Ch 212: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Shen Yunxuan stayed in the apocalypse world for two days. On the first night, Qi Zhan gathered everyone in the base for a celebration on the training field to welcome her return. It was only then that she realized how much the base had expanded—it had truly grown and thrived!

The most remarkable thing was that everyone’s spirits were high, as if they had been living with hope all along. It was a stark contrast to the despair she had seen when she last visited.

Qi Zhan smiled and said, “It’s all thanks to you, Captain Shen. You left behind so many resources and medicines that gave everyone hope and a goal. That’s why we’ve been so full of life. In the past, we could see our fates clearly—just endless days repeating the same numb routine.

“But now, it’s different. We go out to clear zombies, gather supplies, fortify the base, train everyone, research medicine, try to establish radio contact with other bases, and wait for you to bring back even better things. Every single thing we do is full of hope.

“This time, you even brought us professional books and tools. Life will be much easier now. You truly are our savior.”

Shen Yunxuan smiled and said, “In reality, each of you is your own savior. Seeing hope is only one part of it—choosing to maintain a positive mindset and work hard to improve your lives is what truly makes the difference. I’m proud of all of you.”

Her words ignited a wave of excitement among the crowd. They had waited a whole year, and now their leader was finally back—and she had acknowledged them!

Then, she continued, “The place I come from is extremely far from here. The next time I visit could be in another year, or even a few years. Every time I return, I will bring you better things. But while I’m not here, you must all live well.

“By the way, are there any particularly strong zombies nearby? I can help you take care of them.”

Qi Zhan quickly said, “Captain Shen, you rarely get to visit. Don’t trouble yourself with these things. Just rest and enjoy the base.”

Shen Yunxuan waved a hand dismissively. “You all chose me as your leader—I can’t let you down. Besides, my level has increased a lot. Fighting high-level zombies isn’t that dangerous for me. Let’s go, take me to them.”

Seeing her determination, Qi Zhan had no choice but to select the strongest ability users in the base and lead them alongside her, prepared to protect her at any moment. Shen Yunxuan also brought along Gao Lang and the other fifty special forces soldiers. A battlefield like this was a rare opportunity—they wouldn’t miss the chance to kill zombies and train.

They set off to deal with a powerful level-seven metal-type zombie that had been discovered inside a prison. Because the prison had been packed with zombies and sealed off from the outside, no one had gone in to clear them. Over time, this high-level zombie had emerged.

Since discovering it, Qi Zhan had deliberately avoided the area. But now that Shen Yunxuan knew, she had to eliminate the threat before it could endanger Tianxing Base. It was also a perfect opportunity to test her current strength.

When facing the level-seven zombie, Shen Yunxuan immediately felt a sense of pressure. This was the strongest opponent she had encountered since her rebirth. After reaching level seven, zombies could use their abilities with incredible precision. Metal arrows, steel needles, cages, spikes erupting from the ground—it was an endless onslaught of attacks. Shen Yunxuan had to exert considerable effort just to dodge.

Fortunately, the sheer amount of faith energy she had accumulated had significantly boosted her cultivation. She quickly adapted to the zombie’s techniques and then told the others, “I’ll use it for practice. You all spread out and clear the other zombies. Be careful.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Gao Lang, Qi Zhan, and the others responded in unison. The prison was filled with zombies, and they immediately entered massacre mode.

As Shen Yunxuan fought, she tested various martial arts techniques, analyzing which ones were more effective, more convenient, and more powerful in combat. Throughout the battle, she felt her fighting experience and reaction speed rapidly improving. She even managed to imitate the level-seven zombie’s attacks, learning how to shape her spiritual energy into thin needles, sharp arrows, cages, and more. Unlike metal, spiritual energy was intangible and could catch opponents off guard—making it even deadlier.

With such significant gains, Shen Yunxuan was thrilled. Unfortunately, by this point, the level-seven zombie had exhausted its energy. Although zombies didn’t experience fatigue, its abilities had weakened to the point where they were no longer a threat. Shen Yunxuan swiftly finished it off and claimed its level-seven crystal core.

