Dead Man Walking: Living By Day, Dead By Night

Zane's words had confirmed that he had indeed come from abroad. It was a rather shocking bit of information, as nobody knew how he would have done so. But that answer was quickly put to bed after Luo Chang, the leader of the Divine Sword Sect inquired about it.

"If you are really from North America can't you back from the route you came? Are you seriously saying you came to my doorstep looking for an answer to a problem that you should already know the solution to?"

Logically this was a sound argument. The problem was that Zane had ended up across the Pacific not because of any normal means of transport but because he used a transportation stone to stave his life. Something that would otherwise be unwise to use.

And he was quick to announce this as the reality that he was in. After all, Zane had no reason to hide the truth from these people, and he was a rather honest person when he had the ability to be.

"Well, the problem with that is that I used a teleportation stone as a get out of jail free card so to speak, and ended up smack dab in the middle of Asia. Considering there is no guarantee that such an item will send me back to where I belong, or even anywhere on dry land. I would rather not risk it a second time unless I have no other options available.

So I ask again, do you have the ability to get me back to North America or not? Because if not, then we are done here. I will go to one of the other so-called sects in the area and ask there."

Quite honestly, Zane had hurt the man's ego by insisting if he couldn't help him with this one task, then he was all but useless. Even going so far as to imply that perhaps his competition may be more capable. Because of this, Luo Chang's face was twitching as he assured Zane that it would not be a problem for him or his sect.

"What? You think those losers have the ability to cross the Pacific? Only my Divine Sword Sect could do such a thing! But… It's not easy, and will require significant effort on our part.

If you really did manage to kill the Lake Monster of Houhai entirely by yourself, then maybe that impressive strength of yours can be used to pay off the debt you will incur for our transportation services…"

Zane wasn't exactly certain if this man was all bluster, or could actually help him and was quick to ask exactly how he planned to do so.

"For argument's sake, say I believe you have the ability to help me. How exactly would you ferry me across the Pacific without provoking the monsters that lie deep beneath its surface? I don't know if you're aware, but travel by sea is no longer a viable option in this world. There are things down there that even I would not stir…"

Sea Monsters wasn't exactly something that was unknown to the people of the world. They had after all had two years to endure and survive the ongoing changes on Earth.

And it was because of this that Luo Chang didn't even think of travelling by means of the ocean. Instead, he laughed at Zane's remarks, believing them to be a joke as the man was quite literally speaking the obvious, as if it were some kind of secret.

"Of course, the oceans and the seas are impossible to traverse. So we will take to the skies. Though those old hunks of metal are all but useless, my Divine Sword Sect has a legendary flying mount that can easily cross the sky. I could order its user to take you to North America.

But nothing in this world is free, and such a long journey is full of its own dangers. The monsters beneath the water's surface aren't the only ones you have to fear after all. It just so happens that you aren't useless, that is, if your claims are actually true.

And we could use your strength. After all we are having a little dispute with one of the neighboring sects. But if someone of your caliber were to reveal that you are on our side, then this matter will be solved very quickly and without needless bloodshed. So what do you say? Are you willing to help us out?"

Assuming what Luo Chang said was true, Zane didn't really have a choice but to do so. He was quick to look over to Zhao Qiu and cast her a glance basically asking if he was being deceived or not. The woman smiled and nodded, assuring him silently that Luo Chang's words were nothing but accurate. And because of this, Zane sighed heavily before accepting the offer.

"Assuming you are true to your word, and will help me with my problem once I have helped you with yours. Then I agree with your conditions. But if you lie to me, or if you think you can string me along with further favors after this matter is done. Be aware I have the ability to raise your entire so-called sect to the ground and kill everyone in it.

I don't care if I ended up stranded here in China. I will not hesitate to do so if you try to play me. So don't even think about it!"

Truth be told Luo Cheng had thought he could use the fact that his sect had the only legendary flying mount in the region to basically hold the man as a debtor until he had sufficiently exhausted Zane's strength for his own purposes. And it would require such a high level mutated beast servant to survive the journey from here to North America.

But Luo Cheng had not expected Zane to be so petty and spiteful. Fully willing to strand himself in China just in order to ensure he was not fucked with. As a result, the man forced a smile and conceded on the matter. Shaking Zane's hand and agreeing with his conditions even if he did not wish to do so.

After all, at the end of the day, all that really mattered in this brave new world was strength. And Zane was the strongest survivor Luo Cheng had come across in his travels. Especially if he had single-handedly taken out the Houhai Lake Monster without receiving a single scratch.

Thus, Zane would be venturing deeper into Beijing to help settle a dispute between two of the local factions.

---

The war had lasted two whole years. Losses were had on both sides, and the weaker Horde Kings employed in Lilith's and Balthazar's armies had even managed to on occasion find themselves suffering their second death.

Despite this, only a tenth of Necropolis had been claimed by Balthazar's forces. While his faction had bled significantly for what little ground was gained. It was a time of great strife as the undead fought with one another over foolish and petty concerns.

All because Ophelia had taken bold action to eliminate one of her rivals. And failed to do so at that. Shockingly, the Moderates, who fewer in number had appeared to have gained the upper hand in this civil war.

They had after all followed Lilith's advice and began cultivating awakened humans as livestock. Fostering their growth, only to reap the gains by devouring their hearts. Humanity's numbers grew as a result, as safe havens were established for them.

But these safe havens were farms, and the end result was once the survivors within had been ripened they would be butchered like cattle and devoured by the Moderate Horde Kings. Sure, this ensured the survival of the human race, but at what cost?

In addition to this, other intelligent monsters had appeared in the world, challenging humanity, and the undead kingdoms that had been built upon the ruins of human civilization. Whether it was the merfolk in the world's many seas and oceans. Or it was the emergency of Harpy's in the world's skies.

Humanity had suddenly found itself on the bottom rung of the world's new hierarchy. And the Undead, who had once replaced humans at the top, were now fighting tooth and nail with these new evolutionary strains to retain control over it.

To put it simply, for Lilith who was currently residing in her penthouse suite. Things had long since gotten free from her control. And she was beginning to wonder if she and Balthazar should make peace to instead focus their power and attention on the world's new comers. Who were by no means put on this Earth by their mother.

Of course, having sustained substantial losses in his own right, Balthazar would not make peace with Lilith any time soon. As to do so would be a humiliation unlike anything he had ever suffered before. And would weaken his position over the other undead. Thus, for the time being the war between the dead would continue to wage on.