048 New Intelligence: Nie Xiaoxing's Whereabouts!

Gu Xiaoqian crept in, clad in a set of pure white cotton underwear. It had taken considerable resolve for her to enter Xue Feng’s room. After all, she was sneaking over without the other women’s knowledge. If she were discovered, she’d certainly be ostracized.

But she was already addicted. The first time during the day had been far from enough for her. She longed for more tenderness and hoped to deepen her feelings with Xue Feng. Summoning all her courage, Gu Xiaoqian pushed open the door.

“Haha, we won!” An Xiaowei clapped her hands excitedly. “Xiaoyue, don’t even think about wearing clothes tomorrow! A dignified PhD not wearing anything!” The mere thought of it made You Haoyun stifle her laughter behind her hand.

“You… you’re all here,” Gu Xiaoqian stammered, momentarily stunned. She hadn’t expected that while she hesitated in the room, the others had already taken action. No, she couldn’t fall behind, or she’d lose her chance.

That night, the room was as lively as ever.

The next morning, as agreed, Nie Xiaoyue came to breakfast without a stitch of clothing, drawing several lingering glances from Xue Feng. She was truly a sight to behold—every movement a tantalizing display of spring’s allure. The other women, seeing his gaze, were filled with envy. It seemed they’d won the previous night, but in reality, they’d lost. If they’d known this would attract Xue Feng’s attention, they would have done it themselves!

As Xue Feng admired the scene, a voice rang out in his mind: Intelligence update!

[1. At the gas station four kilometers west of the city, there is barrelled gasoline, but it is surrounded by zombies.]
[2. At the university campus five kilometers west, there are fifty-seven survivors, including information on Nie Xiaoyue’s younger sister, Nie Xiaoxing. Note: Nie Xiaoxing is currently in danger.]
[3. At the rubber factory twenty kilometers west, a third-tier mutant Corpse King has been discovered. This mutant possesses special abilities—host, proceed with caution.]

Hearing this, Xue Feng’s eyes lit up. Nie Xiaoyue’s younger sister, Nie Xiaoxing! Yesterday he had lamented not knowing her whereabouts, and now she had been found! He was about to share the news with Nie Xiaoyue, but hesitated. After so long since the crisis began, who knew what suffering Nie Xiaoxing might have endured? Moreover, it surprised him that there were fifty-seven survivors at the university—how had they managed to survive?

Xue Feng decided to scout the situation first. If Nie Xiaoxing had indeed suffered, it would be better for Nie Xiaoyue not to witness it firsthand—it would be a crushing blow. With this in mind, Xue Feng selected An Xiaowei and Zhao Weisuo, along with Gu Xiaoqian and himself, to go.

An Xiaowei was the first woman he had rescued, mature and level-headed. Zhao Weisuo’s abilities could aid him, especially regarding the second-tier mutant mentioned in the intelligence. The warning to be cautious implied this mutant was no ordinary foe. Since Gu Xiaoqian had just joined, she needed courage training, so he brought her, An Xiaowei, and Zhao Weisuo along. Anyone who hadn’t killed a zombie couldn’t be considered part of the group.

After preparing their weapons and gear, the armored vehicle roared to life. At Xue Feng’s whistle, the black panther leapt aboard. Their first stop was the gas station; since he intended to visit the rubber factory afterward, they needed a full tank.

As they approached, they saw many crashed vehicles encircling the station, with dozens of zombies wandering inside. It seemed that when the apocalypse broke out, many people had rushed here for fuel, resulting in accidents that trapped them, only for all to become zombies.

The group disembarked. Gu Xiaoqian was visibly nervous; An Xiaowei had already briefed her on how to deal with zombies, but it was still her first time. Seeing the horde, Xue Feng instinctively wanted to unleash Shenxiao, but remembered this was a gas station—a single spark could ignite everything. He opted for his machete instead. Shenxiao, though powerful, was not always suitable.

“Follow me!” Xue Feng called, charging in. Zhao Weisuo followed closely, rubbing her hands together to conjure a bun, which she stuffed in her mouth. Instantly, her speed increased dramatically, and the zombies seemed to move in slow motion before her. An Xiaowei and Gu Xiaoqian, weapons in hand, joined the fray. An Xiaowei mainly accompanied Gu Xiaoqian, guiding her to target solitary zombies. Witnessing Zhao Weisuo dispatch over a dozen in moments, the others were emboldened and struck out with their steel pipes, smashing zombie skulls like watermelons.

Soon, the area was cleared. Surveying the neat rows of gasoline barrels in the station courtyard, Xue Feng smiled with satisfaction. If they could transport this fuel back, it would last for a year or more. The key was how to carry it.

[Verification successful. Host receives the following reward:]
[An oil tanker, capable of transporting fuel.]

Hearing this, Xue Feng’s brows relaxed. To avoid alarming the women by producing a tanker out of thin air, and since Nie Xiaoxing was in danger, he decided to return later for the oil.

While Xue Feng refueled the armored vehicle, the others collected crystal nuclei. Thanks to Nie Xiaoyue’s invention, these nuclei could now be used as energy and were not to be wasted. Once refueled, the armored vehicle thundered toward the university.

At the university gates, an eerie silence prevailed. Xue Feng noticed the gates were barricaded with desks and chairs, and a cluster of zombies had gathered outside.

“Shenxiao!” This time, Xue Feng did not hesitate—second-tier Shenxiao activated. Bolts of lightning as thick as his arm leaped from zombie to zombie, wiping out most of them in an instant.

“Brother Xue Feng, you’ve gotten even stronger!” An Xiaowei cheered sincerely, witnessing the power of second-tier Shenxiao for the first time.

“Of course,” Xue Feng replied with a confident smile. Now his Stone Skin ability had also reached the second tier, though he had yet to test it in battle. Perhaps the upcoming encounter with the mutant would provide the opportunity.

“Let’s go in!” Xue Feng strode forward.

“Why are we coming here?” Gu Xiaoqian couldn’t help but ask curiously.

“Don’t ask! Brother Xue Feng’s word is law—we mustn’t question him!” An Xiaowei replied sternly. Though she didn’t know why Xue Feng wanted to enter the school, she trusted there was a reason behind his actions.

“Yes, yes!” Gu Xiaoqian immediately became as docile as a kitten.

…

Meanwhile, in the campus sports equipment storeroom, a group of people huddled together in a circle.

“Our food and water will last at most five more days,” declared a tall, thin student with glasses, his eyes narrowed. “If we all want to survive, we must send someone out to search for supplies. To ensure fairness, as student council president, I suggest we vote to choose who will go. Any objections?”

Everyone quickly shook their heads. None dared object—their lives were entirely in the president’s hands.

“Very well, I’ll go first—I cast my vote for Nie Xiaoxing!” The president’s lips curled into a smug smile.

At his words, all eyes turned to the edge of the group, focusing on a slender girl with delicate features—Nie Xiaoxing.