Chapter 278: Free Activity (10,000 Explosion!)

The psychic detection has ended; the Infinite Fleet has reaped tremendous gains: five Rampant-level, four Diamond-level, and one Evolution-level psychics, earning them substantial supplies and weapons backed by the Phoenix Society.

After providing blood samples, Lin Xian's team received from the Phoenix Society five pickup supply trucks, thirteen crates of general living supplies, five Cold-Dark reagents, four heavy machine guns with 4, 00 rounds, five YJ-03 vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft cannons, and 1, 00 cannon shells.

The YJ-03 vehicle-mounted anti-aircraft cannon is an 80mm medium-caliber system, balancing altitude range (3, 00–7, 00 meters) with destructive efficiency, with a standard firing arc of -10° to +85°, capable of engaging both low-altitude and ground targets.

For most convoys, this constitutes heavy firepower; though inferior to the 1130 or rail electromagnetic cannons, its advantages are compact size and automated target acquisition and firing—the only drawback being ammunition reloading, so to mount these on the Infinite, Lin Xian must build several more PX-05 robots.

Longshan No. 1 has a large number of personnel: four Rampant-level, over a dozen Diamond-level, and dozens of Evolution-level, most of whom are gene-evolved, yet their combat strength remains formidable; the entire team received massive supplies from the Phoenix Society, leaving Shi Di and Ningjing and others overjoyed.

Because they gained five extra Cold-Dark reagents, Lin Xian has temporarily decided not to trade his Blood Essence for more from the Phoenix Society; instead, he has assigned Chen Sixuan to lead a team to barter with other survivor convoys for survival supplies—there are many convoys in Xilan City, and nearly anything imaginable can be exchanged for from them.

The Infinite's carriages are spacious, and previously they scavenged bits and pieces here and there, with their main gains coming from Tang Hai and the Hengshan Pass station.

After completing the psychic detection, Lin Xian changed his earlier plan and divided the team into three groups.

Chen Sixuan, Daliang, Miao Lu, and Xiao Yuan, along with several others, are tasked with procuring supplies, while Lu Xingchen is not left idle—Shu Qin and Lu Chang are assigned to escort him and Shasha back to the Infinite with the Phoenix Society's supplies; the train's armor welding should be nearly complete.

Moreover, due to the incident with He Kun's Jincheng convoy, Lin Xian warned Shu Qin and Lu Xingchen in advance to guard the Weilong-class electric locomotive he brought back.

However, after the psychic detection at Michel Square, the Infinite Fleet's reputation should now be widely known, and since the Infinite is parked beside Longshan No. 1, guarded by Shi Di's thousand-strong force, the Jincheng convoy likely lacks the nerve to dare approach.

Meanwhile, Lin Xian asked Kiki to take him to a specific location.

Xilan Arms Manufacturing Factory.

Tonight, he plans to comprehensively upgrade the Infinite's armor, weapon systems, and interior; with the blueprint of the "Mo Queen," he now has better designs for integrated power, air circulation, elevators, weapon bays, and even blast doors, and must finish quickly.

So he intends to search this abandoned arms factory for large equipment, to devour and convert materials in preparation for the train's upgrades.

At Michel Square, Mo Nika had planned to approach Lin Xian after he emerged; after helping repair the vehicle and witnessing the psychic detection, she was pleasantly surprised to realize Lin Xian was truly an extraordinary figure, and since both the Infinite and her "Mo Queen" were train factions, from her perspective, this was a friend worth cultivating.

But as soon as the detection square dispersed, members of the Infinite and Longshan No. 1 scattered into urgent tasks, and Lin Xian directly flew off with Kiki, leaving her waiting in vain.

"This Lin guy is insanely busy—I suggest you don't go out of your way to flatter him. The fact he fixed your car means he thinks you're decent, unless you're planning to eat him instead~"

Qian Dele strolled over with his men, saw Mo Nika waiting by the roadside, and as an old friend from before the apocalypse, he instantly guessed her intentions.

Mo Nika smiled calmly: "I want to eat him? Do I even have the chance? Haven't you noticed how many beauties surround this Lin captain? As a woman, I can tell—he won't easily change his principles for any woman."