Meanwhile, the others had completely cleared out the prison. Shen Yunxuan stored all usable supplies into her spatial storage. Qi Zhan then led her to hunt down two more level-six zombies, two level-seven zombies, and, finally, an unexpected level-eight psychic-type zombie.

They discovered this level-eight zombie while dealing with the other high-level ones. It turned out to be the very same psychic zombie that had led the attack on Thunder Base. The former leader of Thunder Base had believed it was already dead, but in reality, the psychic zombie had used mental illusions to confuse the humans, then escaped while seriously injured. It had likely been gathering more high-level zombies to launch another assault on Tianxing Base—Shen Yunxuan’s arrival was perfect timing.

She fortified her mental defenses and successfully defeated the psychic zombie, confirming that her current strength was roughly at level eight. Once she finished refining all of her accumulated faith energy, she would likely reach level nine—something the apocalypse world had never seen before. The only reason this psychic zombie had reached level eight was because psychic zombies retained intelligence.

After obtaining the level-eight psychic crystal core, she suddenly remembered the crystal cores she had handed over to the research lab. Although the lab had yet to fully analyze them, a thought struck her—since psychic zombies retained intelligence, would absorbing a psychic crystal core increase her IQ?

She carefully stored the core away and returned to the base. After unloading supplies, she set up a protective formation around the base, explaining to Qi Zhan how to activate it and how it could fend off zombies. She also gave them a large number of protective talismans and thunder explosion charms.

By the time night fell, she bid everyone farewell. Standing in the sports stadium, she and her team vanished once again.

Qi Zhan and the others were already experienced with this. After waiting for a moment, they opened the doors to the gymnasium, saw that it was empty, and sighed before announcing, “The leader has left.”

Everyone in the base felt a deep sense of loss. Even though many of them had just met Shen Yunxuan for the first time, she had brought them so many supplies and medicines, helped them eliminate all the high-level zombies in their territory, and demonstrated overwhelming strength. They had completely accepted her as their leader.

But before they could truly take a good look at her, she was already gone.

Qi Zhan turned to everyone and said, “From the things the leader brought us, it’s clear that the place where she lives is far more advanced than here. If we want her to stay, we need to become stronger—stronger than anyone else!

Now that we have the serum to awaken abilities, I want everyone in our base to become an ability user. We will work hard to increase our levels, grow our base into a true powerhouse, and show the leader our progress! Do we have confidence?”

“Yes! Get stronger! Get stronger!!”

Shen Yunxuan had no idea that Tianxing Base had been ignited with an unprecedented fighting spirit. After returning to her own world, she was surprised to find that even here, she could still receive faith energy from the apocalypse world.

[System, what’s going on? It wasn’t like this before. Has something changed?]

[System: Host, because this time you traveled there voluntarily and established a deep and stable connection with that world, you can now continuously receive their faith energy.]

Shen Yunxuan’s eyes lit up. If that was the case, then she absolutely had to revisit the other worlds she had been to before! Not just for the faith energy but also for the massive amount of merit—both of which would be highly beneficial to her.

She quickly handed over the crystal cores, soil samples, plants, gold, silver, jewelry, antiques, and all the other materials she had brought back. Then, she approached Elder Xu to help her request permission to use the psychic crystal cores.

Since crystal cores had been identified as a new energy source, the higher the level, the stronger the energy they contained. For now, the government had been storing them while figuring out how to utilize them. There were also concerns among experts that absorbing high-level crystal cores might be too dangerous and could even harm humans. Due to time constraints, full-scale tests and experiments hadn’t been completed yet, so only a few low-level crystal cores had been distributed to special forces soldiers for training.

This time, however, Shen Yunxuan and her team brought back new information—ability users in the apocalypse world could naturally sense whether they were capable of absorbing a crystal core’s energy. If they lacked the capacity, they simply couldn’t absorb it. This was a universal rule in that world, with no exceptions. In other words, people could use crystal cores freely, and when they reached their limit, they wouldn’t be able to absorb more.

