Chapter 410 Jiujiu, how about we do a big vote? - Socially Anxious Witch in the Apocalypse

Upon entering the city, Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu observed their surroundings, and their first reaction was to the congestion. In a world frequently shaken by earthquakes, such congestion should be unexpected. However, the influx of ability users into the city was overwhelming. Over time, the situation developed into its current state. To accommodate these ability users, the Qi Lian Sanctuary expanded the city multiple times. They recruited ability users from the disaster-stricken populace, while ordinary people worked on construction sites, building new districts. In this system where labor could earn food and significant contributions could gain points, Wu Hou City now housed nearly 3 million people, comparable in scale to Tian Gong City. Lin Jiu Jiu asked, "Zhang Qian, where are we headed?" Zhang Qian replied, "West Street, District 6, Shop Number 11." Xia Xiao An said, "Alright, let's go." Three beautiful girls suddenly appeared on the filthy, disorganized street. Although they all wore gray cloaks obscuring their faces, they couldn't escape the notice of the experienced ability users who had survived the apocalypse for years. Most ability users with poor vision had already perished. "The scent of a virgin." One ability user took a deep breath, looking intoxicated. He watched Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Zhang Qian leave until they disappeared from view, then turned his gaze to a few ability users trailing behind them. "Ignorant fools, you're courting death." He shook his head and went back to boiling water, only to find a crack in his pottery cauldron, spilling the hard-earned boiled water all over the ground. Stunned, he shouted into the dark house, "Madam, your cauldron's cracked!" ... Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu walked briskly. Zhang Qian initially kept pace, but gradually started feeling the pressure. As she began to fall behind, it seemed as if Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu could sense her thoughts and slowed down. It wasn't their fault; the street's stench was unbearable. Even with masks on, the two found it hard to endure. Xia Xiao An began to understand why Su Miao jiejie was unwilling to stay at Shelter No. 1—it wasn't just social anxiety; the environment was a major factor. The surroundings of Tian Gong City outside Shelter No. 1 were, in many ways, similar to this. Why hadn't they noticed it back then? Xia Xiao An recalled. It was because Su Miao jiejie had unleashed several large violet fireballs, purifying the air. At that time, she and Lin Jiu Jiu had been so startled that they hadn't paid attention to the environment. Thinking about it now still frightened her; imitating it seemed impossible. However, remembering those times, staying with Su Miao jiejie involved numerous explosions, all of which were terrifying! Surviving with Lin Jiu Jiu felt miraculous. "Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, I think we're being watched." Zhang Qian's face turned pale as she warned them. "Yes." Xia Xiao An didn't look at those tailing them. Neither did Lin Jiu Jiu. They had noticed since setting foot in Wu Hou City. Some were following the three of them, part of a group of rogue ability users, somewhat powerful but not overly so. Others targeted Zhang Qian; while the watchers themselves were insignificant, there were stronger figures lurking in the shadows. So far, Xia Xiao An hadn't gathered much useful information. Perhaps her mind-reading during entry was discovered. Their opponent likely guessed her ability and took precautions. No matter—mind control was just one of her aces, and she had the dream-manipulator, Jiu Jiu, by her side. Yet, the number of watchers grew, and Xia Xiao An heard more and more inner thoughts, feeling increasingly irritable. She had the urge to kill. But imitating Su Miao jiejie's ease of mindless slaughter, free of psychological barriers and scruples, was something she couldn't accomplish. [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "Xiao An, do you want to deal with them first?" [Xia Xiao An]: "Huh?" [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "There are too many tailing us, Xiao An. You could make the different factions fight each other." [Xia Xiao An]: "Right!" She had been so caught up in her thoughts that she forgot this common tactic. Unlike Su Miao jiejie's direct approach, she could resolve the problem through mind control. Suddenly, several of the ability users tailing them began to stab each other's hearts. One even entered a building for a better vantage