Chapter 47 Taking the Blow

Chapter 47: Averting Calamity

This restaurant wasn’t a traditional Western-style one, though it did have a conventional dining hall—many tables arranged in a large space with performances like violin or piano on stage.

The most interesting part was the private rooms.

Passing through the hall and into the backyard, one would find an artificial landscape handcrafted by the owner.

A small bridge over flowing water, jagged rockeries, and winding streams.

An artificial lake, roughly two meters wide, meandered through the entire corridor. Standing on the wooden walkway, one could see the clear water, vibrant lotus leaves, and blooming or budding lotus flowers.

The most fascinating part was that Ji An spotted several bright red mutant koi fish, each about a meter long, swimming in the artificial lake.

After the apocalypse, animals mutated. Even the gentlest white rabbits turned into violent, bone-crushing beasts capable of kicking a person’s organs to shreds.

Even docile fish like koi became carnivorous and started hunting humans after mutation.

Many assumed koi didn’t have teeth, but that wasn’t true. Koi teeth, known as pharyngeal teeth, were located in their throats, arranged in a symmetrical "V" shape. Each side had five teeth, totaling ten.

As long as a mutant koi grew large enough to swallow a human, it wouldn’t hesitate to do so.

Some misjudged their prey’s size, getting stuck mid-swallow and choking to death.

Noticing Ji An’s surprise, the restaurant owner proudly explained, “We hired a dedicated animal trainer just for these mutant koi. They’ll be serving your dishes later.”

As they spoke, the group arrived at the private room’s entrance. The room was designed in classic Japanese style—guests even had to remove their shoes before entering.

Fortunately, both Ji An and Gu Jinsheng had no shortage of water and maintained good hygiene, washing their feet daily. Otherwise, the foot odor alone could’ve doubled as a side dish—like a pungent serving of stinky tofu.

Ji An noticed a second artificial lake inside, connecting their private booth to the ones on either side, creating a connected loop that also linked to the outer lake, forming a circular waterway.

The owner grinned. “We’ll be serving your dishes through this water channel.”

A Western restaurant with Japanese decor might seem odd, but it was just another quirk of the apocalypse.

In the wasteland, decor had little to do with the menu.

With food shortages, a Western restaurant couldn’t guarantee steak just because it wanted to sell it, nor could a Japanese eatery always secure seaweed for sushi. Even rice was often scarce.

They cooked whatever ingredients they could get—fried rice and braised pork in a Western-style diner weren’t unusual at all.

As for the decor? That was the restaurant’s main draw.

Getting what you craved was pure luck. Such was life in the apocalypse.

So this mashup decor? Peak post-apocalypse chaos.

After Ji An and Gu Jinsheng placed their orders, it wasn’t long before a meter-long koi swam smoothly up to them, with a tray balanced on its head.

To avoid mix-ups, the tray bore their room number.

You just took your food—the koi would carry the tray back on its own.

Whether it returned the same way or took the circular route depended on the fish’s whims.

“Now this is a fun way to eat,” Ji An said. Money meant the apocalypse could still be luxurious.

“Very poetic,” Gu Jinsheng added.

Soon, the red wine they ordered arrived—not carried by a mutant koi, but brought over on a tiny, palm-sized boat that drifted gently toward them.

At the stern of the boat sat a fisherman wearing a straw hat, rowing with both oars at once.

Ji An took the wine, poured a glass for himself and another for Gu Jinsheng, then raised his cup with a beaming smile. "Gu Jinsheng, congratulations on reaching sixth-level superpowers. May you soon achieve the legendary seventh level!"

"Thank you!" Gu Jinsheng tapped his glass eagerly. "And may you quickly ascend to fourth-level abilities and reach new heights in your research!"

Ji An nodded in thanks, and both drank their wine.

"In a good mood?" Gu Jinsheng asked.

Ever since they got here, Ji An’s smile hadn’t faded, as if he’d hit the jackpot.

"Yes," Ji An replied with a grin.

He was thrilled by everything he’d witnessed today—his inventions, the people, even the lowest in society were slowly improving. Hope lit up their faces, along with anticipation for tomorrow.

