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Before Su Ning, Chen Xiaojun, and the other two could even search the ruins, a large number of mutated beasts appeared.

Meanwhile, Su Ning, Chen Xiaojun, and Hu Yue began their hunt, and as the mutated beasts were hunted down, a large number of treasure chests appeared.

However, most of these treasure chests are wooden boxes, with occasional iron and silver boxes, which definitely contain different levels of supplies.

However, misfortune never comes singly; acid rain soon appeared in the ruins.

Acid rain corrodes the earth, and the air is filled with the pungent smell of sulfur.

Su Ning, Chen Xiaojun, and Hu Yue darted through the ruins, pursued relentlessly by dozens of mutated beasts...

They resembled wolves, but had scorpion tails, their fangs dripping corrosive venom, and their scarlet eyes gleaming in the dim ruins.

"Suning! Left!" Hu Yue shouted, pulling the trigger at the same time. The bullet accurately hit a mutated wolf-scorpion that pounced on it, but the monster only staggered for a moment and roared as it charged again.

"Their weak point is in their abdomen!" Su Ning shouted, switching his electromagnetic rifle to high-frequency penetration mode and blasting the chest cavity of a mutated beast with a single shot.

Chen Xiaojun moved like a ghost, her Qing Shuang sword flashing with cold light, the sword energy sweeping across, instantly cutting the three-headed mutated beast in two.

However, these monsters seemed endless, surging out from every corner of the ruins.

Even more terrifying, their blood, splattered on the ground, corroded and emitted wisps of black smoke.

Acid rain poured down like ink, hitting the metal remains of Ruins No. 7 and making a hissing sound that made your teeth ache.

Su Ning wiped the rain off his face and tightened his grip on the trigger of the electromagnetic rifle.

A red warning flashed on his tactical goggles: [Contact with corrosive liquids, protective suit durability 87%].

"Twelve at three o'clock!" Chen Xiaojun's voice rang out in the communicator.

The Azure Frost Sword in her hand traced a dark blue path in the dim rain, and the sword energy swept across, instantly severing the three-headed mutated wolf-scorpion in half.

Those monsters had the bodies of wolves and the tails of scorpions, and the venom dripping from between their fangs corroded small pits in the ground.

Su Ning didn't turn around. His gun spat out a pale blue energy beam, which accurately hit a mutated beast that pounced from the side.

"Hu Yue, watch your step!" he shouted.

"Got it!" Hu Yue rolled to the side to avoid the scorpion tail that suddenly stabbed out from the ground, and fired continuously with the modified pulse pistol in her hand.

The bullet pierced the mutated beast's carapace, splattering fluorescent green blood.

The blood fell to the ground, immediately sending up a pungent white smoke.

Su Ning's tactical goggles flashed as he analyzed battlefield data: "These guys' blood is 30% more corrosive than the last time we encountered them. Our protective suits won't last long!"

"Treasure chest!" Chen Xiaojun suddenly shouted.

At her feet, three bronze treasure chests emerged from the corpses of the slain mutated beasts, their surfaces gleaming faintly.

This is the most precious resource after the "Great Cataclysm"...

Supplies that randomly drop after defeating mutated creatures.

Suning quickly made a decision: "Xiaojun, open the box! Hu Yue, cover for us! We need anti-corrosion agent!"

Chen Xiaojun rushed to the treasure chest and pressed her finger on the lid.

The treasure chest made a crisp "click" sound and then broke into countless points of light.

Three vials of pale purple potion floated in the air, next to a small device and several grenades.

[Received: Anti-corrosion potion ×3]

[Obtained: Energy Shield Generator (One-time Use)]

[Received: High Explosive Grenade x5]

"Shield! Use it now!" Chen Xiaojun grabbed the shield generator and tossed it to Hu Yue.

As the team's technical expert, Hu Yue's movements were incredibly fast; she activated the device almost the instant she caught it.

A pale blue energy barrier unfolded around her, enveloping the three of them.

The hissing sound was incessant as the mutated beast crashed into the shield, emitting a piercing scream as it was burned by the energy field.

Taking the opportunity, Su Ning replaced the energy magazine on his electromagnetic rifle while simultaneously observing his surroundings: "The shield can only last for three minutes, we must—"

His words were interrupted by a violent earthquake.

The ground undulated like waves, and the metal structure of the ruins groaned under the weight of the burden.

