Returning to hometown to farm: The apocalypse system arrived ten years earlier?

Chapter 338 The Sacred Path of the Lava Abyss: The White Tiger Sword Dance
In Lijia Village, Jiang Cai'er's expression also hardened. She disliked Luo Feifei, but at this moment, she suddenly felt a little worried.

"This girl is so decisive; she actually went through the passage without hesitation. How dangerous must it be on the other side?"

"Will she come back alive and steal my husband?"

"Is there still a chance?"

"Could she be trying to make Li Xiang remember her forever in this way?"

"Sigh, why did it have to come to this?" Jiang Cai'er sighed heavily, showing no joy whatsoever at the prospect of "victory." Any resentment she had felt earlier about Li Xiang and Luo Feifei fighting together had vanished.

……

The aurora borealis was in full bloom in Antarctica, with bands of light, interwoven with blue and red, covering the entire ice field like a net, and the world returned to tranquility.

However, Li Xiang noticed that the figures of the old man in the imperial robe, the Dragon Spirit of the Imperial Capital, and Fairy Wen Shu were becoming increasingly faint. Li Xiang couldn't help but ask with concern, "Are the three seniors alright?"

The old man in the imperial robe waved his hand, indicating that it was alright.

Neither the Imperial Dragon Spirit nor Fairy Wen Shu uttered a sound, and Li Xiang knew that they were probably very weak at the moment, perhaps having lost too much of their essence, and would likely need to fall into slumber again. So he quickly said, "I'm fast, I'll take the three of you back."

The three of them did not refuse, but simply nodded slightly.

Soon, Li Xiang escorted the three spirits of the earth veins back to their dwellings and bowed to express his gratitude. Li Xiang decided that for a long time to come, he would not disturb them unless absolutely necessary.

These three predecessors sacrificed a great deal by pouring their own primordial power into the array's core for the safety of Earth, and Li Xiang deeply respected them.

……

With the Antarctic rift closing, the high temperatures are gradually receding, and this year's winter has arrived earlier than usual. As the cold wave arrives, glaciers are reforming, sea levels are slowly dropping, and some submerged cities are emerging from the water.

The world rejoiced, singing praises to the armored man and hailing him as a savior.

Western netizens: "That Chinese armored warrior single-handedly solved a crisis that even nuclear weapons couldn't handle! Our president should award him a medal!"

"He brought the flooded New York coastline back to life, and my apartment was saved!"

From Yellow River management to Antarctic rescue, Li Xiang is a true global guardian! #OrientalSuperhero#

Japanese netizens commented: "Thanks to him for stopping the Antarctic rift from expanding, otherwise we would have slid into the Mariana Trench even faster!"

An African netizen commented: "NATO bombing actually accelerated the disaster by 7%, and in the end, it was China's extraordinary individuals who had to clean up the mess."

Russian netizens: "The president of the great beautiful country said he would 'pardon zero-dollar purchases'? Hilarious! Do armored men need their pardons?"

An Indian netizen commented: "We are the most sensible. We offered our donations willingly, while other countries were stingy. The value of the supplies that the divine messenger plundered from you is far less than what we gained from this salvation. It should have been ten times more."

Environmentalists say, "While glaciers are recovering, humanity should reflect on how to avoid the next catastrophic disaster."

A netizen who enjoys researching historical facts commented: "What's so special about the 44.4℃ temperature during the Qianlong era? This time, even Antarctica is melting!"

Climate joke: "The glaciers are recovering too quickly, so a polar bear called to ask, 'Can they melt a little more? I just bought swimming trunks.'"

"When the dam gates were lowered today, I kissed the windmill bases that were exposed again." A Dutch netizen posted a photo of the exposed windmills, with the caption "Thanks to the Chinese client for changing the requirements."

The Dutch Ministry of Water Resources has just released data showing that sea levels have receded to pre-heavy rain levels. Meanwhile, the country awarded Li Xiang the Orange Royal Lion Medal! The video shows many Dutch citizens dancing the traditional wooden shoe dance in front of the newly emerged Central Station, with an accordion version of "The Yellow River Cantata" playing in the background.

This video went viral in China and received many likes from Chinese netizens.

Lofifi's choice has become a symbol of "heroic narrative" that transcends national boundaries—some see her as a martyr, while others firmly believe she will return in the sequel.

Around the world, across continents, many cosplayers created replicas of the electric illusion armor and jumped into fountains, mimicking Lofifi's pose of leaping into the rift.

The live stream has maintained its popularity for a long time, and related videos have been edited and circulated everywhere.

Domestically, and indeed globally, netizens' attention to Li Xiang's team has reached an unprecedented level.

