Amid the sounds of beasts gnashing and tearing, Leng Fengyang finally felt a sense of relief as he quietly slipped back into the ranks under the cover of night.
Beneath Waterfall Cliff, a thick miasma obscured vision. Leng Fengyang's consciousness floated in an endless darkness, surrounded by the ferocious roars and gnashing of teeth from the beasts, as if time itself had frozen in this terrifying scene. Suddenly, a male voice broke through, though it sounded somewhat distorted.
[Detection of host being attacked; awakening initiated, automatic binding of abilities.]
[System activating defense mode; defense index points and immunity index points engaged.]
What was this? The system?
Just as Leng Fengyang clung to the last remnants of his consciousness, an unusual light pierced through the darkness, bringing a glimmer of hope. Within that light stood an old man in tattered clothes but with sharp eyes—Old Cabbage Head. Behind him was his granddaughter, A Yan. Their figures shone brightly in the dark, serving as a beacon of salvation for Leng Fengyang in his dire straits.
Old Cabbage Head held a seemingly ordinary cane that emitted a faint medicinal aroma. With a gentle wave, the surrounding beasts appeared to be affected by some invisible pressure, retreating in fear and no longer daring to approach.
A Yan closely followed her grandfather, tightly gripping a bundle of herbs that radiated warm light. The glow carried a soothing power that brought Leng Fengyang a sense of warmth and comfort.
Grandpa, he’s not dead!
A Yan's anxious voice held a note of determination as she quickly stepped forward and gently applied the herbs to Leng Fengyang's torn wounds. As soon as the herbs touched his skin, they transformed into a cool liquid that rapidly seeped in, miraculously alleviating much of the pain.
Seeing this, Old Cabbage Head allowed a barely perceptible smile to grace his lips. He whispered to A Yan, "This Soulgrass seems effective; if it can save him in this apocalypse, it must be fate."
With that said, he pulled out a small jade vial from his pocket and poured out several oddly colored pills, handing them to A Yan. "A Yan, give these to him; they will speed up wound healing and prevent Corpse Poison infection."
A Yan took the pills carefully and fed them to Leng Fengyang. As the pills went down, he felt a warm current rising from his dantian, swiftly spreading throughout his body. The gruesome wounds began to heal at an astonishing rate, even the scars gradually fading away.
When Leng Fengyang opened his eyes again, he was met with the caring and gentle gaze of A Yan, along with the slightly weathered yet wise face of Old Cabbage Head. He struggled to sit up, but his weakened body betrayed him.
"Don't move; you're seriously injured and need to rest," A Yan said softly, her voice like a spring breeze, filling Leng Fengyang with an inexplicable warmth.
Gratefully, he looked at the two of them and rasped, "Thank you both for saving my life. I, Leng Fengyang, will remember this kindness."
Old Cabbage Head waved his hand dismissively and smiled. "Child, your life was never meant to end here. It is fate that has brought you back. Moreover, in this apocalyptic world, saving one more person means adding a bit more hope."
Upon hearing this, a complex emotion flickered in Leng Fengyang's eyes—relief for surviving and deep resignation towards the harshness of this world. He forced a smile, though it concealed many unspeakable stories.
"Indeed, this apocalypse is both a challenge and an opportunity. Meeting you both is my fortune. In the future, if I have the chance, I will do my utmost to repay this kindness and protect the flickering light on this earth together."
A Yan carefully adjusted the makeshift pillow made of wild grass for Leng Fengyang to ensure he could rest comfortably. Her voice was filled with tenderness as she said, "Don't think too much; your health is what matters. I'll go make some medicinal porridge to help you recover."
With that, she turned to busy herself, her concern as warm as that of family. Old Cabbage Head nodded silently, pulling out his well-worn pipe from his pocket and slowly sitting down to smoke, the swirling smoke creating an air of tranquility.
