Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies

Chapter 391: The Followers of the Snow God’s Scheme

Xingtian did not provide an immediate response. As the leader of Qingpu Base, every decision he made affected the lives of thousands of his workers.

He was not a cunning strategist but had the virtue of self-awareness, always thinking carefully before acting.

Shortly after his conversation with Xiao Honglian ended, she sent him the promised intelligence on the shelter.

Xingtian opened the file, and with just one glance, his expression stiffened. Sitting upright, he focused intently on the screen.

The first section contained detailed information about Zhang Yi.

“This can’t be a coincidence…” he muttered.

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Meanwhile, in Tianfeng District, Wei Dinghai contacted Zheng Yixian, the High Priest of the Followers of the Snow God, to demand their participation in the attack on Zhang Yi.

Unlike his approach to Qingpu Base, Wei Dinghai showed no courtesy to the Followers of the Snow God.

Among the western factions of Tianhai City, the cult had the weakest foundation and the least power.

Apart from their large numbers, they lagged in every other respect compared to the other factions.

Their continued existence owed much to their practice of proselytizing, drawing people from other factions, which had made them unpopular and led to conflicts.

If not for the steep price they had paid to placate the larger factions, they would have been eradicated long ago.

Wei Dinghai’s tone was commanding, more akin to issuing orders than seeking cooperation.

“We three major bases will be sending troops. You’d better send some of your people to assist as well. We don’t want anyone scheming behind our backs while we’re fighting on the front lines.”

Zheng Yixian frowned, knowing that the current strength of the Followers of the Snow God left them no choice but to comply.

Refusal would likely result in the three factions eliminating them first.

“Understood. We’ll dispatch a contingent to support you,” Zheng Yixian replied reluctantly.

Wei Dinghai grinned. “Smart choice.”

When the call ended, Zheng Yixian’s icy gaze brimmed with murderous intent.

His right fist clenched tightly, producing a loud crack as he punched a nearby wall, shattering it with his psychic energy.

“Wei Dinghai, Xiao Honglian, Xingtian… Enjoy your arrogance while you can! When the Followers of the Snow God rise to power, I’ll make sure you all perish!” ᚱÀ𝐍ỔＢƐ𝘴

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The Followers of the Snow God were led spiritually by Yuan Kongye, their leader, while High Priest Zheng Yixian handled most of the cult’s day-to-day affairs.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Zheng Yixian felt compelled to inform Yuan Kongye of the developments.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

When Zheng Yixian explained the proposed alliance, Yuan Kongye’s serene expression remained unchanged.

“Another war? How many lives will be lost this time?”

Her hands folded in prayer as she gazed up at the statue of the Snow God in the chapel.

“May the merciful Snow God guide them swiftly to paradise and deliver them from this world’s suffering.”

Zheng Yixian sighed and said, “The alliance of the three factions leaves us no choice but to participate. My concern is that they’ll use us as cannon fodder, sending our people to die first.”

“Death holds no terror,” Yuan Kongye replied. “All will ultimately return to the Snow God’s embrace.”

“But what if we gain nothing from this battle?” Zheng Yixian countered. “Strengthening the three factions only makes them more likely to turn on us later!”

For the first time, a glimmer of dark resolve appeared in Yuan Kongye’s eyes.

She turned to Zheng Yixian. “Perhaps this can be an opportunity. We’ll send troops, but only on the condition that we receive our share of the spoils.”

Zheng Yixian frowned. “Territory holds little value for us.”

“Then we’ll take people,” Yuan Kongye declared. “After the shelter falls, we’ll forgo land in exchange for the right to proselytize in their territories.”

“And they must pledge not to hunt down those who have already defected to our faith. They are now children of the Snow God.”

Zheng Yixian mulled over the proposal. “Negotiating the proselytizing rights will be challenging but not impossible.”

At that moment, a knock sounded on the chapel doors.

Zheng Yixian scowled. Who dared interrupt during a discussion with Yuan Kongye?

“Who is it?”

A familiar, weathered voice replied from outside.

“High Priest, it’s me, Zhao Jianhua. I have urgent news to report to you and the Leader.”

Recognizing the speaker as the high-ranking Great Decree Zhao Jianhua, Zheng Yixian’s irritation subsided.

Within the cult, Zhao Jianhua held a unique position. Though he had no formal office, his importance was second only to Zheng Yixian, thanks to his extraordinary Aura Sight.

Without him, the Followers of the Snow God would not have been able to recruit so many powerful superhumans.

“Come in, Great Decree,” Zheng Yixian said.

The chapel doors opened, and Zhao Jianhua entered, leaning on his cane. He bowed respectfully to Yuan Kongye before turning to Zheng Yixian.

“Well, what did you discover about Zhang Yi?” Zheng Yixian asked.

The cult lacked a robust intelligence network, relying heavily on Zhao Jianhua’s unique ability to gauge Zhang Yi and his team’s strength.

Zhao Jianhua approached, bowing again.

“I’ve uncovered something extraordinary—so much so that I had to interrupt your discussion. But I promise, you will not be disappointed.”

Yuan Kongye and Zheng Yixian exchanged glances, their expressions growing serious.

“What have you discovered?” Yuan Kongye asked.

Zhao Jianhua’s clouded eyes gleamed with an inner light.

“I sensed an aura of immense magnitude in that shelter,” he said, his voice trembling.

“This overwhelming power… it may rival only yours, Leader!”

The statement stunned Yuan Kongye and Zheng Yixian alike.

“What did you just say?” Yuan Kongye’s voice turned sharp.

Zhao Jianhua raised his hands reverently.

“Leader, I am loyal to you and the Snow God! Please believe every word I say. There is a superhuman within that shelter whose power rivals yours!”

“Perhaps… they are the Snow God’s right hand, destined to aid you in your divine mission!”

For the first time, a flicker of emotion appeared on Yuan Kongye’s perpetually calm face. Zheng Yixian’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Zhao Jianhua’s Aura Sight had never produced such high praise—not even for figures like Ling Feng, Xiao Honglian, or Wei Dinghai.

Could Zhang Yi, or someone in his team, truly possess abilities comparable to Yuan Kongye’s miraculous gift of awakening superhuman powers?

This revelation cast serious doubt on Wei Dinghai’s claim that attacking the shelter would be an easy victory.

Perhaps Wei Dinghai and Xiao Honglian had gravely underestimated Zhang Yi’s team.

After a moment, Yuan Kongye’s composure returned.

“I understand. Thank you, Great Decree. You may rest now.”

“I’ve prepared new attendants for you. You’ll like them,” she added, clapping her hands.

The doors opened again, and a nun entered, leading two pale, sickly boys.

The boys, newly "purified" through the cult’s rituals, exuded a fragile yet eerie beauty.

Zhao Jianhua’s eyes lit up with fervent joy.

“Thank you, Leader, for your generosity!”

He left the chapel with the boys, leaving Yuan Kongye and Zheng Yixian alone again.

Yuan Kongye turned to Zheng Yixian. “Circumstances have changed.”

Zheng Yixian nodded grimly.

“It seems everyone has underestimated Zhang Yi’s strength. Even if we unite the western factions, attacking that shelter from afar may not be as easy as Wei Dinghai claimed.”

After a pause, his eyes sharpened.

“But if we change the terms of engagement and ally with Zhang Yi against the others… the outcome could be very different.”

Author's Note