Zheng Hao nodded to Zhang Chen, signaling his full cooperation.
Zhang Chen then tidied himself up and mounted Er Pang.
The same lineup.
Xiao Bai sat in front, Zhang Chen in the middle, and Guan Xin behind.
Let's go!
Er Pang spread its four legs and leaped directly over the wall.
Then it galloped south.
At noon, the group arrived at the highway entrance on the southern outskirts of Tianyang City.
About ten kilometers further south from here was the location of the military base.
However, only a few days had passed.
The scene had already undergone a drastic change.
The streets, originally filled with zombies, were now covered in a layer of green, much like moss.
Except these didn't fear the light and had rapidly occupied all surfaces.
Some zombies even had a layer of green moss growing on their bodies.
The vegetation on both sides of the highway had also become much denser.
Occasionally, palm-sized insects, never seen before, could be seen quickly darting from under one car to another.
Cracks filled with vegetation were visible everywhere on the road.
It was as if the entire world was covered in a layer of green.
Zhang Chen passed through the highway entrance and entered the fields beside it.
The tall grass here had grown to knee height.
Continuing south.
Soon, wisps of smoke were seen rising from the direction of the military base.
It looked like it was on fire!
Zhang Chen quickly urged Er Pang to speed up.
Upon reaching the vicinity, he discovered.
It was a group of survivors setting fires.
The tall grass within 500 meters of the military base had all been burned to ashes.
Survivors, in groups of three, with one holding a torch, another a fan, and the third a bucket of water.
They were deliberately controlling the fire to burn away from the military base.
When they saw Zhang Chen, they all showed solemn respect.
Some saluted, some nodded and waved, their eyes filled with reverence.
Even the people here like you this much?!
Guan Xin said in surprise.
Yeah... somewhat...
Zhang Chen replied ambiguously.
Entering the military base.
The guards at the gate looked at Zhang Chen and his group as if they had seen a ghost.
Last time, Zhang Chen had teleported away directly.
So he hadn't passed through the main gate.
The result was that when Zhao Longchuan came to see Zhang Chen the next day, he found that he and the entire villa had vanished.
When he asked the guards, none of them had seen Zhang Chen.
Helpless, Zhao Longchuan had to announce to the public that Zhang Chen had left on business.
As for how Zhang Chen disappeared, it remained an unsolved mystery for the gatekeepers.
They even speculated that Zhang Chen hadn't actually left.
Seeing Zhang Chen casually walk in from outside, riding Er Pang, they were all stunned.
This person... is too divine!
Someone immediately sent news of Zhang Chen's entry into the military base to Zhao Longchuan.
Ten minutes later, Zhao Longchuan met Zhang Chen and Guan Xin outside Zhao Xiyue's special care ward.
You're back!
Zhao Longchuan greeted them warmly.
Mm, I've come to see Xiyue, but it seems I've come at an inconvenient time!
Zhang Chen gestured to Zhao Xiyue, who was sleeping in the ward.
It's alright, she's been looking forward to seeing you. I'll wake her up!
She's still dwelling on your abrupt departure. She'll be very happy to see you back!
Zhao Longchuan said, about to enter the room.
But Zhang Chen stopped him.
Let's not wake her. Let her rest well!
I had urgent matters to attend to, so I had to leave without saying goodbye!
Zhang Chen said with a hint of guilt.
It's fine, I understand. And you're not under my command, so you don't need to report your whereabouts!
We're all happy you're back!
After today, tomorrow will be the thirtieth day of the apocalypse!
For the next few days, unless there's something important, don't wander off!
I find the growth of these plants a bit strange, and we've already started clearing them!
No one knows what terrible things might happen next. If we stay together, our strength will be amplified, making it easier to overcome difficulties!
Zhao Longchuan said, patting Zhang Chen's shoulder with a hopeful expression.
In his eyes, Zhang Chen was like a stabilizing force.
If he were here.
The hope of survival for the tens of thousands of Longguo survivors in the camp would increase.
He wasn't necessarily expecting Zhang Chen to protect the camp's people.
After all, in times of crisis, no one has an obligation to protect anyone.
But with Zhang Chen present, at least a part of the camp's pressure against monsters could be alleviated...
Zhang Chen nodded in agreement.
Even if Zhao Longchuan hadn't said it, he had intended the same.
In the past, when dealing with zombies, as long as they stayed indoors, locked their doors and windows, and didn't make too much noise, self-preservation was possible.
However, after the thirtieth day, the suppressed beings would be much stronger than zombies.
No one knew what they were or how they searched for and attacked survivors.
These were all unknowns.
Prompts could indeed solve Zhang Chen's information problems regarding encountered monsters.
But if the number of people was large enough, sufficient intelligence about monsters could be gathered.
This would be of great help in adapting to the new environment!
I've returned with the same intention as you. In a few days, my friends' camp will be arriving!
I hope you can help us secure a living area for 600 people!
Zhang Chen said sincerely.
Your friends?! Zhao Longchuan's eyes lit up at this statement.
Zhang Chen's friends would naturally not be weak.
Moreover, their assistance for 600 people?!
No problem. During their stay at the camp, all their accommodation, food, and water supplies will be provided by me!
In this situation, we are all one family, and there is no need for distinctions!
Zhao Longchuan said readily.
We won't need food and water. They can be self-sufficient!
Also...
Zhang Chen sent a trade invitation to Zhao Longchuan.
Then he placed 80,000 energy cores on it.
You're...
Zhao Longchuan was slightly taken aback.
You took good care of me during my coma!
These are the energy cores you and Xiyue need for upgrading. They should be enough for you to upgrade to Stage 1 of Advanced Awakening!
As formidable enemies are about to emerge, the more strong individuals we have among humans, the greater our chances of fighting against monsters!
Zhao Longchuan nodded and said:
Then... I won't refuse!
After that, Zhao Longchuan placed an item, [Decoy Puppet], on the trade bar!
Don't misunderstand, this isn't a gift in exchange for your energy cores.
I made this item a few days ago and originally intended to give it to you.
If I'm not mistaken... you're at least among the top ten strongest individuals in the world!
If you have an extra life, then the survivors of Longguo will have a greater hope!
So... please don't refuse. If I fall in the upcoming battle... please take care of Xiyue...
I have already made arrangements for the camp, but she is the only one I worry about...