This was the golden age Ji An had longed for!

He didn’t care whether his name would be remembered. What mattered was how many more people could survive—and live better lives.

Gu Jinsheng seemed to understand Ji An’s thoughts. His gaze softened as he looked at him, and when Ji An accidentally met his eyes, he immediately looked down, too flustered to meet his stare.

Lately, the way Gu Jinsheng looked at him had become bolder and more tender.

"D-do you remember those kids we rescued last time? Little Stone and Little Rose?" Ji An blurted out a hasty subject change, clearly flustered.

Gu Jinsheng shot him a knowing look but didn’t press further. Instead, he turned his gaze out the window and answered, "I remember. Did you visit them?"

"Yes. Little Stone..." Ji An told Gu Jinsheng about what had happened recently at the orphanage and shared Yuan Mingan’s story.

"I know. That’s why I had her look after those kids," Gu Jinsheng said. "She's doing a great job."

"I hope one day she can reunite with her daughter," Ji An sighed.

"May they reunite," Gu Jinsheng echoed.

Then he asked, "Does it ever bother you? Your nutrient formulas improved everyone’s lives, yet no one recognizes you as the real hero behind it all."

"Not at all," Ji An shook his head. "I just wish tomorrow could be even a little better than today. That’s enough."

Gu Jinsheng looked at him steadily. "The recognition you deserve—I’ll make sure you get it someday. I’ll have you stand atop the highest tower, celebrated for ages."

Ji An’s heart raced—not because of the grand promise, but because of Gu Jinsheng’s heartfelt words. He truly believed Ji An deserved such recognition and wanted to help him attain it immediately.

Throughout the meal, Ji An remained slightly unsettled. Fortunately, Zhou Qin soon called via video.

As soon as Zhou Qin recognized where Gu Jinsheng was, he started whooping dramatically.

"Boss! You're eating at that Western restaurant? It's fancy, super romantic—total date spot! Just way too expensive." Zhou Qin grimaced. "Last time someone set me up on a date, I took her there. It set me back thousands of credits! And still, nothing came of it. Should’ve gone somewhere cheaper!"

Then, with a sly grin, he wiggled his eyebrows. "Boss, you wouldn't be there alone. Let me guess—is Ji An sitting across from you?"

"Yes," Gu Jinsheng admitted bluntly, without hesitation or pretense.

Zhou Qin let out an exaggerated yelp of excitement.

Neither of them seemed particularly affected, but Ji An nearly choked on his water. Gu Jinsheng quickly handed him a handkerchief and patted his back. Once Ji An had recovered, he turned to Zhou Qin with a deadpan expression: "You scared Ji An."

Zhou Qin gave Gu Jinsheng a look, “Boss, didn’t know you had it in you to tell lame jokes! Why not say he scared me too?”

That day, Ji An’s three arrows hadn’t just shaken Zhou Qin. He could bet that at least eighty percent of the people present would be left with psychological scars, developing a lasting fear of all psychic-type supers.

Gu Jinsheng’s face was cold, his eyes lacking the softness they held when facing Ji An. His tone was flat, even slightly dismissive: “Get to the point.”

“Yeah, yeah, you emotionless machine. Can’t I even call for a casual chat unless it’s official business?” Zhou Qin grumbled.

Gu Jinsheng didn’t reply, but the condescending look in his eyes made his meaning unmistakable.

If this were anyone other than Gu Jinsheng on the line, Zhou Qin would’ve exploded in curses.

Taking a deep breath, Zhou Qin deliberately mimicked Gu Jinsheng’s blank expression and spoke in a stiff, businesslike manner: “Boss, lately a lot of supers in the base have been trading Zombie Cores on the side to power up. These newly powered-up supers have unstable abilities and want to go out on missions.

Since we four also recently powered up our abilities, I was thinking maybe we should go out too, get some field experience to stabilize our strength.”

“Agreed.” Gu Jinsheng didn’t hesitate. “But we can’t all leave at once. Compile a list of everyone who powered up recently. If there are a lot of low-level supers, you, me, Kong Zhongcheng, and Wan Xueying will each lead two teams of low-levelers on rotating training runs.

