Since it was the decision of the person involved, others naturally had to respect it.
Hang Feng and Murong Huan's gazes simultaneously fell on Shen Yujing and Quan Le. Rather than handing the girl over to each other, they would prefer her to board the vehicle from Zone B—
After all, with the intelligence level of Zone B, they probably wouldn’t be able to extract any classified information.
Once the girl sat in the back seat, Shen Yujing returned to the driver's seat and started the car, heading in the direction of Zone C.
The vehicles from Zone A and Zone C followed closely behind.
Quan Le, curious, turned to look at her and asked, “I’m Quan Le, the deputy leader of Zone B. He’s Shen Yujing, the leader. What’s your name?”
The girl pursed her lips, thought for a moment, and replied, “My name is Song Yi. ‘Song’ as in the Song dynasty, and ‘Yi’ as in the word for ‘graceful.’”
After introducing herself, Song Yi revealed a hint of fear and asked, “Will the place you’re taking me to be dangerous? Will they dissect me for my blood?”
“Pfft—”
Quan Le couldn’t help but laugh at her words and immediately shook his head. “Although Jiang Yiheng is a bit reserved, he’s a good person. He wouldn’t do something so cruel, right, Shen Yujing?”
Quan Le glanced at Shen Yujing but was surprised to find him… silent, giving him a complicated look.
Quan Le: “?”
What’s going on? What does that look mean?
Quan Le didn’t understand, but Song Yi’s soft, delicate voice sounded again, asking, “Could I have some water and food, please? I’m very hungry.”
“Oh… sure.” Quan Le nodded repeatedly, pulling out a bottle of water and some bread and biscuits from his storage space, handing them over to her.
Song Yi unwrapped the food and began eating.
It was true; she had been starving for a long time and desperately needed human food to replenish her energy and strength.
At that moment, a few pieces of chocolate were tossed over from the front seat.
Song Yi looked up in surprise and heard the blond boy driving the car say somewhat awkwardly, “I don’t like these. You can have them.”
She had prepared herself for the possibility that these two might try to probe her for information or even for the worst-case scenario—being knocked out and waking up in a research lab.
But none of what she had imagined happened. They arrived at their destination safely.
Along the way, the brown-haired boy named Quan Le introduced her to everyone who had appeared earlier and explained the location they were heading to.
Upon arrival, the first thing that happened was a blood draw.
The doctor—or rather, the leader of Zone C, Jiang Yiheng—looked at her with an apologetic expression and said, “For research purposes, we might need to draw a bit more blood than usual.”
“It’s fine.” Song Yi shook her head, but when she saw the needle pierce her vein, she instinctively pulled her hand back.
The needle was forcefully removed, and a bead of blood welled up from the wound.
Jiang Yiheng frowned slightly, quickly wiping the blood away, and asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry, I’m just a bit afraid of this.” Song Yi forced a smile, her face pale.
Once the bleeding on her arm stopped, she extended her hand again and said, “It’s okay now. Please continue.”
As she spoke, she closed her eyes, and scenes from many years ago flashed through her mind.
There had been another doctor like this, saying he only needed her blood for a small experiment, but in the end, he wanted her life.
She had slept for forty years, and when she woke up, she was still young.
Because of her extraordinary blood, the true power of the Purification Spirit was far greater than these people imagined. But they were too foolish and shortsighted, exposing their greed for immediate gains.
She was somewhat curious about how this story would unfold.
Of course, she was also prepared for history to repeat itself.
Suddenly, a hand covered her eyes, completely blocking her view of the hazy world around her.
Shen Yujing’s voice sounded behind her, tinged with impatience and urgency. “Jiang Yiheng, it looks like your eyes are about to pop out of your head. Hurry up and get it over with.”
Song Yi nodded. “Yes.”
She hoped they would quickly reveal their ambitions, expose their dirty intentions, and then she could let the tragedy repeat itself, like restarting a game cycle, with the same inevitable outcome.