This drastically reduced the potential dangers. So, as soon as Elder Xu submitted the application, approval was granted. Half of all the collected crystal cores were sent to the Bureau for personnel to enhance their abilities, while the other half remained allocated for national research and military use. Among the delivered batch were the two psychic crystal cores.

Without hesitation, Shen Yunxuan absorbed the first level-five psychic crystal core. As she expected, not only did it strengthen her mental perception, but it also increased her intelligence. The level-five core alone boosted her IQ from 195 to 220! She immediately absorbed the level-eight core, and her IQ soared directly to 300!

Shen Yunxuan couldn’t quite describe what had changed within her. She just knew that everything she had ever studied suddenly became crystal clear. The advanced mathematics problems she once found difficult now seemed ridiculously simple in hindsight. Anything a teacher had ever taught her, anything she had ever read in a book—she now understood all of it. Her memory had become extraordinarily vivid, allowing her to recall everything perfectly.

Even the knowledge she had gained from the book of memories fully integrated into her mind, making it feel as though she had truly lived through countless worlds, accumulating all the experience and skills of her past selves.

It was an incredible sensation. It was as if she had gathered every version of herself into one singular, enhanced being. Everything that each version of her had ever learned—she could now do it all!

There was a phrase that might sound childish, but at this moment, it was the perfect way to describe her:

Shen Yunxuan was now terrifyingly powerful.

When everyone learned that her IQ had reached 300, they were beyond thrilled. They all agreed that the apocalypse world was a land of fortune—it had benefited them tremendously. Every time they traveled there, they made monumental breakthroughs, and they wished they could go back immediately to scour the world for more high-level crystal cores.

However, Tianxing Base no longer had an excess of crystal cores stored up, and their side didn’t currently have better serums or supplies to trade. Since wasting time on an inefficient trip wasn’t ideal, Shen Yunxuan decided to visit the ghost world instead. She had caused quite a stir there before, even supporting a prince.

Now that the system had upgraded to level five, it had likely been many years in that world. That prince must have grown up by now. If he had any real capability, he should have already helped spread her name far and wide, allowing her to accumulate faith energy.

The Bureau’s logistics department immediately began preparing the necessary materials—yellow talismans, cinnabar ink, top-grade jade, ancient coins, and other essential tools for combatting supernatural entities. Fortunately, Shen Yunxuan had brought back an abundance of antiques and treasures from the apocalypse world, so they lacked nothing.

While the logistics department was making preparations, Xu Wenyu came to speak with Shen Yunxuan. “Last month, our Bureau took on a cold case from ten years ago. Because there were no leads, and an eerie photo of a woman in a red dress hanging from a noose had spread online, the case had long been rumored to involve the supernatural.

“We assigned several of our best detectives to investigate. Yesterday, they finally solved the case. It turns out the victim’s biological father, an alcoholic, had beaten her to death while demanding money from her. After realizing what he had done, he became superstitious and feared that she would return as a vengeful ghost.

So, he hanged her and tied heavy weights to her ankles—a practice from an old folk legend in his hometown meant to prevent spirits from rising for revenge…”

The entire case had nothing to do with actual ghosts—it was a homicide. However, because of the numerous mysterious rumors online, the authorities wanted the Special Affairs Bureau to clarify the facts of the case.

Shen Yunxuan understood immediately. When she initially proposed setting up an official account, this was exactly its intended purpose—to help the public understand the Bureau’s role, provide a way for people to report truly strange incidents, and allow her colleagues to filter through them to ensure real anomalies weren’t overlooked.

This would also help boost her authority and the Bureau’s public recognition.

In the conference room, Shen Yunxuan recorded a video explaining the case. Thanks to her integrated “Best Actress Shen Yunxuan” memories, she was completely natural in front of the camera. She clearly outlined the facts as per the authorities’ directive, concluding with: “There are no ghosts or supernatural beings in this world. Science should always be trusted.”

