章 4: The night when everything falls apart. [4]
When Jake and Jenny emerged from the sewer pipe, they entered the jungle, heading in the opposite direction from the city they had escaped from.
Despite their concern for Evan, they left the city with heavy hearts, prioritizing the safety of their baby and themselves.
Jenny was heartbroken over leaving their child, but Jake understood that their actions were in the best interest of their child. He knew that even if something happened to them, their baby would remain safe and sound.
Upon entering the jungle, they found a secure spot between trees and bushes to rest after an hour's journey.
Having covered a considerable distance in a few hours, their abilities as Apprentice rank cultivators made them well-equipped for travel through the jungle.
{Author's Note: For the cultivation power chart, please refer to my other book. Uploading the same information here would be redundant, and since this is not a cultivation novel, it's clear that I will only post the power rankings pertinent to the world where the majority of the novel takes place.}
If you're wondering why they are running despite being strong, it's because they are being chased by someone from one of the big families. But why am I revealing all this to you?
{Author's Note: Who are you to interfere in my novel and disclose my plot? And who are you anyway?}
Well, I am who I am, and why I'm doing this is a secret for now. If you want to know who I am, I'm not telling you... yet. Goodbye, we'll meet again.
{Author's Note: I will surely catch you next time. *Inhale* *Exhale* *Inhale* *Exhale* Apologies for the interruption, let's continue with our story, and I will find the person responsible for this.}
....
Jake and Jenny, after a lengthy journey, finally emerged from the depths of the jungle.
During their travels, Jake was astonished to encounter not only common wildlife, but also rare beasts imbued with Qi, making them far stronger than ordinary animals.
These beasts are monsters that have either been exposed to Qi or have consumed some natural treasure given birth by nature itself.
Such creatures are scarce, as the world's energy levels are not high enough to produce them frequently. However, the global government has observed that these energy levels are increasing over time, leading to a rise in the number of beasts evolving from animals.
This phenomenon has both positive and negative implications: on the one hand, humans could more easily become martial cultivators; on the other, the weaker among humanity could face grave dangers.
"Hey Jake, what's on your mind?" Jenny inquired, noticing his distant gaze.
"I'm just pondering the rising energy levels in the atmosphere and the advent of beasts capable of harnessing Qi," Jake replied, surveying their surroundings.
"Oh, that research you were conducting some time ago," Jenny recalled, remembering the research paper that indicated the world's energy readings were increasing.
"Yes, that's the one. Haven't you noticed that it's affecting all creatures, including plants and even us?" Jake replied as they both rose from the ground, concluding their rest.
"So, where to now?" she inquired, scanning the surroundings for a river or something to quench her thirst.
"We'll first exit the jungle, then continue our journey to meet my research team who are awaiting us. After that, we'll head to the Phoenix Kingdom, Blaze City, where our accommodations have been arranged," Jake explained as they walked for a few minutes and came upon a small river cascading down from a medium-sized mountain.
They cautiously checked for any animals before approaching the river to drink.
A few minutes later, after drinking and freshening up, they left the area.
With great effort, they finally noticed the jungle trees diminishing in height, signaling their approach to the outskirts of the jungle.
"We're safe at last and can truly rest," Jenny exclaimed, dashing towards the exit.
Jake, equally weary and keen to leave the jungle, followed his excited wife.
The sun's rays were cascading over their faces as night gave way to day, which was quite pleasant for them.
Upon exiting, they discovered a plain grassland before them, and not far off, their colleagues' jeep was parked.
They began walking towards it and noticed two men standing there.
"Hey Max, Oliver, we're here!" Jake called out, prompting both men to look up and wave back.
In a few minutes, Jake and Jenny reached the jeep and felt a wave of relief wash over them, knowing they had fully escaped.
"So, what's next? Let's get moving; there might still be danger lurking," Jenny suggested as she settled into the back seat of the jeep.
"Alright, we were just waiting for you two; our lives are at risk as well," Max replied as they all climbed into the jeep and started towards the kingdom's border.
Both Jake and Jenny were relieved to have escaped, yet Jenny felt a pang of sadness for her baby. The journey had been too arduous to bring him along, but she vowed to return soon to retrieve him.
"What's wrong? You both seem so quiet and downcast," Jake inquired, noticing their somber expressions.
"Oh... It's nothing. We're just sad to leave our homeland where we were born and raised, especially now that we're forced out by some threat," Oliver responded hastily, his voice cracking as if he were frightened.
"Is everything alright with you two?" Jenny asked, also sensing something amiss.
"It's just a slight headache," Max replied, massaging his forehead.
"Okay, if you say so," Jenny said, then fell silent.
The Jeep moved forward; its occupants quiet.
A few minutes later, something happened.
The Jeep halted, stopping after inching forward.
"What happened now?" Jake asked, scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble.
"Oh, nothing major, just the jeep engine stopped working; I'll try to fix it," he said as he got out of the jeep and went to open the hood.
Oliver came over to check it, and when Jake started to approach, Oliver stopped him and suggested he rest for a while.
After inspecting for a moment, they returned.
"Did it work or not?" Jake inquired, looking at them.
"No, everything seems fine there, but I think we need to give it a push to start," Max explained as they all exited the jeep and prepared to push.
Jake and Jenny were positioned behind the jeep, while Oliver and Max were at their respective doors, ready to push from there.
"Once I count up to three, push it with all your strength," Oliver instructed as he counted.
When he reached three, they all pushed with their might. Thanks to Jake and Jenny's cultivation rank, the Jeep moved quite easily. Max tried to start it again, and this time it worked. They both sat inside to avoid falling out as the Jeep began to move forward—it was a success.
However, what Jake and Jenny saw next made them freeze in their tracks, as they could only watch the scene unfolding before them.
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Please comment if you know what happens next and share your thoughts on the story.
I'm aware that some may find it dull at the moment, but rest assured, as the narrative progresses, it will become more engaging. Once the main character springs into action, the excitement will amplify. Don't mistake this for a mere slice-of-life or revenge tale; be patient and watch the story unfold before you.
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