Counterattack of a White Lotus that was Reborn into an Apocalypse

Xiao Ma and Lian Hua continued their journey north, with Lian Hua cradling baby Lian Yu and riding the milk deer. Since acquiring the Xiao Ma navigation system, Papa Lian Hua no longer worried about getting lost. Good job, Xiao Ma.

“Papa, I need to pee,” little Lian Yu began to babble. With a swift motion, Lian Hua dismounted from the deer, lifted the swaddle, unfastened the soft diaper covering little Lian Yu’s bottom, and in the next moment, the baby started to urinate. Lian Hua wiped off some sweat; it had to be done quickly. According to Lian Yu, ever since becoming a baby, the process of peeing and pooping had become incredibly fast. Considering that babies couldn’t take care of themselves, the fact that Lian Yu could signal when he needed to pee was already impressive.

Lian Hua had proven, through numerous incidents of being peed on, that Lian Yu was indeed a completely helpless little infant.

After ensuring that Lian Yu had finished, Lian Hua, recalling a past incident where he lifted Lian Yu too early after a pee and ended up with a mess, had transformed into a full-time dad. Lian Yu took pride in this transformation.

Once Lian Yu was done, Lian Hua held up a large water ball through the air, floating it to the top of the deer’s head. Resting on top, Xiao Ma, who was squatting, opened one eye. It spat out a small fireball, which gently heated the water ball. Confirming the perfect temperature, the small fireball extinguished. This was a skill Xiao Ma had learned through the study of vital arts. The first time it was requested, it almost evaporated the water, turning Xiao Ma into a nearly bald sparrow. Luckily, with its strong glass heart and indomitable spirit, Xiao Ma eventually mastered the art of controlled fire, ensuring a medium-rare result without turning into a bald bird.

Lian Hua gently rinsed Lian Yu’s little bottom with the warm water ball, ensuring it was thoroughly clean. Afterward, he applied a layer of baby powder specifically chosen by Lian Hua. This powder, made from mutant fruits, was gentle on the baby’s skin, kept it dry, had a pleasant fragrance, and acted as insect repellent—a perfect choice for the task. That’s how Lian Hua became a full-time dad.

“Are you hungry?” Lian Hua wrapped Lian Yu up.

“Yes,” replied the little lord, Lian Yu, without even bothering to lift his eyelids.

Lian Hua took out a bucket and placed it under the belly of the milk deer. This milk deer had been forcefully upgraded to the fourth level by Lian Hua. Who else could enjoy milk from a fourth-level mutant beast?

After cleaning the teats, Lian Hua began to squeeze the milk. The milk deer stood obediently, enduring the discomfort caused by the milking. It couldn’t resist at all! It was too heartbreaking.

After squeezing out about half of the bucket, Lian Hua conjured a hollow grass. One end went into Lian Yu’s mouth, and the other was dipped into the milk bucket. Lian Yu began to suckle eagerly. Concerned that the milk might be too gamey for Lian Yu, Lian Hua sprinkled some almond powder into the milk to eliminate any undesirable taste.

Lian Hua, still wrapped in his green cloak, had replaced the leaf on top of his head with an even larger one that swayed occasionally, creating a cooling breeze.

As Lian Hua observed the cloudless sky and felt the scorching sun beating down, he grew concerned. Along the way, he had passed several bases, but due to his own peculiar appearance, he didn’t want to attract attention, so he refrained from stopping. It seemed necessary to enter the next base and take a break.

After Lian Yu had his fill, he closed his eyes and fell asleep again. Lian Hua crafted a soft vine into a hammock, placed Lian Yu inside, and suspended it on the back of the milk deer, ensuring it was secure and safe.

Lian Hua also felt a bit hungry. He grew a watermelon vine, yielding four large watermelons. He tossed one to Xiao Ma, who enthusiastically pecked a big hole in it, burying its head inside. He gave one to the milk deer, which nibbled on it leisurely.

