Jian Ning held his hand with a touch of heartache. This man had experienced such a tragic life in two lifetimes. The disasters that earthquakes bring to humanity are almost devastating.
Those who are lucky enough to survive can only carry the pain in their hearts, struggle to live, and strive to rebuild human civilization on this ruin.
"Let's go back," Xiao Lingfeng quickly composed himself. No matter what, life had to go on, especially in this situation.
With the mountain-protecting formation, things are much better than in my previous life. My family and loved ones are still by my side, which is already a great blessing.
The two flew directly back to the villa on their swords. When they landed on the ground outside, they could still faintly feel the earth trembling.
Fortunately, the house was of decent quality, and with the added protection of the double array, it wasn't significantly affected.
After returning to the room, Jian Ning took some steamed buns and eight-treasure porridge. The two of them ate breakfast and then sat down in the attic on the third floor, leaning against the window, constantly observing the earthquake situation outside.
The earthquake lasted for about a minute at the beginning, which was the most severe part.
The next earthquakes are expected to be magnitude 7 or 8. Even with the protection of the mountain-protecting formation, most of the mud-brick houses built by the local people have collapsed.
Looking out from the villa, the scene was also one of utter chaos.
Fortunately, the Earth Spirit Orb was indeed effective, playing an immeasurable role in this major earthquake.
When the aftershocks gradually subsided, Jian Ning finally released her family members.
"How is it? Is the earthquake over? The house is fine, it's of good quality!" Jian Anping looked around as soon as he came out of the tortoise shell.
"Everything's alright for now. Have you had breakfast? There's food here," Jian Ning said, pointing to the dining table where she had just taken out steamed buns and porridge from her spatial storage.
"We haven't eaten. We're worried about what's going on outside, and we don't know what's happening. We have no appetite at all. Tian Tian is starving."
"Tie Dan, Hu Tou, you two hurry up and eat, it'll get cold. I'll go get the bowls and chopsticks." Aunt Wang hurried to the kitchen.
Li Mengyao went to the window and glanced out. The courtyard remained unchanged. A sense of unease crept in. She turned to Jian Ning and said, "Xiao Ning, can we go out and take a look?"
“Yes, let’s go out and take a look. I’ll lead you.” Jian Anping had been sitting still for a while. With such a huge earthquake, how could they not go out and see what was going on?
Jian Ning didn't stop them. Jian Anping had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, so protecting one person wouldn't be a problem. Da Zhuang and Huang Fugui quickly followed, as they were both quite curious.
A short while later, the group returned.
"My God, I just looked outside the base, and the ground has turned into a cliff with such a deep crack. If you fall in, you're definitely going to die without being able to climb back up."
"Xiao Ning, you were so farsighted! If it weren't for the formation, our house probably wouldn't have survived."
As soon as Jian Anping returned, he kept praising Jian Ning.
"Let's eat first. The earthquake is just the first step. The volcano has already erupted, and Lingfeng and I saw it. We don't know what other difficulties we'll have to overcome next."
"You all need to stay alert at all times. After you finish eating, go back into your turtle shells. I'll let you out only when I tell you to."
"Okay, whatever you say. But I won't go in. It would be a waste not to use all my skills. I'll help you from outside."
Jian Anping felt that as the eldest brother, leaving his sister and brother-in-law outside while he hid at such a crucial and dangerous moment was not right.
"I don't need you, big brother. You just need to protect the family." Jian Ning refused outright. Seeing her stern face, Jian Anping didn't dare to say anything more.
After finishing their meal, they quickly led everyone back into the turtle shell.
Aunt Wang also led Tian Tian to the gourd's space. Huang Fugui, however, refused to go in no matter what. He regretted not being able to witness such a fun thing happen with his own eyes.
Jian Ning didn't bother with it. Anyway, Huang Fugui could fly, so if it really encountered any danger, it could just take to the sky.
Just as I finished cleaning up the dishes, Xiao Wuyu sent me a message.
“Jian Ning, I’ve detected a swarm of rats attacking the array. They must have sensed the energy fluctuations here and realized this is a safe base. That’s why they’re so desperate to get in.”
"Okay, I understand, I'll be right there."
Jian Ning grabbed Xiao Lingfeng and rushed out of the villa. There was no one outside at the moment.
The two of them flew to Xiao Wuyu's location. Looking at the dense swarms of black rats outside the base, Jian Ning felt a chill run down her spine.
How could this rat survive such a huge earthquake? It's incredibly lucky.
"They've been gnawing at the base's foundation. It was only after the Earth Spirit Orb issued a warning that I came to check. This can't go on; there are too many rats." Xiao Wuyu looked outside the base and frowned slightly.
"What are you afraid of? I'll just burn it down. You just wait and see," Jian Ning said, and with a flicker, he passed through the protective mountain formation.
When she set up the formation, she gave herself permission to come and go as she pleased. Now it's coming in handy.
"Xiao Ning, wait for me!" Xiao Lingfeng also wanted to go out, but he was bounced back by a gentle force as soon as he rushed to the edge of the base.
"You don't need to come out, just watch me."
Jian Ning flew above the swarm of rats, waved her hand, and a transparent spiritual flame appeared out of thin air, instantly lowering the temperature in the air.
The mice on the ground immediately sensed something was wrong in the sky, and they all raised their little eyes and squeaked. They looked very anxious.
"If you dare to cause trouble at the base, then none of you will be going back."
After Jian Ning finished speaking, the spiritual fire in her hand suddenly surged, as if the air itself was burning. Then, with a flick of her finger, the spiritual fire transformed into thousands of fire raindrops, falling into the swarm of rats.
When it touched the mouse's fur, it burst into flames. Although it produced no heat, the burning so intensely that the air itself seemed to distort.
The rats below had nowhere to escape; if they were touched by even a tiny, invisible spark, they would be reduced to ashes.
After setting the fire, Jian Ning flew back in. She clapped her hands and smiled at Xiao Wuyu.
"Solved, Brother Xiao. You're so old-fashioned! Don't you know how to use fire? Why are you even bothering to treat these rats with any mercy?"
"I couldn't think of it for a moment, Jian Ning, your mind works really fast." Xiao Wuyu also felt that after being confined to one place for so many years, his thinking might not be able to keep up.
"That's right, Brother Xiao, please continue to keep an eye on the formation. If anything happens, just call me out to handle it. Thank you for your hard work. There's plenty of delicious and nutritious food in here, so you and Liu Yan can have a nice snack."
Jian Ning handed him a storage bag.
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