A giant mutated centipede burst from the ground. It was nearly ten meters long, its carapace gleamed with a metallic sheen, and its hundreds of legs were as sharp as blades. A pair of fangs on its head dripped corrosive venom.

"Elite level!" Hu Yue's face turned deathly pale. "How could there be an elite-level mutant in this godforsaken place?!"

Suning's tactical visor flashed frantically: [Warning: A+ level threat detected, immediate evacuation recommended].

Without hesitation, he pulled a high-explosive grenade from his waist: "Cover me!"

Chen Xiaojun understood, and the Azure Frost Sword drew a complex trajectory in the air, creating a barrier of sword energy in front of the mutated centipede.

Hu Yue fired continuously, the pulse bullets hitting the centipede's joints. Although they did not cause fatal damage, they successfully attracted its attention.

Seizing the opportunity, Suning slid down to the centipede and precisely threw a high-explosive grenade the instant it opened its massive jaws.

"Boom!" The shockwave from the explosion sent Su Ning flying several meters before he crashed heavily to the ground, cracking his tactical goggles.

The mutated centipede's head was blown to pieces, but its body was still writhing wildly, splattering venom everywhere.

Chen Xiaojun grabbed Su Ning's arm: "Let's go!"

Using the last of the shield's energy, the three rushed toward the exit of the ruins.

The moment she burst out of the ruins, Hu Yue activated the last anti-corrosion agent.

The purple mist enveloped the three of them, temporarily neutralizing the corrosive effects of the acid rain.

They dared not linger and continued their escape to higher ground.

……

Half an hour later, the three finally stopped in front of an abandoned military outpost halfway up a mountain.

Panting heavily, Su Ning inspected the spoils: "Besides the potions and grenades, there's this too."

He unfolded a blueprint that shimmered with a faint light.

[Vault Expansion Blueprint: Upgrades existing vault defense systems and adds weapons workshop functionality]

Hu Yue whistled, "Good stuff! This place looks nice."

She pointed to the outpost; although the outer walls were somewhat damaged, the main structure was intact, and the location was easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Chen Xiaojun had already reached the door and lightly touched the lock with her finger.

A wisp of spiritual energy was injected, and the rusty mechanical lock clicked open slowly.

“No signs of life,” she confirmed. “Safe.”

The outpost was more spacious than expected, complete with a central control room, living quarters, and armory.

Hu Yue went straight to the control panel and skillfully began operating it: "The power system is still usable, and the underground generator has 60% of its fuel reserves."

Suning retrieved the most important spoils of war—the shelter core.

This fist-sized blue crystal was salvaged by them before the previous shelter was destroyed.

He placed the core in the center of the outpost and pressed the activation button.

The blue light waves spread out from the core, and wherever they passed, damaged walls began to repair themselves, dust was automatically removed, and ventilation systems started operating again.

On the control panel, a holographic projection displays various data about the shelter:
[Shelter successfully established]

Current Level: Level 3

[Defense System: Basic Shield (Resistant to acid rain and attacks from common mutated beasts)]

[Expansion options: Weaponry Workshop, Medical Room, Planting Area]

"Finally, a decent place." Su Ning breathed a sigh of relief and took out living supplies from the spatial world.

There is also a very large, luxurious bed, which is spacious enough for three people to sleep on.

Chen Xiaojun had already carved warning runes on the wall, the pale gold patterns faintly visible on the surface.

“The warning array is set up,” she said. “We will know in advance if any creature approaches.”

Hu Yue poked her head out from the kitchen area: "I found a working water purification system! And—"

She shook the can in her hand. "There are still quite a few military rations in the storage room, although they expired three years ago."

“In today’s world, expired food is actually the safest,” Su Ning said with a wry smile.

He walked to the window and looked out at the world shrouded in acid rain.

It is said that this instance world was changed by a disaster three years ago, leaving the sky forever gray and the earth scarred.

But at least they survived right after they crossed over and found a new base.

Chen Xiaojun walked to his side and asked softly, "What are you thinking about?"

“I think the elite-level mutants that appeared in Ruins No. 7 are abnormal.” Su Ning frowned. “That’s not an A-level threat area, so there shouldn’t be monsters of that level there.”

"You mean... the mutants are evolving?" Chen Xiaojun's expression also turned serious.

Hu Yue interjected, "Or someone deliberately lured them there."