Give them hope, only to destroy everything before they could succeed.
This feeling… was somewhat amusing.
Before her last “death,” Song Yi had seen too many ugly faces.
Too many people had tried to get close to her, first for her beauty, and later for her blood.
Jiang Yiheng drew three tubes of blood, fewer than Song Yi had expected.
Once it was confirmed that the process was over, Shen Yujing removed his hand and took a step back.
Jiang Yiheng looked up at Murong Huan and said, “Take Miss Song to the room we prepared for her to rest.”
“Alright.” Murong Huan walked over to Song Yi and extended a hand. “Can you walk? Do you need me to support you?”
“Thank you, but I’m fine for now.” Song Yi stood up, wearing the oversized slippers Shen Yujing had taken from his storage space, and followed Murong Huan out of the room.
The door closed, and the room fell silent once more.
Shen Yujing looked at Jiang Yiheng and asked, “What’s next?”
Jiang Yiheng replied calmly, “Continue the research.”
Hang Feng, however, said indifferently, “Research? Wasn’t the best solution already known over thirty years ago? It just failed back then.”
Over thirty years ago, that attempt had failed, but it had been the best solution.
A chill ran down Quan Le’s spine as he understood what Hang Feng was implying. He suddenly realized why Shen Yujing had given him that strange look in the car earlier.
Quan Le and Shen Yujing exchanged glances, and then Quan Le said angrily, “Jiang Yiheng? You’re not actually planning to take her life, are you?”
“It’s the simplest solution,” Xu Che’s voice interjected. After a pause, he added, “Sacrificing one person to save everyone is a cost-effective choice. But unless it’s absolutely necessary, it’s not the best solution.”
“Even if it’s absolutely necessary, it’s still not acceptable,” Shen Yujing sneered. “Is this how you treat someone after luring them here? Planning to burn the bridge already? Isn’t that a bit too quick?”
Jiang Yiheng suddenly looked up at him, pushing his glasses up and asking, “Shen Yujing, have you ever seen what a normal world looks like?”
Shen Yujing was taken aback.
Jiang Yiheng’s voice was calmer than usual, but there was a faint tremor that most people wouldn’t notice.
“A peaceful world, where there are no zombies that could harm humans at any moment, and no constant threat of death. A world where everyone lives ordinary, mundane lives—going to school, working, enjoying weekends. They don’t need to kill zombies with their own hands, don’t need to study the *Zombie Defense Manual* from birth, and will never have blood on their hands. That’s what an ordinary life looks like. Don’t you want to experience that, even if it’s just for a day?”
“As Xu Che said, that’s the worst-case scenario. I’ll do everything in my power to prevent that outcome.”
The blond boy’s face turned pale.
Because he had to admit, Jiang Yiheng’s description of that world had moved him. That was also the original purpose of their search for the “Purification Spirit”—to end the apocalypse completely and let everyone live a peaceful life.
But…
Thinking of the trust in Song Yi’s eyes when she looked at him before getting into the car, the fact that she had chosen him…
At that moment, Quan Le suddenly interrupted the argument, saying, “Enough. Let’s wait for the specific results to come out before we argue. There’s no point in fighting now. I’m hungry—where’s the canteen in Zone C?”
Jiang Yiheng pressed a button on the side, and someone immediately came in to take Quan Le to the canteen.
Of course, before leaving, Quan Le dragged Shen Yujing along with him.
Seeing Shen Yujing’s grim expression, Quan Le whispered, “I know you don’t want to hurt that girl.”
Shen Yujing replied, “But they might not feel the same way.”
The “they” he referred to were, naturally, the people from Zone A and Zone C.
“But we can’t argue with them now. We’re allies. If you completely pit Zone B against them, they’ll keep us in the dark about any progress.”
Quan Le paused, then added with a hint of reproach, “You’re too impatient. Let’s take this one step at a time.”