Lian Hua lifted a chilly water blade and sliced a watermelon in half, fashioning a wooden spoon to enjoy it. His cultivation method seemed different from the usual, based on levels, and he was now equivalent to the Foundation Establishment stage. He wondered if Xia Zhi had made a breakthrough. Passing by various bases, it seemed that everyone knew about the use of jade stones for cultivation. He wondered if some reincarnated “protagonist” had leaked the secret.

The watermelon had not been eaten halfway when Lian Hua noticed someone approaching. However, Lian Hua paid no attention, not because he was shameless, but because it was difficult to find someone who could harm him now. So, Lian Hua continued to calmly eat the watermelon, and he even built a soundproof and heat-insulating water barrier around Lian Yu.

A convoy gradually approached, and Lian Hua speculated that it might be a mercenary team. The mercenary system was quite well-established in the post-apocalyptic era.

“Boss, there’s at least a Level 3 or above mutated deer ahead,” the young man in the co-driver’s seat reported to his leader with surprise, holding a telescope.

“Really? Normally, the high-level mutated beasts near the base should have been collectively driven away, right?” The person addressed as “boss” expressed astonishment.

“However, it seems like that deer has an owner, boss. There’s a person next to the deer, wearing green,” the young man exclaimed, his eyes nearly popping out.

Beside the towering mutated beast stood a person draped in a green cloak, calmly eating watermelon. Watermelon! They hadn’t seen one since the apocalypse, and the young man couldn’t help but unconsciously swallow.

“Hmm? Let me take a look,” the boss took the telescope and looked directly. Indeed, the boss also made a swallowing motion, mirroring the young man’s reaction.

“That person is still eating watermelon, definitely a wood-type esper, and a strong one at that. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so fearless, especially tagging along with a high-level mutated beast. That’s not someone to mess with.”

“Boss, should we go over there?” the young man asked cautiously.

“Let’s go take a look. Our mission isn’t urgent, and if we can build good relations with a powerful individual, it would be well worth it.”

“Okay, boss.”

Three modified pickup trucks headed towards Lian Hua.

Lian Hua furrowed his brow. He had thought these people were just passing by, but they were coming directly towards him. After a moment’s consideration, Lian Hua decided to observe the situation quietly.

The leading pickup stopped about ten meters away from Lian Hua. This was a form of respect and also a taboo, as most powerful individuals didn’t like others getting too close.

A burly man with a friendly smile stepped out of the car.

“Hello, I’m Liu Dahǔ, the leader of the Tiger Mercenary Corps. I don’t know this individual,” Liu Dahǔ paused for a moment, unsure of whether the person was a man or a woman, “how should I address you?” After Liu Dahǔ spoke, several men and women in camouflage outfits stepped out one after another.

These individuals were likely espers, and the camouflage outfits appeared to be a new product from the research institute—durable and equipped with both firearms and cold weapons. Lian Hua assessed that Liu Dahǔ, at the highest level, was a Level 4 metal-type esper—hmm, not a threat.

“Lian Hua,” Lian Hua responded with his code name, continuing to eat watermelon.

“Hey, how dare you talk to the boss like that!” A glamorous mature woman stepped forward, expressing her discontent. Their leader was a Level 4 esper, and he had never experienced such cold treatment.

“Xiao Mei, don’t be rude,” Liu Dahǔ reprimanded, and the woman called Xiao Mei reluctantly stepped back, wearing a dissatisfied expression.

Lian Hua continued to eat watermelon calmly.

“Brother Lian, right? Are you heading to the Cloud City Base?” Liu Dahǔ tried to establish a connection.

Cloud City Base? It seemed to be the Bai family’s base, and Lian Hua was a bit hesitant to go there. However, he thought again that in his current appearance, probably no one could recognize him. So, he nodded calmly.

“Well, that’s really a coincidence. We just came from the Cloud City Base,” Liu Dahǔ exclaimed, eager to embrace a fellow from the same place.

Lian Hua watched the exaggerated performance and found it a bit strange but didn’t say anything, just nodded.

“Brother Lian, we have vehicles. How about we give you a lift? What do you think?” Liu Dahǔ asked.

