Chapter 149
“A stone that generates heat?”
“Yes, it does,” Gan Lin confirmed.
During the active period of the fire dragon, especially in the daytime, the ground gets so scorched that certain stones become incredibly hot. Even when the fire dragon rests, these “heat stones” retain their warmth.
These stones get so hot that walking in the wild requires extreme caution. If one accidentally steps on such a stone, their feet could get blistered—even shoes won’t offer much protection as the soles might melt.
“The temperature is that high?” Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi were both surprised.
If these stones had good heat retention, they could be an excellent heat source. For instance, Grandpa Li was currently organizing the construction of heated beds. Having these stones could make the process safer and more efficient than relying on wood and charcoal.
Tang Yu’an’s interest was piqued.
However, with such high temperatures and Gan Lin’s lack of proper tools, collecting these stones could be risky. A single burn or blister could lead to fatal consequences in a resource-starved apocalypse.
Tang Yu’an discussed this with Zhou Qi through the messaging board.
For collection, they could use tongs, like the kind used for handling coal briquettes.
Tang Yu’an’s family used to have a coal-burning stove, and the long tongs were ideal for handling red-hot briquettes without burning one’s hands.
As for storage, fabric would be unsuitable as it would likely catch fire. Tang Yu’an opted for a metal cookie tin and lined it with aluminum foil.
Meanwhile, Zhou Qi took photos of the tongs using his phone, preparing to place an order with Tie Jin. The tongs were fully metal and should be simple to manufacture.
“We’ve prepared tools and a container for you,” Tang Yu’an said. “I’ll also send the same amount of water as before, but I need you to return the plastic bottle.”
Gan Lin quickly agreed.
[You have completed a loss-making trade with a dreamscape requester. Experience +6, Dream Fragments +1.]
“Once you’ve collected enough heat stones, call for me again in your dream,” Tang Yu’an instructed before Gan Lin’s light orb faded.
“Got it!”
With this promise, Gan Lin woke up with a jolt.
He sat up instinctively. “Old Mo!”
Old Mo didn’t reply but stared at the objects that had appeared by Gan Lin’s side, his face full of disbelief.
Gan Lin lowered his head and saw the 750ml bottle of water. He quickly grabbed it, unscrewed the cap, and took a large gulp.
Feeling his throat moistened, he stopped himself from drinking too much. He didn’t want to repeat the mistake of overdrinking and then wasting water.
Now, with this clean and clear water, Gan Lin never wanted to resort to drinking urine again.
“Old Mo, did you see that?” Gan Lin said excitedly.
The evidence was irrefutable. Seeing the objects materialize and the plastic bottle vanish, Old Mo no longer doubted him.
“So, this is some kind of mysterious trading ability?”
Old Mo picked up the cookie tin and tongs. They were slightly used but in far better condition than any of the junk they scavenged from the ruins.
“I don’t know,” Gan Lin said. “He called himself a ‘mysterious merchant,’ and he seems very kind. Both trades so far only involved talking, and he gave me life-saving water…”
He paused and added thoughtfully, “Actually, it’s three times now. The first time, I thought rain suddenly fell when I was dying of thirst, but now I think it must’ve been him.”
“He’s our savior!” Gan Lin declared, hugging the water bottle tightly.
Old Mo nodded, accepting this explanation. Examining the tongs and cookie tin, he asked, “What are these for?”
“Probably tools and containers for collecting heat stones,” Gan Lin recalled the merchant’s words from his dream.
He tested the tongs and grinned. “With this, I don’t have to worry about burning my hands!”
“Old Mo, let’s go collect stones tomorrow!” he said energetically.
“Why bother with those things?”
Heat stones were everywhere in their area, acting more as hazards than anything useful. Old Mo had lost many pairs of shoes because of them.
“The mysterious merchant wants them! He said I can trade them for water.”
“Alright, then. We’ll pick up a few tomorrow.”
Old Mo inspected the tongs and cookie tin again, muttering to himself, “That mysterious merchant is pretty thoughtful…”
*
At dawn the next day, Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi brought breakfast to Store No.1.
