RITAAB 55

Chapter 55: 【o(￣︶￣)o】

 

In truth, Qin Jiuzhen didn’t have a deep impression of Duan Qiufeng. “We met a few days ago at the dining area. I accidentally bumped into him, and since then, we’ve seen each other a few times either at the dining area or on the way there. We just nod at each other, but haven’t really talked.”

 

“What’s wrong? Liansheng, is there something off about him?”

 

Xia Liansheng thought for a moment but couldn’t pinpoint anything wrong. “Well, regardless, even though we can’t reveal our relationship for now, you shouldn’t get involved with others.”

 

This wasn’t the first time Qin Jiuzhen had heard him say this. Normally, he would immediately agree without hesitation, but this time, he didn’t know why, he…

 

In fact, he had wanted to ask for a long time, and this time, even he didn’t expect himself to blurt it out. By the time he realized it, he had already finished speaking.

 

“Liansheng, can you… can you tell me? Why are you so obsessed with Brother? What’s the reason behind it?”

 

“I… I feel like now… even if we were together, it wouldn’t matter… Our parents agree, and Brother isn’t here anymore. It seems like he has found someone else…”

 

“I feel like in our current situation, even if Brother is a beastman individual, his help to us wouldn’t be significant. In our situation…”

 

This time, Xia Liansheng didn’t respond directly. Instead, he carefully observed Qin Jiuzhen’s expression and realized that he was truly in pain, he had just been suppressing it all along.

 

He immediately realized that he had become a beastman individual too. In the situation where Qin Jiulin was not willing to help the Qin family, Qin Jiuzhen could only rely on himself now.

 

Perhaps he had always been afraid. If he really got involved with Qin Jiulin, he would have to pretend in front of him and ignore his relationship with Qin Jiuzhen and their parents.

 

“Xiaozhen?”

 

Qin Jiuzhen let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry, Brother Lian, I was a little emotional just now, a bit out of control. I didn’t mean to say those things, please don’t be angry.”

 

Xia Liansheng shook his head. “I’m not angry.”

 

Qin Jiuzhen cautiously observed his expression and saw that he didn’t seem angry. He relaxed a bit. “Brother Lian, I… I won’t ask anymore.”

 

Xia Liansheng sighed. “If you want to know, I can tell you, but this is absolutely a secret. Remember, you can’t tell anyone, not even our parents!”

 

Qin Jiuzhen blinked. “Okay, I understand. I won’t tell anyone.”

 

Xia Liansheng took Qin Jiuzhen’s hand and led him to a secluded spot not far from the military camp. There would definitely be no one coming here. Of course, before speaking, Xia Liansheng had also scanned the surroundings and found no signs of any animals or people.

 

Seeing how serious Xia Liansheng was, Qin Jiuzhen knew that what he was about to say was not simple. He remained silent and obediently sat there, waiting for him to continue.

 

After confirming that there was nothing unusual around, Xia Liansheng returned to Qin Jiuzhen’s side. He looked deeply into Qin Jiuzhen’s eyes and sat down beside him. Qin Jiuzhen naturally leaned into his embrace.

 

They returned to the military camp two hours later. No one knew what they had said or done during those two hours. When Qin Jiuzhen walked into the tent and lay down on the bed to rest, both Qin Shanzhou and Yao Meimei felt a bit perplexed.

 

But they thought that their son had probably gone to connect emotionally with Xia Liansheng just now, so they didn’t disturb him. Now, their ability to live in the military camp relied on their relationship with Xia Liansheng, unlike Qin Jiulin, who was their biological son, who did not help them. In the end, they had to rely on their youngest son, and their previous actions seemed to be justified.

 

Qin Jiulin was truly a disaster, even if he had become a beastmen individual now, they didn’t want to have much contact with him. But their youngest son was different, he was just an ordinary person like them and could bring them benefits and advantages.

 

Having such thoughts was actually related to their lack of awareness of the true benefits a beastmen individual could bring. When the military took over the urban area in the future…

 

Xia Liansheng returned to his own tent and began to think about what to do next. After telling Qin Jiuzhen about his thoughts and plans, he knew that this plan couldn’t be withdrawn, it had to be executed.

 

Especially when Qin Jiuzhen learned about his true purpose, that touched expression… Xia Liansheng might never forget it in his lifetime. This was his beloved person, his favorite!

 

Until now, Qin Jiuzhen hadn’t even realized it. After learning that Xia Liangsheng intended to deceive and dig out his own brother’s heart to eat it, his first thought wasn’t about how cruel it was, but rather gratitude towards Xia Liansheng for his dedication.

 

In fact, when Xia Liansheng informed him of this plan, Qin Jiuzhen immediately agreed, without feeling any hesitation. Of course, Xia Liansheng also didn’t see any problems with it.

