Volume One, Chapter 8: China After the Catastrophe

The Chinese army did not disappoint. Though the initial order was to hold the line for three months, they managed to endure for half a year. Nearly every inch of land along the border was stained red. Yet not a single step was given up.

When the army of superpowered beings found themselves unable to breach the defenses, they came up with a new plan: to shatter the faith of the Chinese people. In the heart of the capital stood the Dragon Pillar, said to have been erected at the founding of the nation, its surface carved with the saga of China's struggles—a symbol of the unyielding spirit of the people.

They reasoned that if they could destroy this monument, perhaps they could also break the faith of the defenders. So an elite squad was dispatched, joining forces with foreign superpowered agents hidden within the country. Coordinating from inside and out, they infiltrated the capital, shattered the monument, and broadcast the destruction to the entire nation.

The moment the Dragon Pillar fell, madness swept through the Chinese army. Every soldier’s eyes turned red; thoughts of life, death, and tactics were cast aside. A million-strong force launched a near-suicidal assault on the superpowered alliance.

The ancient horn, silent for over a century, once again echoed across the land.

In just one day, the alliance lost a third of its forces. Only then did they realize the folly of their actions, and the terror of an enraged China.

Live or die, it no longer mattered—they would see their enemies fall. This was the shared resolve of every Chinese soldier.

As the battle raged on with no end in sight, a thick, unheralded fog descended. Countless monsters emerged, turning upon the superpowered alliance. The abilities they once prided themselves on seemed no more than child’s tricks before these creatures. Tens of thousands of superpowered warriors were not even enough to fill the monsters’ teeth.

The very person who had suggested destroying the Dragon Pillar now wished he could go back and strangle his former self. What foolishness it was to conceive such a plan, unwittingly ushering in the most dreadful era.

The superpowered alliance was driven back, fleeing home like stray dogs. Those who could not escape in time hid themselves deep within the shadows of China, not daring to show their faces.

The mist lingered for a week before finally dispersing. In that time, China underwent a transformation. Plants and trees grew with wild abandon, animals mutated, and even some humans developed supernatural powers—though only a small fraction.

The original members of Bureau 749, after the world changed, seemed to have cast off their shackles. Their abilities grew a hundredfold overnight.

The leadership saw this as both an opportunity and a crisis. As they grew stronger, so too did the wild creatures. The land itself was changed; roads were destroyed, and old routes of travel became impossible.

Most of China’s elite forces remained trapped in the borderlands, unable to return any time soon. While electronic communications still functioned, the highest leader acted decisively, giving orders to establish fortresses along the border, forging a new Great Wall.

The superpowered members of Bureau 749 were dispatched to five bastions, tasked with restoring order and defending their regions.

Three days after the order was given, all electronic communications failed. Each bastion lost contact with the capital.

Time passed swiftly—a hundred years in a blink. The bastions restored communication with each other and began sharing intelligence, but the roads between them remained impassable.

Of those original Bureau 749 members, scarcely one in ten survived the century. Like immovable pillars, they presided over each bastion, seeking out new superpowered individuals, guiding them, and forming new Guardian squads.

Yue Shan and his comrades were disciples personally trained by Elder Jiang. Yet with mysterious incidents on the rise, new recruits could not keep pace with the losses, leaving Elder Jiang feeling helpless.

That was, until today, when he witnessed the emergence of Montage. Though the boy refused to admit he was superpowered, Elder Jiang had a hunch—this one was special. Since the world’s transformation, his instincts had never failed him.

Thus, he spared no effort to recruit the boy.

“Elder Jiang, I appreciate your kindness, but I truly am not a superpowered individual,” Montage said. After witnessing the power struggles earlier, he’d abandoned any thought of joining the Guardians. Elder Jiang might be protective and respected, but he was already old; if something happened to him, what then? Montage was still young; to be tied down here would only hinder his growth. Better to remain hidden and develop quietly, joining only once he was strong enough to protect himself.

“Let me see your hand,” Elder Jiang said, motioning for Montage to extend it. In a flash, he made a small cut on the boy’s palm and collected a few drops of blood.

“Ah!” Montage cried, startled by the sudden sting.

“That’s all—I just needed a few drops for the record. If anyone asks, say you’re under my protection. Whether or not you join the Guardians can be decided later. Here’s my contact; come to me if you need anything,” Elder Jiang said, holding up a few icy beads and smiling.

“Alright,” Montage replied, a little annoyed. If he wanted blood, he could have just asked—why the surprise? Still, he wasn’t worried; he had nothing special about him. Even the spiritual energy within him had been absorbed by the Myriad Demon Tree.

“Ah, I’m getting old—can’t stay up late anymore. Xiao Yue, when morning comes, take…” Elder Jiang paused, realizing he didn’t know the boy’s name.

“Montage!” the boy quickly introduced himself.

“Right, take Xiao Meng home. I’ll head off now,” Elder Jiang said, waving to everyone as he departed.

“Come on, I’ll show you to your room,” Yue Shan said, patting Montage on the shoulder.

“What time is it?” Montage asked.

“Three-thirty. Why?” Yue Shan looked at him in confusion.

“I haven’t been home all night. My family must be worried sick. I’d like to go home,” Montage explained honestly.

“At this hour? Aren’t you afraid of running into danger?” Yue Shan grumbled.

“Today is the college entrance exam. I need to prepare, and I haven’t boiled my grandmother’s medicine yet. I’m worried about her health,” Montage said, embarrassed, hoping Yue Shan would take him home. It was late, and he didn’t feel safe going alone.

“Alright, let me check if the fog has lifted. If not, we’ll have to wait for daylight,” Yue Shan said, shaking his head in amusement at Montage’s pitiful expression.

They walked out together. “Looks like the mist’s gone,” Montage said with relief.

“Alright, you really are something. Wang Meng, drive Xiao Meng home,” Yue Shan called back.

“Understood,” Wang Meng replied, stepping forward.

“I’ll come with you,” Sun Yueyue added, hurrying over.