The black iron high-level mantis, a creature larger than the typical mantis, is a formidable adversary. Its distinguishing features include deeper black lines beneath its wings and a more lethal sickle saw tooth.
Lu Yu, whose physical strength is currently at the intermediate level of black iron, would logically not be a match for the Scythe Mantis. Despite its hunting method of flight, the Scythe Mantis is not particularly swift.
However, as previously mentioned, the level of reinforcement is not the sole determinant of an individual's strength. Humans possess an advantage over these creatures due to their superior cognitive abilities.
They can utilize a variety of tools and weapons, and employ strategies such as sneak attacks and harmony.
This was demonstrated by Lu Yu when he first struck a praying mantis on the head with a crossbow arrow, using its call to draw the attention of another mantis, while simultaneously surprising it with an ability. Coupled with the Qingshou sword that has advanced to the bronze level, the two mantises were no match for him.
After dispatching the two mantises, Lu Yu quickly asked Yan Yun to locate the crystal nucleus. Yan Yun, who had been momentarily dazed, quickly regained her senses and hurried over.
When Yan Yun mentioned that she could find the crystal core without decapitating the mantis, Lu Yu was slightly taken aback.
However, his surprise was fleeting. He had brought Yan Yun along not only to foster a relationship with her and receive system rewards sooner, but also to observe her abilities. With her current capabilities, as long as she remains cautious, she should not be in any significant danger.
Now, it appears that Yan Yun's ability might be perception. She did not perceive the first mantis, but she did sense the second one.
Observing the irregular transparent spar with black lines in her hand, Yan Yun handed it to Lu Yu with a look of joy, as if assisting Lu Yu was a source of great happiness for her.
Lu Yu, upon receiving the black iron core, asked Yan Yun how she knew it was what he was looking for.
Seeing Yan Yun's somewhat joyful expression, Lu Yu also smiled. It seemed that Yan Yun's ability was somewhat unique.
When Yan Yun expressed confusion, Lu Yu clarified his question, asking how she had managed to find the crystal core. Yan Yun honestly replied that she didn't know.
She explained that when she had encountered the large lizard man earlier, she seemed to be able to perceive everything about its body.
She further explained that when Lu Yu mentioned he was looking for something that resembled a pearl or a gem and possessed special energy, she simply had to touch it to know if it had it. Lu Yu, puzzled by this ability, decided to discuss it later and called Ding Feng to hide the crystal core.
As Lu Yu carefully examined the crystal nucleus in his hand, he realized that the crystal nucleus not only had many grades, but also many attributes.
Although ordinary people could also use crystal cores and had a chance to become awakened after using crystal cores, they could only use black iron grades, and there was a high chance that the user would die directly after using them.
Even an awakened person could only use the crystal core that matched his ability. Using a crystal core other than his ability would not only have no effect, but may also have side effects. There was even a certain chance of death.
However, Lu Yu estimated that the death rate of the Awakened who used the wrong crystal nucleus must be much lower than that of ordinary people. Under normal circumstances, at most it is ineffective.
Lu Yu concluded that since he had strengthened his body and awakened the wind attribute ability, the crystal core could only use no attribute .
However, he reasoned that if he could gain the protagonist's abilities by killing the protagonist himself and if the protagonist had other abilities, then he should be able to use the crystal cores of other attributes. This seemed logical to him.
Upon hearing Lu Yu's explanation, Ding Feng was puzzled. After dealing with the monsters, they would either continue on their way or find a place to hide. Looking for the crystal core seemed like a waste of time. It not only burdened everyone's physical strength but also increased safety hazards for everyone.
Lu Yu explained that the crystal core could help them improve their strength. Although according to the normal storyline, things like crystal cores would not be discovered until several days after the end of the world.
It would take a few months for humans to know the effect. A year later, the role of crystal nuclei would become popular among humans. But to Lu Yu, that kind of secrecy didn't matter at all.
