Chapter 45: Dormant Period

Braised beef with brown sauce, soy sauce beef, curry beef, stewed beef with yellow sauce… and of course, steak. A whole table full of beef dishes.

If the yellow ox were here, it would surely flip the table!

This was blatant provocation. Not a single dish was repeated on the table, and the main point was that all of them used beef as the primary ingredient, prepared in various ways.

Even the soup was West Lake Beef Soup. And finally, twenty skewers of Xinjiang-style beef kebabs were brought to Chu Feng.

Seeing the spread, Chu Feng felt a little guilty. If he ate all of it, would the yellow ox smell it on him when he got home?

If it found out, it would surely fight him to the death.

However, once he started eating, he didn't care anymore. He praised the food repeatedly, thanking the master chef for their dedication in preparing such a large table of diverse beef dishes.

The two conversed softly while they ate.

They had much to say about past events, such as former classmates and alumni, but when it came to their personal history together, they merely touched upon it.

Chu Feng sensed that Lin Nuoyi intentionally kept a distance in this regard; her conversation was very bland.

He was open and optimistic, but not shamelessly persistent. He didn't attempt anything, conversing with her with a normal mindset, and both successfully avoided any potential awkwardness.

They chatted for a long time, from their university days to the present, including the recent dramatic changes in the world.

Chu Feng felt quite emotional, noting that strange phenomena were appearing everywhere, changing daily. These recent, relatively short days had overturned many years of his life.

Lin Nuoyi expressed slight regret upon hearing this. She confessed that she had anticipated changes in the world beforehand but hadn't expected them to be so drastic.

In the post-civilization era, over a considerably long period, several mysterious and impactful changes had occurred, remaining inexplicable to ordinary people.

However, Celestial Biology knew, having previously encountered the truth.

It seemed to involve certain taboos, causing Lin Nuoyi to be hesitant. She hinted at some things to Chu Feng but couldn't reveal everything.

Chu Feng listened carefully and pondered deeply as she recounted some old events.

Finally, Lin Nuoyi asked Chu Feng if he intended to leave for another place, such as the large city in the north, because Mount Taihang was about to become turbulent, with many extraordinary individuals arriving.

"Perhaps. I might leave in a while," Chu Feng said, admitting that he had already seen the overwhelming news online.

He earnestly reminded Lin Nuoyi to be careful and protect herself, as too many extraordinary individuals were coming to Mount Taihang, even King Kong himself, so a major battle was inevitable.

Lin Nuoyi nodded, indicating she understood and would prioritize her safety. She also subtly mentioned that she had originally intended to send Chu Feng away immediately.

The purpose of their meeting this time was to ensure his departure.

Now, knowing there was a powerful expert behind Chu Feng, who would likely take him away, she no longer insisted.

"I know Mount Taihang is dangerous; I just won't actively provoke those extraordinary individuals," Chu Feng chuckled.

"It's more than that," Lin Nuoyi shook her head. She thought of something, pondered for a moment, and then, choosing her words carefully, told Chu Feng some truths.

"We've detected some unusual situations." The words Lin Nuoyi spoke next greatly surprised Chu Feng.

"Many wild beasts and fierce birds are changing, becoming increasingly intelligent, as if unlocking shackles that were long dormant within them. Their intelligence is approaching that of humans."

Lin Nuoyi actually said such things!

Chu Feng believed what she said. After all, Celestial Biology was a colossal entity, possessing vast resources and privy to many things inaccessible to ordinary people.

"Recently, extraordinary individuals have appeared, and their presence is discussed everywhere. But how many people have paid attention to those mutated animals? They are very quiet; most of them are dormant, silent."

Chu Feng was deeply shaken upon hearing these words.

Lin Nuoyi used terms like "quiet" and "silent" to describe them, elevating these animals to a high level. Chu Feng also wondered what a group of creatures whose intelligence was approaching that of humans were currently contemplating.

"We've captured a few, and they are all extraordinary, extremely intelligent—certainly no less than humans, perhaps even more capable, with remarkable learning and mimicry abilities."

Lin Nuoyi's expression grew slightly solemn as she mentioned these.

"Something big is going to happen." Chu Feng pushed aside his cutlery, his mind restless. He thought of many things, lightly tapping the table with his fingers as he pondered.

"I can confirm that there are certainly more mutated wild beasts and fierce birds than extraordinary humans!" Lin Nuoyi stated.

These words impacted Chu Feng even more deeply. This was likely true, as most beasts and fierce birds lived in the wild, closer to plants and vegetation.

After the mysterious fruits appeared, they were easier for these animals to obtain than for humans!

