Chapter 28
Cloud River Base didn’t study mutant plants. This High-Grade Mutant Plant was likely destined for Sky Base.
They maintained close ties with Sky Base, often assisting with various tasks, including capturing mutant plants.
In fact, most bases enjoyed good relations with Sky Base.
Wen Jue’s precognitive supernatural ability was exceptionally rare, and he never used it for personal gain. Instead, in the early days of the apocalypse, he had helped other bases navigate multiple crises.
Gradually, his standing among the major bases grew, almost to that of a prophet or guiding figure.
Many base leaders facing dilemmas or indecision would seek his counsel, even if they didn’t receive definitive answers.
The Black Spine Mountain Base stood apart from the others. It only recruited Ability Users, boasted the highest overall combat strength, and operated differently, seemingly not requiring Wen Jue’s supernatural ability.
The iron cage containing the mutant plant was sturdy and unlikely to break easily. Nevertheless, a subordinate retrieved a fresh tranquilizer dart and pierced it through a small hole in the top.
He lifted the cage and carried it to the rear vehicle with a companion.
This High-Grade Mutant Plant was likely aggressive, its aura of anger and unease radiating intensely.
Fortunately, the plants in Qian Hui’s backpack were diligently concealing themselves. The energy readings detected by the monitoring equipment maintained a delicate balance, allowing them to postpone using the Disguise Potion.
Hearing the commotion at the cage, Qian Hui glanced sideways, his grip on Nan Tingjin’s hand tightening involuntarily.
Qi Yue quickly tidied the back seat and stepped aside. “Please, both of you.”
The modified vehicle was somewhat tall. Given Qian Hui’s visual impairment, Nan Tingjin helped him climb in.
Once inside, Qian Hui fumbled for a comfortable position and hugged his backpack.
Nan Tingjin sat beside him. The door closed, and after a moment, the vehicle slowly turned and headed toward the Black Spine Mountain Base.
Qi Yue was the only person in the front seat, focused intently on driving without speaking.
A crack in the car window let in a faint smell of gasoline, making Qian Hui slightly uncomfortable.
He quietly lowered his head, clutching a strap of his backpack.
With the High-Grade Mutant Plant present, he could save the Disguise Potion for when they reached the base entrance, which would be much safer.
But once it was captured and sent to a human base… who knew what it would face?
Inside the backpack, Xiaokui emitted a faint glow as the plants communicated silently.
Luobo gripped his potion bottle tightly, furious at these detestable humans who continued to capture mutant plants.
Tudou began angrily rolling bombs, itching to blow up all three vehicles.
Lajiao and Xiaozhi remained mostly silent, while Yumi vigorously punched the air with both fists.
Beat them up! Beat them up! Snatch back the High-Grade Mutant Plant!
Mimosa huddled against the back of Xiaozhi’s head, trembling nervously.
The restless plants caused the backpack to bump slightly. Qian Hui quickly pretended to adjust his clothes.
Qi Yue in the front seat remained oblivious, likely unaware of the commotion.
Xiaokui’s light seeped through the zipper crack, touching Qian Hui’s fingertips and conveying the plants’ emotions to him.
Qian Hui calmed the plants, telling them not to worry and that he would find a way to help.
Having stumbled upon this situation, he couldn’t simply stand by and do nothing.
But how could he rescue the High-Grade Mutant Plant?
Qian Hui considered waiting until Qi Yue delivered them to Black Spine Mountain Base. Then, as the modified vehicles returned to base, the Plant Squad could secretly follow and ambush them along the way.
With three modified vehicles and an estimated number of Human Ability Users, the plan should work.
However, this would separate Qian Hui from the plants, potentially complicating matters later.
Unsettled but unable to devise a better plan, Qian Hui turned to Nan Tingjin. “Xiao Jin.”
The modified vehicle subtly shook, but Qian Hui ignored it. He fumbled closer to Nan Tingjin and whispered again, “Xiao Jin…”
Nan Tingjin responded softly and took his hand.
