Chapter 97: Zombies Besieging the City

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Within Changzhou City, there were many survivors—some had lived there originally, while others, like Chen Yuanshan and his group, were soldiers stationed nearby.

The arrival of Yue Qi and his companions quickly drew everyone's attention, though their expressions varied—some were displeased, others curious, and a few had eyes that gleamed with anticipation.

Naturally, Yue Qi and the others chose to ignore the stares, though being the center of such scrutiny was somewhat uncomfortable. Chen Yuanshan noticed this immediately and stood in the middle of the street, calling out to the crowd:

“These are my former brothers. Everyone need not pay them much mind. Please return to your homes!” Given Chen Yuanshan’s influence in Changzhou, his words carried weight, and nearly everyone returned to their rooms.

“The houses in Changzhou have all been allocated, and we’ve thoroughly inspected each to ensure no zombies are hiding inside...” Chen Yuanshan smiled as he explained to Yue Qi, clearly proud of how well he managed this aspect.

“By the way, Captain Chen...” Yue Qi suddenly remembered something. “With such a large city, is there no one like a leader or overseer here?” This was what truly concerned Yue Qi; if there were any bosses in Changzhou, his group might not be able to settle in peacefully.

Sensing Yue Qi’s doubt, Chen Yuanshan smiled and said, “Don’t worry, brother Yue. We don’t have the usual camp hierarchy here. Nothing major happens, and resources are shared equally, so there are few grievances.”

Hearing this, Yue Qi immediately respected him more. Though Chen Yuanshan spoke lightly, it was clear he held some status in the camp. To maintain such fairness in these times was no small feat.

“By the way, Captain Chen, do you know if Changzhou has a branch of the Cangjian Manor?” After a short silence, Xin Zi suddenly approached Chen Yuanshan and asked.

“Of course I know, but why do you ask, young brother?” Chen Yuanshan looked at Xin Zi with curiosity. While it wasn’t a secret that the Cangjian Manor had a branch in Changzhou, not everyone knew about it.

“I’m from the Cangjian Manor, just traveling outside. I wanted to inquire about how things are here.” Xin Zi did not reveal his true identity.

“I see...” Chen Yuanshan suddenly understood. “We haven’t cleared out the Manor’s branch, but from what we’ve observed, there aren’t many zombies inside. We’re not afraid of a large outbreak there. Plus, a few people who came out told us that resources there aren’t abundant, so we haven’t wasted manpower on clearing it yet...”

“I see... Thank you, Captain Chen...” Some disappointment flickered in Xin Zi’s eyes, but he still politely cupped his fists to Chen Yuanshan.

“However, I recall a group of survivors arriving here some time ago—some of them were from the Cangjian Manor branch, though I don’t remember the details exactly. If you’re homesick, I can have someone check for you.” Chen Yuanshan suddenly had a thought and said to Xin Zi.

“From the Manor?!” Xin Zi’s eyes lit up. The people inside the branch might not recognize him, and even if he revealed himself, it might mean little. But those who had left the Manor usually had a strong sense of belonging; if he showed his identity, they would surely be glad to see him...

“Exactly! I’ll have my men look into it. For now, come with me to the main hall. We’ll arrange accommodation for you...” Seeing Xin Zi’s expression, Chen Yuanshan understood his thoughts and smiled.

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“Thank you very much, Captain Chen!” Xin Zi gratefully glanced at Chen Yuanshan, then nodded to Yue Qi and returned to his group.

“This young man is quite straightforward...” Chen Yuanshan remarked to Yue Qi as he watched Xin Zi leave.

Yue Qi smiled but didn’t deny it. “Captain Chen, don’t underestimate Xin. Though not the strongest, if it weren’t for him, we might not have made it here today...”

“Oh?!” Chen Yuanshan’s interest was piqued. In these times, someone who could kill zombies was rare, but one who could kill a whole group while minimizing injuries was truly exceptional. From Yue Qi’s account, this man might be a hidden genius.

“Enough about that. But Captain Chen, your leadership is impressive. Those guards on the city wall—each one seems capable of holding their own against hundreds...” Yue Qi deftly changed the subject with a smile.

