Chapter 409 Sister Su Miao can't learn this - Socially Anxious Witch in the Apocalypse

Half a month ago. Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu were piloting a craft, escorting the rescued Zhang Qian back to the Qilian Mountain shelter. It was a rare holiday, and both were excited. As for the escort mission that came with it, it was a breeze for them. The craft traveled at high speed, reaching the destination in under two hours—not at all as challenging as in the games. The Qilian Mountain shelter was one of the better-developed shelters, second only to Shelter No. 1. It served as a hub for various supplies, facilitating bustling trade, and attracting numerous capable individuals from across the land. Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu were eager to see it. “Can we go to Wuhou City first?” As they were about to reach the Qilian shelter, Zhang Qian suddenly suggested. Wuhou City was a settlement built outside the Qilian shelter for those not qualified to enter. Similar to Tiangong City outside Shelter No. 1 and Yangshan Ji outside Yangshan shelter. Xia Xiao An glanced at Zhang Qian and agreed, “Okay.” Lin Jiu Jiu, though unsure why, trusted that Xiao An must have heard some compelling inner thoughts. “Thank you,” Zhang Qian explained, “Once back at the shelter, I’d be stuck with various courses to study. I just want a day in Wuhou City first.” Though Zhang Qian’s deep-down feelings weren’t quite that, Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu still understood. Under Sister Su Miao’s arrangement, they too usually had a plethora of courses each day. Initially, it was a struggle for them. But after visiting Shelter No. 1 and seeing how peers there studied, they stopped complaining, fearing Sister Su Miao might increase the difficulty. The craft landed in a secluded spot near the city. Once everyone disembarked, Xia Xiao An took out a specialized storage device and stored the craft away. Then, Zhang Qian watched as Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu skillfully retrieved gray cloaks from the storage device, covering themselves completely. However, the cloaks didn’t conceal their fair calves. The pretty clothes and skirts were still quite visible. In the past, this attire might have been labeled as cosplay. With the regular temperature now below minus ten degrees Celsius, normal folks would never dress like this. Even most capable individuals would wrap themselves tightly against the cold. How would one describe Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu’s attire? It obscured their faces but not entirely, drawing attention wherever they went. It was baffling… Hearing Zhang Qian’s inner thoughts, Xia Xiao An carefully checked her and Lin Jiu Jiu’s attire, confirming there were no issues. Sister Su Miao always did it this way; she and Lin Jiu Jiu learned it precisely. She chose to trust Sister Su Miao. “Here, have one.” Xia Xiao An retrieved another cloak from the storage device and handed it to Zhang Qian. Zhang Qian took the cloak and realized it was made of nano-material—a gear she had never dared to dream of. At that moment, she understood. Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu didn’t wear the cloaks for disguise but for protection—it was her ignorance. However, this cloak was too valuable. On the market, it would cost thousands of points, a rarity money couldn’t easily buy. “This is too precious,” Zhang Qian remarked. Lin Jiu Jiu took the cloak and helped Zhang Qian put it on, "Just wear it." Prepared, the three stepped onto the path, heading onto the icy, potholed road towards Wuhou City. The polar night had just ended, and both the city’s inhabitants and outsiders took advantage of this time. Some looked for work to earn a living, while others formed groups to venture into the city ruins in hopes of finding valuable items. Many of the passersby wore tattered clothes, moving in haste. For livelihood, they had to seize every moment. When Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Zhang Qian appeared on the road, their cloaks hid their features, yet their attire stood out in the crowd. Most glanced briefly before returning to their own matters. This was Wuhou City—a place harboring hidden talents, requiring caution. Anyone daring to dress so conspicuously, and so cleanly, clearly was saying something. Still, a few malicious individuals decided to target them. Five capable men exchanged glances, hastening their pace to encircle Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Zhang Qian from various directions. 