“I…” Qian Hui stammered, afraid Qi Yue in the front might overhear. Instead, he pulled Nan Tingjin’s hand into his palm and slowly wrote.
Wait at the gate.
He needed time for the plants in his backpack to slip out and hide—at least the strongest fighters. Xiaozhi, the carnivorous plant, could enter the base with them.
Worried that Nan Tingjin might not understand, Qian Hui added, “It’ll be quick, I think.”
As he continued writing, Qian Hui grew increasingly hesitant, unsure whether to reveal his plan to Nan Tingjin.
Nan Tingjin had promised to take him to find a Special-Grade Mutant Plant—the one on Black Spine Mountain—but that didn’t include other plants.
After all, Nan Tingjin was human, and humans were his true companions. He might not want the mutant plant captured by their squad to be released.
Just as Qian Hui was wavering, the modified vehicle arrived at the gate of Black Spine Mountain Base.
The guard on duty recognized the base emblem on the vehicle and approached to inquire about their business. He was startled to see Nan Tingjin in the back seat.
“L-Leader?!” The guard exclaimed, both shocked and delighted. He immediately used his real-time communicator to alert everyone, “The Leader is back!”
The heavy iron gate swung open, and the modified vehicle continued onward, traveling a considerable distance before finally reaching the Inner Gate of the base.
A crowd of subordinates, alerted to the news, had gathered at the entrance. They watched as Nan Tingjin stepped out of the vehicle.
He appeared completely unharmed, as if he hadn’t been kidnapped by mutant plants and missing for several days.
As some subordinates moved forward to greet him, they noticed Nan Tingjin turn back to the vehicle and help someone else out.
The young man was slender and frail, carrying a large backpack.
His hair color was striking, and a strip of cloth covered his eyes, suggesting an eye ailment. His pale skin seemed almost bloodless.
Yet even with these features, his exceptional beauty was undeniable.
Who is this…?
No one had ever seen him before.
What was particularly unusual was Nan Tingjin’s close demeanor toward him.
Ever since becoming Leader, and even before that, Nan Tingjin had always been solitary, his cold detachment bordering on emotional abandonment. He never allowed anyone to get close.
The crowd’s shock and confusion were palpable as they scrutinized Qian Hui.
Nan Tingjin, still supporting Qian Hui, swept the crowd with a displeased gaze, a silent warning laced with hostility.
The onlookers immediately averted their eyes, daring not to linger.
Qian Hui, however, was preoccupied with the mutant plant still trapped in the iron cage.
According to his plan, he should have unloaded the plants from his backpack at the first gate. But there had been a second gate.
The modified vehicle’s stop had been too brief for him to react.
Now that they were inside Black Spine Mountain Base, surrounded by so many people, opening his backpack was out of the question.
Qian Hui was deeply worried, his delicate eyebrows furrowed.
At that moment, Nan Tingjin approached him.
He leaned in slightly and whispered in Qian Hui’s ear, “Do you want a mutant plant?”
Qian Hui froze, then hope surged anew. He nodded eagerly. “Yes.”
Qi Yue had escorted them to the base and was preparing to lead his team back. He tactfully waited for Nan Tingjin and Qian Hui to finish their conversation before approaching to bid farewell.
“Captain Qi,” Nan Tingjin said, turning to him first, “why not leave tomorrow morning? I have something I need you to take to Sky Base.”
Qi Yue was surprised but immediately agreed. “Of course, thank you, Leader Nan.”
Their mutant plant hunting expedition had been grueling, and they would have to travel through the night to return. Staying overnight at Black Spine Mountain Base was ideal, especially since Leader Nan himself had extended the invitation. He couldn’t possibly refuse.
Hearing this, Qi Yue’s subordinates immediately went to arrange accommodations, while he instructed his team to park the vehicles in the rear.
Qian Hui quietly observed as the iron cage from the truck was also brought out.
Before entering the outer gate, Qi Yue had explained the energy source powering the cage. Now, he personally carried it, following Nan Tingjin through the inner gate.
Once they passed through the Inner Gate, internal security checks were minimal, saving Qian Hui from having to use his Disguise Potion for now.
