After reading the introduction, Qin Zhiyu raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised. The System Bestiary had a unique writing style, with a touch of humor and wit.
The Mutated Euonymus Vine was easy to handle since it was already dead—she simply cut its roots, touched it, and collected it.
The Expansion Mushroom, however, was more challenging to break off. After all, it was the size of a basketball, requiring some effort.
[System: Collected “Mutated Euonymus Vine (Dead)” *1, converted to 200 Experience Points; “Nutritious Inflatable Mushroom” *2, converted to 200 Experience Points.]
[Experience Points: 400/1000]
It seemed these two mutated items were extraordinary, giving her so many Experience Points—what a huge gain! A huge gain!
The bamboo grove was relatively close to Qin Zhiyu’s villa. Following the dragging marks, she returned to the area with streetlights.
Of course, she didn’t forget to pick up the chicken with her left hand, the duck with her right hand, and also carried the dull gray carp along the way.
By the time she returned to the villa, it was already nine o’clock. Qin Zhiyu opened her phone to check WeChat and saw that Wei Xinglan had sent the video Resources around eight o’clock.
Accompanying it was a message emphasizing that the content should not be shared.
“Well, better late than never!”
Qin Zhiyu had no objections to the “no sharing” rule. After replying to Wei Xinglan, she downloaded the video Resources and prepared to start learning self-defense techniques—truly without a moment’s rest.
While waiting for the download, she opened forums and news sites to see if there were any recent reports about Mutated Flora and Fauna.
After searching several keywords, she finally found a few traces of information about Mutated Flora and Fauna.
Flying Fat Bro: This is just fucking unbelievable. I came back from a business trip and found that the peony I planted at home grew taller than my peach tree overnight! Terrified jpg.
Loves Happy Water: Bro, stop bragging. Could it be that your peach tree is only three feet tall? Mocking jpg.
Flying Fat Bro: Here’s proof—if I’m lying, I’ll gain ten pounds!
…
Tomato Isn’t a Tomato: Oh, I believe the OP. My succulent grew like crazy in just three days, and now it’s as big as a washbasin—ridiculous! Last week, it was only palm-sized! Proof attached jpg.
A Gloomy Day: Are you sure you didn’t use some sketchy fertilizer on your succulent? Looks like the OP has a real talent for farming. Maybe you should try planting other things—you might accidentally mass-produce and solve the food crisis. Serious face.
…
100 MPH Tractor: My pet hamster is fatter than my cat! Don’t say you don’t believe it—even I think it’s fake!
…
Qin Zhiyu came across many similar posts, all describing unusual events happening around them.
“It seems this change might be happening worldwide!”
So, the Heavenly Disaster had already given warnings. But how could human efforts stop an inevitable future?
Thinking this, Qin Zhiyu couldn’t help but think of her brother, whom she couldn’t contact no matter what.
It had been two years since she last communicated with Qin Yanheng. All she knew was that he was traveling abroad, exploring countries around the world, learning about different cultures, and had even published a book on geography.
There was no news of him in her dreams either. But with his healthy physique and the ability to travel the world alone, he should be able to survive well in the post-apocalyptic Heavenly Disaster, right?
With this thought, Qin Zhiyu set another goal for herself in the Heavenly Disaster: to find Qin Yanheng!
After a quick meal, Qin Zhiyu strapped on sandbags and headed out to train.
The first reconnaissance opportunity not only detected those mutated creatures but also clearly revealed the surrounding situation.
Currently, there are no mutated creatures in the residential area. Although she still has one more chance to scout today, she doesn’t plan to engage in another battle of wits with the mutated creatures.
With just over three days left before the Heavenly Disaster arrives, Qin Zhiyu is also considering whether to subtly hint to Cai Linlang. After all, this girl is warm and generous, and they usually get along quite well.
However, she hasn’t figured out what to say or how to broach the topic, including with her old classmates.
Qin Zhiyu discovered that in her dreams, there was no trace of people she had any real-life connection with.
Deep down, she is unwilling to believe they all perished in the Heavenly Disaster. Instead, she leans toward the idea that she simply never had the chance to encounter them, which is why her dreams offered no hints.
During the Heavenly Disaster, all electronic devices vanished. Only those fortunate enough to be together when the disaster struck, or those in the same city who had the chance to add each other as friends, could maintain contact.
Most others settled wherever they happened to be, as changing the location of one’s safehouse required special items.
Qin Zhiyu also needs to plan for herself—whether to hold her ground in the villa area or move to another suitable, sparsely populated location to weather the early stages of the Heavenly Disaster.
The villas around her are either vacant because their owners returned to their hometowns for the holidays or simply unoccupied. Only the side gate of the community leads to apartment buildings.
With 30 buildings, each seven stories high and divided into three units, the population is considerable. It’s certain that some would covet the villa area’s elevated position, sparse population, and expansive environment.
In her dream, she started in the villa area as well, securing a favorable spot. Although some petty thieves eyed her location, she resolved the trouble with her considerable strength. Capable individuals didn’t bother with her safehouse, and another reason was that, at the onset of the Heavenly Disaster, people’s sense of morality hadn’t yet collapsed.
Another reason to stay here is that when the Heavenly Disaster arrives, most human structures transform into natural resources. For example, cement turns into mineral veins, and wood is said to be even more peculiar—buried directly underground, possibly catalyzed by the disaster into coal.
After much deliberation, Qin Zhiyu decides to move!
As for the resources in the community, she can use reconnaissance after their transformation is complete. This way, she’ll also find out what exactly attracted Wen Zhiyin to move here.
Once her sanctuary stabilizes, she can return to collect the resources!
After finishing her run and returning home, Qin Zhiyu opens the video Wei Xinglan sent her.
The video is titled “Grappling Technique” and is divided into four parts: basic skills, defensive strikes and throws, grappling and counter-grappling.
Each part includes detailed breakdowns. For example, the basic skills section features a young man in black demonstrating fundamental movements such as palm strikes, punches, kicks, and takedowns.
The defensive strikes and throws section demonstrates techniques like blocking punches and arm-lock throws.
The grappling and counter-grappling section covers active grappling, post-escape grappling, turning defeat into victory, weapon-disarming grappling, and the use of restraints.
Grappling technique is a specialized skill developed by comprehensively studying the principles of human joint movement, the physiology and vulnerabilities of vital points, as well as the transfer of body weight and principles of sports mechanics, all aimed at subduing opponents through close combat.
Qin Zhiyu had previously participated in some combat training, so she is somewhat familiar with many of the moves shown. With this video, she can identify gaps in her knowledge, refine the simple self-defense techniques she learned earlier, and address weaknesses in her combat skills—making it highly practical.
After resting for a moment, Qin Zhiyu began to carefully memorize the key points of the video. Although it was already midnight, she had slept far too long the day before.
The system countdown was a full three days away, and there wasn’t much time left to waste.