Chapter 64

A group of plants rushed into the woods full of hope, only to emerge dejected.

The cabbage still hung its head in disappointment, holding a piece of wood it had picked up from inside.

Chili was also a little confused and wondered if there was something wrong with her method.

When the nuts saw them return, they quickly peeked out, but found no new plants had been brought out.

Carrot opened the car door and jumped in, comforting her as she said, "Waaah."

Maybe there aren't any plants here. Next time, I'll try scattering wood chips in a more distant area, or maybe I can improve the content on the wood chips.

Anyway, it felt that many plants would be willing to join the base.

Bell peppers and peas were probably the least concerned about this. Peas jumped into the passenger seat, pushed nuts aside, and urged us to hurry up and leave.

They brought out a modified vehicle this time. The vehicle has a large interior space and can hold a lot of plants. Although it is not as fast as an aircraft, it is very stable in the ruins.

Besides bringing back new plants, they have another task: to clear out the zombies they encounter along the way and earn balance and prestige points for Qianhui.

Once all the plants had come up, the modified vehicle drove away a moment later to search elsewhere.

Chili took out her communicator, hesitated for a moment, and then sent Qian Hui only the word "safe".

Let's wait a bit longer... maybe we'll find the plant elsewhere.

Bell Pepper sat down next to him, pulled off his mask, and took out two pieces of jerky from the small backpack behind him.

It now uses a new mask, made with the help of Xiao Baocai, which is made of softer fabric and has a more accurate eye position.

Bell pepper munched on the jerky and handed another piece to chili pepper.

The modified vehicle drove around the ruins, encountering more than a dozen lone zombies along the way.

Carrot was reluctant to use the modified car's weapons, so Big Pea rolled down the window and spat three green peas at the zombie, along with chili seeds, darts, durian thorns, and other ranged attacks.

These attacks made little noise but were very powerful. The zombies were powerless to fight back and fell to the ground before they could even reach the car.

The bell pepper was fast, so the task of digging out the crystal cores was also entrusted to it. Its red shadow flashed back and forth, and finally it slipped into the car window, handing the crystal cores to the bell pepper to put away.

Above the modified car, there was an aircraft that slowly followed along.

Potato and Corn sat inside, keeping an eye on what was happening further away.

After a morning, the plant team circled around to a small grove on the other side of the ruins and finally found three plants there.

These are small green jujubes, aloe vera, and dwarf tea trees.

The three plants heard the sound of the vehicle and were so frightened that they tried to hide. Then they smelled a strong scent, which came from a premium exotic plant.

They immediately hid until they saw a cabbage rush in and tried calling out, "Huh?"

The three plants then cautiously appeared and asked the cabbage if it knew about the plant base.

The cabbage was surprised and happy, and rushed over with a "woof woof" sound, hugging the dwarf tea tree and aloe vera into its arms.

The small green jujubes escaped unharmed, while the dwarf tea trees and aloe vera plants, unaware of what had happened, stood frozen in place, too afraid to even breathe.

Bell Pepper darted over and ripped off her mask: "Ugh!"

That's right, we are the plant base!

Finally, they found new plants. The team members seemed even more excited than the other team members, circling around the three plants as if they were rare treasures.

The dwarf tea tree was a bit timid; it was startled by the scene, and its leaves trembled violently.

Chili quickly reassured them, offered them some food, and asked if they wanted to go to the base.

The three plants had been waiting by the woods for this purpose. After accepting the chili peppers and calming down, they nodded in agreement one after another.

The cabbage was even happier and took the initiative to lead them back to the modified car.

Upon reaching the edge of the woods, they saw a vehicle driven by plants, with a flying machine overhead. Aloe's eyes widened, and her mouth gaped open: "Whoa..."

After getting in the car, Carrot casually asked about the abilities of the three plants.

The dwarf tea tree is a defensive support type, at an intermediate level, while the aloe vera, despite its unassuming appearance, is surprisingly a high-level offensive type.

As for small green dates... small green dates are low-grade and not very useful.

Carrot turned its head and looked at it a few times, then thought, "Never mind, I'll take it back to the little mushroom as a playmate."

The modified vehicle and the aircraft above set off again, traversing the ruins.

Big Pea left the car window open, searching for traces of zombies in the vicinity.

It seems like there weren't this many zombies the last time I came out to scatter wood chips... This area is adjacent to Zone 5, which is considered a medium-risk zone on human maps.

But since they set off, they have already killed six mid-level zombies and twelve low-level zombies, a number that is almost comparable to that of high-risk areas.

Big Pea sniffed the air outside the window and cautiously looked around.

In the end, the team visited four locations and, in addition to dwarf tea tree aloe vera and small green dates, brought back a strawberry.