Xu Wenyu took the recording to the PR department, and they immediately approved it without any modifications. He gave Shen Yunxuan a thumbs-up. “One take, perfectly done. You just keep getting better.”

Netizens had been struggling with withdrawal since the seven-day live stream ended. It was so captivating that they kept replaying recorded clips, rewatching the edited version, and becoming even more obsessed with Shen Yunxuan. Multiple fan groups had formed, all wondering when they would get to see her again.

Then, out of nowhere, the official account of the Special Affairs Bureau updated—with a brand-new video featuring Shen Yunxuan. The internet erupted in celebration, swarming to the comments section.

But when they clicked on the video, they were stunned.

What?

You’re saying this bizarre cold case had nothing to do with ghosts?

That it was just an ordinary murder case?

That the reason it remained unsolved for so long was because the victim was an orphan, so no one knew she was connected to the suspect, and heavy rain at the time destroyed the crime scene evidence?

So it was just a series of coincidences that made the case seem supernatural, and now the truth had finally been revealed?

The audience found it hard to believe. Even if this particular case wasn’t supernatural, what about all the other strange stories out there? How could Shen Yunxuan be so certain that ghosts didn’t exist?

Many people started flooding her comments with questions, posting gifs of her from the reality show.

“Instructor Shen! This hand gesture of yours was definitely a talisman drawing! Don’t try to deny it!”

Shen Yunxuan casually scrolled through the comments and, after getting approval from her superiors, directly replied: “Yes, I was drawing a talisman in midair.”

“AAAAAAAHHHH! Instructor Shen replied to me!!! Wait—no, more importantly, she admitted it!”

“WHAT?! Instructor Shen, you practice talisman magic and still tell us to believe in science?”

Shen Yunxuan responded: “Science covers a broad range of subjects. To be honest, drawing talismans is similar to solving math problems—it requires precision and follows strict rules.”

“No, no, Instructor Shen, you practice mystical arts and still say ghosts don’t exist?”

Shen Yunxuan: “Those are two separate things. There really are no ghosts. The world lacks spiritual energy, making their existence impossible. Also, talismans aren’t just for exorcising spirits. There are cooling talismans, focus-enhancing talismans, protective talismans…”

“AAAAAH I WANT THEM! Instructor Shen, please sell them!!!”

“Instructor Shen, save me! I’m a grad student drowning in exhaustion—I desperately need a focus-enhancing talisman!”

“Instructor Shen, I work in a high-risk profession! I need a protective talisman! I’ll sign in blood for one!”

The comment section was soon flooded with desperate requests to buy talismans.

After submitting another request for approval, Shen Yunxuan got the green light. Her colleagues quickly launched the Bureau’s official online store, listing the agreed-upon talisman types. They were sold in limited quantities, on a real-name basis, and each person could only buy one. Orders would be fulfilled based on the queue once stock was available.

While her team set up the store, Shen Yunxuan quickly began drawing a massive batch of talismans.

Netizens had initially been joking about it. Deep down, they never truly expected Shen Yunxuan to actually sell talismans. They assumed such items must be incredibly rare, top-secret military-grade tools that would never be made available to the public.

But within just a few hours, the store was up and running—and talismans were actually listed for sale!

People who were skilled at sniping concert tickets put their speed to use, furiously inputting their details to secure a spot in the purchase queue. The moment they successfully placed an order, many literally jumped with excitement, overwhelmed with joy.

Then, someone realized that the earliest orders had already been shipped.

“Waaaaah, Instructor Shen isn’t responding anymore—she must be working hard drawing talismans! She really loves us!”

“Instructor Shen grants every wish! She’s too kind! I’m going to be her fan for life!”

The first recipients were, of course, those in the same city as the Bureau. Among them was Zhang Yang.

