Chapter 29: Hell on Earth

Among the three current apocalyptic worlds, the one belonging to the native Shen Yu is the most mysterious.

The apocalypses of the other two worlds have been developing for some time and are relatively singular in nature. However, the apocalypse in the native Shen Yu’s world is incredibly complex, diverse, and filled with the unknown.

"Our scientists have found no obvious traces of artificial origin on the eyestalk creatures, yet they possess distinct characteristics of biological weapons; it is unlikely they are the result of natural evolution," Interstellar Shen Yu said slowly, his expression grave. "It seems the apocalypse on the native Shen Yu’s side is indeed quite complicated!"

The Goddess of Hope had actually conducted some analysis already, but unfortunately, she had not yet been able to discern anything more. Perhaps it would require integrating observations of other types of monsters to see the full picture.

"The source behind that meteorite might be troublesome, but look on the bright side," Martial Arts Shen Yu suddenly laughed. "Didn't it also provide us with enough time to prepare? One monster after another emerging is just like leveling up in a game. Perhaps the troubles we face now will no longer be troubles for our future selves."

"That is a fair point; things haven't reached their worst yet." Shen Yu suppressed a flicker of unease in his heart and looked at Martial Arts Shen Yu. "However, we cannot afford to grow complacent just because of certain achievements. Time is life, it is the gray mist, it is opportunity! Your world, in particular, really needs to step up its pace."

"Yes, I understand." Martial Arts Shen Yu’s expression also grew more serious.

Why is the Martial Arts world unique? Because this path of transcendence is distinct from the other two worlds, offering excellent complementarity. For instance, in Interstellar Shen Yu’s world, human civilization is not necessarily technologically inferior to the Ethereals; it is simply that their areas of expertise differ. But compared to the incorporeal Ethereals, humans are truly too fragile. One side suffers constant casualties on the battlefield, while the other faces no threat at all—it is no wonder such a war brings about the end of civilization.

Shen Yu’s world is similar. Interstellar technology can crush eyestalk creatures, but what if monsters with intangible, psychic properties appear? With the emergence of the information regarding the "seven hundred thousand," the importance of the Martial Arts world continues to rise.

The three did not part ways immediately. Instead, they traveled to the Martial Arts world to practice. Shen Yu and Interstellar Shen Yu remained in Martial Arts Shen Yu’s estate. This world is rich in primal energy, and with the sharing of cultivation realms, it would not take them many days to reach Martial Arts Shen Yu’s current level.

As for Martial Arts Shen Yu, he was currently on his way. The gray mist space can only serve as a transit point to locations one has previously visited and where spatial coordinates have been left behind. Transportation in this world is inconvenient, and as Martial Arts Shen Yu needed to reach the city where his father-in-law resided, he had to travel overland.

He possessed a mount known as a "Dragon-Scaled Beast," a dowry brought by his wife. It was incredibly fast, capable of traveling several thousand kilometers a day. However, the world is vast and the terrain difficult, mostly consisting of mountains and ridges.

The closer he got to his destination, the more clearly he could see the tragic state of the world. Along the way, there were only gaunt, withered disaster victims; corpses were everywhere, some picked clean. It was like a living hell.

One must realize that in this world, everyone practices martial arts! Even the few who did not were tall and robust, having grown up in a world filled with abundant primal energy. Furthermore, given the vast land and rich natural resources, even in past years of great disaster, such a scene had never occurred.

Were all these people heading to the city to find a way to survive? But what was the situation inside the major cities now?

Martial Arts Shen Yu composed himself and quickened his pace. Finally, after crossing a high mountain, a massive city built in a valley came into view. This city was named Moonstone City, named after the yin-attributed ore found in the vicinity, which could significantly accelerate the cultivation of certain yin-based techniques. Martial Arts Shen Yu had visited many times, but the scene before him now left him deeply shocked.

Under the dim light of the sun, the mountains around Moonstone City, which should have been lush and verdant, were now barren. The cold wind bit, and all the trees were withering. Most importantly, dense crowds of people were wandering through the hills—all disaster victims! The number of people was staggering, far exceeding everyone he had seen along the way. A rough estimate suggested at least three to four million people! One must remember that the usual population of Moonstone City was only about one million.

"Is that Young Master Yu?" A voice came from the side.

Martial Arts Shen Yu saw guards from Moonstone City galloping toward him. He did not recognize them, but as the man who had married the little princess of Moonstone City, there was no guard in the city who did not know him.

"Where is my father-in-law? I have urgent business to see him," Martial Arts Shen Yu asked directly.

"Young Master Yu, the City Lord is currently at the East Gate," one of the guards hesitated for a moment before lowering his voice. "As you can see, there are at least three million refugees gathered around Moonstone City. If you came to borrow grain, I fear you will be disappointed. The eldest son-in-law also came a few days ago and remains in the city to this day, unable to take any grain out."

"Are there powerful individuals among the refugees?" Martial Arts Shen Yu raised an eyebrow. If this were the ancient world of his previous life, such a siege by refugees would undoubtedly be a huge threat. But this world was a martial arts world! Here, the strong were supreme! Three million refugees, let alone thirty million, could not stop a true expert from leaving. Unless, there was someone even stronger.

"It is the Holy Maiden of Western Mountain," the guard whispered, his brow furrowed with deep worry.

"It’s her!" Martial Arts Shen Yu was startled, and then he understood. In a world like this, there are always names of powerful figures that shine like the sun. The Holy Maiden of Western Mountain was one such person.

Her most notable trait was her "kind heart." She was fifty-four years old and possessed exquisite medical skills, traveling alone to constantly save the masses. If that were all, it would be nothing—the world did not lack great heroes. The key was that the Holy Maiden of Western Mountain clearly suffered from an obsession with helping others!

Her most famous feat was plunging into a major power to obtain a precious medicine for a child she had never met who suffered from a congenital disease, fighting her way out while under pursuit, and ending up disfigured as a result. In the words of Martial Arts Shen Yu’s previous life, she was a "saintly mother" figure. Yet, she happened to be incredibly powerful.

"No wonder so many refugees have gathered," Martial Arts Shen Yu looked around, finally realizing the situation.