When Lu Yu mentioned that the crystal core could be eaten to improve their strength, Ding Feng was disgusted. However, Lu Yu was surprised to find that the crystal core, which was grown in the mantis brain, was crystal clear and free of any stains.
Yan Yun suggested that this might also be her ability. Lu Yu squinted his eyes and wondered if Yan Yun's ability also included purification.
The cessation of mankind signifies the end, yet it is the commencement of an earthly paradise. Humans, once apex predators, have been reduced to mere sacrificial lambs.
To ensure survival, unity against extraterrestrial adversaries is imperative. However, human frailty often hinders such unity, an immutable reality. Initially, Liao Dong sought to collaborate with Lu Yu, drawn by his powers and Qingshou sword.
However, Lu Yu's provision of a plethora of weapons enhanced their combat prowess significantly. Consequently, during the hotel monster cleanup, Lu Yu was not the primary force but merely followed the team.
The initial plan was for both parties to explore the clothing store across the street together, splitting any discovered treasures equally.
However, given Lu Yu's nature, sharing equally was out of the question. Hence, he led the two directly downstairs.
When Lu Yu inquired about her abilities, Yan Yun could only respond with a blank shake of her head.
Even Lu Yu was clueless about the situation, let alone Yan Yun. However, based on the current circumstances, Yan Yun hands possess the ability to perceive and cleanse, but they lack substantial combat power.
It appears that the Awakened Support System has lost its ability.
Moreover, a doomsday survival team with special abilities requires more than just combat power. Having multiple supports isn't necessarily a disadvantage. With this in mind, Lu Yu ceased his contemplation and pocketed the crystal nucleus.
He refrained from consuming the crystal nucleus immediately. Given the data, it not only aids human evolution but also helps restore physical strength.
With at least 50% of his stamina remaining, wouldn't it be more beneficial to consume it when his physical strength is nearly depleted?
"Ding Feng, I'll throw this out later to attract the zombies, and then we'll make a run for it!" After understanding the abilities of the Crystal Nucleus and of Yan Yun, Lu Yu didn't ponder any further.
He calmly removed his blood-stained clothes. Regardless of the type of monster, they are highly sensitive to the scent of blood. Using blood-stained clothes as a distraction seemed like a viable plan.
"Okay!"
Ding Feng nodded in agreement.
"Are we rushing directly over there?"
Yan Yun asked apprehensively,
"What if there's no place to hide over there?"
Life isn't a game; there are no second chances. In a game, you can recklessly lure monsters, run, and seek shelter. If you fail, you simply try again. However, reality is different. A single failure leaves no room for a do-over.
"It's okay, we don't need a hiding place," Lu Yu assured calmly. There's the entrance to the secret realm, and We can directly enter the secret realm.
What need is there for a hiding place?
Ding Feng and Yan Yun were unaware of this and felt somewhat lost. But Lu Yu is now the leader of the team, and also has the ability to "predict". So they had no choice but to trust Lu Yu. Under Lu Yu's leadership, the trio embarked on a desperate mission.
Meanwhile, on the 7th floor of the hotel,
Zhao Dequan led his team to this floor, just one floor below Lu Yu. As he looked at the bruise on his face in the mirror, a sneer curled at the corner of his mouth.
"Fighting over a piece of bread and attracting monsters?
Haha, what a bunch of idiots!"
He rubbed the bruises on his face, slowly walked to the chair beside the floor-to-ceiling window, and sat down. Looking at the clothing store from a distance, he heaved a sigh of relief.
"If only those two guys could die downstairs together!"
Zhao Dequan muttered while staring at the ceiling. As long as Liao Dong and Lu Yu die together, he would be the boss in this place. With his management skills, it would be too easy to conquer other people and establish himself as the boss.
He glanced at the beautiful young woman with the child in the room. In his mind, he recalled the superb female teacher he saw in the crowd earlier. An evil smile crept up the corner of Zhao Dequan's mouth.
