Natural Disaster: I Started By Hoarding Tens Of Billions Of Supplies

Chapter 274: Acid Rain (3)



Long Yu's expression softened as he sighed, "It's me who is lucky to have you."

Yao Ran and Long Yu stayed like this for a while before Long Yu continued to clean the wounds and apply medicine.

After finishing bandaging Yao Ran's hand, Long Yu said, "The acid rain will last for at least ten days, but we can't go outside until the pH levels in the air reach a safe value."

As a medical student, Yao Ran understood the dangers of low pH levels to the human body. She sighed and nodded in agreement, "Mhm."

While Long Yu and his team stayed safe in the underground cellar, other survivors weren't as fortunate.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The situation at Juncheng Military Base was dire. The acid rain's sudden arrival caught many off guard, drenching many survivors.

Initially, survivors and soldiers alike had hoped the rain would provide water and end the extreme heat. With anticipation and hope in their hearts, they went outside to welcome it. But as the rain began to fall, they were horrified to discover it burned their skin.

By the time they realized it was acid rain, it was already too late. Many had been soaked, suffering from severe burns.

Those unable to endure the pain collapsed to the ground, their bodies exposed to the acidic water pooling below. For those who fell, survival became impossible.

With the rain pouring heavily, no one dared to go out to rescue those survivors. Helplessly, friends and family watched as their loved ones died because of the acid rain as their bodies burned beyond recognition.

Within just half an hour after the acid rain began, more than fifty thousand survivors lost their lives in Juncheng Military Base. No one knows what the situation was like elsewhere or how many survivors died in this disaster.

When Xu Qipeng received the report of the casualties an hour later, he closed his eyes in despair. For the first time in his life, he felt utterly powerless.

Against the might of nature, human efforts and struggles seemed too weak and meaningless. Standing in front of Xu Qipeng's desk, Wu Lian patiently waited for him to speak.

Two minutes later, Xu Qipeng opened his eyes and asked, "How much water do we have left in stock?"

Wu Lian's expression turned grim as he replied, "Not much. The acid rain came so suddenly that we were caught off guard and couldn't transport more water in time. With all water sources now undrinkable, we can only hold out for five days at most with our stock."

Xu Qipeng's face darkened further as he listened to Wu Lian's report. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "What's the progress on Professor Xue's research?"

"They're still gathering data with the help of ability users, but they haven't found any clear answers about how these abilities are gained or how to enhance them." Wu Lian responded.

Hearing this, Xu Qipeng realized they couldn't rely on water-element ability users to solve the water crisis.

Seeing Xu Qipeng deep in thought, Wu Lian suggested, "Commander, since we are in urgent need of water, why not try buying it from the black market? I have heard these dealers have extensive networks, and sourcing rare supplies is their specialty."

Xu Qipeng considered the suggestion and frowned slightly. After a long silence, he asked, "Do you know any black market dealers?"

Wu Lian nodded, "I have heard of a dealer named Ling Yi. He controls over 80% of the black market trade around Juncheng City. Just a few days ago, he sold two thousand liters of water to the son of a wealthy businessman."

"In our current situation, getting even a few liters of clean water is nearly impossible. For him to source two thousand liters of fresh water at once shows his capability and connections."

After listening carefully to Wu Lian's analysis, Xu Qipeng said, "Good. Contact that black market dealer to see if he can help us secure drinking water. Offer him anything-except weapons and ammunition."

Wu Lian saluted and replied, "Yes, Commander."

After receiving his orders, Wu Lian left Xu Qipeng's office. While soldiers and medical personnel were busy saving the injured survivors, Wu Lian was busy searching for Long Yu, Yao Ran, and Ling Yi.

Meanwhile, one of the people Wu Lian was searching for was in big trouble.

Sitting inside a water tanker, Ling Yi stared out the window at the acid rain that was getting heavier in seconds. Due to the sudden acid rain, the tanker's engine suddenly malfunctioned, and he was trapped in the middle of nowhere.

Worry clouded his tired face as he asked, "Rihui, how far are we from the nearest residential area?"

Yuan Rihui retrieved a map from the dashboard, studied it for a moment, and replied, "Elder Brother, the nearest residential area from here is Shan Wu Resort, located two kilometers east."

Ling Yi sighed and rubbed his brows tiredly. "We had nothing to protect us from the acid rain, so running to Shan Wu Resort was out of the question. We also didn't bring much food, so we could only stay here for three days at most. It looks like we are destined to die here." Listening to what he said, Yuan Rihui put away the map and turned to him. He said, "Elder Brother, don't lose hope. The acid rain might stop after a while. Let's wait and see."

Ling Yi glanced at him and asked, "From the moment the typhoon hit Juncheng City, every disaster has lasted at least a few months. Do you really think this acid rain will stop soon?" After he asked, Yuan Rihui fell silent. Ling Yi thought for a moment and said, "I remember tempered glass can withstand acid rain."

Yuan Rihui nodded, "Yes. Elder Brother, do you have a plan?"

Ling Yi looked at his cousin and asked, "Can you start the water tanker?"

"Let me try again."

Yuan Rihui then turned the key a few times until the engine let out a low roar.