She might not be skilled in mechanics, but as a former top socialite of the pre-apocalypse elite, her insight into men was razor-sharp; from her subtle interactions last night to today's direct invitation into her private space, this man spent far more time studying her train's equipment, weapon vaults, power components, mechanical doors, and wiring than he did staring at her bed, bathtub, or scattered lingerie.

This wasn't intentional on Mo Nika's part—she never normally let anyone into Car No. 1—but she excelled at observing such details; she didn't believe any man in this apocalypse could remain completely unmoved by a beauty like her, including her own men—she knew perfectly well which of them constantly stared at her.

"Mo Nika, I've told you countless times—in this world, abandon your old tricks of manipulating men's hearts," Qian Dele crossed his arms, his gaze sweeping over her bodyguards, then stepped closer, lowering his voice:

"Your entire train is men—do you want them to love you, or fear you? It's the end of the world—who truly sees you as a queen? Didn't I tell you some of your people are already restless?"

Mo Nika's expression darkened slightly; she glanced at Qian Dele, lips curling faintly but saying nothing, then turned and walked away.

Qian Dele had warned her—Mo Nika knew it well—but in her view, women in the apocalypse were mostly appendages, yet she insisted on making men serve her.

Because she not only held this belief, but possessed the ability to enforce it; as a psychic, her strength was no weaker than Qian Dele's, so even knowing some of her subordinates resented her, she felt no threat to her position—for her, she had given these people life, shelter, and food; they owed her gratitude!

Thus, some of her subordinates were fanatically devoted to her, becoming her personal guards in the apocalypse—this was Mo Nika's method of controlling people.

These men were willing to sacrifice everything for her and this train; why should she care if some of these lovely men secretly fantasized about her during the night to satisfy their needs?

Men~

It's only human nature.

On the other side, Han Jun of the North Pole Alliance and Qin Xueming of the Cosmos Convoy also came up empty; a large group stood by the roadside, helplessly watching the square empty out.

"This Infinite convoy only brought ten people, yet they all scattered—this Lin captain is either naive or ridiculously confident."

Lü Feng scanned the crowd, his voice sharp: "So many Rampant and Diamond levels have drawn attention from numerous convoys—especially those two near 2, 00 Rampant-levels; I'd bet at least a dozen convoys are trying to poach them."

"I think it's confidence," Qin Xueming crossed his arms: "He himself has a psychic rating of 2, 00 and holds the Crimson Phoenix Token from the Phoenix Society. His apocalypse train follows an elite path—thirty-plus people enjoying such resources—other convoys probably can't lure away his people. Han, what do you think?"

"No need to poach—this convoy is worth befriending. Thirty people who broke through the snow plains must have real skill; they might be useful allies later," Han Jun said coolly, then turned to Qin Xueming:

"Alright, I've got matters back at the Alliance. Let's finalize the cooperation with the Cosmos Convoy. After we break through the Fifth Star Abyss, we'll go there together."

"Agreed!"

Qin Xueming immediately shook his hand and led his men away.

…

The Xilan Arms Manufacturing Factory lies within the eastern industrial zone; according to Lin Xian's gathered data, this factory was the first to possess a 100, 00-ton CNC forging press.

As the western arms manufacturing base of China, the first-generation heavy TFV600 twin-barrel tank rolled off its production line here.

Though industrial centers have since shifted eastward to Yongcheng Port due to technological progress and national strategy changes, this site still retains strategic assets from its former heavy industry era.

So Lin Xian came here hoping for luck—to find an automatic shell stamping machine, which would let him add a weapons car to the train, collect spent casings, and reload or re-manufacture ammunition, greatly boosting ammo production and freeing his hands from constant labor.

The cold wind howled; distant defensive walls of Xilan City occasionally erupted with artillery fire; the Seventh Investigative Corps held the Jucheng Frontline 24/7; the Phoenix Society's ammunition reserves were ample—rumor had it that the Dawn Center's logistics supply continued until just three days ago, when the Extreme Cold Vortex covered the region; for this mass relocation, the Phoenix Society had amassed considerable strength, consolidating all nearby support resources.