Just as Zhao Dequan was lost in his daydreams, a sudden commotion erupted downstairs. Immediately afterwards, all the surrounding monsters ran in one direction. When the monsters had almost gathered, three figures quietly emerged from another position.
"Hey, why are there only these three people?
Where's Liao Dong??"
Manager Zhao was taken aback, and then he saw a giant sickle mantis and five or six lizardmen chasing after them.
you're not going to survive this time!"
Seeing Lu Yu and Ding Feng throw the 'pot cover shield' out to attack the monster, Manager Zhao grinned. But the next second, he was rooted to the spot in shock.
"Fuck, Xiao… disappeared?"
The secret realm is an independent space that exists outside the real world. Due to the angle problem, not many people can see the entrance to this secret realm. Apart from Lu Yu's group, only Manager Zhao is currently present.
Liao Dong, Manager Zhao deliberately told him the news for his own sake. But Lu Yu didn't care about that at all. Because now in the entire hotel, only the three of them came to this secret realm.
As the three of them ran into the clothing store and touched the silver vortex with their hands, a sense of weightlessness came. Then it became pitch black around the three of them. "What…" Yan Yun exclaimed, but Lu Yu stopped her in time. Before she could react, the three of them had already kept their feet on the ground and regained their sight.
"My God…what's this…what's going on?"
" This is too mystical!"
Looking at the suddenly changing scene in front of them, Yan Yun and Ding Feng exclaimed at the same time. Even Lu Yu had to admire the magic of this secret realm. There is a sunny canyon.
The mountains on both sides of the canyon are continuous, green mountains , green trees, birds and there are fragrant flowers. In front of everyone, there is a winding mountain road. At a glance, after 100 meters, it circled into the deep mountain.
Behind them is the familiar vortex of silver light spots. In theory, it should be the exit of the secret realm.
"We actually came to another dimension?"
"It's incredible isn't it!"
"Don't get emotional, let's go ahead and talk about it later!"
Lu Yu had already prepared in his heart, so the surprise in his heart was only for a moment. After saying this, he took the sword and prepared to open the way in front. Seeing this, Ding Feng quickly chased after him.
"Young Master Lu, let me go ahead!"
"It's okay,!"
Lu Yu is adamant about avoiding any errors. The path they are on, despite its twists and turns, appears wide and inviting at first glance. The flora on either side of the road seems ordinary, and there are no visible monsters.
Given these circumstances, it doesn't matter who takes the lead.
However, caution is advised. When Lu Yu insisted on leading, Ding Feng had no objections. As everyone tightened their grip on their weapons, they moved forward with caution.
Suddenly, the smell of blood and internal organs filled the air. As everyone braced themselves, a conversation between three individuals reached their ears.
"Hey, Chu Feng,"
one of them began,
"it's pointless for us to just stand here.
Why don't we retreat a bit?"
"Alright, you distract the monster, and I'll go grab the treasure inside!"
Chu Feng responded.
Tao Yong was taken aback
"We're classmates.
Why don't you trust anyone?"
"I'm sorry, but I can't trust anyone!"
Chu Feng retorted with a sneer "Either you distract the monsters, and I go in to get the treasures, and I'll share half with you!"
This brief exchange left Lu Yu in shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Damn,
Tao Yong!
Chu Feng?
Why are these little turd are here?"
he wondered.
Guided by Lu Yu, the group ventured deep into the canyon. The journey was surprisingly uneventful, with no signs of danger encountered. They navigated through a serpentine mountain path, and after covering a distance of approximately 300 meters, they were hit by an overpowering odor of blood and the nauseating stench of internal organs.
Upon entering further, they overheard a conversation. This left Lu Yu perplexed as he was certain that the only individuals who had entered this secret realm were Yan Yun, Ding Feng, and himself.
The presence of Chu Feng and Tao Yong was inexplicable. However, Lu Yu didn't dwell on this mystery for long and quickly proceeded with Yan Yun and Ding Feng.
Before long, they arrived at a vast clearing within the canyon. The open space was enormous, roughly equivalent to the area of two basketball courts.
