Apocalypse: I Built the Infinite Train-Chapter 306: Where did you get this chain?

Seeing the mutation of the Blood Scourge Flora, Lin Xian's expression turned serious. He immediately stepped forward and asked in a deep voice, “How long has this been going on?”

“Within the last 24 hours.”

Ding Junyi said, “It’s obvious the Blood Scourge Flora grows extremely fast under the Polar Night.”

Lin Xian replied, “Is that why the Blood Scourge only appears during the Polar Night?”

“Maybe.” Ding Junyi nodded. “What’s clear is that the Blood Scourge has adapted to a certain ecological condition specific to the Polar Night—most directly, the power of the Dark Invasion. I exposed both of these specimens to that environment after removing them from the train for observation.”

Lin Xian felt a chill rise in his chest. If that were the case, didn’t the presence of the Eerie Cube end up hindering the growth of both Hell’s Black Chrysanthemum and Silver Dragon Ten-Thousand Error?

But then again, what choice did he have? He couldn’t possibly risk the safety of the entire train just to accelerate the growth of these plants by exposing everyone to the Dark Invasion. In fact, the reason the crew of the Infinite Train progressed faster than other survivors and had a better mindset was largely thanks to the Eerie Cube. Without its ability to shield against fear energy, they would've been defenseless when that cursed Dark Radio hit them. If not for his mechanical ability, they'd all be trapped in that 1542 frequency.

“Maybe we can try storing the flora in a rear carriage when not under study…”

The Eerie Cube’s range was limited. Lin Xian figured that when Ding Junyi wasn’t actively researching them, she could place the specimens in the nuclear-powered rear car to test the effects.

Thinking this through, he turned to her. “After maturing, do these flora develop any new traits?”

Ding Junyi replied, “As for the Chrysanthemum, nothing significant yet. Perhaps its dark-energy conversion efficiency has improved. But ever since we left Xilan City, I’ve noticed a considerable boost in the crew’s physical stats. With the Phoenix's Peak Power Detector, we’ll get a more accurate reading. For now, it’s still speculation. As for the Silver Dragon Ten-Thousand Error…”

She glanced at the strange white bud and said, “Now that it’s blooming, there must be traits emerging. But we’ll only know for sure once it fully opens, maybe under specific conditions.”

“Alright.” Lin Xian nodded, feeling hopeful. The Blood Scourge Flora held massive potential for the entire train. Even the Phoenix had prioritized it in their research. The Nightwalkers' Division Two—the Polar Night Division—was tasked with deep Polar Night exploration, starfield studies, and hunting these rare flora.

Division Two also happened to be the smallest but most elite Nightwalkers team, boasting the best gear and overwhelming combat strength, all designed to maximize survival in the Polar Night. The intel they gathered could directly influence humanity’s future.

Looking at the evolving flora, Lin Xian felt more grounded. Thank goodness Ding Junyi was on board leading the research. She’d provided vital data that could increase their chances of survival dramatically.

He had initially planned to hire a plant specialist for the vegetation carriage, but while that didn’t work out, this cold, genius biology professor with a plant-based ability had practically become his divine blessing.

Lin Xian glanced around the research car. Nothing seemed damaged by the earlier tremors, except for a few shattered test tubes and glassware on the lab table.

The sight made Lin Xian’s heart skip a beat. “Crap! We’ve got tons of stuff in the cultivation pods back in Car 4!”

“Relax,” Ding Junyi responded calmly without even looking up. “Only two old lab jars cracked. The polycarbonate ones you had built are still intact.”

Lin Xian froze mid-step, then sighed in relief. “Phew. For a second there, I thought our veggie garden got wrecked.”

“You always get like this when you’re worried.”

“He should take a break,” Qiu Yi let out a long sigh and turned to Chen Sixuan. “Don’t you think?”

“You’re the one who’s tired.” Chen Sixuan didn’t even bother to respond directly.

Qiu Yi turned to see Tang Chunya watching him, hands in her pockets, a subtle smile on her face. His heart skipped. “Something’s off…” he mumbled quickly.

“He pulled an all-nighter at the Zero Element Center too. Let him rest. It’s still the Polar Night—we just need someone to stay on watch.”

Ding Junyi suddenly stepped forward and looked up at Lin Xian with her calm, intellectual gaze. “I’ve mastered a new trick. Want to see it?”

A new trick? Whoa, that was direct.

Lin Xian’s face twitched—was her M-side acting up again? He quickly waved it off. “Let’s wait till you’re rested. I need to finish the weapons setup first.”

It wasn’t that Lin Xian wasn’t tempted… but seriously, he had just—

And besides, weapon manufacturing and train repairs couldn’t wait. Infinite Train was sturdy, yes, but he couldn’t feel at ease until he inspected every single carriage.

Just as he turned to leave, something blocked his path. He looked down—and realized a pothos vine had reached out from a nearby potted plant, resting right in front of his stomach like a living thing.

It wasn’t just alive—it had force. That slender green vine had the strength of a steel wire!

