In the northern part of the Lighthouse Country in North America, there is actually a rust belt, and the reason for this region's existence is that it represents a cultural decline. The north was once rich in industrial resources, with railways and other facilities crisscrossing the land. However, these areas later fell into decline, with industries moving elsewhere, and the railways and other facilities were no longer used. As a result, these steel structures began to rust, and people began to call it the rust belt.
In these areas, very few living people can be seen. Even if people are encountered, they are usually hunters appearing in the mountains. These hunters live by hunting and do not engage in agriculture. In fact, even if they wanted to farm, they would not be able to support themselves, as their agricultural output would decrease whenever natural disasters occurred.
In ancient times, the northern part of the Lighthouse Country in North America was a barren land where crops would not yield a good harvest. Even the ancient Inca or Aztec empires were located in Central America. It was only later, with the advent of modern agricultural technology, that the great plains of North America came into use. Various mechanized operations allowed the Lighthouse Country to have abundant harvests year after year.
Now that the apocalypse has descended, agriculture in the great plains of North America has also encountered problems. When agriculture can no longer sustain humanity, humans naturally choose to hunt.
"These people are so miserable. If they can't hunt successfully, they'll go hungry," Xu Xing said with emotion as she watched the hunters in the mountains.
Shen Feng heard this and said helplessly, "This is their life. You worry about them for no reason. If they want a better life, they should build it themselves! They shouldn't plunder the wealth of other places!"
Shen Feng had his reasons for saying this. After all, the Lighthouse Country was once glorious, and this was built on its ability to plunder global resources. At that time, the US dollar had reaped the benefits of the entire world. The US dollar was tied to oil, preventing oil prices from depreciating significantly, which gave the Lighthouse Country the opportunity to reap the benefits of the entire world.
The two flew for another week across the North American continent and finally arrived in New York.
When the capital, Washington, was breached, the Statue of Liberty fell. The largest city in the East had become New York, which was also home to millions of people, with a large number of wealthy individuals and families gathered in the city.
"After we land, we'll find a place to stay and hire a guide. After all, we don't speak the language here, and it's difficult to communicate with others!" Shen Feng said to Xu Xing.
Xu Xing nodded quickly upon hearing this, "I'll do whatever you say."
Shen Feng slowly landed his glider from the sky. His appearance attracted the attention of many people. Just like last time, as soon as they landed, they were surrounded by heavily armed soldiers. However, upon seeing Shen Feng, the soldiers became respectful.
Shen Feng carried a large amount of gold. It was impossible to travel without money. The common currency in this world had become gold and silver. Gold could not be synthesized; only during the Big Bang did gold elements form. Diamonds, on the other hand, seemed like a scam. Synthetically produced diamonds were no different from naturally found diamonds, and in terms of purity, synthetic diamonds were even higher than natural diamonds.
Therefore, in the apocalypse, no one liked diamonds. Occasionally, when someone found a diamond ring, they would throw away the diamond and keep the gold. Gold could be used as currency for transactions, while diamonds did not have this function.
Shen Feng grabbed a handful of gold coins and said to the soldiers, "I'm not here to cause trouble. I want to find some useful information. If you can find me a guide, these gold coins will be yours!"
When Shen Feng took out a handful of gold coins from his person, the surrounding soldiers' eyes widened, as they knew the preciousness of gold. Now that a fortune was placed before them, they were all moved.
Shen Feng could see the expressions of these soldiers at this moment. From their expressions, he could infer that they had been completely captured by money, and they would do as he said next.
However, at this moment, someone spoke from a distance, using standard Chinese: "Mr. Shen Feng, since you've arrived in New York, why don't you look for me instead of trying to find other guides?"
Shen Feng turned his head to see who was speaking, and found a strange man appearing in the distance. He parted the soldiers and walked directly towards them. Shen Feng did not remember knowing this man.
"Hello, do I know you?" Shen Feng asked.
"Of course, we know each other. About eight years ago, we met at sea. I am Tom Clinden, but at that time I hadn't learned Chinese yet and always spoke to you in English. Do you remember now?" the man introduced himself.