Despite the dense forest on the hill opposite the clearing, the clearing itself was devoid of any vegetation. The ground was firm and dry, covered in yellow soil.
The sight of numerous footprints and scattered corpses was a chilling sight. Lu Yu took a cursory glance. The footprints were larger than those of a human, suggesting the presence of some unknown creature.
The corpses belonged to monkeys, resembling golden monkeys, but their size was thrice as large. The bodies varied in size and were strewn all over the place, with at least ten or more estimated. The ground was a gruesome sight with blood, brains, and internal organs scattered everywhere, which was the source of the strong, repugnant smell.
However, the most striking sight was the presence of five individuals seated in the open space near the edge of the road, maintaining a distance of about ten meters from each other.
Chu Feng was silent, a figure Lu Yu was all too familiar with. At that moment, Chu Feng was resting against his backpack. Tao Yong, another known face to Lu Yu, was also present.
He was a member of the sports committee from another class, and the two shared a cordial relationship, often engaging in casual banter.
The sight of the open space left Yan Yun in shock, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "My God, what happened here?"
If not for her black mask filtering the smell, she would have probably retched at the stench. Ding Feng, on the other hand, was more resilient. Although surprised, he didn't express much.
The two groups of people resting in the open space turned their attention towards Lu Yu. The sight of Lu Yu left Chu Feng frozen in surprise.
He was under the impression that Lu Yu should have been in the third-year teaching building.
How did he end up here?
Tao Yong and Wu Qiang were equally surprised. They hadn't expected anyone else to be able to enter this secret realm, let alone someone they knew.
"Boss?"
"Why are you here?"
Lu Yu didn't immediately respond to Wu Qiang's question. Instead, he quickly scanned everyone present. Besides Wu Qiang, Tao Yong was also accompanied by two roommates, Wan Hai and Tong Xiaohua.
Both of them were severely injured at the time, with bandages wrapped around their arms, thighs, shoulders, and lower abdomen. Their lips were dry and pale, indicating significant blood loss. Some of their wounds appeared to be inflicted by monkeys.
Lu Yu, with a grin on his face, retorted to Chu Feng's question about his presence,
Lu Yu didn't immediately respond to Wu Qiang's inquiry. Instead, he briefly scanned the room, making eye contact with Tao Yong's two roommates, Wan Hai and Tong Xiaohua, who were severely injured and had their arms, thighs, shoulders, and lower abdomens bandaged.
Their pale lips and significant blood loss were signs of simple hemostasis measures. Lu Yu deduced that they had been bitten or scratched by monkeys.
Wu Qiang and Tao Yong had lighter injuries, but they also showed signs of blood loss. Lu Yu, along with Yan Yun and Ding Feng, moved to a safer location, away from Wan Hai, Tong Xiaohua, Wu Qiang, and Tao Yong.
"How can you still meet acquaintances in a place where birds don't shit?" He then asked Wu Qiang and Tao Yong how they managed to get in. Tao Yong, sitting on the ground, propped up his tired body and began narrating their experience.
They had taken refuge in the bedroom when they noticed a vortex formed by silver light spots in the corner outside the bedroom. They approached it and touched the vortex, which transported them here. However, they had entered from a different direction than Lu Yu.
Lu Yu observed the surroundings and noticed another path at the other end of the open space, similar to the one they had entered from.
This suggested the presence of two entrances to this secret realm. Tao Yong confirmed this and pointed out that there was a very powerful monster inside the cave, which they were unable to defeat.
They had decided to let someone with good physical strength lure the monster away first, while the rest would go inside to retrieve the treasure.
However, no one was willing to be the bait to attract the monster. This led to a stalemate, with everyone waiting outside. Judging by the time, they had been waiting for at least an hour. Lu Yu couldn't help but think,
"It seems that I came at the right time?"
Lu Yu was taken aback by the discovery of two entrances to a secret realm, an occurrence he hadn't anticipated. He hadn't given much thought to the implications of the distance between the entrances and the number of monsters present.
