Volume One: Mutation Chapter Twenty-Three: The Meeting

No one knew how much time had passed before Liu Cong finally opened his eyes, only after the surge of energy from his heart had begun to subside. The world before him seemed to have become dazzling and vibrant, richer in color than ever before.

Unbeknownst to him, there was no longer a living creature beneath his feet. Hundreds of thousands of mutant beasts had been reduced to dust, their remains blanketing the entire region of black fire. The ashen gray bone dust reached up to his knees, sending chills down the spine of any onlooker.

Withdrawing the black fire, Liu Cong landed atop the city wall. The crowd that had once packed the ramparts scattered at his approach. In ancient times, it was said that emperors left corpses by the millions; yet such tales were never witnessed firsthand. Here and now stood a true warrior who, single-handedly, had slain well over a hundred thousand mutant beasts in a single battle—worthy of both awe and fear.

District Chief Zhou pushed through the throng behind him, a dozen or so people following. With a beaming smile, he declared, “Thank you, sir, for saving the lives of all our city’s residents! Your heroic figure is etched into my mind. I am the chief of Safe Zone 16; my name is Zhou Kang.” Zhou Kang had rehearsed his speech in advance and chose to address Liu Cong as "sir," a title fitting for someone of immortal stature—far more appropriate than any bureaucratic rank.

Liu Cong greeted him with an indifferent expression and shook his hand. “My name is Liu Cong. You may call me by my name.”

Zhou Kang gripped Liu Cong’s hand tightly, smiling even more broadly. “I wouldn’t dare! You are the great hero of our city now—how could I address you so casually? We have prepared a banquet in your honor to welcome and thank you. Please, sir, do not decline!”

Since the matter was already settled, and knowing he would have further dealings with these people, Liu Cong set aside his desire for rest and agreed.

“Please, sir, follow me,” Zhou Kang gestured.

Following Zhou Kang down from the wall, Liu Cong was finally able to see the entirety of Safe Zone 16. All around, the buildings were topped with pointed spires, constructed densely together. The overhanging eaves of each house formed a continuous barrier, perfectly shielding the narrow streets below. The style reminded him of ancient palace architecture.

The road they walked was wider than most. Lining both sides were numerous shops—tea houses, restaurants, karaoke bars, bookshops, and even a foot massage parlor. Liu Cong was slightly surprised by the sight.

Zhou Kang, ever observant of Liu Cong’s reactions, noticed his surprise and couldn’t help but lift his chin a little with pride. “Sir, our Safe Zone 16 is dedicated not only to protecting the residents’ lives but also to enriching their spiritual well-being. No matter how chaotic the outside world becomes, here people can enjoy both material and spiritual fulfillment. And let me tell you a little secret: to help continue the human race, we’ve been quietly matchmaking many single men and women!”

Liu Cong was indeed taken aback. Before coming here, he had imagined a safe zone to be nothing more than a cramped refugee camp like in the movies. Only after arriving did he realize how different his assumptions were. If one ignored the world outside, this place was a peaceful little city.

He couldn’t help but ask, “District Chief Zhou, with so many residents here, do you have enough food?”

“Not nearly enough!” Zhou Kang lamented. “We have over ten thousand people, and the daily food consumption is enormous. Initially, we had enough stored grain to last three years. But as survivors from surrounding cities kept coming, our reserves were rapidly depleted. Now, we barely have enough food for less than a year. That’s why we have to send out teams to search for more supplies, just to meet our needs.”

Liu Cong frowned deeply as he listened. Food shortages must be a headache for every safe zone. Though the people here lived in peace and harmony for now, as time went on and food became more scarce, such harmony would surely unravel.

Zhou Kang led Liu Cong into a building at the center of the safe zone. Along the way, many people looked at Liu Cong with awe. Were it not for his aloof demeanor and the air of keeping strangers at bay, the crowd would have surely rushed to greet him.

Zhou Kang’s office had already been prepared with a lavishly set table, laden with all kinds of dishes. The attentive secretary had even opened two bottles of red wine, awaiting their arrival.

Upon entering, Zhou Kang waved a hand, signaling the secretary to leave. After everyone had taken their seats, the secretary closed the door behind her.

