[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-after-the-sky-fell":3,"chapter-after-the-sky-fell-after-the-sky-fell-chapter-196":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","After the Sky Fell",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2281052,4462,"Chapter 196: 187. Squad","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-196",196,"\u003Cp>187. Chapter 187: Squad\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boom!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thunderous crash echoed through the Peace Financial Building; Li Yi unleashed his divine strength in a single punch, shattering the air and sending a shockwave rippling outward—since becoming Blood Refining, his power had grown far more terrifying than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his endurance was stronger too; as long as his blood qi did not wane, Li Yi could strike endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Evolved body granted immense recovery; with sufficient nutrient fluid, he could swing such punches nonstop for three days and three nights.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi practiced a combat technique, then rehearsed Shaking Mountain Fist and Crushing Heart Palm, gaining a completely new understanding of his strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he could face off directly against Spiritual Sense experts—even against top-tier ones like Yang Yi Long, he had a fighting chance—but in a life-or-death duel, Li Yi knew he was no match for Yang Yi Long; once that invisible sword materialized through his Guiding Art, it would be a devastating blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only by infusing blood into the meridians, forging a fist Gang , and mastering the Guiding Art could he gain the upper hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not yet—I need to nurture my blood qi a bit longer. Ten to fifteen days, and I’ll attempt to break through to Meridian Refining.” Li Yi’s eyes gleamed as he drew his fist back and stood still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body was continuously producing new blood to replace the old, strengthening his blood qi; this accumulation rate far surpassed that of martial artists from the Four Seas and Eight Zones, who typically required years—even a decade—to reach peak blood qi before consuming rare treasures to surge through Meridian Refining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Yi didn’t need to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Evolved body’s constitution was too superior, its recovery too potent; his blood qi accumulation speed vastly outpaced ordinary martial artists—what took others nearly a decade, Li Yi could accomplish in half a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there was a cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi then picked up the golden nutrient fluid beside him and drank it down in gulps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cost: he got hungry far too easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even doing nothing, Li Yi consumed five vials of nutrient fluid per day—fifty thousand yuan worth—and if he fought, the consumption would be even greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just thinking about it was terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fifty thousand yuan a day on food and drink—who could afford that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, he’d earned 150 million from selling a Superbeing last time, plus his previous savings—he now had over two hundred million, enough to fund his Meridian Refining without financial worry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doorbell rang, followed by Zheng Lan’s voice: “Li Yi, are you done cultivating? Someone named Lin Yue is here to see you. Oh, and my cousin Zheng Gong is here too—he probably has something to discuss. They asked me to come up and call you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi snapped back to attention and strode over, opening the door: “Lin Yue’s here? Great—she’s finally recovered and left the training base. Where are they now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the lobby downstairs,” Zheng Lan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, wait a moment—I’ll be right down.” Li Yi turned back, washed up quickly, tidied his room, then took the elevator downstairs with Zheng Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The building’s first-floor lobby was spacious and bright, sunlight streaming in, warm and comfortable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Lan had placed a sofa set in the center; Lin Yue, Zheng Gong, and a cultivator named Yuan Mingjin were chatting on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi really picked a good spot—turning an entire building into his home. It’s a bit wasteful, but with a little decoration, it’s impressively grand, spacious enough for many people, and safe—close to the Stable Zone, untouched by the dangers of the Old City.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yue surveyed the building; though many floors remained unfinished, the open, sunlit lobby still felt deeply soothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was awarded to him by the Investigation Bureau—don’t envy him,” Zheng Gong said. “But Lin Yue, have you truly decided? Are you really going to back Li Yi to compete for that slot?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. I’ve thought it through these past few days. I joined the Investigation Bureau too late. Even though I’m Spiritual Sense, my seniority’s too low—even if I took missions nonstop, landing the slot would still be hard. So why not invest in Li Yi? Let him secure the slot and become a Cross-Borderer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yue’s gaze sharpened as she said seriously: “I’ve calculated it—if we all work together, his chances are high. If Li Yi becomes a Cross-Borderer, we’ll all benefit. He’s generous and won’t forget those who helped him. It’s worth the investment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuan Mingjin, what about you?” Zheng Gong suddenly asked the man beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Mingjin shrugged: “I met Li Yi at the training ground. Honestly, joining any squad is the same to me—I’ve got no shot at the slot. But compared to others, I’d rather see Li Yi enter the Golden Academy. He recovered a damaged Curio for the Investigation Bureau, and I benefited indirectly—I used the Curio Training Room for a day. Didn’t break the illusion, but still got something. As for others? Sorry, I don’t know them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His reasoning was simple: he knew Li Yi, and he’d used the Curio Training Room once—he was willing to join Li Yi’s squad and help him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since everyone’s agreed, we’re unified: form a squad, complete missions, and fully help Li Yi become a Cross-Borderer,” Zheng Gong said firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as they spoke, a chime sounded—the elevator doors opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi and Zheng Lan stepped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister Lin, you’re finally out of the hospital—your injuries are fully healed, right?” Li Yi asked immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m fine. I was discharged yesterday, but I spent a day in the Curio Training Room, so I came today,” Lin Yue smiled. “You’ve changed since our last meeting—I feel your strength has improved. Are you about to awaken your Spiritual Sense?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi shook his head: “Not that fast. I’ve made some progress, but I’m still far from awakening my Spiritual Sense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he noticed Yuan Mingjin and greeted him: “Yuan Mingjin, I didn’t expect Sister Lin actually pulled you out of the training base. How’ve you been?