They gathered Lin Zhen, Shi Tou, and Xiao Cao in Room 501, spread out a cloth, and sat down for a meal.
Though the food was simple—soy milk, lizard egg pancakes, and steamed buns—everyone ate with gusto.
For Shi Tou and Xiao Cao, this was a rare treat that nearly brought them to tears.
“From today, you’ll stay here and assist Grandpa Li,” Zhou Qi instructed.
“But…” Xiao Cao hesitated.
While she liked Grandpa Li and Sister Lin, she felt uneasy not going out to trade with people. She also wanted to see what had become of Jufeng Grocery after the fire.
“Just stay here for now. We’ll figure things out in a few days,” Zhou Qi reassured her.
Reluctantly, Xiao Cao nodded. “Alright, Manager.”
Seeing her downcast expression, Tang Yu’an grinned. “Don’t worry, you can still do business here. We have over thirty residents in our community.”
“And unlike outside, you won’t have to worry about theft or violence here. You can trade freely with everyone,” he added.
Hearing this, Xiao Cao’s spirits lifted.
“Understood, Little Divine Doctor! We’ll work hard!”
With the team motivated and the day’s tasks set, they prepared to move forward, knowing they were one step closer to rebuilding what they’d lost.
Moreover, she wanted to see how the Jufeng Grocery was doing…
“Stay here and rest assured; we’ll discuss other matters in a few days,” Zhou Qi said.
Xiao Cao eventually agreed reluctantly, “Alright, Manager.”
Seeing Xiao Cao’s low spirits, Tang Yu’an smiled warmly and said, “You can still do business here. We have over thirty residents in the community.”
“And with the rules of the Desolate City Haven, you don’t have to worry about theft or anyone hurting you. Feel free to trade with the other residents.”
Hearing this, Xiao Cao’s mood lifted.
“Alright, Little Divine Doctor, we’ll work hard!”
As Lin Zhen ate her breakfast, she lazily glanced at them and suddenly asked, “So, where were you two before this?”
“Jufeng…”
Shi Tou had just begun speaking when Xiao Cao quickly covered his mouth.
She nervously looked at Zhou Qi. She wasn’t sure if their ability to travel freely between Desolate City and Jufeng Town was supposed to be a secret.
Lin Zhen tore off a piece of her bun and popped it into her mouth. Looking at them with suspicion, she said, “You two were in Jufeng Town and got washed over to Desolate City by the flood?”
Xiao Cao didn’t know how to answer and again turned to Zhou Qi and Tang Yu’an for help.
Shi Tou simply kept his head down and ate his egg pancake silently.
“Well…”
Tang Yu’an was about to say something when Old Li interjected, “You’re still too low-level to have the authority to know about this.”
Lin Zhen looked dissatisfied.
She glanced at Xiao Cao and asked, “Xiao Cao, what’s your employee level?”
“Level 10,” Xiao Cao replied quietly.
Lin Zhen’s eyes widened as she swallowed her bun skin, her own Level 2 status flashing in her mind. The realization dampened her rebellious spirit.
“Fine, you big shots talk. I won’t interrupt,” Lin Zhen grumbled, retreating into her meal and sipping her soy milk.
When Tang Yu’an looked at Old Li, the old man winked and gave him a reassuring smile.
Old Li remembered Xiao Cao and Shi Tou. He had accompanied Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi to Jufeng Town before and knew that Tang Yu’an had extended their rental agreement when they left.
He had probably recruited them as employees during that time.
As for how they were brought over from Jufeng Town… Old Li had long noticed the peculiar comings and goings of the two boys, but he chose not to pry into secrets that weren’t freely shared.
After breakfast, Lin Zhen took Xiao Cao and Shi Tou to find residents to trade with, while Old Li stayed in 501 to discuss plans with Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi.
“The brick kiln is almost ready. We can start firing bricks today,” Old Li said.
