By this point, Xu Xing finally understood the city lord's way of thinking. The reason he wanted to find others to help was because he needed more supplies to feed the refugees. Relying solely on himself and the city lord, their combined strength was clearly insufficient to support so many refugees.
"What should we do next, City Lord?" Xu Xing continued to ask.
"You should continue to call me Big Brother. Since I don't have a sister, I'll treat you as one. Next, we need to find a place where these refugees can survive," Shen Feng said calmly.
"Then where exactly are we going to find them a home?" Xu Xing continued to voice his questions.
"We'll probably find them a village or town to live in on the western plateau. Then they can farm for themselves and survive. Also, I've secured firearms for them so they can protect themselves. However, I won't be able to escort them away then. You will need to protect them as they leave here," Shen Feng said helplessly.
Shen Feng had already realized that his identity was too important; any casual departure would cause a stir. Therefore, it was impossible for him to leave for a while. In this case, Xu Xing would be the only one escorting these refugees.
Xu Xing nodded and said, "Big Brother, don't worry. Leave this to me, and I will definitely complete this mission!"
Behind a large rock outside the military camp, in a place sheltered from the wind, many refugees were hiding. The refugees behind this rock were discussing amongst themselves, all doubting if they would receive help. They had seen news online that Shen Feng was a benevolent wind god who treated everyone kindly. However, they were now in North America, and the situation might be different. They prayed fervently.
"Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Three Pure Ones, respected God, Allah, please bless us so we can return to China. If you can make our wish come true, we will reshape your statues and worship you daily!" they couldn't help but chant in their hearts.
It was evident that these Chinese refugees adhered to traditional Chinese beliefs. Chinese faith was very complex, primarily emphasizing pragmatism. Regardless of where the deities came from, as long as they were effective, they would be worshipped. Even folk deities like fox spirits and ghost spirits were worshipped. Now, in their time of need for divine protection, these people didn't care which deity they invoked, chanting all of them. As long as it worked, it was fine.
As everyone prayed, Xu Xing walked out of the military camp. Soon after, many trucks also emerged from the camp. Soldiers with stern expressions were transporting supplies on these trucks, carrying large bags and packages of food.
"Thank heavens, we're saved! I didn't expect Immortal Xu to have so much influence. Now we'll get food, and we can survive. Truly, heaven has blessed us!" Upon seeing Xu Xing appear, the refugees cheered, feeling that they could now survive.
These Chinese refugees had a deep understanding of suffering. Many of their elders had starved to death due to lack of food. Now, with countless provisions laid before them, they could foresee a better future.
"Our ancestors' words are true: having more friends when traveling abroad opens more paths, and having more enemies builds more walls. Now that we've latched onto Immortal Xu, we'll surely prosper," they cheered, knowing they could return to China.
However, Xu Xing approached and said, "I'm sorry, but we cannot take you back to China. We can only find a place for you to settle. From now on, if you want to survive and have a better life, you will have to rely on your own strength. I have secured firearms and food for you. Later, I will find a town for you in the western region, and you will live there!"
"Why is it like this? Weren't you going to take us back to China? Why are you leaving us here?" The refugees could not accept this answer and began to question.
However, Xu Xing had just learned a trick from Shen Feng: if a conversation wasn't going well, just turn and walk away. Understanding this, he immediately said, "If you don't need my help, then I'll have to leave. You can fend for yourselves. Also, Sister Niu, you can come with me!"
After saying this, Xu Xing made as if to leave. As he turned, he was immediately blocked by the surrounding refugees. These refugees were very anxious. They had gone to great lengths to find out Shen Feng and Xu Xing's whereabouts and had traveled a great distance seeking help. If they didn't get help, wouldn't their journey be in vain? Moreover, finding a place to live was already good enough; they had no right to be picky.
"Immortal Xu, we absolutely do not blame you. We were just too excited earlier and spoke without thinking. We'll do as you say!" The refugees quickly changed their tune, no longer questioning why.
These immigrants were intelligent people, which was why they could come to a foreign country. They were also good at reading the room. Seeing that Xu Xing was unwilling to help, they quickly changed their words.
Xu Xing gradually realized that when these people sought help, they had praised him highly. But as soon as things didn't go their way, they immediately started questioning. It was clear that these people were somewhat snobbish.
'I treated you as fellow countrymen, and you treated me like a fool! If I had seen through your true colors earlier, I wouldn't have helped!' Xu Xing thought to himself.
Niu Jinling also walked up to Xu Xing, a hint of joy in her eyes. "Can I be taken back to China?"
"Sister Niu, your request is fine. When we complete our mission and are about to return, we will take you. However, for now, you should still go with everyone to live in the town. After all, there are infectious diseases in the military camp, and it wouldn't be good if you and the child got infected!" Xu Xing explained.
