[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-after-the-sky-fell":3,"chapter-after-the-sky-fell-after-the-sky-fell-chapter-257":6,"glossary-terms-4462":23},{"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},2281113,4462,"Chapter 257","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-257",257,"\u003Cp>239. Chapter 239: Searching for the Missing Person\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhongyang City borders Dayuan City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an unremarkable small city; if not for this delivery mission, Li Yi and the others would never have come here, even while investigating this world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After driving for several hours, Li Yi and the others arrived at the city without issue and, following navigation, found Zhongyang City’s sports center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been sealed off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before their vehicle could get close, they saw a cordon erected around the sports center, with security personnel patrolling nearby. Compared to the earlier Dazhuang City, however, there were fewer guards here, and none carried real firearms—but even so, Li Yi and the others immediately grew serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A lockdown means supernatural activity. Indeed, this letter seems simple but is forcing us to deal with the supernatural, pushing us to grow through repeated incidents.” Qin Bing turned to the others: “What’s the plan? Storm in now, or wait until night?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The other couriers haven’t arrived yet,” Zhang Jing said. “I suggest we wait. Though they’re ordinary people, they reached the Ghost Post Office before us and have interacted with veteran couriers—they know more than we do. Sometimes, it’s wise to listen to their advice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We shouldn’t look down on ordinary people just because we’re stronger. In the Ghost Post Office, delivery seems to value information gaps more than individual power—unless we’re Ghost Handlers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi nodded. “Makes sense. Let’s wait. They’ll likely arrive this afternoon. In the meantime, let’s find out what happened at this sports center—and who this Wang Fei is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem. But for safety, we should split up. Zhang Jing, you’re still injured—stay nearby, don’t approach the sports center, or you might draw the ghost’s attention. Also, keep watch for the other couriers.” Tao Yuan paused, then asked: “By the way, do you still have enough nutrient solution? If not, I can spare some.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not necessary, thank you,” Zhang Jing replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief agreement, the group quickly dispersed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They entered the city and began investigating the sports center using various methods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their investigation actually uncovered something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long ago, Zhongyang City’s sports center operated normally—people came to swim, work out, exercise. But at some point, people began disappearing inside, one or two at first, then more and more. The worst incident saw everyone inside vanish at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After that, the sports center was sealed off, and no one could enter again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Wang Fei, no leads had been found yet—they didn’t know who this person was—but there was no doubt Wang Fei was inside the sports center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet no one knew why the Ghost Post Office had sent this letter to Wang Fei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did the letter represent?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was written inside?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi felt curious—sometimes he even wanted to open the letter. But a feeling told him not to touch it; doing so might trigger unforeseen horrors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, he suppressed his curiosity and left the letter alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around three in the afternoon, Zhang Jing sent a message: Guo You and the other couriers had arrived near the sports center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gather. Begin the delivery mission,” Li Yi said immediately, sending a message to summon everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than ten minutes later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All first-tier couriers had assembled near Zhongyang City’s sports center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Operating in broad daylight means we can’t avoid security. If we’re caught, we won’t complete the delivery—and we’ll die horribly,” Guo You said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As couriers, their greatest fear was getting arrested—it would delay the delivery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Simple. Just don’t get seen,” Li Yi said, then strode forward and grabbed Guo You.