Chapter 10: Growing Tension

Shen Ren and his family of six boarded a compact private helicopter, their hearts heavy as they left their residence behind. The house, once filled with memories of laughter and sadness, now stood empty.

The houseworkers and security guards had been given leave earlier, with Shen Ruanzhi ensuring they were free to save themselves. Despite the looming danger, he had prioritized his family's safety above all.

It had been no easy task for Shen Ruanzhi to secure this helicopter. After spending a large sum of money, he had finally managed to hire a pilot willing to take them away from the impending chaos. As the helicopter's blades whirred to life, the family took one last look at the home they had known for years. Sadness lingered in their hearts, but the harshness of the current reality weighed heavier on their minds.

The helicopter lifted off, soaring through the sky with the force of its propulsion. Shen Ren glanced out the window, watching as their home disappeared into the distance, a bittersweet reminder of a life they were leaving behind. His father sat in quiet contemplation, his face marked with the strain of recent events. His mother, Rong Hua, comforted Shen Xinyi, who clutched a stuffed toy tightly, still too young to fully understand the gravity of the situation.

The pilot and co-pilot sat at the front, focused on their instruments, while the Shen family remained seated at the back. The atmosphere in the helicopter was tense, the hum of the engine doing little to calm their racing thoughts. They were heading toward the shelter zone, hoping for safety, but the uncertainty of what lay ahead weighed heavily on each of them.

Shen Ren glanced at his sister, Shen Ru, who seemed lost in thought. She must be exploring her abilities, he guessed.

Shen Ren also tried to recall the feeling of Qi Manifestation, which he had learned by accident. It was no easy task.

Shen Ren closed his eyes and focused inwardly, visualizing the Qi within his body not just as energy circulating through his meridians, but as something deeply embedded within his very cells. With each deep breath, he activated the latent Spiritual Qi stored within his cellular structure. It was as though every cell was a small ancient well, waiting to be tapped.

Slowly, the Qi began to flow outward from the microscopic level, gathering from within his cells and merging into a unified current. This subtle energy emerged from the core of his being, weaving its way through his tissues, organs, and bones. As the Qi expanded, it surged to the surface of his skin, creating a radiant aura that enveloped his entire body.

His cells acted like countless tiny conduits, drawing in ambient Qi and blending it with the energy produced within. The Qi manifestation wasn't just an external force—it was the natural result of his body harnessing the very essence of life at the cellular level, making the energy an extension of his physical self. The result was a shimmering layer of Qi that wrapped around him, visibly glowing with a faint luminescence.

The scene seemed surreal, so astonishing.

They remained silent, noticing his meditative state. They understood that the world had already changed, and they would have to adapt to it.

Shen Ru also tried to do the same but failed miserably. For now, she could only use her lightning ability.

She felt happy for her brother, who had achieved something remarkable.

Otherwise, she would have felt bad for him for not possessing any extraordinary abilities like hers—or so she had assumed until now.

---

After about 30 minutes, Shen Ren finally opened his eyes, fully accustomed to Qi Manifestation. It wasn't a Cultivation Art of any kind; rather, it was a basic form of protection that every cultivator eventually learns.

However, mastering it takes time.

Shen Ren mastered it quickly due to his Limitless Spiritual Qi. The entire time, he had been using Qi Manifestation, making the most of his unique physique.

"Mr. Shen, we have arrived at your location," the co-pilot informed loudly.

Shen Ruanzhi and the others nodded and looked down through the windshield.

Below In the distance horizon, they saw a large circular wall surrounding a vast area filled with new buildings that stretched far and wide.

"So, it's real..." Shen Ren muttered to himself. "But how did they build it so fast? Or did they construct it in secret, hidden from everyone's eyes? If so, this must have been a top-level secret, with the highest powers involved in these plans."

He was certain that not only Huobing City, but other major cities must have built similar structures as well.

Yet, suspicions remained. Why hadn't they informed the ordinary citizens? Were there specific requirements to live there and receive protection?

"Mr. Shen, they're ordering us to land outside the wall, or they'll open fire," the co-pilot warned urgently.

Shen Ruanzhi furrowed his brows and said, "Do as they say, Mr. Xiong. I'll speak to them. You can leave afterward, or if you want to enter, I can help—but the terms will need to change."

Co-pilot Xiong responded, "Of course, we also want to enter, but we need to pick up our families first. We'll need your help then."

"I'll do my best. But where is your family now?" Shen Ruanzhi asked, curious.

The co-pilot's voice cut through the engine noise, "They're safe for now, Mr. Shen, so no need to worry. We'll be back in about an hour." He smiled reassuringly.

"Alright," Shen Ruanzhi nodded and mentally prepared himself for what was coming. He was also a biy uncertain whether his connections to government would help them gain entry inside the Shelter Zone. If not, they might be forced to stay outside this so-called Utopia, possibly facing their doom...

---

As they landed outside the wall, a group of men in military uniforms, holding assault rifles, approached them from atop the wall.

The Shen family disembarked, and Shen Ren moved closer to his father to hear what they had to say.

"Comrades, why won't you let us in? I have my family with me. They are women and children," Shen Ruanzhi said, his brows furrowed with concern.

Rong Hua and the others watched from a distance, able to hear the conversation clearly as the atmosphere was silent. The helicopter had already taken off, heading in another direction.

The leader of the group rudely interrupted Shen Ruanzhi mid-sentence.

"Stop talking nonsense and show us your documents. We need to check if you're a spy or something," he said arrogantly, his eyes scanning the women in the group with inappropriate interest. "Or... are you here for human trafficking?"

Shen Ren furrowed his brows. "Who put these lawless dumb ass people in charge here?" He sensed that the situation was taking a bad turn.

Shen Ruanzhi, ever meticulous, quickly presented his documents, proving himself as a high taxpayer and an established citizen.

But the leader and his soldiers only snickered.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Shen. You can't enter the Shelter Zone with just these," the leader said disdainfully, scattering the papers on his face as if they were worthless trash.