 

For him, this plan seemed natural, as if it was the will of heaven itself. He even believed that he was following the correct path.

 

Previously, he had been planning the operations by himself, but now he had someone helping him.

 

Of course, Xia Liansheng even encouraged Qin Jiuzhen to improve his relationship with Duan Qiufeng a bit, and later persuade Duan Qiufeng to pursue Qi Yue again. After all, Qi Yue and Qi Jinglan were siblings.

 

If they could make them do such a thing first, then their subsequent actions wouldn’t be too conspicuous.

 

After all, they couldn’t completely detach themselves from society in the future. They certainly didn’t want to become savages. So, if they were to live among people, they absolutely needed a legitimate reason to carry out this plan.

 

Of course, Qin Jiulin and Liu Zhongyuan were completely unaware of their secret actions. These past few days, they had been busy cleaning up the half-beastmen individuals in the square. It was truly astonishing how many there were!

 

After these few days, even though they worked during the day and rested at night, they were starting to feel exhausted. However, the number of half-beastmen individuals in the square and its surroundings had visibly decreased by about half.

 

Qin Jiulin sat on the rooftop, observing the square in front of him. Now, they could even approach a bit closer for observation. These half-beastmen individuals were so overwhelmed by the strong smell of blood in the surroundings that they couldn’t even detect their presence. It was quite safe here.

 

Liu Zhongyuan asked, “How is it? The current situation…”

 

Qin Jiulin replied, “Do we still need to clear out the half-beastmen individuals hiding in the houses?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan said, “There’s no need for us to search one by one. With the intense smell of blood on the streets, even the half-beastmen individuals hiding in the houses would have been attracted and come out.”

 

Qin Jiulin agreed, “You’re right… But when we’re done, we should still thoroughly inspect everywhere, so that when the soldiers with insufficient weapons arrive, we can avoid casualties due to lack of firepower.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan sighed, “Ah, if there are indeed casualties, it would probably be our responsibility.”

 

Qin Jiulin added, “I still haven’t seen any animals around. I estimate that they were all eaten by the half-beastmen individuals earlier. They have such huge appetites… No, it’s also because there were just too many half-beastmen individuals.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan asked, “How come you didn’t notice?”

 

Qin Jiulin responded, “Notice what? Even if this square were bustling, it wouldn’t be possible to have so many half-beastmen individuals gathered here, right?”

 

“It’s as if all the half-beastmen individuals in the surrounding area have been gathered here. I can’t figure out the reason for it at the moment. Do you have any clues?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan shook his head. “I don’t know either, but I think it might be related to the previous rat swarm.”

 

Qin Jiulin opened his eyes slightly. “Really? The number of rats was indeed quite large, but it wouldn’t be possible to confront so many half-beastmen individuals at once.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan replied, “Perhaps they see these half-beastmen individuals as a food reserve. They gather them here and come to catch some when they need to eat.”

 

Qin Jiulin said, “That’s possible, but it’s just a guess for now.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan asked, “With so many half-beastmen individuals left, what do you plan to do?”

 

Qin Jiulin yawned. “I’m a bit tired. It’s not very clever to always do things ourselves. How about we come up with a simpler plan?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan suggested, “Let them fight each other?”

 

Just like what they had seen before?

 

Qin Jiulin and Liu Zhongyuan exchanged a glance and then high-fived in agreement. “Great idea!”

 

Having made their decision, Qin Jiulin didn’t stay any longer. “Let’s go, we’ll first catch some animals. It’s time for Qi Yue to make an appearance.”

 

As a result, Qi Yue ended up with bags filled with blood, which were very thin and transparent. Liu Zhongyuan grinned and said, “Let’s go, kid. It’s time for you to shine!”

 

Qi Yue probably understood their intention. “Throw these blood bags onto the half-beastmen individuals?”

 

Qin Jiulin nodded. “Yes, there are too many of them. Let them fight each other and consume some of their own kind.”

 

Qi Yue replied, “Alright, I’ll go now.”

 

There were a total of ten blood bags. He took two with him each time he flew out, using one claw to hold each bag, aiming for the area where the half-beastmen individuals were gathered.

 

This way, even if his aim was slightly off, it wouldn’t matter. When the first blood bag landed, it hit one of the half-beastman individual’s head, which happened to have a sharp horn growing out of it.

 

The blood bag burst open, splattering fresh blood all around and smearing the faces of the surrounding half-beastmen individuals. Perhaps due to the sudden smell of blood, they were momentarily stunned, unable to react immediately.

 

However, it didn’t last long. After a while, the blood-soaked ones started attacking each other, and those who didn’t get any blood began attacking the blood-soaked half-beastmen individuals. The scene became extremely chaotic for a while.

 

After briefly observing, Qi Yue continued to throw down the other blood bag from his claw, hitting another half-beastmen individual below, causing blood to splatter and triggering a small-scale war.

