I STACK ATTRIBUTES IN THE APOCALYPSE -MyOwnEdit-

The midday sun cast a warm glow over the Nanxiang gathering place, painting a scene of idyllic serenity. The air hummed with the comforting aroma of food simmering over open fires, while the laughter of children playing echoed through the settlement. It was a stark contrast to the harsh realities of the Black Mist Zone, a sanctuary of peace amidst the surrounding chaos.

A month had passed since Velo and the other Spirit Clan members had last visited. During this time, Lu Ming had dedicated himself to daily training, ever vigilant for any potential threat. However, despite his constant preparedness, danger had yet to rear its head.

Still, Lu Ming refused to let his guard down.

Today, after a satisfying lunch, just as Lu Ming was about to indulge in a midday rest, Huo Sheng arrived.

Lu Ming welcomed him into his dining area, where Huo Sheng joined him in sampling the succulent exotic beast meat.

"Over the past month," Huo Sheng began, "I've had many conversations with Velo and the others, and I've managed to acquire maps of the nearby areas."

He unfolded the map he carried, revealing a labyrinth of intricate lines that immediately captivated Lu Ming's attention.

The markings would have been utterly baffling to most, but fortunately, Huo Sheng was there to decipher their meaning.

"We're currently on Bear Mountain," Huo Sheng explained, his finger tracing a path across the worn map. "With Bear Mountain as the center, above us lies the territory of the undead Blood Flame Sect, and further north is the original territory of the Spirit Clan, now a battleground between the Insect Clan and the Undead Clan."

Lu Ming leaned in, his eyes following the lines and symbols. The air crackled with tension, the weight of the information heavy in the room.

Huo Sheng's voice lowered, adding a layer of urgency to his words. "Below us are the Lizard Territory and the Dragon Spirit Territory, followed by Black Feather Mountain—the refuge of the New Yorkers. Further south lies the domain of the Giant Clan."

His finger then shifted eastward, landing on a vast, unmarked expanse.

"This is the Hundred Thousand Mountains," Huo Sheng revealed, a hint of awe in his voice. "They cover an immense area, home to numerous smaller tribes but no dominant major factions. The region is rich in resources and teeming with exotic beasts. Velo told me that many groups who couldn't survive elsewhere have sought sanctuary there, living alongside the beasts."

Lu Ming absorbed the information, a knot of unease forming in his stomach. The Hundred Thousand Mountains sounded as enticing as they did perilous.

Huo Sheng's finger moved again, this time to the west.

"This area is known as the Chaotic Domain," he said, a chilling tone creeping into his voice. "It's a haven for lawless madmen. The races and creatures there are known for their chaotic and murderous nature, making it one of the most dangerous regions in the Black Mist Zone."

He paused, his gaze meeting Lu Ming's.

"But the focus isn't on those areas. It's on the Hundred Thousand Mountains."

A tense silence filled the room as Lu Ming processed the implications.

"I have an idea," Huo Sheng declared, his voice firm and resolute. "Let's relocate."

Lu Ming's brow furrowed. The idea of uprooting their entire community filled him with trepidation. Change had always been an unwelcome guest in his life.

However, since arriving in the Black Mist Zone from Nanxiang, Lu Ming's perspective had shifted. He felt no particular attachment to the area around Bear Mountain, nor did he harbor any fondness for his current dwelling.

Intrigued by Huo Sheng's proposal, Lu Ming raised an eyebrow, silently urging him to elaborate.

Huo Sheng leaned forward, his eyes fixed on the map. "My idea is that we relocate to the Hundred Thousand Mountains."

He tapped a finger on the unmarked expanse representing the mountains.

"From our current position, we're in close proximity to the Blood Flame Sect of the Undead Clan, the Lizard Territory, and Black Feather Mountain. Further afield loom the threats of the Insect Clan, the Undead Clan, and the Giant Clan."

His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "According to Velo, our current location is considered a desolate area on the outskirts of the Hundred Thousand Mountains. Consequently, the major tribes haven't stationed many experts or troops here."

"However," he cautioned, "even though they're not particularly strong, there are Spirit Realm experts present, and they can easily contact their superiors to summon reinforcements from the Origin Realm."