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hundred-plus-pound man felt weightless in his grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As qi and blood surged beneath his feet, he shot forward at an unbelievable speed; even nearby security patrols couldn’t react—he turned, and in the blink of an eye, he had carried Guo You past the cordon and into the sports center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Holy shit, what the hell is that? Superman?” A nearby courier stared, dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew Li Yi and the others had unusual abilities—but not this terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was this even real?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d cracked the concrete pavement with his steps. The burst of speed was too fast—leaving afterimages the eye couldn’t track.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“His strength has grown again,” Qin Bing muttered under his breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Noted. But we need to move too,” Tao Yuan said, grabbing another courier and dashing off in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Spirit Perception cultivator unleashing full speed was equally astonishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These security guards were ordinary people. One moment of distraction, and they could slip through blind spots, crossing the cordon before the guards reacted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the sports center, Li Yi dropped Guo You carelessly and scanned the surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo You, an ordinary man, couldn’t handle such high-speed movement—his head spun, his body felt like it would break apart, and he bent over, vomiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve already joined a delivery mission. No need to hide your Evolutionist power,” Li Yi glanced at Guo You, then shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people of this world had abysmal physical conditioning. A little exertion and they collapsed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Bing, Tao Yuan, Zhang Jing, and the others entered the sports center as well, bringing along the two other couriers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, the two ordinary men immediately bent over and vomited, taking a long while to recover.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once they did, their eyes held nothing but awe when they looked at Li Yi and the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you become Ghost Handlers?” Guo You asked, stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re not Ghost Handlers. Don’t ask about things you shouldn’t know—it won’t benefit you. Your job now is to find Wang Fei and complete this delivery. If you learn anything else about the Ghost Post Office, speak up immediately—it helps everyone,” Li Yi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, another courier spoke: “I—I know one thing. During delivery missions, couriers sometimes acquire supernatural items or tools, which can increase survival chances.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Supernatural items? Tools? What are those?” Li Yi asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unholy objects tainted with supernatural power, possessing certain abilities—useful against vengeful ghosts or other functions. I heard this from other sources, not the Post Office,” the courier said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi nodded, understanding roughly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like the black letter paper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These ominous, strange objects always held strange powers, capable of functioning in certain ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the group spoke,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their Evolutionist senses immediately caught a foul odor drifting through the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stench of rotting corpses—and worse, the air carried heavy moisture, leaving a damp, clammy feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Should we move together or split up?” Qin Bing whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Definitely together—it’s safer,” Guo You said at once, then noticed the others’ expressions and fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi, Tao Yuan, and Zhang Jing remained silent, recalling past events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Together might not mean safety—it could mean total annihilation if something went wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The sports center is huge. Split into two teams, scout the perimeter. If you find Wang Fei, notify us immediately—I’ll rush over to deliver the letter. If you sense danger, don’t approach—wait until you confirm the situation,” Li Yi finally proposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We have time. Better to survey first, understand the place.