owlsbooks Chapter 68 Dawn is Coming
Chapter 68 Dawn is Coming
Another ten days or so passed. On this particular day, Xu Mo was practicing the stance training of the Thirteen Bodyguards' external martial arts on the first floor. A static noise came from the radio on the table, followed by a clear male voice, brimming with barely concealed excitement and exhilaration, breaking the silence:
"Fellow survivors, this is Jiangcheng Shelter. We have some very important news to report! Repeat, very important news!"
The announcer's voice even trembled slightly with excitement, which instantly snapped Xu Mo out of his cultivation state and brought him into a highly focused state.
"Through continuous monitoring and comprehensive analysis of recent atmospheric and astronomical data by our Jiangcheng Shelter, in conjunction with top research teams from several large shelters including Longcheng, Xinghuo, and Shuguang, we unanimously confirm that the persistent 'eternal night' phenomenon that has shrouded the globe is about to end. Daylight will soon return to the earth!"
The news struck Xu Mo like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. Even with his current composure, his heart involuntarily skipped a few beats. Was the Eternal Night about to end?
The broadcast continued, the announcer's tone filled with inspiring power: "According to forecasts, light will gradually return in the coming days to a week. At the same time, the extreme cold weather that has plagued us for so long will also ease, and global temperatures will enter a significant upward trend. Fellow countrymen, we have made it through; the darkest hour is about to pass."
After the cheers and encouragement, the broadcast's tone turned serious: "However, we also urge all survivors to take note. The rapid rise in temperature will cause a large amount of snow to melt quickly. This could trigger secondary disasters such as swollen rivers, flash floods, and mudslides. Those living in low-lying areas, river valleys, and at the foot of mountains, in particular, must be vigilant, evacuate to higher ground in advance, and make appropriate flood prevention preparations. Life is paramount; safety comes first!"
Finally, the broadcast returned to its usual content, urging survivors who were stranded outside to go to the Jiangcheng shelter and reiterating the shelter and order that Jiangcheng provides.
Before Xu Mo could even process this earth-shattering news, the radio frequency crackled with another announcement from the Rock Shelter. The announcer's voice sounded much calmer and more powerful than before, but the content was even more intriguing: "This is the Rock Shelter. We are officially informing all survivors that, following friendly negotiations with the Jiangcheng Shelter, effective immediately, the entire Rock Shelter will be merged into the Jiangcheng Shelter system, accepting its full jurisdiction and leadership. All survivors who seek refuge in this shelter will enjoy the same treatment and protections as residents of the Jiangcheng Shelter."
"Given the current external environment, this shelter will continue to expand its capacity to accept survivors. Those from surrounding areas are encouraged to come to the Panshi district. Once conditions are suitable, we will use various transportation methods, including restored air routes, to safely transfer everyone to the main urban area of Jiangcheng in batches. Again, the treatment in the Panshi district is the same as in the main urban area, and we will provide transfer guarantees to the main urban area..."
Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in Xu Mo's eyes, and a meaningful smile curved his lips.
"A merger, or rather, a complete takeover." Xu Mo instantly understood. It seemed that Jiangcheng's deployment of a bomber squadron for rescue last time was not purely for support, but rather had a deeper strategic consideration.
The Rock Shelter suffered heavy losses in that crisis, its strength greatly diminished, and it was probably no longer able to maintain independent operations. Joining Jiangcheng in exchange for a chance to survive and develop was the most realistic choice. Jiangcheng, on the other hand, acquired a large stronghold without bloodshed, expanding its actual controlled area and population base, and strengthening its overall power—undoubtedly a win-win deal.
"Jiang Cheng's methods are indeed remarkable," Xu Mo thought to himself. This integration might mean that large shelters are beginning to shift from fighting independently to closer cooperation and resource integration, which may not necessarily be a bad thing for the remaining human civilization.
Setting aside these thoughts about the shifting power, Xu Mo focused his attention on the core message that "the Eternal Night is about to end." An indescribable sense of relief and joy welled up inside him.
Xu Mo walked to the window and looked at the seemingly unchanging, oppressive dark sky outside. For the first time, he felt that it was no longer so heavy and hopeless.
"Is it finally dawn?" Xu Mo murmured to himself, a smile he hadn't seen in a long time appearing on his face.
For Xu Mo, the end of the eternal night meant far more than just the return of light and the rise in temperature. It also meant that an important part of his training, which he had been forced to suspend, could begin again.
The Thirteen Protectors Horizontal Training, as an external hard skill, includes not only conventional stance training, resistance to blows, and strength training, but Xu Mo also discovered that it can be used to "gather qi".
However, with the arrival of eternal night and the sun being blocked, this "Qi gathering" practice was naturally impossible and was forced to be interrupted for a long time. Although Xu Mo's cultivation of the Bullhide Realm did not stagnate, without the assistance of "Qi gathering," he always felt that the progress was not as perfect as expected. Now that daylight is approaching, his "Qi gathering" plan can finally be put back on the agenda, which is crucial for the further improvement of his strength.
After the initial excitement, Xu Mo quickly calmed down and began to plan for the new situation after the end of the Eternal Night. He was never someone who was blindly optimistic.
First, he must take the secondary disasters seriously, as warned in the Jiangcheng broadcast. Although Qingsongling Town has the character "ling" (ridge) in its name, it is actually built on a plain, but some preparations should still be made in the face of secondary disasters.
"A boat, we need a boat." Xu Mo immediately realized the key point. It didn't need to be too big; a lightweight, highly maneuverable assault boat capable of carrying him and necessary supplies would be perfect. In critical moments, it could not only be used for evading danger but also as a tool for crossing rivers or exploring waterways.
As for how to acquire the assault boat, Xu Mo, who possesses the "Gate" ability, had a very clear idea.
Xu Mo's optimal solution was to find the door of a large warehouse, put up a sign that read "Flood Control and Drought Relief Material Reserve" or more directly, "Water Rescue Equipment Warehouse." After opening the door, there was a high probability that he could find the inflatable boat he needed, and he might even find the matching fuel, life jackets, and other items. This was much more efficient and reliable than searching aimlessly in the ruins.
"Hmm, this can be put on the agenda. Once we confirm that the eternal night has ended and the weather has stabilized, we'll find a suitable place to 'open the door'." Xu Mo kept this plan in mind.
The news that the eternal night was about to end was like a strong ray of dawn, dispelling some of the gloom that had long shrouded Xu Mo's heart.