82 Cambrian Consciousness
After moving for an entire afternoon, the sky gradually darkened. As the forest was not entirely safe at night, they decided to set up camp and rest early.
Cong Xia started a campfire and prepared for cooking.
Several people gathered around the fire to keep warm, and Cheng Tianbi asked Zhuang Yao, "Where are we now?"
Zhuang Yao glanced at the map and replied, "We're probably near Mianyang. If we walk for another day, we should reach Guangyuan by the next day. At this pace, it will take us about a week to reach Xi'an. By then, we'll have to make a decision."
Everyone looked up at him. Zhuang Yao drew a circle on the map, marking the location as Luoyang.
"So, do we head straight to Beijing or go to Luoyang to retrieve that puppet jade?"
Silence fell among the group.
Zhuang Yao continued, "We need to make the decision when we arrive in Xi'an... no, when we arrive in Hanzhong. Hanzhong is a major city before Xi'an. If we choose to detour to Luoyang, all our plans will need to be adjusted, and we'll have to reorganize our supplies and make many preparations. Therefore, we have four or five days to think about this issue." After finishing his words, he looked at Cheng Tianbi.
The composition of their team was peculiar. Although he played the role of a "strategist," the organization and core decision-making of the team depended on Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia. Even though he could often guide the team towards his desired outcome, the overall direction still relied on these two individuals. Their decision-making tendencies resembled the traditional gender roles, with Cheng Tianbi taking on the more outward-facing role (male), while Cong Xia made most of the decisions by consulting others (female).
Although Cong Xia was intelligent, he was not decisive and would often consult with others. His decisions were easily influenced by internal and external factors. On the other hand, Cheng Tianbi was different. He spoke little in normal circumstances but had strong opinions and was resolute. Whenever he spoke, everyone would instinctively obey. Therefore, when it came to significant decisions like whether or not to go to Luoyang, it might seem like a group discussion, but ultimately, Cheng Tianbi had the final say.
Cheng Tianbi pondered for a moment and said, "I need time to think. I will give you an answer when we reach Hanzhong."
Zhuang Yao shrugged and replied, "Alright, as soon as possible. If we decide to go to Luoyang, we'll need to continuously stock up on supplies in both Hanzhong and Xi'an, especially things like gasoline."
Cong Xia kept his head down and remained silent. His emotions were complicated. On one hand, he was resistant to actively challenging a formidable group. Call him timid if you will, but he did have some fear. On the other hand, the tremendous allure of the puppet jade and the promising prospects of enhancing the overall strength of the team were urging him to make a bold decision.
He felt relieved that Zhuang Yao didn't ask for his opinion because, given his personality, he would hesitate and be indecisive. He couldn't make decisions on behalf of the entire team. If they chose to go to Luoyang, it would mean putting the entire team in danger, and he couldn't bear the consequences if they failed.
Suddenly, Cong Xia lifted his head and looked at Zhuang Yao, asking, "What's your opinion?"
Zhuang Yao said, "My opinion about the puppet jade has never changed since the day I learned of its existence. The puppet jade can undoubtedly unlock many secrets. I am determined to obtain it, whether we snatch it from those people in Luoyang or find another way to get it when we reach Beijing. Having you all with me will make it easier."
Cong Xia nodded and then looked at Tang Yanqiu and Liu Fengyu. Both of them had no objections as usual. Liu Fengyu was always reluctant to spend extra time contemplating things. There were already too many people in the team doing that. Tang Yanqiu, on the other hand, was a "wholehearted follower" whose responsibility was to get them to Beijing. He wouldn't oppose whichever path they chose.
Zhuang Yao continued, "Since Cheng Tianbi suggested deciding in Hanzhong, let's discuss this matter there. In the past two days, I've created a roadmap for the circulation and meridians of water energy and fire energy." He handed a paper to Liu Fengyu. "Both of us will start cultivating following this 'shortcut' and record the progress of energy growth every day. Additionally, I will also create a roadmap for wood energy in the next few days, so if both of you decide to use this method someday, you can start at any time."
