TL: Moonlit
After Wen Qingling and Chang Boheng reached an agreement, they didn’t stay long and planned to return to Ling City. However, as they were leaving, they encountered Xiong Shu rushing back with three imposing corpse wolves. Everyone made way for him as he approached with his tall and powerful stature.
Xiong Shu had a stern face and quick footsteps. When he looked up and met Wen Qingling’s gaze, he was momentarily stunned before bursting into joy. He ran over like a big bear, booming, “Boss! When did you arrive? Why didn’t anyone inform me?”
Wen Qingling glanced at him and replied, “I didn’t come to find you.”
Xiong Shu was completely unabashed. He chuckled foolishly while patting his bald head, “It’s been a few days since I saw Boss. I was afraid Boss would forget about us brothers.”
Indeed, Wen Qingling had forgotten. Who had the time to think about these rough men?
Wen Qingling raised his eyes and noticed Mo Jing and the others standing nearby. They were all people who had come from Nan Yan Base, and from the looks of it, they seemed to have formed their own group and didn’t integrate well into Xiang County Base.
Mo Jing had heard that Wen Qingling had arrived, so he came over hoping to have a chance to talk to him. Now that Wen Qingling had noticed him, Mo Jing couldn’t ignore it and approached with his people.
“Qingling, are you still angry? It was my fault for not managing the people in the base well, causing you to lose your subordinates. I’m really sorry about that. But I can assure you, we had no knowledge of their plans.”
During their time in Xiang County, Mo Jing and the others had learned about Wen Qingling’s significance here. Sometimes when they went out hunting, they would hear survivors talking about Dr. Wen from Ling City, and the most talked-about topic was how Dr. Wen could treat infected individuals. This was something Mo Jing and the others knew and had witnessed firsthand.
What they didn’t know was that Wen Qingling could actually control the zombie hordes. When they first heard this rumor, they didn’t believe it. They specifically asked Chang Boheng about it and found out that many people knew about it, and Chang Boheng didn’t hide it from them either. He told them about how Wen Qingling had helped Ling City Base repel the tide of zombies.
This shocked Mo Jing and the others greatly. In addition to their shock, they couldn’t help but think that when they escaped from Nan Yan Base, they were blocked by a horde of zombies and forced back into the base. It wasn’t just a coincidence. Now it seemed that it was all the doing of Wen Qingling.
Wen Qingling looked at Mo Jing coldly and said, “The people who needed to be killed have already been killed, and the vengeance that needed to be avenged has been taken care of. I have no reason to be angry.”
Mo Jing felt a bit melancholic. “Then why are you treating us like this? Aren’t we friends?”
Ji Rong looked at the boss’s head as if he saw the boundless grasslands.
Xiao Hen was also amazed by Mo Jing’s act of playing the victim. Being soldiers themselves, they rarely came across individuals like him, and it was an eye-opening experience.
Wen Qingling replied indifferently, “I no longer need friends, and I have no friends.”
Mo Jing was truly hurt this time. “Qingling…”
“Let’s go. There are still a lot of matters to handle in the base, so don’t delay,” Xiao Hen timely reminded.
Mo Jing stared at Xiao Hen, and Xiao Hen returned the gaze. Xiao Hen hadn’t forgotten the incident when this scheming and pitiful guy publicly executed him. He shouldn’t think that playing the victim would earn sympathy, without considering who the target was.
Wen Qingling looked at the people behind Mo Jing. Yang Mengyu looked tangled yet hopeful as she gazed at him. However, Wen Qingling’s focus wasn’t on her but on Feng Yi, who was by her side. The more normal Feng Yi appeared, the more Wen Qingling doubted him. Wen Qingling had killed Feng Yi’s mother and sister, and he couldn’t believe that Feng Yi didn’t hate him.
If the roles were reversed, Wen Qingling would definitely pursue and kill the other person relentlessly, regardless of blood relations. After all, they were blood relatives. Watching one’s loved ones being killed without feeling hatred would be abnormal.
Wen Qingling stared at Feng Yi for a long time before his face twitched with a strange expression. He slowly walked up to Feng Yi and said, “Do you hate me?”
The people who had come from Nan Yan Base held their breath. The image of Wen Qingling dragging a long string of corpses out of the base had become their nightmare. In their hearts, Wen Qingling was undoubtedly strong, but he had also become synonymous with a demon.
