Chapter 172: Some Thoughts in My Heart
Chapter 172: Some Thoughts in My Heart
Since the shout is low and quiet, it doesn’t disturb the people fighting at the front of the gas station. Besides, those at the front are in complete chaos—sounds of wailing mixed with the excited growls of zombies. Naturally, no one hears the quiet call from the back.
People are inherently selfish. In the pre-apocalyptic world, if someone stumbles upon a map to a gold mine, would they willingly share it with others?
The man who shouts clearly has his own agenda. He wants to avoid involving the entire Green Dragon gang and focus on gathering just a few others to seize Anran for himself. In the chaos, the plan is simple: capture Anran, load her into the pickup truck, and charge through the zombie horde to escape. Once they’re gone, who can track them? As for the Green Dragon leader? Whether he survives to pursue them is another question entirely.
Apparently, this idea isn’t unique to him. Several other men have similar schemes in mind. Those who initially head toward the front of the gas station turn around as if by tacit agreement, converging to surround Anran.
More men join the chase from behind. Just as Anran is about to be overtaken, Yun Tao rushes forward. With a few swift and precise moves, he knocks two of the men to the ground, carving out a path for her escape.
Anran, breathing heavily, turns and wipes the blood off her hands as best she can. She tightly grips the knife, then slides it back into the scabbard at her waist. Grabbing the little girl’s hand, she allows Yun Tao to shield her as they make a desperate dash toward the back of the pickup truck. Anran opens the truck door and climbs in quickly, pulling the girl along with her.
Yun Tao leaps onto the roof of the truck, slashing at several zombies with his blade as he goes. After clearing a path, he jumps down, slips into the driver’s seat, and slams the door shut. Without hesitation, Yun Tao floors the accelerator, sending the pickup truck speeding toward the greenbelt behind the restaurant.
Meanwhile, the remaining pursuers—including Zeng Fan, the one who first shouted about the mobile granary escaping—fail to stop them. Undeterred, Zeng Fan and a few others jump into a nearby vehicle and take off after the pickup truck, shouting and chasing it down the moonlit road.
The mob gathered under Green Dragon’s command is never truly loyal or united. When faced with a critical moment, who would willingly stand by Green Dragon to fight Zhan Lian? Self-preservation rules their hearts, and chasing the mobile granary becomes their top priority.
Under the silver moonlight, vehicles surround the gas station like vultures circling prey. The ground shimmers faintly as if covered by a delicate layer of gauze.
At the gas station, Zhan Lian stands alone, holding his ground against a group of attackers. Several power users have managed to pin him down momentarily. Green Dragon’s leader steps forward, delivering a powerful kick to Zhan Lian’s chest, forcing him back a few steps.
Zhan Lian staggers but quickly regains his footing. With an indifferent expression, he brushes off the dirt and footprints from his chest. The moonlight illuminates his face as he surveys his surroundings.
The power users surrounding him hesitate. Though they have the numbers, none dare to make the first move. They are all too aware of Zhan Lian’s strength. Before the apocalypse, Zhan Lian could easily take down these men. Since the end of the world, many have awakened special abilities, yet even now, Zhan Lian’s combat prowess remains unmatched.
On his journey from the northwest to Xiangcheng in central China, Zhan Lian encounters countless power users. At first, he crushes them with ease. However, as time passes, he realizes that their abilities can evolve, much like leveling up in a game.
One man, in particular, stands out—the one with a blue dragon tattoo on his arm. He is clearly a second-level power user, and judging by his movements, he has undergone extensive training. With just one kick, he manages to push Zhan Lian back a few steps. He is no ordinary opponent.
The blue dragon tattooed man seems to recognize Zhan Lian’s strength as well. Though his own power is formidable, he knows Zhan Lian isn’t someone to be trifled with. Half-threatening and half-friendly, he addresses Zhan Lian with a faint smile:
"Brother, in this world, we’re bound to cross paths again sooner or later. Don’t push too hard."