Chapter 155: The Living Map

“To reach Level 7 in such a short time since the flood began should qualify one as a true powerhouse.”

The highest level Su Li had encountered so far was Level 6. Both Gao Shupeng of “Gold Eagle One A-Building” and Jiang Shuijue of the “Golden Convergence Center Building” were Level 6. He had not encountered any Spiritual Source Wielder above Level 6, indicating that the evolutionary levels were still fairly close. Level 6 Wielders likely represented the current pinnacle of strength.

However, Su Li speculated that within a day or two, Level 7 Wielders would surely begin to emerge among the Level 6 Wielders. These individuals would be the absolute strongest survivors in the city.

A Level 7 Spiritual Source Wielder: that was Su Li’s goal for tomorrow.

The next day, Su Li woke up. Qi Mengyu was, as usual, waiting for him. She had already squeezed his toothpaste and prepared hot water, ready to assist with his morning routine.

Although Su Li had told her she didn’t need to serve him, Qi Mengyu insisted. He had stopped refusing, as people naturally enjoy being waited on.

Su Li had just finished washing up and was having breakfast when Xu Haishui excitedly rushed in. “Brother Su, you asked me to find a map of Nanjiang City. I couldn’t find a map, but I did find a person.”

As he spoke, he ushered in a man. The man was nearly fifty, with a dark complexion, medium build, and a large belly. He looked honest and slightly familiar, but Su Li couldn’t place his name.

Su Li had previously asked Xu Haishui to find a paper map of Nanjiang City. In an age where mobile navigation was common, finding a physical city map was difficult. Since the flood submerged the city to the 30th floor, leaving behind only scattered landmarks, Su Li was disoriented. He was familiar with his old neighborhood and some major landmarks, but not the entire city. He was having trouble navigating the vast water surface.

He had hoped to find a paper map to locate landmarks, which would help him determine the general location of Wang Lan’s apartment and dive down to search.

Although he hadn’t found a map, Xu Haishui brought him an experienced driver, a “living map.” Su Li looked at Liu Jiande with hope.

“He’s called Liu Jiande. He used to be a taxi driver for many years and knows Nanjiang City like the back of his hand. Brother Su, were you looking for a specific location on the map? Just ask him! He’s a walking map.”

Hearing Xu Haishui’s introduction, Su Li was pleased. He smiled at Liu Jiande and gestured for him to sit down.

“Thank you, Brother Su.” Liu Jiande was flattered. Although he was old enough to be Su Li’s father, he addressed him as “Brother Su.”

Su Li shook his head. “Just call me Su Li, Brother Liu. Since you’re so familiar with Nanjiang City, can you draw a map of the city for me?”

Liu Jiande looked troubled. “I… I can try…”

Su Li realized he likely couldn’t draw a map. He knew all the routes, but that didn’t mean he could translate them into a drawing. Su Li realized he was asking too much.

After a moment’s thought, Su Li asked, “Brother Liu, do you know Huating Residential Area? If you leave the Purple Wind Building, how do you get to Huating Residential Area? I’m not asking about the route before, but in the current situation.”

Huating Residential Area was Wang Lan’s neighborhood. She lived on the ninth floor of Building 12, Unit 2. Su Li knew the public transit route before, but now that the city was submerged, leaving only a few landmarks, he was utterly lost on how to get there from the Purple Wind Building.

If Huating Residential Area had any prominent buildings above the water, he was confident he could find it by searching in the general direction. But the entire area was submerged, with no landmarks. Finding Huating Residential Area in the vast water posed a severe challenge.

That was why he had asked Xu Haishui to find a map. He had hoped to use the map to find landmarks, determine the approximate location, and then search underwater.

Since he had found Liu Jiande, a self-proclaimed living map, Su Li looked at him hopefully.

“Huating Residential Area?” Liu Jiande patted his chest. “Brother Su, I’m not boasting, but while I might not be good at other things, I am the best at knowing my way around Nanjiang City. Even with the flooding, I guarantee I can find it.”

“Good. How far is Huating Residential Area from here?” Su Li nodded, standing up with a satisfied look. He knew Huating Residential Area was less than ten kilometers away.

He had long intended to search for Wang Lan and her home, but the timing was never right. He lacked a map, and his strength was insufficient. Now, he was confident in his ability to defend himself, and Xu Haishui had found him a guide. Su Li decided to travel to Huating Residential Area today. The trip was less than ten kilometers. Returning before dark tonight should be manageable and wouldn’t interfere with his hunting plans to reach Level 7.