Intermediate and high-level supers can form their own squads.”

“Understood.” Zhou Qin nodded, then grinned cheekily, “Well then, have fun on your date, Boss!”

“Thanks,” Gu Jinsheng replied.

After ending the video call, Ji An immediately said, “Can I tag along? I may be a peak Level 3 super, but I can take on opponents above my level. You know my skills—I won’t slow the base down.”

“Of course I know,” Gu Jinsheng said. “You’re a mental-type super. You really don’t need—”

“But I want to,” Ji An insisted firmly. “You should know I’m no hot-house flower. As much as I love research, I equally despise being helpless.”

Gu Jinsheng met Ji An’s gaze as Ji An repeated his determination, “Besides, I need to stabilize my powers. They’ve risen too fast since I came to the base. Combat is the only way to solidify them.”

“Alright,” Gu Jinsheng finally relented.

They decided to hunt zombies the next day. After dinner, Gu Jinsheng sent Ji An back to rest while he went to the command center to iron out the details for tomorrow’s route and personnel with Zhou Qin.

Perhaps because of the mission, Gu Jinsheng got home relatively early, arriving around ten past ten.

Ji An had already gone to bed but woke up again upon hearing him come in. Though there was nothing to do, he still came out to greet Gu Jinsheng.

“Everything’s set. We leave at eight tomorrow morning—ten people total: you, me, Zhou Qin, Gou Chong, three Level 3 supers, and three early Level 4s.”

Gu Jinsheng explained, “There won’t be any high-tier zombies on this mission. With me and Zhou Qin leading, it’ll be good field practice for some promising lower-level supers.”

“No problem. I’m a low-leveler anyway,” Ji An said.

“You’re the exception. Someone who can shoot a Level 6 super into idiocy with three arrows isn’t something you measure by rank. Go back to sleep.”

“Okay.”

Ji An thought they’d just chug a nutrient shake and head out early the next morning, but instead, the smell of cooking roused him from sleep.

As he walked out, Gu Jinsheng said, “Wash up. Just finishing up the last dish.”

After washing up, Ji An saw two large bowls of mutated beef noodles on the table.

The beef was cut into thick cubes, stir-fried with chili peppers into a rich sauce, poured over hand-pulled noodles—a fiery red that made your mouth water.

Beside it was a platter of ham, intestines, and beef tendon, along with a spicy tossed salad of dried tofu strips.

Gu Jinsheng sat down and poured Ji An a glass of water. "Drink some water first before eating. Fortunately, we have nutrient supplements now—a lot of ingredients are easier to get."

What Gu Jinsheng didn’t mention was that prices had gone up too. Clearly, nutrient supplements and gourmet food were now catering to two different groups—one for the masses, the other for the elite.

As nutrient supplements became more widespread, this gap would only widen. But that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. High-end spending would always be around, as long as regular folks had food and shelter.

"You woke up super early, huh?" Ji An felt a little embarrassed. If Gu Jinsheng said it wasn’t for him, Ji An wouldn’t buy it. Knowing Gu Jinsheng’s personality, if it weren’t for him, he’d already have pushed the team to move out. Who needs fancy meals? Just pass out nutrient packs while moving.

With that kind of thoughtfulness, who wouldn’t be touched?

"Thank you," Ji An said.

"Glad you liked it," Gu Jinsheng replied.

After breakfast, Gu Jinsheng drove Ji An to HQ. Despite the meal, they weren’t late—several others hadn’t arrived yet.

Zhou Qin, with his nose working overtime, sniffed around them like a detective dog.

"That smells amazing! Did you cook this morning? Let me guess what it is." Zhou Qin sniffed dramatically. "Beef, chili peppers—spicy stir-fried beef? No, more like minced meat sauce. And what else? Ham, offal, beef tendon... There’s something else I can’t quite place. The onion scent is so strong—could it be shredded dried tofu stir-fried with onions?"

Dead on. Ji An rolled his eyes skyward.

The heavens had gifted superpowered individuals with heightened senses, and Zhou Qin wasted his on sniffing out people’s meals?

Gu Jinsheng remained expressionless, pretending not to hear anything.