"These monsters attack in shifts, day and night, with increasing frequency and intensity—it seems tied to the approaching polar night."

High above, Kiki gazed at the distant war wall.

Lin Xian looked up at the approaching Extreme Cold Vortex—black clouds looming, lightning cracking within its core, illuminating cobalt-blue storm skies like a cosmic beast, crushing down over the snow plains and Xilan City, sending chills through the soul.

"It might be connected to this vortex."

Lin Xian frowned; though the city felt calm, a persistent unease lingered in his chest.

Perhaps it was the terrifying, bizarre entities Bai had seen, or the elusive snow plain tide, or the mysteriously erased markers—everything felt off.

So even though many survivor convoys in the city had lowered their guard, Lin Xian refused to relax.

"Hey, don't you think the Nightwalkers are far stronger than we imagined?" Kiki recalled Zhou Wuer's attack, leaving her deeply shaken—perhaps because Long Dahei's fighting style resembled hers, she naturally projected herself into the scenario.

Lin Xian looked at her: "It's normal. Nightwalkers lead other psychics primarily through information. Though the Awakening Day was only 92 days ago, human evolution has accelerated rapidly; we, cut off from information and stumbling blindly, can't compare to the aggregated data of over 40, 00 Nightwalkers worldwide—they understand psychic abilities far ahead of other survivors."

"Also, they're already using Cold-Dark reagents and other enhancement items, plus their high-intensity training—this level of strength isn't surprising."

Kiki nodded in agreement: "Mm~ You're right."

"You're surprised Long Dahei lost so quickly, aren't you?" Lin Xian countered.

"A little~"

Lin Xian exhaled slowly, his gaze sharpening: "Don't be fooled by Zhou Wuer's cheerful demeanor—his actions show extreme decisiveness; he attacks with full force from the start. Except for that final moment of restraint, he treated it like a life-or-death battle against a bizarre entity. Long Dahei was cautious too, but he was already psychologically defeated."

As he spoke, Lin Xian reflected: from this, Zhou Wuer must have faced far more life-or-death situations than Long Dahei…

"But if you faced him, it wouldn't be so simple," Lin Xian said to Kiki: "Your telekinesis has full-spectrum defense—you're hard to pin down."

"Of course~"

Kiki smirked: "Still, I've learned a lot—I feel my psychic ability has huge potential for growth."

"Of course—you're only Rampant-level now; your room for growth is enormous."

As they spoke, they arrived at an industrial zone; the first sight was a cluster of rusted steel buildings, giant smokestacks casting shadows like inverted black swords piercing the snow, and factory warehouse grounds dotted with convoy camps, wisps of wood smoke rising from makeshift fires.

At least a hundred convoys occupied this area; Lin Xian and Kiki even saw large vehicles cutting steel plates and materials hauled from the abandoned factory for vehicle modifications.

Every useful item in this zone had long been stripped—complete doors were even taken apart; only the towering smelting towers, forging hammers, and conveyor belts remained.

Survivors always flocked to such zones first; Lin Xian had anticipated this scene, so his target was the things survivors couldn't carry away.

The two flew directly through the air, searching large factory buildings for targets.

Soon, inside the rust-scented steel workshop of the arms factory, they found plenty of treasures.

Electric arc smelting furnaces, CNC forging presses, three-proof system filling lines, ceramic insert sintering furnaces, Kevlar weaving machines, gun barrel deep-hole drilling machines, and the automatic shell stamping machine Lin Xian sought.

But the problem: they were enormous.

The scale of the Xilan Arms Manufacturing Factory far exceeded Lin Xian's expectations—even the six-axis robotic arms in the welding workshop were colossal.

"No wonder no one cared—they're either tank-makers or orbital railgun bases—too heavy to move, too tough to dismantle; even to operate them requires not just system calibration, but hundreds of engineers to maintain and operate…"

"Hey~"

Kiki pointed at the six-axis robotic arm on the loading line: "Start with that one—begin with something small."

Lin Xian sighed helplessly; "small"? That thing weighed at least ten tons, more precise than ordinary cars or trains, and would be far harder to devour.