Indeed, even while they ate, the sounds of activity could already be heard from the courtyard. Some were boiling water for cooking, while others had begun their tasks.
From the neighboring 502 room, the rhythmic hum of a sewing machine added to the chorus.
“You brought back a lot of capable folks,” Old Li continued.
Among the new residents were several skilled individuals. Aside from Ye Lan, the plant-elemental ability user, three earth-elemental users and two metal-elemental ones had approached Old Li yesterday. Even fire-elemental users had joined their ranks, increasing their numbers to five, including Huo Qiu.
“The brick kiln is a bit small for the current number of people, so I’m planning to involve the new fire-elemental users in the brick-firing process,” Old Li explained.
“Sounds great. We’ll leave it to you,” Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi agreed.
Old Li nodded but frowned as he added, “With so many people, the courtyard land is getting insufficient…”
Although the plant-elemental users could rapidly grow crops, the soil’s fertility would deplete quickly. After harvesting, they would need fresh plots, increasing land demand.
“Should we expand the area with fencing?” Zhou Qi suggested.
“Hmm, we’ll use the wattle fence to expand some farmland,” Old Li agreed.
Previously, the perimeter was reinforced with sturdy concrete walls for security. But now, to expand for agricultural purposes, they had to take some risks. As long as critical structures like the kiln and water purifier remained within the inner protected zone, it should be fine.
“For extra security, we could install a net,” Zhou Qi proposed.
“A net?”
“Yes, the store has netting available. We can erect poles inside the wattle fence and spread a large net overhead.”
The net would connect to the surrounding walls, forming an added barrier even if the wattle fence were breached. Moreover, the netting wouldn’t block sunlight, ensuring crops could grow unhindered.
Old Li chuckled. “That’s an excellent idea. It’ll make things much safer.”
“Alright, I’ll work on fencing off more land!” Tang Yu’an said enthusiastically.
That evening, they had purchased 4,000 meters of wattle fencing for rescue efforts, so Tang Yu’an felt confident in using it for expansion.
He marked a 20×100-meter plot on the 3D map, totaling over three acres.
However, after calculating the cost of the netting, Tang Yu’an realized an issue: covering 2,000 square meters with netting would cost at least 17,000 points.
In comparison, a concrete wall would cost 14,000 points, making it a better investment. Cheaper options like brick or stone walls were only 7,000 points.
After weighing the options, Tang Yu’an abandoned the wattle fencing idea and exchanged 7,000 points for brick walls.
Though less durable than concrete, brick walls were sturdy enough to withstand most hazards.
Satisfied, Old Li bid the two boys farewell and went downstairs to organize a crew for clearing the new land.
Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi returned to their base in room 901 and used the teleportation array to head to Jufeng Grocery Store’s underground chamber.
After a night had passed, the chaos above ground had finally subsided.
They turned on their flashlight and headed to the stairs, climbing up cautiously. The exit of the basement wasn’t concealed, and through it, they could see dark clouds looming in the sky.
“Boom!”
A clap of thunder rumbled in the distance, signaling that Jufeng Town was likely to see rain soon.
Zhou Qi cautiously peeked outside. As soon as his head emerged, he heard movement behind him and quickly ducked back into the basement.
Soon after, two individuals dressed as guards appeared at the basement entrance, peering curiously into the darkness below.
“Hmm, I swear I saw someone come out just now, but now they’re gone.”
“You must’ve been seeing things.”
The two guards reached out toward the basement but were blocked mid-air by the protective barrier.
“It’s so dark down there, and we can’t even get in. How strange!” one guard muttered. “You think those two young bosses are really hiding down there?”
“Those troublemakers swore they saw them jump down, and since we didn’t find any bodies in the house, they must still be down there.”
“I’ve heard there might be a passage down there; they’ve probably already fled.”
“I’d have run too if I were them!”
The two guards lingered at the entrance, chatting as they squatted. “Who knows if we’ll ever be able to trade for such cheap salt again….”
“Exactly! Last night, those idiots must’ve lost their minds. How could they burn down the only place selling affordable salt?”