“District Chief Zhou, with food so scarce, isn’t it a bit wasteful for us to feast like this?” Liu Cong frowned at the sumptuous spread.

“Oh sir, you wrong me!” Zhou Kang chuckled, soothingly. “The higher-ups gave special instructions to treat you well! Only through your efforts can we enjoy such a meal—ordinarily, we wouldn’t dare! Besides,” he leaned in to whisper, “a man must have a conscience. If a hero like you can’t eat well, who would risk their life for everyone’s safety? Don’t worry, no one will say a word. Please, enjoy yourself.”

Though the words were blunt, they struck a chord with many present. Without reward, who would toil so hard for others? Equality, after all, is only achieved after one’s fair share of labor. Modern society rewards the capable, and the harder one works, the more one deserves. Many began to echo Zhou Kang’s sentiments.

Liu Cong found some truth in Zhou Kang’s reasoning. Besides, the food was already prepared, so he set aside his discomfort and began to eat heartily. It was the first delicious meal he’d had since awakening. Though he could go a year without eating or drinking, Liu Cong was still human, subject to the same desires as any other. He would not pass up the chance to satisfy his hunger.

After eating his fill, Liu Cong retired to the room Zhou Kang had arranged for him. That night, instead of cultivating, he allowed himself a restful sleep.

Early the next morning, Liu Cong had already risen, washed, and was on his way to the Safe Zone 16 City Hall for a meeting. It was worth noting that each safe zone’s city hall was named after its own number—remarkably easy to remember.

The meeting room, though not large, was already packed when Liu Cong arrived, despite rising early. He was the last to enter. Zhou Kang had left the seat of honor for Liu Cong, while taking the deputy’s place himself.

“Sir, why don’t you preside over this meeting?” Zhou Kang leaned in and whispered. “There’s nothing else on the agenda—just how to deal with the corpses outside the walls.”

Liu Cong remained impassive, though inwardly he grumbled. When had he ever taken charge of such matters? He cleared his throat and replied, “District Chief Zhou, I’m new here and unfamiliar with the workings of the safe zone. It’s better if you chair the meeting; I’ll listen in for now.”

Zhou Kang did not insist. He cleared his throat and announced, “First, we must express our special thanks to Sword Immortal Liu for coming to our aid from afar. It is only because of him that Safe Zone 16 remains intact. Across the country, what other safe zone could have survived such a catastrophe unscathed?”

Those assembled couldn’t help but recall the horde of a hundred thousand corpses and that giant white serpent at the gates. A chill ran through them as they offered their heartfelt thanks, each trying to outdo the other in praise, to the point that Liu Cong himself began to feel embarrassed.

Once the flattery had run its course, Zhou Kang smiled and said, “Sir Liu’s heroic deeds are worthy of our admiration, but our present concern is how to deal with the tens of thousands of corpses outside the walls. It is summer now; if we don’t deal with them quickly, they will rot and stink, and could easily spread disease.”

“District Chief Zhou, in my opinion, we should send people to bury the bodies immediately,” someone suggested.

“I agree. Digging a pit for them would be best,” another said.

“But District Chief, burying the corpses is a good idea, but the workload is enormous. Without proper equipment, there’s no way we can dig such a huge pit in a short time.”

“Let’s just gather the bodies, pour some gasoline, and burn them!”

“No, I can’t agree to burning! Our fuel reserves are already low, and our electricity depends entirely on generators. Gasoline is scarce, and burning so many corpses would waste far too much.”

Listening to the endless debate, Liu Cong grew impatient. “Enough! Stop arguing. Gather the bodies into a pile. I’ll burn them myself!”

Zhou Kang listened with a satisfied smile—this was exactly what he’d hoped for, though he’d been hesitant to bring it up, unsure if Liu Cong had the energy after yesterday’s exertions.

“Sir, then we’ll do as you say. Though I apologize for troubling you again.”

Liu Cong shot him a sidelong glance. He had already decided to handle the matter himself upon hearing the topic. Yet Zhou Kang’s indirect approach, waiting for him to volunteer, left him a little displeased.