Chapter Seventy-seven: The Enchanted Tribe

Driving through the night, Xiao Han’s condition became erratic, fluctuating between moments of clarity and distress. Though the effects of the Ghostface’s drug had faded, it seemed Xiao Han’s body was suffering some lingering side effects, which made Wu Jue increasingly anxious. Along the way, he attempted to use techniques from Dalin Temple to help regulate Xiao Han’s health, but the results were far from encouraging.

Just as Wu Jue was running out of ideas, a roadside motel appeared ahead, its lights glowing warmly in the darkness, rekindling his hope. He parked the car at the entrance, only to find two attendants dressed as maids waving him inside. “Welcome, dear guest! Would you like to come in and rest?” they called out.

Wu Jue, tense and worried, replied, “My friend is ill. Is there a doctor here? I need medicine!”

“A doctor? Perhaps among our guests. Why don’t you come in?” The maids beckoned him with charming gestures.

Defeated by their enthusiasm, Wu Jue glanced back at Xiao Han in the car and asked, “What should I do about my friend?”

“No need to worry; we can carry him up,” came a voice from inside the motel. To Wu Jue’s surprise, it was Xiao Yang who stepped out, greeting him warmly. Wu Jue seized his arm, exclaiming, “How did you end up here? Do you have news of the others? Please, help me with Xiao Han—he’s hurt.”

Xiao Yang responded as he followed Wu Jue to the car. After inspecting Xiao Han, he nodded, “There’s no time to lose. Luckily you found me. I’ll start an IV for Xiao Han; he should recover after a night’s rest.” He then called for help, and together they carried Xiao Han up to the second floor.

As Wu Jue entered, he realized this place was like another world, seemingly untouched by the apocalypse. Inside, young people lounged, chatting, browsing the internet, and gathering for leisure. Xiao Yang had settled Xiao Han and returned to Wu Jue. “Amazing, isn’t it?” he said. “I thought the same when I first arrived two days ago. The owner of this motel is quite charismatic; he’s turned this place into a paradise. Let me introduce you…”

He presented Wu Jue to the manager and the main members. The motel had once been an abandoned internet café, but several young refugees had taken over and transformed it. Most were skilled in networking, some were engineers and even scientists, gathering supplies and maintaining the place through their talents.

Xiao Yang discreetly explained that some core members possessed special abilities, while others came from wealthy families with valuable resources. Wu Jue nodded; in the apocalypse, anyone would crave such a sanctuary, though perhaps it was a bit too comfortable.

After the introductions, the caretaker came to report that Xiao Han’s IV had been started, and he should gradually recover through the night. Xiao Yang patted Wu Jue’s shoulder, “Relax. You’re safe here. We haven’t seen each other in days; let’s catch up.”

They settled onto a sofa and began talking at length. Wu Jue spoke of his encounters with Xiu Lun and the two sisters he’d met. Hearing of Wu Jue and Xiao Han’s misadventures, Xiao Yang laughed, “Impressive. If those two girls show up here, make sure to hold onto them.”

A maid serving them a platter of fruit chimed in, “Don’t worry, we’ll keep an eye out.”

Wu Jue picked up an apple and took a bite. “Are you not planning to head to City C? Weren’t we supposed to meet there?”

“Of course I’ll go,” Xiao Yang replied, “but there are things I need to handle here. I’ve used the local network to contact other survivors, hoping to find more information about the Heavenly Execution Clan. I’d also like to make this place a secret contact point. To keep out troublemakers, I’m upgrading the motel’s security systems.”

“So you stayed to design traps and anti-theft measures, didn’t you?” Wu Jue guessed.

Xiao Yang stood and patted him again. “Get some rest tonight. Tomorrow I’ll show you around and bring you up to speed. Sleep well—no one will disturb you here.”

Wu Jue said nothing more, simply lay back on the sofa and closed his eyes to rest. Such a life was rare—peaceful and free from worry. Wu Jue hadn’t enjoyed such calm in ages. Perhaps, once the Heavenly Execution Clan was defeated, they might truly savor this kind of existence.

Drifting into sleep, Wu Jue unconsciously channeled his inner energy, continuing to practice the Great Transformation Manual that Xiu Lun had taught him. For reasons unknown, perhaps due to the comfort of this environment, his cultivation seemed to enter a new realm. Sometimes, the absence of pressure is the greatest catalyst; Wu Jue sensed that he had finally broken through to the fifth stage of the Bone Transformation.

Suddenly, he awoke to the sound of loud voices. Opening his eyes, he saw two familiar figures arguing with others—it was the two sisters, evidently having arrived.

“Hey, aren’t you being a bit weird?” the elder sister was saying. “Inviting us up in the middle of the night and offering rooms—aren’t you hiding something?”

The motel owner chuckled, “You’re our honored guests; we just want you to stay. Don’t misunderstand us. Besides, we welcome everyone here. Don’t you think people should help each other in the apocalypse?”

The elder sister laughed, “That’s amusing. In the end times, everyone is too busy protecting themselves to help others. You expect us to believe you’re just being generous?”

“Oh, look, that monk is here,” the younger sister pointed at Wu Jue. “Is he here for revenge?”

Wu Jue rubbed his head, speechless. “Revenge? If I wanted that, I wouldn’t have waited this long. I asked the owner to let you stay—it seems my kindness was wasted.”

The elder sister, embarrassed, fell silent for a moment before muttering, “So, where are you putting us? Are there any vacant rooms?”

Xiao Yang appeared and addressed them, “So these are the two sisters who swindled you and Xiao Han. Sharp-tongued, I see. I’ll let you have my room—will that satisfy you?”

Both sisters blushed as Xiao Yang spoke. The younger one stepped forward, “Thank you. Where is it?”

Xiao Yang pointed to the third floor and handed them the keys, then settled beside Wu Jue on the sofa, saying, “I’ll make do here tonight.”

The sisters, unreserved, hurried upstairs, but soon popped back out. “There aren’t any creepy old men waiting inside, are there?”

Xiao Yang nearly fell off the sofa. “Let me introduce ourselves—my name is Lily, hers is May. Remember!”

With laughter, they scampered away.

Wu Jue glanced at Xiao Yang and remarked, “Isn’t this just being cute?”

Xiao Yang glared, “Being cute is shameless!”

End of Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Miraculous Tribe