25. Taoyuan

The days after escaping the northern base felt like a heavy burden had been lifted off, and even breathing felt remarkably free and easy. While they still had to sleep outdoors and remain vigilant against the threat of zombies and mutants pouncing from any corner, the air seemed filled with an indescribable, sweet scent called "freedom." The team journeyed through the sparsely populated wilderness, deliberately heading north-northeast, avoiding the remains of any known large human settlements and major trade routes. Relying on Lei Qing's extensive wilderness experience, Mu Lin's keen sense of the environment, and Su Lin's dwindling but well-planned reserves within their space, they encountered some surprises along the way, but avoided any major dangers.

Their goal is no longer a cold, rule-filled, and oppressive refuge, but a real place where they can plan, build, and call it "home." This idea is like a beacon in the darkness, guiding them in the direction of progress.

A few days later, they entered a region never marked on those incomplete maps of the old world. The terrain gradually rose from a flat wasteland to rolling hills. The soil beneath their feet was no longer a lifeless gray-yellow, but instead had a deep brown hue. The dead bushes were gradually replaced by low, but tenacious, drought-resistant plants with thorns. Occasionally, a few small, unknown purple flowers swayed in the breeze, adding a rare touch of color to the dead land. The air no longer smelled purely of dry dust, but instead carried a moist, fresh scent of soil and plants. This was undoubtedly an exciting sign for them, accustomed to the dry climate of the wasteland.

"Look over there!" One afternoon, A Yan, who was in charge of exploring the way ahead and was always energetic, suddenly pointed in a direction and shouted excitedly. His voice echoed far away among the relatively quiet hills.

Everyone looked in the direction he pointed. In the distance, between two lush, verdant mountains, their vegetation far denser than the surrounding area, a vast valley loomed, as if split open by a giant's axe. A silver river, shimmering in the afternoon sun, snaked like a delicate ribbon through the depths of the valley, eventually disappearing behind the mountains on the other side. Even more surprising, only a few scattered birds with bright feathers circled above the valley; no flocks of aggressive, mutated flying creatures were visible. Nor were the heart-pounding, dense roars of zombies to be heard. Only the gentle rustle of the wind through the grass and the faint, crisp sound of flowing water filled the air.

"The terrain is good." Lei Qing immediately raised the slightly worn telescope he carried with him and observed carefully. "A valley sandwiched between two mountains. The entrance looks quite narrow, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. There's a stable water source, good vegetation cover, and good concealment. If there's no major threat, it's an ideal place."

"Let's go and take a look!" Mu Lin's eyes also showed a light of genuine expectation that had not been seen for a long time. He took a deep breath of the air with the fragrance of plants, feeling the thin but pure water vapor in it.

The team quickened their pace, heading towards the valley with a mixture of anticipation and caution. The closer they got, the more they felt its uniqueness. The natural barrier formed by the mountain was even more formidable than it appeared from afar. As Lei Qing had predicted, the entrance was only wide enough for two or three vehicles to pass side by side. Flanked by steep cliffs covered in weathered rock, it was a formidable barrier where even a single man could hold a thousand at bay. However, once they passed through this narrow pass, the valley opened up, revealing a vaster expanse than they had imagined.

The soil within the valley was a fertile, dark brown, soft and springy to the touch. The river flowed gently and crystal clear, its bed thick with lush reeds and some thick-leaved wild vegetables that Su Lin recognized as edible. The distant hillsides were no longer a monotonous, withered yellow, but now dotted with patches of green. Even a few wild fruit trees could be seen, their branches laden with unripe, unripe fruit. The air was filled with the rich, invigorating fragrance of earth and grass, a stark contrast to the eternal odor of decay and dust in the wasteland outside.

"This place... is too good, isn't it? It's too good to be true." Ah Yan rubbed his eyes in disbelief. He released a few small fireballs and carefully probed the surrounding grass and woodland edges. He didn't attract any hidden dangers or violent mutants. Only a few frightened, sleek rabbit-like creatures quickly scurried off into the deeper grass. The animals here also seemed to retain more docility, rather than being generally frenzied.

"It's truly unusual. This kind of environment is practically extinct in the wasteland." Mu Lin squatted down, scooped up a handful of river water, closed his eyes, and carefully sensed it, a look of surprise on his face. "The water is very clean, with very low pollution levels. It's almost drinkable, with only some natural minerals." He picked up a handful of black soil and twisted it between his fingers, feeling its moisture and composition. "The radiation and pollution levels here seem to be far below the average outside. It's like... a forgotten paradise."