“Boss, we haven’t completed our mission yet,” Xiao Mei couldn’t believe it. The boss was actually considering abandoning the mission just to give this person a ride.

“Xiao Mei, it’s none of your business. Shut up,” Liu Dahǔ said, then gave a slightly apologetic smile to Lian Hua. Xiao Mei was unaware, but he knew how precious wood-type espers were. Even a Level 1 wood-type esper was more valuable than dozens of missions.

“Alright, Liu… Brother Liu, I appreciate it,” Lian Hua thought for a moment. He had been wandering in the wilderness alone for quite some time, and it was getting a bit boring. Why not join this mercenary team for a while?

“Great!” Liu Dahǔ laughed heartily. Being on good terms with a wood-type esper was like gaining several extra lives.

Lian Hua lifted Lian Yu and pointed to an extra watermelon on the ground. “Take this. Consider it a gift for our meeting.”

“Watermelon.” Except for Liu Dahǔ, the others stared at the watermelon with longing. The research institute hadn’t yet provided seeds for cultivation, and their food mostly came from urban stockpiles. Fresh items were scarce, especially in the wild. Watermelons, being a high-end product, could only be produced by a few wood-type espers in Kyoto. They were definitely out of reach for the rest. Alas, in the early stages of the apocalypse, they didn’t pay enough attention to wood-type espers, and now they were quite rare.

Liu Dahǔ hoisted the watermelon. “Brother, I won’t be polite then. Come on, youngsters, take it and share.” After saying this, he handed the watermelon to a woman who looked quite steady. Xiao Mei sneaked a glance, appearing disdainful, but Lian Hua ignored her, carrying his son as he boarded Liu Dahǔ’s vehicle.

“Is this your son?” Liu Dahǔ looked at the baby in Lian Hua’s arms with envy.

“Yes, my son, Lian Yu.” Lian Hua showed Lian Yu to Liu Dahǔ, then secured him in his arms again.

“Brother Lian, about that cloak…” Liu Dahǔ instructed someone to drive. Seeing Brother Lian entering the car still wearing the cloak, he felt a bit conflicted.

“Oh, I’m just too ugly, so I got used to wearing the cloak.”

Liu Dahǔ: “…..” Was I just being brushed off?

“Your pet?” He gestured towards outside the car.

“It’ll follow on its own. No need to worry.”

On the way, Lian Hua probed Liu Dahǔ for information about the Cloud City Base, learning many details he was previously unaware of. For instance, the base had mostly restored communication, and the mercenary system was operational in every base, excluding some isolated areas that they needed to explore. New seeds from the research institute were about to be distributed, ensuring that ordinary people wouldn’t go hungry next year. The institute had also developed water purifiers, mandatory equipment for every mercenary group going on missions. Wood-type espers were currently receiving special attention, and regardless of the faction they joined, they would be treated exceptionally well.

“Brother Liu, you mentioned that the Bai family doesn’t have a wood-type esper?” A pang of unease struck Lian Hua. He thought of his comrade-in-arms, Cannon Fodder An. Could he have become cannon fodder already?

“Yeah, the Jiang family had a wood-type esper, but the Xia family managed to poach them!” Liu Dahǔ treated this as a joke.

“Do you happen to know a wood-type esper named An Ziqi?” Lian Hua couldn’t help asking. After all, he had worked hard to improve his favorability, but was it still not enough to save him?

Liu Dahǔ thought for a moment. “I haven’t heard of any wood-type esper surnamed An.”

Lian Hua felt a chill in his heart, realizing that Cannon Fodder An had indeed become cannon fodder. If Liu Dahǔ didn’t know about a wood-type esper named An Ziqi, Lian Hua couldn’t do anything about it. He could only hope that in his next life, Cannon Fodder An would be a bit wiser.

Feeling somewhat disheartened, Lian Hua fell silent, and Liu Dahǔ considerately didn’t disturb him. After a few hours of bumpy travel through the desolate land, they finally caught sight of the Cloud City Base. It was much more imposing than the Huayang Base; after all, it was the Bai family’s headquarters.