“Huating Residential Area is about seven or eight kilometers from here. We’ll first find the ‘Golden Convergence Center Building.’ That building has 36 floors, so it will be visible above the water. It’s easy to find. Then, we follow the ‘Golden Convergence Center Building’ about three kilometers northeast, and we’ll be at Huating Residential Area.”

Su Li’s heart stirred. The “Golden Convergence Center Building” was where Jiang Shuijue, Gu Mingfeng, and Ling Yi were staying. Jiang Shuijue had helped them and even invited them to visit.

However, he decided against actually visiting Jiang Shuijue. His main goal was to find Wang Lan’s home and check the situation. He didn’t want any further distractions.

“Brother Liu, prepare yourself. We’ll leave shortly. You’ll guide me to Huating Residential Area.”

Liu Jiande was momentarily stunned, surprised that Su Li wanted him to guide him personally. But he quickly agreed.

Su Li was the new leader of the Purple Wind Building, and his ruthless methods from last night were well known. Liu Jiande dared not refuse.

“Don’t worry, there won’t be any danger. It’ll be a quick trip. We’ll be back before tonight,” Su Li said, seeing the fear in Liu Jiande’s eyes.

He saw that Liu Jiande was only Level 4, clearly not combat material. It was understandable that he was afraid of the risks of traveling so far.

“I know. With Brother Su, I won’t worry,” Liu Jiande smiled, then left to prepare.

Gong Xiao, Ding Longyun, Qi Mengyu, and Xu Xuehui all wanted to join Su Li on the trip, but Su Li refused them all.

He wanted to travel discreetly and without a large retinue. Furthermore, traveling with several beautiful women would easily draw trouble from outsiders. Given the scarcity of women—especially beautiful ones—among the survivors, trouble was guaranteed.

For this trip, he decided to take only Liu Jiande. Two men traveling together wouldn’t attract hostility or cause trouble.

“Su Li, come back soon. Don’t let your thoughts get the better of you. No matter what, remember we are all waiting for you here.”

Ding Longyun knew Su Li was going to look for his girlfriend, and the result might not be what he hoped for, perhaps even tragic. He warned Su Li not to dwell on the negative. No matter the outcome, he needed to remember they were all waiting for him.

Su Li nodded, assuring him not to worry. He then boarded a small raft with Liu Jiande, who started paddling, and the raft left the Purple Wind Building.

Su Li looked back and smiled faintly at Ding Longyun, who was standing on the balcony seeing him off, accompanied by Gong Xiao, Qi Mengyu, and Xu Xuehui. He waved goodbye.

Su Li had already prepared for the worst possible outcome for Wang Lan. He believed he could handle the result, which was why he had finally decided to go look for her.

Regardless of the outcome, he was trying his best and didn’t want to live with regret.

Liu Jiande paddled cautiously, while Su Li stood on the raft, gazing into the distance.

He was now a Level 6 Spiritual Source Wielder. Although he hadn’t focused on enhancing his eyes, his vision was far superior to an ordinary person’s. He could see many buildings rising from the vast water surface.

Looking farther, he could see tall, dark shadows everywhere. Nanjiang City was large and developed, with many buildings exceeding 30 stories.

This area was the New Development Zone, the least developed of the five districts. It had relatively fewer high-rise buildings, but structures reaching or exceeding 30 stories were still scattered about.

The journey was peaceful. Su Li and Liu Jiande chatted idly. Su Li learned that Liu Jiande had a son studying at a university in another province. His son’s grades were excellent. When mentioning his son, Liu Jiande was both proud and sad.

Proud that his son was attending a good university, which gave him face. Sad that he had no news of his son’s whereabouts or safety.

Seeing Liu Jiande’s low spirits, Su Li comforted him. “Nanjiang City is low-lying, which is why it was flooded. Other places might not have been hit so severely. Maybe the flood wasn’t so bad where your son is.”

“I hope so.” Liu Jiande smiled bitterly. He knew Su Li was just comforting him. The truth might be far worse than they imagined. The fact that no rescuers had appeared after so many days suggested something far more serious.

Everyone in their hearts vaguely understood the gravity of the situation but didn’t dare to think about it too much.

(End of Chapter)