"Fine, let's start with this…"

For now, the six-axis robotic arm seemed the most feasible target; if lucky enough to obtain its full blueprint, he could install two in Car No. 11 to handle mech loading and unloading—solving a major logistical problem.

There were other smaller machines too, but Lin Xian's goal was material acquisition—he had no interest in injection molding machines or similar; after securing the robotic arm, he'd see if he could tackle the electric arc smelting furnace.

The electric arc smelting furnace was made of high-grade silicon carbide and high-temperature alloy steel, with low complexity, ideal for material extraction; the automatic shell stamping machine was slightly larger—he'd scan it later to see if he could simplify subsystems for use; without a blueprint, Lin Xian understood nothing about it.

No time to waste—he checked the time: nearly 16: 0, with only two hours until dark; he had to hurry.

Lin Xian activated his power armor, leapt from the maintenance ladder onto the robotic arm, removed his gloves, and began scanning and devouring.

【Scanning Progress: 1%】

Immediately, Lin Xian realized this would take over an hour to scan, plus another hour to devour—if he also wanted the smelting furnace and shell stamping machine, he'd be working past dark.

Seeing Lin Xian begin work, Kiki grew restless: "You get busy—I'll take a look around?"

"Don't go far—I can't be disturbed."

"Won't~" Kiki knew Lin Xian needed protection; she merely flew swiftly through the vast workshop, curiously exploring.

Over the communicator, Shu Qin's voice reported: all Phoenix Society supplies had been transported back to the Infinite; the right-side armor plates were fully installed; Chen Sixuan, who had been procuring essential train supplies, had returned—what were Lin Xian's next orders?

Lin Xian considered, then decided to let the team have free time before dark—a chance to relax.

The Infinite's crew, upon hearing the news, rejoiced; they hadn't been in such a safe environment in a long time, and now, with personal freedom, their tightly wound nerves finally eased.

Even Longshan No. 1's thousand-strong force—Shi Di allowed crew members to move freely within safe zones of the city and exchange needed items.

But for safety, Chen Sixuan mandated that all free-activity members must travel in groups of three or more and return before dark.

Thus, the Infinite's crew formed small groups of three to five and headed into the city.

Fire Brother declared he'd guard the train—he planned to soak up some sun and study the psychic growth manual obtained from the Phoenix Society.

Along several streets surrounding Zhongyangdajie, countless convoy camps had set up stalls, displaying items for barter; though Blood Essence was hard currency, its value was too high, so small items were traded directly—any mutual agreement sufficed.

Beyond barter, many artisans seized the chance to earn extra apocalypse income: shaving and haircuts were popular; doctors offered basic medical services; mechanical repairs, massage and bone-setting, and "camp bars" selling alcohol—all flourished; as Mo Nika had mentioned, prostitution was also common.

"Tire mushroom skewers, lizard-fried blue algae cakes, green bark crisps, melted-snow salt-crystal lizards, asphalt scorpion chips, beef stewed bat, freeze-dried slugs…"

"Oh my god, what even is this?"

Miao Lu and Xiao Yuan followed Chen Sixuan, Daliang, and Shasha down a barter street, staring at the bizarre apocalypse foods—both girls grimaced the entire time.

These items were even more "creative" than the lizard jerky, rat jerky, and cockroach protein bricks they'd endured before.

Chen Sixuan stared at the food, compelled to marvel at human ingenuity under the apocalypse; judging by Miao Lu and the others' expressions, the Wuxian Hao's rations were indeed luxurious compared to most survivor convoys.

The Wuxian Hao had few people, but vast supplies—plus what they'd acquired from the Phoenix Association—meant each person's allocation was practically overflowing.

The group wandered with the leisure of a shopping trip, relaxing their weary minds and bodies from the escape, while Daliu trailed behind like a bodyguard; yet even he, who ate canned food every meal with Lin Xian, couldn't help frowning at the asphalt scorpion crisps.

While the others strolled through stalls set up at various convoy camps, Chen Sixuan spotted something familiar on a small stand made from a car hood.

She stopped walking.