Could it be possible that Tao Yong and Chu Feng had entered before him?
If they hadn't secured the treasure yet, then he wasn't too late. Moreover, he could potentially avoid the hassle of dealing with those mutant monkeys.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Lu Yu cast another glance at Chu Feng, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. He asked,
"Do you need someone to distract the monster so you can get the treasure?
Chu Feng, you're the only one here, why don't you step back?"
"Boss, don't underestimate Chu Feng, he's quite formidable now," Wu Qiang timely cautioned. Although his own awakening ability had improved and he no longer regarded Lu Yu as his boss, he still felt the need to maintain a semblance of respect.
"Really?"
Lu Yu feigned surprise.
Underestimate Chu Feng?
How could he?
After all, Chu Feng is the main character.
How could he possibly underestimate him?
Chu Feng retorted coldly,
"Who are you to tell me to step back?"
Upon hearing this, Ding Feng's anger flared up again, "Watch your words when you're talking to my master, boy!"
"I didn't watch my words, what are you going to do, bite me?"
Chu Feng responded disdainfully, showing no intention of backing down. He knew that in the early days of the apocalypse, whether one was an ability user or an enhancer, their combat power wouldn't differ significantly.
The distance between them was more than three meters, a distance that could be considered absolutely safe. It was nearly impossible to kill the opponent by hand. So, he needed to wait for the right opportunity.
"Oh, damn it…" Lu Yu muttered under his breath. He halted Ding Feng's attempt to attack Chu Feng and asked knowingly,
"Why are you being so aggressive, Chu Feng?
Have I done something to offend you?"
"No!"
Chu Feng's eyes were cold as he responded, "But I just don't like the sight of you!"
According to the normal timeline, the two of them were still in a normal classmate relationship. Lu Yu's evil deeds towards him in his previous life had started long after the end of the world.
But Chu Feng's hatred for Lu Yu couldn't be explained in a few words, so he didn't even bother to wait for an opportunity to act.
"Uh…" Lu Yu's eyes flashed with murderous intent. Although he didn't know what Chu Feng's awakening ability was, he knew that Chu Feng, being the protagonist, wouldn't be weak in terms of strength and luck.
Even if he attacked at this moment, he might not be able to kill him.
But being provoked by the other party repeatedly, how could Lu Yu endure it?
Just when Lu Yu was about to make a move, Yan Yun suddenly spoke up.
"Hey, why are you talking like this?
We're all classmates. Why are you targeting Lu Yu?"
Yan Yun's voice, as clear as a silver bell, made Lu Yu stop immediately.
It also left Chu Feng stunned. Why did this voice sound so familiar?
It was now more than three in the afternoon.
The end of the world had arrived for more than six hours. But these six hours felt like a century to most humans. Just like Yan Yun now. For more than six hours, she had basically stayed with Lu Yu. The two of them had been through a lot.
Her attitude towards Lu Yu had also undergone a 180-degree change. At least seeing Chu Feng talking to Lu Yu like this, she couldn't help but want to stand on Lu Yu's side.
And Lu Yu, who heard Yan Yun's voice, also came back to his senses. Chu Feng was the protagonist, and it shouldn't be so easy for him to kill him.
Maybe he could take advantage of Chu Feng's love for Yan Yun?
But Chu Feng, who heard this, was very surprised! Because this voice was too familiar to him. He subconsciously looked at Yan Yun and examined her carefully.
"What are you looking at?"
Seeing the other party staring at her intently, Yan Yun pouted, "Am I wrong?"
"You… are you Yan Yun?"
Chu Feng couldn't believe it and asked again tentatively. Because Yan Yun at this time was wearing a black lady's mask. She was wearing a tactical vest and beggar-cut jeans, and her hair was tied into a ponytail. She looked completely different from Yan Yun in his memory. It was just the sound that he remembered.
"You…you recognize me?"