She brought up the map projection on her smart bracelet. "Look at this, there are three known survivor camps around the ruins. If the ruins become dangerous..."

“They will be forced to migrate,” Su Ning continued. “And controlling the migration route is equivalent to controlling the survivors.”

The three fell silent. In this world where order had collapsed, the struggle between humans was sometimes more dangerous than that between mutated creatures.

Suddenly, a piercing alarm broke the silence.

The smart bracelet projects a bright red warning:

[Warning! High-energy life form detected approaching!]

[Danger Level: S]

[Estimated contact time: 7 minutes and 32 seconds]

"S-rank?!" Hu Yue's voice almost trembled. "How could there be an S-rank threat around here?"

Su Ning rushed towards the weapon rack: "No time to discuss! Prepare for battle!"

He tossed a piece of equipment to everyone...

He gave Chen Xiaojun a spirit power amplifier, Hu Yue a high-energy sniper rifle, and himself an anti-materiel electromagnetic cannon found in the outpost's armory.

Chen Xiaojun stood by the window, the Qing Shuang sword humming in her hand.

In the rain, a blurry, enormous figure slowly approached, the ground trembling slightly with each step it took.

“Whatever it is,” Suning said, installing the last energy battery, “we must defend this shelter.”

The core of the shelter seemed to sense the crisis, and the blue light curtain became even more solid.

The three took their positions, awaiting the approaching storm.

……

The tall, mysterious figure soon left and did not come to Su Ning and the others' refuge, so it was a false alarm.

Next, Suning took out some ingredients from the spatial world and cooked a delicious meal.

Acid rain pattered against the protective shield of the shelter, making a soft "rustling" sound.

Hu Yue leaned against the window, looking at the pitted and uneven ground outside, corroded by the rain, and couldn't help but shiver.

"Stop looking, come and eat." Su Ning's voice came from behind.

Hu Yue turned around, her eyes widening instantly—the table was filled with fresh ingredients: distinctly textured beef, vibrant green vegetables, glistening rice, and even a bottle of red wine with a French label.

"Suning, you even brought this?" Hu Yue jogged over, her fingers trembling as she touched the wine bottle. "This is a top-quality red wine from the Bordeaux region!"

Su Ning was using her spiritual power to wash the vegetables when she heard this and smiled: "Even if it's the end of the world, we can't stop eating bad food."

With a flick of his wrist, the water droplets on the vegetables separated automatically, tracing an arc in the air before falling into the water tank.

Chen Xiaojun took the beef, gathered spiritual energy at her fingertips, and gently sliced ​​the meat into even pieces, just like a work of art.

With a flick of her finger, a ghostly blue flame ignited on the stove, and the olive oil in the pot immediately began to bubble.

"Isn't it a bit extravagant for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to use fire to cook?" Hu Yue rested her chin on her hand, staring longingly at the sizzling beef in the pot.

"Isn't the purpose of cultivation to live a more comfortable life?" Chen Xiaojun chuckled, and with a flick of her wrist, the beef was already seven-tenths cooked, before she added vegetables and a special sauce.

The rich aroma instantly filled the entire shelter, and Hu Yue's stomach started growling uncontrollably.

"Xiaojun, you're amazing!" Hu Yue's eyes lit up. "I wish I could cultivate too."

Chen Xiaojun paused slightly and exchanged a glance with Su Ning: "Hu Yue, you... don't have spiritual roots."

"Spiritual roots?"

“It’s like a key.” Su Ning chimed in, scooping the cooked rice into a bowl. “Without the key, you can’t open the door to cultivation.”

Hu Yue's expression dimmed for a moment, but she quickly cheered up: "It's okay! I can be your technological support!"

She patted the tool bag at her waist. "I just fixed the shelter's surveillance system and reinforced the perimeter alarms."

Chen Xiaojun plated the stir-fried dishes and said softly, "Everyone has their own path. In the wasteland world, technical experts are rarer than Foundation Establishment cultivators."

At this moment, Su Ning stroked Hu Yue's head and comforted her, saying, "Don't worry! I will do my best to improve your physique. Living to be one or two hundred years old is no problem."

"And what about Xiaojun?"

"As her cultivation level increases, her lifespan will become longer and longer."

"That's good! I feel relieved to have Xiaojun with you."

Suning opened the wine glass, and the deep red liquid poured into it, gleaming like a jewel under the light.