Lei Qing climbed onto a higher, smooth-surfaced rock and looked down at the entire valley like an eagle. His sharp eyes did not miss any details that might hide dangers - abnormal fallen vegetation, unnatural mounds of earth, suspicious cave entrances... He searched carefully for a long time before jumping down neatly. His steady voice carried a hint of imperceptible affirmation: "Preliminary investigation, no trace of large-scale threats was found, and there were no obvious signs of zombie activities. The east and west sides of the valley are steep, almost vertical cliffs, and the north and south entrances are narrow, making it easy to deploy defenses with a little modification. The water source is sufficient and stable, the land is fertile, and the usable area is not small. It is indeed... an ideal place." Even he rarely used the word "ideal".

Su Lin gazed at the tranquil yet vibrant valley before him, his heart beating slightly faster with excitement. Sunlight filtered through sparse clouds, illuminating the shimmering river with a shimmering golden glow. A gentle breeze caressed the knee-deep grass, bringing with it a rustling sound and the sweet fragrance of fresh grass. Wild fruit trees on the distant hillside swayed gently in the wind... Here, there were no towering, cold walls, no pervasive, calculating gazes, no strict rules or the pressure of contribution points. Only the gifts of nature and a pure land ripe with endless possibilities, waiting to be cultivated. A long-lost warmth, called "hope," slowly filled his chest.

"Let's... just stay here, okay?" he asked softly, with a bright and hopeful light in his eyes. He looked at his teammates, with a barely perceptible pleading and confirmation in his voice.

"Of course! Is there any need to say more?!" A Yan was the first to jump up in agreement, waving his fist excitedly, almost jumping up and down. "This place seems to be specially prepared for us! It has beautiful scenery, and it's easy to defend but difficult to attack! This will be our territory from now on! How about... calling it 'Flame Valley'? It sounds so domineering! You can tell at the sound of it that this is the place I'm protecting!" He had already begun to imagine the future and name his "territory".

Mu Lin laughed, shook his head gently, and poured a basin of cold water on him: "Call it 'Flame Valley'? I'm afraid that one day you really can't control it and set the whole valley on fire, and we will be homeless." He looked at Su Lin with a gentle gaze, and said meaningfully, "Why not call it 'Wangxi Valley', which means welcoming the new light of hope here and bidding farewell to the long night." This name is obviously more in line with his gentle and elegant personality, and it also expresses a beautiful vision for the future.

Lei Qing looked at the undisguised excitement and anticipation on his companions' faces, and the corners of his hard lips softened slightly. He said in a deep voice, "We can take our time to think of a name and pool our ideas. The important thing is that this will be our future home." He looked around the peaceful valley and spoke in a serious tone.

Xingchen, who had been quietly following Su Lin, also looked up, almost greedily observing this beautiful world, a world completely different from what he knew. His eyes were filled with wonder and a sense of longing after a slight unease had subsided. It seemed so safe and peaceful here. If he could settle down here, Brother Su Lin wouldn't have to travel so hard anymore, wouldn't he have to face those disgusting looks? He stole a glance at Su Lin's smiling face, and a warm feeling crept up in his heart.

"Home..." Su Lin repeated this warm yet heavy word, his heart filled with an indescribable warmth and sense of belonging. He looked at Lei Qing, A Yan, Mu Lin, and even at Xing Chen, who depended on him. His gaze was firm and warm, as if he had finally found his long-drifting home. "Okay, then this is our home."

At this moment, a common resolution was reached with joy and hope. They were no longer passive refugees seeking asylum, but pioneers about to create a homeland with their own hands.

They chose a high, gently sloping site with a massive rock face behind them, a wide view in front, and easy access to the river as the base for their future home. From this spot, they could overlook most of the valley, instantly aware of any disturbance. The rock face behind them provided a natural barrier, while the gentle slope in front was suitable for future construction and reclamation.

As the sun sets, its golden afterglow gently envelops the valley like a warm veil, tinging it with a magnificent hue. Standing on their chosen hillside, the five people gaze upon the land that belongs to them. Behind them lies a past of displacement and peril, while before them lies a future filled with challenges yet also with boundless hope.

Paradise is not born naturally; it needs sweat, wisdom and courage to cultivate it. But they have confidence and each other.

Night fell, and the stars twinkled like diamonds across the velvety sky. In the valley, far away from the hustle and bustle of the northern base, they lit their own warm bonfire for the first time. The dancing flames illuminated five faces, exhausted yet filled with hope and drive.