The vendor was a woman wrapped in a thick down jacket, her convoy clustered together, with a burning empty oil drum rising behind them.

The woman noticed Chen Sixuan's gaze and immediately pointed to the object in the corner: "Brand new, five of them, ultra-thin, four cans each—how about it?"

Few thought condoms would become a hard currency after the apocalypse, nearly as valuable as food; Chen Sixuan gave it a deep look, then pulled a can from her backpack and exchanged it.

"I'll take it."

"Got it~" The woman smiled. Seeing Chen Sixuan's beautiful face, she added, with the air of someone experienced, "If it's not damaged, wash it clean, dry it in the sun, add some petroleum jelly, and you can reuse it five or six times no problem."

Hearing this, Chen Sixuan's usually cold, serious face flushed slightly. She forced a smile, snatched the package quickly, and stuffed it into her bag. "No need to be shy—we women already struggle enough. Getting pregnant in this world? That'd be a sin."

"Thank you," Chen Sixuan said with a smile, then turned to leave.

At that moment, she noticed Miao Lu and Xiao Yuan were being approached by a stranger; but because Daliu stood nearby, the man kept his distance. Only when Chen Sixuan walked over did she realize he was pitching something.

"For the Diamond Rank: one bottle of Cold Dark Reagent monthly, two bottles of vegetable juice, one can of meat daily, plus assorted snacks. If you're a Gene Evolver, you get a full set of sourceless protective exoskeleton armor."

"For the Berserk Rank: two bottles of Cold Dark Reagent monthly, four bottles of vegetable juice, a full set of dynamic external armor, special meal rations—meat at every meal—and a modified living vehicle for private sleeping and rest."

"Also, our Night Wind Convoy has extremely high safety: over six hundred people total, ten large supply vehicles, anti-air defenses, plenty of heavy weapons…"

The man then turned to Daliu: "For a brother like you, 1120-point Ability Level, we've got several pretty girls you can pick as your sleep partner—solve your physical needs, cheap: just treat them well, give them food. Berserk Rank girls would practically beg to join you. Two or three? They'd all say yes."

Hearing this, Miao Lu and Xiao Yuan grew awkward. Miao Lu immediately covered Shasha's ears—but Shasha shoved her hand away and glared at the man.

"He's my brother. If he gets this, what about me?"

The man frowned, scratching his head: "You're so young—you need a sleep partner too?"

!

"Bullshit!" Shasha snapped. "I'm asking about Cold Dark Reagent, vegetable juice, meat cans!"

"Well…"

The man immediately pulled out a mobile terminal—apparently data collected earlier at the Ability Plaza—and scrolled for a long while before finally finding it.

"Oh! You're the genius girl with the 1. Limit Coefficient—you're Diamond Rank! Of course you get Diamond Rank benefits." He beamed, crouched down, and coaxed her in a seductive tone: "He's your brother?"

Shasha nodded.

"Then if you both join, I can apply for even better benefits for you two. Interested?"

Shasha pretended to think it over, making the man's eyes light up—then the little girl smirked and replied in a slow, teasing tone:

"Well, my brother and I each sleep in a separate 30-meter luxury carriage, eat meat three times a day, snacks, fruit cans—Lin Ge lets me eat whatever I want. I even have a T8-Z Vulcan Mech. Your offer? My brother and I probably can't accept."

The man froze: "You live alone in a whole train carriage?"

Shasha shook her head.

"I thought so…"

"Two people."

"Huh?"

The man was utterly baffled. Two people in one carriage? Three meat meals daily? Snacks, fruit cans, unlimited? Was this a refugee convoy or a luxury tour?

Miao Lu and Xiao Yuan knew Shasha was teasing him—they both barely held back laughter.

The man realized his offer had no chance. He forced a weak smile and hurried away.

At that moment, Chen Sixuan walked over: "Berserk Rank gets two Cold Dark Reagents and four vegetable juices monthly—I heard Zhou Wuer mention the Nightwalkers offer the same."

"So this convoy must be pretty big," Shasha said. "Two Cold Dark Reagents—that's at least twenty Blood Essences."