“Nonsense, brother Yue, you flatter me...” Having seen Yue Qi’s skills, Chen Yuanshan knew this was a deliberate diversion, so he smiled wryly. “Brother Yue, I’m a few years older than you. If you don’t mind, just call me Brother Chen. Captain Chen sounds so formal...”

“All right then, I’ll respectfully accept...”

Along the way, Yue Qi and Chen Yuanshan talked a lot. Changzhou was indeed a large city. The so-called main hall was once a general’s residence, now cleared out and used as their meeting place.

Yue Qi told Chen Yuanshan that their group came from Changlong Town but didn’t mention that they planned to leave soon. It would be rude to say so before settling in.

“All right, Brother Yue, your accommodations are arranged. You brought some supplies, not much, but it helps replenish...” Chen Yuanshan said politely, though the few goods Yang Zhenwu and others brought barely made a dent for everyone in the city.

“Thank you, Brother Chen...” Yue Qi cupped his fists. Besides the old master’s forest, this was the safest place he had stayed. Judging by Chen Yuanshan’s demeanor, he clearly understood that ordinary zombies would fight fiercely and mutate, so most zombies in Changzhou had been cleared out, unlike in Qingzhou.

“However, Brother Yue, Changzhou is not completely safe. I noticed some capable fighters in your group. I hope to assign them under my command...” Chen Yuanshan suddenly said, directly asking Yue Qi for men.

“Oh? What’s that about?” Yue Qi wasn’t opposed; after all, since he planned to leave, what happened here was no longer his concern.

“Well, how to put it... You’ll understand after staying a while. Zombies attack the city nearly every two weeks...” Chen Yuanshan paused and said to Yue Qi.

“Zombies attacking the city?!” Yue Qi was puzzled. Such attacks weren’t surprising—the camp was likely the only survivor settlement within a hundred miles. If zombies found it, they would attack in force. But attacking on a schedule was strange...

“Right. And, Brother Yue, don’t laugh at me, but I think the zombies are acting with some kind of plan. If they fail to breach the city, they even retreat in an organized manner!” Chen Yuanshan said with a bitter smile.

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“Retreat in an organized way?!” Yue Qi was shocked. If that were true, then...

He thought of a possibility but dared not be sure. Seeing Chen Yuanshan’s grim expression, he asked, “Brother Chen, do you think so too?”

Chen Yuanshan nodded silently.

Yue Qi’s guess might be correct. If ordinary and mutated zombies could be directed to attack the city, and if those commanders were not human, then the only explanation was that mutated zombies had turned on each other, evolving into higher-level zombies!

“Brother Chen, have you seen those ‘special’ zombies?” Yue Qi had never encountered them and wasn’t sure, so he asked cautiously.

“I haven’t seen them myself. It’s just speculation. We know that mutated zombies try to flee when in extreme danger, but ordinary zombies do not. When zombies attack, only a small portion stay behind to cover the retreat; the rest leave. Those left behind seem to guard the city’s outskirts, perhaps to prevent us from escaping...” Chen Yuanshan thought for a moment and explained.

“When was the last attack?” Yue Qi wanted to verify this himself—he didn’t believe what he hadn’t seen.

“About a week ago. You’ve been lucky, Brother Yue. If you’d come earlier or later, you might have encountered zombies on the road, which would have been dangerous...” Chen Yuanshan sighed, still shaken.

Yue Qi nodded, relieved their timing had been just right.

“So, Brother Chen means the zombies will attack again next week, right?” Yue Qi asked.

“If nothing unexpected happens, yes. Though they attack together, luckily they rush recklessly. If they knew how to use siege equipment, Changzhou would have fallen long ago...” Chen Yuanshan said, analyzing the zombies’ weaknesses.

“Brother Chen sends guards here daily, right?” Yue Qi thought for a moment and asked.

“Yes, we have five squads. They were originally under the command of the general who lived here in this former residence. But when the camp fell, the general turned into a zombie. Only the five squad leaders escaped and later reorganized the team to live here...” Chen Yuanshan did not hide this from Yue Qi.

“Good! Then, Brother Chen, please inform me next time the zombies attack!” Yue Qi clenched his fist, nodded firmly at Chen Yuanshan...