Strawberry is a mid-level offensive plant with great courage. It can face many top-level exotic plants alone without flinching, and its joining the base is a foregone conclusion.

On the way back, it was already six o'clock in the afternoon. Cabbage counted the four plants in the back seat and silently comforted herself.

Four new members are enough. There's still a big peanut in the base. Any more and we definitely wouldn't be able to manage them all. This is just right...

Cabbage leaned back in the back seat and sighed contentedly.

After the modified vehicle and the aircraft left together, more than a dozen mutated plants gathered together on a more remote, ruined street further away.

At the end of the street, several zombies, smelling the scent of food, lunged forward with their scarlet eyes wide open.

With a "thud," Lettuce stepped on the stones and jumped onto the collapsed street lamp, flinging out two leaves.

The vegetable leaves grew larger and larger in the air, like a large net that trapped several zombies inside.

At the same time, the lettuce exhaled a puff of green smoke, which quickly drifted over and was inhaled by the zombie.

The zombies immediately slowed down, and before long, they even started attacking each other in the vegetable leaves.

Two more lettuce leaves flew out, this time smaller, but they precisely wrapped around the zombies' heads. The sharp edges of the leaves were used for cutting, directly "twisting" off the heads of two of the mid-level zombies.

The lettuce jumped off the streetlight and returned to a group of plants, its leaves rolling closer with the zombie head attached to them.

"Whoosh!" Lettuce waved to indicate that everything was alright and continued on her way, needing to find a place to rest before dark.

It casually handed the zombie heads hidden in the vegetable leaves to two plants, letting them dig out the crystal cores themselves.

Seeing it take care of several zombies in no time, a group of plants looked at it with admiration.

The rose bushes swayed their leaves, praising the "leader" for being so amazing!

Lettuce scratched her face awkwardly and walked ahead with her head down.

Its personal transport zombie stopped behind, lettuce jumped onto the small recliner, the zombie continued to move towards its destination, and a group of plants quickly followed.

Lettuce looked at the plants and counted them again.

Twelve... a whole twelve plants, all of them are going to that plant base.

Lettuce tilted her head, propping her face up with it, looking a little speechless and a little regretful.

It hadn't thought much about it at first; it was just too lazy to explain. Besides, since there was already a misunderstanding, it would be more convenient to take the plants away as the "leader."

As a result, we encountered many more over the next two days...

These plants all wanted to go to the base, not only out of curiosity but also out of longing, since the base had always been a sanctuary that only humans could have.

Since things had come to this point, it was impossible to explain the lettuce, and it was also difficult to refuse, so they all took it.

Among the plants, some are quite strong, while others are very weak. For safety and security, the lettuce planter specifically chose a relatively secluded route to protect them throughout the entire process.

Why……

Lettuce looked away and lay down on her back.

We should be arriving soon, but we still don't know the situation at that base, or whether it's really as good as described on the wooden slip.

If there's any danger... it'll be responsible for sending those plants back.

Lettuce closed her eyes and slapped her forehead.

After a while, it rolled over and lay on its side, quietly picked up the pendant, and touched the name on it.

—

Before nightfall, the modified vehicle and aircraft successfully returned to base.

Qianhui had received a message from Chili in advance and was waiting at the door to greet her.

The wooden door slowly opened, and a modified car drove in. Cabbage waved excitedly from the car window.

Once the four new plants emerge, take them to see Qian Hui first.

Carrot explained that this was the leader of the base.

The plants were shocked; the leader of the plant base was actually a zombie...

No, no, the person... doesn't seem right either.

Qian Hui bent down and squatted down, touching the leaves or tops of the plants one by one as a greeting: "It's getting late, let's go eat first."

The new plants can stay at the base for two days, which is a period for them to get to know each other and also serves as an assessment period.

Two days later, we will determine whether the plants will remain permanently.

The little green jujube nuzzled against Qian Hui's fingertips, and the four plants followed the little cabbage and apple away.

The carnivorous plant stood guard to the side, taking turns to sniff them and memorize their scents.

Potato parked the aircraft and came down the mountain with Corn.

Big Cherry was so hungry her eyes were shining, and she followed closely behind Potato, eating several landmines in a row.

Not far away, Big Peanut was secretly observing.

New plants have arrived again? These few seem to have volunteered; they're in good spirits and haven't been injured.

As for what Mango said that day... the humans in the neighboring base are all their underlings.

Is it that amazing...?

Big Peanut wavered and stayed for two more days.

It's an advanced offensive type, skilled in ranged attacks and also good in melee combat. Qianhui even came to ask about it yesterday, hoping it would stay.