"Seriously, Ji An? You’re pampering the boss way too hard!" Zhou Qin clutched his chest theatrically. "At this hour, with no time to spare, and you still got up to make beef noodles for him?"

"Ji An, you're already so skilled in tech and combat, and now you're this domestic too? Leave some talent for the rest of us, will you?"

The other supers present stole glances at their leader, eyes filled with envy—and jealousy they dared not show.

At last, Gu Jinsheng spoke up. "I made it."

"What?!" Zhou Qin’s voice squeaked. The others, who had been sneaking peeks at the pair, were so shocked they jerked their heads toward Gu Jinsheng. A few even cricked their necks with loud pops, followed by pained groans.

Ji An gave a sheepish nod.

Zhou Qin stared in disbelief. "Boss, you kill zombies with those hands… and cook too? And the food's actually edible?"

Gu Jinsheng turned to Ji An. "Was it good?"

Ji An nodded obediently like a little hamster. "Heavenly."

Gu Jinsheng glanced back at Zhou Qin, and Ji An couldn’t help but notice a hint of smugness in his expression.

Zhou Qin gaped like a fish. "Boss, I thought you couldn’t cook to save your life."

"I learned."

"From who?" Zhou Qin gritted his teeth. Who had secretly taught Gu Jinsheng to cook without telling the rest of them? Traitor!

"My mom."

Zhou Qin instantly deflated. "Oh… Auntie? Does she know who you're cooking for? And why?"

Gu Jinsheng frowned. "Of course. I’m not some heartless scumbag."

Neither seemed bothered by the conversation—only Ji An, his ears burning in silence.

Ji An recalled the day he first arrived at the base and entered the house. At that time, he had just met Commander Gu’s mother and thought she was an exceptionally kind woman.

Later, Commander Gu’s mother, who had been too busy to greet him earlier, doubled back just to say hello and even gave him a jar of fish sauce.

That fish sauce was incredibly delicious—it had that homemade flavor his classmates used to rave about.

Did Commander Gu’s mother pick up on something back then? Otherwise, why would she go out of her way to greet a stranger like him and even bring a gift?

Realizing it might’ve been a sneaky parent meet-and-greet made Ji An’s heart race uncontrollably.

But the truth was, there was nothing between him and Gu Jinsheng—they were still just friends.

Zhou Qin, thoroughly crushed, sighed dramatically, “No wonder I’m still single—I guess I’m just not trying hard enough!!!”

Amid the laughter and chatter, all the superpowered were present. Zhou Qin took roll, and the group set off in a large van.

Gu Jinsheng and Ji An sat together on a double seat. Gu Jinsheng took out a thin blanket from his spatial inventory and draped it over Ji An.

“Take a nap. The journey isn’t too long—just a small village on the outskirts of the capital. We’ll be there by the time you wake up,” Gu Jinsheng said.

“It’s fine, I’m not sleepy. I haven’t left the base in months, so I’d like to see the scenery outside.”

Outside the base, there were hardly any people in sight—only rusting car husks and public facilities destroyed by zombies.

Zhou Qin had already mapped out the route and now briefed the team again: “This time, we’re hunting a small zombie horde—just fifty or sixty tops. The highest-level zombie leader is barely Level 4.

Most of our team members are Level 4 or above, with only three at Level 3. Plus, with Commander-in-Chief Gu and me here, this trip is a cakewalk—basically a field trip.”

The atmosphere in the van was relaxed. With a team like this and the zombies’ low level, it was basically pros bullying noobs—nothing but ruthless domination.

“Still, you three Level 3s shouldn’t let your guard down. Stick close to higher-level teammates to avoid getting isolated. If you’re unlucky enough to run into a zombie stronger than you, you’ll be in trouble.”

“Understood, Commander Zhou.”

Zhou Qin grinned. “As for Ji An, all I can say is—any zombie that runs into you should pray for mercy. Oh, and if I accidentally get into trouble, please bail me out, big shot!”

Ji An chuckled. He knew Zhou Qin was just teasing him—Zhou Qin was no slouch. He had already been a Level 4 before and had now advanced to Level 5.

