Chapter 172: Superiority and the Shadows of the Past

*From “Restarting the Farm at the End of the World”*

In her previous life, Gu Xu left Su City just before the massive zombie outbreak. It seemed to have been triggered by Qiu Yun’s betrayal, which nearly got him hunted down and killed. Gu Xu fought back, almost causing a political storm. In the end, he escaped with only a handful of loyal followers, while several high-ranking officials at the Su City base died. The resulting social turmoil lasted until the zombie tide swallowed the city.

Back then, Bian Changxi had already interacted with Gu Xu many times. She admired—even revered—this resolute and powerful man. She tried to find out more about him in secret, but couldn’t get any useful information.

So, half a year later, when they met again on the outskirts of the capital, her chest was instantly filled with a strange and intense emotion.

By then, he was already a major general in the capital, with deep roots and a status far higher than he’d had at Su City base.

He was always a step ahead. When she was fleeing in desperation, his own period of hardship had already ended, and he was beginning to shine. It felt like watching flowers from across the river—she could never catch up to him.

Ahem, anyway, the point of her memory was actually An Jibo.

In short, thanks to Gu Xu, she and people like Zhu Yunhua managed to find a foothold in the capital. A few days later, they attended a carefully arranged thank-you event, only to arrive at a scene of chaos—a high-ranking official had been assassinated and was on the verge of death.

The scene was truly terrifying. Countless people were shouting for wood-type abilities, doctors, blood transfusions, and so on. Soldiers and armed police were running everywhere, arresting people—whether involved or not, anyone who resisted was shot. They were also handcuffed and thrown to the ground. In front of her, Gu Xu, covered in blood, strode over and yanked someone out of the crowd: “The antidote!”

That person laughed wildly. Gu Xu asked again, and when he got no answer, shot him dead on the spot.

He killed many people that day. Although it was later proven that those were the masterminds and perpetrators, at the time, blood was splattering everywhere, heads exploding like watermelons, one after another. It was a shocking sight.

Back then, Bian Changxi’s mental fortitude was still weak—she admits she was almost scared senseless.

The Gu Xu before her felt like a stranger. She almost thought he was possessed by a demon. So when he dragged her along at a brisk pace, she didn’t even react, and was brought before an old man covered in blood.

Looking back, she realized that among wood-type users at her level, she was probably one of the better ones—otherwise, Gu Xu wouldn’t have dragged her over.

At the time, the old man was barely alive, eyes rolled back, his entire left shoulder gone, exposing a feebly beating, blackened heart. Both legs had been severed, blood pouring out—obviously a combination of severe trauma and poisoning, beyond saving.

Even the medical staff and several wood-type users present had given up.

But Gu Xu said, “Help me. Save him!”

His eyes were burning with stubborn hope, as if she were his only chance.

But she let him down. Her trembling hands couldn’t even reach out. She had no idea where to start.

That was when An Jibo appeared.

Carrying a tray and dressed as a nurse, he looked unremarkable, but his eyes were strikingly proud and defiant. He stepped forward and said, “Let me try.”

And he succeeded.

Although he couldn’t save the old man’s life, he gave him a chance to say his last words.

In just a few dozen seconds, he earned a firm handshake from Gu Xu and a lifetime of gratitude.

She could never forget how he stood tall and proud, sweeping his gaze over all the wood-type users present—especially her—and declared, “The wood element exists to save lives. If all you can say is ‘I’ve done my best,’ then you’re just an incompetent doctor. Wood-type users are supposed to create miracles. Major General Gu, it’s an honor to help you. Honestly, if I’d arrived a moment earlier, the old chief might not have died.”

Her own pale, disheveled state at that time must have been a stark contrast to his confidence and poise.

Bian Changxi snapped out of her memories, her gaze complicated as she looked at the man in the living room. The truth was, he was indeed very strong, with immense potential. Gu Xu took him everywhere, trusting and promoting him, and An Jibo lived up to expectations—within just two years, he became the top wood-type user in the capital, advancing at a shocking pace.

As for her, she was haunted by his words ever since, constantly asking herself if it was her own incompetence and hesitation that caused that man’s death. It was like a curse—just thinking of Gu Xu’s pleading eyes and how he never mentioned it again afterward sent chills through her heart.

That was when the distance between them began.

And from then on, every time she heard An Jibo’s name, she felt uncomfortable.

Sensing someone’s gaze, she turned and met Shadow’s silent but concerned eyes. She smiled, put down her bowl, and stood up. “I’m heading out.”

Passing through the living room, she only intended to nod in greeting and leave, but Sun Buqun called out, “You must be Miss Bian, right?”

Bian Changxi stopped and looked at him calmly. After a brief pause, she replied, “Hello.”

Sun Buqun laughed heartily. “Major General Gu really is impressive—surrounded by such outstanding people. Even a beautiful, delicate-looking girl like you is dual wood and air element, able to heal and fight. Truly enviable.”

Sun Buqun had shown up at the event yesterday. Though she didn’t know why this local big shot was being so courteous, Gu Xu wasn’t one to offend people needlessly. He smiled and replied, “You flatter us, Mr. Sun. It’s all thanks to everyone’s own efforts.”

Sun Buqun got straight to the point. “I’m here to ask a favor, Major General Gu. My subordinate, Xiao Anzi, is the most promising wood-type user I have, but he’s stuck at level two and can’t seem to advance, which is really troubling. I heard Miss Bian just advanced recently, so I’d like to ask her to mentor Xiao Anzi for a few days, let him learn from her experience. For the ten days after he advances, and all the time before, he’ll be at your disposal, Major General Gu. In addition, we’ll provide financial compensation.” He paused, then added sincerely, “If you have any other requests, just say the word. To get a level-three wood-type user for survival, I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

Gu Xu was about to decline without much thought. “Learn from her experience?” That sounded simple, but it was probably just an excuse to steal her techniques. If Xiao Anzi failed to advance, it would be a headache.

An Jibo stepped forward quickly and said, “As long as I can learn from Miss Bian, I’m willing to do anything. And if there are any cultivation methods that aren’t suitable for outsiders, you can just avoid doing them in front of me or send me away—I promise I won’t peek.”

Sun Buqun added, “I heard Miss Bian also mentors wood-type students at the hospital. One more won’t make a difference—just treat Xiao Anzi like anyone else.”

Bian Changxi looked at them. They knew so much detail—it was clear they were determined. Refusing again would be pointless. The real question was, why were they really here? Was it truly just to learn?

In her previous life, she would never have believed that one day, a level-nine wood-type master would humble himself to learn from her.

Her gaze darkened as she looked at Gu Xu. “I have no objections.”

**P.S.:**

I’ve read and reread the comments in the review section. Many readers had opinions about how Xiao Bian revealed her cards, so after much thought, I made some quiet, subtle changes to the last two paragraphs of Chapter 169, and made slight adjustments to Chapters 170 and 171 as well. It’s not essential to reread, but if you want to clarify the characters’ emotional journeys, you can check it out.

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