Thirst was an unbearable torture. On the road, where water was scarce, his throat felt dry and smoking, his tongue felt like a piece of dry wood, and his mouth was filled with a bitter taste. In search of water, he had to drag his exhausted body everywhere, searching for even a puddle of muddy water. To him, it was a life-saving dew.

The physical pain tormented him constantly. Blisters formed on the soles of his feet, and every step felt like treading on a knife's edge, piercing pain radiating from his feet throughout his body. The long hours of walking made his legs feel heavy as if they were filled with lead, and his muscles ached to the point of near numbness.

Loneliness and fear followed him everywhere. Surrounding him was the endless wilderness, a terrifying silence, the only sounds being his own heavy breathing and footsteps. Every night, the distant howling of unknown beasts filled him with chills, keeping him from falling asleep.

The psychological pressure was suffocating. He didn't know how far he had to go, or whether he could persevere. The confusion and uncertainty about the future weighed on his heart like a huge rock, making him feel extremely heavy and depressed.

However, even after suffering so much and going through so much hardship, Xiao Yi still gritted his teeth and moved forward step by step. The glimmer of hope in his heart never went out.

During this long and arduous journey, Xiao Yi encountered many creepy and terrifying mutant animals.

Once, he was cautiously traversing a patch of withered grass when he suddenly heard a deep growl. A massive mutant lion suddenly burst out of the grass. Its body was several times larger than a normal lion, its fur shed, revealing mottled, pimpled skin. Its eyes gleamed with an eerie red light. Its fangs were sharp like daggers, and saliva dripped from the corners of its mouth. It lunged at Xiao Yi with its claws and fangs bared, stirring up a gust of fishy wind.

Another time, Xiao Yi was crossing a dry river when a mutant monster, resembling a python but with sharp claws, emerged from a crevice in the rocks. Its body was incredibly stout, its scales gleaming with a metallic sheen. Its movements made a chilling rustling sound. From its gaping maw emanated a pungent odor, as if it could devour everything.

In a dark forest, Xiao Yi encountered a group of mutant bats. Their wings were broad and tough, covered with barbs, their eyes were bloodshot, and they made sharp cries. These bats swooped down on Xiao Yi like a black whirlwind, scratching his body with their sharp claws.

Even more terrifying was the time when, while traveling at night, he encountered a giant, mutant spider. Its legs were long and thin, like sharp spears, and its body was covered in strange patterns. It wove a huge web between the branches, and when Xiao Yi approached, it instantly pounced from the web, its ferocious appearance making people shudder.

These terrifying mutant animals put Xiao Yi in extreme danger every time they appeared, bringing great fear and pressure to his body and mind. Whenever Xiao Yi was exhausted and almost desperate, his yearning for the new base was like a clear spring, moistening his almost dry soul.

In his imagination, the new base was a paradise filled with hope and vitality. There, towering, sturdy walls protected against all dangers and intrusions from the outside world, giving residents an unparalleled sense of security. Atop the walls, perhaps, patrolled the base, their piercing eyes constantly protecting the peace and tranquility of the base.

Inside the base, neatly planned houses are arranged in an orderly pattern. Each one is cozy and comfortable, with bright windows and warm beds, offering a haven of peace and tranquility after a hard day's work. The streets are spacious and clean, lined with lush trees. The rustling of leaves in the breeze whispers the beauty of life.

He envisioned a place with abundant supplies and warehouses filled with food, medicine, and various necessities of life. People no longer had to rush around for a bite of food, nor did they have to endure the pain of illness due to lack of medicine.

The new base also boasts comprehensive facilities, including a bustling marketplace where people can exchange goods, share stories, and laugh. There's also a school where children can learn and pursue their dreams without worry. And there's a hospital where professional doctors provide attentive care for the injured and sick.

Xiao Yi imagined that he would be able to find a stable job in the new base, give full play to his talents, and contribute to the construction of the base. He could also make friends with like-minded people, support each other, and face future challenges together.

In this longed-for land, there is no fear, no hunger, no loneliness, only harmony, warmth, and hope. It is this beautiful yearning for the new base that supports Xiao Yi's steadfast progress on his difficult journey, and no matter how many difficulties he encounters, he never gives up. In the new base that Xiao Yi longs for, the hierarchy is like an invisible mountain, weighing down people's breath.

From the moment you step into the base, you can clearly sense the strict hierarchy. The core area of the base is home to the supreme leaders and their trusted aides. The buildings here are magnificent and heavily guarded, and ordinary people are not even allowed to approach.

Those with high power enjoy the finest resources, spacious and luxurious residences, rich and varied cuisine, advanced medical care, and everything is the best. They travel with special escorts, and wherever they go, people look at them in awe.

While those in the middle rank didn't live as well as those at the top, they still had relatively stable jobs and a certain amount of resources allocated to them. They worked tirelessly in various important positions within the base, carefully maintaining their status, fearing a single misstep would lead to their downfall.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!