“A bunch of brainless fools!”
The guards were visibly indignant. While the Guard Post had sufficient salt for themselves, it wasn’t easy to procure extra to send back home. Many of the guards had families to support, and the reasonably priced salt from the Jufeng Grocery had been a boon.
Hearing their conversation from below, Tang Yu’an felt a bit better. It seemed that their business was appreciated by many in Jufeng Town.
Once the guards quieted down, Zhou Qi cautiously poked his head out again, only to lock eyes with one of the guards.
Startled, the guard raised his weapon, but Zhou Qi quickly retreated back into the basement.
The confined exit made it impossible to use something like the Shadow Umbrella for concealment, so Zhou Qi had to rely on this cat-and-mouse approach for safety.
“It really is them!”
One guard quickly lowered his weapon and leaned closer to the entrance. “Young bosses, come on out! We mean no harm!”
“Yes, yes! The town lord sent us to guard this place. Don’t worry; those troublemakers have all been arrested!”
To emphasize their goodwill, the guards stepped back, giving Zhou Qi and Tang Yu’an space.
After ensuring their intentions were genuine, Zhou Qi finally helped Tang Yu’an climb out of the basement.
The guards couldn’t help but marvel at the strange basement. From their perspective, it was pitch black below, swallowing all light. Watching the two youths emerge from such a dark void was an eerie sight.
Tang Yu’an surveyed the remains of Jufeng Grocery. What had once been a two-story wooden building was now a charred ruin.
Judging by the extent of the damage, the fire had been fierce.
“The town lord wishes to see you. Please come with us,” one guard said.
Zhou Qi, however, shook his head. “We’re staying right here. We’re not going anywhere.”
This basement was their safest refuge in Jufeng Town. They could jump back down at a moment’s notice if needed.
The guards exchanged glances but didn’t press further. One of them hurried off, presumably to report to Hong Li.
*
At the Jufeng Town Guard Post
Jin Fu stood at the doorway, about to leave, but was stopped by two guards.
He chuckled nervously. “The town lord must be awake by now, right? I’ve been wrongly accused! I had nothing to do with what happened at the grocery last night!”
When Hong Li had arrived at the burning grocery store the previous night, the flames were already out of control. Even though she managed to extinguish the fire quickly, the store was beyond saving.
Furious, she had executed several rioters on the spot and ordered Jin Fu and his cronies to be detained immediately.
She hadn’t needed evidence to be convinced that Jin Fu was behind the chaos.
While Jin Fu was currently under house arrest, he wasn’t particularly worried. After all, he was Jufeng Town’s only salt merchant. Without the two young boys, who else could Hong Li rely on to supply salt in such large quantities?
“Whether you’re innocent or not is for the town lord to decide. Get back inside and wait,” one guard said coldly.
The guards’ disdain for Jin Fu was evident. Like many others, they had benefited from the affordable salt sold at the grocery and were now furious at its destruction.
They said nothing further, leaving Jin Fu to stew in his thoughts.
Just then, Hong Li’s hurried figure passed by. Jin Fu froze but didn’t dare call out to her.
“The town lord heading out so early—could it be to deal with mutant creatures?” he muttered to himself.
The guards ignored him.
Jin Fu frowned deeply and retreated into his room, unease settling in his chest. Could it be that those two kids had come back? Were they planning to continue selling salt?
A sinister glint appeared in his eyes.
“If they dare to open shop again, I have plenty of ways to deal with them,” he thought darkly.
*
“Are you two alright? Any injuries?”
Hong Li, upon arriving at the ruins of the Jufeng Grocery Store, immediately inquired about the boys’ well-being. Seeing them clean and unharmed, her tense expression relaxed.
“We’re fine,” Zhou Qi replied.
Tang Yu’an, however, complained, “Sister Hong Li, some bad guys burned down our shop yesterday!”
Hong Li chuckled and patted the boy on the head. “Don’t worry, I’ve already dealt with those bad guys!”