Luobo, still clutching the potion bottle in his backpack, kept it ready for emergencies.
Qian Hui, unable to see, was led by Nan Tingjin through the base, acutely aware of the many probing gazes directed his way.
Restrained by Nan Tingjin’s presence, the Human Ability Users suppressed their curiosity, cautiously observing him with fleeting glances.
Before arriving, Lajiao had secretly warned Qian Hui that the humans at Black Spine Mountain Base were notoriously fierce and dangerous, urging him to remain vigilant.
Qian Hui was indeed nervous, but the current situation seemed better than he had anticipated.
Apart from the occasional “Leader” called out along the way, the atmosphere remained relatively calm, with few people speaking.
As Qi Yue and his team were escorted to their prepared guest rooms, a subordinate approached Nan Tingjin hesitantly. “Leader, should we arrange accommodations for this one as well?”
“Not yet,” Nan Tingjin replied.
This meant Qian Hui would be staying in his quarters first.
The subordinate withdrew, and Nan Tingjin led Qian Hui deeper into the base, turning several corners until the surroundings grew increasingly quiet.
Upon reaching the low building where the Leader resided, Nan Tingjin immediately picked up Qian Hui, skipping several steps before continuing to lead him inside.
The two-story building remained intact, with a council hall and living room on the ground floor and bedrooms above. When they reached the stairs, Qian Hui was once again carried up.
Clinging to Nan Tingjin’s neck, Qian Hui whispered, “I could have walked myself…”
It would have been slower, of course. While Qian Hui had practiced walking blindfolded, he had never attempted stairs.
Nan Tingjin remained silent. After a moment, Qian Hui quietly asked, “Is anyone else here?”
A moment later, he was set down. “No,” Nan Tingjin replied.
Qian Hui carefully peeled back the edge of his blindfold, confirming that only he and Nan Tingjin remained.
He removed the blindfold completely, curiously surveying his surroundings before being led into a room.
Taking advantage of their privacy, Qian Hui unzipped his backpack from the inside, allowing the plants that had been cooped up inside to peek out.
Luobo was the boldest, hopping to the floor and looking around. Yumi and Lajiao followed close behind.
Qian Hui cautioned them to be careful, then asked Nan Tingjin, “Where did the plant that was locked up go?”
Nan Tingjin pointed toward a path outside the window. “Follow the small path to the tallest building. It’s next to it.”
That building was usually used for storage, with only two or three empty rooms remaining. This was the only place they could arrange for guest quarters.
Luobo hopped onto the windowsill, carefully peering out to memorize the route.
Seeing how eager it was to leave immediately, Nan Tingjin said, “Not yet. Wait until dark.”
The narrow path had no streetlights, making it easier to hide in the darkness.
Luobo reluctantly agreed and returned to Qian Hui’s side.
Qian Hui placed his backpack on the coffee table as the plants discussed how to steal the caged mutant plant.
They should still bring the Disguise Potion as a backup. Yumi reminded Qian Hui that he could buy a spray that induced a deep, dreamless sleep, just like when they stole the Mimosa. It should be simple.
But the real challenge would come after rescuing the plant. They weren’t familiar with the High-Grade Mutant Plant, and if it refused to cooperate and made a commotion, things could get complicated.
Yumi waved its fist confidently, assuring them there was no need to worry. If all else failed, they could just knock it out.
Qian Hui didn’t join the plants’ discussion. Instead, he wandered around the room, touching the coffee table and curtains.
This was the first time he had seen a normal human dwelling. Unlike the Small Courtyard, where rooms were used for storage and sleeping required retreating to the tree in the backyard, this place was designed for living.
Qian Hui had visited Nan Tingjin’s stone hut in the forest several times before, but its cramped space was nothing like this.
The window offered a clear view outside, where occasional human figures passed in the distance. Qian Hui, wary of being spotted, quickly moved away from the window, not lingering too long.
He approached Nan Tingjin. “Thank you.”
If Nan Tingjin hadn’t asked Qi Yue to stay behind, they likely wouldn’t have been able to rescue the High-Grade Mutant Plant.
