Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 399: A Long-Awaited Farewell

The effectiveness of this so-called Ice Soul would soon reveal itself to Zhang Yi.

After dismissing everyone, Zhang Yi instructed them to remain vigilant in the coming days. The three-day warning of an attack as mentioned by the Great Decree could very well be a ruse. In this current era, no one could be trusted. For all he knew, the attack could happen tonight.

Everyone understood the gravity of this war and dispersed to prepare. However, "preparation" in this case was little more than mentally rehearsing their assigned roles.

Once the others left, Zhang Yi called Zhou Ke'er to his side.

"Ke'er, you're in charge of keeping an eye on Yang Siyah. To prevent any incidents, administer a moderate dose of muscle relaxants and sedatives to her in advance."

Zhou Ke'er nodded. "Understood. I'll get the medication right away."

Her lips were pursed, as if she could hang a soy sauce bottle from them, revealing a mix of jealousy and discontent.

Zhang Yi couldn't help but chuckle. He knew exactly why Zhou Ke'er was upset—because he chose to give the Ice Soul to Yang Siyah instead of her.

Grasping her hand gently, he reached out to rub her soft, fair cheek.

"Silly girl, do you really think I didn’t let you use the Ice Soul because I care more about her than you?"

"On the contrary, it's precisely because you mean more to me! My feelings for you are as enduring as the Great Wall itself."

"I’m worried about the potential side effects of the Ice Soul, which is why I didn’t let you use it. Can’t you see my concern?"

Zhou Ke'er looked at Zhang Yi, surprised. "So... that's what you were thinking?"

"But Xinxin said the Ice Soul has been tested by multiple bases and has no adverse effects, didn't she?"

Zhang Yi responded coolly, "Theoretically, drinking urine can sustain life too, but if there's clean water available, would anyone choose urine?"

Zhou Ke'er's mouth twitched. "What kind of analogy is that?"

Zhang Yi laughed and said, "Never trust things from strangers. In the apocalypse, even a small oversight can cost your life!"

"Ke'er, you're a vital member of our team, and your medical expertise makes you more important than even the superhumans. But Yang Siyah is different. She needs to prove her worth."

"That’s why I chose to give the Ice Soul to her. Do you understand now?"

Hearing Zhang Yi’s explanation, Zhou Ke'er finally understood his intentions. Warmth filled her heart as she realized Zhang Yi’s decision stemmed from his respect for her abilities and his desire to protect her.

Pressing her lips together, Zhou Ke'er accepted his reasoning and obediently went to the infirmary to prepare the medicine.

After she left, Zhang Yi’s smile faded. He returned to his room in silence.

The current situation was increasingly complicated.

In Tianhai City, the Western Alliance forces were mired in infighting and disunity. Two factions had grudges against Zhang Yi and coveted his territory, intent on destroying the Shelter. The other two factions were opportunists, waiting to see which side would gain the upper hand.

No one was trustworthy. Everyone was a potential betrayer—or ally. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Zhang Yi even considered leaking the Baixue Sect’s plans to Yangsheng Base and Chaoyu Base, triggering a skirmish between them.

But would that benefit him?

The Qingfu Base and the Baixue Sect bore no personal grudge against him. His primary adversaries remained Yangsheng Base and Chaoyu Base.

Thus, his main objective was still to counter these two factions.

Lying on his bed, Zhang Yi pondered for a long time before reaching a decision. Since war was inevitable, he would face it in a way most advantageous to him.

He picked up his phone and called Xing Tian.

"Hello, Zhang Yi, have you made up your mind?"

Zhang Yi nodded. "I have. We can cooperate, but I want to change the terms of our collaboration."

Curiosity flickered in Xing Tian’s eyes. "Oh? What terms do you propose?"

Zhang Yi said, "I’ll double the food supply you asked for, but you’ll have to participate in this battle!"

Xing Tian chuckled coldly. "You want me to help you? That’s impossible! Qingfu Base avoids unnecessary conflicts. We won’t fight you, but we also won’t provoke the other three factions."

Zhang Yi shook his head. "No, I don’t need you to fight anyone. I just need you to show up and pretend to attack."

Xing Tian’s face was filled with doubt. "You want me to bring my forces and act? Zhang Yi, what’s your game here?"

Zhang Yi smiled. "You don’t need to understand my motives. We have no conflicting interests or grudges. If you’re willing to play along, I’ll give you double the food. Are you in or out?"

Xing Tian’s eyes gleamed. The proposal seemed too good to refuse, though Zhang Yi’s intent puzzled him.

After some thought, Xing Tian laughed heartily. "Fine! Why would I turn down such an offer? But you’ll need to deliver the food in advance as a gesture of good faith!"

Zhang Yi said, "I’ll send you a third as a deposit. The rest will be delivered once the job is done."

Xing Tian pondered briefly and agreed. "Alright, 2:30 PM tomorrow at the old site of the West Hill Base. We’ll make the exchange!"

"Deal."

Ending the call, Zhang Yi felt his plan taking shape.

He could have opted to keep Qingfu Base out of the fray, but he chose to pay a higher price to ensure they played their role convincingly.

This decision served two purposes:

First, Qingfu Base’s involvement would lull Chaoyu and Yangsheng Bases into a false sense of security, minimizing their defenses against the Baixue Sect’s impending betrayal.

Second, Zhang Yi was confident the Shelter could withstand a coordinated attack from multiple factions. If their assault failed, the Baixue Sect’s backstab combined with his counteroffensive would devastate both Chaoyu and Yangsheng Bases.

At that point, Qingfu Base wouldn’t resist the temptation to join the fray and capitalize on the situation.

Though Xing Tian lacked ambition, he wasn’t foolish. Who would pass up the chance to claim the spoils of war?

Author's Note