Translation review

Paragraph 1

Changed

Before

BOOM——

After

"Boom——"

Paragraph 3

Changed

Before

A searing wave of fire, laden with the rank stench of scorched char, shot skyward. Under the generous attention of a rocket-propelled grenade, an enormous Hundred Eyes mutant was reduced to shredded flesh scattering across the sky.

After

Scorching waves of flame, laced with reeking char, surged into the sky. An enormous "Hundred Eyes" mutant, having received a rocket round's special attention, was reduced entirely to shredded flesh raining through the air.

Paragraph 4

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan sat in the front passenger seat of the command vehicle, watching the black smoke billowing in their wake, a pleased smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

After

Gu Changchuan sat in the passenger seat of the command vehicle, watching the black smoke billowing up behind them, a pleased smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Paragraph 5

Changed

Before

Who could resist shooting at a meatball that big, covered in eyes?

After

Who could resist shooting at a giant meatball covered in eyes like that?

Paragraph 6

Changed

Before

The convoy was speeding away from Rongcheng at full throttle.

After

The convoy was speeding out of Rongcheng at full tilt.

Paragraph 8

Changed

Before

They had wiped out thousands of wandering zombies, scoured out the remaining supplies of three large supermarket chains, and, along the way, rescued more than eighty survivors on the brink of death from every nook and cranny.

After

They had wiped out several thousand wandering zombies, scavenged the remaining supplies from three large chain supermarkets, and, along the way, pulled more than eighty survivors on the verge of death out of every nook and cranny.

Paragraph 9

Changed

Before

Combined with the children from before and that batch of screened survivors, the convoy's total entourage was now approaching a thousand people.

After

Adding the children from before and the batch of screened survivors, the convoy's total traveling complement had already approached a thousand.

Paragraph 10

Changed

Before

That had already hit the logistical limit of this lightly equipped convoy.

After

This had reached the logistical limit of the lightly equipped convoy.

Paragraph 11

Changed

Before

"Boss, your hand is still giving off cold air." A Hao, one hand on the wheel, glanced at Gu Changchuan's left hand resting by the window.

After

"Boss, your hand is still giving off cold air." A Hao glanced at Gu Changchuan's left hand resting on the edge of the window as he worked the steering wheel.

Paragraph 12

Changed

Before

A paper-thin layer of frost covered it, radiating threads of chill.

After

There, an extremely thin layer of frost was steadily radiating wisps of chill.

Paragraph 13

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan looked down and flexed his fingers slightly; the frost shattered and fell away.

After

Gu Changchuan looked down, flexed his fingers slightly, and the frost shattered and fell away.

Paragraph 14

Changed

Before

"It's nothing. I'm just running an experiment," he said in a level tone.

After

"It's nothing. I'm just running an experiment," he said in a flat tone.

Paragraph 15

Changed

Before

Ever since he had suddenly erupted and frozen that mutated corpse at Le Gou Department Store, he had found that the faint special ability inside him had made a clear leap forward.

After

Ever since he had abruptly erupted and frozen the mutated corpse at Le Gou Department Store, he had noticed that the originally weak special ability inside him had suddenly undergone a marked surge.

Paragraph 16

Changed

Before

Before, he could only coat a blade with a thin layer of frost. Now, he could manage freezing an ordinary zombie solid.

After

Where he had previously only been able to coat a blade with a thin layer of frost, he could now achieve complete freezing of an ordinary zombie.

Paragraph 17

Changed

Before

Of course, after freezing one he'd be completely spent—but compared with before, it was definitely a huge step up.

After

Of course, after freezing something he was spent, but compared to before, this was definitely a huge improvement.

Paragraph 18

Changed

Before

"So you really are like building muscle—the more you train it, the stronger it gets?" A Hao said incredulously.

After

"You're really building this up like a muscle—the more you train, the stronger it gets?" A Hao said, a little incredulous.

Paragraph 19

Changed

Before

"Hey! See?" Gu Changchuan suddenly turned smug. "I told you my daily training was useful! You just wouldn't believe me!"

After

"Hey! See?" Gu Changchuan suddenly turned proud. "I told you my daily training was useful, didn't I? You guys just wouldn't believe it!"

Paragraph 20

Changed

Before

But just then, Ling Yu's voice came through the vehicle's speaker.

After

But just then, Ling Yu's voice came through the vehicle's speakers.

Paragraph 21

Changed

Before

[Based on Su Wan's examination of Zhang Wu's condition, regular use can indeed reduce one's physical energy expenditure, and a certain degree of emotional stimulation can also promote the strengthening of a special ability's manifestation.]

After

[Based on Su Wan's testing of Zhang Wu, frequent use does reduce one's own physical consumption, and a certain amount of emotional stimulation can also promote the strengthening of special ability performance.]

Paragraph 22

Changed

Before

[However, the magnitude of your enhancement far exceeds what Su Wan estimated, so there is very likely another cause. I suggest you heighten your vigilance and keep close watch on your physical condition at all times.]

After

[However, the magnitude of your enhancement far exceeds what Su Wan estimated. There is likely another reason.

Paragraph 23

Changed

Before

"Understood." Gu Changchuan nodded, letting the frost on his hand disperse completely, and glanced at the barren fields speeding past outside the window. "Anyway, at least this ability isn't so useless now."

After

I advise you to remain vigilant and keep close watch on your physical condition at all times.]

Paragraph 24

Changed

Before

The convoy merged onto the national highway, and Rongcheng's silhouette gradually blurred behind them.

After

"Understood." Gu Changchuan nodded, fully dispersing the frost from his hand, and glanced out the window at the barren fields flashing past. "At least the ability isn't so useless anymore."