Lu Ming nodded slowly, absorbing the information.

"Our current location is surrounded by enemies," Huo Sheng continued, his voice grave. "Moreover, our identity as tribulation transcenders is a sensitive matter. If these major tribes discover us, we'll face a dire fate."

After sharing his assessment, Huo Sheng allowed Lu Ming a moment of contemplation.

Lu Ming pondered the information, his brow furrowing as he considered the options. "The Hundred Thousand Mountains..." he mused, weighing the risks and rewards.

Huo Sheng nodded. "Precisely. But as you mentioned, the Hundred Thousand Mountains are also rife with dangerous exotic beasts, making the dangers within unpredictable."

Lu Ming acknowledged this valid concern. Huo Sheng spread his hands helplessly. "It's a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils."

"And I'm also proposing that once we move into the Hundred Thousand Mountains, we split up into smaller groups. Dividing into dozens, or even hundreds of smaller units would prevent us from being wiped out all at once."

He paused, his expression thoughtful. "Oh, and Velo also offered another suggestion."

Huo Sheng pointed to the edge of the Hundred Thousand Mountains on the map.

"He mentioned that beyond the mountains lies the territory of another super major tribe."

"This tribe is called the Aeonians. Unlike the Insect Clan and the Undead Clan, the Aeonians are quite tolerant of tribulation transcenders... They have a history of sheltering them."

"Therefore, I wanted to ask you a favor..."

Huo Sheng's voice trailed off as he looked at Lu Ming with a serious expression.

"I'd like you to..."

But before Huo Sheng could complete his request, Lu Ming's brow suddenly furrowed.

He glanced upward, detecting the faint sound of flapping wings outside.

In the next instant, screams erupted from the distance.

Before Huo Sheng could react, a gust of wind whipped past him. In a blink, Lu Ming had vanished from his side.

Lu Ming's reflexes were lightning-fast. He traversed the distance from the outdoor dining area to the source of the screams in the blink of an eye.

Location: The farmland outside Nanxiang

In the black rice fields, dozens of people were fleeing towards the safety of the gathering place, their faces contorted in terror.

Lu Ming's gaze shot upwards, and he spotted the cause of the commotion. A grotesque creature with wings and two horns protruding from its head hovered menacingly above. Resembling a demon, it clutched a Nanxiang survivor in its grasp, devouring him with savage hunger.

Its razor-sharp teeth tore into flesh, ripping away chunks with each bite. Blood rained down as the demon feasted, and before Lu Ming could intervene, the survivor's life was extinguished.

The brazen act of murder unfolded right before Lu Ming's eyes, a deep frown etching itself onto his face.

Locking eyes with the demon, who now regarded him with equal intensity, Lu Ming spoke in a low voice.

"Zombie," he said, his tone laced with suspicion, "you carry the aura of a zombie?"

The appearances of zombies were notoriously diverse, so the creature's form did not surprise him.

Shin Kanazawa didn't directly answer Lu Ming's question. Instead, it fixed a cold stare on him and spoke in a chilling tone.

"You must be the expert that Yamamoto mentioned."

As soon as the words left its mouth, Shin Kanazawa flapped its wings and swooped down towards Lu Ming!

The zombie craved Lu Ming's flesh and blood.

It was confident in its own abilities.

In that moment, Shin Kanazawa's gaze was ferocious, and its desire to kill surged.

Was Lu Ming powerful?

Perhaps...

But it was no weakling either!

Infernal flames engulfed its hands, transforming them into tangible, razor-sharp claws.

As it charged, it roared, "Submit to me! Weakling!"

In an instant, Shin Kanazawa's claws lashed out towards Lu Ming's cheek!

However, just before impact, a layer of pale blue armor materialized around Lu Ming's body, preempting the strike.

A dull thud echoed through the air.

Shin Kanazawa's confident attack came to an abrupt halt, the momentum shifting from extreme motion to extreme stillness. The fiery claw burst apart, scattering sparks everywhere.

Throughout the entire exchange, Lu Ming hadn't moved a muscle.

He simply gazed at Shin Kanazawa, a realization dawning in his eyes.

"Nearly two months ago, a zombie arrived here... You're part of the same group, aren't you?"