"Since I can't go with you, after the blizzard stops, you'll have to train with me for a few days before going into battle, otherwise you're just walking into your death."
Hearing this, Wu Tian immediately panicked. Training was still required? What about the child?
Andrea had already guessed Wu Tian's reaction. She pointed to her eyes, signaling him to remain calm.
"Don't worry, Sister Wu Tian, I've been watching him."
Although she didn't know what "watching" meant in this context, considering the strange methods of the Everlife Cult, Wu Tian could only force himself to maintain reason and composure.
If she wanted to rescue Lin Junhui safely and smoothly, she had to listen to Andrea. Whatever she wanted, Wu Tian would have to find it for her.
"Okay, I'll start memorizing now!"
...
Meanwhile, Lin Yuan had no idea that Wu Tian was about 100 kilometers to his north, diligently memorizing a map. He was currently discussing with崔斯特 (Cuī sī tè) how to "blast" Ivormonna Town after the snow stopped.
"No, no, your idea is too dangerous. You and I both know how dangerous they are. How can we impulsively go and cause trouble for them?
Besides, you're the only one here with complete equipment. I only have a shotgun, my wife has a Glock 17, and that's it. All the remaining weapons are in my previous house, and they've definitely been looted by those people." After spending some time together, Cui Sītè felt that this "Zhu Mingjun" was a good person, and their conversations became more frequent.
This was genuine concern for his safety.
"Cui Sītè, I understand what you mean, but I have a reason I must go," Lin Yuan said. Going directly to the Everlife Cult's stronghold was a bit too abrupt. It would be more appropriate to gather information first. Moreover, he had heard Andrea mention that meteorites might have an inhibitory effect on the members of the Everlife Cult.
This sparked an idea.
What if he made a meteorite axe and charged in to chop them? That would be even more satisfying.
Therefore, the plan was to go to this town first to gather some equipment before making further plans.
Seeing the resolute look in Lin Yuan's eyes, Cui Sītè felt he would never be able to persuade him.
"But, alright, since you saved my two children, I'll risk my life to help you." Cui Sītè gave up, willing to accompany him to death if necessary.
The healing potion had begun to take effect. The two little ones' fevers had subsided significantly, and their complexions had improved.
Even Elise's expression towards him softened considerably. At first, she hadn't believed that this strange man, Lin Yuan, could cure her children with a potion that looked so abnormal.
But now, the facts spoke louder than words. Whether she believed it or not, she had to accept it.
"Forget it, Cui Sītè. As soon as the snow lessens, I'm going to check out the town you used to live in. You can't handle it." Lin Yuan politely declined Cui Sītè's offer to join him. He wasn't joking; if he had to bring Cui Sītè along, he'd have to carry him, which would hinder his own actions.
Cui Sītè also realized the truth. Right, his physique was nowhere near the same level as "Zhu Mingjun's."
Although he usually kept up with training, he was somewhat powerless against this kind of blizzard weather.
Indeed. As one reached middle age, a certain weakness would inevitably appear.
Elise, standing by, couldn't bear it anymore. She patted Cui Sītè's shoulder and said, "Dear, show some backbone. Don't let people look down on us."
"Dear, I'm also powerless. You have no idea, Lin Yuan can lift me up with one hand and run incredibly fast," Cui Sītè shrugged, indicating that he couldn't join in this endeavor.
Facing the couple's enthusiasm, Lin Yuan smiled and said, "If you really want to help me, wait until the snow stops and come to the town to meet me, or collect my corpse."
He had to seize the time. Although during the day he had learned aircraft, Osiris, driven by hatred for betrayal, had provided intelligence that the Everlife Cult's Mother Superior was preparing a ritual that required eighty-eight children, and the time was in December, still a while away.
Therefore, the probability of Wu Tian and the others encountering danger now was small, but not zero. He had to act quickly.
The sooner the rescue, the better. The longer it dragged on, the more likely unexpected events would occur.
Eighty-eight children? In the Western world, the number eight represented resurrection and eternity.
This also aligned with the style of doomsday cults like the Everlife Cult, which linked everything they did to gods or dates, numbers, and times with special significance.
It seemed they were planning to resurrect someone.
Only a madman could undertake such a crazy act.
Just as Lin Yuan was racking his brain about what to do next, Cui Sītè gave him some good news.
"Oh, right. Although we can't go with you, we can draw you a map! My wife used to work in the town's environmental department, so she knows the town's building and terrain distribution map. And I know part of the map of North Kankway to the north. At least I can draw you how to get to the place you want to go."
This surprised Lin Yuan, and he asked, "A hand-drawn map? Are you guys that skilled?"
Cui Sītè smiled and pointed to a landscape painting on the wall, proudly saying, "I used to be a mechanic in the army. When I was resting during drives, I would draw some landscape paintings out of boredom, so I'm a little skilled. But my wife is another story..."
While introducing himself, Cui Sītè's tone was ordinary, but as soon as he mentioned Elise, his eyes lit up. He pointed to a painting hanging on the wall and said, "My wife painted this a long time ago during a spring outing. See how detailed it is?"
Lin Yuan followed his gaze. The painting depicted a small river with a forest on the opposite bank, and behind the forest was a valley. The details of the scene were handled very well, and the color coordination and light and shadow distribution were exceptional.
"May I be so bold as to ask, who is your wife?"
"Hahahaha (ಡwಡ)hiahiahia, she used to be a street artist, and then I met her and took her home!" Cui Sītè was very proud of his pursuit of her.
Lin Yuan could not deny it; the Eagle Federation tended to believe in love at first sight.
Elise, on the other hand, became a little shy. She lightly hit Cui Sītè and said to Lin Yuan, "Don't listen to his nonsense. Since I had our son and moved here, I've rarely picked up a brush. After all, I've been too busy. I don't know how much practice I still have."
Lin Yuan quickly said, "It doesn't need to be this detailed. Just draw a floor plan is fine. If there are any places that need special attention, draw them in more detail. I'm sorry to trouble you."
"No trouble, no trouble," Cui Sītè said, smiling happily, as if the drawing wasn't to help Lin Yuan but simply to show off his wife.
I hate two types of people the most: those who flaunt their affection in front of me, and those who don't let me flaunt mine.
Pah!