"Li Xiang's team is a true dream team!"

Luo Feifei's social media account has many fans who check in daily and leave messages to show their concern for her well-being.

"The most beautiful girl in the universe, the most beautiful war goddess, did she sacrifice herself by jumping into the tunnel? We beg the official authorities to release some information!"

However, the beauty was no longer there, and Li Xiang did not know whether she was alive or dead. He was very worried: "Don't worry, I will take good care of your mother."

Lijia Village is teeming with tourists every day, making it practically a sacred place.

Many people dream of relocating here in the future apocalypse, but unfortunately, Li Xiang's team has not yet announced the application process and eligibility criteria for residents of the underground city.

……

The news of the impending apocalypse spread throughout the world.

While rumors had circulated before, there are so many doomsday prophecies every year that not many people actually believed this one. But after this battle, almost everyone is convinced. With Earth's most powerful armored human endorsing it, what is there to doubt?
At the same time, global real estate prices plummeted, and stock markets crashed.

It's almost the end of the world, and the whole world is starting or preparing to build shelters and move underground. Who would still buy houses on the surface?
The world will be in turmoil, many companies are expected to go bankrupt, and those stocks will naturally become worthless.

China has pioneered a "trade-in policy," which allows buyers to purchase underground shelter properties at a discount by using their existing above-ground properties.

"Wow, you can play it like this?" Some netizens were shocked and couldn't help but feel disappointed.

"I originally thought that when the apocalypse came, everyone would go underground and become proletarians. But it turns out that those who own houses still have an advantage in the underground city."

"Otherwise what? Without this policy, society would probably be even more chaotic. Why should the efforts of generations of people be wiped out by the end of the world?"

"Even if it all vanishes, it will take some time. Heroes emerge in chaotic times, and I believe many from the lower classes will rise up. In particular, those with talent for cultivation will become the new elites."

"I really wish I had the talent for cultivation. It's a pity I'll only find out after the apocalypse." Li Xiang also revealed some beginner-level breathing techniques and ancient physical skills that could lead to enlightenment, so that anyone willing to cultivate could start practicing. However, if one wanted to step into the extraordinary realm, one would have to wait for the apocalypse to arrive and for extraordinary particles to appear on Earth.

Although Li Xiang possessed many spiritual medicines, he couldn't supply enough for so many people on Earth. He could only prioritize those close to him.

Or perhaps they have a talent for spiritual practice and are destined to be with you.

As for how to determine the "fate" between them, that's up to Li Xiang's own selection process.

For a time, many people came to seek apprenticeship. However, none of them saw Li Xiang. Lei Jiaming and others maintained order, and those people couldn't disrupt the normal life of Li Family Village; on the contrary, they brought a lot of traffic to the village.

"I really envy the villagers in Lijia Village and the surrounding area. It is said that people from all over the area can stay in the shelters provided by Brother Xiang for free. Only about 30% of the places are open to the public. I guess they will fight tooth and nail to get them."

"Absolutely! Staying in the Li Family Village shelter is the safest place in the world."

"If anyone has a child who gets into Tsinghua University, they can try to get in through the 'wife' route, perform well, and get into Jiang Cai'er's lab. They'll definitely move there with her then."

To the world's surprise, while housing bubbles have burst in many countries, China has seen a resurgence. Many underground cities are still under construction, yet pre-sale apartments are already on sale, requiring a lottery system for selection. The market is booming.

Although the government has stated that everyone can live in the underground city, the houses there vary in quality, size, and location. Resources are limited, so good houses are naturally in high demand, and the only solution is to use a lottery system.

However, many people abroad own land and build their own shelters. But the security of self-built shelters is certainly not as good as that of large underground cities with state protection. In addition, China's underground cities are connected by a dense network of subway lines. Perhaps there will be interruptions in the future, such as due to alien attacks or tunnel collapses, but the subway system, which ensures support between bases and the flow of personnel and supplies, is definitely beneficial.

Li Xiang and his team accomplished such a great feat, and their reward followed.

Although Luo Feifei is temporarily not in this world, there is no evidence to suggest that she has definitely sacrificed herself, so she does not receive the title of "martyr". Instead, her military rank has been promoted two levels.

As for Li Xiang, he only got promoted one level. There's nothing you can do about it; the higher you go, the slower the promotions become, because after a few more promotions, you'll reach your limit.