【Xia Xiao An】: Jiu Jiu, two on the right, one ahead, and two on the left. There are three observing from afar. 【Lin Jiu Jiu】: I've noticed them. 【Xia Xiao An】: Keep it discreet. You handle the left, I'll take care of the ones in front and on the right. 【Lin Jiu Jiu】: Okay. Zhang Qian, keeping up with Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu, sensed things weren’t right and was about to warn them when a man up ahead suddenly drew a dagger from his coat and rushed at them. His speed was astonishing, too fast for her to react. “Xia…” Before she could finish her sentence, Zhang Qian’s face showed utter shock. The man with the dagger struck one of his own companions with lightning speed, piercing his heart. The ambushed individual collapsed in bewilderment. “Damn!” Another cursed upon witnessing this, unable to grasp what transpired as the dagger-wielding fellow turned on him. In a fit of rage, he tried to grab the assailant’s dagger—but instead ended up slaying his comrade. “Brother Li…” The wounded man, spitting blood, slumped without finishing his words. Brother Li, staring wide-eyed at the bloody dagger, couldn't believe what just happened. He had been furious, but never intended to kill his allies. He’d only meant to teach him a lesson, to ask what was going on. But his impulsive actions had led to his friend's death? Turning back, he noticed the other two teammates on the opposite side had already fallen. One had hit his head on the icy ground, bleeding profusely. The other, oddly, had an expression of bliss while lifeless. A glance confirmed they were dead. In a matter of seconds, four comrades were dead. Why? What on earth had happened? His eyes locked on Xia Xiao An, catching a faint smile beneath her cloak. The next instant, without hesitation, he plunged the dagger into his own heart. With five sudden deaths, the other ability users on the road quickly dispersed. Xia Xiao An, Lin Jiu Jiu, and Zhang Qian merged with the crowd to leave swiftly. Zhang Qian, in shock, knew those five were after them, but they had perished so swiftly. Yet, Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu were unfazed? Xia Xiao An was reflecting. According to the plan, those two should have perished together; she hadn’t expected their strength to break free from mental control so quickly. Due to this mishap, subsequently manipulating them might seem too evident. A sharp ability user would surely notice. Sister Su Miao advised never to reveal one’s abilities unless absolutely necessary, particularly since being recognized would be detrimental. So, in unexpected situations, the best course was using minimal actions to eliminate threats swiftly. “A tough nut, but smooth.” A thin, sharp-eyed ability user chewed on a mint leaf, "Tell the brothers in the city to watch them, but don’t engage." His name was Duan Tian Gang—a slick, ruthless individual known in the area for his distinctive prowess. His ability was unique, akin to a martial art, and he dabbled in all sorts, earning the nickname “Lord Duan.” But few were aware of his special role. It was this role that enabled his thriving during the apocalypse. A subordinate beside him assented, “Yes, boss.” “I suggest not to watch, not to see, not to interfere, and certainly not to provoke.” A sudden voice cut in. It came from a plump man named Yu Wen Nian, Duan Tian Gang’s sworn brother. When the apocalypse hit, during Duan Tian Gang’s darkest days, it was Yu Wen Nian who risked everything to save his life. Later, as Duan Tian Gang rose in stature, he didn’t forget his brother. Together, they thrived. Notably, with Yu Wen Nian’s support, Duan Tian Gang's influence expanded rapidly. Worth mentioning, Yu Wen Nian knew his boundaries, never greedy nor meddling, nor ever leveraging his life-saving act for favors. Even after Duan Tian Gang repeatedly sought to repay him generously, Yu Wen Nian always declined, accepting only a modest share. “Brothers once classmates, sworn allies; saving you was like saving myself. What I have is enough,” Yu Wen Nian would say. Hearing this, Duan Tian Gang's admiration and trust in Yu Wen Nian deepened. Whenever someone tried to badmouth Yu Wen Nian, Duan Tian Gang’s first instinct was to silence the gossiper permanently. Now, hearing Yu Wen Nian, who rarely contradicted his decisions, trying to stop him, Duan Tian Gang was surprised. "Old Nian, why?" Duan Tian Gang asked. Yu Wen Nian replied, “Brother, as