Feng Yi clenched his fists tightly and gritted his teeth, “You killed my mother and sister. Shouldn’t I hate you?”
Even if Feng Yi said he didn’t hate Wen Qingling, Wen Qingling wouldn’t believe it. It was better to be honest.
Now Mo Jing and Yang Mengyu were both nervous, realizing that this matter had no solution.
Wen Qingling asked, “Do you want to kill me?”
Feng Yi’s voice was filled with resentment, “You know I can’t kill you, and there’s no need to provoke me. I’ll seek revenge when I become strong enough.”
Feng Yi dared to say these words in front of Wen Qingling. Everyone present admired his courage. This deity was someone who could kill at any moment and was extremely dangerous.
Wen Qingling said softly, “Then should I kill you before you become powerful? Although I know that even if you become stronger, you can’t surpass me. But to prevent you from scheming in Xiang County Base, it’s still better to deal with you first.”
Everyone was shocked by his words. Yang Mengyu impulsively stood in front of Feng Yi and said, “You can’t kill him. He hasn’t done anything to harm you. He just lost his mother and sister, so it’s understandable that he hasn’t moved on yet. Give him some time, and he will surely come to his senses.”
Wen Qingling’s expression turned strange. “Yang Mengyu, by protecting him now, aren’t you afraid that he is an undercover Undead?”
With a single sentence, everyone around took three steps back. It was evident that they were terrified of the Undead and were extremely cautious about anything related to them.
Having had the experience of easily being defeated earlier, Yang Mengyu was a bit hesitant. “N-No, that’s not possible.”
Wen Qingling said casually, “Nothing is impossible. Xiang County Base has been cleaned up, and even if the Undead reappears, they won’t survive. If the Undeads want to send in an undercover, what would they do? They won’t be foolish enough to set targets using zombies. It’s highly likely that they will cooperate with humans. After all, if supernatural abilities users are infected by zombies, they lose their powers. From a strength perspective, it’s not profitable.”
Wen Qingling was confident about this. If even blood anemones couldn’t protect infected individuals’ abilities, how could Xu Shengfei keep zombies’ powers intact? Not everyone was like Xiao Hen, and there was only one Xiao Hen. His existence was accompanied by many coincidences, which made him unique.
Feng Yi’s palms were covered in a cold sweat, and his face was particularly gloomy. “Do you have any evidence to suspect me?”
Wen Qingling replied, “No evidence, but you look like a villain.”
Feng Yi: “…”
Everyone: “…”
Wen Qingling turned his head. “Chang Boheng, how has he performed in the base?”
Chang Boheng, who was mentioned, felt a bit embarrassed. This group of people from Nan Yan Base had not been getting along with Xiang County Base since they arrived. They formed their own small group, and if it weren’t for the fact that they were classmates and friends of Wen Qingling, he would have suppressed them.
Wen Qingling could tell the dilemma Chang Boheng was facing with just a glance. He said, “This group of people from Nan Yan Base has always had a problem. They like to form small factions and develop their own power. If they can’t integrate into Xiang County Base, don’t give me face, you can let them leave. I don’t owe them any favors.”
Chang Boheng’s predicament was exposed by Wen Qingling’s words. Chang Boheng held Wen Qingling in higher regard. He was perceptive, straightforward, and decisive in his actions. If he became the leader, he would surely be a good leader who rewards and punishes fairly.
Chang Boheng had never seen Wen Qingling show favoritism before. When he showed favoritism, he could disregard his own relatives.
Yang Mengyu couldn’t help but cry. “Wen Qingling, why are you targeting us like this?”
The people from Nan Yan Base were also filled with indignation, though they didn’t show it. They cursed this heartless person in their hearts, wishing for him to be eaten by zombies as soon as he stepped out. He didn’t leave anyone a way out.
Mo Jing’s face was full of frustration. It was evident that he was also holding back.
Wen Qingling glanced at them and said, “Just because we were classmates before, let me say a few more words. If you continue like this, even if you leave Xiang County Base, no base will be able to accommodate you unless you establish your own base. However, it’s unlikely that a small group of several dozen people can survive around Ling City. There are too many zombies, and Ling City’s zombies are notorious for wandering away. One evolved zombie could easily collapse a small base.”
