Chapter 228

Chapter 228

Zhang Ren opened his mouth, ready to continue his defense, but Xiao Hua was already impatient. She strode over and knocked him out with a single chop. The man collapsed to the ground, encased in ice, ensuring he wouldn’t wake up anytime soon.

Xiao Hua glanced at the tightly shut dormitory doors, lowered her eyes, and remained silent for a moment before speaking, "It’s likely there are innocent people inside, captured for experiments. Let’s take care of Dr. Cao first, then find an opportunity to rescue them."

"No."

Xiao Hua looked up, her eyes showing clear surprise.

Luo Ning suddenly spoke up in opposition, something Xiao Hua hadn’t anticipated in the least. After all, this girl was usually quiet and shy, nothing like Su Mo’s feigned innocence and kindness.

Luo Ning pursed her lips, her hands slightly clenched, but her gaze was fixed straight on Xiao Hua.

"Xiao Ying is covered in wounds—knife cuts, electric burns, whip marks—things no one should have to endure. They’ve likely suffered just as much. I want to save them now."

Xiao Hua was silent for a moment, then smiled slightly, "Fine, we’ll split into two teams."

Luo Ning was momentarily taken aback, seemingly not expecting it to be so easy.

Xiao Hua didn’t explain further. Her eyes swept over the group as she lazily asked, "Who’s staying to rescue them? Speak up now."

Kong Yu’s expression didn’t change, but he answered swiftly, "Me."

Zhao Ye looked left at Bai Mu, then right at Kong Yu, his brows furrowed as he hesitated. The balance slowly tipped to the left, and he finally gritted his teeth without saying a word.

"Alright," Xiao Hua nodded lightly, her eyes fixed on Luo Ning as she continued, "Be careful. No matter what, your safety is the priority. Think of yourself and your partner."

Luo Ning hesitated for a moment, then nodded gently.

Xiao Hua breathed a sigh of relief. Honestly, she was worried Luo Ning might lose sight of priorities and risk herself and Kong Yu to save others.

After all, the first time she met this girl, Luo Ning had been completely deceived by Luo Qing. Kindness is good, but in this apocalypse, even a little extra can get you killed.

The group of five divided once more. Kong Yu and Luo Ning stayed to rescue the captives, while Xiao Hua, Bai Mu, and Zhao Ye went to find Dr. Cao.

Now the team was completely scattered. Following the usual pattern, this would be Dr. Cao’s trap, with the elite squad surrounded, everyone in grave danger.

—But Xiao Hua wasn’t the least bit worried. She saw it as splitting into three groups, striking from multiple angles.

She leaned slightly closer to Bai Mu’s ear and teased with a smile, "We’re down to three. What if we can’t take Dr. Cao?"

Zhao Ye overheard and immediately patted his chest, assuring, "Sis Hua, don’t sweat it. I won’t slow you down."

Xiao Hua closed her eyes, "..."

Damn it, I’m flirting with my boyfriend—why are you interrupting?!

She clenched her teeth, her glare at Zhao Ye was anything but kind.

Bai Mu lowered his eyes and smiled softly, reaching out to turn Xiao Hua’s face back to his, their eyes meeting. "Go for it. I won’t let anything happen to you."

His gaze was soft yet intense, brimming with unwavering confidence. Xiao Hua felt herself sinking into it, her heart pounding.

She smiled slightly, blinking her right eye, "Alright."

Xiao Hua knew the weight of Bai Mu’s words and understood his confidence in his own strength. It was a 100% guarantee.

In fact, it was only in the past few days, after she learned that Bai Mu had reached level seven, that she truly felt he was a peerless master, standing above everyone else.

Her gut told her Bai Mu’s true strength eclipsed everyone else’s. Perhaps his powers weren’t inherently strong in attack, but when the level reached a certain point, it meant absolute dominance.

It was only at this moment that Xiao Hua truly realized what it meant to be a level seven god in the story, and what the chasm between level six and level seven signified.

Xiao Hua couldn’t help but sigh with melancholy. During this time, she had been constantly on the move, yet she hadn’t encountered any level seven zombies, not even level six ones were common. Her level had been stuck at the late stage of level six.

When would she finally break through and hit level seven?