So far, the highest recorded superpower level was Level 7. That would mean the person had awakened their power right at the start of the apocalypse and managed to advance a whole major rank every year—not leveling up—it’s cheating physics.

That kind of progression speed was terrifyingly fast and practically impossible. In reality, many people had resorted to underhanded tricks to climb the ranks.

The first two years had been the darkest—law and order vanished, morals went out the window, and people were flying blind. Some superpowered discovered that absorbing their comrades’ Crystal Cores allowed them to advance faster without barriers, leading them down a dark path.

Later, as more people adopted this method and time passed—two years since the first case—the drawbacks began to surface.

The top-tier among them started turning feral, with those lacking self-control even showing signs of mental breakdowns.

At first, people thought it was their abilities backfiring and were terrified.

Fortunately, by then, some major bases had begun restoring order, and researchers had returned to their posts. Upon investigation, they uncovered the truth.

Those who had undergone drastic personality changes or suffered mental collapses weren’t experiencing ability side effects—they were suffering from the consequences of absorbing other superpowered individuals’ Cores.

After witnessing the tragic fates of those who had absorbed Cores, even the ambition-drunk grew fearful and stopped the practice.

Still, a few couldn’t resist the temptation of shortcuts. However, with China now largely stabilized and bases enforcing their own rules, they had united to ban the absorption of Cores.

Even if someone still wanted to do it, they wouldn’t dare act openly—only under the radar. And if caught, they’d get the book thrown at them.

Those who absorb zombie cores and ascend to Level 5 or 6 within seven years into the apocalypse are truly formidable individuals—figures not to be underestimated.

Zhou Qin and Gu Jinsheng went over some final instructions with the group before the vehicle arrived at their destination.

Zhou Qin stored the car in his space, then pulled out several grenades, handing out two to every superpowered individual present.

"If the enemy’s within our ability to take down, engage. If not, signal for reinforcements. And if that's impossible, use a grenade—but only if you're absolutely sure it won’t hit your teammates.

Don’t just throw one recklessly when you’re in danger, not caring how many allies are nearby. You might survive, but what about them? They’d be blown to smithereens.

Let me make this clear—you can’t just do whatever you want and think surviving excuses everything. Our base has no room for selfish bastards like that. Even if you live, I guarantee the consequences will be ten thousand times worse than dying outright."

Everyone shuddered as they recalled how the base punished rogue superhumans from M-nation and R-nation.

It really was terrifying.

"Think about your families too. Your execution video and the reason behind it would be broadcast on phones and TVs. Do you think they could handle it? Would they even be allowed to stay in Jing City Base afterward?

I guarantee no other base would touch them if Jing City said so. Even if some remote, impoverished settlement ignorant of our power took them in, life there wouldn't compare to here. Those backwater holes are probably so broke they still eat people."

Zhou Qin wasn’t exaggerating. The others knew full well Jing City Base was capable of exactly that.

Since its founding, under Commander-in-Chief Gu Jinsheng, the base had always maintained an iron-fisted rule of reward and punishment.

"All right," Zhou Qin announced. "The hunt begins now. Team up in pairs."

Ji An naturally stayed with Gu Jinsheng. As barely Level 3, sticking with the top brass was a no-brainer.

Gou Chong paired with Zhou Qin, while the remaining Level 4s each partnered with a Level 3.

Once grouped, Gu Jinsheng retrieved blood bags laced with anticoagulant from his space.

He glanced at Ji An. “I’ll throw them. You shoot them with your psychic power.”

“Got it.” Ji An materialized a bow and arrow from pure psychic energy.

Nearby, the newly promoted Level 3s and 4s weren’t part of the inner circle—they were simply brought along for experience after leveling up under the elite’s guidance. They didn’t know Ji An was the one who pulled off that legendary headshot on Cruise.

Assuming he was just another psychic newbie trying to emulate the boss, they let out impressed whistles.

"I saw those same arrows during the execution—the ones that wasted that M-nation bastard. Three shots reduced a Level 6 to drooling pulp!"

"Is yours as strong as the boss’s?"

"You high or something? Of course not! His arrows are insane. This one would barely give someone a papercut."

"Yeah, I heard earlier in the car that Ji An is barely Level 3."