Paragraph 25

Changed

Before

On the horizon ahead, a new city was slowly revealing itself in full.

After

The convoy drove onto the national highway, and Rongcheng's silhouette gradually blurred behind them.

Paragraph 26

Changed

Before

Wangjin City.

After

On the horizon ahead, a new city was slowly revealing its full form.

Paragraph 27

Changed

Before

The environment here was completely different from Rongcheng's. The first anomaly to catch the eyes of Gu Changchuan and the others was the sky.

After

Wangjin City.

Paragraph 28

Changed

Before

The cloud layer above Wangjin's urban area was the wrong color—not the grayish white or overcast gloom so common since the apocalypse, but a strange, pale blue-gray.

After

The environment here was completely different from Rongcheng's. The first anomaly that caught Gu Changchuan and the others' eyes was the sky.

Paragraph 29

Changed

Before

It had an eerie, translucent quality, as though it were a vast prism made of countless tiny ice crystals—uncanny yet magnificent.

After

The color of the clouds above Wangjin's urban area was off. It wasn't the grayish-white or overcast gloom that had become commonplace since the apocalypse, but a strange, pale blue-gray.

Paragraph 30

Changed

Before

When sunlight pierced through, it refracted into several dense shafts of colored light, slanting down among the city's ruins.

After

It had an oddly translucent quality, like a colossal prism made of countless fine ice crystals—strange, yet magnificent.

Paragraph 31

Changed

Before

The air was dry and biting, but not with the plain cold of winter. It was laced with a metallic tang that rasped faintly in the lungs.

After

When sunlight pierced through, it refracted into several fine shafts of colored light that slanted down among the ruins of the city.

Paragraph 32

Changed

Before

The vegetation on either side of the road had taken on an unnatural gray-blue tint. A film of paper-thin transparent crystals covered the shrub leaves, refracting faint glimmers in the sunset.

After

The air was dry and biting, yet it wasn't purely winter cold. It was mixed with a metallic tang, faintly acrid when drawn into the lungs.

Paragraph 33

Changed

Before

Bits of debris lay scattered on the ground. One of the team members picked some up for a look—crystal fragments the size of fingernails. To the touch, they didn't feel like ice; they felt more like quartz.

After

The vegetation on both sides of the road showed an abnormal gray-blue tint. The leaves of the shrubs were coated with an extremely thin layer of transparent crystals, glittering faintly in the setting sun.

Paragraph 34

Changed

Before

"Where are this place's zombies?" Crew Cut swept his binoculars in an arc. "How come we haven't seen a single one on the road?"

After

Debris was scattered across the ground. One team member picked up a piece to look at it—a thumbnail-sized crystal shard. It didn't feel like ice; it was closer to quartz.

Paragraph 35

Changed

Before

True. After entering the outer zone of Wangjin, they had encountered almost no zombies at all.

After

"Where are the zombies in this place?" Crew Cut swept his binoculars across the area. "Why haven't we seen a single one on the road?"

Paragraph 36

Changed

Before

Here and there along the road, a few desiccated corpses could be seen, but their condition was strange—they didn't look like they'd been bitten to death. They looked as if all the moisture had been drawn out of them, leaving only a skin.

After

True. Since entering Wangjin's outer zone, they had encountered almost no zombies at all.

Paragraph 37

Changed

Before

[Attention. Human activity detected three kilometers ahead. Wheel ruts, campfire remains, makeshift roadblocks.]

After

Here and there along the roadside they saw a few desiccated corpses, but the condition of those corpses was strange—they didn't look like they had been killed by bites or mauling, but rather like all the moisture had been drained out of them, leaving only a layer of skin.

Paragraph 38

Changed

Before

Just then, this reminder from Ling Yu put everyone on edge again.

After

[Attention: traces of human activity detected three kilometers ahead. Tire tracks, campfire remnants, and simple roadblocks.]

Paragraph 39

Changed

Before

"Slow down! Stay alert! Be ready to fight at any moment!" Gu Changchuan issued the order.

After

Just then, Ling Yu's alert put everyone on edge again.

Paragraph 40

Changed

Before

The convoy slowed, and the turrets rotated to alert positions.

After

"Slow down. Stay alert and be ready to fight at any moment!" Gu Changchuan gave the order.

Paragraph 41

Changed

Before

Before they had even reached the roadblock, however, they saw a crowd of people stand up from behind it.

After

The convoy slowed, and the turrets swiveled to an alert bearing.

Paragraph 42

Changed

Before

It didn't look like an ambush—it looked like a reception.

After

However, before they had even reached the roadblocks, they saw a group of people stand up from behind them.

Paragraph 43

Changed

Before

A crowd of survivors with sallow faces and wary eyes, holding every kind of melee weapon and a few guns, lined up in a defensive formation behind the roadblock.

After

It didn't look like an ambush—more like a welcome.

Paragraph 44

Changed

Before

Leading them was a young man who looked under twenty—medium height, short hair, a healed-over scar across his forehead, wearing a filthy windbreaker, and holding no weapon.

After

A group of survivors with hungry faces but wary eyes, holding an assortment of cold weapons and a few firearms, formed a defensive line behind the barricades.

Paragraph 45

Changed

Before

"Stop! Up ahead is our turf!" His voice was a little hoarse but full of force. "Who are you? What do you plan to do?"

After

At their head was a young man who looked under twenty. Medium height, short hair, a scabbed scar across his forehead, wearing a filthy windbreaker, and holding no weapon.

Paragraph 46

Changed

Before

As he spoke, a spark of hope flickered in the young man's eyes. Clearly, the armored vehicles at the head of the convoy had given him something to hope for.