Daliu nodded: "Same conditions, but joining the Phoenix Association is far more dangerous. Many probably choose this convoy."

"No wonder these convoys keep growing," Miao Lu added. "They must have plenty of strong people inside."

This wasn't the first time they'd encountered recruiters. Since the Ability Test ended, multiple groups from the Wuxian Hao had been approached—offers varied wildly, but most were friendly, so no conflicts arose.

And it wasn't just Daliu, Shu Qin, and Lu Xingchen—Berserk Ranks—even Xiao Yuan, with only 260 points, average in both Ability Peak and Limit Coefficient, had people approaching her. It seemed anyone who'd shown up at the testing plaza had been spotted by some convoy among the thousands in Xilan City.

The one who approached Xiao Yuan was a small convoy leader who claimed she reminded him of his first love—and his offer was surprisingly generous.

Though it felt bizarre, Xiao Yuan refused without hesitation.

"Wow, so many convoys are camped here—I bet we couldn't walk through them all before dark. Let's go check out what's ahead!" Shasha was unusually relaxed, her smile never fading.

After the minor incident, the group resumed wandering through this "commercial street" organized by survivor convoys, gazing at all the strange new things.

Xilan Weapons Manufacturing Plant, Workshop 3.

【Scanning Progress: 65%】

Lin Xian closed his eyes, fully focused on activating the Mechanical Heart, wasting not a single second—while also monitoring his communicator. Though free to roam, as the group's "parent," he kept tabs on everyone's movements.

Aside from Huo Ge guarding the vehicle, everyone from the Wuxian Hao had split into groups to wander. According to Shu Qin, Lu Chang, and Chen Sixuan, many team members had been approached by recruiters—some seeking details about the Wuxian Hao's conditions, others looking for Lin Xian, hoping to collaborate or join.

But since their leader, Lin Xian, was absent, all had left disappointed.

Hearing this, Lin Xian was weighing whether to recruit more people. Logically, the Wuxian Hao had ample supplies and space; with his Mechanical Ability, he could enhance his members' combat strength, greatly increasing their survival rate.

But he was conflicted. Beyond the added responsibility, he didn't want to become like Longshan No. 1—where dozens died after every major battle…

Most importantly, Lin Xian felt the Wuxian Hao faced terrifying pressures—often beyond imagination, bordering on certain death.

Since leaving Jiang City, he'd had his miraculous Mechanical Ability, Kiki, an S-Rank Psychic Ability user, and the heavily armored Wuxian Hao—yet even with this setup, they'd barely survived countless near-death situations. He couldn't imagine how other convoys, armed with only a few Starfire automatic rifles or light machine guns, had lasted this long. Even after discovering ordinary people like Shu Qin could evolve into elite fighters, it still didn't fully explain it—because Shu Qin's pressure hadn't lessened…

Much of it was borne by Lin Xian alone.

So he worried: new members might face even greater danger. This internal conflict made him cautious about expanding the team—he didn't want to lure survivors with "benefits," turning them into cannon fodder or the daily "5%" who died.

"Ugh, so boring~"

Kiki floated past Lin Xian, then perched on the edge of the mechanical arm, legs swinging in the air.

"I wandered around outside—these convoys are either dismantling things, cutting, welding, or repairing. I heard Sister Chen and the others were shopping. I haven't gone shopping in ages~"

Lin Xian smiled slightly: "Tonight, after I finish assembling the train, tomorrow you can roam freely."

"Really?" Kiki grinned at him, eyes narrowing. "Don't flake on me."

"Why would I flake on you?"

"Aren't you coming with me? Shopping alone is so boring…" Kiki stared at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

Lin Xian: "…"

"We'll see," Lin Xian sighed, gazing beyond the factory. "These people are rushing to upgrade convoy defenses—maybe one extra steel plate could save a whole crew for another day. Those snow demons' tail spikes pierced my armor. If I don't upgrade, I can't sleep or eat."

Kiki gazed at him tenderly and said softly: "Yes, yes, I know you're burdened, you care about our safety, Commander Lin—you've worked so hard. Want me to give you a back rub and leg massage?"

"And then hit me with a stick again, right?" Lin Xian chuckled.