With Liu Dahǔ’s assistance, Lian Hua easily obtained an identity card. It served both as identification and a debit card, loaded with points. Liu Dahǔ generously waved his hand and gifted Lian Hua a thousand points. Currently, one point could be exchanged for a Level 1 crystal nucleus, and a Level 2 nucleus was worth a hundred points. Five points could buy a piece of coarse grain cake, and ten points could get a bottle of mineral water. Direct transactions with crystal nuclei were also possible. Ordinary people could earn just a dozen or twenty points a day, while espers earned more, but they also spent more, and it was quite dangerous.

Lian Hua asked the deer to wait outside the base with his gift package. He hid it carefully since the entry of mutated beasts into the base was strictly regulated, and any supplies brought in had to be handed over, with one-third going to the base. Lian Hua had no intention of giving any unnecessary benefits to the Bai family.

Lian Hua registered as a Level 3 water-type esper, deliberately keeping a low profile. Liu Dahǔ understood Lian Hua’s reasons and graciously helped keep it confidential, instructing the team not to disclose the information. Lian Hua naturally expressed his gratitude and, before leaving, gifted Liu Dahǔ a bunch of vegetables and fruits, deeply moving him. Vegetables were particularly expensive nowadays, and fruits were a rare luxury.

“Brother Lian, if you need anything, just contact me, don’t be shy,” Liu Dahǔ left his satellite phone number. Since Lian Hua didn’t have a modern phone, he left a note with his contact information. Liu Dahǔ had another mission to attend to, so after ensuring Lian Hua was settled, he departed. Lian Hua, holding Lian Yu, wandered around the base.

The current base was divided into ABCD zones. Zone D was where ordinary people resided, Zone C housed a mix of espers and ordinary individuals, Zone B was for espers, and Zone A accommodated individuals who made significant contributions. There were rumors of an S zone, which was the Bai family’s headquarters.

Lian Hua, the peculiar figure in a green cloak, strolling with a child in his arms, confidently walked along the base’s streets, drawing countless curious gazes. Lian Hua paid no attention, while Lian Yu was already clamoring to buy many, many toys. He hadn’t played with human toys before!

Lian Hua followed Lian Yu’s commands without hesitation, wandering through the base according to the child’s whims. Lian Yu wanted this and that, and they explored every corner, including the open-air markets. The people here were mostly ordinary, and while they seemed to lack food, the environment was safe. By contributing to the base, they earned food, ensuring they wouldn’t starve. Once the research institute’s seeds arrived, their situation would improve significantly.

Lian Hua took out several Level 1 crystal nuclei and bought a large pile of items; these crystals weren’t considered valuable here.

“Mama, mama!” Lian Yu suddenly got excited, pointing towards a figure.

Lian Hua almost didn’t catch him securely. “What’s going on?”

“Mama is over there!” Lian Yu babbled.

“What?” Lian Hua also got excited, hastily carrying Lian Yu and rushing towards the direction he was pointing.

Chasing for half a street, there was still no sign of Xia Zhi’s shadow. “Are you sure you didn’t see it wrong?” Lian Hua asked, frowning.

“No, no, I sensed it. Mama is right here.” Lian Yu wailed loudly.

Unable to do anything, Lian Hua could only comfort the child while searching. Where could Xia Zhi be?

Lian Hua thought that Lian Yu might have sensed it incorrectly, but the chances seemed slim.

“Are you looking for me?” Lian Hua’s shoulder was tapped, and he turned around abruptly.

Still as beautiful, still as charming, even her smile at the corner of her mouth hadn’t changed. “Brother Zhi… no, Xiao Zhi… no, Little Xiaxia, my wife…” Lian Hua was teary-eyed, excitedly rushing over with his son in his arms. However, in an instant, his son was snatched away, and Lian Hua was struck numb by a lightning flash, followed by a kick that sent him flying and the toys he bought scattered on the ground.

Lian Hua: “…”

QAQ Wife is so violent! Lian Hua lay on the ground, blowing a smoke ring and tears streaming down his face. A plastic toy plane smacked onto Lian Hua’s head with a thud.

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