NABC Chapter 129 Summer
Chapter 129 Summer
Chapter 129 Summer
One minute, two minutes — ten minutes, twenty minutes —
Xu Mo stood by the window, his internal energy flowing calmly, his senses heightened to the extreme, capturing every subtle change in the outside world. The first wave of impact predicted for Jiangcheng, the blood and flesh storm that crashed against Jiangcheng's air defense network like a black tide, was still nowhere to be seen.
The streets remained deathly silent, but the grayish-yellow hue of the sky seemed to have deepened, likely due to the continued drift of smoke from the distant fire.
The roar and shrieking of wings, after reaching a heart-pounding peak, did not swoop down as expected. Instead, they seemed to become chaotic and scattered, eventually turning into a series of intermittent sounds.
Thirty minutes, forty minutes—an hour passed.
The scene that Xu Mo had envisioned—a flock of birds frantically crashing into buildings, anti-aircraft fire in full force, and screams intertwined with explosions—did not materialize.
The streets remained deserted, but the oppressive, suffocating feeling of impending doom began to inexplicably loosen.
Xu Mo was somewhat puzzled; this situation was rather abnormal. According to the broadcast announcement and common sense, with the nest destroyed and many of their kind dead, the surviving birds should not be so calm under any circumstances, yet they were unusually quiet.
Another hour passed, and the gray-yellow hue in the sky began to slowly dissipate. Faint voices began to drift from the streets, their conversations filled with confusion.
"Didn't come?"
"It seems to have flown away?"
"What's going on? Aren't you going to fight anymore?"
Xu Mo pushed open the door, walked into the courtyard, and looked up. Apart from the drifting dust, only a few ordinary birds, clearly disoriented and panicked, flew by in a hurry. There was no large-scale attack swarm at all.
As Xu Mo opened the door and walked to the alley entrance, he saw that some of his bolder neighbors were cautiously peeking out, looking up at the sky just like him. Their faces showed no elation at surviving a disaster, only confusion and uncertainty.
"Old Zhang, did you see that clearly? Wasn't that a flock of birds that just flew by? Why didn't they come down?"
"I don't know, I just heard a whooshing sound as it flew overhead, it was incredibly fast!"
"Wasn't it supposed to be revenge? Is that all?"
The murmurs gradually grew louder, but no one dared to relax completely; they remained pressed against the door and wall, peering out warily.
Just then, the sound of the radio came through clearly again, attracting everyone's attention. Xu Mo quickly went back inside.
The announcer's voice remained calm, but a closer listener could detect a hint of relief and equally obvious surprise: "Emergency situation update: Based on continuous monitoring from forward observation posts, radar, and drones, it is now confirmed that:"
The large flock of mutated birds that had previously scattered from the Hongxing Industrial Zone and moved towards Jiangcheng did not launch an organized swarm attack on my shelter.
"Observations show that after approaching our outer air defense zone, the flock of birds exhibited signs of large-scale disarray and dispersion. The vast majority of birds chose to bypass the airspace over Jiangcheng and scatter towards more distant wilderness and forests. Only a few scattered individuals or very small groups briefly approached, all of which changed direction or left on their own after warning shots were fired by air defenses."
"Based on preliminary analysis by experts, the main reason for this situation is most likely that the 'nest burning in the ruins' operation successfully killed or severely damaged the 'leader-level' mutated individual that played a core command role in the flock."
"Such individuals often play the role of leader, information hub, or behavior guide in super-large mutant groups. Their death or loss of command ability leads to the collapse of the entire flock's collective action, plunging them into a state of chaotic disarray, where the collective will for revenge or attack cannot be consolidated, thus manifesting as disintegration rather than attack."
"To reiterate, the current threat of large-scale swarm attacks has been temporarily averted. However, the threat posed by individual mutated birds scattered throughout the wilderness remains, and the possibility of new, powerful individuals regrouping some flocks cannot be ruled out. All residents are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to safety regulations, and minimize unnecessary activities in the wilderness. Patrol forces in all areas will maintain a high level of alert."
The broadcast continued to announce precautions and reassurances, but barely suppressed cheers could already be heard coming from the alley.
"We won..."
"The leader's dead, haha!"
