Chapter 30
As the modified vehicle drew closer to the mountain forest, the colossal object within became increasingly clear.
Qian Hui’s eyes widened slowly. “That’s…”
The three mutant plants perched on his shoulder. Lajiao and Zhusun stared with curiosity, while Luobo’s expression gradually shifted from confusion to excitement.
Luobo desperately wanted to launch himself forward on his carrot spikes, but Qian Hui restrained him.
“Stay put!” Qian Hui pressed Luobo against his chest, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. “We’ll be there soon.”
With no humans in sight, they still needed to be cautious. The plants couldn’t be seen.
The vehicle continued until it reached an iron gate.
The gate was unguarded, with only a detection instrument bolted beside the lock. The instrument’s screen was completely obscured by dust, suggesting it had rarely been used.
Sensing the approach of a Special-Grade Mutant Plant, Nan Tingjin exited the vehicle alone. Just as the instrument was about to transmit a signal to the base, he disabled it.
He took out his key, unlocked the iron gate, and returned to his modified vehicle.
Beyond the gate lay a mountainous forest, its perimeter secured by a towering wall that stretched endlessly into the distance, forming part of the base.
Watchtowers dotted the wall at regular intervals, each manned by rotating guards. Anyone attempting to breach the base’s Restricted Zone would be immediately detected.
Yet the iron gate stood unguarded, allowing unimpeded entry from within.
Passing the “Restricted Zone” sign, Nan Tingjin drove into the mountains.
No road had existed in the forest before, but as the modified vehicle approached, the trees and vegetation slowly parted, the uneven ground automatically filling and smoothing over, creating a path out of thin air.
Qian Hui knew this was Nan Tingjin’s supernatural ability and gazed curiously out the window.
As they neared their destination, the massive shadow looming within the forest gradually revealed its true form.
It stood incredibly tall, dwarfing even the largest Xiaozhi by a considerable margin. From afar, its rounded shape resembled a giant, grayish-brown egg.
Qian Hui murmured, “Xiao Guo…”
Even though it looked different from before, he was absolutely certain: this was the plant from the Small Courtyard.
His former friend, a round nut.
Qian Hui suppressed his excitement, but Luobo, nestled in his arms, couldn’t wait any longer. The carrot spike shot out, and the little creature darted away.
This time, Qian Hui didn’t stop Luobo. The carrot darted through the forest, leaping and gliding faster than the car, vanishing in an instant.
Lajiao and Zhusun stayed obediently by Qian Hui’s side. Lajiao sniffed the air, finding it clean and fresh.
They were now within the territory of the Black Spine Mountain Base. There were no humans, no zombies—only the scent of vegetation and a faint, nutty aroma.
Yet the aura of a Special-Grade Mutant Plant wasn’t strong. Whether deliberately concealed or due to some other reason, it smelled only slightly stronger than that of a High-Grade Mutant Plant.
A few minutes later, the car finally reached the vicinity of the round nut.
Qian Hui quickly got out and saw Luobo standing beside the giant plant, turning to look at him.
From a distance, Luobo’s black bean eyes and expressionless face revealed nothing, yet a hint of loneliness and worry seemed to emanate from him.
Qian Hui felt a sudden surge of panic and hurried over.
“What’s wrong?” He picked up Luobo and looked up at the massive nut.
“Xiao Guo?” Qian Hui called out, raising his voice slightly, and reached out to touch the nut’s rough shell.
The shell was warm to the touch, its surface scarred with numerous abrasions and injuries.
There were even zombie teeth marks, likely quite old, that hadn’t fully healed.
Qian Hui called out again, “Xiao Guo!” Finally, he realized something was wrong.
Nut didn’t respond, not even twitching.
Confused, Qian Hui circled half of the giant nut and called out again, “Xiao Guo!”
Luobo tugged at his sleeve and shook his head. He had already tried earlier, even flying to the top of the nut and pounding on it.
The nut remained motionless, silent, and unresponsive. They couldn’t even find its eyes or mouth.
It seemed as if the nut had retreated its true form into its shell.
At that moment, Nan Tingjin stepped forward. “It hasn’t moved in a long time.”
Qian Hui looked at him, anxious and uncertain. “What… what’s wrong with it?”
“I don’t know,” Nan Tingjin admitted honestly. “Maybe it’s asleep.”
This Special-Grade Mutant Plant had appeared shortly after the apocalypse.
