Chapter 113
But what if it's true?
Could such a catastrophic disaster really be avoided by humanity alone?
Jiang Zhi couldn't help but imagine how they would cope if that nightmarish scene really happened. After all, all the most absurd things in the past had eventually come true.
Jiang Zhi looked at the deep pit caused by the vines and pondered for a long time. Finally, she realized that if such a disaster really happened, it seemed that there was no way to pull them back from the brink of disaster except for the vines.
Even if we manage to escape the collapse and drift of tectonic plates, can we escape the resulting massive tsunamis and volcanic eruptions?
Jiang Zhi felt somewhat lost and helpless.
"Azhi?" Jiang Shan saw his daughter's pale face and dazed look, so he raised his voice and called out to her, "What's wrong? Is there something wrong with these vines?"
Jiang Zhi looked up at her father and saw his concerned expression, which calmed her down.
She spoke with difficulty, "Dad, does the base... have an earthquake early warning system? Or some other early warning system...?"
Although Jiang Shan had doubts, he still said, "The base's disaster early warning system is comprehensive. Since the Great Cataclysm, the base leadership has attached great importance to this aspect, so you don't need to worry about it."
Jiang Zhi breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.
If that's the case... then even if the scenes in the dream eventually come true, there's still some time to wait before it happens.
Seeing her like this, Jiang Shan asked, "Have you discovered something?"
Jiang Zhi found the dream too bizarre and couldn't be sure if it was a warning signal like before, but she never hid such things from her family.
Then he told Jiang Shan about the dream he had the day before.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Shan did not believe it was just a simple dream.
He knew his daughter's capabilities perfectly well.
He frowned, lowered his head and pondered for a moment before asking, "A-Zhi, think back carefully again. Are there any other details in your dream? For example, the specific time, or clearer images?"
Jiang Zhi frowned, trying hard to search for those fragmented images in her mind, her tone somewhat uncertain: "I don't remember the details very clearly, but I remember that the sky seemed to be gray all the time, and several large provinces, including Ancheng, were separated from the inland. The sea level rose very high and submerged the land we were on... As for the time, I didn't see the sun or moon in the dream, so I can't say for sure which day it was."
"The earth cracked, the sea..." Jiang Shan repeated in a low voice, his tone becoming more solemn.
He was actually more inclined to believe that this was just a dream of his daughter.
After all, the content of the dream was so subversive to my understanding of the world.
Even if there's only a one in ten thousand chance that something like this is true, we still have to take it seriously.
He looked up at Jiang Zhi, his eyes no longer hesitant, but decisive: "In that case, whether it's true or not, we have to let the base know. It's better to be prepared than to be caught off guard at the last minute."
Jiang Zhi nodded solemnly: "That's what I think too."
Jiang Shan suppressed the surging worries in his heart, raised his hand and patted his daughter's shoulder, trying to keep his tone relaxed: "Alright, don't think too much. If the sky really falls, the tall ones will hold it up first, it's not our place to worry about it. You still have to go to Haishi tomorrow, so leave this matter to Dad. I'll mention it to the higher-ups tomorrow."
Jiang Zhi looked at the seriousness that her father deliberately hid in his eyes, and her nose tingled slightly.
She knew Jiang Shan was trying to reassure her, but the phrase "If the sky falls, there are tall people to hold it up" made her feel heavy-hearted.
She said softly, "Dad, if... if something really happens, our family should stay together."
Jiang Shan patted the back of her hand, said nothing more, and just nodded.
Several researchers were still there, busy around the pit, each holding tools to measure data and handle follow-up issues.
Two researchers were measuring the depth and diameter of the pit with a tape measure, calling out the data: "16.7 meters deep, 1.78 meters in diameter..." Someone next to them was quickly writing down the numbers in a notebook, occasionally looking up to check the condition of the pit walls.
Others carried sampling boxes, scooping out handfuls of samples from the remaining soil at the bottom of the pit, carefully separating them, and labeling them. "This soil needs to be taken back to the lab to test its composition and see how the vine growth affects the soil structure."
Then seal the sample in a sealed bag and put it in your toolbox.
The researchers handled the samples with great care, even carefully collecting the remaining vines and broken roots from the pit walls to preserve them as samples.