The other refugees heard this and looked at Niu Jinling with envy. It was clear they all felt Niu Jinling was very fortunate to have been chosen to return home.
Upon hearing this, Niu Jinling was on the verge of tears. She then said, "I regret not listening to my father. If I had listened to him and not gone abroad, I would probably have a safe life back home now. But my mother also died abroad. Even if I regret it now, I can't bring her back to life."
Xu Xing distributed the food and firearms to everyone and told them to quickly find a place to cook. They should eat before setting off.
Niu Jinling also ate a hot meal then, finally having milk to feed her child. However, she suddenly remembered something and quickly said to Xu Xing in a low voice, "Immortal Xu, I have an important secret that I must tell you. If I don't tell you now, I don't know if I'll have another chance. That is, never go west; it's best to go southwest, because the west is dangerous!"
"I haven't heard of any threats in the west. We just came from Salt Lake City, and I didn't see any major dangers. Instead, it's a plateau, and we shouldn't be threatened," Xu Xing honestly revealed his true thoughts.
"The danger I'm talking about is not from mutated animals or insects, but from underground," Niu Jinling said to Xu Xing in a low voice.
"Then tell me in detail. I don't understand what you mean. What kind of danger can there be underground?" Xu Xing dared not underestimate any information and quickly inquired.
Niu Jinling explained, "Actually, my major is geology. Before, I studied the Yellowstone Volcano. Recently, I heard that the hot springs at Yellowstone Volcano haven't erupted for a long time. This indicates that the volcano is accumulating energy. When enough energy is accumulated, it will erupt. Calculating the time, 600,000 years is about due, and it's time for Yellowstone Volcano to erupt! The cessation of hot spring eruptions means that the energy accumulated by the volcano cannot be released!"
"I roughly understand what you mean. You mean that if we go west, we might reach the area where the Yellowstone Volcano is located, and the volcanic eruption will bring danger. Is that what you mean?" Xu Xing quickly asked.
"That's right, that's what I mean. So, once the Yellowstone Volcano erupts, the entire North American continent will suffer disaster. However, as long as the distance is sufficient, there will be more time to react, and the chance of survival will be greater. That's why I suggested we go southwest. Eastern big cities won't accept us, and the west has the threat of the Yellowstone Volcano. We can only go southwest. The journey might be longer, but it's safer!" Niu Jinling said earnestly.
"Since you've explained it so clearly, I agree with your plan. I will take you to the southwest to find an uninhabited town and let you settle there," Xu Xing replied.
Next, Niu Jinling earnestly explained the Yellowstone Volcano. Yellowstone Volcano was once the largest active volcano on Earth. Although it is not the largest now, its power is still not to be underestimated. This volcano erupts every 600,000 years. The last eruption directly plunged the Earth into a cold winter that lasted for more than a decade. A large number of creatures starved to death, and even primitive humans at the time struggled to survive. If the Yellowstone Volcano erupts again, the entire Earth will face a catastrophe, and humanity in North America will be the first to bear the impact.
Calculating the time, the last eruption of the Yellowstone Volcano was more than 600,000 years ago, and it is now due to erupt. Especially the cessation of hot spring eruptions, which further indicates that the Yellowstone Volcano is accumulating energy.
The hot springs around the volcano are actually releasing heat continuously. Therefore, around the Yellowstone Volcano, there is the world's largest hot spring area. Some of these hot springs can reach over 100 degrees Celsius. Ordinary water only reaches 100 degrees Celsius, but the hot springs contain many ions. The presence of these ions increases the boiling point of water. At this point, the hot springs are no longer pure water but are close to a solution, so the temperature is higher.
Therefore, the existence of hot springs is good for the volcano releasing energy. However, similarly, if the hot springs stop releasing energy, the energy accumulated in the volcano will be higher, and the next volcanic eruption will be more powerful.
After learning the secret about the Yellowstone Volcano, Xu Xing looked at the crowd around him. He found that everyone had basically eaten their fill, and the children's faces showed smiles. Then she announced, "Since everyone has eaten their fill, let's set off quickly and try to find your destination within a month!"
"Thank you, Immortal Xu!" The refugees said thankfully.
Now, the refugees held many firearms and ammunition. With these weapons in hand, they had the ability to protect themselves. Once they encountered danger, they could at least resist.
The team then set off in a mighty procession. Among the crowd, several trucks were traveling, replacing people's feet. After all, walking on foot in the current winter with heavy snowfall would make it more difficult to find a suitable place. It was more convenient to travel with the help of trucks.
Shen Feng stood in the distance and waved. Xu Xing also waved in response.