Liu Fengyu looked at the paper, his expression slightly serious. This could be the secret book that would greatly enhance his abilities, or it could be a crooked path leading him astray. Either way, he wanted to give it a try.
During dinner that day, the atmosphere was somewhat tense. Nobody spoke much, and after finishing their meal, they each crawled into their sleeping bags to rest.
Three days later, they identified some rusty inscriptions on a collapsed signpost, indicating that they had reached Guangyuan. They were now just two days away from Hanzhong.
Cheng Tianbi became increasingly silent and reserved in the past few days. Cong Xia could understand his state of mind. Cheng Tianbi rarely exhibited such hesitation and indecision. Cong Xia felt that when Cheng Tianbi was considering this matter, he was not only worried about their well-being but also taking his own mission into account. After all, his mission could directly affect the interests of the country, while their decision to pursue or relinquish the puppet jade was related to their personal interests.
If they were to encounter any accidents and Cheng Tianbi couldn't fulfill his mission, it would mean that personal interests had hindered the national interest. This matter could be significant or trivial. If they safely reached Beijing, everyone would be delighted. However, if they didn't... Cong Xia wondered if Cheng Tianbi could bear the consequences. Even though no one would blame him, as the people who assigned him the mission might not even know if he was alive, Cheng Tianbi was a highly self-disciplined person who would likely blame himself.
Considering this aspect, Cong Xia grew increasingly worried for Cheng Tianbi.
When Cheng Tianbi was driving, Cong Xia voluntarily sat in the car as well. Due to the strong smell of gasoline inside the vehicle, they took turns driving for two hours each. During the rest of the time, no matter how cold it was, they preferred to sit on Abu and feel the breeze. Thus, only the two of them were in the car.
Cong Xia spoke softly, "Tianbi, are you still considering whether to go to Luoyang or not?"
Cheng Tianbi responded with a grunt.
"Are you worried about your mission?"
Cheng Tianbi glanced at him but remained noncommittal.
"I understand you. You have a stronger resolve than anyone else, and this decision must be difficult for you. I just want to let you know that whatever decision you make, I support you," Cong Xia said.
Cheng Tianbi's heart skipped a beat, and he replied in a deep voice, "And what about you? What are your thoughts?"
Cong Xia smiled wryly, "You know me, I'm not very decisive. Honestly, if I were to decide, I would still defer the choice to everyone. This matter is too significant, so I dare not take the lead."
Cheng Tianbi spoke in a solemn tone, "The puppet jade... it is indeed enticing."
"Yes, it can accelerate evolution and enhance everyone's abilities. It's such a tremendous temptation. But at the same time, one can imagine how powerful those who have been by the puppet jade's side for a long time must be. To be honest, I don't have much confidence."
"Have you ever thought about whether there might be a connection between the puppet jade and the ancient jade?" Cheng Tianbi asked.
Cong Xia nodded, "I thought about it from the beginning. But these two things are quite different. At least we all stayed by the ancient jade's side, but who evolved at what speed... Oh, only you, only your evolution is fast. But I think it's not related to the ancient jade, but rather your innate talent. Otherwise, I should be the one evolving the fastest. Although my speed increases slightly when I practice with the ancient jade, it's clear that the ancient jade has a noticeable effect only on me. As for the puppet jade, it's like a radiating energy field that can affect all living beings within a certain range. However, there is one similarity between them, and that is the presence of non-attributed energy. The puppet jade emits countless types of energy, and the ancient jade probably contains non-attributed energy as well."
Cheng Tianbi's expression became slightly rigid, and he unconsciously murmured, "Puppet... Jade."
Cong Xia sighed heavily, "This jade is truly terrifying. We have only heard about it, and yet we already have such a strong possessive desire for it. Those who have possessed it for a long time probably wouldn't even want to give it up, even in death."
Cheng Tianbi's gaze grew deep, and his hands involuntarily tightened around the steering wheel.
