Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies
Chapter 785: Divine Source

Chapter 785: Divine Source

Zhang Yi immediately raised his doubts upon hearing this.

"Over 3,700 kilometers? You're sending people to rescue them from that distance?"

His face was full of amusement. "This sounds too unbelievable to me!"

After the Ice Age descended, the global population had drastically decreased.

Within the Huaxu Kingdom alone, over 90% of people had died.

The current population was probably only around 100 million.

That Zhu Zheng was concerned about overseas citizens over 3,000 kilometers away naturally made Zhang Yi suspicious.

Zhu Zheng lowered his voice and said to him, "There's a big secret involved here."

Zhang Yi immediately listened attentively, while Zhu Yunque nearby also pricked up her ears, afraid to miss a single word.

But Zhu Zheng glanced at her and said, "Yunque, step outside for now. I'll call you back later."

Zhu Yunque looked disappointed but obediently left the office.

After she left, Zhu Zheng told Zhang Yi, "The person who contacted us hinted they might have discovered something extraordinary. That thing is of great significance to us—no, to all major powers worldwide!"

"If we can obtain it, it could elevate the Jiangnan Region's strength by an entire level. It would be tremendously beneficial for the entire Huaxu Kingdom!"

Zhang Yi looked at Zhu Zheng in surprise, finding it hard to believe.

"That exaggerated? What exactly is this thing?"

Zhu Zheng stared at him and said, "Possibly... the [Divine Source]."

"What's that?" Zhang Yi asked.

Zhu Zheng began explaining the story of the Divine Source.

Back then, Shengjing had obtained a portion of Divine Source in the Qinling Mountains, which allowed them to produce Huaxu Kingdom's first Epsilon-level superhuman.

"It's a miraculous substance. No one knows when or how it appeared."

"The Shengjing Region has kept its existence tightly under wraps. We've only obtained fragments of intelligence—it can evolve human genes to reach new levels."

Zhu Zheng leaned back on the sofa, his gaze somewhat nostalgic.

"I've seen photos of it, very similar to what the Rockflow Island citizens sent. And the descriptions match remarkably well."

Zhang Yi lowered his head in thought, finding it all sounded like mythology.

Seeing Zhang Yi remain silent, Zhu Zheng asked, "You don't believe me?"

Zhang Yi looked up and answered frankly, "It sounds like a fairy tale."

Zhu Zheng chuckled.

"There are too many things in this world beyond our understanding."

"Did you know most great scientists turned to theology in their later years? This shows human knowledge is insignificant compared to the vast universe."

He composed himself and said seriously, "Perhaps there really is a Creator in this world!"

As if worried about sounding superstitious, he quickly clarified, "Of course, I don't mean anthropomorphic deities from feudal superstitions. This is part of science!"

Zhang Yi crossed his arms, half-convinced by Zhu Zheng's words.

But if there truly existed a substance that could evolve superhumans, he was indeed interested.

"Divine Source... sounds intriguing," Zhang Yi remarked casually.

Zhu Zheng's smile deepened.

"This is a rare opportunity we absolutely cannot miss."

"First we need to verify whether what those citizens possess is genuine."

"If the intelligence is confirmed and we truly find the Divine Source—Zhang Yi, you'll undoubtedly become our top candidate for cultivation!"

Though aware Zhu Zheng was painting rosy prospects, Zhang Yi had to admit he was tempted.

Moreover, if it was just an evacuation mission, the risks seemed manageable.

"But is this level of task really necessary for me?" Zhang Yi asked.

After all, he was now at least captain-level—strictly speaking, beyond captain-level.

According to Baili Changqing, with his superhuman ability index at 9,600 points, Zhang Yi was theoretically the strongest in the entire Jiangnan Region.

Though in actual combat, many unpredictable factors existed.

Zhu Zheng interlaced his fingers and said seriously, "It's a long ocean voyage. No one can predict what dangers lurk in the deep sea."

"If we dispatch warships and too many experts, it would attract attention from other nations and regions. Exposing news about the Divine Source would be problematic."

"As you know, our current naval projection mainly covers areas near Huaxu Kingdom's coastline."

Zhang Yi said meaningfully, "And if we truly mobilize naval forces, we'd have to coordinate with the East Sea Region. Meaning... sharing some benefits."

Zhu Zheng grinned. "You catch on quick."

Zhang Yi nibbled his finger, weighing the mission's risks versus rewards.

If it was purely an evacuation mission, that meant no direct confrontation with powerful enemies. Most risks would come from mutated creatures in the deep sea.

While dangerous, this wasn't insurmountable.

Chaoyu Harbor had plenty of experienced sailors—bringing them along could mitigate most risks.

The potential reward? Possibly obtaining the so-called [Divine Source] to advance his power further.

Currently, simply absorbing other superhumans' essence could barely improve Zhang Yi anymore.

But he could clearly feel he wasn't far from the Epsilon level.

He could either progress steadily—perhaps reaching Epsilon in three to five years.

Or accept Zhu Zheng's mission for a shot at faster advancement.

He looked at Zhu Zheng again. "Is it really just an evacuation mission?"

"Don't think it's simple," Zhu Zheng said seriously.

"A 3,700-kilometer voyage with increased energy consumption due to extreme weather, no resupply points along the way—just this alone would be suicidal for anyone else."

"Only someone with spatial abilities like yours, capable of storing massive supplies, could pull this off!"

Zhang Yi understood—this was likely the main reason Zhu Zheng wanted him for this South Seas mission.

After Zhu Zheng's persuasion and his own cost-benefit analysis, Zhang Yi decided to accept.

After all, if he refused, others would take the mission.

If someone else seized this chance to reach Epsilon level, that would be bad news for him.

Damn it!

Even in the apocalypse, the rat race continues.

Zhu Zheng outlined the mission conditions:

First, the Region wouldn't send many powerful superhumans. As an Outer City superhuman, Zhang Yi's identity was easier to conceal—an advantage.

Second, no warships to avoid attracting attention.

Considering these, Zhang Yi told Zhu Zheng directly they didn't need to provide personnel or vessels—Tianhai City could prepare their own.

But the Region must supply sufficient fuel and weaponry.

Author's Note