After

"Stop! This is our territory ahead!" His voice was a little hoarse but full of energy. "Who are you people? What do you intend to do?"

Paragraph 47

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan signaled the convoy to stop, opened the door himself, and jumped out. His hands were empty, raised at his sides to show there was no hostility.

After

As he spoke, a glimmer of hope flickered in the young man's eyes—clearly, the armored vehicles at the head of the convoy had stirred some expectations in him.

Paragraph 48

Changed

Before

"Zhongping Province, Yuanjiang City, Dawn Shelter, Zero Sequence, External Long-Range Search and Rescue Team—Gu Changchuan." He stated his identity in a calm voice. "We're here to save people. We mean no harm."

After

Gu Changchuan signaled the convoy to stop, opened the door, and jumped out, both hands empty and raised at his sides to show he meant no harm.

Paragraph 49

Changed

Before

"A shelter? Yuanjiang?" The young man across from him was clearly taken aback, and then a gleam of hope flashed through his eyes. "That's awfully far... Are you—?"

After

"Zhongping Province, Yuanjiang City, Dawn Shelter, Zero Sequence, External Long-Range Search and Rescue Team, Gu Changchuan." He stated his identity in a calm voice. "We're here to rescue people. We mean no harm."

Paragraph 50

Changed

Before

"No." Gu Changchuan shook his head. "We haven't fully reclaimed the other places yet. We've only come as an advance team to survey the situation."

After

"Shelter? Yuanjiang?" The young man opposite was clearly taken aback, then a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes. "That's a long way... Could you be...?"

Paragraph 51

Changed

Before

Hearing this, a trace of disappointment instantly passed through the eyes of the preposterously young man across from him.

After

"No." Gu Changchuan shook his head. "We haven't fully reclaimed the other places yet. We're only here as an advance team to investigate the situation."

Paragraph 52

Changed

Before

But he quickly pulled himself together and said instead, "I see. Hello. My name is Qin Xiao. I'm currently in charge of this stronghold. Since you're a search and rescue team, could you supply us with some food and medicine? We can trade supplies in exchange, if there's anything you need."

After

Hearing this, the youth, who looked almost too young, showed a trace of disappointment deep in his eyes.

Paragraph 53

Changed

Before

"Of course." Gu Changchuan nodded. Talking to a sensible person always made things easy. "We can do some exchange of supplies, and we can also give you enough food and medicine. That's exactly why we're here."

After

But he quickly composed himself and said instead, "I see. Hello, my name is Qin Xiao.

Paragraph 54

Changed

Before

On hearing this, the young man who called himself Qin Xiao visibly relaxed a little. Then he said gratefully, "Then thank you so much!"

After

I'm currently in charge of this stronghold. Since you're a search and rescue team, could you provide us with some food and medicine?

Paragraph 55

Changed

Before

As he spoke, he swept a hand aside.

After

We can trade supplies, if there's anything you need."

Paragraph 56

Changed

Before

On the ground beside him, the dirt suddenly surged, shoving the obstacles across the road to both sides.

After

"Of course." Gu Changchuan nodded. Talking to a smart person made things easy. "We can do some supply exchanges, and we can also provide adequate food and medicine for you. That's precisely our purpose."

Paragraph 57

Changed

Before

At the sight, a flicker of surprise crossed Gu Changchuan's eyes.

After

Hearing this, the young man calling himself Qin Xiao visibly relaxed a little. Then, he said gratefully, "Then thank you so much!"

Paragraph 58

Changed

Before

Another special ability user—and one who seemed to control earth at that. Were special ability users really this numerous around here?

After

As he spoke, he flicked his hand to the side.

Paragraph 59

Changed

Before

***

After

On the ground nearby, the soil suddenly churned, pushing the obstacles blocking the road to both sides.

Paragraph 60

Changed

Before

Qin Xiao's camp was small—a little over two hundred people, based in an abandoned logistics park.

After

Seeing this, surprise flashed in Gu Changchuan's eyes.

Paragraph 61

Changed

Before

Metal warehouses had been converted into crude living quarters, and a rammed-earth wall stood fully three meters high around them.

After

Another special ability user, and one who seemed able to control earth. Were there really this many ability users in this area?

Paragraph 62

Changed

Before

Order inside the camp was passable. Food looked scarce, but the children's faces lacked the sallow pallor of severe malnutrition—which at least showed these people still possessed an above-average measure of humanity.

After

***

Paragraph 63

Changed

Before

"Not bad." Gu Changchuan observed as he looked around. "Your ability is perfect for building fortifications, isn't it? Must be very efficient."

After

Qin Xiao's camp wasn't large—a bit over two hundred people—stationed in an abandoned logistics park.

Paragraph 64

Changed

Before

"Just enough is fine." Qin Xiao's tone was restrained. "We're few, and we can't beat those things, so the only option is to build the walls thicker."

After

Sheet-metal warehouses had been converted into simple lodgings, and the earthen wall built up around the camp was fully three meters tall.

Paragraph 65

Changed

Before

"But—you just used your ability. Is it all right here?" Gu Changchuan asked with a note of concern.

After

Order inside the camp was passable. The food looked scarce, but the children's faces didn't have the sallow, malnourished grayness of extreme deprivation—at least it showed these people still possessed an above-average amount of humanity.

Paragraph 66

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan pointed at his head. He could of course tell that the man had just used his special ability to 'flex his muscles.'

After

"Not bad," Gu Changchuan observed as he looked around. "Your ability must be well suited for building defensive works, right? It should be very efficient."

Paragraph 67

Changed

Before

And he was curious whether the man before him, like Zhou Yutang and Shen Qichi, was subject to 'aftereffects.'

