Chapter 55 :- Qiao Manli In A Sorry State

As Lu Yu, accompanied by a golden monkey, effortlessly dispatched a monster with his sword from downstairs, Chu Feng watched in disbelief. 

He had sensed something amiss when Wei Jianjun was absent and the sword was purchased. 

His suspicions were confirmed when he realized that Lu Yu had indeed been reborn and that the apocalypse had arrived. All signs pointed to the accuracy of his memory.

However, he didn't dwell on it at the time, attributing it to the butterfly effect triggered by his rebirth. But when Yan Yun and Lu Yu appeared together in the secret realm, his heart sank, and he sensed that something was off. 

Now, seeing the Qingshou sword in Lu Yu's hand, a light bulb went off in his mind, and everything seemed to fall into place.

Could it be that Lu Yu was also reborn? 

And did he reincarnate earlier than Chu Feng, allowing him to be with Yan Yun and purchase the sword ahead of time? 

Was this the reason he adapted so quickly to the apocalypse and harbored a murderous intent towards him?

Chu Feng quickly took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. The situation was too bizarre. Even though Chu Feng had survived the apocalypse for ten years, his mind was in a whirlpool at the moment. 

He had initially thought that his rebirth was a divine gift. Rebirth, such a magical word for someone who had survived the apocalypse for ten years. But now it seemed that the divine favor was more inclined towards Lu Yu, the scoundrel.

What should he do? He was certain he couldn't defeat Lu Yu. If Lu Yu was indeed reborn like him, with his formidable combat power, the treasures from the secret realm, and the sword, and given the extra days he had developed, 

How could Chu Feng possibly defeat him?

Should he escape? 

Lu Yu had already cleared the monsters downstairs, so should he seize the opportunity to flee? 

Should he take advantage of the distance between them to clear the monsters in the corridor and make a run for it?

"Huh? 

What is Lu Yu doing?" 

Dai Lian's surprised voice brought Chu Feng back to reality. Chu Feng took a closer look. Lu Yu, who was downstairs, had spent more than an hour after arriving. 

He took Wu Qiang, the bodyguard, and the monkey to the bottom of Qiao Manli's dormitory. After dealing with some monsters, they rescued a few girls from the second floor, gave them some food and water, and then Wu Qiang took them back to the previous building.

"Are they saving people?" 

"No…isn't it?" 

"Wu Qiang has brought three girls back!" 

"Chu Feng, didn't you say… This guy Lu Yu is hypocritical?" 

Seeing that Lu Yu was saving people and also providing food and water, several of Chu Feng's companions were dumbfounded. The scene they were witnessing was completely different from Chu Feng's description.

When Chu Feng saved people, he only saved those who had the ability to survive and protect themselves, like the three of them. As for those who were incompetent, he would at most give them something to eat, allowing them to continue their lives and fend for themselves. 

And now Lu Yu was saving people? 

It seemed like as long as people weren't dead, he was saving them?

This was baffling. Not just for them, even Chu Feng was a little confused. 

If Lu Yu was indeed reborn, why would he save these girls who weren't very attractive and had no power? 

This was illogical! 

And why didn't he come and kill Chu Feng first? 

Did he not find Chu Feng in his building? 

Or was he not reborn? 

Even though Lu Yu had discovered Chu Feng, there was no conflict of interest. 

Did he not want to eliminate Chu Feng? 

"This guy is incredibly deceitful trust me," 

Chu Feng was perplexed, but regardless of the circumstances, he couldn't afford to lose his composure. 

"No…no, but…Chu Feng, do we really need to leave?" 

"What's the purpose of going out?" 

Chu Feng retorted without providing a direct answer. He had initially planned to confront his ex-girlfriend and exact revenge. 

However, Lu Yu's arrival completely disrupted his plans. Venturing out at this juncture would not only be futile but might also give Lu Yu an upper hand.

"But, isn't your girlfriend on the other side? 

If you don't go, she'll be rescued by Lu Yu!" 

Chu Feng scoffed, "Then let him rescue her, such a woman doesn't deserve to be my girlfriend!" 

In his mind, Qiao Manli was nothing more than a manipulative woman. Without her in his previous life, even if his development was slightly delayed, he would undoubtedly be among the world's top powerhouses. 