Cong Xia forced a smile and said, "I always feel that having such a strong craving for something we've only heard about is dangerous. How about we forget about it and head straight to Beijing? After meeting my uncle, we can reconsider. Besides, Beijing isn't too far from Luoyang, especially if we ride Abu. It won't take long to get there..."
Cheng Tianbi remained silent. Cong Xia's lips trembled slightly, and his uneasiness grew heavier.
After another three days, they finally arrived in Hanzhong.
Since leaving Chongqing, they had consumed nearly half of their food supplies, and there was much more space in the vehicle now. Their most pressing need at the moment, apart from gasoline, was still gasoline. The group planned to rest in Hanzhong for a few days. Firstly, they wanted to see if they could find gasoline, and secondly, they were waiting for Cheng Tianbi to make a decision so they could prepare accordingly.
Road Bully quietly entered the city. Hanzhong was not much different from the other cities they had seen— a scene of ruins, with hardly any people in sight. They arrived near dusk and found a villa where they planned to rest for the night.
A crow had been following them since they exited the highway, only flapping its wings and flying away when they entered the villa. It flew to the south of the city and entered a house, transforming into a naked man upon landing— a man about half a meter tall.
"I'm back," a middle-aged man lazily leaned back in his chair, with a stunningly beautiful woman sitting on his lap, gently massaging his shoulders.
"Brother Liu," the crow-turned-man respectfully called out, "They have arrived."
"How many of them?"
"The same as before, five people and a mutant cat."
Old Liu looked towards the person beside him and asked, "You had contact with them. Do you know their abilities?"
A young man of average build emerged from the shadows. He looked like a recent college graduate, but his gaze was extremely fierce. This person was Zhang Mao, who was recently captured by Cheng Tianbi and the others.
Zhang Mao sneered, "Yes, I know. I contacted them as soon as they arrived in Chengdu and asked them for some money. But they were very arrogant, so I sent the eagle to test their strength."
"What abilities do they have?"
"The man who captured me should be a soldier. At that time, he didn't use any abilities, just sprayed me with a machine gun. But he's definitely a mutant, although I can't determine his specific ability for now. There's also another person who uses a bow. He's a revertive avian, and his archery is very accurate. There's also a plant mutant who can transform into large red petals, emit a foul smell, and secrete digestive fluid. I don't know what plant it is, but it's a bit troublesome to deal with. Then there's a child who is a sound mutant. It was him who recognized my voice pattern." Zhang Mao gritted his teeth. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have been captured by them."
Old Liu snorted disdainfully. "What about the remaining person?"
"The last person is the surprise my brother wanted to give you."
"Oh? What kind of formidable character is this, that it has to be kept so mysterious? Is it a cerebral evolutionist?"
"You'll find out when my brother arrives."
Old Liu coldly said, "It's best if this person is truly worthy. Otherwise, you coming all the way here to cooperate with me because of these five people would be quite embarrassing. Besides, my brother's life wasn't given in vain. These few individuals should have considerable strength. If that person isn't worth sacrificing my brother for, don't blame me for turning against you."
Zhang Mao respectfully said, "Brother Liu, rest assured, his unique ability is something everyone would fight to have. If we let them go to Beijing without anyone discovering his power, it's almost impossible for us to get it."
Old Liu grimly replied, "Those bastards in Beijing... Is it a place for people to stay? They arrogantly think it's heaven, rushing there like idiots, dying on the way as if it's their luck." As he spoke, he unconsciously touched his left arm, which was severed at the wrist, replaced by a sturdy iron hook.
Zhang Mao smirked and said, "So, to prevent them from experiencing the horrors of Beijing, let's send them on their way early."
Old Liu beckoned, "A-Wu, come here."
"Boss." A thin and weak man walked over.
"Go and test their abilities, but don't go all out. Your first priority is to save your life."
"Yes, Boss."
Zhang Mao sneered inwardly. It was clear that Old Liu didn't trust him and insisted on sending his own men to test them. However, they would be walking to their deaths. The thought of Cong Xia's miraculous healing ability sparked greed in his eyes.