After

"Good enough for our needs." Qin Xiao's tone was restrained. "We have few people. We can't fight those things, so all we can do is build the walls thicker."

Paragraph 68

Changed

Before

At this, Qin Xiao's expression shifted sharply, his eyes snapping wide. "How can you—?"

After

"But," Gu Changchuan asked with a hint of concern, "you just used your ability—doesn't it bother you here?"

Paragraph 69

Changed

Before

He didn't finish, because he saw a layer of frost emerge on Gu Changchuan's hand.

After

Gu Changchuan pointed at his head. He could naturally tell that the man had used his ability just now for the purpose of "showing off his muscles."

Paragraph 70

Changed

Before

"So you're a special ability user too!" Qin Xiao let out a long breath. "Don't worry. In Wangjin, nothing's going to happen."

After

And he was curious whether this man, like Zhou Yutang and Shen Qichi, would have "aftereffects."

Paragraph 71

Changed

Before

"It's only here in Wangjin that using your special ability makes you stronger, and you don't have to worry about hearing those horrible voices. And if you're especially lucky—"

After

Hearing this, Qin Xiao's expression changed abruptly, and his eyes flew wide. "How did you...?"

Paragraph 72

Changed

Before

But at that moment, a clamorous roar of engines cut Qin Xiao off.

After

He didn't finish, because he saw a layer of frost forming on Gu Changchuan's hand.

Paragraph 73

Changed

Before

Five modified pickups rolled up, their beds packed with armed men. On the lead truck, a man with a buzz cut stood on the cab roof, a shotgun in hand, shouting from far off.

After

"So you're a special ability user too!" Qin Xiao let out a long breath. "Don't worry, nothing will happen in Wangjin.

Paragraph 74

Changed

Before

"Qin Xiao! The day's come! Got the stuff ready?"

After

It's only here in Wangjin—not only does using your ability make you stronger, but you don't have to worry about hearing those terrifying sounds. In fact, if you're lucky—"

Paragraph 75

Changed

Before

Qin Xiao's face fell instantly, but he quickly regained his composure.

After

But just then, the roar of engines cut off Qin Xiao's words.

Paragraph 76

Changed

Before

He turned to Gu Changchuan, said, "Watch out for them," then walked toward the camp gate.

After

Five modified pickup trucks, their beds full of armed men, pulled up. On the lead vehicle, a man with a buzz cut stood on the roof, a shotgun in his hand, shouting from a distance.

Paragraph 77

Changed

Before

The buzz-cut man jumped down from the truck and swaggered in with a dozen or so men.

After

"Qin Xiao! The day's come! Have the goods ready?"

Paragraph 78

Changed

Before

He swept a glance over the armored convoy parked on the outskirts, raised an eyebrow, and his eyes immediately turned more solemn.

After

Qin Xiao's expression instantly darkened, but quickly returned to calm.

Paragraph 79

Changed

Before

"Oh? Got visitors?" He grinned at Qin Xiao. "What, found yourself some help? It's useless. Even if you found ten thousand people, in front of the boss you'd still be a fart."

After

He turned to Gu Changchuan, said "Be careful of them," then walked toward the camp entrance.

Paragraph 80

Changed

Before

Qin Xiao didn't take the bait, replying only coldly: "The supplies are ready. Take them and go."

After

The buzz-cut man jumped off the truck and swaggered in with a dozen or so men.

Paragraph 81

Changed

Before

"Supplies?" The buzz-cut man grinned, baring his teeth. "Supplies alone won't cut it. We're short of manpower. The boss says now that the stronghold is stable, we need to grow our numbers. Those useless people won't be so useless after all. So... heh heh."

After

He swept his gaze over the armored convoy parked on the outskirts, raised an eyebrow, and his expression grew a few degrees more serious.

Paragraph 82

Changed

Before

"Zhao Si! Are you looking for death?" Qin Xiao's fists clenched at once, his eyes turning utterly frigid, and the ground beneath his feet trembled slightly.

After

"Oh? We've got visitors?" He grinned at Qin Xiao. "What, found yourself some backup? Useless. Even if you found ten thousand men, they'd still be nothing in front of the boss."

Paragraph 83

Changed

Before

"This is our camp! I won't let you do whatever you want here!"

After

Qin Xiao didn't respond, only saying coldly, "The supplies are ready. Take them and leave."

Paragraph 84

Changed

Before

"No?" The buzz-cut man's smile vanished. "Qin Xiao, get your situation straight. If we wanted, we could flatten this crappy place of yours anytime. Besides, we've got plenty of food and supplies where we are. Maybe they're already dying to come. What are you getting unhappy on other people's behalf for? You really think anyone would choose to keep living like you, scraping by on garbage? Isn't that right?"

After

"Supplies?" The buzz-cut man bared his teeth in a grin. "Supplies alone aren't enough anymore. We're short on people over there now.

Paragraph 85

Changed

Before

With that, the man turned his gaze toward the camp and switched to a tone of supreme confidence and deep affection: "Ladies, you've suffered enough out here. From now on, with our Blood God Gang, I guarantee life will be rich and sweet!"

After

The boss said that now the stronghold's stable, we need to grow the population. Those wastes won't be wastes anymore. So... heh heh."

Paragraph 86

Changed

Before

"Pah!" A girl in work clothes with a ponytail, who had been mixing cement, was the first to spit. "A pack of beasts. You ought to take a piss and look at your own reflection to see what you really are."

After

"Zhao Si! You want to die?" Qin Xiao's fists clenched instantly, his gaze turning ice-cold, and the ground beneath his feet trembled faintly.

Paragraph 87

Changed

Before

Her words quickly drew a chorus of agreement.