point, stumbled upon something he shouldn’t have seen, and lost his head. Some pursuing in the shadows ran into tough contenders—it was conflict waiting to happen. In just a few minutes, the streets they passed through descended into chaos. Hundreds of ability users inexplicably started brawling. Here, survival meant forming groups. Long experience taught them that if a brother was attacked, they had to help; otherwise, once on the run, no one would welcome them, leading to inevitable death. But if they helped and fought, there was a chance of survival for everyone. Even if only one was left standing, they would be appreciated, potentially rescued by someone daring the risk. That's the law of survival in the apocalypse. Thus, when combat erupted, the street block plunged into a chaotic melee. The ability users managing neighborhood patrol looked on, dumbfounded as the battle spiraled beyond their control. "Captain, we can't handle this, over 30 people have died in mere minutes." "Damn, what’s happening?" "Not exactly sure, but it seems like the people under Prince Duan suddenly started killing here." "Captain, what should we do next?" "What should we do? Inform the higher-ups, saying we’ve lost control here." "But Captain, won't that be insufficient? We need to investigate the cause of this chaos for proper reporting." Their back-and-forth conversation left the patrol captain in a headache. He had to worry about maintaining his job in Wu Hou City, ensuring he earned enough meal support for his family. If he didn't handle his duties, he'd be ousted by the powers-that-be. Without sufficient provisions, his family... The patrol captain said, “It’s too chaotic inside; we can’t manage it. But these people can be controlled. Set up a safe zone and restore order immediately.” “Let those inside continue their fights and killings. Once they’re done, it’ll be easier to manage.” Following the order, patrol members sprang into action, setting up barricades on the streets, calming panicked vendors and pedestrians to prevent further disorder. It was imperative; the city was heavily congested. Uncontrolled chaos could lead to a stampede, potentially costing them their jobs. Minutes later, a patrolman came running to report: “Captain, the higher-ups want us to maintain order. As long as it doesn’t escalate into a stampede, we don’t have to investigate the cause; someone else will be sent for that.” The patrol team looked bewildered at this leniency. When had their superiors been so accommodating? The patrol captain asked, “Is that truly their message?” The member nodded, “Yes, it is.” The patrol captain was taken aback but, seeing the crowded masses, snapped back to attention: “Then keep the peace and call in all off-duty members.” The team promptly spread the word. At Wu Hou City Defense Department, a bald ability user observing Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu on the screen muttered, “Their clearance is higher than mine. How can I intervene?” The only hope now was that Su Miao wasn’t coming. If Su Miao did come, the death toll here would be unimaginable. Nevertheless, out of precaution, he reported the situation to Qi Lian Sanctuary. If necessary, let the sanctuary act as a failsafe to prevent a larger catastrophe. … Zhang Qian, glancing back every few steps, followed Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu to the small shop at 11 West Street, District 6, safe and sound. She was baffled at how the observers suddenly erupted into violence. Yet, they reached safely. “Is this it?” Xia Xiao An pointed to the small shop ahead. The shop was constructed by driving wooden stakes into the ground, covered with a rainproof tarp. Its door comprised a curtain of rotting reed mats tied together with hemp rope. Near the entrance lay a large stone with crooked carvings of “Small Shop” painted in an unknown red dye, serving its purpose. Zhang Qian nodded, “Yes, this is it.” Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu exchanged a glance, saying nothing. Zhang Qian led the way, stepping into the dimly lit shop where a solar lamp cast its faint light on a few shabby counters filled with small trinkets. Behind the counter sat a chair and small table cluttered with jars and bottles, along with a bowl that appeared dirty but was actually quite clean, having been washed with ice. As someone entered, the inner curtain of the shop lifted, revealing an elderly woman in her sixties. "What would you like to buy? Look around and tell me when you've decided..." Her words trailed off as she noticed Zhang Qian pulling back her hood. The shopkeeper looked shocked, exclaiming, "Zhang Qian, you're still alive?!" Zhang Qian's eyes