104 Verifying the Information: A Fourth-Tier Mutant!

In Qin Fengshan’s eyes, Xue Feng was nothing short of a cold-hearted monster. Yet now, he was stunned to see fear flash across Xue Feng’s face. What on earth had he seen?

“Did none of you notice that thing in the city center?” Xue Feng had already regained his composure. Even though what he’d glimpsed through the binoculars filled him with dread, he knew this was the apocalypse. No matter what happened, he could accept it.

“The city center? We saw some zombies moving that way, but we don’t know what’s going on,” Qin Fengshan replied, shaking his head slowly. They had been watching events unfold over there; Xue Feng’s sudden appearance had caught them off guard.

“You should take a look yourself.” Xue Feng walked over and cut the ropes binding Qin Fengshan. Qin Fengshan rubbed his wrists, then stepped up to the high-powered binoculars, eager to see what was happening downtown.

Through the lenses, Qin Fengshan witnessed a scene that would be etched in his memory forever. The city center plaza was packed with countless zombies, all standing motionless in place. Their numbers were at least several thousand, perhaps even tens of thousands. The dense mass of undead made Qin Fengshan’s scalp tingle. The words “zombie army” flashed through his mind. Who could have imagined zombies forming an army? What was going on? What had happened?

“Look at the red thing in the very center,” Xue Feng prompted beside him.

A red thing? Where was it? Qin Fengshan moved the binoculars, searching in confusion. Then he found it—a creature that made his skin crawl. It stood over two meters tall, its entire body blood-red. The face was too distant to discern, but its shape was unmistakably humanoid. At that moment, the monster stood still, surrounded by the zombie army.

Qin Fengshan had encountered many mutated beings before, especially while monitoring from the TV station. He’d often seen enormous mutants roaming the streets. But he had never seen anything so grotesque. Its body seemed to be formed entirely of flesh and blood.

“This is a fourth-tier mutant. Every survivor group in River City and the surrounding area is doomed,” Xue Feng said, shaking his head.

Because he’d detected the fourth-tier mutant, a reward notification had sounded in Xue Feng’s mind just a minute earlier.

[Ding!]
[Congratulations, host. You have received a medical vehicle equipped for basic surgical procedures.]

[Host, please note: the medical vehicle also contains a large supply of medicines.]

Xue Feng had no time to rejoice over his newfound medical abilities. His mind was consumed by the problem of how to deal with that fourth-tier mutant. That creature was truly bizarre—seemingly possessed of high intelligence, not simply acting on instinct. Third-tier mutants already exhibited some intelligence, but to Xue Feng, this fourth-tier mutant was far stronger.

Why had it gathered such a massive horde? Its target was surely the survivors’ base. Mutants were drawn to the brains of those with abilities, as if they could absorb their energy. It was more than just a matter of hunger now.

Xue Feng did not yet know the mutant’s specific abilities. He had no idea what his chances would be in a direct confrontation; after all, he had never faced such an enemy. Perhaps, he thought, he could find someone else to test the mutant’s strength first.

“What are we supposed to do now?” Qin Fengshan was filled with despair. Faced with such a monster, survivors had no hope.

“Come with me!” Xue Feng knew he had to act quickly. He tossed out the command and headed downstairs. Qin Fengshan was momentarily stunned, but hurried after him.

At the stairwell, Hao Yifei, seeing Xue Feng emerge, no longer concealed herself. She rose from the thicket nearby.

“Did anyone else come down just now?” Xue Feng asked. Qin Fengshan claimed they were only three, but Xue Feng couldn’t afford to take chances. If someone tried to sneak away and warn others, it would mean Qin Fengshan had lied—and Xue Feng wouldn’t hesitate to break his neck.

“No one,” Hao Yifei answered, shaking her head.

“You’re Hao Yifei!” Qin Fengshan’s eyes widened in disbelief, pointing repeatedly at her. He never imagined he’d see a celebrity at the TV station entrance. The situation seemed almost comical—after all, stars often came to the station for recordings. But then, considering the world’s end, it was astonishing to see a star like Hao Yifei here.

“And you are?” Hao Yifei eyed Qin Fengshan warily, uncertain of his origins.

“He’s a captive who knows a lot,” Xue Feng explained.

“Oh, a captive? Then behave yourself,” Hao Yifei snapped coldly.

Qin Fengshan gave a bitter smile, hanging his head. So much for television—real stars were far more fierce than they appeared.

“We can’t waste any time. We must return to the base and strengthen our defenses,” Xue Feng declared, summoning the apocalypse war vehicle. There was no longer any need for secrecy.

When the war vehicle materialized out of thin air, Qin Fengshan’s jaw nearly hit the ground. How was this possible? How did the vehicle suddenly appear? At the same time, a lingering question was resolved. They had long puzzled over the mysterious disappearances of the apocalypse war vehicle—even when they kept close watch, it would vanish from one spot, only to reappear elsewhere. Now Qin Fengshan understood: Xue Feng possessed such abilities.

On the return journey, Xue Feng floored the accelerator, hesitating not at all. Seeing his tense expression, Hao Yifei refrained from questioning him. She could sense the urgency in his demeanor.

They soon arrived at Riverside Villa, now guarded by Tang Qiqiang’s men. Qin Fengshan’s mouth hung open in surprise at the sight of the transformed community, now a fully fortified base. He had never imagined such a secure refuge in the heart of the city. Their leader had told them that the city’s zombie population made it impossible to build a base there, which was why they had fled to the outskirts. Yet Xue Feng had turned Riverside Villa into a stronghold. Electric fencing lined the outer walls, patrols roamed inside, and even the open spaces had been converted to farmland. It was clear they intended to settle for the long haul.

Xue Feng’s first act upon returning was to convene a meeting of all A-level members.