However, the state also bestowed upon Li Xiang other honorary titles as compensation, such as "National Guardian," "Special Contribution Award for Reshaping Mountains and Rivers," "Lifetime Achievement Award of the Ministry of Water Resources," and the title of "Outstanding Field Pioneer" and "Discipline Founder" (a new discipline specially established by the Ministry of Education, and a bronze bust of him stands in Tsinghua University).
The "National Guardian" award is probably the most prestigious, enjoying special status and treatment, and its place in history goes without saying.

At the awards ceremony, Li Xiang wore a crisp military uniform, the array of medals on his chest gleaming under the spotlight. The audience was filled with dignitaries and reporters from various media outlets, and the camera zoomed in on his composed profile as he nodded slightly in greeting.

This video has garnered countless new female fans worldwide. Many girls have posted posters of Li Xiang by their bedsides and look at them every night before going to sleep.

Without a doubt, Li Xiang has become the most famous celebrity in the world.

In addition, there is the "Earth's Ecological Guardian" International Medal (awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme in recognition of their outstanding achievements in preventing alien invasion from Antarctica and restoring the global ecosystem), as well as honorary medals awarded by other countries.

In the previous flood rescue operation, Yao Yao and Lei Xiaohui both made significant contributions and were promoted to major and captain respectively. However, Zhao Xueqing's contributions were no less than theirs, and even greater. Therefore, Zhao Xueqing became a lieutenant colonel, while Yao Yao and Lei Xiaohui remained behind.

Then Lei Jiaming, Xu Xuan and others were also promoted, which will not be detailed here.

……

Amidst the spatial turbulence, endless arcs of purplish-black electricity surged wildly, leaving Luo Feifei numbed and dizzy from the shocks. Fortunately, the Electric Illusion Armor automatically protected its user, absorbing and releasing endless bolts of electricity, filling the armor with electrical energy to form a layer of dark blue energy barrier that resisted most of the erosion from the spatial turbulence.

"Boom—" In a dizzying moment, she fell like a meteor, crashing heavily into a pile of scorching hot rocks.

"Hiss—" Luo Feifei gasped in pain, her throat burning instantly. She struggled to sit up and looked around—

Mercury-silver liquid metal flowed through the cracked magma veins on the earth's surface. In the distance stood a towering structure made of countless vertebrae, the remains of some strange beast unknown, eerily terrifying. The air was thick with the smell of sulfur and decaying metal; every breath felt like swallowing a mouthful of fire.

"This godforsaken place..." she muttered through gritted teeth, gathering water-based spiritual energy at her fingertips and gently stroking her throat, the cool sensation slightly relieving the burning sensation.

Seven or eight kilometers away, an inverted volcano cluster spewed crimson lava, defying the laws of physics as it flowed upwards into vortexes in the sky. Centered on the volcano cluster, a scorched earth and ash-covered landscape formed, while tens of kilometers away, black mist surged, mirroring the apocalyptic scene in the dream.

"Extraordinary particles... very concentrated." She sensed it, her brow furrowing slightly. "Strange, when the spatial rift opened before, no extraordinary particles flowed into Earth?"

After a moment's thought, Luo Feifei guessed that the extraordinary particles in this world might be bound by some supreme law, preventing them from easily leaking out. Although the spatial rift briefly connected the two worlds, the laws of the other world automatically blocked the outflow of energy, preventing the loss of power from this world.

Lofifei's gaze was fixed on the largest volcano—a colossal creature coiled up like a mountain, crimson flames flowing from the gaps in its scales, and each breath brought forth waves of heat.

“The Molten Core Giant Lizard…” Her pupils contracted slightly. “It’s so huge, could it be a god-level being? If not, it’s at least a high-level saint-level being.”

The giant lizard's mountain-like body undulated slightly, its growling like muffled thunder, shaking the ground. With each inhale, the surrounding magma was drawn in like a tide, flowing into the fiery patterns between its scales; with each exhale, a torrent of scorching sulfurous gas erupted, condensing into crimson crystals in the air before falling in a flurry.

“It’s asleep…” Luo Feifei breathed a sigh of relief, but then became vigilant. “We must not disturb it, or we will surely die.”

She carefully concealed her aura, the Abyss Sea King's Seal hovering in her palm, ready to cast a water barrier to hide herself at any moment.

"My opportunity to break through to the Saint rank should be in... that Tower of Bones." Luo Feifei divined again, sensing that since arriving in this world, this "connection" was even stronger.

A scene appeared in her mind: inside the Tower of Bones was an ancient altar, and hidden within the altar was a "Nine Nether Ice Soul," which perfectly matched her water-based ice-type superpower.

Soon, the image disappeared, and she felt a sharp pain in her head as she returned to reality.

"If I can get it, I believe I can break through to the Saint Rank very soon!" Luo Feifei was secretly excited, and at the same time, she cautiously reached towards the Bone Tower.