Hearing Chu Feng's words, Yan Yun was stunned. Because according to the normal timeline, she didn't know Chu Feng yet. The two of them hadn't even had a few face-to-face meetings at school.
"Yan Yun?"
"Isn't it?"
"Is she Yan Yun?"
The four of Tao Yong were also surprised. Because the entrance to the secret realm was very hidden. The road to the entrance to the secret realm was very dangerous. How could a weak woman like Yan Yun come here?
"Are you really Yan Yun?"
Chu Feng didn't care about Tao Yong and the others, and when he heard Yan Yun admit her identity, he was immediately excited.
Because he was able to discover the entrance to this secret realm just to go to the teaching building to save Yan Yun?
Now Yan Yun actually appeared directly in front of him?
"Yes… so what?"
Yan Yun didn't react a bit, but she still mustered up the courage to admit her identity. It was just her acknowledgment that Chu Feng reacted.
"No…No, you're not Yan Yun!"
Chu Feng muttered to himself and shook his head, "If you were Yan Yun, why would you be with this guy Lu Yu?"
Yan Yun appeared with Lu Yu. Whether they were walking or wearing the same tactical vest, it proved that they were a team now. He didn't believe that his goddess of white moonlight was so familiar with scumbags like Lu Yu. The script of the previous life was not like this.
"Chu Feng, what you said is wrong!"
Hearing Chu Feng say this, Lu Yu smiled playfully, "I like Yan Yun, and it's not a secret in our class. Yan Yun is with me, why is it impossible?"
"No, it's impossible!
You lied to me, you are definitely not Yan Yun, definitely not!"
Chu Feng retorted.
"Is there something wrong with you?
I'm not a star, how could someone pretend to be me?"
Yan Yun was irritated that she was standing in front of these people and Chu Feng claimed that she was not Yan Yun. Why would she disguise herself?
"You took off your mask." Chu Feng coldly spat out a few words.
Face mask?
Oh yes, masks!
"Pick it, pick it up!"
Yan Yun was too lazy to talk nonsense with Chu Feng, so she quickly took off her mask. Soon Yan Yun's pretty face and delicate facial features appeared in everyone's sight.
"My God, is it really Yan Yun?"
"It's incredible!"
"Boss, when did you soak Yan Yun?"
"Just kidding?"
The four of Tao Yong were once again surprised. Chu Feng was even more stimulated.
"No, no, how could you be Yan Yun?
How could you be Yan Yun?"
Chu Feng kept repeating to himself.
"You… are really sick…" Yan Yun wanted to refute, but she saw that Chu Feng was talking to himself like a neurotic! She was too lazy to speak.
"Chu Feng, are you alright?"
Lu Yu also pretended to be kind and said, "Although I know that there are many people in our school who like Yan Yun, it seems that you like her too?"
Chu Feng took a deep breath, ignored Lu Yu, and turned his eyes to Yan Yun again. Ten years of experience of the end of the world made him calm down quickly.
"Yan Yun, tell me, why are you with him?
Why?"
Chu Feng asked.
"me…" Yan Yun was at a loss for words because she was forced by Lu Yu last night. Although she doesn't care about that anymore.
But she can't say it directly in front of so many people, right?
"Chu Feng, you are really strange!!" Fortunately, Lu Yu helped her out of the siege in time, and put his right hand around her shoulder.
Yan Yun was caught off guard by Lu Yu's arms, but after her face flushed, she did not choose to dodge!
That expression of not refusal and welcome directly explained her position!
"Although I'm not a narcissistic person, I think I'm not bad! It's so chaotic outside, and I've awakened the ability to protect her.
We are a natural match for a talented man and a woman. I like her, and she likes me, too. Isn't it reasonable to be together?"
Lu Yu said.
"You are talking nonsense, Yan Yun clearly likes me, it's me…" Chu Feng retorted.
A/n :- Dear readers, I welcome your suggestions and feedback in the comments section below. Your support through Power stones will be greatly appreciated.
A very long Chapter.
Thank You For Reading.