It seemed to have always been in these mountains and forests, but it often hid and rarely showed itself. Later, when construction of a base began nearby, it was once besieged by a zombie horde.
During that siege, the massive zombie horde must have disturbed or angered it. It grew to an enormous size, attempting to crush any living creature that approached.
Special-Grade Mutant Plants were incredibly powerful, and this one was a colossal specimen with an impenetrable shell, seemingly impervious to pain.
With its presence, the attacking zombie horde was forced to retreat, but the plant remained in its gigantic form, ceaselessly roaming the mountains and forests like a massive, uncontrollable boulder.
Initially, because the inner mountain slopes were difficult to fortify, Human Ability Users tried to drive it away, but all their efforts failed.
Other mutant plants hiding in the area, fearing accidental harm, gradually fled as well.
Later, Human Ability Users discovered that it only moved within the boundaries of these mountains and forests, never venturing beyond. They decided to incorporate the entire area into the base and designate it as a Restricted Zone.
Later, its movements became increasingly infrequent, slowing from days to weeks, then to months.
Now, over seven months had passed since its last movement, and its aura had significantly diminished.
Whenever it was dormant, it remained completely unresponsive to external stimuli, just as it was now.
Around this time last year, some at the Base had speculated that it might be nearing its end.
Even the most resilient mutant plants would eventually be depleted after years of maintaining such a colossal form.
Initially, it had defended against massive Zombie Hordes, indirectly providing invaluable assistance to the Base. This had given it a precarious status within the community.
Wen Jue had once proposed relocating the mutant plant back to the Base, but the others refused, fearing it might awaken and cause further complications.
Yet even if they wanted to revive it, they had no idea how.
As Nan Tingjin finished speaking, Qian Hui’s breath trembled, his heart aching with sorrow and pity.
Back in the Plant Courtyard, Nut’s unique abilities had forced him to constantly shield his companions from zombie attacks, bearing the brunt of the damage himself.
He appeared fearless and valiant, never showing any hesitation when facing zombies.
The other plants in the Small Courtyard dared not provoke him. His body was too tough—like fighting a brick wall. A few swipes of their leaves would leave them shredded and bruised.
Qian Hui knew that Nut was actually introverted and quiet, not particularly brave, and preferred to hide away and work on his wood carvings and crafts alone.
He was also very gentle, his voice always soft and muffled, tinged with shyness.
The ring Qian Hui had given to Nan Tingjin was one Nut had taught him to carve.
After arriving here, Nut must have been terrified.
Qian Hui could imagine his panic when confronted by the zombie horde.
Hundreds, perhaps thousands, more zombies than had ever invaded the Small Courtyard before. In his panic, Nut had maximized his size to arm himself, then retreated deep within his shell.
He probably had no idea how much time had passed, or whether the zombie horde had left. As time wore on, he likely drifted into oblivion and slumber.
The giant Nut stood motionless. Qian Hui approached and tried to hug him, pressing himself tightly against the shell.
He felt a faint warmth emanating from within the shell. “Xiao Guo…”
The game’s Handbook had lit up, but no bond was displayed.
Luobo perched on Qian Hui’s shoulder, gently stroking his hair in comfort.
Lajiao and Zhusun peeked out from under his hood, silent.
Before coming to find this Special-Grade Mutant Plant, none of them had imagined it would be like this.
They had found him, and the journey had been smooth, but they didn’t know when he would awaken.
Even Luobo and Qian Hui’s calls were useless. Lajiao sighed quietly, clutching a strand of Qian Hui’s hair.
Footsteps approached. Nan Tingjin waited a moment, then gently pulled Qian Hui closer, confirming his tearful expression.
He bent down to embrace Qian Hui, reassuring him, “It’s still alive. It will wake up.”
Qian Hui sniffled. “Mhm.”
“It’s safe here,” Nan Tingjin added. “Its injuries were from the Zombie Horde’s attack, but they’ve healed significantly.”
At least since Nan Tingjin became Leader, the Base had no plans to remove this Special-Grade Mutant Plant, and no one dared trespass into the Restricted Zone.
Qian Hui hummed again, tightening his grip on Nan Tingjin.
“Is it called Xiao Guo?” Nan Tingjin murmured, stroking his back. “What kind of plant is it?”
“It’s a Nut,” Qian Hui replied, lifting his head with a hint of reproach. “I told you before.”
Unfortunately, Nan Tingjin didn’t remember, so he wouldn’t know the mutant plant’s name.