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi, I’ll go with you. Zhang Jing and Tao Yuan pair up—that way, everyone has backup,” Qin Bing said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d lost a hand; Zhang Jing was injured. Only Li Yi and Tao Yuan were fully unharmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright,” Li Yi nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll go with you too,” Guo You said quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi glanced at him, said nothing, offered no objection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Quickly, the two teams were arranged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi, Qin Bing, Guo You, and another unfamiliar courier formed one team; the other three formed the second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With teams set, they moved at once. They studied the sports center’s map, planned routes, then split up to explore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As said, the sports center was vast, containing gardens, greenery, and multiple sports facilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Basketball court, swimming pool, volleyball court, and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding one person here would take time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Yi went straight for the smell. He followed the stench of rot until his gaze locked on the swimming pool building.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The odor comes from inside. This pool is the problem,” Li Yi stopped, frowning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Identify danger points first, then explore slowly,” Qin Bing said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi nodded, moved on. In a dormitory building, he smelled the same odor again—but faint, nearly imperceptible. Considering the building’s complexity, he didn’t risk entering, continuing his search elsewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yuan and Zhang Jing did the same—first pinpoint anomalies, then investigate methodically, never rushing in blindly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet as Li Yi passed a landscaped area, he and Qin Bing suddenly noticed something and turned to look in the same direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the middle of the greenery stood a water fountain. Floating on its surface was a pale, waterlogged human head, black hair clinging wetly, two milky-white eyes staring straight at them—its pupils slowly tracking Li Yi’s movement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that… a ghost?” The water-drenched corpse-head stared at Li Yi. Li Yi stared back, utterly unafraid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Bing lit another cigarette, calming his nerves: “But it hasn’t attacked. Seems… passive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo You looked from the dead head in the water to Li Yi, trembling with fear and dread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t you all have any fear? You’re just standing here analyzing ghosts? Shouldn’t you run away, get as far from it as possible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo You didn’t know that Li Yi and Qin Bing were already tensed to the brink—should the ghost move, they could retreat ten meters in a second, escape the sports center in seconds, without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the Evolutionist’s advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They ran fast.\u003C\u002Fp>",1582,"2026-06-20T01:27:02.229Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4d41d65bddd795e060e23be8d5e7e0518959ffe7c61caa9ed2f54c51d58e50f2","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-258","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-256",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fafter-the-sky-fell-cover.jpg",{"terms":24},[25,29,33,37,41,45,49,53,57,61,65,69,73,77,81,85,89,93,97,101,105,109,113,117,121,125,129,133,137,141,145],{"id":26,"raw_term":27,"original_term":28},1803422,"Li Yi","李易",{"id":30,"raw_term":31,"original_term":32},1803423,"Zhao Xiaoxiao","趙曉曉",{"id":34,"raw_term":35,"original_term":36},1803424,"Wu Zhen","吳振",{"id":38,"raw_term":39,"original_term":40},1803425,"Zhang Gao","張高",{"id":42,"raw_term":43,"original_term":44},1803426,"Xiang Xiangzi","香湘子",{"id":46,"raw_term":47,"original_term":48},1803427,"Xuan Yuezi","玄月子",{"id":50,"raw_term":51,"original_term":52},1803428,"Bald Daoist","禿道人",{"id":54,"raw_term":55,"original_term":56},1803429,"Taiyi","太易",{"id":58,"raw_term":59,"original_term":60},1803430,"Yun Feizi","雲妃子",{"id":62,"raw_term":63,"original_term":64},1803431,"Du Baizhi","杜白芷",{"id":66,"raw_term":67,"original_term":68},1803432,"Wu Zuohua","武左華",{"id":70,"raw_term":71,"original_term":72},1803433,"Zhou Yu","周煜",{"id":74,"raw_term":75,"original_term":76},1803434,"Cang'erzi","蒼耳子",{"id":78,"raw_term":79,"original_term":80},1803435,"Li Chengyu","李成玉",{"id":82,"raw_term":83,"original_term":84},1803436,"Tai Xianweng","太仙翁",{"id":86,"raw_term":87,"original_term":88},1803437,"Old Daoist Wu","吳老道",{"id":90,"raw_term":91,"original_term":92},1803438,"Sun Boxiu","孫伯修",{"id":94,"raw_term":95,"original_term":96},1803439,"Tianjiang Zi","天江子",{"id":98,"raw_term":99,"original_term":100},1803440,"Sun Fei","孫飛",{"id":102,"raw_term":103,"original_term":104},1803441,"You Nu","憂女",{"id":106,"raw_term":107,"original_term":108},1803442,"Bai You","白幽",{"id":110,"raw_term":111,"original_term":112},1803443,"Liu Ming","劉明",{"id":114,"raw_term":115,"original_term":116},1803444,"Yang Wei","楊偉",{"id":118,"raw_term":119,"original_term":120},1803445,"Ning Wu","寧舞",{"id":122,"raw_term":123,"original_term":124},1803446,"Haili","海力",{"id":126,"raw_term":127,"original_term":128},1803447,"Meiling","梅玲",{"id":130,"raw_term":131,"original_term":132},1803448,"Shan Yi","善翼",{"id":134,"raw_term":135,"original_term":136},1803449,"Golden Feather Demon King","金羽妖王",{"id":138,"raw_term":139,"original_term":140},1803450,"Wang Chengjun","王成軍",{"id":142,"raw_term":143,"original_term":144},1803451,"Li Weiguo","李衛國",{"id":146,"raw_term":147,"original_term":148},1803452,"Miao Huizi","妙慧子"]