"Kid’s got years of grinding ahead. Filling the boss’s boots ain’t easy."

They weren’t trying to put him down—just figured he was a psychic newbie idolizing the big guy and biting his moves.

Ji An just shrugged it off. Hell, he’d probably talk the same shit if he were them.

"Shoot!" Commander Gu hurled the blood bag far away without any warning, countdown, or preparation.

He threw it incredibly fast and far, yet Ji An's arrow—formed from his mental energy—shot out the moment the command left Gu’s lips.

As soon as Ji An released his first arrow, Commander Gu launched another blood bag, this time in a completely different direction—and without even a single word of warning.

Ji An immediately fired a second arrow, his movements just as swift.

They repeated this coordinated attack three times, leaving the other superpowered operatives—who were unaware of Ji An’s true capabilities—completely blown away.

After a long pause, a smattering of applause erupted, gradually growing louder, mingled with cheers.

"Nice one, Ji An!"

"Great job! Your aim is spot-on! Keep training like this, and one day you’ll be as strong as the elites."

One operative even sighed, "Are support-type psychics this strong now? At this rate, the rest of us might as well be non-combatants."

"They're coming," Commander Gu muttered, twitching his ears as he picked up the distant, shuffling footsteps of zombies—the unmistakable dragging gait of the undead.

Truthfully, they didn’t need the blood bags to attract the horde; making enough noise would do. But the blood bags worked faster, and noise alone would only draw zombies sporadically rather than in concentrated waves. For a training-focused team like theirs, scattered zombies wouldn’t provide enough challenge.

The superpowered operatives paired up, their earlier lightheartedness replaced by solemn focus.

Commander Gu unleashed a wind blast, scattering the zombie horde and creating an opening. "Go!" he barked.

The teams charged forward in pairs. Ji An joined the fray as well—it had been a while since he’d fought zombies, and the thrill was electric.

His arrows streaked through the air, each one striking down a zombie with unerring accuracy.

After landing seven or eight consecutive hits, Ji An found it too easy, dismissing his bow and instead materializing a blade with his psychic energy. He plunged into the fray, slashing left and right.

Commander Gu remained close, neither too near nor too far, ensuring Ji An’s safety without interfering in his combat—purely to sharpen Ji An’s combat skills.

Perhaps because Ji An’s group was too overwhelming, he soon realized the zombies around him had vanished—not just thinned out, but gone entirely.

He scanned the area, confused, and noticed Commander Zhou’s group was similarly zombie-free, looking just as puzzled.

Commander Zhou scratched his head. "What the hell? The zombies just ran off."

Ji An pointed toward the three weaker teams. "They all went over there."

Commander Zhou frowned. "Have zombies evolved tactical sense now? Are they targeting the weakest now?"

"Commander Zhou! Commander-in-Chief Gu! Help! We’re surrounded by zombies—save us!"

The three weaker teams were completely encircled, barely holding out.

"On it!" Commander Zhou responded, charging in with Gou Chong. Ji An and Commander Gu followed suit.

Ji An conjured a massive psychic net, dropping it from above to ensnare a dozen zombies at once. He hurled them skyward, instantly creating a gap in the horde.

"Run!" Ji An shouted. Two operatives bolted through the gap while Commander Gu and Commander Zhou used their powers to carve two more escape routes for the trapped fighters.

They wiped sweat from their brows through their hazard suits, panting. "These zombies seem significantly tougher than others of the same level we’ve faced before."

"And they seem to know how to pick their battles—they all ganged up on us, the weakest ones. Sure, zombies have always had some survival instinct, but never this extreme. Usually, a few dumb ones still try to take on the stronger fighters."

These zombies today are indeed a bit different. Logically speaking, since Ji An and the others snatched food from these brainless, ravenous zombies, it should have been like snatching meat from a starving wolf—these zombies should have gone berserk and lunged at them long ago.

But in reality, after the initial frenzy, the zombies calmed down. It was clear they still desperately wanted to pounce and tear into Ji An and the others, yet they restrained themselves.

One by one, they glared at Ji An and his group with restraint, as if figuring out how best to devour them.

Wait—figuring?