"No need to hit anymore! It's alright!"
Cheers quickly spread, and many people ran out of their houses, excitedly hugging and high-fiving, their faces finally breaking into genuine smiles. The streets instantly regained their liveliness, and although the sky was still somewhat hazy, the sunlight seemed to brighten considerably.
Soon, patrolling soldiers and security personnel reappeared, this time tasked with maintaining order, reprimanding those who were overly excited or even wanted to set off firecrackers to go home, and emphasizing that the alert had not been completely lifted and that vigilance still needed to be maintained.
Xu Mo stood at the door, watching this scene with a clear understanding in his heart.
It turns out that the flock of birds that occupied the Red Star Industrial Zone was not just a large rabble; there was a clear hierarchy and command structure within them, and even one or a few highly evolved "leaders" with certain command abilities.
The attack on Jiangcheng, whether by accident or as a crucial part of the plan, directly paralyzed the bird flock.
brain".
Without unified command and information coordination, even the largest group will fall apart. Animal instincts will override the collective will for revenge, and survival and escape will become the first choices. This explains why the anticipated frenzied retaliation did not materialize.
More than an hour later, the sound of wings filled the sky again. This time, instead of panicking and hiding, people looked up to look.
Several large flocks of birds, like refugees fleeing a disaster, hurriedly flew over the high airspace above Jiangcheng. Their formation was loose, their flight paths chaotic, and they were only focused on flapping their wings and desperately flying away from the Red Star Industrial Zone, almost ignoring the human city below, let alone launching an attack.
Although these flocks of birds were numerous, they no longer brought fear to the people, but rather a strange sense of surviving a catastrophe.
After several flocks of birds sparsely flew by, the sky gradually returned to a relatively normal color, and the noise on the street reached its peak.
Finally, the radio broadcast the long-awaited announcement: "Based on comprehensive assessment by the Jiangcheng Command Center, it has been decided to lift the citywide emergency alert. Repeat, emergency alert lifted! Thank you to all residents for your cooperation and perseverance during this crisis. The Jiangcheng defense forces will continue to protect everyone's safety."
"The alert is off!"
"oh--!"
The real celebration began as people flooded the streets, shops reopened, and laughter, conversations, and even music from somewhere mingled together, dispelling the gloom that had lingered for half a day.
Children ran through the streets, and adults gathered together excitedly discussing the victory they had just witnessed, their voices filled with pride in Jiangcheng's military strength and optimism for the future.
Xu Mo also stepped out of his house and joined the flow of people on the street. Looking at the relaxed and joyful faces around him, and feeling the vibrant atmosphere that was so different from the oppressive and lifeless atmosphere before, he felt a subtle sense of unreality rising in his heart.
The threat of flocks of birds that had plagued Jiangcheng for so long, even threatening its very foundation, was resolved just like that? A fierce air defense battle, anticipated in the first place, ended in such an anticlimactic manner? Was it because Jiangcheng was lucky enough to take down a key leader? Or is it that this seemingly terrifying mutated creature cluster inherently possesses a similar vulnerability in its social structure?
Regardless, the celebrations are real; the food crisis has been temporarily averted, and the threat from the skies seems to have receded—undoubtedly a huge victory.
The celebrations in the streets and alleys lasted for a long time, and people reluctantly dispersed as evening approached.
Life seems to be getting back on track, and a more pragmatic and urgent atmosphere is beginning to permeate the air—the summer harvest.
In the following days, the focus of broadcasts and street notices in Jiangcheng shifted entirely to the upcoming summer grain harvest.
Organizing manpower, allocating agricultural machinery, arranging drying areas, and formulating security plans, the entire city, like a giant machine, quickly switched from a state of war preparedness to production mode.
The conversations about birds on the streets were quickly replaced by discussions about "the wheat is growing really well this year," "how much yield per acre is estimated," and "whether the harvesting team needs more people."
After wandering around for a while, watching the vibrant yet quickly turning back into the busy daily routine, Xu Mo felt a little bored after the initial novelty wore off.
After the crisis was over, life seemed to return to its previous routine: cultivation, leisurely strolls, and observation. But Xu Mo knew that in the apocalypse, peace was always temporary.
