Chapter 394: The Elder

Chapter 394: The Elder

Chapter 394: The Elder

The unexpected call from Xingtian gave Zhang Yi crucial insights into the looming threat.

1. The shelter could soon face a joint assault by Tianhai City’s four major factions.

2. The attack would likely occur in the near future.

While confident in the shelter’s defenses, Zhang Yi remained cautious.

The western alliance lacked a figure like Chen Xinian or the firepower of large-scale bunker-buster missiles. They could not destroy the shelter’s core—its underground third-level space.

Moreover, their grievances with Zhang Yi weren’t deep enough to warrant a mutually destructive campaign. If the cost outweighed the benefits, the alliance would likely abandon the assault.

“Prepare for the worst, and fight the fiercest battle we’ve ever fought. Only by shocking all of Tianhai City can we ensure peace,” Zhang Yi reasoned.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Yi decided to cooperate with Qingpu Base, offering 10 tons of food in exchange for their neutrality. He would, however, only pay a deposit initially.

Reducing the number of enemy factions would significantly increase the odds of holding the shelter.

That night, Zhang Yi convened a meeting, explaining the situation to everyone.

When the group learned of the possible combined attack by the western factions, their expressions turned grim.

The pressure was far greater than what they had faced against Xishan Base.

Yang Xinxin, however, spoke up with surprising calm.

“I don’t think the situation is as dire as it seems. The western factions may appear united, but they don’t fully trust each other.”

“Only Yangsheng and Chaoyu Bases have real conflicts with us. The Followers of the Snow God and Qingpu Base were roped in—they’re less invested.”

“They’re likely to act halfheartedly, avoiding a true fight to the death. If we can persuade Qingpu Base to withdraw, our burden will lessen even further.”

Her analysis prompted thoughtful nods from the group.

Uncle You crossed his arms and commented, “Our greatest weakness is manpower. If the enemy overwhelms us with numbers, splitting up to fight will be a big disadvantage.”

Zhang Yi gestured to the terrain outside the window.

“We can rely on the defensive line for the first wave.”

“The area around the shelter isn’t open. Two small hills form natural barriers behind us. With the snow making the slopes slippery, an assault from that direction is highly unlikely.”

“That means the main attack will come from the front, within a 120° arc.”

Zhang Yi traced a curve on the table with a water-dampened finger.

“Our firepower is concentrated in this sector.”

“Our goal isn’t to defeat them outright—it’s to repel them. We need to demonstrate enough strength to earn their respect and establish this area as a no-go zone.”

Xu Pangzi furrowed his brows.

“Even if only three factions attack, the pressure will still be immense. I feel like our first line of defense might fall quickly, forcing us to retreat inside the shelter.”

“Our strongest defenses are the shelter itself and your Dimensional Gate, boss. But if they use large-scale equipment or special superhumans to breach the shelter, what then?”

He spread his hands in exasperation.

“Yangsheng Base has plenty of fuel and the ability to transport heavy machinery. Plus, who knows what abilities their superhumans might bring?”

Zhang Yi merely smiled, exuding calm confidence.

“Don’t worry about those scenarios. If it comes to that, I’ll handle it.”

Though Zhang Yi disliked war, his strength was undeniable. After the Xishan Base battle, he had absorbed the abilities of Ling Feng and other notable superhumans, becoming even more formidable.

If Zhang Yi’s offensive power rated a 100, his defensive capability easily surpassed 1,000.

His confidence reassured the group, their faces relaxing. Everyone knew Zhang Yi’s cautious and methodical nature. If he was this confident, the situation was manageable.

As they discussed plans, Hua Hua, the mutated cat, suddenly perked up on the sofa beside Zhang Yi.

Its heterochromatic eyes narrowed, fixed on something outside.

“Meow—”

The warning cry was tinged with alertness.

Everyone followed Hua Hua’s gaze, their tension rising.

Hua Hua’s heightened senses often detected threats humans couldn’t perceive.

The dark, snowy expanse outside the window revealed little—a landscape of white under faint light. The wind howled, and something seemed to move slowly through the storm.

“Let’s check it out.”

Zhang Yi’s Golden Desert Eagle appeared in his hand, the safety off. He carried Hua Hua as he approached the window.

The others followed cautiously, ready for anything.

Through his binoculars, Zhang Yi finally discerned a figure trudging through the snow.

An elderly man, wrapped in a gray robe, leaned heavily on a cane as he approached, step by labored step.

No one mistook him for an ordinary elder.

In this bitter cold, even a healthy man wouldn’t venture out without reason.

“Definitely a superhuman,” Zhang Yi assessed. “But from which faction, and why is he here?”

There were no signs of additional people nearby, suggesting the old man came alone.

If so, he either had immense confidence in his strength or believed Zhang Yi wouldn’t harm him.

Uncle You suddenly exclaimed, breaking the silence.

“I recognize him! That’s the Great Decree from the Followers of the Snow God!”

“The Followers of the Snow God!”

The name sent ripples through the group.

One of Tianhai City’s major factions, the cult was both mysterious and notorious.

“What could they want now?” Zhou Ke’er asked warily.

Zhang Yi’s mind raced, connecting dots.

Qingpu Base and the Followers of the Snow God had no direct enmity with him. Both had been coerced into the alliance by Yangsheng and Chaoyu Bases.

But no one acted without self-interest.

If Qingpu Base sought a deal, perhaps the Followers of the Snow God were here for a similar reason.

Yang Xinxin’s voice broke his thoughts.

“The Followers of the Snow God have always had strained relations with the other factions. If we want to undermine the alliance, they’re the best place to start.”

Zhang Yi lowered the binoculars, his gaze sharp.

“True. But I have no goodwill toward their cult.”

The Followers’ predecessor, a Japanese sect known for ruinous exploitation, had destroyed countless families. Now, in the apocalypse, they claimed to be saviors?

Zhang Yi wasn’t buying it.

Even the western bases despised them.

Yang Xinxin smiled.

“If they’re useful, it doesn’t matter whether we like them. We can still talk.”

Zhang Yi nodded. Cooperation depended on mutual benefit, not personal feelings.

He turned to Xu Pangzi.

“Pangzi, you’ll talk to him. Use the mic so I can guide you.”

Xu Pangzi’s face turned pale.

“Boss, I’m the weakest here! Isn’t someone else better suited?”

Zhang Yi’s expression hardened.

“Your abilities are ideal for this snowy environment. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back. He won’t get the chance to hurt you.”

Zhang Yi raised his Golden Desert Eagle.

“If he makes any suspicious moves, I’ll kill him instantly.”

Faced with Zhang Yi’s unyielding gaze, Xu Pangzi reluctantly donned his combat suit and stepped outside.

As Xu Pangzi approached, the elder continued his slow trek, his gray eyes glinting with faint gold.

Through his Aura Sight, he noted Xu Pangzi’s formidable energy, a clear testament to the strength of Zhang Yi’s group.