Chapter 75 - 68: Dawn is Coming

Chapter 75: Chapter 68: Dawn is Coming

Another ten days or so passed. On this day, Xu Mo was on the first floor, practicing the Pile Training of the Thirteen Grand Protectors’ Cross Training. The radio on the desk, which had been left on, crackled with static. Then, a clear male voice, filled with unconcealable excitement and elation, broke the silence:

"Fellow survivors, this is the Jiang City Shelter, now broadcasting a piece of major good news! I repeat, major good news!"

The announcer’s voice even trembled slightly with excitement, which instantly snapped Xu Mo out of his training state, his attention sharpening to a razor’s edge.

"After continuous monitoring and comprehensive analysis of recent atmospheric and astronomical data by the top scientific research teams from our Jiang City Shelter, in collaboration with Dragon City, Starfire, Dawn, and several other large-scale shelters, we have unanimously confirmed—the ’Eternal Night’ phenomenon that has shrouded the globe is about to end. Daylight is about to return to the earth!"

The news hit Xu Mo like a thunderclap. Even with his calm disposition, his heart couldn’t help but pound a few times. ’The Eternal Night is going to end?’

The broadcast continued, the announcer’s tone filled with inspiring power: "According to our forecasts, the light will gradually return within the next few days to a week. At the same time, the extreme cold that has plagued us for so long will also subside, and global temperatures will enter a significant warming trend. My compatriots, we have survived. The darkest hour is about to become a thing of the past."

After the cheers and encouragement, the broadcast’s tone shifted to a serious warning: "However, we also urge all survivors to be cautious. The rapid rise in temperature will cause large amounts of snow to melt quickly. This may trigger secondary disasters such as overflowing rivers, flash floods, and mudslides. We especially urge our compatriots living in low-lying areas, river valleys, and at the foot of mountains to be extremely vigilant, move to higher ground in advance, and make appropriate flood preparations. Life is paramount, safety first!"

Finally, the broadcast returned to its usual content, calling for survivors still out in the wilds to come to the Jiang City Shelter and reiterating the protection and order Jiang City provided.

Before Xu Mo could fully digest this earth-shattering news, another broadcast came through on the radio frequency, this time from Rock Shelter. The announcer’s voice sounded much calmer and more powerful than the previous one, but the content was far more intriguing: "This is Rock Shelter, now formally announcing to all survivors: After friendly negotiations with Jiang City Shelter, starting today, the former Rock Shelter will be fully integrated into the Jiang City Shelter system, accepting the complete jurisdiction and leadership of Jiang City Shelter. All survivors who come to this shelter will enjoy the same treatment and guarantees as residents of Jiang City Shelter."

"In light of the current external environment, this shelter will continue to expand its capacity to receive survivors. Compatriots in the surrounding areas may prioritize coming to the Rock Sub-Region. Once conditions permit, we will use restored air routes and other forms of transportation to safely transfer everyone in batches to Jiang City’s main urban area. I repeat, the treatment in the Rock Sub-Region is identical to that of the main urban area, and we guarantee transport to the main city..."

Hearing this, a flash of understanding crossed Xu Mo’s eyes, and the corners of his mouth curved into a meaningful smile.

’A merger? Or rather, a complete takeover,’ Xu Mo instantly understood. ’It seems Jiang City sending that bomber squadron for the rescue wasn’t purely about providing support, but had deeper strategic considerations.’

Rock Shelter had suffered heavy losses and a severe blow to its strength during that crisis. It was likely no longer able to operate independently. Seizing the opportunity to join Jiang City in exchange for a chance at survival and development was the most realistic choice. Meanwhile, Jiang City had taken over a large stronghold without firing a shot, expanding its area of actual control and population base, thereby strengthening its overall power. This was undoubtedly a win-win deal.

’Jiang City’s methods are certainly impressive,’ Xu Mo privately assessed. ’This kind of consolidation might mean that the large shelters are starting to move from fighting their own battles to forming closer alliances and integrating resources. For the remnants of human civilization, this might not be a bad thing.’

Setting aside these thoughts about the shifting power dynamics, Xu Mo’s attention returned to the core message: "The Eternal Night is about to end." An indescribable sense of relief and joy washed over him.

Xu Mo walked to the window and gazed at the oppressive, ink-black sky outside, a sky that had seemed eternally unchanging. For the first time, it no longer felt so heavy and hopeless.

"Is dawn finally breaking?" Xu Mo muttered to himself, a long-unseen smile appearing on his face.

For Xu Mo, the end of the Eternal Night meant far more than just the return of light and the rise in temperature. It also meant that an important part of his training, which he had been forced to pause, could finally resume.

The Thirteen Grand Protectors’ Cross Training, being a form of External Refining of Hard Skills, involved more than just regular Pile Training, resistance to impact, and strength training. Xu Mo had also discovered it could be used for "Qi Collection."

However, with the arrival of the Eternal Night, the sun was obscured, making this "Qi Collection" practice naturally out of the question. It had been forcibly suspended for a long time. Although Xu Mo’s Cowhide Realm cultivation hadn’t stagnated, without the aid of Qi Collection, he always felt his progress wasn’t as perfect as he’d hoped. Now that daylight was returning, his "Qi Collection" plan could finally be put back on the agenda. This was crucial for the further enhancement of his strength.

After the initial excitement, Xu Mo quickly calmed down and began planning for the new situation that would follow the end of the Eternal Night. He had never been one for blind optimism.

First, he had to take the secondary disasters seriously warned about in the Jiang City broadcast. Although the name Cyan Pine Ridge Town contained the word "Ridge," it was actually built on a plain. Nevertheless, he still needed to make some preparations for potential secondary disasters.

’A boat. I need a boat,’ Xu Mo immediately thought of the key point. ’It doesn’t have to be large. A light, highly maneuverable assault boat that can carry me and my essential supplies would be perfect. At a critical moment, it could not only be used to escape danger but also as a tool for crossing rivers or exploring bodies of water.’

As for how to obtain an assault boat, the path was very clear for Xu Mo, who possessed the "door" ability.

The optimal solution Xu Mo came up with was to find the door of a large warehouse, affix a sign like "Flood and Drought Relief Supply Depot" or, more directly, "Aquatic Rescue Equipment Depot," and then open the door. There would be a high probability of finding the assault boat he needed inside, and perhaps even accompanying items like fuel and life jackets. This was far more efficient and reliable than searching aimlessly through the ruins.

’Alright, I can add this to the agenda. Once I confirm the Eternal Night is over and the weather stabilizes a bit, I’ll go find a suitable place to ’open a door,’’ Xu Mo committed the plan to memory.

The news that the Eternal Night was ending was like a powerful ray of dawn, dispelling some of the gloom that had long shrouded Xu Mo’s heart.