82 Cambrian Consciousness
After moving for an entire afternoon, the sky gradually darkened. As the forest was not entirely safe at night, they decided to set up camp and rest early.
Cong Xia started a campfire and prepared for cooking.
Several people gathered around the fire to keep warm, and Cheng Tianbi asked Zhuang Yao, "Where are we now?"
Zhuang Yao glanced at the map and replied, "We're probably near Mianyang. If we walk for another day, we should reach Guangyuan by the next day. At this pace, it will take us about a week to reach Xi'an. By then, we'll have to make a decision."
Everyone looked up at him. Zhuang Yao drew a circle on the map, marking the location as Luoyang.
"So, do we head straight to Beijing or go to Luoyang to retrieve that puppet jade?"
Silence fell among the group.
Zhuang Yao continued, "We need to make the decision when we arrive in Xi'an... no, when we arrive in Hanzhong. Hanzhong is a major city before Xi'an. If we choose to detour to Luoyang, all our plans will need to be adjusted, and we'll have to reorganize our supplies and make many preparations. Therefore, we have four or five days to think about this issue." After finishing his words, he looked at Cheng Tianbi.
The composition of their team was peculiar. Although he played the role of a "strategist," the organization and core decision-making of the team depended on Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia. Even though he could often guide the team towards his desired outcome, the overall direction still relied on these two individuals. Their decision-making tendencies resembled the traditional gender roles, with Cheng Tianbi taking on the more outward-facing role (male), while Cong Xia made most of the decisions by consulting others (female).
Although Cong Xia was intelligent, he was not decisive and would often consult with others. His decisions were easily influenced by internal and external factors. On the other hand, Cheng Tianbi was different. He spoke little in normal circumstances but had strong opinions and was resolute. Whenever he spoke, everyone would instinctively obey. Therefore, when it came to significant decisions like whether or not to go to Luoyang, it might seem like a group discussion, but ultimately, Cheng Tianbi had the final say.
Cheng Tianbi pondered for a moment and said, "I need time to think. I will give you an answer when we reach Hanzhong."
Zhuang Yao shrugged and replied, "Alright, as soon as possible. If we decide to go to Luoyang, we'll need to continuously stock up on supplies in both Hanzhong and Xi'an, especially things like gasoline."
Cong Xia kept his head down and remained silent. His emotions were complicated. On one hand, he was resistant to actively challenging a formidable group. Call him timid if you will, but he did have some fear. On the other hand, the tremendous allure of the puppet jade and the promising prospects of enhancing the overall strength of the team were urging him to make a bold decision.
He felt relieved that Zhuang Yao didn't ask for his opinion because, given his personality, he would hesitate and be indecisive. He couldn't make decisions on behalf of the entire team. If they chose to go to Luoyang, it would mean putting the entire team in danger, and he couldn't bear the consequences if they failed.
Suddenly, Cong Xia lifted his head and looked at Zhuang Yao, asking, "What's your opinion?"
Zhuang Yao said, "My opinion about the puppet jade has never changed since the day I learned of its existence. The puppet jade can undoubtedly unlock many secrets. I am determined to obtain it, whether we snatch it from those people in Luoyang or find another way to get it when we reach Beijing. Having you all with me will make it easier."
Cong Xia nodded and then looked at Tang Yanqiu and Liu Fengyu. Both of them had no objections as usual. Liu Fengyu was always reluctant to spend extra time contemplating things. There were already too many people in the team doing that. Tang Yanqiu, on the other hand, was a "wholehearted follower" whose responsibility was to get them to Beijing. He wouldn't oppose whichever path they chose.
Zhuang Yao continued, "Since Cheng Tianbi suggested deciding in Hanzhong, let's discuss this matter there. In the past two days, I've created a roadmap for the circulation and meridians of water energy and fire energy." He handed a paper to Liu Fengyu. "Both of us will start cultivating following this 'shortcut' and record the progress of energy growth every day. Additionally, I will also create a roadmap for wood energy in the next few days, so if both of you decide to use this method someday, you can start at any time."