With the data recorded and the samples properly packaged, the researchers began to fill in the gaps.
They first pushed the excavated soil in, and every 30 centimeters they filled in, someone would take a rammer down to compact it until the soil surface became hard and flat.
When they filled the soil to about half a meter from the ground, they spread a layer of sifted fine sand, leveled it with a rake, and finally covered it with topsoil. They even smoothed the edges with a small shovel, striving to make it level with the surrounding ground so that no trace of digging could be seen.
As Jiang He watched the ground gradually return to its original state, he nervously asked the leading researcher, "After this is done, will we be able to continue planting things in the future?"
He was afraid that if something happened to the vines, the base would hold them accountable and stop them from planting them.
The researcher straightened up, patted the dirt off his hands, and said with a smile, "Brother, don't worry, everything is as usual. I just took a look at your land, and the soil is still very fertile, but it's all highly toxic. I'm afraid the plants you plant will also be highly toxic."
"Professor Shen asked us to adjust the soil mix for you. When compacting the soil, we helped mix in some special soil that the base had prepared. After a while, we will turn it over and dry it. It will not affect the planting of some hardy crops at all."
Jiang He was overjoyed to hear that there was an unexpected surprise, and repeatedly said, "Thank you! That's wonderful."
The man laughed and said, "No need to be polite. Professor Shen said that this soil is in exchange for the fleshy fungus you gave us."
They had experimented with those fleshy fungi and found that they could increase soil fertility. If they could improve the soil, they might be able to discover a way to improve highly toxic soil, which would be very valuable to researchers like them.
Therefore, Professor Shen was generous and specially gave some of the precious improved soil he had experimentally cultivated at the base to the Jiang family.
"Also, these are the seeds of the reticulate leaf that Comrade Jiangzhi needs." The other party handed over a handful of small seeds.
"Professor Shen has instructed that once we have planted the vines, he will send someone to take Comrade Jiangzhi over for an inspection."
After finishing speaking, he carefully checked the handover list again. Once he confirmed that everything was correct, he nodded to Jiang Shan and the others: "Then we'll head back now. Please contact us anytime if anything happens."
The other researchers packed up their tools and sample boxes, exchanged a few brief words with each other, and then followed the leader as he turned and left.
As the researchers from the base left, the onlookers gradually dispersed, heading home in twos and threes.
They were already used to the strange things that occasionally happened to the Jiang family. In the entire self-built housing area, the Jiang family was the most well-off, not only living a prosperous life but also always having some novel items that others had never seen before. Now, even if something unusual appeared again, everyone just treated it as a spectacle and no one discussed it much anymore.
After the researchers left, Jiang Zhi looked at the newly tilled land with a slightly embarrassed expression, then turned to Jiang He and said, "Second Uncle, it's all my fault. I ruined the land you all worked so hard to prepare..."
Jiang He smiled upon hearing this and waved his hand to interrupt her: "What's the big deal? If it weren't for those vines, how would we have gotten so much precious soil? It's a good deal."
As he spoke, he squatted down and carefully picked up the scattered mushroom pieces one by one, putting them into a bamboo basket. He asked Jiang Wen and Jiang Shu to help him, saying, "We need to plant some of these back quickly. This time, we won't plant them so densely; we'll leave some space to plant some scallions."
Yuan Ying, who was watching from the side, suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, what about the seeds we changed before?"
“Here it is.” Jiang He straightened up, took out a small cloth bag from his pocket, untied the knot and poured out two handfuls of seeds. “Big brother specially bought these scallions and lettuce. These two kinds grow quickly and can be eaten as soon as they are harvested.”
He weighed the seeds in his hand, his brow furrowing slightly. "Just these two bunches. My brother spent a lot of points when he exchanged them at the base's supply and marketing cooperative. We have to plant them carefully."
As he spoke, he moved the trichomes to the edge of the newly filled plot of land, picked up a shovel and dug several shallow trenches, planted the trichomes, and then carefully covered them with soil.
"Let's fertilize the soil first, and then sow the seeds in a couple of days." He patted the soil off his hands, looking at the tilled land with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
Once the ground outside was tidied up, the day was over.
After dinner, just as the dishes were being put away in the kitchen, Jiang Shu suddenly slapped his forehead.
