Night of the Apocalypse

Shen Qiu also took the opportunity to examine Yun Xiaoxi from head to toe. Her long white hair, which was quite rare, immediately caught his attention. This white hair was very much in line with Shen Qiu’s aesthetic preferences.

As for her appearance, it was difficult to discern because she was wearing a fox mask. However, this fox mask added an air of mysterious beauty to her, leaving much to the imagination.

The act of wearing a mask was not something unique to Yun Xiaoxi; it was actually quite common. In the eight administrative districts of the Red Alliance, many residents in the inner three rings had a habit of wearing masks.

This trend was especially prominent in the first administrative district, where those referred to as the “new nobility” were known to wear masks. It was almost a requirement for them to have one.

It is worth mentioning that the new nobility is different from the old aristocracy. They enjoy more benefits and the superiority that comes with their status, but they have been stripped of traditional powers of life and death.

Although the existence of the new nobility seems somewhat at odds with the democratic laws of the Red Alliance, in reality, there is no conflict.

Each administrative district in the Red Alliance has different policies and enjoys a high degree of autonomy. Some districts even retain certain imperial systems.

As for why so many people like to wear masks, there are two reasons.

On one hand, this is because, a long time ago, the Red Alliance had a special custom where both men and women would wear masks to conceal their faces from a young age. Upon reaching adulthood, when they met someone they liked, they would allow that person to take off their mask, promising to spend their lives together.

Of course, as time has passed, this custom has gradually faded. Aside from a very few individuals who still adhere to it, not many take it seriously anymore.

The main issue with this custom was a loophole: when the mask was removed, if the two people’s looks did not match, it often led to embarrassing situations and various misunderstandings.

As a result, this practice was labeled as a bad habit and faded into history.

The other reason is related to cloud technology. Many masks that people wear are actually products of cloud technology, serving as advanced virtual reality devices.

These masks provide wearers with a very convenient lifestyle, leading to a strong dependence on them, causing many to wear masks for extended periods.

As Shen Qiu continued to look down, he was instantly stunned.

Short stature? Flat-chested?

In an instant, it was like a bolt from the blue; he felt indifferent. What a pity, she just wasn’t his type.

“What’s wrong?”

Seeing Shen Qiu staring at her, Yun Xiaoxi looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“Cough, cough, it’s nothing. I can tell from your accent that you’re from the first administrative district, right?”

Shen Qiu quickly made up an excuse.

“Yes.”

“By the way, how did you get so hungry? Have you been here for a long time?”

Shen Qiu walked alongside Yun Xiaoxi, asking curiously.

“I’ve been in this world for several days,” Yun Xiaoxi hesitated for a moment before explaining.

“Isn’t there anything to eat here?”

“No, there’s basically nothing edible here. Otherwise, you could get poisoned at best or die on the spot at worst.”

“When I entered the overlapping zone, I encountered some Grey Alliance members who had set traps. How did they survive? They all seemed lively.”

“Aren’t you all their food?”

“Uh, I understand now. We should hurry and look for the overlapping area to leave this place; it’s too unsafe here.”

Shen Qiu felt the situation was becoming more complicated. Previously, he was mainly focused on avoiding the dangers of the overlapping world. Now he had to be on guard against these malicious groups as well.

“Yes, yes, I will do my best to find the overlapping zone and get you out!”

Yun Xiaoxi agreed.

“Wait, aren’t you leaving when we find the exit?”

Shen Qiu looked at Yun Xiaoxi in confusion, wondering if he misunderstood something or if she didn’t want to leave.

“I’m not leaving; I still have very important things to do.”

Yun Xiaoxi replied while keeping a vigilant eye on their surroundings.

“What things? Can you tell me?”

Shen Qiu couldn’t help but feel a bit intrigued and asked curiously.

Yun Xiaoxi tilted her head slightly, thought for a moment, and then said.

“You’re from the Red Alliance, so there’s nothing you can’t say. There was a team from the Red Alliance that made a significant discovery while exploring Mist City and obtained something very important. However, they were targeted by the notorious Scorpion Brigade of the Grey Alliance. That team was almost completely wiped out, and the item fell into the hands of their leader, Baikatu. The only surviving team member died shortly after encountering me. Now Baikatu is using that item to uncover the secrets of Mist City. I have to find a way to get that item back and stop their exploration.”

“The Scorpions you mentioned should be the ones who ambushed us, right? If I remember correctly, it seems that the entire team came in. Most of them are armed, and there are quite a few awakened individuals among them. You plan to take the item back from them? How many teammates do you have?”

Shen Qiu recalled that the members of the Kaan Gang all had tattoos of grey scorpions, which should be the Grey Scorpion organization that Yun Xiaoxi mentioned. If they had a large number of people, he wouldn’t mind gaining some goodwill from them.

“I don’t have any; it’s just me.”

Yun Xiaoxi shook her head in response.

“Just you? Then I advise you to give up and hurry to find the exit of the overlapping zone with me to leave this hellish place. They have an entire team, and you’re alone. Although you are strong, you don’t have much of a chance.”

After hearing Yun Xiaoxi’s words, Shen Qiu’s expression froze.

Are you kidding? That Scorpion Brigade sent just five people, and they chased me all over the place.

It feels a bit far-fetched for her to think she can take on an entire team by herself. Anyone with a sound mind shouldn’t have such an idea.

“No, I have to find a way to get that item back and stop them.”

Yun Xiaoxi shook her head, unyielding in her response.

“I don’t quite understand why you’re so determined and desperate. According to your own words, this matter doesn’t really have much to do with you, right? Besides, if the item is lost, it’s lost. If they want to explore, let them explore. As long as we can leave here alive, it’s fine!”

Shen Qiu casually replied.

“You can’t think that way! This matter is actually very serious. If I don’t take action, you don’t take action, and he doesn’t take action—if everyone has this attitude of indifference, once the Grey Alliance succeeds in their exploration, they will gain even greater power. In such a scenario, the balance among the three external alliances will be broken. Will the Grey Alliance spare the Red Alliance when they have such powerful strength? They will definitely eliminate the Red Alliance at the first opportunity. What kind of situation will we be facing then? I don’t need to say more; history has shown this time and again.”

Yun Xiaoxi’s voice was gentle, but her stance was very firm.

“What you’re saying does seem to make some sense!”

Shen Qiu listened to Yun Xiaoxi’s words and felt somewhat moved. He understood the principle that there can be no intact eggs under a collapsed nest.