Li Shen's eyes met hers, calm and thoughtful. His divine gaze seemed to pierce through the veil of their temporary calm and into the larger, darker reality beyond.
"Hope is a powerful force, Lin Mei," he said softly, his voice imbued with a subtle yet profound resonance. It drives us forward even in the darkest times."
He paused, his gaze drifting to the window where the desolation of the outside world was faintly visible.
"There are many variables at play, and the solution is not straightforward. Each case of infection can be different, and what worked for you might not be universally applicable."
Lin Mei's eyes glistened with unshed tears, the weight of uncertainty pressing heavily upon her.
"So, what does that mean? Are you saying that we're doomed to live in this nightmare? Is there no real chance of finding a cure?"
Li Shen turned back to face her, his expression reflecting a mix of resolve and contemplation.
"I cannot offer you a definitive answer right now. The path to finding a cure involves not only understanding the virus but also exploring ways to address it on a global scale. This is a journey I must undertake on my own, delving deeper into the cosmic and mortal realms to uncover answers."
Lin Mei's face crumbles with disappointment, her last thread of hope now shrouded by Li Shen's uncertain words. "So you're just going to abandon us? Leave us to fend for ourselves while you search for answers?"
Li Shen did not speak any further. What he did provide however was a long pause. Maybe he found hope in this desolate world after all, having two survivors might mean there are many and more across the globe.
Maybe, his parents and his family also survived.
The thought of finding them fills him with a mix of hope and dread. But as he looks at Lin Mei and the others, he knows he can't risk leaving them alone in this dangerous world.
Finding them was a fluke, a miracle. Maybe their fate had a part in playing the role. But now, a surge of guilt washes over him, knowing that their fate is now tied to his own.
He realized that the only way to keep them safe is to teach them the skills he learned from the Murim world - techniques that will give them power to survive in this new, zombie-infested reality.
Only then would they be able to fend themselves off the zombies once he were to leave them.
Leaving them behind would be a gamble, but staying with them could prove fatal for all of them. Li Shen must make a difficult decision - one that could mean life or death for himself and those he has grown to care for.
Amidst the tense silence, Lin Mei's gentle voice broke through Li Shen's thoughts.
"Li Shen, before you set out on your journey, why don't you at least take a shower? You're covered in blood and dirt. It's not just about appearances; you need to be at your best for whatever lies ahead."
Li Shen raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback by her sudden response. He glanced down at his torn and bloodied clothes, a stark reminder of the battles he had fought.
The sight of his disheveled state contrasted sharply with the serene environment of the room, a vivid reminder of the harsh reality they faced. Despite his celestial aura, he couldn't deny the practical wisdom in her suggestion.
"I appreciate your concern, Lin Mei," Li Shen said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement mixed with gratitude. "I hadn't realized how much my appearance changed while fighting battle after battle till I was the last man standing."
Lin Mei managed a faint smile, her eyes reflecting both concern and a touch of sincerity.
"It's not just about looking clean. You've been through so much, and you need to be in the best possible condition. A shower might help you feel refreshed and ready to face the challenges ahead."
Li Shen nodded, acknowledging the practicality of her advice. "Very well. I will take your suggestion to heart."
He stood, his movements graceful despite his battered state. "A brief respite to cleanse myself is a small but important step."
As he made his way to the bathroom, Lin Mei watched his back of rag-tag clothes and astute posture with a mixture of relief and lingering worry.
The bathroom was a modest but functional space, with a simple shower enclosed by frosted glass. The gentle sound of running water soon filled the room, creating a soothing backdrop that contrasted sharply with the earlier tension.
...
The bathroom was a serene, modern sanctuary, its design simple yet elegant. Soft, neutral tones of beige and white adorned the walls, creating a calming ambiance.
The shower was enclosed by sleek, frosted glass panels that offered privacy while allowing diffused light to permeate the space. A contemporary chrome faucet and showerhead were mounted on the wall, their polished surfaces catching the light and gleaming with a cool, metallic sheen.
Beneath the showerhead, the floor was covered in small, textured tiles arranged in a mosaic pattern, providing a contrast to the smooth, glossy tiles on the walls. A plush, white bath mat lay neatly in front of the shower, adding a touch of comfort and warmth to the room.
As Li Shen stood before the shower, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The modern technology of the bathroom was a stark departure from the rustic simplicity of his Murim world.
He reached out tentatively to adjust the faucet, his fingers lingering on the cool metal. Memories of his old life surfaced vividly: the clear, tranquil ponds nestled among the mountains, where he had bathed in the natural, pristine waters. He had leapt into those ponds with ease, the water embracing him with a refreshing, earthy chill that was both invigorating and grounding.
The process had been quite straightforward—immerse, cleanse, and emerge, with nature's beauty as his backdrop.