, coaxing them back into his hood. He then followed Nan Tingjin downstairs.
The newcomers’ purpose remained unclear, though it was likely related to the missing durian. They had probably sensed something, but Qian Hui hadn’t found an opportunity to let the plants in his backpack slip away. To rescue Lulian, he had no choice but to leave Qi Yue behind.
Nan Tingjin explained that the group possessed some kind of document that compelled the Black Spine Mountain Base to grant them entry, or face severe consequences. Initially, Nan Tingjin had wanted to refuse, but Qian Hui persuaded him otherwise.
Denying them entry would immediately spark conflict, possibly the “dispute” mentioned in the Plot Point description. Moreover, even if Qian Hui yearned to avenge the plants, choosing Black Spine Mountain—the territory of Human Ability Users—for such a confrontation would be unwise.
Qian Hui quickly decided to head to the Back Mountain Restricted Zone to regroup with the other plants. The area was home to giant nut, and the aura of Special-Grade Mutant Plants could provide cover.
Qian Hui and the plants would hide until the Sky Base departed, then secretly track them and seize an opportunity for a surprise attack along the way.
The area below was deserted, with no one in sight. Before the Sky Base entered the Inner Gate, a modified vehicle sped away.
Upon reaching the Back Mountain Restricted Zone, Qian Hui checked each plant’s condition, confirming they were all fine, and explained the current situation.
Luobo clenched a carrot spike in its hand, snapped it in half, and growled through gritted teeth, “Ugh…”
If it weren’t for the need to consider the bigger picture, it would have flown over there immediately and impaled every last human!
Seeing its furious expression, Lulian grew angry as well and slammed violently against a nearby tree trunk.
“We need to be careful,” Qian Hui cautioned. “Just hold on for now. We’ll act after they’re gone.”
But… cradling Xiaokui in his arms, he gazed up at the giant nut.
Xiao Guo still showed no signs of awakening.
When the time came, he would have to leave again, uncertain when he could return.
Qian Hui had considered leaving two or three plants to guard the area, or staying himself.
But splitting the Plant Squad would leave him uneasy, no matter which plants were left behind.
The giant nut’s immense size made it impossible to move.
As these thoughts weighed on him, Qian Hui’s mood darkened.
Qian Hui turned around and saw Nan Tingjin still hadn’t left.
“Xiao Jin,” Qian Hui said, setting down Xiaokui and hurrying over, “aren’t you going back?”
Nan Tingjin leaned against the tree trunk and looked up. “No need.”
He seemed unconcerned about what might happen at the Base, intent only on staying by Qian Hui’s side to ensure his safety.
A thought struck Qian Hui, reminding him of the Plot Point about Nan Tingjin. His original fate was to suddenly disappear, which was at least better than a confirmed death. If Nan Tingjin chose to vanish, where would he go?
But now wasn’t the time for such musings. Qian Hui took a step closer and hugged Nan Tingjin. “Then… why don’t you hide with us?”
Nan Tingjin narrowed his eyes slightly. “Hide?”
Qian Hui nodded. “Mm-hmm.”
The word “hide” probably wasn’t in his vocabulary, but since it was Qian Hui’s request, he was willing to try.
After a moment of silence, Nan Tingjin agreed. “Alright.”
Xiao Baocai produced the cabbage shell, while Xiaozhi searched nearby for a suitable hiding spot.
They meticulously erased all traces of their presence. Nan Tingjin used his supernatural ability to move the Modified Vehicle to the other side of the mountain foot.
As they approached, he restored the road behind them to its original state, leaving almost no trace on the other side of the iron gate.
Then, Qian Hui pulled Nan Tingjin into the cabbage shell.
With an extra person inside, the cabbage shell felt cramped.
Qian Hui pressed close to Nan Tingjin, adjusting his position as the other plants squeezed in one by one.
The plants without combat abilities hid deep inside, while the main damage dealers like the Carrot Carnivorous Flower positioned themselves near the entrance.
The cabbage shell had a cloaking function. Even if the Sky Base came looking, the giant nut’s aura would mask their presence, making it unlikely they’d be discovered.
If they couldn’t find the mutant plants or Nan Tingjin, the humans might leave quickly.
But if they were discovered…
They would have to eliminate the humans. The plants remained prepared for battle.
Having weathered countless Zombie Horde assaults, the Plant Squad had accumulated vast experience.
This time, however, Lajiao would be the key.
Its Berserk Skill could nullify the supernatural abilities of all humans within range for three minutes.