“This is my new trick.”

Since leaving Xilan City, Ding Junyi’s plant powers had evolved drastically. Her abilities had broken past the laws of natural growth, allowing her to shape plants in bizarre ways—changing their elasticity, hardness, tensile strength, and more. ƒree𝑤ebnσvel.com

Lin Xian turned around, stunned. Ding Junyi stood with hands in her pockets, calm as ever, while the little flower atop her head bloomed with a soft pink sway—cute and almost comically different from her usual intellectual coldness.

“If you're worried that I come on too strong when initiating sex, I can tone it down. No matter the time, place, or situation, I’ll listen to you. Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it.”

Lin Xian’s expression turned awkward. He gave a helpless smile, realizing he’d misunderstood her. A twinge of guilt hit him.

He looked at her calm gaze, took a deep breath—and without hesitation, scooped her into his arms and carried her to the rest room.

Ding Junyi didn’t resist. As she was lifted off the ground, her eyes remained serene, and a slight, triumphant smile curled on her lips.

That look seemed to say:

My hero—your moment has come. Are you satisfied?

Infinite Train, Car 5 – A compartment named “Burning Heaven Hall”

Lu Xingchen sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes burning with killing intent as he stared at the tungsten crucible in front of him.

Inside it… were all his thermal underwear.

He was about to burn them all at once.

“Does the Flame God wear thermals?”

A philosophical question, perhaps.

But Lu Xingchen already knew the answer—he would never wear them again. They were neither stylish nor worthy of his flame-wielding self. Most importantly—

“F*ing thermals bleed color!”

“Such unholy things, disrupting my cultivation—how can they be tolerated?!”

Teeth clenched with a click, Lu Xingchen picked up his recorder—the one he’d used to leave a farewell message for Lin Xian—and gripped it tight.

“This Sovereign shall now—”

Click.

His fingers accidentally hit the switch. That dramatic message suddenly echoed through the quiet room:

“Brother Lin, Brother Lou, all comrades of the Infinite Train... please forgive my abrupt departure…”

Lu Xingchen’s face turned pale.

“Sh*t—!”

He fumbled to shut it off, nearly dropping it in the process. Flustered and red-faced, he tossed the recorder into the crucible, slammed the lid down, and shouted:

“Burn! Burn it all to ash!”

The flames roared as he blasted the crucible with fire. In no time, the poor thermals and recorder were reduced to smoke and ashes. A scorched stench rose with the dark fumes. Lu Xingchen hurried to flip the ventilation switch.

Once the air was clear, he wiped the floor, cleaned the desk, and arranged everything meticulously. He then pulled out a cherished Gu Ming air freshener and spritzed it around the room.

A moment later, the serene scent of clean tea leaves filled the chamber once more.

“And now, my inner demons are purged.”

Content, Lu Xingchen picked up the crucible and stepped outside to dump the ashes. Just as the contents hit the trash, a metallic clink echoed—something solid had fallen in.

He paused, eyes narrowing at the garbage bin.

Nestled among the gray ash… was a glimmer of gold.

Lu Xingchen’s expression darkened. He dug into the bin with two fingers, carefully pulling out—

A golden bracelet.

The same one he’d picked up from Yijin Bank’s vault during that ridiculous escapade.

Back then, he’d thought about crafting something symbolic from it—a relic, maybe a spiritual pendant—to leave behind his legacy if he died.

But no matter how long he tried, the damn thing wouldn’t melt. Totally wrecked his mood.

Now, seeing it again…

“You dare survive my divine flames?”

With renewed curiosity, Lu Xingchen cleaned the crucible and the bracelet, then brought them back inside.

Under the lab’s cold lighting, the ladies’ bracelet—crafted with nine intricate golden flowers—gleamed with exquisite craftsmanship. Obviously something stored in a high-security vault, valuable in the old world… though in the apocalypse, gold had long lost its worth.

Only blood crystals mattered now.

Lu Xingchen brewed himself a pot of tea, then sat down to examine the bracelet. As he sipped, he casually blew fire at the bracelet with his finger, curious about its melting point.

One cup… two… a few minutes passed.

The tungsten crucible itself began to glow red and soften at the base, but the bracelet?

Not a single dent. In fact—it looked even shinier.

Lu Xingchen’s eyes flickered.

What kind of material is this? Tungsten melts at 3400°C—three times the melting point of gold. So why isn’t this thing burning?

“This must be some high-tech alloy…”

Concerned the high heat might cause problems, he finally extinguished his flame and set the bracelet aside.

But then, something eerie happened.

After the flames disappeared, the golden bracelet… began to move.

It writhed slowly in the glowing crucible like a living creature!

Lu Xingchen’s eyes shot wide open. He jerked back like he’d been electrocuted.

“Y-y-y-y-you monster!!!”

Car 3

Lin Xian was feeling refreshed again…

In the rest cabin, Ding Junyi’s cheeks were still flushed. Moments after that wild ascent-and-landing, she stood up—completely naked—and calmly started getting dressed again. Besides the inner jeans and shirt, she always defaulted to her white lab coat. It saved her time on outfit decisions.