He strolled into the Hunter's Guild, where the huge quest posting hall was still bustling with people. Xu Mo wasn't there to accept quests; the generous contribution points meant he wouldn't have to worry about making a living for the foreseeable future.
Xu Mo came here this time to use the guild as a hub for information to see what Jiangcheng's official priorities and potential moves are currently being made public.
On the huge electronic screens and bulletin boards, the task list scrolled and refreshed, with tasks related to the summer harvest dominating the list:
[Level E] Patrol and guard the perimeter of wheat fields (long-term, requires personal weapons, contribution points are paid daily)
[Level E] Form a mobile bird deterrence team (relevant experience or special equipment required, high reward).
[Level E] Assisting with harvesting machinery maintenance and fuel transportation; [Level D] Night watch at grain drying yards —
The area was densely packed with activity, almost entirely focused on protecting and harvesting food. The rewards, ranging from low to high, attracted hunters and idle laborers from all walks of life.
Among these tasks, Xu Mo also noticed some less conspicuous ones, but there were still quite a few of them:
[Level C/B] Proceed to the Red Star Industrial Zone (designated area) to clear out remaining deceased residents (teams are recommended to accept this task; a detailed cleanup report is required).
[Level C] Reconnaissance outside the Red Star Industrial Zone (Confirm zombie movement and whether new dangerous creatures are gathering)
[Level B] Explore Factory X in the Red Star Industrial Zone to search for specific types of industrial equipment or information (High Risk)
Xu Mo nodded. Although the threat from the flock of birds had been eliminated, the problem of the zombie source in the Red Star Industrial Zone remained. Jiang Cheng clearly intended to use this window of opportunity to thoroughly eliminate the external threats, and perhaps also to attempt deeper exploration or resource recovery.
The high-risk markings on those exploration missions indicate that Jiangcheng still harbors reservations about the depths of the industrial zone.
Xu Mo carefully browsed through the list but didn't find any particularly strange or eye-catching tasks, such as the extermination of some new type of mutated creature or secret commissions involving conflicts with other shelters. Everything seemed to revolve around the two most pressing issues at present: "food" and "clearing the ruins."
At least on the surface, after Jiangcheng's victory over the flock of birds, its strategy was to prioritize survival while consolidating the security of the surrounding area, without immediately showing any greater ambition for expansion or engaging in other high-risk actions.
"That's good too," Xu Mo thought. A stable Jiangcheng is a more favorable environment for someone like him who wants to stay home for a while.
Xu Mo did not linger at the guild, turned around and left, returning to his quiet little courtyard.
With the door closed, the noise of the street was shut out. Xu Mo took a deep breath and assumed a cultivation stance.
The body's Qi and blood gradually accelerated with the mind's will, like a giant dragon gradually awakening.
The setting sun cast its last rays into the courtyard. After a near-miss crisis and victory, Xu Mo's life seemed to be returning to the daily cycle of cultivation, observation, and waiting.
But only he knew that his strength had never stopped improving, and his curiosity and exploration of the secrets of this world had never truly been extinguished by a moment of calm.
The mysteries of the Hongxing Industrial Zone still lie there, quietly awaiting exploration by Jiangcheng.
Days passed peacefully, the calendar pages on the wall turned one by one, and the scorching heat of midsummer finally enveloped the entire city of Jiangcheng without mercy.
The sky was a blindingly blue, and the sunlight poured down in a blinding white, distorting the streets, rooftops, and even the air itself. The air was filled with the dry smell of dust and the faint scent of scorched plants.
For Xu Mo, who had broken through to the Iron Bone Realm, this level of high temperature was unlikely to cause him any real discomfort. Having reached this level in the Thirteen Protectors Horizontal Training, his muscles and bones were strong, his blood and qi circulated naturally, and a warm and neutral qi flowed within his body, giving him extremely strong resistance to the invasion of external heat and cold.
The reason why Xu Mo truly felt the scorching heat of the sun was not due to physical sensation, but rather to his daily, unwavering practice of "gathering qi".
At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight pierced the darkness, Xu Mo would set up his stance training in the courtyard on time. As the technique circulated, gentle yang energy was drawn into his body, a part of his daily practice that brought him the most peace of mind and immense benefits.