As they crept closer to the door, the Molten Giant Lizard suddenly opened its eyes.

Luo Feifei was startled and instantly used her Electric Illusion Armor to create six illusory clones to lure the enemy, while her main body rushed towards the entrance of the Bone Tower at a speed of Mach 9.

With a "whoosh," Luo Feifei's main body rushed into the Bone Tower, the roar of the Molten Core Giant Lizard behind her causing the tower to tremble. The illusory clones were naturally all destroyed by the Molten Core Giant Lizard.

The giant molten core lizard roared repeatedly, but it didn't chase after them. Luo Feifei guessed that it might be because it was too big, or perhaps it was just a guardian of this Tower of Babel and dared not enter.

The tower was not the enclosed space one might expect, but rather a vast lava wasteland with a blood-red sky and a towering altar shrouded in sulfurous mist in the distance.

“Three hundred miles… it’s all deadly.” Luo Feifei’s fingertips traced the Abyss Sea King’s Seal, icy blue light patterns flowing across the armor’s surface. She took a deep breath, and the Electric Illusion Armor burst forth with lightning, her figure shooting towards the altar like an arrow.

After traveling only a few dozen miles, the sky suddenly darkened—hundreds of fiery vultures with wingspans of five meters swooped down, their beaks spewing pillars of fire that melted craters into the ground. Luo Feifei spun around and unleashed nine ice dragons, but they quickly melted under the suppression of the fire elemental laws.

"Ice-type power halved... then I'll charge in!" She stomped her foot, her lightning-fast armor increasing her speed dramatically, tearing a blur of motion through the flock of vultures. The vultures missed their target and collided, exploding into a shower of fire. A vulture attacked from the side, its talons ripping towards her back.

Luo Feifei snorted coldly, and with a flick of her wrist, a white sword, its blade gleaming with a cold light, leaped out from a vortex of spiritual energy within her body. The sword trembled, as if a tiger roared.

A sharp arc of light flashed.

The sword suddenly flashed with a blinding cold light, severing the vulture's hard claws. The blood evaporated in the high temperature before it could even splatter.

Her "Sharpness" ability made her indestructible, and these vultures weren't much stronger than her.

"slow!"

Within a three-zhang radius around her, the air suddenly froze, the vultures moved as if stuck in a quagmire, while her sword strikes became three times faster.

"Critical attack!"

The White Tiger Sword suddenly erupted with dazzling sword light, piercing through the Vulture King's head. Its core exploded, and scorching energy surged into her body, briefly enhancing her power.

Luo Feifei's sword flashed fiercely, and after about half an hour of fighting, the vulture flock finally collapsed.

She gave a soft hum and continued forward.

Unfortunately, not long after they left, the ground trembled, and three lava golems, each five meters tall, crawled out of the magma, their liquid metal bodies reflecting a blinding red light.

The White Tiger Sword's blade once again gleamed with a chilling blue light—with the "Sharpness" ability enhanced, the sword's edge could sever elemental cores!

The puppet's giant fist slammed down, but slowed down within the "slowing" force field. Luo Feifei dodged to the side, and the White Tiger Sword pierced through the puppet's chest cavity with lightning speed, precisely striking the crystal core.

"Swoosh swoosh swoosh~" Luo Feifei moved like a celestial maiden, and the White Tiger Sword burst out with dazzling cold light. The core of the three-headed puppet shattered almost simultaneously, turning into obsidian fragments scattered on the ground.

However, these puppets were all powerful, not much weaker than her. Although the battle was brief, she had exerted all her strength and felt that her spiritual power was almost exhausted. She hid in a crevice in the rocks, took out the spiritual medicine from her space gem ring, put it in her mouth, and chewed it slowly.

Streams of pure water and ice spiritual energy surged into her body, refined, and converged into a spiritual energy vortex, rapidly replenishing her spiritual and physical strength. At the same time, some internal injuries from the previous battle were slowly healing.

"He gave me so many spiritual medicines and extraordinary items, but in the end he married someone else." Luo Feifei ate Li Xiang's spiritual medicine, naturally thinking of his kindness, but the thought of being destined to be apart from him made her heart ache even more.

However, Luo Feifei also benefited greatly from the series of fierce battles. Her swordsmanship, honed through these experiences, became more refined and skillful, sharper and more formidable, reaching a new level.

Once she has recovered to her peak condition, Luo Feifei sets off again.

Finally, she approached within a hundred miles of the altar, but suddenly, a purplish-black rift tore open, and violent spatial turbulence ripped at her armor.

(End of this chapter)