Qian Hui took Nan Tingjin’s hand and touched the wooden tail ring. “Xiao Guo taught me how to make this.”
Nan Tingjin nodded, embracing him again. “Okay, I understand.”
After calming down in Nan Tingjin’s arms, Qian Hui turned back to the giant nut.
“I need to bring Xiaokui here,” he said. “Xiaokui will definitely have a solution.”
Nut was in a peculiar state. He remained unconscious, preventing Qian Hui from administering medicine. However, the sunflower’s light might be able to heal him, and perhaps even awaken him.
Qian Hui stayed in the forest, continuing to talk to Nut, with Luobo and Lajiao keeping him company.
Nan Tingjin returned to the Base to retrieve Xiaokui, while Zhusun would accompany him.
The two temporarily separated. Nan Tingjin got back into the car.
Zhusun hopped in through the window, gave him a polite smile, and sat upright in a hidden corner beneath the window, holding his bamboo-blade knife.
They retraced their steps and returned quickly, bringing Xiaokui in a backpack.
Qian Hui immediately carried Xiaokui to Nut’s side and sat down on the grass.
He gently touched Xiaokui’s leaves. “Xiaokui, you’re the only one who can help Xiao Guo now.”
Before Xiaokui arrived, Qian Hui and Luobo had tried everything—shouting Nut’s name repeatedly and even throwing carrot spikes at him—but nothing could make the giant nut budge.
Xiaokui’s petals flickered with light, as if surprised by Nut’s condition.
It extended a leaf and gently touched Nut’s shell. In an instant, the light radiated outward, enveloping Nut’s entire body.
The gentle light, warm yet not blinding, radiated a continuous stream of healing energy and a beckoning call.
Luobo leaned closer and saw the scars on the Nut’s shell slowly closing.
Half an hour later, the shell had completely restored itself, even lightening slightly in color. It looked noticeably more vibrant than before.
Qian Hui waited with bated breath, then waited another half hour.
Xiaokui’s intense light had been unwavering, but now, showing signs of fatigue, it paused to rest.
Qian Hui fed it a Recovery Herb and asked, “How is it going?”
Xiaokui shook its head dejectedly, indicating it still hadn’t managed to awaken the Nut.
The light had healed the Nut’s old wounds and replenished much of its depleted energy, but the Nut remained dormant, unresponsive.
Xiaokui immediately reassured Qian Hui, suggesting that perhaps more time was needed and promising to keep trying.
Qian Hui lowered his gaze and nodded. “Okay.”
Throughout the morning, Qian Hui and Xiaokui stayed by the Nut’s side.
Nan Tingjin was also present. His communicator buzzed several times, likely subordinates from the Base trying to reach him.
Qian Hui urged him to return first, but he refused to leave.
By noon, Qian Hui had to return to the Base. He was worried about the other plants left behind.
Xiaokui volunteered to stay and keep Nut company.
Zhusun quickly raised its hand, declaring it could protect Xiaokui and let the others go back.
Qian Hui hesitated, but Nan Tingjin reassured him, “This place is completely safe.”
No one could enter the Back Mountain Restricted Zone without the Leader’s permission, and guards constantly patrolled the outer walls. Within the Base’s perimeter, absolute security was guaranteed.
“Alright,” Qian Hui finally nodded, handing Zhusun some food and medicine pills. “We’ll be back soon.”
Zhusun had invested numerous Skill Points and consumed Evolution Water, significantly enhancing its strength and intelligence.
As an extra precaution, Luobo gave it a carrot spike. If any trouble arose, Zhusun could crush it, and Luobo would sense the signal.
Zhusun carefully tucked the carrot spike’s tip into its shell, sat beside Xiaokui, and waved goodbye to Qian Hui.
The Modified Vehicle turned back the way it had come. This time, the road and forest behind the wheels slowly reverted to their original state, leaving almost no trace of their passage.
On the way back, Qian Hui remained gloomy.
Lajiao gently rubbed against his hand with its leaf-like leg, then pointed to its own leg. It wanted to reassure Qian Hui that Nut would definitely wake up; it was just a matter of time. After all, Lajiao had once been so badly injured that it could barely walk, yet it had fully recovered.
Qian Hui understood its meaning and forced a smile. “Yeah.”
At least he had successfully found Nut. It probably wasn’t too late yet.
Qian Hui thought that he and Xiaokui could visit Nut every day, bringing Xiaozhi along. If its old friends were nearby, it would surely sense their presence.