After

"This is our camp. I will never allow you to do as you please!"

Paragraph 88

Changed

Before

"Right! Right! Even if it kills me, I won't stay with trash like you."

After

"No?" The buzz-cut man's smile vanished. "Qin Xiao, get a clear picture of your situation. If we wanted to, we could level this shabby place of yours anytime.

Paragraph 89

Changed

Before

"Animals! Get the hell out of here!"

After

Besides, we've got plenty of food and supplies over there. Maybe the girls are already eager to come. What's there for you to be unhappy about on their behalf?

Paragraph 90

Changed

Before

At this, the man called Zhao Si lost face completely, and his eyes abruptly turned vicious.

After

Don't really think anyone's willing to keep living with you, eating garbage like this? Am I right?"

Paragraph 91

Changed

Before

"You don't want the face you're given, huh?"

After

At that, the man's gaze turned toward the camp, and he adopted an extremely confident, deeply affectionate tone: "Ladies, we let you suffer here long enough. Once you come with us, the Blood God Gang, I guarantee your days will be comfortable and fine!"

Paragraph 92

Changed

Before

Then he raised his hand sharply.

After

"Bullshit!" A girl in work clothes with her hair in a ponytail, who had been mixing cement, was the first to spit. "A bunch of animals. Why don't you take a piss and look at yourselves in it to see what you really are."

Paragraph 93

Changed

Before

The dozen or so underlings behind him raised their guns at once, muzzles aimed at the top of the wall.

After

Soon, her words drew a chorus of agreement.

Paragraph 94

Changed

Before

"I'll count to three. If you don't hand over the people, I'll fight my way in! When that happens, those who're supposed to come with me will still come with me, but those who don't qualify—not one of you will live!"

After

"Exactly! Exactly! Even if I died, I'd never stay with scum like you."

Paragraph 95

Changed

Before

"I'd advise you to think it over carefully before you answer."

After

"Animals! Get the hell out!"

Paragraph 96

Changed

Before

"Three!"

After

Hearing this, the man called Zhao Si lost his composure, and his gaze turned vicious in an instant.

Paragraph 97

Changed

Before

The survivors around Qin Xiao gripped their weapons tightly, but they couldn't hide the fear in their eyes.

After

"You don't appreciate kindness, huh?"

Paragraph 98

Changed

Before

"Two!"

After

Then he abruptly raised his hand.

Paragraph 99

Changed

Before

Qin Xiao took a deep breath and raised both hands again. The ground all around him began to tremble noticeably. He was ready to fight with his life on the line.

After

The dozen or so henchmen behind him immediately raised their guns, muzzles aimed at the wall top.

Paragraph 100

Changed

Before

"One——"

After

"I'll count to three. If you don't hand the people over, I'll fight my way in! When that happens, the ones who should come with us will still come with us—but as for those who don't qualify, not a single one will survive!"

Paragraph 101

Changed

Before

"BANG!"

After

"I advise you to think it over carefully before you speak."

Paragraph 102

Changed

Before

A muffled gunshot cut through Zhao Si's countdown.

After

"Three!"

Paragraph 103

Changed

Before

One of the underlings beside him shrieked, then fell backward, completely silent.

After

The survivors around Qin Xiao gripped their weapons, but fear was unmistakable in their eyes.

Paragraph 104

Changed

Before

The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned.

After

"Two!"

Paragraph 105

Changed

Before

Zhao Si snapped his head around toward the direction the shot had come from.

After

Qin Xiao took a deep breath and raised both hands again. The ground around him began to tremble visibly as he prepared to fight for his life.

Paragraph 106

Changed

Before

Then his pupils contracted sharply.

After

"One—"

Paragraph 107

Changed

Before

A hundred meters away, Gu Changchuan was approaching at an unhurried pace with more than twenty fully armed soldiers and two 'Soldier Bee' drones.

After

"Bang!"

Paragraph 108

Changed

Before

The black 'Guardian' exoskeletons on them gleamed with cold metallic luster under the pallid sunlight.

After

A dull gunshot cut off Zhao Si's countdown.

Paragraph 109

Changed

Before

Zhao Si's expression shifted repeatedly, and finally he forced a grin. "This is none of your business. I advise you not to cause trouble for yourselves."

After

One of his henchmen let out a scream, then fell backward and went completely still.

Paragraph 110

Changed

Before

"You must be new around here, right? I suggest you go pay respects at our boss's turf first, instead of hanging out with a bunch of morons."

After

The sudden turn of events stunned everyone.

Paragraph 111

Changed

Before

"Our Blood God Gang carries the great mission of rebuilding civilization, and we've always welcomed capable people without exception. You clearly look like people who'd qualify as our boss's honored guests. Don't ruin yourselves by making the wrong choice!"

After

Zhao Si whipped his head around toward the direction the bullet had come from.

Paragraph 112

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan didn't stop walking, nor did he bother answering that nonsense.

After

Then his pupils abruptly contracted.

Paragraph 113

Changed

Before

In fact, he was already struggling hard to hold back his laughter.

After

A hundred meters away, Gu Changchuan was walking unhurriedly toward them with more than twenty fully armed soldiers and two "Soldier Bee" drones.

Paragraph 114

Changed

Before

Seriously—the Cataclysm had been going on for only a few months. How were there already gangs? What kind of bandit melodrama was this?

After

The black "Guardian" exoskeletons they wore gleamed with a cold metallic luster under the pale sunlight.

Paragraph 115

Changed

Before

'Blood God Gang,' of all things? No—he had to keep his composure. He had to maintain the dignity of a Team Leader.

After

Zhao Si's expression shifted several times, and in the end he actually bared his teeth in a grin. "This isn't your business. I advise you not to go looking for trouble.