Ji An suddenly sensed something off about the zombie horde. "These zombies... seem to be thinking?"

Zhou Qin muttered, "Zombies don’t have brains, do they? How can they think? Have they evolved intelligence or something?"

"Something’s wrong." Ji An’s eyes swept across the zombie crowd until his finger suddenly pointed toward a dilapidated house behind them. In the window of that house stood a single zombie, silently observing everything unfolding before it.

"A Zombie King?" Zhou Qin asked.

Everything has a leader, and zombies are no exception. Wherever there’s a horde of zombies, there’s a Zombie King.

The Zombie King is usually the strongest in the group, unbeatable by the others, forcing their obedience.

"Capture it!" Gu Jinsheng ordered.

Zhou Qin and Gou Chong immediately charged forward, while Gu Jinsheng and Ji An stayed behind to hold off the zombie horde—and to protect the newly advanced superpowered.

The Zombie King seemed to realize it had been spotted and swiftly retreated from the window. A strange, grating roar echoed, sending the entire horde into a frenzy.

They no longer fought recklessly. Instead, they abandoned their primal instincts and began retreating in an organized manner.

Some formed a rearguard, others entangled Ji An and the group, and alarmingly, some used tactics—targeting the weakest superpowered to slow Ji An and the others down.

Ji An and Gu Jinsheng had no choice but to turn back to rescue them. In that brief moment, Zhou Qin and Gou Chong had already charged into the zombie nest.

For some reason, Ji An had a nagging feeling that today’s zombies were off. He turned to Gu Jinsheng and said, "Let’s finish this quickly and go after Zhou Qin. I have a bad feeling about these zombies."

"Agreed. Something’s not right." Gu Jinsheng immediately unleashed Thunder Dragon and a whirlwind, charring part of the horde while shredding the rest into chunks, leaving Zombie Cores scattered everywhere.

Once the immediate threat was dealt with, Ji An and Gu Jinsheng led the superpowered group to catch up with Zhou Qin.

When they arrived, the zombies were already battling Zhou Qin and Gou Chong.

Given Zhou Qin’s strength, fighting lower-tier zombies should have been effortless. Yet now, he was struggling.

This was clearly abnormal. Just then, Ji An noticed something hurtling toward Gou Chong from a distance.

"Gou Chong, watch out!" Zhou Qin, mid-battle, yelled a warning while unleashing his ultimate technique—Endless Night.

A whirlwind of sand and stone erupted, crashing into the zombies before him.

These weren’t ordinary projectiles. Though small, each was superpower-charged—a single grain could explode a zombie’s head on impact, or blast a bloody hole through its chest.

Zhou Qin leaped over the toppled zombies, sprinting toward Gou Chong.

Meanwhile, Gou Chong also noticed the incoming attack—a shapeless surge of energy, like raw superpower without form.

He raised his hand, summoning his wood-based superpower to block it, but his barrier shattered on impact.

Ji An loosed an arrow without waiting to see if it struck the mysterious force. Instead, he swung his aim toward the Zombie King hiding in the horde’s midst.

Gu Jinsheng, meanwhile, was busy shielding six superpowered relentlessly hounded by zombies, unable to help.

The zombies seemed to know that those six superpowered were the weakest, attacking them relentlessly. This wasn’t just a fight to the death or mutual annihilation—it was a willingness to die as long as they could delay Gu Jinsheng for even a moment.

This was not a disorganized or undisciplined approach but rather a battle that seemed to be commanded by a leader.

On Gou Chong's side, the superpower he unleashed clashed with that mysterious force, only to be effortlessly dissolved, leaving nothing behind.

The mysterious force was now right in front of him, and at the same time, Zhou Qin came charging through the zombies. Zhou Qin raised his hand, about to release his superpower, when suddenly a tremendous force yanked him forward. His attack went astray, missing the mysterious energy entirely.

Instead, Zhou Qin was dragged directly into the path of that mysterious force. The energy was moments away from piercing Zhou Qin’s skull, leaving him no way to dodge.

Zhou Qin's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Gou Chong, unable to believe that the same brother who had once risked his life to save him from a horde of zombies was now sacrificing him as a human shield!