Wasteland Rebirth

"What has become of this world?" Wang Bin couldn't help but exclaim in despair. 

Chu Xiang gave a bitter smile and replied, "Yes, I ask myself the same thing every day. But what has happened to the world is not something we can change. As long as we are still alive, that is enough." 

Wang Bin's gaze suddenly turned resolute. "Yes! As long as we are alive, that is enough!" 

At this moment, Sun Gaoqiang, now catching his breath, spoke up. "Your name is Chu Xiang, right? I'm Sun Gaoqiang. I know a bit about electronics and have some strength. I won't be a burden to you. Let me join your team." 

The usually silent Zhang Hongbing, who had been driving, finally spoke. "If you want to join us, you'll need to be evaluated. Someone like He Er, that bastard, will never be allowed in again! Damn him, he must have been the one to inform Gu Hai about the Dragon's Head. If I ever get my hands on him, I'll shoot his balls off without hesitation." 

Sun Gaoqiang responded, "I accept your evaluation. Even if I die this time, I won't go back to Gu Hai. It's clear that Chu Xiang is a good leader. He knows how to value everyone's life. If it weren't for that, Gu Hai wouldn't be able to threaten him, right?" 

Chu Xiang nodded. "Let's work together and find a way to survive. You know radio equipment—can you build a receiver for us?" 

Sun Gaoqiang replied, "As long as we have the materials, I can manage." 

Chu Xiang nodded again. "Alright, I'll figure out where to get the materials. But right now, our main concern is how to survive and get out of Jishi. The zombies are beginning to gather. I give it less than an hour before the entire city's zombie population, over one hundred thousand strong, will launch an attack on us. By then, even the gods would have a hard time escaping..." 

Screeching to a halt, the convoy came to a stop ahead. Wang Wu and He Er were holding guns, fighting off the zombies that were relentlessly swarming around them. Gu Hai walked up to the front of the Pajero and said, "Chu Xiang, your job is to lead the large group of zombies in circles, distracting them while we go after the gold. You'll have thirty minutes. After that, find your own way back to the camp. I warn you, don't try any tricks. Otherwise, your friends will die because of you." 

"Damn you! You're using us as live bait!" Zhang Hongbing exploded with curses. 

Wang Wu immediately aimed his gun at Zhang Hongbing's forehead. Zhang Hongbing, though tough in words, fell silent when he saw the black barrel pointed at him. Chu Xiang said calmly, "Fine, we'll do it your way. But at least give us some weapons. If we can't hold off the zombie horde, you'll suffer too. We're all in the same boat here, I believe you understand that." 

Gu Hai, seeing the growing swarm of zombies around them, reluctantly agreed. He returned to his vehicle and brought out two 03 rifles and several magazines, along with five grenades. "I'll give you these weapons. You go straight ahead at the intersection, while we take the right turn. Don't let the zombies get close to that spire. Thirty minutes later, we meet back at the camp. I give you my word, as long as we get the gold, I'll return your friends and the Dragon's Head, untouched." 

Chu Xiang grabbed one of the rifles and tossed it to Zhang Hongbing, keeping all the grenades for himself. "Alright, I hope you'll keep your word. Zhang Hongbing, let's go!" 

Saying it was easy, but the number of zombies was already in the thousands, filling every street and alley. The city's population was nowhere near this high, and within ten minutes, the zombies could easily grow to tens of thousands. If that happened, there would be no escape for anyone. 

Zhang Hongbing wasn't the best driver, and he was quick to panic, nearly crashing into abandoned cars multiple times. Chu Xiang said, "I'll drive. You two stay on guard, and make sure no zombies get on top of the car." 

In truth, Chu Xiang had never known how to drive before he died. But after waking up, he realized he could confidently drive tanks and planes. It seemed that his lost memories held some deep secret, though he had no time to investigate now—staying alive was his top priority. 

The Pajero sped down the zombie-infested roads. Chu Xiang didn't dare slow down; if he did, they would surely be surrounded. Thankfully, his driving skills were excellent, or they would have crashed by now. Zhang Hongbing, who had already admired Chu Xiang, now held him in even higher regard. 

Suddenly, the roar of a motorcycle broke through the air, and Song Jun pulled up alongside the Pajero. "Chu Xiang, we can't keep circling like this. The zombies are getting denser, and we'll soon be trapped!" 

Chu Xiang had also noticed the growing danger. Countless zombies were pouring out of buildings, shops, and factories, filling the streets like a tide. Continuing down this path would only lead to deeper entrapment, but the zombie horde was currently leading them away from the golden museum with its spire. Time had already passed for ten minutes. If they could hold out for another twenty minutes, they might have a chance to retreat, but Chu Xiang feared they might not be able to find a way out of Jishi at all. 

"We need to abandon the car and proceed on foot!" Chu Xiang made the decision, despite its grim implications. Even if they tried to withdraw now, the Pajero couldn't break through the zombie horde. Looking back, the road they came from was completely overrun by zombies. Even if they crashed through, killing hundreds of zombies, thousands more would soon block their way. 

Zhang Hongbing was shocked. "On foot? That's even worse than staying in the car!" 

Chu Xiang replied, "Staying in the car might be a faster death. If you don't mind, you can drive off and draw some zombies away from us." 

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Zhang Hongbing said, "Forget it, I'll stick with you. It feels safer that way." 

Song Jun spoke up, "There's a library up ahead. The doors and windows are likely sealed tightly. We can take refuge there for a while." 

Chu Xiang knew that getting out of the car and hiding would be a dangerous choice, but it was better than being caught by zombies right away. The zombie crowd had grown even denser, and the Pajero's speed had slowed considerably. If they weren't careful, they might be overturned, with the zombies treating them like a feast. 

Taking refuge in the library seemed like the wisest choice. Most other buildings had too many open windows, and the zombies didn't fear glass. They could easily break through. Early survivors must have realized this, as the library's doors were shut tight, and cars were parked outside to block the way. 

Chu Xiang tossed rifles to Wang Bin and Sun Gaoqiang. He noticed the second-floor windows of the library, likely the offices of the leaders, with air conditioning compressors installed beneath them. He grabbed a rope that had been used for hanging banners, and as Song Jun dropped his motorcycle, he rushed over. Chu Xiang tied the rope to an arrow, shot it through the window, and with a firm pull, began climbing. 

Outside the window was an aluminum alloy security mesh. With his enhanced strength from two evolutions, Chu Xiang easily removed it. If he could advance further, he might even reach the rank of D-class Captain, which would make him even stronger. 

"Is it safe inside? We're running out of time!" Zhang Hongbing shouted from below, as the gunfire could no longer hold back the zombie onslaught. The last of their magazines were quickly depleting, and the zombies were closing in.