It was then that Leng Fengyang looked around and realized he was in a secluded cave nestled between steep cliffs—a rare safe haven in this world filled with mutated beasts and decaying corpses.
During his recovery in these days, he faced daily dangers from Mutated Species attacks but found more warmth than fear. His injuries gradually healed while thoughts of the Dark Side of the Moon lingered—a place that might exist or perhaps was merely humanity's last glimmer of hope.
Yet Leng Fengyang knew that regardless of whether that place existed or not, he was a Grave Hunter destined to fight for the survival of humanity until his last breath. He had to leave this place and catch up with the main group as soon as possible.
Upon learning that Leng Fengyang intended to seek out humanity's last ray of light, A Yan felt deeply moved. Her previously calm heart now rippled with emotion.
Sitting by the fire pit and gently poking at the flames, her eyes sparkled with curiosity and longing for the unknown world ahead. She turned to look at Old Cabbage Head, who was resting with his eyes closed, mustering her courage to softly ask, "Grandpa, do you believe in light? I want to go find the Dark Side of the Moon."
A Yan glanced back at the sleeping Leng Fengyang before suddenly voicing her thoughts.
Old Cabbage Head opened his eyes slowly upon hearing her words; his gaze was filled with complexity. He sighed deeply, removed his pipe from his mouth, and spoke earnestly: "A Yan, you're still young. This apocalypse is far crueler than we imagine; going out there is akin to seeking death. As for the Dark Side of the Moon—if it truly exists—it is a land fraught with both unknowns and dangers."
A Yan was well aware of the dangers, but a glimmer of determination flashed in her eyes. "Grandpa, I know you're worried about me, but I have my own dreams and pursuits. Leng Fengyang is also flesh and blood, just like us, and he can be afraid too. But there is light in his eyes, and I believe that with him, we will definitely find that safe place."
Moreover, she wanted to do something for this apocalyptic world, even if it was just a small contribution.
A Yan continued speaking, and Old Cabbage Head fell silent for a moment. He understood A Yan's character well; she was not very big in stature but had matured early due to her parents' passing. She had her own opinions and once she made a decision, it would not be easily changed.
He stood up and walked over to A Yan, gently patting her shoulder. "Child, your determination brings me both comfort and concern. But remember, no matter where you go, you must protect yourself. I will wait here for you until you return safely."
A Yan did not expect her grandfather to agree with her. Her eyes reddened as she tightly embraced Old Cabbage Head, feeling the deep and heavy love he had for her.
She knew that this farewell might lead to a long wait or perhaps even an eternal separation. Yet she also believed that as long as there was love and faith in her heart, nothing was impossible.
Leng Fengyang's injuries had finally healed, but half a month had passed. It was likely that the group had moved far away from this area; they would need swift horses to catch up with them.
Standing at the cave entrance on the cliff, Leng Fengyang gazed at the rising sun outside. The golden sunlight pierced through the thin mist and illuminated his resolute face, filled with determination and fighting spirit.
He turned around and took a deep look at Old Cabbage Head sitting by the fire pit, whose eyes were filled with reluctance. An indescribable emotion surged within him.
"Old Sir," Leng Fengyang's voice was deep and powerful as he continued, "Thank you for saving my life, but it is time for me to leave."
Old Cabbage Head slowly stood up. His hands, marked by the passage of time, gently patted Leng Fengyang's shoulder. His eyes sparkled with kindness and expectation as he said, "A-Feng, if you don't mind me calling you that, go find the light in your heart that will illuminate your way home."
After saying this, he turned to A Yan and took out an ancient jade pendant from his pocket. He handed it to her and said, "A Yan, this is what your mother left for you before she passed away. It is said to protect people from harm. Now I give it to you; may it provide you with faith when you need it most."
A Yan tightly grasped the heavy jade pendant, her emotions swirling as tears shimmered in her eyes. The images of her parents being devoured by mutated corpses flashed vividly in her mind.
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