The Infinite Path of Evolution

Chapter 5: Conflict and Departure

Leaving the city was a simple process. One only needed to register at the City Guard Administration Office to be granted passage. This was because Chucheng needed people to venture out—whether to gather new resources or scout for information. Besides, anyone leaving the city would more or less kill or distract some of the zombies and beasts along the way, which in turn made Chucheng safer.

However, just as Chu Xun arrived at the Guard Office to handle the formalities, an unexpected complication arose.

A sarcastic, mocking voice rang out behind him:

“Well, well, if it isn’t the Chu family’s famous good-for-nothing!”

Chu Xun frowned slightly as he looked at the boy surrounded by several followers in the distance. The young man wore a white scholar's uniform and had a hooked nose that made him unpleasant to look at.

This person was Chu Jie, Chu Qing’s younger brother. At only fifteen, he had already awakened an ability—an object-mimicry type called Rock Armor. He was considered a rising star in the Chu family and idolized Chu Qing, following his every command. He had previously bullied Chu Xun and even helped Chu Qing extort him, so the animosity between the two ran deep.

“What, cat got your tongue?”

Seeing that Chu Xun didn’t greet him humbly like in the past, and even frowned in annoyance, Chu Jie’s mood instantly soured. He sneered, stepped forward, grabbed Chu Xun by the collar, and said coldly,

“I heard Qing Yi died at your hands. I don’t know how you did it, but I’m telling you—you’re dead!”

“Let go.”

Chu Xun’s eyes turned icy the moment his collar was grabbed. He slowly clenched his right fist, ready to strike at any time and teach Chu Jie a lesson.

Though his current strength might not be enough to defeat someone with the Rock Armor ability, he wasn’t someone who would suffer humiliation in silence. Even if he lost, he’d make sure to land a few punches!

“Fighting and shouting are strictly f*******n on the city walls!”

Just as tension escalated, the officer in charge of the Guard Office drew his laser pistol and pointed it directly at Chu Jie.

“Release him immediately, or I will shoot.”

The city walls and gates were military zones—any form of disturbance was strictly prohibited. The City Guard officers had full authority to kill without prior approval.

Since the City Guard reported directly to the city’s leadership, even someone like Chu Jie didn’t dare disobey. He quickly released Chu Xun’s collar and said coldly,

“You’d better never step outside this wall, or I’ll make sure you regret it!”

“Let’s go!”

He shot Chu Xun a glare before turning to leave with his lackeys.

Originally, Chu Jie had only come up to the wall to take a stroll and enjoy the view beyond the city. But seeing Chu Xun had ruined his mood. A trace of murderous intent flashed in his eyes. He turned to one of his burly followers and ordered loudly:

“Jie San, keep an eye on that loser. The moment he leaves the wall, inform me. This time, I’m going to teach him a lesson he’ll never forget.”

He glanced back at Chu Xun once more, gritting his teeth.

“I’ll make sure to deal with this trash before my brother comes out of seclusion. Hmph!”

After that, Chu Jie left with the others, leaving only Jie San stationed on the wall, keeping a close eye on Chu Xun.

Jie San didn’t dare let his guard down. If Chu Xun slipped away unnoticed, his own life might be forfeit. Just thinking about the brutal punishments Chu Jie inflicted on disobedient servants made Jie San shudder.

“This isn’t going to end peacefully...”

Chu Jie had made no effort to lower his voice, so of course Chu Xun heard everything. In fact, Chu Jie probably said it loud on purpose. As he looked at Jie San lurking nearby, Chu Xun’s eyes turned cold. He then took a deep breath and walked up to the officer.

“Sir, I want to leave the city.”

“You want to go outside?”

The officer recognized him. Hearing his request, he frowned.

“You haven’t awakened an ability yet, have you? With your current strength, even a low-tier zombie could kill you. Are you trying to die?”

Though the officer’s tone was stern, Chu Xun could sense a hint of concern in his voice. Warmth filled his heart. He shook his head and replied,

“I’ve awakened my ability, but with the Student Trials coming soon, my power is still too weak. I want to strengthen myself through combat before the test, so I can achieve a good result.”

“You’ve awakened?”

The officer's eyes lit up in surprise, but he still shook his head.

“Even with an awakened ability, you’re not ready. One zombie might not be a problem, but multiple enemies could overwhelm you. And remember—zombies are the least of the dangers out there. The wilderness is full of mutated monsters that feed on humans. You might not come back alive.”

“I understand the risks. But I won’t go far. I’ll stay near the main road.”

Chu Xun’s gaze was firm.

“The main road is cleared by merchant convoys every three months, so the threats nearby won’t be too strong. Please let me go. If I don’t do well in the trials, I won’t receive any more resources… and I don’t want to be a failure.”

The officer looked at him, eyes filled with a hint of nostalgia.

“You really are Chu Zhan’s son… just as stubborn as your father.”

He sighed.

“Fine. I’ll let you go. Just… make it back alive.”

Then he removed a dagger from his belt and handed it to Chu Xun.

“Here—take this Level-2 alloy dagger. It might help you survive out there.”

“Thank you, sir!”

Knowing this could be a matter of life and death, Chu Xun accepted the weapon without hesitation and bowed with sincere gratitude.

Compared to the standard alloy combat knife he brought from home, this Level-2 dagger was far superior—sharper, more durable, capable of cutting metal or slicing hair in mid-air. It was worth five to six crystal cores and significantly boosted his survival odds.

“No need to thank me. If your father hadn’t fought to the death during the corpse tide, I’d probably be dead too.”

The officer shook his head. He had fought alongside Chu Zhan, which was why he treated Chu Xun kindly. But this was all he could do—he had too many responsibilities to offer more help.

After handing over the dagger, the officer used the winch to lower Chu Xun down the city wall.

“Whew… without the protection of the wall, I really feel exposed,”

Chu Xun muttered nervously as he landed outside.

The outside world was a true hellscape. Even powerful second- or third-tier ability users could die here—let alone someone like him, who had just awakened. To say he wasn’t afraid would be a lie.

But with his mission—and the threat of death if he failed the trials—Chu Xun had no choice but to take the risk.

He took a deep breath, sheathed the 30 cm long black dagger that gleamed with cold metallic light, gripped his battle knife tightly, and set off toward the southern road.

“Damn, that loser really left the city? Is he trying to die?”

Jie San was stunned as he watched Chu Xun lowered and walk off into the distance. By the time Chu Xun disappeared from view, he finally reacted—and chuckled.

“Looks like he was scared out of his wits by the young master. He’d rather die outside than come back. That works too—pretty sure the young master will be pleased.”

With that, Jie San quickly ran down the wall to report to Chu Jie.