Kiki snorted: "Still holding a grudge? Such a petty guy."

Since Lin Xian and Kiki entered, survivors from various convoys occasionally came in searching for something—but upon seeing only large machinery, they cursed and left empty-handed.

Everything salvageable had been stripped down to the last screw. And since Lin Xian and Kiki were perched high on the mechanical arm, no one noticed them—perfect for quiet.

"Wow, these people are ruthless—they took everything, even the light fixtures."

"Lights are crucial, especially high-power ones. Many convoys turn on big lamps at night to deter weird entities."

"Will that even work?" Kiki frowned. "Lighting up at night is like a lighthouse—just inviting those things to come."

"Not necessarily."

Lin Xian spoke gravely: "Those night monsters don't necessarily judge by sight. Don't you remember the creatures we've faced?"

The white giant first appeared, standing beside Lin Xian for a long time.

The three-headed spider monster appeared mysteriously above his head.

The crimson centipede only went berserk after the Wuxian Hao fled.

The monster in Underground City No. 9 only detected Lin Xian and Kiki on the Twin Stars after the nuclear-powered locomotive activated.

These monsters had eyes—but their attacks on humans seemed fundamentally different from zombies or human ghosts.

"I know what you mean—the Dark Mark is used for identification. But I think if they can't see you right in front of them, how could they even mark you?"

Lin Xian nodded: "So we'll have to wait for the Phoenix Association's research. We only know such a mark exists—deeper mechanisms need more time to crack."

"Yeah, true. Then it seems…"

"Shh."

Lin Xian suddenly hushed Kiki—he heard someone entering the factory. To avoid unnecessary trouble, they decided to stay hidden and leave as soon as they finished.

Kiki instantly fell silent, flew over, and sat beside him, waiting quietly for the newcomers to leave.

But this group was different from before—just from the sounds, they felt suspicious.

"Right here~" A man dragged a woman into a corner, his voice urgent.

"You're too impatient—it's broad daylight! What if someone comes in?"

The woman complained.

"I can't wait—I'm on night watch tonight. Come on, wife, take off your pants~"

"Ugh, it's freezing—my butt's numb! Couldn't you pick somewhere warmer?"

"Back to our vehicle?"

"No—everyone's there, and the vehicle's not soundproof."

"Who cares? We're old marrieds. Old Wang's crew do the same—loud banging on their shock absorbers at night. Don't act holier-than-thou. Let me touch you~"

"Get off! Stop it—you're shameless! Just do it already."

"Let me touch a bit longer—I won't get hard without it."

"Useless, stand still, let Mama help you."

……

On the loading arm, Lin Xian stared blankly—coming to a place this cold at minus fifty degrees for marital activities? Didn't they fear frostbite?

But upon deeper thought, today's enhanced individuals had undergone significant physical evolution; even Xiao Yuan could casually lift weapon crates weighing over a hundred jin. This kind of "activity" hardly posed a challenge to these passionate men and women.

Suddenly, Lin Xian felt his arm growing heavier. He turned his head and saw Kiki's face flushed crimson, teeth clenched in fury, her fingers digging into his shoulder as she muttered low:

"So shameless..."

Lin Xian smiled and leaned closer, whispering: "Didn't you hear they're a married couple? How's that shameless?"

"Shut up!"

At that moment, strange moans and sighs began rising from the lower corner, echoing through the empty workshop.

Kiki's face turned even redder. She immediately raised a psychic shield to block out the embarrassing sounds, then covered her ears and buried her face against Lin Xian's shoulder.

One minute later, the sounds below ceased.

Amid the woman's grumbling, the two departed again.

Now it was Lin Xian's turn to be dumbfounded. He couldn't help muttering: "Looks like this evolution doesn't include kidney upgrades..."

"What did you say?!" Kiki lifted her head, eyeing him uncertainly.

Lin Xian instantly grew serious: "Nothing. We still have some time."

【Scan progress: 80%】

"Fine, then hurry up." Kiki looked up at him, her gaze shifting subtly with a mischievous smile. "Look how fast they are."

Lin Xian:?

(End of Chapter)

(End of chapter)