Liu Fengyu looked at the paper, his expression slightly serious. This could be the secret book that would greatly enhance his abilities, or it could be a crooked path leading him astray. Either way, he wanted to give it a try.
During dinner that day, the atmosphere was somewhat tense. Nobody spoke much, and after finishing their meal, they each crawled into their sleeping bags to rest.
Three days later, they identified some rusty inscriptions on a collapsed signpost, indicating that they had reached Guangyuan. They were now just two days away from Hanzhong.
Cheng Tianbi became increasingly silent and reserved in the past few days. Cong Xia could understand his state of mind. Cheng Tianbi rarely exhibited such hesitation and indecision. Cong Xia felt that when Cheng Tianbi was considering this matter, he was not only worried about their well-being but also taking his own mission into account. After all, his mission could directly affect the interests of the country, while their decision to pursue or relinquish the puppet jade was related to their personal interests.
If they were to encounter any accidents and Cheng Tianbi couldn't fulfill his mission, it would mean that personal interests had hindered the national interest. This matter could be significant or trivial. If they safely reached Beijing, everyone would be delighted. However, if they didn't... Cong Xia wondered if Cheng Tianbi could bear the consequences. Even though no one would blame him, as the people who assigned him the mission might not even know if he was alive, Cheng Tianbi was a highly self-disciplined person who would likely blame himself.
Considering this aspect, Cong Xia grew increasingly worried for Cheng Tianbi.
When Cheng Tianbi was driving, Cong Xia voluntarily sat in the car as well. Due to the strong smell of gasoline inside the vehicle, they took turns driving for two hours each. During the rest of the time, no matter how cold it was, they preferred to sit on Abu and feel the breeze. Thus, only the two of them were in the car.
Cong Xia spoke softly, "Tianbi, are you still considering whether to go to Luoyang or not?"
Cheng Tianbi responded with a grunt.
"Are you worried about your mission?"
Cheng Tianbi glanced at him but remained noncommittal.
"I understand you. You have a stronger resolve than anyone else, and this decision must be difficult for you. I just want to let you know that whatever decision you make, I support you," Cong Xia said.
Cheng Tianbi's heart skipped a beat, and he replied in a deep voice, "And what about you? What are your thoughts?"
Cong Xia smiled wryly, "You know me, I'm not very decisive. Honestly, if I were to decide, I would still defer the choice to everyone. This matter is too significant, so I dare not take the lead."
Cheng Tianbi spoke in a solemn tone, "The puppet jade... it is indeed enticing."
"Yes, it can accelerate evolution and enhance everyone's abilities. It's such a tremendous temptation. But at the same time, one can imagine how powerful those who have been by the puppet jade's side for a long time must be. To be honest, I don't have much confidence."
"Have you ever thought about whether there might be a connection between the puppet jade and the ancient jade?" Cheng Tianbi asked.
Cong Xia nodded, "I thought about it from the beginning. But these two things are quite different. At least we all stayed by the ancient jade's side, but who evolved at what speed... Oh, only you, only your evolution is fast. But I think it's not related to the ancient jade, but rather your innate talent. Otherwise, I should be the one evolving the fastest. Although my speed increases slightly when I practice with the ancient jade, it's clear that the ancient jade has a noticeable effect only on me. As for the puppet jade, it's like a radiating energy field that can affect all living beings within a certain range. However, there is one similarity between them, and that is the presence of non-attributed energy. The puppet jade emits countless types of energy, and the ancient jade probably contains non-attributed energy as well."
Cheng Tianbi's expression became slightly rigid, and he unconsciously murmured, "Puppet... Jade."
Cong Xia sighed heavily, "This jade is truly terrifying. We have only heard about it, and yet we already have such a strong possessive desire for it. Those who have possessed it for a long time probably wouldn't even want to give it up, even in death."
Cheng Tianbi's gaze grew deep, and his hands involuntarily tightened around the steering wheel.
