Chapter 477: A Sinister Presence
Moments later, the investigation team followed Zheng Yixian to the depths of the Blood Vine’s lair, where they were greeted by a shocking sight.
The massive central space of the building had been hollowed out, creating an expansive void that extended from the ground floor to the ceiling of the top level.
The Blood Vine’s thick, pulsating trunk occupied the center, its movements eerily reminiscent of a living creature breathing.
Around them, the walls and floors were adorned with countless hanging oval-shaped objects—thousands of them at a glance.
Zheng Yixian placed his right hand over his chest, closed his eyes, and muttered a prayer:
“May the departed become the hope of the survivors. Their flesh and blood, our sustenance.”
At that moment, the truth behind the Bai Xue Jiao’s food source became crystal clear.
The cult was using the bodies of the dead as nutrients for the Blood Vine.
Wu Di frowned, crossing his arms. “How is this any different from cannibalism?”
Meng Siyu countered, “There’s a difference. At least this method avoids prion diseases and is psychologically easier to accept.”
Despite the macabre scene, none of the investigation team felt physically repulsed. They had witnessed far more grotesque and bizarre things in the apocalypse.
Using a mutated plant to process corpses was a relatively humane solution.
Zheng Yixian turned to the group with a sincere expression.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the greatest secret of the Bai Xue Jiao. It determines the life or death of thousands of our followers. Please, I implore you to keep this secret.”
Zheng Yixian wasn’t concerned about Jiangnan District coveting the Blood Vine.
After all, who would willingly eat food grown from corpses unless they were desperate?
Moreover, the plant’s enormous size made it nearly impossible to transport.
Bian Junwu nodded. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with us.”
With that, he casually tossed the red fruit in his hand to Wu Di before heading toward the exit.
Wu Di looked at the fruit in disgust and passed it to Kong Sheng, who then handed it to Qi Guangming.
The group treated it like a game of catch, none of them willing to eat it.
Zheng Yixian watched with a faint, enigmatic smile before following them out.
As he glanced back at the Blood Vine and the thousands of suspended corpses around it, he noticed they were swaying slightly, as if moved by an invisible breeze.
Once outside the abandoned building, Bian Junwu noticed the other factions had yet to arrive.
He suggested meeting the leader of the Bai Xue Jiao, Yuan Kongye.
Zheng Yixian replied, “The leader doesn’t typically handle day-to-day affairs. All external matters are my responsibility.”
Bian Junwu was undeterred.
“Since we’re here, we should at least meet her. I’ve heard rumors about your leader—even some of the higher-ups in Jiangnan District are intrigued by her abilities.”
Zheng Yixian’s pupils briefly contracted.
The higher-ups in Jiangnan District were interested in Yuan Kongye’s abilities?
This was a significant development.
Yuan Kongye’s abilities were indeed extraordinary. She could help others awaken their superhuman powers.
Essentially, whoever controlled her had the potential to create an endless army of superhumans.
For the Bai Xue Jiao, this was both a blessing and an opportunity.
If they could gain the support of a faction as powerful as Jiangnan District, their cult’s growth would become unstoppable.
Zheng Yixian finally nodded. “Please wait here for a moment. I’ll inform the leader.”
Bian Junwu gestured for him to proceed.
As Zheng Yixian walked away toward St. John’s Cathedral, the team exchanged glances.
Perhaps it was the lingering shock from the Blood Vine, but Wu Di frowned and muttered, “This Bai Xue Jiao gives off an unsettling vibe.”
Kong Sheng responded gravely, “That’s to be expected. Organizations with a religious structure tend to be a bit odd.”
Meng Siyu added, “Still, the Bai Xue Jiao has managed to survive and keep so many people alive. That’s impressive in its own way.”
Baili Changqing sidled up to Bian Junwu.
“Captain, are the higher-ups really interested in Yuan Kongye?”
Bian Junwu raised an eyebrow and replied coolly, “When we were sent, someone did mention looking into her abilities.
“If the rumors are true and she can awaken superhuman powers without any cost, the leaders will undoubtedly want her.”
Baili Changqing whistled, running a hand through his short hair.
“That kind of power is seriously tempting!”
Bian Junwu smirked knowingly.
“Do you really think it’s that simple?”
“Oh? What do you mean?”
Baili Changqing blinked curiously.
Bian Junwu explained, “Power always comes with a price.
“When we awakened our superhuman abilities, it was after facing life-and-death situations. We earned our powers by gambling with our lives.
“Yuan Kongye’s ability supposedly lets people awaken without paying any price. Does that sound plausible to you?”
Baili Changqing’s expression grew serious.
“I have my doubts about that too.”
Bian Junwu adjusted his glasses.
“The leadership has considered this as well. The military has been studying superhumans for years, and they find her abilities too incredible to be true.
“That’s why we’ve been tasked with investigating her.
“We need to determine if her powers are as miraculous as claimed.”
Baili Changqing asked, “And if the rumors are true, what then?”
Bian Junwu shoved his hands into his pockets, his tone laced with implication.
“If the rumors are true, then her ability would be strategically comparable to LV5 Epsilon.”
The mention of “Epsilon” left the entire team visibly stunned.
For superhumans, the name “Epsilon” carried an almost mythical weight—heavier than Mount Tai.
Throughout all of Huaguo, there was only one known Epsilon-level superhuman: the enigmatic figure from the Shengjing District.
Their abilities defied logic, making them virtually unstoppable.
It was said that anyone targeted by Epsilon couldn’t escape, no matter how far they fled.
Not even Jiangnan District had an Epsilon-level superhuman.
Bian Junwu himself had once been a candidate for Epsilon-level training, but inherent flaws had barred him from achieving that rank.
In Jiangnan District, “Epsilon” was the epitome of power—a dream unattainable for most.
Now, the thought that Tianhai City might harbor someone with Epsilon-level potential left the team shaken.
Noticing their reactions, Bian Junwu chuckled lightly.
“I’m just saying it’s a possibility. But until we meet Yuan Kongye and assess her abilities, it’s too soon to draw any conclusions.”
Baili Changqing nodded in understanding.
“So, that’s why you’re so eager to meet her—to evaluate her for yourself?”
“Exactly,” Bian Junwu affirmed.
His words piqued the entire team’s curiosity about Yuan Kongye.