Starforce Warriors

Chapter 614: A Simple Contract

Chapter 614: A Simple Contract The walls and ceiling of the quiet chamber were made of stone, and the ground was covered with beast hides. It was there that Li Xiaofei and his companions finally met Zhang Wannian, the leader of the camp.

This old monster, who had lived for several centuries, did not appear old at all. He looked like a man in his thirties, with slightly wavy hair, a fair complexion, and an elegant demeanor. He gave off the impression of a scholar.

"We greet the camp leader," Li Xiaofei said with a respectful fist salute.

He could sense an immense cosmic energy within Zhang Wannian that was comparable to the Xie family patriarch. Zhang Wannian was the strongest individual they had encountered since arriving on this Earth.

“There’s no need for formalities, young friend,” Zhang Wannian said in a calm and approachable tone. “I have grown older and weaker with time. Most of my days are spent on cultivation in order to simply maintain enough energy to survive. I truly apologize for not welcoming you all immediately.”

Li Xiaofei responded, “We, as uninvited guests, must have disturbed your cultivation.”

Both sides exchanged pleasantries, valuing harmony above all else.

Zhang Wannian smiled faintly and said, “I see that you and your companions are extraordinary talents like dragons and phoenixes. It is truly rare for all of you to gather here at my humble Grandpa Lakeside Camp. My friend Li, have you come to Taibai Mountains with something to ask of me?”

Zhang Wannian had wondered about that in private. From his perspective, the level of cultivation possessed by Li Xiaofei and his group would allow them to easily establish their own survivor camp at any magnetic spiritual site. Yet they had waited here for him to emerge from seclusion. They must have an agenda.

Li Xiaofei nodded and said, “We wish to seek your guidance regarding the current state of Earth’s grand affairs.”

"Grand affairs?" Zhang Wannian was momentarily stunned, then let out a bitter laugh. "Humanity is nearly extinct. What grand affairs could there possibly be? Sigh, the era of grand affairs has long since passed."

"How many places like Grandpa Lakeside Camp are left on Earth?" Li Xiaofei asked.

Zhang Wannian slowly replied, "Grandpa Lake is located on the main peak of the Taibai Mountains, which contains a magnetic vein. This invisible magnetic field can interfere with the instruments inside the Governors, rendering them powerless. That’s why the Star Council cannot send Governors to eradicate this place. To my knowledge, there are over thirteen thousand places on Earth with magnetic veins like this. But even so, it’s just a drop in the bucket. Each camp can support no more than five thousand people; otherwise, it becomes unsustainable. You can calculate for yourself how many free survivors remain."

Over thirteen thousand locations. Rounding up to fourteen thousand for simplicity and a population cap of five thousand per camp, the total only came to around seventy million. Just seventy million. Compared to the Earth’s peak population of six or seven billion, it was a pitifully small number.

Li Xiaofei then asked, "What about the Holy Light Settlement? How many people live there?"

"Not many," Zhang Wannian said. "And besides, the people living there can’t really be considered human—they’re just resources."

"What do you mean by that?" Li Xiaofei pressed, seeking clarity.

Zhang Wannian didn’t hide the truth. "That place is nothing more than a breeding farm. Men are used as raw materials to create mechanical lifeforms like the Governors or live subjects in experiments on extraordinary abilities. Women are treated as reproductive machines; their eggs are harvested from their bodies and artificially cultivated. Once a woman reaches an age where she can no longer provide eggs, she is used for experimental re

"Signing it wouldn’t be an issue," Li Xiaofei said with a smile and was just about to sign his name when—

"Wait a moment." Ye Liuying, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "There’s no need to rush into signing the contract. Let’s take some time to think it over carefully."

Li Xiaofei’s heart stirred.

"Fair enough," he said with a light smile. He held the beast-hide contract in his hand as he added, "Once we sign this, we’ll officially become members of Grandpa Lakeside Camp. As the saying goes, 'A man fears choosing the wrong trade, just as a woman fears marrying the wrong husband.' It’s worth being cautious about. How about this, Camp Leader? We have many people with us. Let us return to discuss and see who wants to stay and who prefers to leave. Once we’ve reached a consensus, we’ll let you know. How does that sound?"

Zhang Wannian quickly nodded. "Of course, such matters cannot be forced. I hope I’ll hear some good news... cough, cough."

As he spoke, he suddenly started coughing violently, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

Li Xiaofei was startled. "Camp Leader, what’s wrong?"

Zhang Wannian gave a bitter smile. "It’s just an old injury acting up. Don’t worry about it... I just need some rest."