Watching the four plants leave, Big Peanut thought to himself, "Just two more days, just two more days."

It wants to see if these new plants are willing to stay.

Just then, Yangtao called to Peanut from under the tree, beckoning it to come for dinner.

The base is large and safe. In addition, since Qian Hui was recently taken away by Nan Tingjin, the plants have started to go to the kitchen to get food on their own. They gather in groups of two or three or four or five, or they all surround the kitchen.

Big Peanut immediately stood up straight and obediently ran over.

Meanwhile, Qianhui returned to the cabin accompanied by the carnivorous plant.

Yuan Ji had just left, and the food that had been delivered was placed on the table, but Nan Tingjin did not touch it.

The man-eating flower stayed outside to keep watch. Qian Hui approached and sat down: "Is it not to your liking?"

Nan Tingjin raised his hand to support his forehead, his eyes half-closed: "I'm not hungry."

Qian Hui felt somewhat helpless and didn't know what to say for a moment.

He felt neither hungry nor sleepy at night, and didn't want to sleep. He seemed to be in a state of high excitement, yet he couldn't muster any interest in anything.

Except when I kiss myself every day...

Fortunately, Nan Tingjin did not do anything destructive, and his superpower remained stable.

Qian Hui pursed her lips and said, "I don't want to eat either."

He lowered his head and felt Nan Tingjin's gaze fall upon him.

Then, Qianhui's chair was moved to the side and carried over.

Nan Tingjin took his hand and kissed his fingertips: "What's wrong?"

Qian Hui glanced at him, thought for a moment, and said, "I want you to feed me."

This kind of thing, which requires patience, is actually not suitable for Nan Tingjin's current state.

Qianhui couldn't think of any other way, and Nantingjin barely ate anything all day.

Even if he is a superhuman with a physique much stronger than ordinary people, he still needs to replenish his energy with food.

Nan Tingjin kissed Qian Hui's cheek and replied, "Okay."

Plants sometimes eat the food delivered to them by humans, so extra small bowls and spoons are provided in the tableware.

Nan Tingjin fed Qian Hui bite by bite, meticulously and patiently.

Qianhui would occasionally say she didn't want to eat this, and then naturally let Nantingjin finish it.

The last half bowl of soup was also drunk by Nan Tingjin.

The meal was eaten rather slowly, as subordinates from the Black Ridge Mountain base had already arrived and promptly came in to clear away the dishes.

The man-eating flower also hurriedly followed in, pretending to help wipe the table, but actually secretly observing to confirm Qianhui's safety.

Qian Hui leaned against Nan Tingjin's chest and gave him a satisfied kiss: "Want to go for a walk outside?"

Nan Tingjin put his arm around his waist and whispered, "I'm not going."

Qianhui said again, "But I want to go..."

Nan Tingjin remained silent for a moment, then conceded, "Alright."

However, after leaving the cabin, the two would mostly go to more secluded places to wander around, rather than staying with the plants.

Qian Hui was already content. She grabbed a coat and happily dragged Nan Tingjin to the foot of the mountain.

In the past few days, new wood chips have continued to be produced, and the lake at the base has also been completed.

Carrot was determined to raise fish in the lake, so he asked Chili to ask Yuanji if they had any.

As darkness fell, Yuan Ji was checking on the condition of several superhumans in the cell when he received a message.

Mutant chili pepper: "Fish".

Yuanji replied skillfully, "Yes, I'll send them over tomorrow. How many do you want?"

Mutant chili pepper: "Three."

A moment later, another message arrived.

Mutant chili pepper: "Five".

Five fish... the logistics area should have some, Yuanji agreed: "Okay."

—

As night fell, a modified car was parked on the side of the road.

The modified car's window was cracked, and there were also many signs of wear on the rear side.

A human with superpowers stood by the car door, gazing at the high walls of the Blackridge Mountain base in the distance.

His eyes were dark and his mental state was very poor. He muttered, "Complete the mission, and I'll get the medicine..."

The human with superpowers lowered his head, holding a red device in his hand.

This was given to me by the people at Skybase, who promised that as long as I brought the device outside Blackridge Mountain base and pressed the switch, they would provide enough medicine to cure my disorientation.

Originally, it should have been used on the people at the Blackridge Mountain base on the very night of the unified siege, but the alien plants arrived too quickly, and a suitable opportunity could not be found.

By now, many superhumans have compromised with Sky Base and are willing to obey all orders.

Even if they didn't know what the device was for, the superhumans didn't care about anything else for the sake of a little bit of medicine.

There were three people inside the modified car. Half an hour later, two more cars approached.

The people inside rolled down their car windows, exchanged glances, and knew each other's purpose for the trip.