"Come on, let's celebrate our successful establishment in the wasteland."

The three wine glasses clinked gently together, producing a crisp sound.

As the red wine touched her tongue, a rich fruity aroma burst forth. Hu Yue squinted her eyes and exclaimed, "My God! This is a million times better than compressed biscuits!"

The steaming hot food on the table was quickly devoured.

After a satisfying meal, Hu Yue leaned back in her chair, then suddenly remembered something: "By the way, what was that spatial world that Sister Xiaojun mentioned earlier?"

Chen Xiaojun looked at Su Ning, who nodded.

She explained, "Suning has a complete spatial world, which is like... another complete universe."

"Really?" Hu Yue's eyes widened.

"Don't rush! You'll gradually understand your man." Chen Xiaojun smiled meaningfully.

Suning coughed lightly, took out his smart bracelet, and activated the [World Channel].

A semi-transparent light screen unfolded on the dining table, and countless pieces of information scrolled down like a waterfall...

[Sector C-56] "Buying antibiotics at high prices! Weapons available in exchange!"

[Sector B-12] "Orc tribes are gathering; nearby shelters beware!"

[A-03 District] "After the acid rain comes extreme cold; those without warm clothing should prepare it now!"

[D-89 District] "Relics Exploration Team Recruiting! Requirements: At least Level 3 combat power. Generous rewards!"

Chen Xiaojun frowned slightly: "It seems that the survivors have already formed their own survival system."

Hu Yue suddenly pointed to a message: "Suning, look at this—【C-127 District】'Looking for purified water, can exchange bullets or medicine,' isn't this our district?"

Suning quickly replied: "[C-127 District] "Selling purified water and food in exchange for shelter cores."

As soon as the message was sent, several private messages popped up.

A user with the ID "Blacksmith Lao Lei" sent me a message: "How much water do you have? I can trade it for modified firearms."

"Modify firearms?" Hu Yue's eyes lit up, but Su Ning shook his head and replied, "20 liters of purified water, in exchange for the shelter core."

After a moment of silence, the other party sent a coordinate: "Meet me at the abandoned machinery factory tomorrow morning."

"Business is coming in so quickly!" Hu Yue said excitedly.

“In the wasteland, water and food are more precious than gold.” Su Ning put away the bracelet. “Xiao Jun and I will go to make the trade tomorrow. Hu Yue, you stay here at the shelter.”

"Why?" Hu Yue pouted, dissatisfied. "I can help too!"

Chen Xiaojun explained, "The shelter needs to be guarded, and..."

She pointed to the control panel, "Your technology is the most crucial safeguard we need."

Although Hu Yue was reluctant, she still nodded in agreement.

She got up to clear the table, when suddenly a red light flashed on the monitor screen.

"Something's wrong!" Hu Yue immediately rushed to the control panel and pulled up the external surveillance footage.

In the video, several dark figures are seen wandering in the acid rain, seemingly searching for something.

Su Ning immediately went into battle mode: "Prepare for defense!"

The three quickly armed themselves.

Chen Xiaojun gathered spiritual energy at her fingertips, ready to launch an attack at any moment; Hu Yue set up her sniper rifle and observed through the thermal imaging scope; Su Ning activated the shelter's defense system.

However, after lingering for a moment, the shadowy figures suddenly turned and left.

“Strange…” Hu Yue breathed a sigh of relief, “They seem to be looking for something, but not us.”

Su Ning pondered, "They're probably here for that S-class ruin."

It was late at night, but the acid rain continued to fall.

The shelter's protective shield keeps out corrosive rainwater, while the interior remains warm and dry.

After taking turns keeping watch, the three decided to rest.

In the bedroom, Chen Xiaojun and Hu Yue lay down close to Su Ning, one on each side.

In the perilous wasteland, Suning gave them an unprecedented sense of security.

"Goodnight, my warriors," Hu Yue whispered, and soon drifted off to sleep.

Chen Xiaojun was still awake. She said softly, "Su Ning, that spatial world... are you really going to tell Hu Yue the whole truth?"

Su Ning stared at the ceiling and said slowly, "Let's wait until the time is right! Knowing too much now won't do her any good."

Outside the window, the night in the wasteland was as dark as ink.

Occasionally, the howls of mutated beasts could be heard from afar, but inside the shelter, the three slept in each other's arms, spending their first night in this cruel world.

...(End of chapter)