How could he have remained obscure for ten years during the apocalypse?

Upon hearing Chu Feng's words, Wang Chao and the others were taken aback. Even Dai Lian's perception of Chu Feng shifted slightly. 

Before the end of the world, Chu Feng was just an ordinary guy. And Qiao Manli was a renowned beauty in school. He managed to become Qiao Manli's boyfriend due to his academic prowess and looks, as well as his successful pursuit of Qiao Manli. And he seemed to be just a backup option. 

Now, he actually claimed that people didn't deserve him? 

They had never encountered someone as arrogant as Chu Feng.

[Ding, congratulations on your wind attribute ability being upgraded to the high-level black iron…] 

"Ah, it's finally upgraded again!" 

On the other side, Lu Yu took Yan Yun, Xue Li, and Xiao Jin to hide in the second floor of Qiao Manli's dormitory to recover their strength. Upon seeing this system prompt, he breathed a sigh of relief. 

Because he received ten attributes from Yan Yun, and it was easier to find a non-attribute crystal nucleus, it took less than two days for his physical fitness to progress from the black iron primary level to the bronze primary level. 

And this power? 

During this time, he had never come across a wind attribute crystal nucleus. 

On the second day following the apocalypse, Lu Yu's ability had advanced to the intermediate level. However, despite his daily practice with the remaining energy, his ability remained stagnant. 

But now, a change was on the horizon.

Lu Yu assessed his current situation. If his energy was at full capacity, he could utilize about 20 rounds of wind blades. 

This meant that his storage capacity had doubled. He had about 12 rounds left. 

(Upon upgrading an ability, the energy used for the upgrade is instantly replenished)

"Lu Yu, it's almost seven in the evening, are we still heading upstairs?" 

Yan Yun asked. 

"Go! 

Why wouldn't we go up?" 

Lu Yu retorted. 

"But those monsters seem to have wandered back again, just on our return route!" 

Yan Yun peered at the monsters on the road through the window, expressing her concern "If we go up, we won't have time to return." 

The danger outside at night is at least three times higher. 

Therefore, even Lu Yu can't afford to roam outside at night! 

"Would it be better to stay here for the night?" 

"Is that so? 

It seems… OK!" 

"Alright, enough chatter, let's go!"

Lu Yu turned to Xue Li: "Xue Li, hand me the bag!" 

"Okay!" 

Xue Li nodded, and Lu Yu continued "You can find a place to rest tonight, as long as you can help me keep an eye on the other side. 

I'll take her upstairs." "Okay, Young Master Lu, be careful!" 

Xue Li removed the backpack and handed it to Lu Yu without further ado! "Understood!" Lu Yu took the backpack, responded, and handed Xue Li some night supplies such as food and candles, and then took Xiao Jin and Yan Yun and went upstairs. 

There aren't many monsters in the corridor. After all, so many days have passed since the end of the world, and the monsters have already consumed what they could eat. 

After the monsters had consumed their fill, they naturally dispersed in search of food elsewhere. 

This was further facilitated by a loud roar from the back door, which drew away a group of them. 

Consequently, Lu Yu encountered no monsters that could be contracted and faced minimal resistance.

As time passed, Lu Yu managed to rescue some of his classmates who had survived. Just before darkness fell, he arrived at Qiao Manli's room. 

He knocked on her door. 

"Yes… Is it Young Master Lu?" 

Qiao Manli's voice was hoarse, betraying her nervousness. 

"It's me!" 

With a click, the door swung open abruptly. Qiao Manli was greeted by a familiar silhouette standing at the doorway. 

Overwhelmed with relief and unable to articulate her feelings, she flung herself into Lu Yu's embrace.

"Uuuuu, Lu Shao, is it truly you? 

If you hadn't arrived, I would have starved to death…" 

Qiao Manli's words were punctuated by her sobs. This unexpected display of affection left Yan Yun, who had been standing behind Lu Yu, taken aback. 

"The person you're holding is my husband."

Lu Yu had an inclination to ascend the stairs alone, a decision that Xue Li wouldn't dare to contest. Prior to the apocalypse, Lu Yu's physical prowess and combat skills were such that he could easily take on five opponents of his own caliber. 