Three minutes wasn’t long, but it would be enough.
As for the newly recruited Lulian, it could triple in size, capable of both close combat and launching sharp spikes for ranged attacks when provoked. Luobo instructed it to temporarily follow Zhusun.
Lulian and Zhusun were unfamiliar with each other, and Lulian was initially reluctant.
But when it saw Luobo glaring at it with a stern expression, it quickly nodded, plucking two spikes from its body and holding them in its hands.
In the dense forest, Xiaozhi was the most restricted. Luobo, on the other hand, had ample space around him, allowing him to operate freely.
Finally, Luobo meticulously planned their escape route, ensuring every step was flawless.
The Sky Base arrived unexpectedly, forcing the plants to conceal themselves, seemingly at a disadvantage.
However, their opponents were unaware of the Plant Squad’s numbers or combined combat capabilities.
Even if discovered, it wasn’t certain who would be the one surrounded.
Of course, remaining undetected was preferable. Escaping would allow them more opportunities to ambush the humans later.
Xiaokui’s warm light illuminated the cabbage shell. Qian Hui, cradling Xiao Baocai and Pigguo, looked at Nan Tingjin.
He hesitated, then whispered, “If… you don’t have to worry about me. Just say I was taken hostage!”
Unlike their encounter with the Zombie Horde, Nan Tingjin was human, and the human camp should logically consider him an ally.
He wasn’t planning to return to the base. He would stay here until the plants clashed with Sky Base.
Finding Xiao Guo, rescuing Lulian, and avenging the plants—these were Qian Hui’s decisions. He didn’t want to put Nan Tingjin in a difficult position.
Nan Tingjin lowered his gaze, studying Qian Hui for a moment before gently touching his cheek. His gesture was ambiguous, his expression unreadable. Perhaps he simply found it endearing that Qian Hui had pulled him into hiding while saying such things.
Meanwhile, inside the base.
Zhao Xing stepped out of the vehicle and surveyed the area. “Where’s Leader Nan?”
Yuan Ji was away on assignment, leaving two other Main Captains in charge. Only Nan Tingjin was absent.
“He’s probably busy,” one of the Main Captains said coolly. “What? Did you lose your Leader?”
No one would be pleased to have their base raided with a Search Warrant. Especially given the strained relations between them and Sky Base, largely due to Nan Tingjin’s influence. Apart from a few who secretly purchased Sky Base’s medical supplies on the black market, most harbored resentment.
The surrounding Ability Users glared at Zhao Xing, but he remained unfazed. Smiling, he said, “Then why don’t you two show us around?”
The Search Warrant only granted them entry to the base. Once inside, Nan Tingjin could indeed choose not to appear.
Zhao Xing glanced back. Wen Jue remained in the vehicle, showing no intention of emerging.
The Main Captain turned sideways and lazily said, “Please.”
Zhao Xing re-entered the vehicle and led the team to follow the two Main Captains, beginning their search of every road.
All the vehicles were equipped with energy detection instruments. Whenever they encountered narrow paths impassable for the modified vehicles, Zhao Xing would personally disembark to investigate, leaving no corner unchecked.
When they arrived at the low building where Nan Tingjin resided, the detection instrument’s needle flickered briefly before returning to stillness.
The mutant plants inside had diligently suppressed their auras, and Xiaokui’s radiance had partially dissipated any lingering traces. As a result, minimal energy residue remained within the building.
Despite the needle’s movement, Zhao Xing’s attempt to enter was blocked by the Main Captain.
“What exactly are you looking for?” the Main Captain asked impatiently. “This is the Leader’s residence. If you’re not afraid of death, I certainly am.”
Zhao Xing frowned slightly. Standing before the low building, he glanced back at Wen Jue’s vehicle once more.
Wen Jue remained impassive, seated quietly in the back.
Could he not be here?
Zhao Xing said, “Then we won’t enter. Let’s check elsewhere.”
By the end, every part of the base had been thoroughly searched, including the training grounds, the basement storage area, and the nearly abandoned plaza park.
The Sky Base had yielded nothing, and Zhao Xing’s expression was grim.
The Main Captain crossed his arms and asked, “That’s about it, right? Anywhere else you want to check?”
They had reached the rear of the base. Beyond this point lay the Restricted Zone.
Zhao Xing surveyed the area and pointed into the distance. “Over there.”
The Main Captain scoffed. “That’s the Restricted Zone. No one can enter without the Leader’s permission.”