 

Although half-beastmen individuals would attack and cannibalize their own kind, they prioritize hunting other species unless they are extremely hungry. That’s why the blood of these animals has a better effect.

 

Their previous method of using the scent of the half-beastmen individuals to attract them had some effect, but as time went on, the effectiveness diminished.

 

Now, this method is actually the best, but it wasn’t very effective earlier due to the overcrowding of half-beastmen individuals. Although there isn’t a lot of space now, at least they have some room to fight.

 

After all the blood bags were thrown, a large part of the square was already engaged in battle, and the number of dead half-beastmen individuals had increased from single digits to dozens.

 

They believed that more would die in a while.

 

Qin Jiulin said, “This method is quite effective. Let’s see how long they can keep killing today. If the numbers are not enough, we’ll do it again. If the numbers are comparable, we’ll come back tomorrow.”

 

If they wanted to complete this mission in half a month, they had to ensure a minimum number of dead half-beastmen individuals each day. If the number was too small, it would take them too long.

 

When the fighting on the square ended, Qin Jiulin also finished his calculations. “Today’s mission is almost complete. Let’s go, we’ll come back tomorrow.”

 

Before leaving, Qi Yue watched the remaining half-beastmen individuals from afar. The ones still alive were gnawing on many severed limbs. Some had scales, some had feathers, some had nails that turned into sharp spikes, and some had rough, thick, blackened skin that resembled aged tree bark.

 

There were even a few heads with signs of beastman rolling on the ground. Some half-beastmen individuals casually grabbed one with their claws and started gnawing on it.

 

Qi Yue averted his gaze and stopped looking in that direction. He couldn’t fully accept such a scene, but he knew that such sights would frequently appear before him in the future, so he needed to start getting used to it.

 

Qin Jiulin turned around and said, “Qi Yue, let’s go!”

 

Qi Yue replied, “Okay, I’m coming!”

 

The three of them left the area one after another. When they returned to their residence, Qi Yue voluntarily expressed his desire to go out hunting.

 

Qin Jiulin and Liu Zhongyuan looked at him with curious eyes, making Qi Yue feel a bit embarrassed. “What’s wrong? Can’t I go out and catch some prey?”

 

Qin Jiulin said, “Of course you can.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan added, “Absolutely, but are you going out alone?”

 

Qi Yue felt that it was only natural, saying, “Yeah, I’m not the same as before. After going through so many days of grueling training and hunting with you all for so long, I can consider myself a capable beastman individual!”

 

Qin Jiulin replied, “Let him go.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan added, “Alright, you can go. If you encounter any danger, make sure to fly up quickly, as high as possible. Nowadays, with animals… if you come across any signs of reversion, no one can say for sure how high they can jump. So, don’t be careless and risk your life.”

 

Qi Yue nodded, “I understand. Then, I’ll go now.”

 

Under the gaze of the two, Qi Yue transformed into a snowy owl and flew away.

 

Not long after he left, Qin Jiulin expressed his concern, “I’m still a bit worried.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan agreed, “To be honest, I’m also a bit worried.”

 

Qin Jiulin continued, “But he needs to get used to hunting alone at some point.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan replied, “Of course, the three of us can’t always act together… But if you need, I can accompany you every time.”

 

Qin Jiulin ignored his follow-up statement and said, “Yes, the three of us can’t always act together. Many times, we need to split up. After all, everyone has their own secrets.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan blinked, “Um… I mean… I mean…”

 

Qin Jiulin patted his shoulder, “Alright, to prevent Qi Yue from coming back empty-handed, I’m going to the canteen to grab a bite. Do you want to come along?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan suppressed the words he wanted to say earlier, “I also want to go.”

 

Qin Jiulin found it a bit strange, thinking to himself, “If you want to go, then go. If you don’t, then don’t. Why do you have to say you want to go?”

 

“Then let’s go. Don’t eat too much. If Qi Yue comes back with a full load, it would be awkward if you couldn’t eat anymore.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan replied dejectedly, “I know, I know.”

 

They ate their meal quickly and when they returned, Qi Yue had just appeared in the distant sky, flying back with his claws holding onto some prey.

 

The two of them went up to the rooftop, and shortly after, Qi Yue landed there. He transformed back into his human form and put on the clothes he had previously set aside. “Qin-ge, Liu-ge, take a look at this.”

 

Qin Jiulin observed, “Is… that a sheep?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan rubbed his chin, “This sheep is as big as a water buffalo. Qi Yue, you’re really strong. You can fly with such a large animal in your claws?”

 

Qi Yue replied, “It’s not too bad. Fortunately, the fur on this sheep is thick and dense, making it difficult for my claws to slip. That’s how I managed to bring it back smoothly.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan felt the wool and exclaimed, “Wow, the feel of this wool is really amazing. Hey, Jiulin, come and feel it too. If we shave it off and make a quilt, it would definitely be very warm.”