I was so busy with the vines today that I completely forgot about asking Jiang Wang for help with fishing and ice-breaking tools.
They're leaving for Haishi tomorrow, and they haven't prepared anything yet!
Sure enough, ten minutes later, Han Lei and his group arrived.
"Big Tree, how's it going? Have you asked around these past two days? What do we need to prepare? I heard that ice breaking requires special tools, and I'm worried that if we don't start tomorrow, we won't be able to make it in time, so I came over quickly to discuss the preparations with you."
Jiang Shu was speechless when he heard the commotion from inside the house. He came out leaning on his cane and said, "What's the rush? Just have him come over now, won't that solve it?" He then instructed Jiang Shu, "Go and invite your Uncle Wang over. Tell him to help us out."
Jiang Shu ran out in response and soon brought Jiang Wang back.
Jiang Wang was wearing a faded old cotton-padded jacket, his hands awkwardly tucked into his sleeves. When he entered the room, he kept his head down, his eyes only daring to stare at the blue bricks under his feet, not daring to look around.
A fire was burning inside, making the room warm and cozy. Brightly colored ornaments made of mutated creatures hung on the walls. A faint scent of pine filled the air—all of this made him feel that the Jiang family's house was another world, warm and peaceful, which made him feel somewhat uneasy.
"Awang, don't be shy, sit down." Grandpa Jiang smiled and pointed to the bench. "These guys are going to Haishi tomorrow. I heard they're going to ice fishing. Can you tell them how to get the tools?"
Actually, Jiang Wang briefly mentioned it to the Jiang brothers yesterday, but at the time, the two were focused on studying fishing techniques and didn't pay much attention to the making of tools.
Jiang Wang then raised his head, his face slightly red, and his voice low: "Second Uncle, it's not difficult... If you're going to chisel the ice, you need to make an ice chisel, and if you're going to fish, you need to make an ice fishing rod." As he spoke, he picked up a thick iron bar from the table. "The ice chisel has to be made of solid iron. One end is heated red-hot and hammered into a three-edged point, and the other end is bent into a handle. After quenching, it will be sturdy."
Jiang Shu said, "This is simple, we can do it."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Wang then taught everyone how to make ice fishing rods: "To fish, you need a two-meter-long thin bamboo pole, tie a sturdy line to the end, and make sure the line is two meters longer than the water depth. Use a large hook and bait it with some food."
He seemed to want to demonstrate, but lacked the necessary tools.
Seeing this, Xu Na quickly picked up the scissors next to her, cut the thread, and handed it over.
When Jiang Wang came, he brought some branches that he had collected before. They were very tough and suitable for making fishhooks. He took the scissors and bent the branches into several small sinkers. "The sinkers made from these branches can make the bait sink to the bottom and you can feel the fish biting the hook."
Jiang Shu and Han Lei listened attentively. Since the Jiang family didn't have bamboo poles, they happened to have some, so they asked A Song and A Kuan to go back and get the materials to make them.
Then, Jiang Wang personally taught them how to sharpen the tip of the ice chisel, adjust the curvature of the bamboo pole, and even demonstrated the knot for tying the hook several times. "Make at least two ice chisels, so you can take turns chiseling to save effort. Make several fishing rods so you can cast the hooks at the same time," he instructed, then remembered something, "Oh right, we also need to make an ice pick, in case the ice is too hard, we can use the pick to make a small hole first, and then use the ice chisel to widen it."
Throughout the night, everyone worked together, some forging iron shovels, some whittling bamboo poles to tie lines, and some finding sheet metal to make small buckets for holding fish.
Grandma Jiang brought over some ginger and brown sugar water, telling them to take a break before continuing.
Holding the bowl of sweet soup, Jiang Wang looked at the busy figures all over the room and felt a strange sense of satisfaction. He felt that even the tools in his hands had gained weight.
They worked until late into the night before finally getting everything ready.
Four ice picks and six ice fishing rods were neatly tied together, and even the ice picks and buckets for loading fish were ready.
After receiving the news, the Jiang family registered and, without using any connections, secured five spots.
After discussion, everyone decided to give one spot to Niu Dali, while the Jiang family sent Jiang Zhi and her brother, Jiang Wen, and Wu Xiu.
The reason for sending Wu Xiu was to prevent her from getting into conflicts with people there. Having someone to argue with would save a lot of trouble.
