Five Frozen Centuries

Teacher Zhang and the others changed their attitude toward Wei Huo. They had been in this world for over 40 days, and they knew very well how strong merchants traveling alone were.

Teacher Zhang was somewhat familiar with Wei Huo. He asked, “Student Zhang, are you really a member of the marginalized alliance?”

Wei Huo shook his head. “No.”

Everyone was stunned. They were confused. Did we guess wrong?

Wei Huo said, “Not everyone who descended back then joined the marginalized alliance. I did not join them. However, I have dealt with someone from the marginalized alliance a few times.”

Everyone came to a realization. Yes, it was impossible for everyone to join the marginalized alliance. However, the marginalized alliance should be the biggest organization at the moment. Since they had the protection of the marginalized alliance, other organizations should give them some face.

Wei Huo asked, “Are you talking about Brother Liu?”

Teacher Zhang said, “His name is Liu Bayi. You’ll know when you see him. He’s a capable and responsible person. We handed the shelter’s management over to him. Without him, it would be hard to believe how hard our lives are right now.”

Wei Huo nodded. “I’m a traveling merchant. I might have some goods you need. If you want to trade, take me to your shelter.”

Wei Huo’s tone was calm, which made Teacher Zhang frown. He wondered to himself how this child had ended up like this when he had not seen him for so long. However, it was no wonder that people would become cold in this cruel world.

Wei Huo did not think there was anything weird about his tone. He had lived in this world for over 300 years. Now that time had recovered, it could be said that everyone was his junior. It was impossible for him to be respectful to someone younger than 200 years old. He even had to address others as ‘Uncle’ or ‘Auntie’ now.

“You’re a strong mutant, aren’t you?” On the way, Teacher Zhang asked, “Do you remember my daughter? She was in the same class as you in Year One. Just like you, she underwent a mutation.”

Your daughter? Who is she?

A middle-aged man said, “Teacher Zhang, stop working hard to promote your daughter. You should think about having another child with your wife!”

Teacher Zhang retorted, “There are very few young men in the shelter now. What if we don’t promote them? Don’t forget next year’s goal. The population of the sanctuary has to be doubled next year. That’s not a simple goal!”

Wei Huo followed them forward, but the confusion in his heart grew deeper. The people in the shelter felt that something was wrong. Could Liu Bayi’s ability be too strong? He had already solved their hunger problem and was now planning to increase the population?

Soon, Wei Huo saw three sealed underground shelter entrances.

There were three caves. An empty space was outside each cave. Upon seeing this, Wei Huo understood. Wasn’t this the shelter he had built previously?

Unfortunately, time had passed and the buildings on the ground had disappeared. However, the caves and underground tunnels should still be there. Besides, the underground shelters were larger. Wei Huo had spent decades building them, and they could accommodate at least 1,000 people.

“This is our shelter. It was discovered by Brother Liu Bayi and his friends. I don’t know who built this shelter. If I meet them, I will definitely thank them!” Teacher Zhang said.

Wei Huo was speechless.

I’m right in front of you.

Creak!

At that moment, Wei Huo heard the sound of a gate being pushed open.

There was an iron gate in the center. The gate was very thin, and it seemed like the people from the shelter had gone somewhere to find it. The gate opened, and Wei Huo saw two middle-aged men who were pushing the gate open. They greeted Teacher Zhang and the others. “Teacher Zhang, you guys are back. How was it? Did you get anything?”

Teacher Zhang said, “We’ve gained a lot. Let us come in first!”

Wei Huo followed them into the shelter. The two middle-aged men guarding the gate were confused, but they did not say anything. They closed the door and waited at the gate. There was a small observation entrance so one could observe the situation outside.

Wei Huo looked at the shelter in surprise. There were electric lamps and ventilation facilities inside. After 200 years, the facilities could not be used anymore. These devices must have been installed recently.

Liu Bayi was not simple!

Soon, Wei Huo saw a line on the wall on one side. The line emitted the fresh smell of paint.

The words ‘Humans have the power to change the world’ were written in red paint.

After taking a few steps, Wei Huo saw another slogan. “Unity, friendship, support, progress…”

What the hell?

Wei Huo was confused. The atmosphere in the shelter was not right!

They arrived at a staircase inside the shelter. Many places had collapsed due to the lack of maintenance, but Wei Huo saw rope ladders and pulley systems.

Then, Wei Huo saw three men in their thirties climbing up a rope ladder. Teacher Zhang and the others stopped in their tracks and shouted, “Brother Liu, are you here for an inspection?”

The man at the front lifted his head and gave them a hearty smile. “Teacher Zhang, you’re back. Did you get anything?”

When Liu Bayi saw Wei Huo, he smiled and asked kindly, “And this is?”

Teacher Zhang introduced them. “This is my former student, Zhang Huo. He says he’s a traveler. He seems to be from the same group as you!”

Liu Bayi was a little surprised. “The same group as me? A traveling merchant? That’s rare. Hello, Student Zhang Huo.”

Wei Huo nodded slightly. He glanced at Liu Bayi and saw a red ‘V’ symbol on the wall.

Liu Bayi told Teacher Zhang and the others, “Go and rest first. I’ll show Student Zhang around the area.”

Teacher Zhang nodded and told Wei Huo, “Student Zhang Huo, come and find me later. I’ll introduce my daughter to you!”

A group of people started climbing down the rope ladder. The two people behind Liu Bayi were also led by Liu Bayi and the others.

Then, Liu Bayi looked at the red ‘V’ and asked, “Student Zhang, do you know what this ‘V’ means?”

“I don’t know, but…” Wei Huo said, “I want to know why you’re called Liu Bayi.”

Liu Bayi smiled. “Because I was born on August 1st, 1981. It’s that simple. Let’s talk about the letter ‘V’…”

Wei Huo interrupted him. “I met someone called Liu Siwu previously. I think he looks like you. What’s your relationship?”

Liu Bayi said, “It’s just a coincidence. Let me explain the letter ‘V’ to you…”

Wei Huo asked, “Do you know someone called Lu Qiqi?”

“…”

Can you let me explain about the letter ‘V’?

Liu Bayi shook his head. “I don’t know this person, but I can get the people in the broadcasting room to help you find him. Is this person important to you?”

Wei Huo looked at the red ‘V’ and said, “Alright, explain the meaning of this symbol to me now.”

“…”