Paragraph 116

Changed

Before

In the end, he simply raised his hand and made a tactical gesture.

After

You must be new around here, right? My advice is to go pay your respects at our boss's stronghold first, and don't get mixed up with a bunch of idiots.

Paragraph 117

Changed

Before

A Hao and Crew Cut immediately leveled their electromagnetic rifles.

After

Our Blood God Gang shoulders the great cause of restoring civilization. We've always welcomed capable people without discrimination.

Paragraph 118

Changed

Before

Seeing this, Zhao Si's eyes flashed with savagery.

After

You lot clearly have what it takes to be honored guests at our boss's table. Don't make the mistake of ruining yourselves!"

Paragraph 119

Changed

Before

Then, instead of retreating, he rushed forward, flinging his right hand hard.

After

Gu Changchuan didn't stop walking, nor did he answer the man's nonsense.

Paragraph 120

Changed

Before

The next second, the two 'Soldier Bee' drones beside Gu Changchuan burst into sparks and fell straight from the sky.

After

In fact, he was already struggling hard to hold back his laughter.

Paragraph 121

Changed

Before

Then the portable 'Arclight' shield generator on his chest let out a shrill alarm.

After

Seriously, it had only been a few months since the cataclysm? How were gangs already popping up? What kind of bandit play was this?

Paragraph 122

Changed

Before

"WHIRR——"

After

Blood God Gang? No, he had to keep a straight face. He had to uphold the dignity of a Team Leader.

Paragraph 123

Changed

Before

A pale blue energy shield instantly materialized in front of Gu Changchuan, its surface churning with dense, violent ripples.

After

In the end, he simply raised his hand and made a tactical gesture.

Paragraph 124

Changed

Before

The shield load indicator jumped from green to yellow in an instant, rocketing straight to 50%!

After

A Hao and Crew Cut immediately leveled their electromagnetic rifles.

Paragraph 125

Changed

Before

"Open fire!" A Hao reacted fast, pulling the trigger at once while shouting the command.

After

Seeing this, Zhao Si's eyes flashed with brutality.

Paragraph 126

Changed

Before

[It's something resembling high-density bone hyperplasia.] Ling Yu's voice sounded in the earpiece at tremendous speed. [It's shaped like a bullet, with an initial velocity one and a half times the speed of sound, and the enemy seems able to control the trajectory of the bone needles.]

After

Then, instead of backing off, he stepped forward and swung his right hand sharply.

Paragraph 127

Changed

Before

[I didn't notice it in time. I got blindsided.]

After

The next second, the two "Soldier Bee" drones at Gu Changchuan's side suddenly burst into sparks and plummeted straight from the air.

Paragraph 128

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan's eyes turned cold.

After

Then, the portable "Arclight" shield generator on his chest also let out a shrill alarm.

Paragraph 129

Changed

Before

So that was why he dared to act so arrogant—he was a special ability user too, and an extremely dangerous one at that.

After

"Whirrr—"

Paragraph 130

Changed

Before

Bone needles like these—silent, bullet-fast, and homing—were absolutely a killer move that was nearly impossible to defend against in battle.

After

A pale blue energy shield instantly materialized in front of Gu Changchuan. Dense ripples violently undulated across its surface.

Paragraph 131

Changed

Before

What a pity, then, that he had run into a search and rescue team where every member carried an energy shield.

After

The shield load indicator jumped from green to yellow in an instant, rocketing straight to 50%!

Paragraph 132

Changed

Before

The instant the battle began, the shields on all twenty-plus team members lit up at once, and the electromagnetic rifles in their hands opened fire in unison.

After

"Open fire!" A Hao reacted quickly, pulling the trigger and barking the order at the same time.

Paragraph 133

Changed

Before

"ZAP—ZAP—ZAP—"

After

[It's something similar to high-density bony outgrowths,] Ling Yu's voice sounded through the earpiece at breakneck speed. [Shaped like bullets, with a muzzle velocity of 1.5 times the speed of sound, and the opponent appears able to control the trajectory of the bone needles.]

Paragraph 134

Changed

Before

In that instant, every underling who had come with Zhao Si shrieked and collapsed to the ground, the electromagnetic rounds punching through all their limbs.

After

[I didn't notice it in time. We got caught off guard.]

Paragraph 135

Changed

Before

Seeing the situation had turned against him, Zhao Si turned and ran.

After

Gu Changchuan's eyes turned cold.

Paragraph 136

Changed

Before

But the moment he lifted his foot, a layer of white frost spread from the ground up his calf.

After

Just as he thought. The reason the man dared to be so arrogant was that he was also a special ability user—and an extremely dangerous one at that.

Paragraph 137

Changed

Before

An instant later, an electromagnetic round tore through his right knee.

After

Bone needles that were silent, fast as bullets, and able to track their target were absolutely a lethal move that was all but impossible to defend against in combat.

Paragraph 138

Changed

Before

"AHH——!"

After

Unfortunately for him, he had run into a search and rescue team where everyone was equipped with energy shields.

Paragraph 139

Changed

Before

He screamed and crashed heavily to his knees, the searing pain instantly wiping out every trace of resistance.

After

The moment the battle erupted, more than twenty team members' shields lit up simultaneously, and their electromagnetic rifles opened fire in unison.

Paragraph 140

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan walked over, crouched down, and looked at the buzz-cut man Zhao Si, his forehead slick with cold sweat.

After

"Shhk—shhk—shhk—"

Paragraph 141

Changed

Before

"Your special ability is quite interesting." His tone was very calm. "Should I carve you into a human pig?"

