Chapter 91: Found a New Path

Chapter 91: Found a New PathOperating the excavator was relatively straightforward, primarily involving two push levers and a control stick for the bucket. Zhang Yi found the fuel tank and filled it with diesel from his alternate space.

Then he climbed into the control room and turned the key.

"Rumble!"

Fortunately, the low temperature didn’t severely affect the new machinery, and the excavator started without issue. Zhang Yi began maneuvering the excavator, shoveling the snow to the sides. Initially slow, he gradually picked up speed.

After half an hour, he had dug a three-meter-deep pit, and the tracks could move slowly. The excavator’s tracks, instead of wheels, made it remarkably effective in the snow. Zhang Yi even thought that in special circumstances, this machine could serve as a transport vehicle.

Though slow, the excavator’s tracks moved smoothly over the snow. They could handle even muddy swamps, proving to be extremely versatile!

Despite his lack of experience, Zhang Yi managed to excavate the snow for nearly two hours until he hit solid building structures. Overjoyed, he began clearing the snow along the building’s outline, revealing the large rooftop platform of the gas station.

Finding the gas station's building made the task easier. Following the structure, he methodically cleared the snow. Due to his lack of proficiency, it took Zhang Yi a full five hours to reach the convenience store window of the gas station.

Thankfully, he used the excavator, not his hands, or he would have been exhausted to death.

Zhang Yi climbed down from the excavator, stored it back into his alternate space, and broke the window to jump inside.

He was startled by the sight inside. The snow had breached the doors, filling most of the space. Fortunately, the back door was still visible.

Walking carefully on the snow, Zhang Yi searched for the fuel storage area. Gas stations typically have underground storage tanks, reducing the risk of being buried by snow.

It didn’t take long for Zhang Yi to find the entrance to the storage area. Despite the spacious front, the back area was compact, making the entrance easy to locate. Using a crowbar, he pried open the iron door and illuminated the space with his miner's lamp.

The sight made him gasp. Five massive storage tanks, each holding about 200 cubic meters of fuel, stood before him. The sheer volume was overwhelming.

Zhang Yi thought for a moment, then carefully stepped back outside to remove any static electricity from his body before daring to re-enter.

The gas station had ceased operations, and the place was pitch dark. Using the miner’s lamp, Zhang Yi sealed the fuel pipes with plastic and cling film to prevent leaks.

Then, he stored the enormous tanks in his alternate space. With three tanks of gasoline and one diesel, he no longer had to worry about fuel for his vehicles in the future.

"Wait a minute!"

A sudden thought struck Zhang Yi.

"If I can use the excavator to dig through the snow, doesn’t that mean I can uncover other buried places as well?"

"This means the entire world could become a massive treasure trove!"

"Possibly a treasure trove for me alone!"

Zhang Yi's mind raced with excitement at this realization.

Underneath the snow, countless treasures awaited discovery.

"All valuable items, all valuable items!" Zhang Yi thought, feeling a surge of confidence. He no longer feared any shortage of supplies.

The whole world could be at his disposal!

Following the tracks left by the excavator, Zhang Yi climbed back to the surface, mounted his snowmobile, and decided to end his search for the day. It was getting late.

He made another trip to the supermarket in Wanda Plaza, grabbing two bags of junk food to take back.

As soon as the snowmobile appeared outside the neighborhood, many people peered through their windows, watching him intently.

Zhang Yi parked the snowmobile behind his building, pretending to put it in the garage, then carried the two bags of food back to Building 25.

Without needing to be summoned, the neighbors gathered at the entrance. This time, Fang Yuqing didn’t come. She seemed to have accepted that Zhang Yi wouldn’t give her any more food. However, Lin Cainin remained hopeful and tried to get some food.

Zhang Yi didn’t even glance at her.

"Everyone worked hard dealing with the intruders yesterday. Today’s food is your reward."

"Let’s distribute it according to our agreed-upon rules."

He distributed the food based on contribution. Since the food was limited, those who did less work received less food. In simple terms, those who slacked off shouldn’t expect to eat much.

Because of the sniper rifle incident, the neighbors were more fearful of Zhang Yi and didn’t dare complain. They also knew that Zhang Yi had killed the most enemies.

Li Chengbin and Jiang Lei, who hadn’t been on duty the previous night, received only single portions, which were barely enough to fill them. They looked disappointed.

Li Chengbin said, "Brother Zhang, just waiting for them to attack could take forever."

"You killed more than ten of them. They’re probably too scared to come back. How are we supposed to earn our rewards?"

Young men tend to be impatient. Zhang Yi, touching his nose, smiled calmly. "Opportunities come to those who are prepared. I only said that killing one enemy would earn you five portions of food. But I never said you had to wait for them to attack."

Li Chengbin and Jiang Lei’s eyes lit up.

"You mean we can take the initiative?"

"We can kill people from other buildings for rewards?"

They were thrilled. Sᴇaʀᴄh the N0ᴠᴇFɪre.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

They desperately needed food and wanted to prove themselves within the group. They hoped to become Zhang Yi’s trusted followers.

Zhang Yi pondered.

So far, only the Tianhe Gang from Building 26 had attacked Building 25. But who knew what might happen in the future?

Especially after Zhang Yi revealed his snowmobile, more people in the neighborhood would surely target him.

Li Chengbin and Jiang Lei’s suggestion intrigued Zhang Yi. These people were originally recruited as cannon fodder. If they wanted to risk their lives, so be it.

Besides, the junk food was of little value to Zhang Yi.

Smiling approvingly, Zhang Yi said, "Of course you can! Anyone from outside our building is an enemy. Killing them ensures our collective safety."

"From now on, you can kill anyone from other buildings and exchange their bodies for rewards."

That was the rule. Given the harsh cold and heavy snow, they could only target nearby buildings. Naturally, their first target would be Building 26, home of the Tianhe Gang.

Li Chengbin and Jiang Lei cheered excitedly.

The others had mixed reactions but were visibly interested. After all, who wouldn’t want more food?