Chapter 474: The Gathering

Chapter 474: The Gathering

Zhang Yi received the message and immediately began pondering its deeper implications.

“Gather at the Bai Xue Jiao? Why not choose another place? Why that rundown spot?”

“Wait… they want us to bring all our combat forces. Is this a plan for a major battle with the zombies?”

“If they’re confident enough to initiate a fight, did they uncover some critical intelligence?”

As Zhang Yi paced back and forth by the living room window, deep in thought, Yang Xinxin rolled by in her wheelchair.

Noticing his contemplative expression, she tilted her head and asked, “Brother, what’s troubling you this time?”

Zhang Yi smiled and waved her over.

“You came at the perfect time. Come take a look!”

After Yang Xinxin approached, Zhang Yi handed her the investigation team’s message.

She lowered her gaze, pondering briefly before breaking into a smile.

“Brother, this is great news!”

Zhang Yi chuckled. “Explain in detail—what’s so great about it?”

Yang Xinxin locked eyes with him, her smile unwavering. “What’s the defining trait of the Bai Xue Jiao?”

“Hmm… well, they’re dirt poor. Aside from their large population, they don’t have much else. Are you saying it’s because of their numbers?”

Yang Xinxin nodded.

“Exactly. Their sheer population is their most significant feature.”

She teased, “It’s also their only noteworthy advantage.”

Zhang Yi recalled the Bai Xue Jiao’s combat methods.

Their weaponry was outdated, and their combatants were weak.

In battles with other factions, they often resorted to suicide tactics, trading lives to gain an edge.

Such brutal and savage strategies had earned them a foothold in Tianhai City.

Yang Xinxin continued, “If zombies truly prey on humans selectively, then the massive Bai Xue Jiao population would undoubtedly attract the most zombies.” 𝐫Ａ𐌽ɵBĘṦ

“The investigation team wants us to gather at the Bai Xue Jiao and bring all our combat forces. Their intent is clear.”

“They plan to wage a massive battle against the zombies there. With the Bai Xue Jiao’s people and the combined forces of other factions, it will undoubtedly become the most conspicuous target in all of Tianhai City!”

Hearing her analysis, a realization dawned on Zhang Yi.

His eyes lit up as he looked at Yang Xinxin in surprise.

“If that’s the case, doesn’t it mean they’ve figured out how to deal with the zombie horde?”

Their five-person squad had witnessed the terrifying might of the zombie horde.

Under the command of the intelligent Zombie King, the zombie army, bolstered by Bronze Armored Zombies with combat power rivaling superhumans, had been unstoppable.

Yang Xinxin tilted her head with a smile.

“Since this investigation team was sent by Jiangnan District, their strength is undoubtedly exceptional.

“But the key lies in intelligence! Intelligence!”

She wagged her delicate finger, emphasizing her point to Zhang Yi.

“They have more sources of information than we do. Plus, with the combined data from all factions, they understand the zombie horde far better than we ever could.”

“So naturally, they’d find a way to deal with it quickly.”

Zhang Yi found her reasoning sound.

“Now that I think about it, the main reason we failed the last mission was our lack of understanding of the underground environment.”

“We never even encountered the Zombie King. We had to piece together fragmented information, which led to a fear of the unknown.”

On the other hand, Zhang Yi had to admit that the seven-person squad’s combat prowess far exceeded that of his team.

Bian Junwu’s strength aside, even his subordinates were top-tier by Tianhai City standards—comparable to the leaders of various bases.

Just imagining a team comprising individuals of Zhang Yi’s, Xiao Honglian’s, or Wei Dinghai’s caliber sent shivers down his spine.

Leaning back on the sofa, Zhang Yi said casually, “In that case, let’s head over and see what they’ve got planned.”

“Such large-scale mobilization doesn’t affect us much anyway.”

Their small numbers afforded them flexibility.

Whether advancing or retreating, they could act swiftly.

Without ordinary people holding them back, Zhang Yi’s group could maintain composure on any battlefield.

“Alright, we’ll make the trip. Let’s see what tricks they have up their sleeves!”

With that, Zhang Yi summoned everyone to the living room for a meeting.

Once the group assembled, he shared the message.

Uncle You, with his keen sense for war, immediately remarked,

“This is it, isn’t it? The human alliance against the zombie army!”

Zhang Yi reclined on the sofa, his expression relaxed.

As part of an alliance, there’d be plenty of cannon fodder to bear the brunt of the pressure, leaving them less to worry about.

And with the elite seven-person squad leading the charge, things seemed promising.

He said, “This fight was inevitable! As long as the zombie problem persists, survival here will remain precarious.”

“I’m just surprised at how quickly they moved. They’ve only been here a day and already have a plan.”

“All I can say is, a professional team is indeed professional!”

After his musings, Zhang Yi turned a serious gaze to the group.

“But as always, the most important thing is to prioritize your safety. Life comes first—everything else is secondary. Got it?”

The group nodded in agreement. They’d heard this so often it had become a mantra.

Zhou Ke’er, however, frowned worriedly, her gaze downcast.

“So, you’re all going to the Bai Xue Jiao and leaving us behind at home?”

Zhang Yi nodded without hesitation.

“Non-combatants shouldn’t come. If a battle breaks out, the zombie army’s numbers will be unimaginable. We won’t have the capacity to protect you.”

Thinking about the millions who’d died in Tianhai City, Zhang Yi couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

He had no idea how many of those corpses had turned into zombies.

The unification of the five factions meant facing all the zombies in Tianhai City.

To fight with no distractions, he needed assurance that his loved ones were safe.

Zhou Ke’er, however, argued, “But you’ll need a doctor! If someone gets hurt, I can help treat them.”

Every time they went into battle, Zhang Yi left her at the shelter.

She understood it was to protect her.

But every time, she was left anxiously awaiting his safe return.

Zhang Yi looked up, meeting Zhou Ke’er’s determined gaze.

She genuinely wanted to help.

After all, in the extremely cold environment outside, any injury left untreated on the battlefield could quickly become fatal.

Author's Note