Chapter 292

Barriers continued to rise all around.0

Lu Chen focused on defending most of the sky, intentionally leaving a small gap untouched.0

The zombie birds, eager and relentless, would swarm through that gap.0

Once they appeared, the fire-type ability users would launch their fiery attacks first, while others provided support.0

Everyone followed Yun Xiaoxiao’s earlier plan, sticking to their assigned positions and working together to fend off the overwhelming tide of zombie birds.0

The process was long and tedious, but no one complained or showed signs of exhaustion.0

All eyes were fixed on the movements of the zombie birds, not daring to let their guard down for even a moment.0

Finally, after an intense battle lasting an hour and a half, silence fell outside the barriers.0

“It seems… they’re gone?”0

Everyone looked around, scanning the sky.0

Only after confirming that no zombie birds remained did Lu Chen slowly withdraw the white barriers.0

“That was close. If a small team had encountered those birds, I can’t imagine how devastating it would have been.”0

Once the danger had passed, everyone began discussing the ordeal with lingering fear.0

“Yeah, those things are sometimes even scarier than zombies.”0

“Thankfully, we had numbers on our side.”0

“I think it’s because the people from Yun City acted decisively and were incredibly strong. Even though there were fewer of them, they took out almost 90% of the zombie birds.”0

“Exactly, they’re unbelievably powerful!”0

After dealing with the zombie birds, the group continued clearing obstacles on the road.0

By the time they reached the end of the circular service road, it was almost dark.0

Ahead lay the exit of the highway.0

Beyond the toll booth was a four-lane road.0

The two lanes leading out of the city were packed with abandoned vehicles.0

“We’ll spend the night on the overpass. Tomorrow, we’ll clear the road ahead while waiting for the other teams to arrive.”0

Yun Xiaoxiao instructed everyone to return to a safe area and then sealed off the entrance.0

Afterward, they began setting up tents, though some chose to sleep in their vehicles.0

Dinner was a simple affair of biscuits and bread.0

They were already on the outskirts of Rong City, and with zombies wandering below the bridge, it wasn’t safe to start a fire for cooking.0

Once their stomachs were full, many turned in early.0

The day had been exhausting, and the constant tension had left them too tired to keep their eyes open.0

Those assigned to night watch diligently patrolled the area, while others who couldn’t sleep gathered in small groups to chat.0

“The snow’s getting heavier…”0n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Yeah, I really hope the battle for Rong City ends soon. It’s been so long since I’ve seen my son.”0

“It’s almost over. Once the other two groups arrive, we’ll be ready for the final push!”0

Earth Traveler Sun was also chatting with his companions.0

“By the way, I heard that after they take Rong City, they’ll return to their respective bases. Where will we go then?”0

“Brother, don’t overthink it. It’s not like we get to decide where we go.”0

“…True.”0

“Wherever we end up, as long as that little demon doesn’t kill us, it’s fine.”0

“She saved us before. Why would she kill us?0

Actually, I think that little girl’s pretty good.0

Not only did she save us, but ever since we’ve been following her, I feel like I’m not as lost or helpless as before.0

Now, every day has a purpose. We have food, water, and our strength keeps improving.0

Seeing the zombies being wiped out and the cities gradually reclaimed by humans—it feels like there’s hope for the future.”0

“Same here. I don’t even feel like the same person anymore!”0

“+1!”1

“……”0

While the conversation was in full swing, Nie Yizhou, who had been yawning and about to head to bed, suddenly stopped when he passed by Ling Jing.0

He stared curiously at Ling Jing’s reddened eyes.0

“Hey, Ling Jing, why are your eyes so red?”0

Ling Jing paused for a moment. “…Probably just tired.”0

“Oh, then get some rest. I’m off to sleep.”0

“Mm.”0

Once the carefree Nie Yizhou left, Ling Jing’s gaze deepened.0

He glanced toward the edge of the overpass and lazily walked over.0

With one hand on the railing, he vaulted up and lay down on his side, his head resting on his arms, one leg stretched out and the other bent.0

His posture was casual and unrestrained.0

Snowflakes landed on his long lashes, adding an air of mystery to his already striking appearance.0

Beside him stood Ah Hao, his eyes vacant, like a loyal servant quietly standing guard.0

Not far away, Lei Ming and his companions all turned their attention to Ling Jing.0

“Sigh, Ah Hao doesn’t recognize us at all anymore.”0

“Yeah, he only listens to Ling Jing now.”0

“Why do you think Ling Jing made him like that?”0

“No idea.”0

“I’ve noticed that Ling Jing seems different from ordinary people. I’ve been observing him—he never eats when we do.”0

“Maybe he’s not hungry, or he eats when we’re not looking.”0

“I get what you mean, but once or twice is understandable. Every single meal? That’s strange.0

And have you noticed? His eyes have been a bit red these past few days.”0

“Enough. Stop gossiping about others,” Lei Ming frowned, cutting them off.0

“Regardless, Ah Hao didn’t fully turn into a zombie because of him. We owe him our gratitude.0

Let’s stop talking behind people’s backs.0

Get some sleep. We’ve got a tough battle ahead tomorrow.”0

“Got it.”0

“Understood, boss.”0

After they left, Yun Xiaoxiao and Lu Chen emerged from behind a car.0

Both of them looked in Ling Jing’s direction.0

“Worried about him?” Lu Chen asked.0

Yun Xiaoxiao nodded slightly.0

“A little. After spending so much time together, it’s hard not to care. I don’t want anything bad to happen to him.”0

“If it really comes to the worst…”0

“Hey, Xiaoxiao, so this is where you’ve been!”0

Before Lu Chen could finish, Shen Yan suddenly appeared.0

He grinned at the two of them, then focused his attention on Yun Xiaoxiao.0

“Ta-da!”0

He pulled out a skewer of candied hawthorns from behind his back and handed it to her.0

“Want some?”0

His smile was dazzling.0

Yun Xiaoxiao raised an eyebrow. “You came all this way just to say that?”0

“Of course. Why else?”0

Yun Xiaoxiao took it. “Thanks.”0

“That’s it?”0

“What else?” she shot back, echoing his words.0

“So, does this mean you’re my girlfriend now?” Shen Yan teased with a grin.0

Yun Xiaoxiao: ……0

Girlfriend?0

What kind of nonsense was this kid thinking?0

In her eyes, he was just a little boy who hadn’t even grown up yet.