However, with the arrival of midsummer, the sun's "fiery power" grew stronger and stronger. Xu Mo clearly felt that the originally gentle and mellow yang energy of heaven and earth in the early morning seemed to have been endowed with a stronger and more restless attribute by the season.
Especially as the energy gathering neared its end and the sun's rays began to become dazzling, Xu Mo felt that the energy he absorbed afterward carried a hint of scorching heat and violence, like scalding sand or boiling water, bringing a subtle burning sensation.
At first, Xu Mo could withstand the heat thanks to his Iron Bone Realm strength, but as the scorching energy accumulated, it began to cause him a slight stinging pain and a burden. If he continued to forcibly absorb the energy, it would not only be useless, but would also leave hidden dangers.
Left with no other choice, Xu Mo had to adjust his cultivation rhythm. The time window for "gathering qi" every morning was greatly shortened, and he would often stop his practice before the sun fully revealed its scorching face.
It was precisely because of this "unpleasant" experience in cultivation that Xu Mo gained a more intuitive and "professional" understanding of the blazing star above his head than ordinary people—yes, this year's sun is indeed exceptionally "scorching".
Stepping onto the street, the power of midsummer is even more palpable. Most pedestrians are dressed lightly; men are mostly in t-shirts and shorts, while women wear cool summer clothes and wave various kinds of fans. Beads of sweat roll down people's cheeks and necks, quickly evaporating on the dusty streets.
"—This awful weather! Can't the higher-ups think of something and install some air conditioning for us? Or even just a fan would do!" A middle-aged man squatting in the shadows under the eaves, fanning himself with a broken palm-leaf fan, complained weakly.
No sooner had he finished speaking than a middle-aged man wearing old glasses scoffed and adjusted his glasses: "Old Wang, what are you dreaming of? Air conditioning? Do you know how many kilowatt-hours of electricity Jiangcheng generates a day? Do you know how much electricity is needed to maintain the city wall defense system, basic factory production, inner city lighting, and all those research institutes and command posts? The electricity supply is just enough; we're far from wealthy! Every kilowatt-hour must be used wisely; we can't waste it on personal enjoyment!"
"Exactly," another elderly man cooling off chimed in. "You think it's like the golden age, with every household having refrigerators, color TVs, air conditioners, and washing machines, and electricity running 24/7? Wake up! These days, having lights at night, factories running, and defense systems operational is a huge blessing. Still dreaming of air conditioning? Forget it!"
Old Wang, who had been complaining earlier, was somewhat rebuffed by the retort and muttered, "I'm just feeling unbearably hot. What about the TV? I heard the technical department has been able to restore the TV signal for a while now, why isn't it on? Watching the news or some old movies would be good for passing the time!"
The middle-aged man with glasses sighed, his tone carrying the weariness of someone who had been through it all: "Old Wang, you still don't understand. The reason we don't have a TV signal isn't because the technology isn't there, it's because we can't, or rather, we're afraid to turn it on easily. Think about it, once the signal is on, how many people will be tempted to turn on the TV? Even if they only watch for two hours a day, how much electricity would that consume across the entire city? Where would that electricity come from? This is the apocalypse; all resources, including electricity, must be carefully managed and used where they are most needed."
These words were so logical and clear that they immediately silenced the other neighbors who were also complaining. Upon careful consideration, they realized that this was indeed the case.
Xu Mo, who was listening to this conversation from the shadows not far away, couldn't help but nod slightly. The people of Jiangcheng knew that they were not living in a peaceful and prosperous era, and they understood the preciousness of resources and the necessity of their concentrated use.
This pragmatic, even slightly pessimistic, clarity is precisely the crucial quality that enables a collective to survive in the apocalypse.
The management of Jiangcheng has obviously instilled this concept of "survival first, development second, and enjoyment last" to some extent through continuous publicity and education.
Looking up at the blazing sun, Xu Mo felt the intense heat in the air and recalled the shortened time he had been forced to gather qi. Even a cultivator like him had to compromise and adjust in the face of the power of nature.
The apocalypse is not only a test for human society, but also a test of the adaptability of every individual. Whether it is scorching heat or bitter cold, or the threat of mutation, surviving and striving to live better is an eternal theme.