Chapter 91: New Land Acquired – Managing Panliu Mountain
Su Tao had Lin Fangzhi retrieve her evolved zombie crystal cores from storage.
As soon as she held them, the system immediately chimed in:
[Four Level-1 crystal cores detected. Energy absorption in progress…]
Within ten seconds, Su Tao watched in shock as the four crystal cores were completely drained of energy—just like charging a crystal-powered gun. They gradually turned transparent before shattering into pieces and vanishing into thin air.
Checking the system interface again, she saw the hidden mission tracker: five slots for crystal cores—four were filled, but the last one remained empty, flashing repeatedly as if urging her to complete the final deposit.
She understood now.
The system was using this hidden mission to teach her that expanding land required crystal core energy—and she had to be physically present at the site to claim it.
According to the system’s map, once she provided the final crystal core, she would gain management rights over Panliu Mountain, a 1,000-square-meter plot, including an 800-square-meter abandoned garage at the foot of the mountain.
The location was prime real estate—high ground, making it difficult for zombies to reach, and close to the supply station, which was a crucial checkpoint for all major bases.
Maybe she could even take a share of the supply station’s business…
But where the hell was she supposed to find that last crystal core?
Just then, Guan Zining frowned and asked, “Weren’t you going to take care of something? Why are you just standing there?”
Su Tao hesitated before answering, “I’m missing one evolved zombie crystal core. Once I get it, we can leave.”
Guan Zining stared at her in disbelief. “Wait. You’re telling me… after all this?! We traveled from Dongyang to Shou’an, then to the supply station, went through countless dangers, and finally got here—
—and all you needed was just ONE crystal core?!”
Her voice rose with every word.
“WHY THE HELL DIDN’T YOU SAY SO IN DONGYANG? OR IN SHOU’AN?!
Why the f* did you drag us all the way here, to the middle of nowhere, where there isn’t even a single zombie in sight? WHERE am I supposed to pull a crystal core out from?!”
Su Tao’s eyes turned red from being scolded. She punched Guan Zining.
“I didn’t know either, okay?! You think I enjoy messing with myself and dragging others into this?! Can’t you just go easy on me for once? You’re so annoying!”
She huffed, turned around, and stormed off toward the convoy.
Lin Fangzhi, watching Guan Zining in confusion, imitated Su Tao and muttered, “Annoying.”
Then, he hurried after her.
Guan Zining: “???”
Su Tao thought it over and realized the fastest way to solve this was to ask Shi Zijin.
But when she looked over, she saw him leaning against the car, head down, carefully flipping through photos and files of the fallen soldiers.
She suddenly felt guilty about disturbing him.
So, she just stood there, shifting on her toes, struggling with what to do.
After nearly ten minutes, Shi Zijin finally spoke—without looking up, “If you keep grinding your feet like that, you’ll make a hole big enough to raise fish in.”
Su Tao froze, feeling embarrassed, then slowly shuffled over.
Shi Zijin carefully put away the photos and documents before turning his gaze to her, “Go ahead, what is it?”
Su Tao hesitated for two seconds before speaking frankly:
“I urgently need one evolved zombie crystal core. Do you have a spare one you can give me?”
Shi Zijin asked, “Can I ask what you need it for?”
Of course, it was for recharging the system, obtaining management rights over Panliu Mountain, completing the hidden mission, unlocking the hidden shop, and ultimately acquiring an electric grid to build a defensive wall for Dongyang…
There were too many reasons.
She answered seriously, “With this crystal core, you won’t have to search for materials to build the city wall anymore.”
At first glance, a crystal core and construction materials seemed completely unrelated.
But Shi Zijin believed her without question. “Alright, but I need to ask for approval from the commander first. These two evolved zombie crystal cores I have… were bought with the lives of eight fallen soldiers.”
Su Tao’s heart trembled.
Eight precious lives had been lost for them. The weight of that was overwhelming.
She glanced at Panliu Mountain behind her. Once she gained control over the land, she planned to build a supply station and an inn.
She would provide free lodging and resources for the Dongyang Pioneering Army, who passed through for missions.
But only them! Anyone from other bases would have to pay the full price!
The next morning, Shi Zijin called Su Tao into the lead military vehicle and handed her a satellite phone.
An elderly yet steady voice came through:
“Tao girl?”
“Yes, Grandpa Commander, I’m here.”
“Zijin has told me everything. I approve. But you must understand, crystal cores are extremely precious. Almost every single one is paid for in blood. They bring power and hope to the living. I hope you will treasure it.”
Su Tao nodded firmly as she held the phone tightly. “I will.”
The commander never even asked her to repay it. It was essentially a gift.
“Take it, child. Do what you need to do.”
After the call ended, Shi Zijin handed her a wooden box. It was hefty.
Su Tao accepted it with both hands, then clumsily saluted him.
Shi Zijin chuckled, “Your arm position is all wrong.”
He stepped closer and corrected her stance:
“Keep your upper body straight. Raise your right hand swiftly. Fingers together, naturally extended. Middle finger should be about 2 cm from the right corner of the brim…”
As Su Tao looked up at his chin, she noticed a faint stubble and instinctively reached out to touch it.
It was prickly…
Shi Zijin froze for a second at the unexpected softness of her fingers, then quickly stepped back, suppressing his emotions.
“Go on. You still have things to do.”
Su Tao hugged the box, nodded solemnly, then dashed toward Panliu Mountain.
The morning sun was still gentle when she opened the box, took out the heavy crystal core, and closed her eyes.
[One Level-1 crystal core detected. Energy absorption in progress… Collection complete. Congratulations, Host! You have completed the hidden mission and unlocked the Hidden Shop—Defensive Materials Store.]
[Congratulations! You now have management rights over this land. Please name the area.]
Panliu Mountain sounded nice enough, so she decided not to change it.
[Named: Taoyang Panliu Mountain. Please check your new territory.]
Su Tao’s heart raced with excitement as she opened the system map. Sure enough, a green, manageable area had appeared above Taoyang District—Panliu Mountain.
She clicked on the map, and a new 3D model appeared before her eyes.
The 1,000-square-meter Panliu Mountain was mostly rugged terrain, with only a small fraction of flat, buildable land.
She noticed a terrain modification tool in the system. Clicking on it, she realized she could reshape the entire mountain!
She immediately flattened the peaks, creating a 600-square-meter platform.
Since climbing up the mountain wasn’t convenient, she also built a staircase leading to the top.
Thankfully, the mountain wasn’t too high, so climbing up only took about 15 minutes.
But still… wouldn’t it be better with an elevator?
If she added an elevator, Taoyang’s apartment buildings could also be built higher, accommodating more residents.
