Chapter Twenty-Two: Perfect Evolution

Not long after the cells had been assigned, Xiao Yang returned, requesting a meeting with Wu Jue and the others.

Seeing the grave expression on Xiao Yang’s face, Wu Jue sensed something was amiss and immediately gathered Xiao Han and An Yi. The four of them sat down together to discuss matters.

Xiao Yang sharply pointed out their current predicament. Though they had managed to settle inside the prison, this did not mean they were out of danger. There were still plenty of zombies in the surrounding area, and the Tianzhu Clan could launch an attack at any moment. Moreover, the supplies within the prison were far from abundant—there was a pressing need to venture out again and gather more resources.

Xiao Yang even produced a map of the prison’s vicinity and explained, “I’ve already familiarized myself with the terrain around here. To the north of the prison lies a vast wasteland—originally cleared for the inmates to cultivate crops. But a couple of years ago, a corpse was discovered in the fields, and the project was abandoned. We could make use of that land to plant some crops and strive for self-sufficiency.”

Wu Jue couldn’t help but remark, “It’s a good idea, but the cycle for growing crops is long. Unless we plan to settle here for the long haul and can gather enough supplies to last a year or more, it’s risky. There’s no guarantee the zombies outside won’t cause trouble.”

Xiao Yang nodded, “That’s why my plan is to use the Tianzhu Clan’s technology to enclose that land and seal it off together with the prison. This is exactly what I wanted to discuss with you.”

He then took out a device he’d obtained from the Tianzhu Clan, powered it on, and analyzed it for everyone. “I’ve been studying this thing lately. There’s a lot of advanced technology packed into it. If we harness it properly, we could handle the zombie threat, maybe even save our infected companions. The technology here is all-encompassing—it can be used for planting crops, manufacturing goods, and more.”

Hearing this, Wu Jue knew there must be a difficult problem to solve, so he asked, “Xiao Yang, do you need our help? Say whatever you need—of course we’ll support you.”

Xiao Yang nodded. “Actually, I’m not entirely sure if we should go through with this. I really need an assistant—especially someone skilled in technology, to help me research more things. There happens to be such a person in this prison. Wu Jue, you met him earlier—his name is Luo Si.”

At the mention of Luo Si, An Yi and Xiao Han were indifferent, but Wu Jue instinctively frowned, especially as Huron’s voice echoed in his mind, warning, “This man is dangerous. It’s best not to agree.”

He warned Xiao Yang seriously, “Xiao Yang, do you know him well? Luo Si gives me the same feeling as Xun’er—dangerous. They may seem harmless, but there’s a darkness beneath the surface. We must be cautious.”

Xiao Yang wasn’t offended and nodded in agreement. “I know it’s a risk, but the situation is dire—we have to try the fastest, most effective way. I’ll keep a close watch on Luo Si and won’t entrust everything to him. I hope you’ll all help supervise as well.”

Princess An Yi clapped her hands and said, “In that case, there’s no need to hesitate. We have plenty to do. Xiao Han, you assist Xiao Yang; Master Wu Jue and I will find a way to capture Ghost Face—I just can’t trust him.”

Wu Jue didn’t waste words. The decision made, the two of them left the cell and began patrolling the area around the plaza.

“So, you’re still determined to catch Ghost Face?” Wu Jue teased with a smile, noting An Yi’s tenacity.

An Yi tossed her hair. “I’ve never suffered such a setback. I’m going to make him pay for it.”

The two of them carefully patrolled the perimeter of the cells, including those areas overrun by zombies, meticulously checking for any vulnerabilities just in case.

The gate they’d previously smashed in their joint assault had to be reinstalled from scratch. Quick Hands was leading people in the repairs, and when he saw the two approach, he greeted them respectfully, “Heroes, on patrol? You’ve worked hard—would you like some water?”

Wu Jue waved his hand, feeling a little embarrassed. Had he known they would be staying here, he wouldn’t have kicked the door in so thoroughly.

Princess An Yi, on the other hand, was unreserved, reminding them to work hard and not slack off, leaving Quick Hands nodding repeatedly, not daring to neglect his duty.

Thus, a calm day passed. Everyone returned to their makeshift quarters to rest. Wu Jue settled into his cold cell and, as usual, sat cross-legged in meditation.

Even in this apocalyptic world, he hadn’t abandoned his daily regimen of cultivation. Under Huron’s secret guidance, his powers seemed to grow with each passing day.

Especially after his last accidental evolution from viral infection, Wu Jue found his body undergoing many changes. Limits that had once seemed insurmountable were easily crossed; realms he’d thought unattainable were now within reach.

His strength, speed, and reflexes were now several times that of an ordinary martial artist. Most impressive was his newfound control over his own body—at will, he could make it as hard as steel or as supple and elastic as he wished.

Huron told him that as long as he diligently practiced the “Bone Marrow Transformation Sutra,” Wu Jue could master all seventy-three of the Shaolin Temple’s supreme techniques and use them at will.

It was worth noting that, throughout the history of Shaolin, no one had ever mastered all seventy-three techniques. Some of them conflicted with each other, some were extraordinarily complex, and even the most gifted prodigies would need enormous time and effort to comprehend them.

Now, Wu Jue was able to master them all—how could he not be overjoyed? He owed much to the former abbot, who, in the temple’s time of crisis, had made him memorize all seventy-three techniques. Perhaps the abbot had foreseen that Wu Jue would face such trials one day.

Wu Jue silently accepted Huron’s guidance, resting and meditating, delving into the mysteries of the “Bone Marrow Transformation Sutra.” He lost all sense of time, until muffled commotion outside drew his attention.

He strained his ears and could make out faint screams and the sounds of fighting coming from near the plaza, seemingly from the quarantined living area.

Alert, Wu Jue sprang up, woke Xiao Han, and went to investigate. They quickly saw other companions already up, peering anxiously outside.

By now, a considerable number of zombies had appeared in the plaza—they’d somehow broken through the barbed wire and gotten in.

Someone cried out, “Master, we’re under attack! Zombies have broken in—what do we do?”

Wu Jue drew his steel blade and began cutting down the zombies in front of him, saving as many people as he could, while instructing everyone to arm themselves and resist.

But then Xiao Yang rolled out in his wheelchair and said, “Our weapons have been taken. The prisoners are starting to riot as well. This is Ghost Face’s trap—he wants to wipe us out.”

“Not that easily!” Xiao Han sneered, charging back into the cells to teach the prisoners a lesson. Soon, the sounds of intense fighting rang out from within.

Suddenly, Princess An Yi’s voice rang out, brimming with excitement, “I knew it wouldn’t be that simple! You scum, face your punishment!”

With a thunderous crash, the cell door slammed shut. Xiao Han, who’d been first to charge in, saw Princess An Yi standing alone behind a dozen prisoners, brandishing her spear and launching into a bloody massacre.

End of Chapter 22: Perfect Evolution.