With one rule: her underwear must always be a matching set—black or purple only.

It was both an OCD quirk and her own expression of feminine confidence.

Lin Xian watched her move with admiration. “You’re already going back to research?”

Ding Junyi turned and looked at him calmly. Then, without warning, she started unbuttoning her jeans again. Her lips curved faintly as she asked, “If you want to go again… or cuddle for a bit, I’m fine with either.”

Lin Xian nearly buckled at the knees. He quickly reached out to stop her. “Let’s save our energy. We’re still in the middle of the Polar Night.”

“Mm.” Ding Junyi nodded, put her lab coat back on, adjusted her glasses, and instantly returned to that cold, efficient scientist mode. She turned and walked out briskly.

Watching her leave, Lin Xian sighed internally.

She’s the purest example of a logical woman—her passion is fierce and raw, never hidden or restrained. When she shows it, it’s with absolute sincerity, like molten lava bursting out…

Just then, a light screen popped up before his eyes.

[Alert: Detected intrusion of non-mechanical fear energy!]

“What?!”

Lin Xian’s face changed immediately. He jumped up and dashed out the door.

Ding Junyi noticed his urgency and asked, “What happened?”

Without answering, Lin Xian glanced toward Hell’s Black Chrysanthemum—nothing unusual.

“Do you sense anything off inside the carriage?”

Ding Junyi immediately understood. She checked the front corridor, then turned to look behind. Suddenly, her brows furrowed.

“This side. Something’s wrong.”

Ever since bonding with the Chrysanthemum, she had become hypersensitive to dark energy. The pink flower on her head curled back into a tight bud, clearly reacting.

Without hesitation, Lin Xian followed her.

They rushed from Car 3 to Car 5, where Daluo was maintaining her Roarer Gatling gun.

Seeing them, she stood up and asked, “What’s going on, Brother Xian?”

“We’ve got a situation!” Lin Xian said grimly.

Daluo immediately raised her weapon, ready for combat.

Just as they were about to charge into Car 6, Ding Junyi suddenly stopped.

“What is it?”

“It’s not this way.” She doubled back and sprinted straight to Lu Xingchen’s room.

“Fire Bro?!”

“If my senses are right, it's here,” Ding Junyi said coldly.

Lin Xian immediately stepped in front of her and called in reinforcements via his communicator.

Within moments, all the Infinite Train core members arrived—Chen Sixuan in her Black Hawk Armor, KIKI ready with a psychic shield, even Shasha dragging a giant hammer with sleepy eyes.

“What’s going on?” Chen Sixuan asked sharply.

“What’s up with Fire Bro now?” KIKI frowned.

“Monster attack?” Shasha asked, yawning.

“Captain Lin?” Shu Qin looked toward the sealed door.

Daluo looked uneasy. She’d just finished cleaning gear. Had she really missed signs of this?

Lin Xian raised both hands. “We detected a spike in dark energy. Stay alert.”

KIKI narrowed her eyes. “No way… don’t tell me he…”

She stopped herself mid-sentence. “Step back. I’ll open it.”

She cast a psychic shield and was just about to open the door when—

Bang!

The door labeled Burning Heaven Hall flew open.

Fire Bro stood there, hands ignited, looking freaked out.

“Everyone stay back! There’s an eerie thing!”

Tension skyrocketed. Lin Xian saw that Fire Bro was unharmed and sighed a little in relief.

Twenty Lei-class drones swooped in and scouted the room.

“Everyone back!” Lin Xian commanded.

But the scan found… nothing.

Everyone stared blankly.

“What eerie thing?”

“Where?”

“I know it’s here,” Ding Junyi insisted, brows furrowed.

Lu Xingchen pointed at the crucible on the floor. “It’s in there! Something weird happened. Look!”

KIKI lifted the crucible with her powers. Inside, a golden bracelet floated midair, twisted into an X-shape.

Its glow shimmered with more than just gold—like it was infused with some power.

“What the h*ll is that?” Chen Sixuan asked.

Shasha blinked. “It’s… a flying bracelet?”

“Looks like a crafted item,” Shu Qin said. “But the shine’s too intense…”

“No, it’s more than that. This thing’s absorbed dark energy,” Ding Junyi said with pinpoint accuracy.

“Dark energy?!” the group exclaimed.

KIKI’s face turned pale. “Wait—are you saying this is a forbidden item?”

“Like that weird radio?” Chen Sixuan’s face dropped. That incident had nearly broken the team—just remembering it made her chest tighten.

Lin Xian stared at the bracelet, then looked at Lu Xingchen.

“You brought this back?! Where did you even find it?”

Lu Xingchen’s expression was complicated. He explained the whole story.

“I kept burning it, but it wouldn’t melt… and then it started moving like a living thing.”

Lin Xian nearly cursed out loud. This guy’s luck is insane… you found a forbidden item in a bank vault?!