Qian Hui’s eyes sparkled as he couldn’t resist hugging Nan Tingjin.
Nan Tingjin glanced at the plants on the coffee table and gently stroked Qian Hui’s hair. “Are you hungry? I’ll have dinner sent over.”
It was nearly seven o’clock, and the sky outside was gradually darkening.
Qian Hui, who had never experienced a human “dinner,” grew even more curious. He nodded. “Mm.”
A communicator sat on a low cabinet by the wall. Nan Tingjin contacted his subordinates, and within fifteen minutes, a full crate of meals arrived.
Qian Hui resecured his cloth strip and sat at the table, his backpack resting quietly on the coffee table.
Two people delivered the dinner. After arranging the dishes, one of them remained.
Leaning against the door with folded arms, he asked, “Leader, what exactly happened at the Safe Zone that night?”
His name was Yuan Ji, one of the Base’s main team leaders. With formidable supernatural abilities and a high-ranking position, he spoke more casually with Nan Tingjin than most subordinates.
Nan Tingjin sat beside Qian Hui, seemingly oblivious to his presence.
He carefully placed food on Qian Hui’s plate. The utensils provided thoughtfully included a spoon, which Qian Hui slowly used to scoop up a mouthful of rice. After Nan Tingjin added some vegetables, Qian Hui ate it in one bite.
He savored the taste, but perhaps due to his non-human nature, he didn’t find it particularly delicious.
Driven by curiosity, Qian Hui took a few more bites.
Yuan Ji stood at the doorway, observing Nan Tingjin’s every move.
He restrained himself for as long as he could, but finally blurted out, “Leader…”
Nan Tingjin glanced up coldly, answering the earlier question. “Nothing. After leaving the Safe Zone, the mutant plants gradually scattered.”
This aligned with the Base’s initial assumptions. Given Nan Tingjin’s strength, it was unlikely he could be easily controlled by a few mutant plants.
Even with the supposedly special Lajiao, its energy-charged attacks couldn’t be sustained indefinitely.
What puzzled them was why Nan Tingjin had disappeared for so long if he was unharmed.
But now… perhaps they had found the answer.
Yuan Ji scrutinized Qian Hui. Even though he had heard about him beforehand, he was still astonished.
He almost suspected Nan Tingjin had been possessed, his body taken over by another being. But he dared not voice such a thought.
Had being held captive by mutant plants and venturing outside changed him so drastically?
Yuan Ji smiled, probing, “And this gentleman is…?”
Qian Hui quickly set down his spoon and looked up toward the doorway. “H-hello, my name is Qian Hui.”
He seemed nervous, so Nan Tingjin interjected, “His supernatural ability is in his eyes, making it difficult for him to see.”
The Black Spine Mountain Base housed only Ability Users. Since Qian Hui had been brought here, regardless of his relationship with Nan Tingjin, he must also be one.
“An eye-based ability?” Yuan Ji’s interest piqued. “What is it? Is it powerful?”
Qian Hui struggled to find the right words, but Nan Tingjin spoke first. “I encountered a zombie horde outside.”
Leaning back in his chair, Nan Tingjin continued, his gaze lowered, “He saved me.”
His expression remained indifferent, his tone as casual as discussing the day’s weather.
Qian Hui gasped softly, burying his face and remaining silent.
Yuan Ji’s lips twitched, not believing a word.
Yet even if the story seemed impossible, Nan Tingjin’s willingness to take the time to humor him proved Qian Hui’s importance. No one could dare question it.
Yuan Ji nodded. “Understood.”
He excused himself from Nan Tingjin, turned, and left, closing the door behind him.
Hearing the footsteps fade downstairs, Qian Hui breathed a sigh of relief.
He removed the strip of cloth from his eyes and looked at Nan Tingjin, who seemed hesitant to speak.
At that moment, several mutant plants sprang from his backpack and leaped onto the table.
Luobo buried its nose in the plate of food, trying to grab a piece to taste. Qian Hui stopped it.