He even considered moving into the Restricted Zone forest permanently so he could monitor Nut’s condition around the clock…
Remembering the Plot Point notification from the previous night, he opened the game’s task log to check for progress.
Sure enough, the Plot Point progress had increased to 20%. But a new line of text had appeared beneath it.
“Exploration of the Base Restricted Zone completed.”
Qian Hui examined it closely. It was indeed the Plot Point triggered last night.
So it wasn’t about the Special-Grade Mutant Plant after all…
It was about the Black Spine Mountain Base?
This time, the plot point should contain more information than the previous two.
The base not only housed Nan Tingjin and Nut, but also many other Human Ability Users, all of whom might be involved.
Qian Hui pondered this, silently noting it.
Now that he had received a progress completion notification, should he find time to explore other areas of the base?
Soon, the modified vehicle approached the residential area of the base. Lajiao and Luobo tucked their heads into their hoods, while Qian Hui pulled out a strip of cloth and blindfolded himself.
The surroundings gradually grew less quiet. Occasionally, people stood by the roadside chatting or hurried past.
When the modified vehicle stopped, Qian Hui sensed several pairs of eyes peering at him through the windows.
An unfamiliar voice called out, “Leader, you’re finally back.”
Nan Tingjin had clearly returned and hadn’t left the base all morning, yet he had been nowhere to be seen, taking Qian Hui with him to some unknown location.
Nan Tingjin opened the car door. “What is it?”
“It’s nothing urgent. We’ve suddenly received a surge in food transport commissions, and I thought I should check with you first…”
The speaker stood at a distance, occasionally glancing at Qian Hui.
The Black Spine Mountain Base was renowned, but its commissions were steep. For routine tasks like transporting food supplies, clients typically avoided contacting them.
Yet recently, for some unknown reason, two smaller bases had reached out in quick succession.
They reported that their supply convoys had mysteriously vanished en route, along with their cargo. Moreover, this wasn’t an isolated incident; similar incidents had occurred repeatedly in recent weeks.
Several years into the apocalypse, such brazen acts were rare. If the convoys had been attacked by zombies, at least some corpses would have remained. Mutant plants, meanwhile, had no need to steal such vast quantities of food.
Thus, the bases suspected deliberate sabotage, hoping to entice the Black Spine Mountain Base into intervening.
Hearing this, Nan Tingjin raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping across the speaker with icy disdain. “What? Do you need me to teach you how to handle this?”
The man quickly lowered his head. “That’s not what I meant…”
Indeed, there was no need to consult Nan Tingjin. As long as the commission was adequate, any assignment could be accepted.
Moreover, Yuan Ji was also at the base. He had full authority to approve or reject requests for transporting a few truckloads of grain.
He had simply been passing by when he spotted Nan Tingjin and Qian Hui together and lingered for a closer look.
Noticing Nan Tingjin’s displeasure, he quickly excused himself and hurried away with his companion.
Once they were alone, Nan Tingjin walked around to the passenger side, opened the car door, and reached in to lift Qian Hui out.
Qian Hui’s game interface was still open. He inadvertently noticed that the progress bar for the hidden mission “Infiltrate the Zombie Camp” had suddenly jumped by 10%.
He let out a soft “Huh?” and whispered, “What was that man saying earlier?”
“Just some assignments,” Nan Tingjin replied as he carried Qian Hui into the low building. “If you’re curious, I’ll take you to see them another day.”
Nan Tingjin had meant it casually, but Qian Hui nodded earnestly. “Okay.”
With the Special-Grade Mutant Plant in the Restricted Zone having awakened at some point, this meant he would likely remain at the Base. It seemed he was willing to stay.
Nan Tingjin paused briefly before climbing the stairs and pushing open the door to his room.
He set Qian Hui down on the low cabinet near the door and leaned in to kiss his pale cheek.
Qian Hui shoved him, but he didn’t budge. He reached up and tore off the blindfold, just as a muffled “thud” echoed from the adjacent room.
Luobo and Lajiao reacted instantly, popping out from under Qian Hui’s hood and darting toward the sound.
The door to the next room was locked from the inside. Luobo flattened himself against the floor and peered through the crack beneath the door.
The scene inside was chaotic. Several mutant plants scurried about, trying to keep their movements quiet.
Suddenly, a potato rolled past at high speed, a durian hot on its heels, its thorns glinting menacingly.
The potato whimpered in panic, “Waaah! Waaah!”