you must have noticed, they wore cloaks but didn’t completely hide their stylish attire.” “Two of them, besides the fact they’re wearing so little in minus ten degrees, either their clothes are of great value or they themselves are extremely strong.” “The other one might wear more but is no less remarkable.” “This indicates their background isn’t simple.” Duan Tian Gang nodded; he had indeed noticed. Yu Wen Nian continued, “This road is dirty and chaotic, yet their white stockings are pristinely clean—quite unusual.” “There are two possibilities: either the stocking material is special, or the girls’ abilities are exceptionally formidable.” “Originally, this would need probing, but the bodies on the ground have provided us clarity.” “They are extremely powerful.” Duan Tian Gang recalled the details his brother mentioned and nodded. Yu Wen Nian explained, “Five bodies: three died by mutual slaughter, one committed suicide, and two fell suddenly.” “Excluding the suicide, one might dismiss this as a common occurrence on this road.” “However, the suicide was too unnatural.” “This suggests they are mental-type ability users, possessing powerful psychic abilities, which are incredibly dangerous.” Duan Tian Gang chuckled, “I saw it, and that’s precisely why I made this decision.” Yu Wen Nian said, “Brother, you’re thinking psychic ability users are weak in close combat…” Duan Tian Gang said, “Yes, if they weren’t psychic ability users, I wouldn't act. But I have some research into psychic ability users and am confident I can counter them.” “If this succeeds, we’ll become even more prosperous.” Yu Wen Nian paused, feeling like all he had said just moments ago was in vain. Duan Tian Gang patted Yu Wen Nian’s shoulder, saying, “Brother, trust me, if we succeed, we’ll never have to struggle in the wind and rain, living on the edge.” “Aren’t you fascinated by the Twelve Divisions stirring up the hidden world during the apocalypse?” “Our future achievements will surpass theirs.” Yu Wen Nian didn’t know how to respond. He was already considering making a quick escape. When Xia Xiao An killed the last one, he caught a glimpse of her white hair. Moreover, Xia Xiao An’s cloaked appearance stirred a faint recognition in Yu Wen Nian, though he couldn’t quite place it. In any case, their opponent was extremely dangerous. … At the checkpoint of Wuhou City, many waited in line, a snake-like queue stretching for several kilometers. Some pushed wheelbarrows laden with goods. Others were empty-handed, carrying just a bag. Some shivered terribly, appearing on the verge of collapsing from hunger. Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu observed them silently, making no overt gesture, even though their storage devices held ample food. Acts of goodwill here would bring danger upon themselves, also causing chaos where many might perish. A hundred years ago, a bun causing a bloodshed was a mere internet tale. Today, handing out a bun could incite calamity. Sister Su Miao had once explained this: it's possible to save others, but not at the risk of one's safety. Moreover, one must be wary of those who appear needy, awaiting salvation, yet harbor the intent to harm regardless of help. Such individuals are frightening. Walking past, Xia Xiao An heard their thoughts, deeply empathizing with Sister Su Miao’s sentiments. If Sister Su Miao were here, these people might be slaughtered. Rivers of blood… This wasn’t something Xia Xiao An could emulate; she lacked the power. Nearing the checkpoint, Zhang Qian mentioned, “Entering the city requires a permit or pass…” Xia Xiao An reassured, “Don’t worry, we have them.” Lin Jiu Jiu added, “Let’s go.” Zhang Qian hesitated. In an instant, Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu led her towards a special lane. At the checkpoint, Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu scanned their credentials at the camera, passing through seamlessly. Zhang Qian noted the checkpoint official intended to approach but halted under a mere glance from Xia Xiao An. This indicated Xia Xiao An and Lin Jiu Jiu’s credentials granted them significant authority. Yet, what's crucial was that her own pass was unusable—it would surely attract unwanted attention. “She’s with us,” Lin Jiu Jiu informed. The checkpoint guard understood immediately, letting them pass. Zhang Qian entered Wuhou City, a place both familiar and unfamiliar to her, feeling somewhat apprehensive. “Let’s move,” Xia Xiao An urged. (End of this chapter)