Wen Qingling turned and left. “That’s all I have to say. Listen or not, it’s up to you.”
Mo Jing struggled with his expression and finally spoke after Wen Qingling took a few steps. “Wen Qingling, I want to follow you. Regardless of what others think, as long as you agree, I’m willing to serve you from now on!”
Everyone from Nan Yan Base looked at Mo Jing in surprise. Mo Jing had a determined look in his eyes, indicating that he had made a decision.
In fact, he should have made that decision a long time ago, but he couldn’t let go of his pride. His pride had been worn down in the apocalypse, shattered completely when Nan Yan Base collapsed. Even the last shred of dignity was mercilessly torn apart by Wen Qingling, and he couldn’t maintain the false pride anymore. He knew his disguise must have appeared ridiculous in Wen Qingling’s eyes. He was clearly a failure but refused to admit it.
Now he admitted it and faced it head-on, making a choice for himself.
The power he once coveted, the Nan Yan Base he built with painstaking effort—what were the results? Utterly defeated, collapsing from within. His efforts had become a joke, and he didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes. He looked at Wen Qingling as if he saw a guiding light and wanted to follow this person, whether in life or death.
Xiao Hen narrowed his eyes warily. What trouble was this guy trying to cause again?
Wen Qingling said, “Your way of doing things doesn’t suit me.”
Mo Jing firmly responded, “I wasn’t like this before, you know it. I will change and become the person you want me to be.”
Xiao Hen: “…”
Know what? His little zombie certainly knows it!
Wen Qingling didn’t say anything and walked away.
Xiong Shu hurriedly rushed over to stop Wen Qingling as he was about to leave. He said, “Boss, since you’re here, why not lend a hand?”
Wen Qingling emitted a cold aura, indicating his impatience.
Xiong Shu trembled with fear, “Boss, didn’t you mention that we needed food? It’s been over two years since the apocalypse, and there’s really not much food left to find. Fortunately, I didn’t disappoint your expectations. I found a food warehouse, but it’s already occupied by others. The few of us couldn’t take it back. I was planning to come back and find Leader Chang for reinforcements, but since you’re here, why don’t you take a look?”
Wen Qingling wanted food not for immediate consumption, but for preservation. Since even civilized zombies could consume grains and miscellaneous food, he wanted to develop agriculture. The lack of seeds was a significant problem. Even though he was a wood-type esper who could mature all plants, it would be futile without seeds. He casually mentioned it, and Xiong Shu took it to heart, managing to find it so quickly.
Chang Boheng asked, “Is the food warehouse you mentioned the one in Yue County?”
Yue County was one of the three major counties in Lingcheng and the largest one.
“Yes, it’s the food warehouse in Yue County. Leader Chang, do you know about it?” Xiong Shu was surprised because he had never heard of it before.
Chang Baiheng shrugged, “There was a food warehouse in Yue County even before the apocalypse. Many people should know about it. But since the apocalypse, does the food warehouse still have food?”
“There’s still food inside. I heard there’s quite a lot. The trouble is that it belongs to the Yue County base. The survivors in Yue County are very united. There’s only one base for the entire county, and all survivors gather there, relying on the food in the warehouse to survive.”
Wen Qingling emphasized, “Xiong Shu, my friend, we need to be good people. It’s their property, so how can we just go and take it by force? If we want it, we can negotiate and buy from them. Understand? Harmony is the most important. We shouldn’t resort to violence at every turn.”
Xiong Shu was dumbfounded, “So, so we’re not going for the food anymore?”
Wen Qingling replied, “Of course, we still want it.”
Xiong Shu asked, “But they won’t sell it. Whenever someone mentions the food, they become extremely hostile and aggressive, ready to kill. They’re very fierce.”
Wen Qingling said, “They don’t sell it because the price you offered was not enough.”
Wen Chu added, “Dr. Wen, dealing with the situation in Yue County is indeed difficult. If we talk about the largest base near Ling City, it’s undoubtedly the Yue County base. They have gathered all the survivors from Yue County and are very exclusive. They never accept outsiders; the entire base consists of their own people, so they are very united.”
It was no wonder that in the scarce and impoverished apocalypse, guarding a food warehouse meant guarding their lives. No one would be willing to share with outsiders. It was better to keep it within their own group.
Very well, Yue County successfully caught Wen Qingling’s attention.
