Chapter 482: The Secret of the Bai Xue Jiao
Zhang Yi turned to Zhou Ke’er.
“For now, you’ll sleep in the vehicle with Liang Yue. Once the battle begins, I’ll take you to the cathedral. With the Bai Xue Jiao’s leader there, they’ll fight to the death to keep it safe.”
“If we need treatment, we’ll come to you there.”
Zhou Ke’er nodded. “Alright, got it!”
Though nervous about her first large-scale battle, Zhou Ke’er also felt a spark of excitement. This was her chance to prove her value and adapt to the harsh realities of the battlefield. If she could grow through this, she’d be better equipped to help Zhang Yi in the future.
Zhang Yi’s expression grew serious.
“There’s something else you need to remember.”
After checking their surroundings to ensure no one was eavesdropping, Zhang Yi motioned for them to get into the vehicle. Once inside, he closed the door and addressed Zhou Ke’er.
“That Yuan Kongye isn’t just anyone. She has the ability to awaken superhuman powers, but I don’t trust her abilities.”
He leaned closer, his tone firm.
“Listen to me carefully. If she offers to help you awaken, refuse. No matter what. Do you understand?”
Zhou Ke’er lowered her gaze, her expression conflicted. After a moment, she nodded slowly.
Zhang Yi knew she was disappointed. Zhou Ke’er had longed to awaken as a superhuman, believing it would allow her to contribute more meaningfully and not be left behind, merely praying for Zhang Yi’s safe return.
But if Zhang Yi said no, she’d obey.
He gently cupped her face, his gaze unwavering.
“There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Every blessing from fate comes with a hidden price tag.”
“Don’t fall for a quick gain—it will cost you dearly in the end.”
Zhou Ke’er’s smile returned, warm and reassuring.
“Alright, I get it! Geez, you’re so worried about me!”
“It’s not that I don’t trust you,” Zhang Yi said, his voice softening. “It’s that I care too much about you.”
Their bond had deepened over the months they’d spent together in the apocalypse. What had started as a practical partnership had grown into something more. Zhang Yi couldn’t imagine risking her safety.
What if Yuan Kongye’s abilities—like her Ice Soul—could influence minds, potentially turning Zhou Ke’er against him? Zhang Yi didn’t want to face such a possibility. He’d rather eliminate any risk at the root.
The group couldn’t help but tease them as they watched the interaction.
Uncle You chuckled, while Fatty Xu grumbled under his breath. Having been burned by love, he found their affection unbearable. Even Liang Yue, typically stoic, turned away with an awkward expression.
“There’s one more thing I need you to do,” Zhang Yi added.
“Keep an eye on Yuan Kongye for me.”
Zhou Ke’er tilted her head. “What do you suspect about her?”
“Her very existence is a problem,” Zhang Yi replied. “Just watch her carefully and report anything unusual to me.”
Yuan Kongye’s power to awaken superhumans, her so-called Blessing, was unsettlingly potent. With enough followers, she could create an army of superhumans, making her a formidable force.
Even though Zhang Yi couldn’t pinpoint why, she set off his alarms. His instincts urged him to stay vigilant.
“Got it!” Zhou Ke’er said cheerfully.
As they talked, a knock on the vehicle’s door interrupted them. Zhang Yi turned to see Xing Tian standing outside.
Rolling down the window, Zhang Yi asked, “What do you want?”
Xing Tian leaned against the frame.
“Everyone’s busy setting up defenses. The zombie horde could arrive any time. You should familiarize yourselves with the area too.”
Zhang Yi smirked. “You’re awfully diligent.”
“Of course!” Xing Tian said, looking toward his team’s defensive position.
“I’ve brought everything I’ve got. We can’t afford to lose this battle.”
Then, gritting his teeth, he muttered, “Let’s just hope Bian Junwu doesn’t screw us over.”
Zhang Yi exhaled sharply, patting Xing Tian’s shoulder.
“We’ve got no choice but to trust them. Let’s focus on the task at hand.”
Zhang Yi and his team stepped out of the vehicle to scout the Bai Xue Jiao’s surroundings. As the flexible unit, they needed to understand the layout to provide effective support when needed.
It didn’t take long for Zhang Yi to identify the best defensive position: an abandoned commercial building adjacent to St. John’s Cathedral.
Standing over 100 meters tall in the heart of the Bai Xue Jiao’s territory, the building offered an ideal vantage point. From there, Zhang Yi could use his abilities to cover a 3.5-kilometer radius, monitor the battlefield, and direct his team effectively.
For the zombies, Zhang Yi had prepared new ammunition designed by Lu Keran. The rounds traded penetration for explosive power, ideal for blowing apart zombie bodies, which were no tougher than frozen pork.
For Bronze Armored Zombies, he had anti-material armor-piercing rounds ready.
The building’s height also allowed Zhang Yi to keep an eye on the battlefield, ensuring his team could retreat quickly if needed.
However, as he approached the building, several Bai Xue Jiao superhumans stepped forward to block his path.
“This building is a restricted area. Please leave,” one of them said sternly.
“Restricted area?” Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow, a bemused smile playing on his lips.
“Did you read that term in a martial arts novel?”
The Bai Xue Jiao had only been around for a few months, and this commercial building had nothing to do with them before. Now it was suddenly a “restricted area”?
“We’re not at liberty to explain,” the superhuman said coldly. “Mr. Zhang, please don’t make this difficult for us.”
Zhang Yi and his team exchanged knowing glances.
There was clearly something unusual about the building.