That night, the lights in the Jiang family's courtyard stayed on very late, and the air was filled with barely suppressed excitement.
The risk level of this trip is not high.
Firstly, the ice on the shore is thick and hard, acting as a solid natural barrier that keeps out any unknown dangers that may lurk in the deep sea. Secondly, the group's activities are limited to the coastal area, and what they salvage are mostly mutated creatures that live in shallow waters. Although these creatures have different appearances, they are not very aggressive and are not difficult to deal with.
Therefore, everyone was very much looking forward to this trip to Mirage.
All night long, everyone discussed the upcoming trip to Mirage, from the tools they should bring to the strange creatures they might encounter, and what to do with the things they brought up.
Jiang Shu and Jiang Wen huddled together, drawing circles on the ground with their fingers, muttering about how thick the ice on the beach must be, and counting the names of the sea fish they had heard of. They chatted animatedly, one after the other.
Han Lei and the others gathered together, thinking about how they would cook a pot of hot soup after catching the fish. It would be so comforting to drink it on a cold day. As they talked, they couldn't help but laugh.
Even the usually composed elders couldn't sit still. One moment they were reminding us to be careful, and the next they couldn't help but join the discussion, chatting about what the frozen sea was like in winter.
The journey to Haishi was long, and they needed to leave at 4 a.m. tomorrow, so Han Lei and the others wouldn't be going back. Seeing that the living room was spacious, Grandma Jiang brought out some thick fur mats from the room and spread them out on the floor. The mats had a faint leathery smell, but they were exceptionally warm and cozy.
Jiang Wang was originally going back, but seeing that it was too late, Old Madam Jiang asked him to stay in the hall for the night as well.
That night, apart from Jiang Zhi and her father who were preoccupied with their own thoughts, everyone else was still immersed in their anticipation of ice fishing at sea the next day.
As the Jiang brothers chatted, they found themselves leaning against the fur mat, snoring softly, with a slight smile on their lips. Han Lei and the others, wrapped in thick clothes, huddled together, their conversation still revolving around the deliciousness of the fish soup. By the light of the oil lamp, Wu Xiu carefully examined the knots in the fishing gear, occasionally exchanging a few words with the person next to her.
The whole house was enveloped in a sense of reassuring excitement, and even the chill of the night seemed to have lessened. We were just waiting for dawn to set off for Haishi.
That night, Jiangzhi didn't dream again.
But she could clearly sense from her mental pool that the vine, after changing its location, was freely and happily stretching its branches and leaves.
The next day, just as dawn was breaking, everyone got up. Ye Qingyun quickly prepared dry rations and cooked a large pot of hot soup, the rising steam carrying its aroma throughout the room. After a hurried breakfast, Jiang Zhi and her group were about to head to the meeting point at the south gate when the sound of a car engine suddenly came from outside the courtyard gate.
The group looked at each other in bewilderment.
Who's looking for me so early?
Ye Qingyun went to open the door and saw that Hu Yang had parked an SUV in front of the door. He jumped out of the car, looking a little anxious, and asked Ye Qingyun, "Aunt Ye, has Sister Jiang Zhi not left yet?"
Ye Qingyun looked somewhat surprised and replied, "Not yet. I just had breakfast and am getting ready to leave." She looked him up and down and added, "What urgent matter has happened? You seem to be in a hurry."
As she spoke, she called out into the house, "Azhi, Xiao Hu is looking for you."
Hearing the shout, Jiang Zhi quickly came out of the house. Seeing Hu Yang in the yard, she was somewhat surprised: "Yang Zi, what do you need me for?"
Hu Yang's expression grew more anxious. He stepped forward and said in a slightly anxious voice, "Sister Jiang Zhi, we really need your help this time."
He took a deep breath and explained quickly, “The day before yesterday, in order to provide more resources for the people, the base sent the boss with several teams to explore the Qiling Mountains. They were supposed to be back yesterday, but so far, none of the seven teams have returned, and communications have been cut off. The base has sent people to look for them, but they have no clue. The boss is really at his wit’s end and remembered that Er Shun and Sister Diao were in the mountains, so he asked me to come and ask you for help.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhi unconsciously frowned.
