Invincible Black Tornado: "If you have a good alcohol tolerance, visiting the tavern can yield great rewards. Once there, you’ll need to compete in a drinking contest with the locals, though you can also choose to simply buy drinks instead.
The school requires academic excellence. For the Chinese literature class, it’s self-study—you must focus for the entire session without slacking off. If the teacher is satisfied, you’ll likely receive a summoning-type item.
Mathematics is an exam. I didn’t participate myself, but from what I saw, the principle remains the same—in school, you must play the role of a good student. Failing to meet the teacher’s expectations could cost you your life.
The gym is purely pay-to-win—just spend money to boost your three core stats. No danger here, just pure investment. As for the buffet restaurant, hand over five Survival Coins at the entrance, then eat as much as you like."
Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly: "Got it! So detailed! Thanks a ton!"
"Bookstore: You can read or buy books there. The books contain detailed information about the monsters on Survival Highway. There’s also a memory challenge—participate in a recitation and writing competition, and winners receive rewards.
Kindergarten: You enter as a trainee teacher. Gaining the children’s favor earns you a reward, though I’m not sure what it is. Kids are hard to please—they didn’t like me... But as long as you don’t hit them, this location is safe."
Qi Xu sensed that Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly must have had some special encounters. Very few people actively gather intel on these sites.
The Survival Highway is full of bizarre locations, and even if you know about one, the chances of encountering it are slim.
Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly: "Tornado, do you have info on other sites? I can trade you for it."
[Any Site Selection Card ×1]
Qi Xu immediately confirmed his suspicion—Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly likely had fewer restrictions when traveling between sites.
After a moment’s hesitation, Qi Xu said, "How about I give you intel on the Racing Center?"
"Deal."
"Once you enter the Racing Center, you’ll need to use your own vehicle to compete in a winding mountain race. There are eight participants, including players.
First place guarantees a one-level upgrade for your vehicle, no matter its current tier. But if you finish outside the top three, you’ll be erased.
The other racers are professionals with high-performance cars. Unless your vehicle is a dedicated race car and you’re skilled at driving, winning is nearly impossible."
Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly: "Thank you so much, Sister Tornado~ Your intel is a huge help!"
Qi Xu glanced at Breaking Cocoon into Butterfly’s profile—currently at Vehicle Level 4—before replying, "No problem. Just a fair trade."
"If you ever need another Any Site Selection Card, come find me."
"Got it."
Qi Xu placed the refrigerator blueprint on the crafting table, and soon, a massive fridge was completed.
Standing about 2 meters tall with four doors, its storage capacity was impressive.
He placed it beside the sofa in the driver’s cabin, which by now resembled a small living room with plenty of space.
Little Seven circled the new appliance curiously, hopping around and inspecting it from all angles.
Qi Xu picked up Little Seven and explained patiently, as if talking to a person.
"This is called a refrigerator. It keeps food frozen or fresh. We can chill fruits or even make ice cream to cool off when it’s too hot."
Little Seven barked excitedly. Though not fully understanding, it knew this was a good thing! The pup loved being held and talked to so earnestly by its owner.
A notification popped up in Qi Xu’s mind: Little Seven’s affection had reached 50.
Once it hit 60, they’d be able to communicate seamlessly. Qi Xu looked forward to that day—whether he’d learn to speak "dog" or Little Seven would master Chinese remained to be seen.
Qi Xu organized the harvested fruits, beer, and space-hogging drinks and ice cream into the fridge.
Watching the space fill up bit by bit gave him an odd sense of satisfaction.
Lately, the prolonged sunlight and scorching temperatures had stunted most crops. Only tomatoes and oranges thrived; nothing else had ripened.
The energy robot had been working nonstop, nearly overheating.
It reminded Qi Xu of a pre-apocalypse news headline: "Robot Dies After 20-Hour Shift."
Panicked, he immediately ordered the robot to rest. If it broke down, he’d have to water the plants himself—no more cheap labor.
After finishing his tasks, Qi Xu treated himself to an Oreo McFlurry. Confirming Little Seven could handle it, he gave the pup one too.
Being a combat dog, a little ice cream was nothing.
Though not hungry, summer treats lifted his mood.
He didn’t forget to share McFlurries with his small group.
The main chat? No way. He only had 100 McFlurries, and with the next disaster likely being another heatwave, he needed to save some.
Still, he froze about 80 water bottles in the fridge—thankfully, it was spacious enough. He’d need to get a freezer soon.
He instructed Qiuqiu to sell the frozen water tomorrow for three basic materials each.
Regular water wasn’t worth much now, since most people had condensers.
But frozen water? Three materials was a steal, and he knew buyers would come.
Every bit helped. Qi Xu had over 300 water bottles stockpiled from wooden and bronze supply crates.
No point hoarding—time to clear inventory.
The evening chat buzzed with activity. Old White Dragon in the Waves brought out several large watermelons, chilled in the tavern’s freezer, and shared them with everyone.
Paired with Qi Xu’s Oreo McFlurries, it was the perfect "cool down and regret later" combo.
Little Seven preferred watermelon over McFlurries. Its white-and-yellow fur soon dripped with juice, looking hilariously messy.
Qi Xu found it utterly adorable, like a doting parent seeing their child—no flaws, just pure cuteness.
He didn’t mind the hassle, trading for a large tub to give Little Seven a thorough bath on the second floor. The leftover water? Perfect for the crops.
Later, he shared the newly acquired site intel with his small group.
Tonsils Never Speak: "The school sounds fun! I’ve got a Site Selection Card—tomorrow, I’m going for it!"
..........