She glanced at the charred remains of the store and quickly offered, “I’ll have a sturdy new building constructed for you—one you’ll absolutely love! Or, if you prefer a new location, just let me know.”
“We’d prefer to stay here,” Tang Yu’an said, as the store’s second location was already tied to this spot and couldn’t be moved.
Hong Li’s smile deepened. “Very well. Once you’re ready to re-open, I’ll assign a team of guards to watch over this place. Let’s see who dares cause trouble again!”
“Thank you, Sister Hong Li!”
Relieved to see that the boys were determined to stay and continue their business, Hong Li visibly relaxed.
“Come with me. Let’s go meet Jin Fu,” she said suddenly.
“Jin Fu?” Tang Yu’an asked, puzzled.
“Yes. I had him detained last night. He’s definitely the one pulling the strings behind this mess. You can go give him a piece of your mind.”
After a pause, she added, “Just don’t kill him. I still have use for him.”
Jin Fu’s actions had crossed her bottom line. If the boys hadn’t returned, she would’ve had no choice but to tolerate him for the sake of the salt supply. But now that Tang Yu’an and Zhou Qi were back, she intended to make an example out of Jin Fu.
Zhou Qi gave her a wary look, clearly hesitant.
Seeing his expression, Hong Li smirked. “What? Scared after last night’s fire?”
With her reassurance, Zhou Qi reluctantly took Tang Yu’an’s hand, and they followed her to the Guard Post.
As they approached the entrance, Hong Li suddenly stopped, her brows furrowing with unease.
Tang Yu’an followed her gaze and saw two men—one skinny and one overweight—standing at the barracks’ entrance. The moment they noticed the group, the two men stepped forward to block their path.
“Mountain Lord,” the skinny one said with a grin. “Jin Fu is one of ours. We’re here to take him back.”
Zhou Qi noticed that both men were weaker than Hong Li individually. However, together, they could pose a threat.
Before he could process the situation further, two more voices rang out from behind them.
“Indeed. Detaining Jin Fu without evidence? That’s hardly fair, is it?”
Hong Li’s expression grew colder, and a ball of fire materialized in her hand.
“Leave now before I lose my temper.”
Guards began pouring out of the barracks, quickly surrounding the four newcomers.
Zhou Qi instinctively grabbed Tang Yu’an’s hand, ready to flee at the first sign of trouble.
Tang Yu’an, however, seemed unfazed.
A thought crossed his mind, and his gaze settled on the skinny man who had first spoken.
Silently, a black marble appeared in Tang Yu’an’s hand and was deftly placed onto the man’s shoulder. The marble disappeared almost instantly, reappearing briefly on the overweight man before vanishing again.
“Cough, cough!”
Just as the skinny man was about to speak again, he choked on his own saliva, breaking into a fit of violent coughing. His heavyset companion reached out to pat his back but misjudged his strength, sending the man sprawling to the ground.
In his fall, the skinny man’s head struck a rock, splitting it open and drawing blood.
As if on cue, his foot swung upward during the tumble, landing squarely in the overweight man’s groin.
“Ahhhhh!”
The burly man let out a bloodcurdling scream, causing every man present to reflexively cross their legs.
Hong Li’s expression twisted into a blend of disgust and amusement, her fireball dissipating as she sighed.
“Useless,” she muttered under her breath. “Take these idiots away!”
The guards swiftly moved in, dragging the two men—one unconscious and the other writhing in pain—away from the scene.
Hong Li turned back to Zhou Qi and Tang Yu’an, her earlier irritation replaced by curiosity.
“Did you two have something to do with that?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Tang Yu’an feigned innocence, his wide eyes blinking rapidly. “What? Us? No way!”
Zhou Qi suppressed a smile, shaking his head. “Just bad luck, I suppose.”
Hong Li studied them for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Fine, I won’t press. But if you ever need help, just let me know.”
The boys exchanged a look and nodded. They knew they had made an ally they could rely on, even in the unpredictable chaos of Jufeng Town.
Excited for the coming update ^^