After

In an instant, all the henchmen who had come with Zhao Si fell to the ground screaming, their limbs pierced clean through by electromagnetic rounds.

Paragraph 142

Changed

Before

"No, don't!" Forgetting even his cries of pain, Zhao Si shouted desperately. "I won't dare anymore! I really won't! Please, spare my life!"

After

Zhao Si saw the situation was bad and turned to run.

Paragraph 143

Changed

Before

The man was nearly weeping and drooling as he begged, but there wasn't a shred of sympathy in Gu Changchuan's heart—if not for the shield, he would probably be dead by now.

After

But the moment he lifted his foot, a layer of white frost spread up from the ground and covered his lower leg.

Paragraph 144

Changed

Before

***

After

Then an electromagnetic round punched through his right knee.

Paragraph 145

Changed

Before

The interrogation took place in a warehouse at the camp.

After

"Ahhh—!"

Paragraph 146

Changed

Before

"Y-you people—who exactly are you?" Zhao Si clutched his broken leg, cold sweat streaming, his eyes full of terror.

After

He shrieked, crashed heavily to his knees, and the searing pain robbed him of all will to resist in an instant.

Paragraph 147

Changed

Before

"Right now, I ask and you answer." Gu Changchuan's voice was calm, utterly devoid of emotion. "What's the deal with this Blood God Gang of yours? And who's your boss?"

After

Gu Changchuan walked over, crouched down, and looked at the buzz-cut man, Zhao Si, who was drenched in cold sweat.

Paragraph 148

Changed

Before

At this, Zhao Si gritted his teeth, still trying to be tough. "Kill me if you dare! Boss Luo won't let you go! He's a man who has eaten a green crystal—a man destined to become a god!"

After

"Your special ability is pretty interesting." His tone was very calm. "Should I cut you into a human husk?"

Paragraph 149

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan nodded and wasted no words.

After

"No, please don't!" Zhao Si forgot even to cry out in pain and shouted desperately. "I won't dare anymore! I'll never dare again! Please, spare my life!"

Paragraph 150

Changed

Before

He raised the rifle muzzle, aiming at Zhao Si's other leg.

After

The man begged nearly to the point of tears and snot streaming down his face, but there wasn't a trace of sympathy in Gu Changchuan's heart—if it hadn't been for the shield, he would probably be dead right now.

Paragraph 151

Changed

Before

"ZAP!"

After

***

Paragraph 152

Changed

Before

"AHH!! I'll talk! I'll say anything!" At that, Zhao Si completely fell apart and no longer dared to talk back.

After

The interrogation took place in the camp's warehouse.

Paragraph 153

Changed

Before

"Then start by telling me what this green crystal you mentioned is all about."

After

"Wh-who the hell are you people?" Zhao Si clutched his broken leg, sweat pouring down, his eyes full of terror.

Paragraph 154

Changed

Before

Over the next ten minutes, amid Zhao Si's intermittent howls of pain, Gu Changchuan pieced together the present state of Wangjin City.

After

"Right now, I ask, and you answer." Gu Changchuan's tone was calm, without any emotional inflection. "What's the story with your Blood God Gang? And who's your boss?"

Paragraph 155

Changed

Before

It all originated from that bizarre ice-crystal cloud layer in the sky.

After

Hearing this, Zhao Si gritted his teeth and tried to put up a brave front: "Kill me if you've got the guts! Boss Luo won't let you get away with it! He's a man who's eaten the green crystal and is destined to become a god!"

Paragraph 156

Changed

Before

Wangjin City would periodically experience a kind of 'crystal rain.'

After

Gu Changchuan nodded without wasting words.

Paragraph 157

Changed

Before

Sometimes larger crystals would be mixed among the ice crystals, and these crystals came in different colors.

After

He raised the muzzle and aimed it at Zhao Si's other leg.

Paragraph 158

Changed

Before

If an ordinary person was lucky enough to eat a white crystal, they could greatly enhance their physique, or even awaken a special ability.

After

"Shhk!"

Paragraph 159

Changed

Before

But if they ate a red, black, or other-colored crystal, they would instantly mutate into a horrifying monster devoid of reason.

After

"Ahhh!! I'll talk! I'll tell you everything!" At that, Zhao Si completely broke down and no longer dared to be stubborn.

Paragraph 160

Changed

Before

"Then what about what you said earlier—your boss ate a green crystal?" Gu Changchuan pressed further.

After

"Then start by telling me—what's this green crystal you mentioned?"

Paragraph 161

Changed

Before

"I don't know." Zhao Si gasped through the pain. "I only know our boss is different. He ate the green crystal but didn't mutate. On the contrary, his ability became terrifyingly powerful. Even those giant meatball monsters covered in eyes are no match for him."

After

Over the following ten minutes, amid Zhao Si's intermittent howls of pain, Gu Changchuan pieced together the current state of Wangjin City.

Paragraph 162

Changed

Before

"He says it's because he's a man chosen by god. I think that's about the size of it."

After

Everything originated from that strange ice-crystal cloud layer in the sky.

Paragraph 163

Changed

Before

"He's the strongest special ability user in Wangjin City now, and he's occupied the area with the most supplies in the city as his base."

After

Wangjin City periodically experienced bouts of "crystal rain."

Paragraph 164

Changed

Before

At this point, Zhao Si seemed to muster a little courage again, staring hard at Gu Changchuan.

After

Sometimes the ice crystals contained larger crystals of various colors.

Paragraph 165

Changed

Before

"So what if you have good equipment? A while back, Boss Luo took us to the Wangjin Lake forest area. There's a war readiness depot there. We nearly died, but we got five tanks and a bunch of infantry fighting vehicles out of it! We're about to unify the whole of Wangjin City!"