"I somehow feel that the future is a bit terrifying," Chu Feng remarked.

"That's why one should choose to enter a megacity," Lin Nuoyi said.

Chu Feng had always wondered why the nation had remained somewhat silent lately, apart from reassuring the public. Were they also worried about something?

Lin Nuoyi stated directly that she believed the nation knew the inside story of the several mysterious and significant changes that had occurred in the post-civilization era, but they couldn't disclose it.

"The nation has always protected its citizens, and perhaps action is imminent. I believe the impact will be huge then!" Lin Nuoyi made this judgment.

The two talked at length, and the lunch lasted a long time.

"By the way, if you find it difficult to explain to your uncle, and someone approaches you to vouch for Xu Wanqing, you can just hand her over," Chu Feng suddenly brought up.

Lin Nuoyi remained silent, simply looking at him.

"Don't look at me like that. I know the extraordinary individual who helped me; he has a bad temper. I'm worried he might be planning revenge for me right now. What if something happens to that woman while she's in your hands? Wouldn't that put you in a difficult position?" Chu Feng said, adding, "Is she considered your friend?"

"She herself claims to be my best friend to outsiders," Lin Nuoyi replied, admitting that Xu Wanqing was closely associated with someone named Mu.

"Understood!"

Finally, as they rose to bid farewell, Lin Nuoyi calmly approached him and, unexpectedly, gave him a light hug. This was arguably the most intimate gesture between them since they had known each other.

"I said you owed me a hug. Did you really make it up to me today?" Chu Feng sighed softly, knowing what this implied.

"I feel very relaxed when I'm with you. However, although we've spent some time together, I genuinely don't have those feelings for you," Lin Nuoyi said calmly.

She was tall, with smooth, silky long hair, and luminous white cheeks. Her beautiful pupils shimmered with light. Despite her cold demeanor, her red lips, pearl-like teeth, slender waist, and fair, long legs all combined to give her an enchanting allure, a cool yet captivating beauty.

"You compensated me, and then you brought up old news again. You really are... afraid I'll overthink it," Chu Feng shook his head, slightly displeased.

Because Lin Nuoyi had said those latter words to him before.

Lin Nuoyi brushed her hair back and walked out of the restaurant beside him, saying, "I'll see you back."

"No need. I know you're busy. Something big is about to happen at Mount Taihang, so you should go take care of it. Just find me any car," Chu Feng said.

"Alright," Lin Nuoyi nodded. It was clear she indeed had many things to do, as a conflict with Bodhi Gene was likely imminent.

A silver-grey sedan arrived, and two extraordinary individuals personally escorted Chu Feng back.

Upon arriving outside his home, Chu Feng got out, waved to them in thanks, and the car quickly drove away.

"Do I smell like beef?" He sniffed himself. He couldn't detect anything, but he still felt a little uneasy.

"First, to handle serious business." He didn't enter the courtyard but left directly for the mountains, taking out a large-caliber firearm along the way.

Recently, he had faced firearm sieges twice and confiscated many weapons.

That afternoon, Chu Feng practiced shooting in the deep mountains, firing bullets repeatedly, becoming increasingly accurate by the end.

Since practicing the special breathing technique, all his physical stats had improved. Combined with his training in the Great Ox Demon Fist, his physique was now terrifyingly strong.

After continuous trial shots, with his keen vision and formidable perception, he had virtually become an outstanding marksman.

Chu Feng set off and returned to the county town as darkness fell.

He stood at a considerable distance, quietly observing the location of Celestial Biology's personnel. They were living somewhat dispersed, seemingly out of fear of being targeted by firearms.

However, this was merely a precautionary measure. It was unlikely that Bodhi Gene's people would be so deranged as to use heavy firearms in a densely populated residential area of the county town.

During the day, Celestial Biology and Bodhi Gene had already clashed two or three times; this night would clearly not be peaceful either.

Late at night, the forces of the two colossal entities indeed clashed again.

Chu Feng watched quietly. When the chaos was at its peak, he stealthily approached, but still kept a sufficient distance, as his vision was exceptionally keen, many times superior to that of others.

During his conversation with Lin Nuoyi, he had already learned a lot, even seeing photos of Xu Wanqing. After a long search and observation here, he finally spotted Xu Wanqing; she had indeed been released.

"Was she released by Mu?"

Chu Feng watched from afar. The woman was an extraordinary individual, not weak in strength. At that moment, he was ruthless and pulled the trigger with a bang. In the distance, there was a thud, a splash of blood, and a terrified shriek.

Without looking back, Chu Feng swiftly departed, vanishing into the night amidst the chaos of the clashing forces.