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not good. Last time, Wei Bin nearly killed me. Luckily, an instructor held him off long enough—I’d be dead otherwise.” Yuan Mingjin shook his head, voice tinged with sorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s no help for it—once cultivation begins, society’s conflicts grow fiercer. Many have died, but we’re still alive—we must keep moving forward, not collapse from grief.” Li Yi said, unable to help thinking of Wang Jian’s death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dedicated investigator, gone in the Ruined City. Even now, the memory filled him with rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Mingjin nodded: “I understand. That’s why I chose to join your squad—I hope you go far.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Zheng Gong added: “Li Yi, before you came down, I already discussed this with Lin Yue and Yuan Mingjin. Only you have the potential to compete for the Golden Academy slot—the one most likely to become a Cross-Borderer. So we’ve decided to invest in you, pooling all our resources to help you secure one of the Investigation Bureau’s two slots.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?” Li Yi was startled: “Why so sudden?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at Lin Yue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yue nodded: “Li Yi, don’t be surprised—it’s normal. Every cultivator in Tianchang City is seeking backers, hoping to push one or two strong representatives to compete for the slots and become Cross-Borderers. Like Li Shaoqing from the Cultivator Association—he’s backed by several Spiritual Sense experts and many local billionaires. Or Yang Yi Long—he has the entire Yang family’s resources and experts like Qin Qing assisting him. If we don’t unite, we won’t even get a chance—let alone a share in the Cross-Border.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why choose me? Wouldn’t you be a better candidate, Sister Lin?” Li Yi asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yue shook her head: “I thought about it—I can’t compete with Li Shaoqing or Yang Yi Long in the Cultivator Association, and in the Investigation Bureau, I joined too late. I can’t challenge seasoned experts like Pi Daochang, Zhang Lei, or Gu Mengping. Only three slots are open: one for the Cultivator Association, two for the Investigation Bureau. The former is hopeless. But if it’s you, you might still have a chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So now, we must fully help you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi paused, then said: “Even so, our competitiveness is still weak. The odds of failure are high.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s fine—don’t pressure yourself. Just do your best. If you fail, I’ll accept it,” Lin Yue said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. Trying is better than doing nothing,” Zheng Gong said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Mingjin added: “Li Yi, give it a shot. If you fail, I won’t blame you. But if you don’t try, and the Heavenly Collapse really comes, you’ll regret it. Even if you die, at least you’ll die without regret.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since you all say this, fine—I’ll give it a try,” Li Yi nodded. “If I enter the Golden Academy and become a Cross-Borderer, before the second Heavenly Collapse, I’ll take all of you with me to a safe world.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not, he still had the Four Seas and Eight Zones as a backup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s the spirit! Cheer up—you’re excellent. I believe you can do it,” Lin Yue smiled. “Starting today, I’ll help you complete missions and gather every resource to boost your strength. You’ve got the Curio Training Room, so you don’t lack cosmic energy—or else I could be your guide.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Spiritual Sense expert as a guide? How extravagant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But Li Yi, once word spreads in a few days, others will want to invest in you. I suggest you accept a few more cultivators—our team is too small, our competitiveness weak. More people could make a big difference,” Lin Yue added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if the investors are weaker, every extra person adds strength.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi nodded: “Alright, Sister Lin, I’ll remember that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Here, everyone’s thirsty—have some tea,” Zheng Lan said, serving each person a cup to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cousin, living here was a smart choice. Li Yi’s place is so safe—if you went back to the Old City, you might get hurt,” Zheng Gong smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Lan said: “Yes, I’m lucky to have Li Yi’s protection. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know what to do—the Old City’s chaos has left so many homeless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi, why not let your cousin work here? It’s dangerous for a woman to be homeless,” Zheng Gong said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi replied: “I already asked Zheng Lan to manage the building and care for my parents. She agreed—if she’s fine with it, she can stay here permanently.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perfect,” Zheng Gong said, sipping his tea with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just then, his phone buzzed. He set down his tea, glanced at it, and his expression changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What happened?” Li Yi noticed his expression and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Gong said: “Gu Mengping sent a distress signal—the spiderman nest in the Old City has been found, but there are too many. His squad can’t handle it, and they’ve already lost investigators.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what are we waiting for? Move out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yue’s eyes lit up; she stood immediately: “I remember this is a major mission. If we succeed, Li Yi could surpass Gu Mengping.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was impulsive; once she decided to back Li Yi for the Investigation Bureau slot, she wouldn’t miss any opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“True—it’s an opportunity. If we find and kill the mother spiderman, it’ll be a major achievement,” Zheng Gong said, glancing at Yuan Mingjin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Mingjin immediately replied: “I’m ready. My sniper rifle’s been approved, ammunition fully stocked—I can deploy anytime.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we’re going on a mission, I need to go back for some nutrient fluid—I get hungry easily. Need to eat well to have energy,” Li Yi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Lan said at once: “Li Yi, wait—I’ll get it for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks, I appreciate it,” Li Yi nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Gong said: “I’ll drive—we’re four, perfect for one car.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t need to prepare anything—I’m ready to go,” Lin Yue said eagerly, then patted Li Yi’s shoulder confidently: “Don’t be nervous—I’ve got your back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks, Sister Lin,” Li Yi said, half-laughing, half-exasperated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t a three-year-old who needed babysitting—but he wouldn’t refuse her kindness.\u003C\u002Fp>",2003,"2026-06-20T01:26:56.586Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","49eab665d24aa2549bcb918233a09d66cff8f72af2afbf8f7fc2da6a6db7bc46","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-197","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-195",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fafter-the-sky-fell-cover.jpg"]