It was supposed to update at eight, but I was busy writing something for the work introduction section. After finishing that, I still had to come here to write this draft.

Oh, and a quick notice: the group number is below the chapter. …… The moment the two stepped into the back room, they immediately spotted Murong Xue.

A brief smile touched the lips of the newcomer before his gaze shifted, settling on Ye Chen beside Murong Xue. A flicker of coldness entered his eyes as he walked toward them, utterly ignoring Qing He, who was washing clothes on the floor nearby.

It was blatant, naked contempt, the sort a regal emperor displays upon entering a peasant’s hovel—everyone else in his eyes was insignificant and base. “You are Ye Chen?” the man in the white tracksuit demanded coldly.

Ye Chen casually glanced at him, took a sip of plain boiled water, and turned to Qing He. “Do you know them?” Qing He startled, shaking his head quickly.

Ye Chen looked at Murong Xue. “Do you?” Murong Xue knitted her delicate eyebrows slightly and shook her head.

The suitors pursuing her were countless, most of them generals or commanders. These two standing here, however, were complete strangers.

“So, you two have come uninvited,” Ye Chen said, glancing at the closed door. “This door is made of wood, but getting someone from the Construction Department to help reinstall it will cost a fortune.

I wonder which of you is willing to cover the expense?” Qing He nearby was completely stunned. Murong Xue looked at Ye Chen’s serious demeanor and couldn’t help but let out a burst of laughter.

Her radiant smile and the melodious sound of her laughter, like a fresh spring, echoed in the living room, causing the complexions of both the man in the white tracksuit and the man in the black close-fitting suit to darken instantly. “What a sharp tongue!” The man in the white tracksuit stared at Ye Chen for a long moment before suddenly smiling, his eyes like a viper’s.

“I’ll pay the fee, but I doubt you’re qualified to accept!” Ye Chen drawled, “If you’re offering, I naturally accept with pleasure.” The corner of the white-tracksuit man’s mouth twitched slightly. Ye Chen’s casual attitude infuriated him.

He sneered, “You have guts, but a man protected by a woman? Trash!

Didn’t you ask about the fee? Go to the central plaza downstairs; I’ll give it to you there!” Murong Xue’s eyebrows lifted.

“What? Judging by your tone, women are subpar?” The man in the white tracksuit froze, quickly backtracking.

“That’s not what I meant; I would never profane you. I have always respected women.

I just meant he isn't much of a man.” Murong Xue’s eyes hardened. “I don’t want you talking about my friend that way!” “Friend?” the man in the white tracksuit scoffed.

“A mere soldier is worthy of being your friend? On what grounds?

Hmph, kid, if you know what’s good for you, accept the challenge. Stop relying on women to climb the ladder!” Murong Xue turned to Ye Chen, her voice urgent.

“Don’t agree! These two are Brigadier Generals!

Once approved, they can become Major Generals, and their constitution is absolutely Level 10!” Ye Chen glanced at the badges embroidered on their chests—both bore a red medal, but none displayed the character for "General." They were indeed two "Brigadier General" level figures. His eyes narrowed slightly, a sharp glint flashing, and the smile on his lips deepened.

“Very well. Lead the way!” The white-tracksuit man frowned, surprised that Ye Chen had agreed so readily.

He scrutinized Ye Chen, thinking to himself: This guy seems to have some skills; he’s not just an ordinary soldier. It’s a pity I came in such a hurry and didn't investigate his file.

But no matter how strong he is, he’s capped at Colonel level. Someone truly powerful wouldn't waste away as a petty soldier here.

When ordinary people evolved under the virus, gaining immense strength that appeared dangerous to others, they could crush such threats with a single punch. With this mentality, their self-confidence would inflate rapidly, giving them the feeling that they were the supreme ruler of the world.

Even the slightest indignity would make them intensely irritable. Even after joining the military, such individuals would quickly align themselves with high-ranking factions, becoming part of their clique to secure rapid promotion and status improvement.

In the base city, internal conflicts churned beneath the surface, with high-ranking military commanders all eyeing the Supreme Commander’s position, subtly maneuvering their influence and naturally welcoming powerful defectors to their cause. Someone like Ye Chen, possessing great power yet remaining obscure, was almost impossible to find among the 108 military camps in the base city.

Most people believed the path to rapid advancement was showcasing strength to secure more resources. Ye Chen had no desire to pledge allegiance to any faction because he knew that once his strength was revealed, he would attract attention, receive invitations, and eventually be forced to choose one.

Refusing would invite unified condemnation and attack. The reason Ye Chen avoided being controlled by any faction was that he always viewed himself as merely a transient visitor to the Huaxia Base City.

His future was never destined to remain long in this place; he had to secure a viable world before the Ice Age arrived and shelter within it. If he joined a faction, they would promote and cultivate him.

If he later decided to leave, the cost would be double, or even more. Ultimately, Ye Chen held no regard for the benefits these major powers offered.

Besides perhaps helping with a minor official promotion, they offered nothing else that could truly aid him. In the end, leaving them would only result in making a multitude of enemies—a net loss.

Yet, in the present moment, Ye Chen had a different thought. Although it required a small price, it could resolve the troubles right in front of him!

“Once the spatial connection point of the Atlantis Civilization is excavated, it would be fantastic if I could find an intelligent electric smelting facility inside. Given my knowledge of herbs, I recognize most of those with miraculous properties!” In the post-apocalypse, humanity and animals had evolved, mutated, or succumbed to zombification, becoming dark creatures.

These plants, too, had undergone massive changes, acquiring peculiar effects! Ye Chen recalled that in his past life, there were extremely expensive elixirs capable of regrowing severed limbs—truly marvelous!

Currently, no one knew the efficacy of these herbs; only Ye Chen possessed that knowledge! However, lacking the necessary refining facilities, Ye Chen had refrained from collecting them, planning instead to acquire the equipment first and then make a massive profit in the base city to rapidly enhance his strength.

When he reached Level 100, his body would reach its physical peak, and his innate talent would manifest. In his previous life, Ye Chen’s innate talent was Entanglement, considered a low-tier ability.

He wondered if it might change in this lifetime, or if he could somehow force a transformation... “Let’s go!” The man in the white tracksuit barked, turning and leading the way.

Ye Chen glanced back at Murong Xue, offered a slight smile, and sauntered after them, his fingers twitching slightly as a curve formed on his lips. …… General Group Entry Requirements: One Qidian account, capable of daily voting privileges.

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