The loss of contact with several teams is no small matter. She knew very well how dangerous the miasma in the Qiling Mountains was, and further delays could lead to more unforeseen changes.
She hesitated for a moment, then looked at Hu Yang, her tone steady: "Yangzi, this matter can't be delayed. I'll go with you to the other side of the mountains, to the sea city..."
Jiang Zhi turned to look at the people waiting for her inside the house, and then looked at Jiang Wang, who looked bewildered and didn't know what had happened.
Then she looked at Jiang Shu and said, "Brother, I won't go to Haishi with you this time. You should be able to protect everyone by yourself, right?"
Upon hearing this, Jiang Shu immediately straightened his back, slapped his chest, and said loudly, "Don't worry! What's there to worry about when your brother is in charge? I'm pretty capable now! I guarantee I'll bring everyone back safely."
Jiang Zhi nodded and added, "Let Uncle Wang fill the vacant spot. He's been working with water all his life and has plenty of experience. He can guide you on how to fish and take care of you as well."
Upon hearing that he was to go to Haishi in place of Jiang Zhi, Jiang Wang's face immediately turned bright red. He waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "That won't do. This spot is so precious. How can I take it?" He rubbed the hem of his clothes, his voice lowering slightly, "My hand is still not working properly. Going there would just be taking up a spot for nothing. Let someone else have it."
As he spoke, he took two steps back, as if afraid of being dragged along: "Besides, I can't be of much help, so don't delay your business."
Jiang Shu waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Uncle Wang, what are you saying? Your fishing skills are your greatest asset! Giving you this spot wouldn't be a waste."
Jiang Zhi also gently advised, "Uncle Wang, don't think like that. This trip is to gain more from it. With you here, we can be more confident. Giving you this spot is the most suitable thing for us."
She did indeed have some intention of helping Jiang Wang earn more resources, but these words were by no means just polite talk.
Jiang Wang has spent most of his life working by the water, and his familiarity with fish behavior is something these young people can't match. Having such an experienced person by your side will definitely save you a lot of trouble and avoid many pitfalls.
Jiang Wang wanted to refuse, but the old lady Jiang, who had been silent until now, made the decision: "Alright, it's settled then. Since Azhi has other things to do, Awang, you can go to Haishi with Dashu and the others. Go early and come back early, and be careful."
Having said that, Jiang Wang didn't know what else to say, and could only nod hesitantly. "Then, then I'll tell my family."
Yuan Ying smiled and said, "Hey, don't bother with that. Just go along, and we'll put in a good word for you."
Seeing this, Jiang Zhi said a few words to Ye Qingyun, then turned around and followed Hu Yang into the off-road vehicle.
The car engine started, the sound of wheels rolling on the ground faded into the distance, and the car quickly turned the corner and disappeared from sight.
On the other side, Jiang Shu patted Jiang Wang on the shoulder: "Let's go, Uncle Wang. Don't dawdle, the people at the meeting point must be getting impatient."
After both sides left, the remaining members of the Jiang family went back to their own work, and the courtyard quickly returned to its usual tranquility.
On the way to the Qiling Mountains, Hu Yang gave Jiang Zhi a brief overview of the situation of the missing team.
Luo Yonghui initially led seven teams into the mountains, each responsible for one mountain. As the commander-in-chief, he stayed at the foot of the mountain to provide support.
To prevent team members from getting lost in the mountains, everyone was specially equipped with a long rope around their waist before setting off, with the ends of the ropes all gathered at a fixed point at the foot of the mountain. We thought we were well prepared, but unexpectedly, things still went wrong.
Jiang Zhi immediately knew that they were trapped in the miasma and fog.
The other day when they went up the mountain, they wouldn't have been able to get down smoothly if Ershun hadn't come to meet them.
Judging from this, we really need to ask Qiuqiu and Ershun for help this time.
I wonder how well Chiu Chiu is digesting it now?
Jiangzhi was initially worried that Qiuqiu wouldn't be able to focus on helping, but just as she followed Huyang to the bottom of the mountain, a violent fluctuation suddenly came from the Spirit Pool, followed by Qiuqiu's cheerful and clear chirping—
That familiar aura suddenly surged, carrying with it a transformative change, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.
Jiang Zhi's heart skipped a beat.
Chirp, is this... a breakthrough?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com