 

Qin Jiulin also approached and touched it to feel the texture. “It’s indeed nice, but wouldn’t it be better to make clothes out of it?”

 

Liu Zhongyuan blinked, “You’re right, making clothes would be better. With warm clothes like this, we wouldn’t have to worry about transforming into beast form when going out in winter.”

 

Qin Jiulin asked, “What do you think, Qi Yue?”

 

Qi Yue replied, “I also think clothes would be good. If we make a quilt, it wouldn’t be enough for the three of us.”

 

Qin Jiulin pondered for a moment and asked, “When you caught this sheep, were there any other sheep nearby?”

 

Qi Yue answered, “Yes, there were, but not many. After I caught one, the rest of the sheep escaped. They were fast and disappeared into the mountains, out of sight.”

 

Qin Jiulin nodded, “I see. Well, let’s eat the meat first. We can ask for help from the military to process the wool. It would be great if they could make it directly into clothes. We just need to ensure that there are skilled people available.”

 

Qi Yue reassured him, “No worries, we can store it for now and wait until the military takes over the city and restores the industrial chain. It’s not urgent in these few days, and it’s not too cold yet.”

 

“If everything goes well, the military will definitely successfully take over the entire city before winter. We can make the clothes right on time.”

 

Qin Jiulin remarked, “You’re getting smarter.”

 

Qi Yue touched his hair and replied, “I heard some soldiers talking about it during the special training. They said that based on the current progress, there is a high possibility of taking over the entire city before winter.”

 

Qin Jiulin said, “Since that’s the case, let’s speed up our missions a bit. After all, it will be more convenient for us in the end.”

 

Qi Yue agreed, “I have no objections.”

 

Liu Zhongyuan added, “I don’t either.”

 

Qin Jiulin declared, “Let’s eat the meat first!”

 

They finished off the sheep together, using various cooking methods. The taste was indeed good. Qin Jiulin even exchanged a sheep leg for some other ingredients at the canteen, making the dinner quite satisfying.

 

Qi Yue noticed that both of them seemed to eat less than before, but it didn’t matter. If they ate less, then he could finish it all himself.

 

That night, the soldiers here each received a small bowl of lamb soup and they all thought it tasted particularly delicious.

 

Xia Liansheng looked at Gao Siyang in front of him and said, “Captain Gao, my team members have recovered from their injuries and we are now ready to take on missions. Do you have any tasks that require our assistance?”

 

Gao Siyang looked at him and the two people behind him, “Are all three of you ready to take on the second mission? Especially you, Miss Xi, you…”

 

Xi Sihan shook her head, “Captain Gao, don’t worry. I’m completely fine now. I’ve been stuck in bed for a while and I feel like I’m growing mushrooms. It’s time for me to show my worth.”

 

Gao Siyang flashed a barely noticeable smile, “Since that’s the case, good. I’ve already prepared the second mission for you three. Take a look, and if there are no issues, you can depart today.”

 

Xia Liansheng quickly took the document and started reading. He didn’t seem too rushed, but he forgot to share the information with his two teammates.

 

After he finished reading, he placed the document on the table and said naturally, “Captain Gao, there are no issues with this mission. We can accept it.”

 

Cheng Tianxiang frowned slightly, wanting to say something but was pulled back by Xi Sihan. She pouted and let out a cold snort, but didn’t say anything. However, this snort made Xia Liansheng snap out of it.

 

He immediately realized that he had been too decisive. Although he was the captain, accepting missions was a joint decision among the three of them. As a captain here, it was different from being a captain in the army. He needed to discuss things properly with his teammates.

 

Xia Liansheng awkwardly picked up the document and handed it to Cheng Tianxiang, “Take a look, if there are no issues, we’ll depart later.”

 

Cheng Tianxiang took it with a not-so-pleasant expression and carefully examined it together with Xi Sihan. After finishing, she realized that there were no problems, and her expression improved significantly. “No issues.”

 

Xia Liansheng turned to look at Gao Siyang.

 

Gao Siyang said, “Since that’s the case, go prepare yourselves. Remember to report back promptly after completing the mission. The military will take over as quickly as possible.”

 

Xia Liansheng replied, “No problem.”

 

That day, Xia Liansheng left the military camp with Xi Sihan and Cheng Tianxiang, heading towards the location of the mission.

 

While flying in the sky, Cheng Tianxiang occasionally glanced at the very conspicuous black panther. During the daytime, a completely black panther stood out so much that even if she didn’t want to observe Xia Liansheng, her gaze would involuntarily be drawn to the striking black color.

 

Xi Sihan followed behind Xia Liansheng. Due to her beast form being almost three to four times larger than the black panther, keeping up with Xia Liansheng’s speed wasn’t too difficult.