reddened as she locked eyes with the shopkeeper. "They said you were involved in all of this. I didn’t believe it, and now I see it's true. How could you? They're all dead." The shopkeeper opened her mouth, then a look of disgust crossed her face. "Involved? Leave, leave, don't come here looking for trouble." Zhang Qian, shaking with anger, retorted, "You!" The shopkeeper shot back, "What about you? Look at yourself, pointless troublemaker." Zhang Qian demanded, "Give me back what’s mine. I know it’s here." The shopkeeper replied, "What are you talking about? I don't have it. Get out, you’re annoying." Zhang Qian stared at the shopkeeper, at a loss for words, yearning to reprimand her but knowing she was no match. Thinking of the deceased, she broke down in tears. The shopkeeper picked up a broom, planning to shoo her away, but upon seeing Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu in their cloaks, she slammed the broom down instead. "Quit crying! Get out, I'm trying to clean up." Through her sobbing, Zhang Qian pleaded, "Return what's mine, and I'll leave." The shopkeeper yelled, "Are you deaf? I said I don’t have it. Are you trying to con me?" As Zhang Qian refused to stop crying and yelling, the shopkeeper grew anxious. She turned to Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu, saying, "Is she your friend? Take her away and stop causing a trouble. I have a business to run." Lin Jiu Jiu, puzzled by the commotion, maintained silence. Theoretically, Xia Xiao An would step in, right? Yet, Xia Xiao An just watched. Was there more to this than met the eye? Deciding to clarify the situation, she initiated a private conversation. [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "Xiao An, what’s going on?" [Xia Xiao An]: "Zhang Qian thinks the shopkeeper betrayed her and everyone else, but actually, the shopkeeper tried to save them. However, the rescue failed, and only Zhang Qian survived." "According to the shopkeeper's plan, Zhang Qian wasn’t supposed to return. By not returning, she could have lived, but she came back, rendering the others’ deaths in vain." "Even now, the shopkeeper is trying to distance herself from Zhang Qian to ensure her quick departure and is prepared to sacrifice herself against the Abyss Organization’s ability users to buy time." [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "What?" [Xia Xiao An]: "Their emotional chaos clouds their inner voices, but that's the gist." [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "The Abyss Organization is after Zhang Qian?" [Xia Xiao An]: "Yes, based on the shopkeeper’s thoughts, Zhang Qian possesses a rare Heart of Light. The Abyss Organization wants to use her as a living sacrifice and extract her heart during the ritual for their dark god." "This heart was specifically requested by the dark god they worship." [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "Doesn't the Qi Lian Sanctuary know?" [Xia Xiao An]: "The sanctuary is overwhelmed with issues, particularly in communication. By the time the higher-ups receive intel, events have already unfolded." [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "So what do we do?" [Xia Xiao An]: "Jiu Jiu, shall we carry out a major operation?" [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "Are you sure it's okay?" [Xia Xiao An]: "As long as the dark god doesn't descend, there won't be any issues. Plus, Su Miao jiejie specifically had us bring Zhang Qian back, probably sensing something. This could be a new trial for us." [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "Alright!" [Xia Xiao An]: "The Abyss Organization’s members are outside the shop, three of them. Be alert." [Lin Jiu Jiu]: "Understood, I’ve locked onto them." Seeing Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu remain silent and unwilling to take Zhang Qian away, the shopkeeper grew anxious. "Hurry up and leave, or I'll call the patrol. You won't like it if they catch you." "If they arrest you, you know what kind of people you'll face inside." Wiping her tears, Zhang Qian resolved to stand her ground. "Hand over the item! I am of the Shu Dao Mountain..." The shopkeeper laughed in exasperation, about to retort when her expression suddenly changed. Urgently, she said, "You fool, run!" But as she moved, the scenery shifted—an empty, desolate world materialized before her eyes. Lin Jiu Jiu and Xia Xiao An observed, slightly surprised. Was this a formation? Further away, three cloaked ability users emerged. "The chief priest said the Heart of Light would return here today, and it’s true." "And you, did you really think pretending to join the Abyss would fool us?" "Heh heh heh." (End of Chapter)