Chapter Thirty-Eight: Escape from Certain Death

The sheer number of zombies before him was enough to terrify anyone—over a hundred clustered together, their bodies caked in filthy blood, missing limbs and broken arms, as if the scene had been lifted straight from a horror film. Fan Li waved his hand at the man; he had no intention of venturing further, especially as the numbers of undead around them continued to swell.

At all times, one must keep a clear head. After witnessing the Titans and the Weepers, Fan Li understood that even with Ellie by his side, he could not afford to be arrogant. If Ellie were to be tangled with a monster of the same level, his katana would never carve a path through this forest of flesh and blood.

Time was running out.

[Slaughter Value +1]

After cutting down yet another zombie, Fan Li felt his arm growing heavier. Battling the undead was far less simple than he had imagined. As time dragged on, with their organs failing and blood no longer flowing, their flesh became tougher—dry and sinewy. These zombies were like strips of cured meat roasted on the stove, nearly impossible to slice through.

Each swing of his blade brought down another zombie, but it also drained his stamina. If he lingered too long, unforeseen risks would surely follow. Fan Li waved again, urging the man to break free from the horde.

He had already given the man an opportunity; his arrival had drawn the attention of most of the zombies. If the man failed to seize this rare chance, there was nothing more Fan Li could do—he would simply retrace his steps and leave.

Kindness could not fill the belly.

Fan Li would not sacrifice himself for the sake of a so-called ally.

Fortunately, the man did not disappoint him. Like a drowning soul reaching for a floating plank, he fought desperately for survival—grasping at his final chance with all his strength.

The man charged forward, his body soaked in filthy blood, clothes torn and ragged from the struggle. Even so, his left hand clung protectively to the woven sack pressed against his chest.

The food he had found earlier was lost in the chaos, snatched from him and trampled by the zombies—what once was life-saving sustenance was now nothing but scattered crumbs.

He stopped a meter before Fan Li, and even at that distance, Fan Li could hear his labored breathing and saw the wary gaze peering out from beneath his olive helmet—the man seemed to fear him.

Such caution toward strangers was only natural.

The intimidation effect had a time limit. Zombies, frozen by fear, began to regain their mobility; terror faded, replaced by ravenous hunger. They resumed their relentless advance toward Fan Li.

They had to leave quickly.

Fan Li knew well the world had ended. The sudden appearance of a stranger, accompanied by a strange little monster, would naturally make anyone wary, especially on the battlefield. Without explanation, Fan Li spoke coldly, “Follow me.”

He turned and ran toward the stairwell.

Hu Yaohua hesitated for a second, but with no other choice, gritted his teeth and followed Fan Li toward the stairs.

Ellie remained on the battlefield. Before fleeing, Fan Li had ordered her to cover their retreat.

Against ordinary zombies, Ellie demonstrated a terrifying prowess. Her seemingly fragile fists sent the undead reeling; zombies only feared those who had ascended to monster status, showing little reaction to Ellie’s presence. To them, Ellie’s flesh was just another coveted meal.

Mindless zombies were easily distracted. With Ellie serving as bait, the attention once focused on Fan Li and Hu Yaohua shifted entirely onto her.

Just as Hu Yaohua had been besieged, though then it was only dozens, now Ellie faced a hundred zombies, packed so tightly she was sealed at the center.

The zombies were fearless and relentless. Ellie fought and devoured with all her might, but still they surged forward, mouths agape, clawing at her in futile attempts to harm her.

Yet, though they managed to scratch her, their attacks left only faint marks on her young body, unable to breach her defenses.

Gradually, Ellie’s form grew ethereal—like a wisp of smoke, she vanished before the horde after landing one last punch.

For the zombies, it was an unforgettable moment. They had caught the scent of flesh and expected to feast, but the sweet aroma abruptly vanished. Their movements slowed, but the hunger gnawing at them drove them to greater frenzy.

“Hiss… hiss…”

Cries of frustration echoed from the zombies, a chorus of despair venting their discontent.

…………………………

“Huff… huff…”

“Huff… huff… huff…”

Within the tightly shut stairwell, continuous heavy breathing filled the air. The man had reached his limit; once he was safely inside, he collapsed onto the floor.

“Brother Li… that thing just now…”

Beside him, Yang Shuo looked as if he’d seen a ghost, his attention fixed on the figure that had followed Fan Li—a monster with a face full of teeth, infinitely more unnerving than any human.

“It means no harm,” Fan Li waved dismissively.

“So it wasn’t my imagination after all!”

Yang Shuo swallowed hard. Fan Li’s confirmation dispelled any doubt—what he had seen was indeed real.

“But where has that thing been hiding all this time? Under the bed? In another room?”

Yang Shuo trembled, clearly shaken by Ellie.

Ignoring Yang Shuo’s fear, Fan Li gazed down at the man seated and panting, “Go wait in a room by yourself for a while.”

The man’s clothes were torn from the skirmish; Fan Li wasn’t sure if he’d been infected by a zombie, so isolation was necessary. If someone of his build turned, he would pose a far greater threat than any ordinary zombie.

The man removed his helmet, revealing his face to Fan Li.

A bald head, roughly thirty years old—not the brutish visage Fan Li had expected, but sharp features and a well-kept physique, clearly someone used to exercise.

Hu Yaohua, catching his breath and sweating profusely, listened to Fan Li and Yang Shuo’s exchange. Understanding that Fan Li was the leader, he lifted his head, “Thank you. Could I have something to eat?”

Fan Li raised an eyebrow, “You can still eat?”

Hu Yaohua set his iron rod aside, wiped his hands, and opened the woven sack at his chest. Within, a delicate, jade-like child was revealed, about three years old, eyes shut, unmoving.

“My daughter,” Hu Yaohua said.

What’s this—buy one, get one free?

But Fan Li wasn’t too surprised. The man’s actions had been deliberate; he’d clearly anticipated something.

During the battle, with all the turbulence, it was unlikely the child could sleep. Was she already…

Sensing Fan Li’s concern, Hu Yaohua explained, “I brought her out to find food. I gave her half a sleeping pill beforehand…”

In peaceful times, no parent would willingly drug their child, but these were exceptional days. Sleep was better than fear.

A child…

Fan Li looked deeply at Hu Yaohua, then turned to Yang Shuo, “Take the child. If she wakes, feed her some cereal, then take her to the fourth floor. Make sure you lock the door!”

He emphasized the last point, then headed upstairs.

“Thank you!” Hu Yaohua called out from the stairwell, watching Fan Li ascend. This time, his gratitude carried genuine sincerity.

“Remember, don’t come out for six hours.”

With a wave, Fan Li vanished around the corner of the stairs.