He also restrained Yumi who was fidgeting beside him, whispering, “This isn’t our home. We can’t do that here.”
Forbidding them from moving freely, Qian Hui picked up his spoon and fed them one by one.
Tudou squatted before a plate of potato chips, pondering. It pointed and declared it wanted to eat those.
The dinner had been specially prepared for two, with generous portions. While Qian Hui fed the plants, Nan Tingjin also ate some.
There were two more rooms nearby: a study for storing items and a bathroom.
Qian Hui encountered something he had never seen before—a faucet.
He leaned over the sink, cupping the running water in his hands and playing with it for a while. Afraid of wasting too much, he quickly turned it off.
Meanwhile, outside, the mutant plants had hatched a plan to steal High-Grade Mutant Plants.
The team consisted of Luobo, Yumi, Lajiao, and Tudou. Even Zhusun, the small bamboo shoot, raised its hand to join.
To avoid wasting time searching, they brought Mimosa along again.
Qian Hui purchased another bottle of Sleep Spray, identical to the last one, along with Disguise Potion. After confirming their plan, Luobo led the squad out.
The Disguise Potion remained a backup. If they were discovered, it would at least prevent detection by instruments while they hid.
Under the cover of night, the plants climbed onto the windowsill one by one.
Qian Hui, visibly anxious, repeatedly warned, “Be careful and return as quickly as possible.”
Yumi gave a thumbs-up and jumped down last.
The surroundings were quiet and deserted. No one would suspect that mutant plants had infiltrated the base.
The squad moved unimpeded along the path to the guest quarters, where Mimosa guided them to a window.
Yumi peered inside. The room was dark, and a figure lay on the bed.
Having stayed awake for three days straight to capture the High-Grade Mutant Plant, everyone had retired early after dinner.
Lajiao repeated his previous tactic, quietly opening the window and slipping the Sleep Spray inside.
The occupant was likely Qi Yue, the team captain and strongest among them. To be safe, Lajiao emptied the entire bottle of spray.
When the time was right, several plants slipped inside.
The iron cage holding the mutant plant sat on the table, the key beside it.
Tudou moved swiftly, unlocking the cage door and peering inside.
It gave a soft greeting. “Ooh?”
The holes in the cage were too small; not enough of the Sleep Spray had dissipated inside.
In the pitch-black shadows, a pair of eyes slowly opened, emitting a low, menacing growl.
“Sounds like it’s not being very cooperative…” Yumi shoved Tudou aside, ready to punch the plant inside, quickly secure it, and leave.
Just as Yumi raised its fist, a round object suddenly rolled out of the cage and slammed into it.
Yumi dodged, and the object rolled off the table and landed on the floor.
Lajiao immediately jumped down to examine the plant.
It was plump and round, wrapped in something resembling tin foil, with only its leaves, limbs, and eyes visible. Its species was indistinguishable.
Luobo also leaned in for a closer look, worried that the wrapping might be some kind of restraint causing the plant pain. It reached out and tore at the material with force.
With a rip, a faint, peculiar aroma wafted out.
Luobo sniffed and sneezed.
Just then, sensing the restraints on its body loosen, the High-Grade Mutant Plant widened its eyes and twisted its body.
Its gaze, wary of the surrounding plants, emitted another angry growl, poised to attack.
Yumi was about to throw a punch when the High-Grade Mutant Plant suddenly burst free from its tin foil wrapping, revealing a body covered in sharp spines, and lunged at Yumi.
It was a… durian!
Caught off guard, Yumi was pricked several times. Clutching his chest, he stumbled backward.
Lajiao tried to approach but was also pricked.
The small durian curled its limbs and rolled wildly across the ground, indiscriminately attacking the plants around it.
Even Luobo was pricked. He whimpered twice, trying to explain, but the durian, in its frenzied state, paid no heed.
Zhusun’s outer shell was quite hard, so the Durian’s spikes didn’t hurt much. He tried to stop the rolling fruit with his bamboo knife, but failed.
The mutant plants couldn’t truly fight the Durian, so they surrounded it in a tense standoff.