However, the present situation was drastically different. Apart from his vitality, none of his attributes exceeded 30. In contrast, Lu Yu, with nearly all his attributes at 50, was a formidable adversary. 

Even with combat skills, Xue Li found himself outmatched in every aspect. Adding Xiao Jin, Qing Sujian, and supernatural powers to the mix, five Xue Lis wouldn't stand a chance against Lu Yu. So, if Lu Yu wished to proceed alone, who was Xue Li to object?

As for Qiao Manli and the others, their savior wasn't Chu Feng, but the arrival of Lu Yu stirred up even more excitement. 

They had been ardent fans of Lu Yu before the apocalypse. After the apocalypse, seeing Lu Yu's immense power only amplified their admiration. 

Especially when they noticed Chu Feng hiding in the dormitory building, too afraid to emerge, while Lu Yu was fearlessly battling monsters to rescue them. Their excitement and happiness knew no bounds.

"Alright, alright, let go now," Lu Yu said, pushing Qiao Manli away with a hint of impatience. 

It wasn't that Lu Yu lacked chivalry, nor was it due to Yan Yun, who was standing beside him. 

The issue was that Qiao Manli hadn't brushed her teeth, washed her hair, or bathed for seven days in the sweltering heat. 

The odor emanating from her body, particularly her hair, was almost as repugnant as that of the zombies.

"No… I'm sorry! 

Young Master Lu, I… I didn't mean to," Qiao Manli said, noticing the evident disgust on Lu Yu's face. She quickly released Lu Yu, looking embarrassed. Seeing Qiao Manli again filled Yan Yun with resentment, especially when she saw her hugging Lu Yu, which sparked jealousy. 

However, Yan Yun was naturally good-tempered and didn't lash out immediately.

"I know you didn't mean it, go ahead and we will talk about it later!" 

Lu Yu said.

"Young Master Lu, did you bring anything to eat?" 

Qiao Manli asked, her eyes fixed on Lu Yu's backpack. This was the first thing she said after Lu Yu, Yan Yun, and Xiao Jin entered the room and closed the door. 

If it weren't for the fact that the person in front of her was Lu Yu, she might have rushed forward to snatch the backpack.

"Yes, I brought something to eat!" 

Lu Yu responded tersely, removing his backpack and tossing it in front of them. 

"Take it, eat whatever you want!" 

Seeing Lu Yu's casual gesture, the four girls went wild with excitement.

"Hahaha, thank you Lu Shao!" 

they exclaimed, ecstatic. 

"Thank you Lu Shao!" 

"Woooo, Young Master Lu, you are so kind!" 

"Wow, chicken thighs in sauce? 

Mineral water? 

Potato chips? 

Chocolate? 

Ham? 

Oh my god…" "It's great, it's great!" 

"Lu Shao, I love you!"

Qiao Manli immediately opened the backpack, took out the food one by one, and distributed it to everyone. The entire bedroom was filled with the sound of bags being unpacked and water being drunk.

"Wow, so delicious!" 

they exclaimed. "It's so comfortable, it's so comfortable, it's simply delicious!" 

"I've never felt so good in ham." The four women ate, their words revealing the joy of surviving in desperation.

Seeing the four of them gobbling down, Lu Yu didn't stop them. That's what he wanted. Why did he carry a mountaineering bag instead of taking the food directly from the ring? 

There were a couple of factors contributing to the current situation. Firstly, he had begun wearing a gauntlet on his left hand. This gauntlet, characterized by its gray-black hue, was crafted by Tong Nenghao using the hides of high-ranking lizardmen.

The foundry's capabilities allowed for the direct transformation of these materials into semi-finished products ready for further processing. A group of women then took over, sewing the gauntlet using the lizard's tendons in a series of steps. 

The end product was reasonably sturdy, resistant to cuts from somewhat blunt knives.

As long as it wasn't subjected to prolonged zombie bites, it served a protective function. The manufacturing process was straightforward, with the only complication being the consumption of Tong Nenghao's ability. 

Given his current level, he could only produce one gauntlet per day. The gauntlet bore a resemblance to the gloves used by dog trainers. 

