Chapter 71: The Crisis is Approaching. Please Ask for Red Tickets and Bookmarks.

Now, what Liang Jing needs is to gradually erode Young Master Tu’s power base on his own, relying solely on his own strength. If he were to bring others along—even Jia Yujin, an awakened metal manipulator—they would only slow him down.

It could be said that Liang Jing now truly stands on his own, having become one of the foremost human powerhouses. With his current abilities, even if he faced someone who had undergone rigorous life-and-death training before the apocalypse, he would be unfazed, perhaps even able to crush them outright. Liang Jing was already formidable to begin with, and now the advantages of his equipment are fully revealed. If he continues to upgrade his gear, his strength will rise even further—far surpassing the set of novice warrior leather armor and the [Short Dagger] he once relied on.

Just think of the ordinary blue-grade armor he crafted last night—[Steel-Spined Beast Armor]...

[Steel-Spined Beast Armor] Quality: Blue. Attribute: Resistance +10. Tenacity: ?? Weight: 9kg. Attribute: Strength +3. Requirements: 2.

Anyone whose strength is twice that of a normal person can wear it and activate its attributes, making their total strength five times that of an ordinary human. That’s a one and a half times increase, more than double the previous advantage. The equipment Liang Jing later dubbed as battle armor is clearly formidable; if he were to arm his people with it...

Liang Jing hasn’t decided yet; there are still many issues to resolve. Just the thought of what would happen if the enemy got their hands on such equipment is enough to give him pause.

“The environment here isn’t bad. Let’s use this place as a temporary base for now. Later, if you have nothing else to do, get yourselves organized and set up some defenses. Better safe than sorry—being prepared never hurts.”

After finishing his meal, Liang Jing gathered the items he might need—rations and such.

“Brother Jing, be careful out there,” Su Yuting said, reluctant to part with him, especially since it was only their first day together after becoming a couple. But she knew there was no other way. She understood what Liang Jing was setting out to do; the matter with Young Master Tu had to be resolved. She was simply worried for him.

“It’ll be fine. Wait for me! I’ll be back soon.”

Looking at her alluring face filled with worry, Liang Jing felt a jolt in his heart. Yes, he was no longer alone—he had a woman, brothers, and many things tying him down. He gently kissed her and said,

“I’ll leave ‘Brother Huang’ here to protect you. Take care of yourself.”

“If anything really goes wrong, if the situation turns dire, don’t worry about anything or anyone—just run. With ‘Brother Huang’ by your side, I’ll find you soon enough.”

Su Yuting glanced at the zombie ‘Brother Huang’ next to her and, unable to help herself, clung tightly to Liang Jing, unwilling to let go. She truly couldn’t bear to see him leave, terrified he’d be in danger—tears streaming down her cheeks. Liang Jing comforted her for a while before finally hardening his heart and leaving without looking back.

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“Political Commissar Gong, rest assured—I will deliver on my promise,” Young Master Tu said, uncharacteristically wearing a smile as he spoke to the middle-aged man opposite him.

“Young Master Tu, don’t worry about these minor issues. I believe they’ll be resolved soon. You have no idea how keen a sense of smell those mutant military dogs have. They may have already found him by now. Besides, I’ve already given the order: Liang Jing is now officially wanted by the army. He has betrayed the Party and the people.”

The middle-aged man, dressed in military uniform and exuding an air of righteousness, was flanked by four fully armed soldiers. When speaking with Young Master Tu, he couldn’t help but show a trace of obsequiousness. He was one of the highest-ranking military leaders among the migrating masses.

Among this group of over a hundred thousand refugees, only one regiment of the army accompanied them for protection. Of course, “protection” was often nominal—many incidents went unaddressed, and with only about a thousand soldiers facing a vast crowd, it was difficult to manage. Unless there was a large-scale monster attack, the army rarely intervened, which gave rise to numerous ambitious individuals forming their own factions. Fortunately, the sheer size and noise of the crowd deterred most monsters—except for those driven mad by hunger or mutated into frenzied beasts.

“Very good!”

Young Master Tu was satisfied. “Let’s see how you die, Liang Jing. Now, not only my own faction and those currying favor with me, but even the military is hunting you. You’ll know what it’s like to have the whole world as your enemy. Don’t collapse too soon, or it won’t be any fun.”

