Yan Jin led the way to his old mansion, the lifeless Wei Xi in tow. The once grand estate had not been spared from the devastation that swept through Pine City. The mansion stood battered and broken, its walls marred with cracks, the roof partially caved in, and the garden overgrown and wild. It was a haunting reflection of the chaos that had recently engulfed the city.
But Yan Jin knew that appearances could be deceiving. Amidst the ruin above, there was a place of safety below. As they approached a seemingly ordinary section of the mansion's crumbling foundation, Yan Jin moved to a hidden lever embedded in the wall. With a creak, a section of the floor shifted, revealing a set of stone steps leading down into darkness.
The underground chamber was a stark contrast to the desolation above. It was modest, yet it held a quiet sense of security and purpose. The room was illuminated by a series of small, strategically placed lanterns, casting a warm glow across the space. The walls were lined with shelves stocked with essential tools, from simple farming implements to well-maintained weapons.
There were containers filled with food rations, water, and basic medical supplies, ensuring that anyone seeking refuge here could survive for an extended period.
The chamber also contained a small cot, a basin for washing, and a neatly folded set of blankets. Everything was meticulously organized, reflecting the careful planning that had gone into creating this sanctuary. It was clear that this was a place meant to sustain life, to provide comfort in times of dire need.
Yan Jin guided Wei Xi into the chamber and gently pushed him toward the basin. "Go and take a shower," he instructed, his voice steady but softened with concern. "Find something to eat and try to fall asleep. We will talk more tomorrow."
Wei Xi moved mechanically, his mind and body numb from the overwhelming trauma he had endured. He didn't utter a word as he began to follow Yan Jin's instructions, the weight of his experiences pressing down on him. As he stepped into the basin to wash away the dirt and blood, Yan Jin watched with a heavy heart, knowing that the child's spirit had been crushed.
Wei Xi had endured unimaginable trauma—losing his best friend, feeling betrayed by his idol, taking a human life for the first time, witnessing his grandfather's death, and being abandoned by his teacher. The psychological toll on such a young child was immense, but this pain could also serve as a powerful catalyst for his future growth.
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Outside, the Meng family and their supporters were working tirelessly to establish a new order of command and implement new rules.
Under the cloak of night, Yan Jin moved with the utmost stealth through the wreckage of his old mansion, every step measured and cautious. The city lay in ruins, but amidst the chaos, he saw a glimmer of opportunity. His heart raced with the urgency of his mission; he had to escape while the Meng family's hold on Pine City was still in flux.
The pain from his injuries was intense, a constant reminder of the Heretical God Eye technique's toll. His body was barely functional, his blood veins sealed, rendering him powerless. He could no longer call upon his Nine-Headed Hydra bloodline or the Ouroboros tactic. His shoulder was dislocated, and his arms were contorted in unnatural positions.
Yan Jin was a shadow of his former self, crippled and vulnerable.
Despite the excruciating pain, Yan Jin had to make his move. Disguised in Lan Zhan's clothes, he looked like nothing more than a humble servant. The disguise was a small but crucial advantage. To any observer, he appeared as just another figure in the aftermath of the disaster, not the hero who had unleashed fire from the sky hours earlier.
The Meng family was busy establishing a new order, their members working around the clock to bring some semblance of control to the city. Yan Jin had anticipated that the Meng family's new leadership would be preoccupied with consolidating their power, and that provided him with a narrow window for escape. Purple Pen Meng, the tactician of the family, had proven himself to be a master of strategy.
He had cleverly manipulated the situation, sending his brother to mentor Wei Xi, and patiently waited for fifteen years to strike. Yan Jin knew that such a formidable adversary could not be underestimated.
Having exposed part of the Meng family's plan to Purple Spear Meng earlier , Yan Jin had ensured that they would be cautious in their actions, aware that Wei Xi was under his protection. This move bought him some breathing room, but Yan Jin knew the threat was far from over. Once the Meng family consolidated their control, he would become their next target.
The looming threat of Nie Li added another layer of urgency. Nie Li, who had fled with the empty treasure box, was either regrouping or lying in wait for an attack. Either way, he was a dangerous wildcard. Yan Jin's possession of the stem cell made him a prime target for any organization seeking power.
With only three days to make his escape according to his analysis Yan Jin was acutely aware of the stakes. His crippled state made it essential to act swiftly and decisively. He had no time to waste, especially with the added burden of Wei Xi's situation.
As Yan Jin moved through the shadows, he reflected on his own situation and whispered to himself, "I am not making any more promises." His words were a vow of resolve as he carefully evaded the surveillance he suspected was in place.