046 Energy Abundant! A Reward for Nie Xiaoyue

"The new function of the crystal cores?" Hearing this, Xue Feng's eyes lit up.

At present, he had accumulated a large number of crystal cores collected from zombies and mutants. But aside from using them for his own absorption or feeding the dog, the rest just sat idly in his storage space, completely useless.

From his previous experiments with An Xiaowei, Xue Feng knew that crystal cores could not be used directly on humans. He himself could only absorb them thanks to the system's help.

"That's right. According to my research and analysis," Nie Xiaoyue began, "these cores contain highly concentrated energy. This is the key to why zombies can keep moving without food or water. Many of the mutated animals we've found also developed similar organs for storing energy..."

As she delved into her professional knowledge, Nie Xiaoyue spoke at length, leaving An Xiaowei and the others completely bewildered. To them, it all sounded like a far-fetched fairy tale. Only Wang Xinyu, with her medical training, could somewhat follow along, though even she was far from all-knowing.

"To put it simply, the crystal cores in zombies can be used as an energy source! For example, to provide electricity for the villa..." Nie Xiaoyue's eyes shone with pride. Had these inventions come about in a normal world, they would have caused a sensation. Unfortunately, the world had already been upended.

Yet Nie Xiaoyue understood well: without the apocalypse, there would be no zombies, and she would never have had the chance for this research.

Hearing this, Xue Feng nodded in satisfaction. As expected, Nie Xiaoyue was a true talent! The information provided by the system had always been of considerable value.

His gaze swept over the others: attentive An Xiaowei, lucky You Haoyun, medical expert Wang Xinyu, and housekeeper Gu Xiaoqian. Every one of them was a great help to him. And then there was Zhao Weisu, a valuable combatant with abilities of her own. With Zhao Weisu standing guard whenever he left the villa, he no longer had to worry about security. Her unique power, being able to create food that boosted combat strength, could prove invaluable at critical moments.

"So how exactly do you generate electricity from them?" Xue Feng finally turned to Nie Xiaoyue. After all, converting crystal cores would surely require a process.

"I've already figured out how to convert their energy. Essentially, it's a kind of bio-energy battery..." Nie Xiaoyue launched into another explanation, but the core point was simple: she had solved the most vital problem, which was why she had brought it up at dinner.

"Good. Let's go to your lab and have a look in a moment," Xue Feng said, finishing his dinner in a few quick bites before heading off to the laboratory with Nie Xiaoyue. The newcomer, Gu Xiaoqian, sensibly began clearing the table. She had no idea whose job this had been before, but she had decided to take it on herself. With hot water for bathing and more than enough food, this place was a paradise—she would gladly do anything required.

Nie Xiaoyue's laboratory was in the basement, now filled with simple instruments and equipment. Xue Feng soon saw the so-called bio-energy battery: a modified large battery that could be powered by placing a crystal core inside, replacing traditional batteries. Wires ran from it to the villa's power supply.

"A single ordinary zombie's crystal core can power the villa for three days," Nie Xiaoyue announced excitedly, adding that the energy contained in a crystal core was immense. With full utilization, even longer periods of electricity could be achieved—this was just the first version, and she was already planning improvements.

"Can we retrofit the energy system in the armored vehicle, too?" Xue Feng's eyes lit up.

"Of course," Nie Xiaoyue nodded. The principle was the same, and she explained it to Xue Feng in detail.

"This is a great achievement! We won't have to worry about electricity anymore," Xue Feng said with emotion. The villa's generator ran on diesel, and with the new water purification system added today, the electricity demand had grown. He had been worried about maintaining a stable power supply, but Nie Xiaoyue had just given him a wonderful surprise.

Nie Xiaoyue blushed shyly at his praise. She had lately been anxious about her standing in Xue Feng's eyes, especially as he continually brought back new, beautiful women. Now, receiving his affirmation, she felt this was her happiest moment.

"In that case, I’d like a reward..." Nie Xiaoyue's cheeks flushed red, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes filled with anticipation.

"Is it about your sister? Actually, I don't know where she is. I'm sorry," Xue Feng replied gently. He had always known that Nie Xiaoyue was deeply concerned about her sister. He had first won her trust by bringing up her sister.

"No! Actually, I know... My sister is probably lost to me." As she mentioned her sister, Nie Xiaoyue's eyes filled with tears.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Since coming to the villa, she had realized Xue Feng's words had been only a well-intentioned lie. Without his help, she would have died in the sewers, her body gnawed by rats. Xue Feng was a man of his word; he had never forced her. If he had known where her sister was, he would have helped her search by now. This thought made her sob into her hand.

Seeing her distress, Xue Feng gently pulled her into his arms, stroking her back softly.

"I'm already so grateful to be here. Thank you, truly," Nie Xiaoyue looked up, meeting Xue Feng's gaze through her tears.

"So what reward did you have in mind?" Xue Feng was curious. If it wasn’t about her sister, then what could it be?

Reward.

Having cried, Nie Xiaoyue's face was even redder. She didn't reply, only gently lifted her evening dress, then bent over the laboratory table.

What Xue Feng saw made his blood race. Underneath, Nie Xiaoyue was wearing a set of purple, lace-trimmed lingerie—semi-transparent, revealing her fair skin beneath, with a slit in the middle already noticeably damp.

Xue Feng swallowed hard. He hadn’t expected Nie Xiaoyue’s desired reward to be this.

Thanks to repeated enhancement rewards, his stamina far exceeded the ordinary. Without hesitation, he stepped forward.

A muffled cry escaped Nie Xiaoyue, overwhelmed by pleasure. Though tears still streaked her cheeks, joy had overtaken her sorrow. Xue Feng did not hold back, increasing his intensity from the start. Since Nie Xiaoyue liked it this way, he was eager to satisfy her, tearing aside her evening gown, exploring her with both hands, feeling her curves.

Under his fierce rhythm, Nie Xiaoyue felt as though a wild beast was behind her, her cries mixing pain and pleasure, her eyes rolling back uncontrollably.