After

If an ordinary person was lucky enough to eat a white crystal, they could greatly enhance their physique, or even awaken a special ability.

Paragraph 166

Changed

Before

"If you know what's good for you, let me go now! Otherwise, when the tank barrels are pointed at your heads, you won't even get a chance to kneel and beg!"

After

But if they ate a red, black, or other colored crystal, they would instantly mutate into a terrifying monster that lost all reason.

Paragraph 167

Changed

Before

Gu Changchuan fell silent.

After

"Then what about what you said earlier—your boss ate a green crystal. What's that about?" Gu Changchuan pressed further.

Paragraph 168

Changed

Before

A Hao and Crew Cut fell silent as well.

After

"I don't know." Zhao Si gasped through the pain. "I just know our boss is different. He ate a green crystal and didn't mutate. On the contrary, his ability became incredibly strong.

Paragraph 169

Changed

Before

After a few seconds, A Hao couldn't help turning away, shoulders shaking slightly.

After

Even those huge fleshy ball monsters covered in eyes are no match for him.

Paragraph 170

Changed

Before

"What are you laughing at?!" Zhao Si snarled.

After

He says it's because he's the man chosen by the gods. I figure that's about how it is.

Paragraph 171

Changed

Before

"Nothing." A Hao rubbed their face, forcing the laughter down. "It's just that... yeah, that's pretty scary."

After

He's now the strongest special ability user in Wangjin City. He's occupied the area with the most supplies in the city as his base."

Paragraph 172

Changed

Before

"But we've already done this to you. Even if we let you go, you wouldn't let us off, right? So why not just kill you and hit the road?"

After

At this point, Zhao Si seemed to find a bit of his confidence again. He stared hard at Gu Changchuan.

Paragraph 173

Changed

Before

Hearing this, Zhao Si's face instantly turned a terrifying white. "No, don't! I was kidding with you! This is 'no fight, no friendship'! Please, let me go. If you let me go, from now on, you'll be my lifesavers. From now on, I'll go through fire and water for you without hesitation! Brothers!"

After

"So what if you have good equipment? A while back, Boss Luo took us to the Wangjin Lake forest area. There's a wartime supply depot there.

Paragraph 174

Changed

Before

As he went on, his voice was almost choked with sobs.

After

We went through hell and pulled out five tanks and a bunch of infantry fighting vehicles! We're about to unify the whole of Wangjin City!

Paragraph 175

Changed

Before

"Fine!" Gu Changchuan nodded. "Then tell me in detail—what abilities does your boss have?"

After

If you know what's good for you, let me go right now! Otherwise, by the time those tank barrels are pointed at your heads, you won't even have a chance to beg for mercy on your knees!"

Paragraph 176

Changed

Before

Unexpectedly, however, at this question, Zhao Si—who had already been scared out of all his dignity—showed a look of reluctance.

After

Gu Changchuan was silent.

Paragraph 177

Changed

Before

"This one I really can't say. If I say it, I'll die."

After

A Hao and Crew Cut were silent too.

Paragraph 178

Changed

Before

"What time do you think this is? Still playing this game with us?" A Hao barked sternly. "Talk! Everything you know——"

After

A few seconds later, A Hao couldn't help turning his head away, his shoulders shaking slightly.

Paragraph 179

Changed

Before

But he didn't get to finish, because right before everyone's eyes, Zhao Si—who had been begging for mercy a moment before—suddenly changed expression.

After

"What are you laughing at?!" Zhao Si snarled.

Paragraph 180

Changed

Before

The next second, he clawed desperately at his own neck, and then his whole body 'shrank.'

After

"Nothing." A Hao rubbed his face and forced down the smile. "It's just... yeah, pretty scary.

Paragraph 181

Changed

Before

In just a few moments, there was nothing left on the ground but a layer of human skin.

After

But you know, we've already done all this to you. Even if we let you go, you wouldn't let us off either, would you?

Paragraph 182

Changed

Before

"What is this?" Gu Changchuan and the others shot to their feet, their faces full of shock and uncertainty.

After

So wouldn't it be better to just kill you and hit the road?"

Paragraph 183

Added

Before

—

After

At this, Zhao Si's face instantly went a terrifying shade of white. "No, please don't! I was just kidding around with you.

Paragraph 184

Added

Before

—

After

We're friends now that we've fought! Please, let me go. If you spare me, from now on, you'll be my lifesavers.

Paragraph 185

Added

Before

—

After

From this day forward, I'll go through fire and water for you! Brothers!"

Paragraph 186

Added

Before

—

After

As he spoke, he was practically sobbing.

Paragraph 187

Added

Before

—

After

"Fine!" Gu Changchuan nodded. "Then why don't you tell us in detail—what abilities does your boss have?"

Paragraph 188

Added

Before

—

After

But unexpectedly, at this question, Zhao Si—who had been scared out of all his dignity moments before—hesitated again.

Paragraph 189

Added

Before

—

After

"This one I really can't say. If I do, I'll die."

Paragraph 190

Added

Before

—

After

"What kind of time is this to be playing games with us?" A Hao barked sternly. "Talk! Tell us everything you know—"

Paragraph 191

Added

Before

—

After

But he didn't finish his sentence, because right in front of everyone, Zhao Si—who had been begging for mercy just a second earlier—suddenly changed expression.

Paragraph 192

Added

Before

—

After

The next second, he fiercely clutched his own throat. Then his entire body "shrank."

Paragraph 193

Added

Before

—

After

In only a few moments, nothing was left on the ground but a layer of human skin.

Paragraph 194

Added

Before

—

After

"What is this?" Gu Changchuan and the others shot to their feet, their faces full of shock and uncertainty.