After being released, Zhang Yang had speculated that Shen Yunxuan had official backing and didn’t dare act recklessly anymore. He had been behaving himself, but inside, he was still filled with malicious thoughts.

He hoped the government would try to control Shen Yunxuan, dissect her, and study her. In his mind, even if she was being treated well now, it was only because she was still useful. Sooner or later, she would become a test subject! He was convinced that if he waited long enough, he would hear news of Shen Yunxuan’s downfall.

But instead of seeing her demise, he saw her on television—starring in a reality show.

He had watched the entire broadcast, eyes glued to the screen, searching for any signs of special effects. But having once possessed a system himself, he knew the truth.

All of Shen Yunxuan’s abilities were real.

There was no way to deny it. He had to admit—after obtaining the system, Shen Yunxuan had far surpassed him. Her abilities had reached an unimaginable level.

But what shocked him the most was that those elite special forces soldiers were her subordinates.

Not only that—Shen Yunxuan had an actual military rank.

And a very high one at that!

That could only mean that Shen Yunxuan had earned first-class or special-class merits, prompting a direct promotion in military rank. How did she earn those merits? It must have been by handing over all the treasures she brought back from other dimensions to the nation.

At this moment, Zhang Yang finally understood—Shen Yunxuan had completely aligned herself with the government, making enormous contributions and, in return, received the country’s protection. This allowed her to gain even greater benefits and rapidly enhance her strength.

He had no idea that Shen Yunxuan was using the method from the Book of Memories to convert faith into power, so he could only assume that the government was pouring dimension currency and every available resource into her. Jealousy consumed him. Why was Shen Yunxuan so lucky? Not only was she not dissected, but she was also treated with such high regard?

When Shen Yunxuan openly admitted that she could inscribe talismans, Zhang Yang was even more shocked. He had also traveled to a cultivation world, but it had been full of dangers. He had nearly been devoured by a demonic beast and never even had the chance to learn about talismans. Yet, Shen Yunxuan had already mastered them?

So, when he discovered that the Special Affairs Bureau was selling talismans, Zhang Yang immediately hired a bunch of scalpers to help him grab as many as possible.

The moment he received his talismans, he stuck a Cooling Talisman onto himself—the result was instant. A wave of refreshing coolness spread over him, completely dispelling the summer heat. The talismans were real, and Shen Yunxuan’s ability to inscribe them was also real.

After his initial shock, Zhang Yang was filled with deep regret. Why had he given the system to Shen Yunxuan in the first place? If he had known the government would be so accommodating to the supernatural, he would have bound the system to himself and handed it over to the authorities. Then, everything Shen Yunxuan had now would be his.

Resentment surged within him again. He attempted to post online about Shen Yunxuan possessing a system that allowed her to trade with different dimensions, but his posts vanished into the void—either ignored or ridiculed by netizens before being swiftly deleted.

He assumed it was just other users reporting him for nonsense, unaware that it was actually the Special Affairs Bureau’s monitoring team deleting his posts.

Realizing that there was no way to expose Shen Yunxuan, Zhang Yang resolved to grow stronger by himself. Leveraging his past life’s business knowledge, he mobilized all his available funds and launched a major financial operation.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan had already led her team into the Ghost Realm Dimension.

A fifth-level ghost realm was significantly more dangerous than before. The moment they arrived, they witnessed a dozen Taoist masters encircling a Black Mountain Demon in the countryside.

The battle was intense, with spiritual energy and demonic aura clashing violently. Shen Yunxuan feared that Gao Lang and the others might get caught in the chaos, so she immediately activated a protective barrier around her team.

This slight movement caught the attention of one of the Taoist masters.

“Fellow Taoist, quickly, come help us! This demon has wreaked havoc in the capital, slaughtering over a hundred people! We’ve finally cornered it—join us in subduing it!”

The urgency in his voice was evident—their battle was not going well. An extra ally, especially a powerful one, would be a crucial advantage.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆

Sandy: Last chapter pw protected. Please find pw in TOC.