Cong Xia forced a smile and said, "I always feel that having such a strong craving for something we've only heard about is dangerous. How about we forget about it and head straight to Beijing? After meeting my uncle, we can reconsider. Besides, Beijing isn't too far from Luoyang, especially if we ride Abu. It won't take long to get there..."
Cheng Tianbi remained silent. Cong Xia's lips trembled slightly, and his uneasiness grew heavier.
After another three days, they finally arrived in Hanzhong.
Since leaving Chongqing, they had consumed nearly half of their food supplies, and there was much more space in the vehicle now. Their most pressing need at the moment, apart from gasoline, was still gasoline. The group planned to rest in Hanzhong for a few days. Firstly, they wanted to see if they could find gasoline, and secondly, they were waiting for Cheng Tianbi to make a decision so they could prepare accordingly.
Road Bully quietly entered the city. Hanzhong was not much different from the other cities they had seen— a scene of ruins, with hardly any people in sight. They arrived near dusk and found a villa where they planned to rest for the night.
A crow had been following them since they exited the highway, only flapping its wings and flying away when they entered the villa. It flew to the south of the city and entered a house, transforming into a naked man upon landing— a man about half a meter tall.
"I'm back," a middle-aged man lazily leaned back in his chair, with a stunningly beautiful woman sitting on his lap, gently massaging his shoulders.
"Brother Liu," the crow-turned-man respectfully called out, "They have arrived."
"How many of them?"
"The same as before, five people and a mutant cat."
Old Liu looked towards the person beside him and asked, "You had contact with them. Do you know their abilities?"
A young man of average build emerged from the shadows. He looked like a recent college graduate, but his gaze was extremely fierce. This person was Zhang Mao, who was recently captured by Cheng Tianbi and the others.
Zhang Mao sneered, "Yes, I know. I contacted them as soon as they arrived in Chengdu and asked them for some money. But they were very arrogant, so I sent the eagle to test their strength."
"What abilities do they have?"
"The man who captured me should be a soldier. At that time, he didn't use any abilities, just sprayed me with a machine gun. But he's definitely a mutant, although I can't determine his specific ability for now. There's also another person who uses a bow. He's a revertive avian, and his archery is very accurate. There's also a plant mutant who can transform into large red petals, emit a foul smell, and secrete digestive fluid. I don't know what plant it is, but it's a bit troublesome to deal with. Then there's a child who is a sound mutant. It was him who recognized my voice pattern." Zhang Mao gritted his teeth. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have been captured by them."
Old Liu snorted disdainfully. "What about the remaining person?"
"The last person is the surprise my brother wanted to give you."
"Oh? What kind of formidable character is this, that it has to be kept so mysterious? Is it a cerebral evolutionist?"
"You'll find out when my brother arrives."
Old Liu coldly said, "It's best if this person is truly worthy. Otherwise, you coming all the way here to cooperate with me because of these five people would be quite embarrassing. Besides, my brother's life wasn't given in vain. These few individuals should have considerable strength. If that person isn't worth sacrificing my brother for, don't blame me for turning against you."
Zhang Mao respectfully said, "Brother Liu, rest assured, his unique ability is something everyone would fight to have. If we let them go to Beijing without anyone discovering his power, it's almost impossible for us to get it."
Old Liu grimly replied, "Those bastards in Beijing... Is it a place for people to stay? They arrogantly think it's heaven, rushing there like idiots, dying on the way as if it's their luck." As he spoke, he unconsciously touched his left arm, which was severed at the wrist, replaced by a sturdy iron hook.
Zhang Mao smirked and said, "So, to prevent them from experiencing the horrors of Beijing, let's send them on their way early."
Old Liu beckoned, "A-Wu, come here."
"Boss." A thin and weak man walked over.
"Go and test their abilities, but don't go all out. Your first priority is to save your life."
"Yes, Boss."
Zhang Mao sneered inwardly. It was clear that Old Liu didn't trust him and insisted on sending his own men to test them. However, they would be walking to their deaths. The thought of Cong Xia's miraculous healing ability sparked greed in his eyes.