Political Commissar Gong, brimming with righteousness, was also in high spirits. With Young Master Tu’s promise, he anticipated greater advancement and more military authority. Tu’s request had even prompted him to deploy the only loyal mutant military dog and issue a wanted notice for Liang Jing. He didn’t know who Liang Jing was, nor did he care—he didn’t consider him a threat. In his eyes, if he took action against Liang Jing, it was already a mark of favor. Liang Jing would do well to surrender at once.

After all, they represented the people!

…

“Here! Over here!” Lü Fengsheng, spirited and energetic, waved his hand and pointed to a shadowy, concealed corner.

Ahead, a man with a straight back followed a gray-and-yellow mutant dog, occasionally soothing and communicating with the creature, which stood as tall as a person’s shoulder—a mutant military dog.

“Sergeant Zhang Bao, do you have any leads?” Lü Fengsheng asked, addressing the upright man communicating with the mutant dog, as well as a dozen or so other soldiers with resolute faces. His tone was gentle, even ingratiating; all these men were soldiers, though dressed in civilian clothes to avoid attracting attention to the operation, which depended heavily on their expertise.

After all, the reputation of Tu Guiwu—Young Master Tu—and his faction was notorious, even if everyone knew he had strong ties to the military. But as with any official operation, appearances had to be maintained. Everyone knew the truth, but as long as the facts weren’t exposed, they could deny everything. Whether others believed it or not didn’t matter; they themselves believed it!

As for anyone else’s opinions—they were irrelevant.

“Mm.” The man named Zhang Bao, his expression unchanged, let out a grunt and nodded in response. He waved several pieces of clothing before the mutant military dog’s nose, then gave a signal. The dog wagged its tail and moved forward, the group hurrying to follow.

“All right! Everyone, keep up. There’ll be a reward from Young Master Tu when we’re done. Move quickly…”

Lü Fengsheng’s eyes flashed as he watched Zhang Bao, but his face remained indifferent, as if unconcerned. Clearly, he had already taken note of him, and would not hesitate to strike at him if given the chance. But now wasn’t the time. This period of fleeing had taught Lü Fengsheng that in this world, everything else was hollow; only true strength mattered.

Otherwise, how could Zhang Bao, formerly just a kitchen helper, have become a squad leader? It was only because he could communicate with the mutant military dog. All the other military dogs had gone mad after mutating, turning on their handlers—either dying or escaping—causing the army significant losses.

Lü Fengsheng’s own situation was similar. Lacking strength, he had to find a backer—his was not a mutant hound, but Tu Guiwu, Young Master Tu. Just as now, he had three awakened individuals at his side. Though powerful, they still had to follow his orders. If he handled this well, he would certainly earn Young Master Tu’s favor. Before the apocalypse, he had built his business from nothing; he knew when to endure and when to seek support.

Liang Jing, are you ready? Don’t worry—we’ll be meeting soon.

No matter how powerful you are, I’ll make you crawl like a dog, toying with you at my leisure.

With over a hundred heavily armed men at his side, once they found Liang Jing, eliminating his dozen or so companions would be a matter of minutes. Lü Fengsheng checked his own gear—making sure his bulletproof vest was secured—valuing his own life above all else. If not for the chance to make a name for himself, he wouldn’t have come in person.

But with a squad of well-trained soldiers and three awakened ones, a force of over a hundred armed men, he felt confident. More importantly, he was sure of success: regardless of Liang Jing’s personal strength, as long as he had others with him, he wouldn’t be able to move freely—he’d be tied down, a trapped beast surrounded by so many guns, soon to become nothing but shredded meat.

With so many people at his side, unless Liang Jing abandoned everyone, he wouldn’t even be able to flee—he’d be forced to passively endure wave after wave of attacks.

“Sergeant Zhang Bao, any news?”

Huff… huff…

After a long run, Lü Fengsheng, never the athletic type, was out of breath. This was where Liang Jing and his companions were last seen—the very spot where Liang Jing had left Su Yuting yesterday.

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My head is spinning—I can’t capture the right tone. Frustrating…

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