“We have a Search Warrant,” Zhao Xing retorted, unyielding. “Since it’s within the Black Spine Mountain Base’s jurisdiction, why can’t we go?”
Unable to refute this, the Main Captain suppressed his displeasure and turned away. “Take them to the Back Mountain.”
When the group arrived at the Back Mountain Restricted Zone, the Main Captain unlocked the iron gate.
“Go on in yourselves,” he said with a forced smile. “There’s nothing in there anyway. We won’t bother following.”
Zhao Xing didn’t dwell on this. After consulting with Wen Jue, all eight modified vehicles drove through the iron gate.
Beyond the gate lay a dense mountain forest. Unable to navigate off-road terrain, the modified vehicles advanced only a short distance before being blocked by the thick woods.
Everyone disembarked and began to proceed on foot.
Beside the iron gate, the Main Captain watched them disappear into the forest. “They actually went…”
There should only be one Special-Grade Mutant Plant sleeping inside, and it’s been there for a long time—definitely not something from Sky Base.
Shan Jun, who was also present, stepped forward and asked, “Is the Leader inside too?”
“The Leader?” The Main Captain looked puzzled. “Why would he be there?”
At the same moment, Qian Hui received news that the Restricted Zone had been breached.
Even though Nan Tingjin wasn’t present, the Main Captain had immediately sent him a message to report Sky Base’s movements.
Qian Hui grew tense. “They’re really here…”
Nan Tingjin, standing beside him, seemed unsurprised. He put away his communicator and whispered, “Wen Jue from Sky Base has the supernatural ability of Precognition.”
“Precognition?” Qian Hui stared blankly. “Then… does he know we’re hiding here?”
Nan Tingjin replied, “Not necessarily. His ability has limitations.”
Qian Hui remained worried. If they knew, the enemy would surely come prepared.
Was this truly just about the lost Lulian? Or was there something else at play…?
Regardless, the plants doubled their vigilance, ready to confront any threat.
The mountain path was treacherous, and Wen Jue’s physical condition was poor, forcing the team to proceed cautiously.
Four Ability Users responsible for Wen Jue’s protection stood nearby. Leaning against a tree trunk to rest, Wen Jue said to Zhao Xing, “Take the team ahead. Don’t worry about me.”
Zhao Xing responded with a crisp “Yes” and immediately turned to quicken his pace.
Wen Jue watched Zhao Xing’s retreating figure, his expression complex.
After entering the base, Wen Jue could no longer sense anything.
The only confirmed information was that Xiaozhi was hidden here and that Zhao Xing would die.
Yet… Wen Jue could sense a vital presence on the mountain, far more significant than Nan Tingjin. He had to uncover what it was.
If he left now, he might never get another chance.
Soon, Zhao Xing and his team vanished into the mountain forest.
The Ability Users accompanying them were all highly skilled. Moving swiftly, they quickly reached the Giant Nut halfway up the mountain.
Zhao Xing raised his hand to signal a halt, glanced at his communicator, and ordered, “Search.”
Wen Jue had said their target was likely hidden here.
The giant nut was a Special-Grade Mutant Plant, its aura interfering with detection equipment. They would have to rely on their own senses.
Whether it was an illusion or not, the mutant plant seemed to be in much better condition than when they had last seen it two years ago.
Zhao Xing stared at the giant nut, cautiously taking a few steps back and circling around to its rear.
The team dispersed, conducting a preliminary sweep of the area but finding nothing unusual.
Then, one member stepped forward alone, raising his hands.
His supernatural ability was Nature-type, allowing him to manipulate air currents in a way distinct from ordinary wind blades.
The moment he raised his hands, the surrounding air abruptly solidified, even the fallen leaves froze in mid-air.
He forcefully clenched his palms together, and layers of air currents rippled outward like water, rapidly spreading in all directions.
The dense forest was ideal for mutant plants to hide, making this method perfect for quickly locating their target.
The others had already retreated to safety. The air currents surged past the Giant Nut, closing in on the hidden cabbage shell.
Nan Tingjin glanced up and whispered to Qian Hui, “We’re about to be discovered—”
Before he could finish, the air currents suddenly halted, as if blocked by an invisible wall.
The team member looked up sharply. “There’s…”
He managed to utter only one word before being violently thrown backward, crashing heavily to the ground.
The rest of the squad immediately retreated, Zhao Xing scanning the empty forest. “Is that Nan Tingjin? Where is he?”
At that moment, orange raindrops began to fall from the sky.