However, with his hands encased within, it was somewhat inconvenient to use the ring for grasping objects.

Another contributing factor was, undoubtedly, his limited wealth. His ring, considered a treasure procured from the secret realm, was best kept secret from as many people as possible. 

As for Lu Yu's generous provision of food, the reasons were clear. Apart from Lu Yu's own food shortage, the primary motive was to handle Chu Feng. 

Currently, Chu Feng was confined to the dormitory across the way. In order to ensure smooth operations, Lu Yu naturally sought to utilize all available resources.

After having some food and water, Qiao Manli, who had regained some strength, asked, "Master Lu, is this monkey your pet?" 

Her voice had significantly improved. She had been curious about Xiao Jin's allegiance to Lu Yu ever since she saw him fighting on Lu Yu's behalf. 

However, they had been too exhausted when they first arrived, and this seemingly trivial question had taken a backseat to their immediate need for food.

"Yes!" 

Lu Yu replied.

"Wow, that's amazing…" they exclaimed. "Young Master Lu is Young Master Lu, even monsters must obey your command!" 

Looking at the golden hairs on Xiao Jin's body, they were all covered with the blood of monsters!.

"Lu Shao, your kindness is overwhelming!" 

Exclaimed Xu Fei to Lu Yu, munching on potato chips after quenching her thirst. 

"You've risked your life to save us and even brought us such delectable food!" 

"Absolutely, absolutely!"

"Esteemed Master Lu, my affection for you is profound!"

"My sentiments mirror yours, I harbor the same affection for you!"

"Esteemed Master Lu, may I have the honor of becoming your life partner?"

"Wait, what actions are you undertaking?"

The room echoed with affirmations of love and even marriage proposals for Lu Yu.

Yan Yun, who had been silent for a while, finally broke her silence. She glared at the women with a hostile gaze and swiftly moved to stand behind Lu Yu, her white jade hand resting protectively on his back, asserting her claim over him. 

She usually didn't mind the attention Lu Yu received, but seeing him surrounded by these women made her uncomfortable. 

"Lu Yu is my boyfriend, do you think I'm invisible?" 

She retorted. She understood Qiao Manli's initial excitement upon seeing Lu Yu, given the mental stress of the apocalypse. But now, their declarations of love and marriage proposals for Lu Yu were too much. 

Yan Yun's words fell on deaf ears as the women continued their banter, questioning when Lu Yu became her boyfriend.

Qiao Manli chimed in, "Even though you and Lu Shao saved us, we are grateful to you! 

But when did you two become an item?" 

Yan Yun, visibly upset, retorted, "You dare to ask that? 

I haven't even confronted you about what happened that night!" 

She was referring to the night before the end of the world when Qiao Manli had invited her to dinner at a hotel. Yan Yun suspected that Qiao Manli had already conspired with Lu Yu, which made her wary of Qiao Manli.

Qiao Manli, taken aback by Yan Yun's words, took a moment to compose herself before bursting into laughter. 

"Yan Yun, look at you now… dressed in a white t-shirt, jeans, sneakers, all clean and neat. 

Don't you think you owe me a thank you?" 

She teased. Yan Yun, sensing the direction of the conversation, stood her ground. 

"Why should I thank you?" 

She asked defiantly. Qiao Manli responded, 

"If I hadn't sent you to Young Master Lu's room, would you be here today, dressed in clean clothes and unscathed white legs?"

Yan Yun was at a loss for words. Qiao Manli seized the moment to declare,

 "From today, Young Master Lu is not just yours!" 

"In its most basic interpretation."

Following her declaration, Qiao Manli proceeded to stride confidently towards Lu Yu. Upon reaching him, she took a seat directly in front of him and gently tugged at his sleeve.

A pitiful attempt at flirtation.

Her voice was serious and resolute. Yan Yun was taken aback, struggling to keep up with the pace of the conversation.. 

"Young Master Lu, would you mind having an additional girlfriend? 

As long as you're willing to take me with you, I'm ready to do anything…"

A/n :- Greetings, readers! As the author, I'm excited to announce the release of over 50+ chapters. If you find the story engaging and enjoyable, I would greatly appreciate it if you could leave a review for this novel. Thank you!

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