They were all wearing devices and were going to act together, both to ensure the success rate and to enhance the effect.

Not far behind, another vehicle was following, carrying a small team dispatched by Sky Base to guard and supervise the operation.

These superhumans all had severe symptoms. The combined pain from their bodies and their superpowers made them unable to think clearly. They wouldn't hesitate to die for them.

I don't know how much time passed, but it was still not dawn.

Yuanji was the first to receive the news and immediately got out of bed.

Outside the base gate, a loud bang was heard as a modified car ignored warnings and dangers and crashed straight into them.

The semi-transparent protective shield was cracked in several places when it was hit, and then another vehicle came speeding from the side and crashed into the nearby wall.

All of this happened too fast. Even though Qi Yue had given advance notice and the entire base had increased its security and was on alert for anyone trying to get close, the situation was still very serious.

But these two vehicles were simply fearless... and guards had to be stationed along the wall, so in this situation, there was no time to retreat.

"Bang--"

The second car crashed into them, and immediately afterward, the superhuman on the watchtower on the wall felt a severe headache, and the protective shield disappeared.

There was a third car, a fourth car... behind them.

The sound waves emitted by the device traveled a long distance, and at the same time, the two patrol teams that arrived were also affected.

On the other side, the plants also heard the strange noise.

The carnivorous plant raised its head alertly, while the little mushroom in the leaves rolled over and rubbed its eyes.

The base had detectors operating, covering the Black Ridge Mountain area, and Qianhui was awakened by the alarm.

He opened his eyes and saw Nan Tingjin standing by the bed, his communicator turned on.

Yuan Ji's anxious voice rang out: "Leader!"

The Black Ridge Mountain base was attacked again, but this time the situation was different, and they could only turn to the plants for help.

Yuanji had already instructed everyone to stay as far away from the wall as possible; however, this meant the defensive shield was not wide enough to prevent the modified vehicles outside from getting close.

In the critical moment, the carnivorous plant let out a loud roar, waking up all the plants.

Upon learning that the commotion was most likely caused by Sky Base, Carrot was furious and immediately led his plant team to provide support and take down the bad guys along the way.

The man-eating flower also went. It handed the small mushroom in its leaves to Qian Hui, turned around and grew larger, carrying Nan Tingjin, and caught up with the modified car that drove away from the gate.

Several aircraft parked in the mountains and forests also took off one after another and flew quickly toward their destination.

Little Mushroom clung tightly to Qian Hui's fingertips, looking around in confusion.

It rubbed its nose and sensed another unpleasant odor coming from further away.

Qianhui thought it was scared, so she gently comforted it and let it hide in her pocket. She then hurried to the wall and used binoculars to check the situation outside.

Nan Tingjin also went, but his current condition is unstable, and he might be affected again...

Qian Hui was extremely worried, but there was nothing she could do for the time being. She could only hope that the plant team would resolve the matter as soon as possible.

The little mushroom popped out of Qianhui's pocket, looking around and reaching into the umbrella hat.

From this direction, one can glimpse a corner of the main gate of the Blackridge Mountain base; flames flicker and things seem somewhat chaotic there.

The plants arrived, and two aircraft hovered above the wall, launching a long-range attack.

The last car, however, showed no intention of stopping and crashed straight into the side of the wall.

There weren't many attackers on the outside, but after they were dealt with, problems arose inside the base.

Countless devices had been activated. A few minutes later, the superpowers of everyone at the base were restored, and more than a dozen superpowered individuals lost control one after another.

The chaotic aura emanating from afar grew stronger, which the little mushroom detected.

It shook its umbrella hat vigorously, head down, seemingly uncomfortable: "Ugh..."

Among the most severely affected superhumans, one was a physical ability user. His muscles swelled up in many places, his headaches worsened, his vision began to blur, and he wanted to tear his arm off.

Suddenly, he felt he couldn't move, and then he was thrown away by an invisible force.

The surrounding fences and stone walls shook violently out of nowhere. Nan Tingjin stood not far away, expressionless, and raised his hand to smash the man to the ground until he fainted.

Yuanji watched from behind with trepidation. Nan Tingjin himself hadn't fully recovered, and he was afraid that Nan Tingjin might accidentally kill someone.

Several others received the same treatment, but only a moment later, the superhumans who had previously fainted woke up.

He lay on the ground, delirious, but suddenly caught a glimpse of a small pink dot in the distance, like a star.

At the same time, Qianhui raised her head.

He widened his eyes slightly in surprise and exclaimed, "Little Pink..."

[A mutated plant has entered a berserk state near you. Please take cover! (From the Encyclopedia entry for "Little Pink Mushroom")]