Shen Feng finally remembered after the man's reminder. At that time, the North American fleet had entered the Divine Realm to snatch the meteorite. The leader of the North American esper was this guy. However, very few people survived at that time, and Shen Feng himself was not on the ship, so he didn't know who had survived. Now it seemed that Tom, the heir of a prominent family, was very lucky. Not only did he return alive from the sea, but he also appeared to be more powerful, being a sixth-order esper.
"I remember now. We did meet. I didn't expect you to be able to predict my landing location. How did you know I would appear?" Shen Feng asked.
"Of course, because I have my own intelligence network. When Mr. Shen appeared in Salt Lake City, someone had already informed me of this news. Later, the governor suggested that you go to New York to gather information, so I also learned of your destination," Tom said to Shen Feng seriously.
Shen Feng then said, "My subordinates and I came to North America without any ill intentions. We just want to find some special information. During this time, it would be inconvenient for me to trouble a young master of a prominent family like you to be my translator, so I can only find others to be my translator."
Tom then smiled and said to Shen Feng, "I know what information Mr. Shen is looking for, and I can help you because I know the whereabouts of this information!"
"So, you've also heard about the information regarding the meteorites?" Shen Feng asked cautiously.
Tom extended his finger and pointed to the sky, saying, "Meteorites from the universe. I understand this news as well."
Shen Feng looked around. The nearby soldiers had put down their guns and no longer treated him as an enemy. Instead, they came to maintain order and prevent civilians from approaching casually. Thus, Shen Feng had the opportunity to communicate with Tom alone.
"Then tell me quickly, where is the information about these meteorites? I need to take it back immediately!" Shen Feng said.
"There's no rush for this matter. I remember there's a saying in China: 'Isn't it a joy to have friends coming from afar!' So, I sincerely invite you to be my guest at my manor. How about it?" Tom said with a smile, finally making an inviting gesture.
Xu Xing whispered to Shen Feng, "City Lord, this guy's attitude is too friendly. I suspect he has some ulterior motive. It's best not to go. If someone is overly attentive, they are either a thief or a traitor!"
Shen Feng naturally understood what Xu Xing meant. However, if he wanted to understand the information about the meteorites now, he had to go to the manor. This matter was related to the future direction of the apocalypse, so even if he knew the other party might have a conspiracy, he had to agree.
"In that case, we will have to be your guest at your manor," Shen Feng said.
Tom smiled as his objective was achieved. He appeared here today precisely to wait for Shen Feng's arrival.
Finally, Tom clapped his hands, and a stretched limousine arrived in front of him. Several bodyguards opened the car doors and invited Shen Feng and Xu Xing to get in.
"Mr. Shen, we will also tow your glider to the manor. Don't worry, I have prepared a banquet at the manor, and we can have dinner together!" Tom said to Shen Feng.
Shen Feng got into the car and sat down, with Xu Xing sitting next to him. The group then headed out of the city to a manor outside the city. There was a very large manor here, with a surrounding forest that was part of the manor. Within the manor, there was a castle built on a mountain. From the top of the castle, one could overlook the surroundings.
Upon arriving at the manor, Tom laid out a banquet and invited Shen Feng and Xu Xing to sit down. Many servants immediately began to serve them, with various exquisite foods placed on the dining table. A maid thoughtfully tied a napkin for Shen Feng, and Xu Xing received the same treatment.
"Mr. Shen, the reason I invited you to my manor is actually for a transaction! I would like to ask for your help in killing a swarm of mutated locusts. In return, I can provide you with clues about aliens, as well as many precious gifts!" Tom said to Shen Feng earnestly.
"You want me to fight for you? Your calculations are quite good. You want me to fight for you, and then you can dismiss me with just a few clues! I'll be risking my life against the locusts!" Shen Feng expressed his dissatisfaction upon hearing the terms of the transaction.
Tom immediately said seriously, "Mr. Shen, don't refuse so quickly. I have gifts here that you can't refuse. I'll have the servants bring them up right away!"
Tom then nodded to the servants, and a servant immediately left the dining hall to push out a display car. Above the display car was a glass cover, creating a completely sealed space filled with inert gas. Only precious items were stored in such display cars.
"Mr. Shen, please take a look. This is your proud national treasure. Don't you want to take it back?" Tom then pressed the light switch, and the items inside the display car were immediately illuminated.