Tudou gritted his teeth, wanting to kick the Durian hard, but when he saw the spiky fruit rolling toward him, he quickly scurried away.
As the commotion grew louder and the Sleep Spray ran out, Luobo, fearing discovery by other humans, desperately pulled out the Disguise Potion.
He twisted open the cap, gulped it down, and tried to transform into a Xiaozhi.
Xiaozhi had thick, tough skin—immune to spikes!
But as the Durian rolled closer, Luobo’s mind was completely filled with thoughts of the Durian…
Two seconds later, with a poof, Luobo vanished, replaced by another Durian.
The original Durian froze at the sight of Durian Two.
It stopped attacking, leaned in for a careful sniff, and its eyes gradually cleared.
Meanwhile, Qian Hui waited anxiously until he finally saw the plants returning.
The group of plants crept back stealthily, their pace fluctuating between quick and slow. Instead of scaling walls or climbing through windows, they used the stairs.
When Qian Hui opened the door, he froze in surprise.
Lajiao, Tudou, Yumi, and Zhusun were all present. Even Mimosa was there, nestled quietly atop Lajiao’s head.
But Luobo was missing, leaving only two yellow durians.
The two durians huddled close together, but upon closer inspection, it was clear that one was clinging tightly to the other.
Durian Two stood stiffly, sighed, and patted the durian beside him soothingly before leading him into the room.
Qian Hui nearly thought Luobo hadn’t returned. When he asked Xiaokui, he learned that Durian Two was actually Luobo in disguise.
Tudou enthusiastically described the ordeal to Qian Hui, showing off the puncture marks on his body with a strangely excited expression.
Durians seemed to favor plants of their own species. As soon as Durian Two, disguised as Luobo, appeared, the other durian immediately calmed down, making it easy to lead him away.
Lajiao carefully inspected the room and restored the iron cage to its original state.
Once Durian had calmed down, it realized they were trying to rescue it. It shed an identical outer shell, wrapped it in tin foil, and placed it back in the cage.
The discarded shell would retain his scent. As long as the cage remained undisturbed, Qi Yue wouldn’t order his team to tranquilize the durian.
By the time they returned to the base, they would discover that Durian had already escaped.
As a High-Grade Mutant Plant, Durian had excellent control over its bodily aura and wouldn’t accidentally emit any scent.
Overall, the operation went smoothly.
Qian Hui praised each of the plants individually. Durian, still wary of him, hid behind Durian Two and refused to approach.
It seemed to trust only Durian Two, remaining equally guarded towards the other plants.
Its condition was poor, and it desperately needed rest.
Qian Hui bought some food and medicine and entrusted them to Durian Two for safekeeping.
Durian Two accepted the supplies and led Durian to the adjacent study, instructing it to take the medicine and rest in a quiet corner.
Several curious plants followed them, peeking through the crack in the door.
Qian Hui also watched discreetly, relieved to see Durian eat the food and medicine under Durian Two’s soothing care before closing its eyes to sleep.
Finally at ease, it turned and returned to the bedroom.
Nan Tingjin stood by the door, taking Qian Hui’s hand. “Happy now?”
Qian Hui nodded. “Mm-hmm!”
Rescuing this High-Grade Mutant Plant had gone more smoothly than expected. If possible, keeping it by their side would be ideal.
Working to increase Durian’s and Mimosa’s loyalty would bring them one step closer to completing their mission.
Nan Tingjin’s lips curved into a smile as he pulled Qian Hui into his arms, lowering his head to kiss his cheek.
Compared to their previous kiss outside the Base, this one was noticeably more forceful, causing Qian Hui to instinctively flinch.
“What are you afraid of?” Nan Tingjin murmured, sensing his slight hesitation. “Aren’t I your boyfriend?”
Qian Hui’s eyelashes fluttered. “Yes…” he whispered.
Translator’s Note: The small durian, Liulian, entered the group!
![[Western Fantasy] What Kind of Character Did the Devs Give Me Anyway?](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/冥河摆渡者.jpg "[Western Fantasy] What Kind of Character Did the Devs Give Me Anyway?")
