I Am Cultivating in the Apocalypse

Chapter 754: Departure, Vanguard Group!

"Detouring would waste at least an extra month. If we don’t detour, with some luck, we could head straight south and reach Sichuan. However, if we’re unlucky, getting trapped in an unknown sector of the map could delay us by a month or two."

As Jun Bao’s voice echoed in the hall, Jing Shu quietly observed the expressions of Wu City’s most influential and powerful figures. Some were deep in thought, some frowned, while others remained as calm as statues, as if they had already anticipated the outcome. Jing Shu now roughly understood the purpose of the meeting.

There’s a saying that holds true, she thought. Important decisions in meetings often only require a few people. A conference convening a hundred people is typically to announce decisions already made. As for asking for everyone’s suggestions along the way... heh, it’s just for show.

Moreover, knowing Jun Bao’s strategies from her past life, Jing Shu was aware that detouring was out of the question. Wasting time was unacceptable; he would rather make great sacrifices to take the shortest path. No way through? He’d have it filled with corpses if necessary!

The discussion began in the meeting hall. Some shared their thoughts, with those in favor of the detour emphasizing safety. One argued, "The detour from Han Zhong to Sichuan is well-established. Even the locals from these areas choose it, which indicates that the new sector of the map is filled with danger..."

"If there’s danger, we’ll eliminate it!" another countered. "An extra month spent detouring—do you have any idea how much food it takes to feed millions in Wu City for a month? We’re already running out of food!"

Just as Jing Shu expected, the discussion didn’t last long. Jun Bao’s plants in the audience quickly guided the conversation, as they took turns proposing elements of the optimal route and solution. A middle-aged man Jing Shu didn’t recognize then said,

"Let’s establish a vanguard team composed of experienced, skilled, and strong individuals to scout ahead. They can solve problems encountered on the way, making the journey much safer for the civilians following. When it comes to pioneering unknown territories, Miss Jing Shu has extensive experience. During this migration, we’ve encountered two unknown sectors, and Miss Jing Shu led the workers in the great accomplishment of tunneling through them. I propose Miss Jing Shu be included in this vanguard team."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Jing stood up in agitation. The vanguard team! That sounds like a suicide mission, incredibly dangerous! she thought, unable to bear the thought of her daughter facing such risk. Before she could speak, however, Jun Bao had already approved,

"I will join the vanguard team. Together with other capable members, we will act as pioneers, clearing the path for the people of Wu City. A military battalion will accompany us to ensure the vanguard team’s safety. Furthermore, Han Zhong and Sichuan will support us in developing this path. While members of the vanguard team may face danger, it’s unlikely they will lose their lives. Miss Jing Shu, you and I have braved mountains and endured hardships together. I greatly admire your abilities and strength. We need top talent like you right now, and I hope you will join our vanguard team."

Jing Shu pulled Mrs. Jing back to her seat. This leader is truly ruthless, Jing Shu thought, hard on others and on himself. After he’s said all this, refusal would be very difficult...

Naturally, I want to go, Jing Shu thought. New sectors could mean new energy sources. I need large amounts of various energies to upgrade the Magic Cube; daily practice alone is no longer enough.

"It is my honor to help the people of Wu City migrate smoothly," she said.

Jun Bao then invited specialists from various fields and logistical personnel needed to prepare the route. Those not specifically named to join the vanguard couldn’t celebrate too soon; those with resources were to donate resources, and those with money were to donate funds. For instance, the wealthy Qian Duoduo contributed many technicians and supplies. The head of Natural Company even covered all fuel expenses for the vanguard team.

Even more ambitious was the plan to include workers to set up signal towers. The initial goal was to establish a signal point every few kilometers, capable of receiving information and ensuring communication between the advance and main groups every three hours.

Forget 5G, Jing Shu mused. It’ll be impressive if we can even send messages using 2G.

A new sector was like a new continent: no base stations, no network, no signal. With so many people migrating, the various teams would be far apart. If communication failed, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Thus, the vanguard team comprised over 2,000 members.

"We are taking the most dangerous path and facing the greatest risks, so naturally, we will receive the best treatment! All supplies donated by the Imperial Capital will be prioritized for the vanguard team members! A successful mission will earn great merit!"

Many were moved to tears by his speech, almost forgetting how dangerous the venture truly was—so dangerous that even the locals were unwilling to risk entering.

The plan was for the vanguard team to set off the next day to scout the unknown sector. For every five kilometers safely traversed, they would establish a signal point, with workers installing ultra-simple signal towers. A normal signal tower took three days to install and activate; these simplified post-apocalypse towers, stripped of almost all functions, could be set up in just three hours.

Jing Shu repeatedly assured her family that traveling with hundreds of Hulks would be very safe; short of an atomic bomb, nothing could truly endanger her. Only then did they agree to let Jing Shu join the vanguard team.

Due to the urgency, her family hadn’t packed many supplies for her. But then again, I’m Jing Shu! she thought. I’ve been itching to go to other maps and hunt monsters for ages. I prepared everything I’d need for an expedition long ago.

Besides, this wasn’t her first rodeo. Unlike before, when she had to carry large black boxes, now she had the Hulks. She just needed to load her things into them.

She tossed in bundles of jerky as if they were free, along with stacks upon stacks of milk curd snacks. The family’s treasured skeleton mech was also packed, as was her collection of weapons.

If the cannon on their RV weren’t fixed and difficult to remove, Mr. Jing would have wanted to dismantle it and mount it on one of the Hulks to further ensure Jing Shu’s safety.

As for accommodation and daily necessities, tents, velvet quilts, and other sleeping gear were all stuffed directly into the Hulks. Grandma Jing had even converted one Hulk into a mobile "Hulk RV," equipped with everything needed for eating, drinking, and personal hygiene. Even without my actual RV, my living conditions won’t be much worse, Jing Shu considered.

No lights? No problem. I have night vision.

I could even bring out the large wooden soaking tub from my space, she mused, and enjoy a comfortable bath before bed each night.

In the past, Jing Shu’s luggage might have consisted of only two large black boxes. This time, however, her "luggage" comprised a hundred Hulks and one fat chicken.

"Go on, you stick with my granddaughter. At least you might get a few more eggs out of her every day," Grandma Jing said, reluctantly handing the fat chicken to Jing Shu. Whatever happens, my dear granddaughter must not go hungry, she thought.

After secretly arranging sufficient protection for her family and leaving some grenades with Wu You’ai, Jing Shu joined the vanguard team with peace of mind. The next morning, she officially set off from Han Zhong with the rest of the vanguard team.