Disaster Apocalypse: Farming, Family, and My Hidden Secret Space

Then, the uncle and nephews exerted all their strength, carrying snow salt and stone materials, along with three huge burdens, and finally began their round trips.

After so many days, the uncles and nephews were thoroughly exhausted. Even if they found a freshwater source, every day they were worn out like dogs, leaving them with no energy to tidy themselves.

The journey back was much harder than coming, especially carrying heavy loads. Just climbing up and down the mountains, repeating the same tasks every day, took a full four days. Although very tiring, seeing that the road home was getting closer made them all happy.

Hua Jinchong, leading a group of elderly, women, and children, took more time than on the way here. Originally only two or three days to reach the valley, they managed to take six days, and it was quite lucky to meet their fathers at the valley's entrance.

Looking at the dust-covered few, if they weren't so familiar, Hua Jinchong and Xiaosi almost didn't recognize them.

At first glance, you'd think they were beggars from somewhere, except for their hands and faces which were somewhat clean. Their clothes clearly had not been washed for many days, with dust practically solidified on them, especially their hair, where even flies would get stuck. Even the brother, who usually loved cleanliness, was like this.

Initially, Hua Jinchong was excitedly rushing toward the brother and fathers with his younger brother, but he suddenly stopped his feet, switching from hugging to pulling when approaching them.

Xiaosi didn't think too much about it as someone without cleanliness issues. When he played outside, he often got dirty beyond recognition, so he didn't care about his messy brother and fathers, giving each a big bear hug.

Then a funny scene unfolded, with his short arms and legs, he could hardly hold onto his brother carrying heavy stuff. He nearly stumbled, but Hua Yunao quickly caught him, preventing a fall that would split his buttocks in half. Even so, he grinned broadly, calling for his fathers and brother, and even knew to help them unload the burdens they carried.

Hua Jinchong wasn't idle either, assisting his father to take down the huge rattan basket from his back. He realized his father's hardship as soon as he got a hold of it.

Very heavy, extremely heavy, it must be at least one hundred fifty to sixty pounds, and that's just one. Turning to look at his brother's was the same. Truly impressive that they carried such heavy loads all the way home, and looking at the deep indentations on his father's shoulders, Hua Jinchong felt a pang of sadness.

The grandpas and grandsons were a bit surprised as well, not expecting to encounter their fathers and grandfathers outside the valley, noticing they had traveled a long way. Though not covered in dust like them, they were still travel-worn.

The children busy shouted for grandfathers and sisters and brothers, all faces full of excitement.

Hua Qiang and his crew quickly helped Zeng Li and the others unload their heavy loads, admiring the children's strength. Hua Village's children, even the grandsons, had strength incomparable to others.

Wow, a combined total of at least three hundred pounds, their group couldn't possibly carry that, let alone over mountains and back home.

A bit of envy peeking through, many decided to return to the valley determined to train well, especially developing strength.

Hua Chengtian's eyes were full of joy, having been separated for so long, his heart felt heavily laden seeing his daughter again, but he couldn't help feeling concerned seeing the children looking pale with tattered clothes, quickly realizing.

Anyone with eyes could see the extra hundred people outside the valley, evidently, his daughter and family went down the mountain under disguise.

The concern vanished, replaced by a look of affection, father and daughter exchanged a few warm words while he distractedly gazed at his youngest son, then glanced towards his father.

"Dad, did you go out?"

"Chengtian, was your trip successful? Did you find it?"

Father and son truly had a strong bond, speaking in unison with perfect understanding.

Old Hua hadn't expected to encounter his son outside the valley so coincidentally, feeling both surprised and worried, but after confirming the children were okay he couldn't help but focus on the baskets on the ground.

With grass covering, obscuring the contents, but each was packed to the brim, suggesting something good inside.

Old Hua looked at his son with delight; was it what he speculated?

Hua Chengtian: "..."

Seeing his father's gaze, he dared not hesitate and nodded quickly, breaking into a wide smile.

Old Hua instantly understood, visibly relaxing in appearance.

"Really?" Still hard to believe, Old Hua widened his eyes.

Initially taking a chance, finding it would naturally be best, eliminating concerns of getting caught after a long period. After all, one to two years were reasonable, but three to four years would be suspicious.

After all, not merchants, who would stockpile so much salt, especially since his granddaughter's dream warned of a disaster lasting longer than two or three years, possibly three or four.

Now, there was no more worry.

With all they brought back, plus what his son returned with, Hua Village wouldn't need to worry about salt for years.

"Yes, yes, dad, rest assured, when your son sets out there's never anything he can't do," Hua Chengtian said proudly, eyes filled with excitement.

"Good, good, well done. When we return, I'll have your mother ('Grandma') make you delicious food."

Old Hua was overjoyed, smiled gleefully, stroking his beard, not like usual, didn't quench his proud son's boasting.

"Dad, about you guys?" Hua Chengtian asked again, as his father seemingly dismissed his initial query.

"Dad, we've returned to the village; the house was terribly damaged, just the walls left, Dogs Egg, Dog, Pillar, Ant their homes were entirely gone. Grandpa took us to wash the well, even to Shanggu Town, dad… grandpa and sister bought many things…"

Before Old Hua could speak, Xiaosi, full of excitement, spilled out everything they'd encountered during the past days with enthusiasm.

Especially came across bandits on the way back, Xiaosi narrated vividly, and with excitement when talking about his own efforts, Hua Chengtian frowned.

Seeing everyone safe standing before them, despite knowing the well-being of his father and the children, he couldn't help revealing a worried look, simultaneously grateful for teaching everyone martial arts while hiding in the Big Cave, otherwise…

"Don't dwell too much, it's over now, don't forget they learned from you," knowing his son well, Old Hua comforted him rarely.

"Dad, next time leave such matters to your son; stay in the valley, keep the rear steady," knowing but still frightened, Hua Chengtian spoke up, addressing his daughter: "You too, unless necessary don't leave the valley casually."

"Dad, you're overthinking," Hua Jinchong made a mischievous face at her father.

This time it wasn't driven by the uneasy feeling, someone as lazy as her wouldn't climb up and down the valley willingly, such exhaustion.

Having enough of grain seeds, high-yield sweet potatoes, potatoes, barring accidents Shanggu Town's crisis could be temporarily resolved, but beyond that, this minor character could do nothing more.

She was just a person, not a high and mighty savior!

At the moment, she could only help this much.