A barrage of carrot spikes rained down, hurtling straight toward the entire squad.
Luobo, perched atop the giant nut, let out a cold snort.
The instant Nan Tingjin made his move, the Plant Squad sprang into action.
Luobo was the first to burst from his cabbage shell, launching himself skyward on his sharp spikes.
The opposing squad reacted swiftly. One of their members possessed a defensive supernatural ability similar to Facaishu’s, rapidly erecting multiple layers of protective shields to safeguard the entire team.
The initial volley of carrot spikes proved ineffective. Xiaozhi, the man-eating plant, followed up immediately, its body swelling to several times its original size.
Slithering forward like a snake, it opened its jaws wide and bit down hard, shattering the protective shields with a resounding crack.
A variety of plant-based attacks rained down: potato bombs, pepper seeds, corn balls, and combinations of two or three types, trapping the squad in place.
Zhusun, armed with Lulian, hid behind the giant nut, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
But with thirty members, the squad weathered the first assault. Under Zhao Xing’s command, they retreated into the forest.
The mutant plants were likely hiding behind Xiao Guo, with another one overhead.
Xiaozhi possessed immense strength, but its attacks were significantly weakened when confined to narrow spaces.
And then there was Nan Tingjin…
Zhao Xing confirmed Nan Tingjin’s presence and urged the previously downed teammate to get up.
Protected by the others, the teammate raised his hands and attempted to activate his supernatural ability again.
This time, the solidified airflow was denser and more robust, invisibly counteracting Nan Tingjin’s control over the surrounding environment.
No matter how powerful a supernatural ability, even a Rule-type one, there would always be a countermeasure.
Even if the resistance was fleeting, it would suffice.
Beads of sweat rolled down the teammate’s forehead as he forced his palms together.
The airflow surged outward, striking the cabbage shell.
The cabbage shell’s invisibility shattered, splitting into two halves.
Qian Hui nearly stumbled, but Nan Tingjin caught him in his arms just in time.
Seizing this brief opening, the Human Ability Users regrouped and unleashed a barrage of ranged attacks, only to be blocked by the defensive shields of the giant nut and Facaishu.
Zhao Xing stood to the side, finally spotting Nan Tingjin.
He didn’t have time to notice who was with Nan Tingjin. He pressed a device in his hand.
The device emitted undetectable sound waves specifically targeting Ability Users, a byproduct of Wen Jue’s research while searching for a cure for his lost state.
The entire team had prepared for this, stuffing their ears with foam.
Though this was the device’s first use, its effectiveness remained uncertain.
In Wen Jue’s plan, Nan Tingjin had always been the most formidable opponent; the plants were secondary.
By forcing Nan Tingjin to reveal himself with their supernatural abilities, then activating the device, they could execute their plan in a seamless, rapid sequence.
Restraining Nan Tingjin would buy them crucial time, giving them a chance to win.
As the device’s sound waves activated, Nan Tingjin’s breathing deepened, and a frown creased his brow.
Qian Hui, cradled in his arms, keenly sensed his discomfort and asked worriedly, “What’s wrong?”
The ground tremors ceased, and the plants launched a fierce counterattack.
Only Lajiao’s assault slowed, poised for a final burst.
The opponents, seemingly aware of Lajiao’s presence, maintained a considerable distance, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Simultaneously, they slowly shifted their position, attempting to flank the giant nut.
Without the giant nut’s protection, the Facaishu might not have withstood the relentless assault.
Zhao Xing continuously pressed the device in his hand, signaling to his teammates.
Several members were under attack by the Xiaozhi, their defensive shields pierced by an increasing number of carrot spikes. Wounded, they hastily consumed potions.
Three others quietly circled around the giant nut, attempting to close in on the plants’ hiding place.
Zhusun spotted them in time and, armed with Lulian, prepared to intercept.
But a fourth figure stood to the side. He conjured dozens of fireballs in one breath and hurled them all after his companion breached the Facaishu’s defenses.
With no giant nut to block the path, the dense vegetation in that direction would ignite instantly upon contact with the fireballs.
Luobo also noticed the barrage of fireballs and immediately tried to redirect its carrot spikes to deflect them.
Suddenly, it felt the giant nut beneath its feet begin to move—
The giant nut’s massive body belied its surprising agility. With a swift lateral slide, it intercepted all the fireballs.
The fireballs struck the nut’s shell, extinguishing instantly as they fell harmlessly to the ground.
Yay the nut woke up! 🥳