Area B had its drawbacks, primarily the unreliability of its two leaders. However, the silver lining was that whenever the two of them were together, at least one of them would have their wits about them.
Shen Yujing nodded, reluctantly agreeing with Quan Le's assessment. "I understand," he said.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Song Yi followed Murong Huan to her room.
It was a modest one-bedroom apartment, but it was well-equipped, clearly the best that Area C could offer.
Soon, food was brought in.
Murong Huan explained the rules to Song Yi: the shower only worked between 6 PM and 9 PM, and there were a few unworn clothes in the wardrobe.
Song Yi nodded, taking mental notes.
As Murong Huan was about to leave, Song Yi smiled and said, "Thank you."
Murong Huan hesitated at the door, then turned back to look at her. "Be careful. Try not to go out too much. If your... uniqueness is discovered, it could put you in danger."
Song Yi replied, "Got it."
The door closed, and the room fell silent once more.
Song Yi ate some warm food and then took a shower.
Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, water droplets falling to the floor.
She stood by the window, gazing at the peaceful scene outside.
But the peace felt dull, almost boring.
It seemed she needed to stir things up to speed things along instead of wasting time here.
She picked up an empty bowl from the table and smashed it on the floor, shattering it into pieces.
Song Yi picked up one of the shards and cut her arm, then manipulated the blood to fly out the window, heading straight for the boundary between Area B and Area C.
The allure of the Purification Spirit was deadly to zombies, like moths to a flame, regardless of the consequences.
As Song Yi had anticipated.
The next morning, while everyone was having breakfast at the long table, someone came to report that a zombie attack had occurred at the boundary between Area B and Area C.
Jiang Yiheng stood up immediately. "What are the casualties?"
The messenger replied respectfully, "It's unclear why the zombies chose that location, but fortunately, there aren't many people living there. Some buildings were destroyed, and our forces have subdued the zombies, but..."
"But what?"
"But more zombies are coming, as if they're being controlled."
"Excuse me, I need to go. Murong Huan, you're in charge of the base." Jiang Yiheng looked at the others, then stood up and prepared to leave.
"Wait," Shen Yujing put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and stood up as well. "Since this is happening at the boundary of our two safe zones, I have a responsibility too. I'll go with you."
Quan Le also nodded in agreement.
At that moment, another messenger arrived.
"Leader, we have a problem. The second wave of zombies is much stronger than the first. We can only hold our ground for now. We need to mobilize a large number of ability users immediately!"
Xu Che and Hang Feng exchanged glances. "Since we're here, we can't just stand by and do nothing. Area A will help too."
It was clear to everyone that this organized zombie attack was no accident. The priority was to subdue the zombies and ensure the safety of the civilians.
Song Yi spoke up, "Take me with you. I can help."
Everyone knew she was right. The power of the Purification Spirit was far more effective than any emergency medicine they had developed.
But Jiang Yiheng immediately objected, "It's too dangerous. Go back and rest."
Song Yi pursed her lips, her gaze sweeping over the faces in the room. Finally, she tugged at Shen Yujing's sleeve.
She didn't say anything, but her eyes conveyed her thoughts clearly.
She wanted to go with them.
Shen Yujing spoke up, "Jiang Yiheng, if this is really as dangerous as you say, and you die, no one else can continue researching her. And she's right—if something goes wrong, she can save us."
Jiang Yiheng remained silent.
Shen Yujing added, "I'll protect her, alright? Let's not waste any more time."
"Do as you wish."
Jiang Yiheng knew the situation was urgent, so he followed the others, and everyone else followed suit.
On the way to the boundary between Areas B and C, Quan Le was driving.
Shen Yujing didn't sit in the passenger seat but instead sat next to Song Yi.
He waved his hand in the air, rummaging through his storage space for something.
Song Yi watched with interest until two red strings appeared in his palm.
The blonde boy clumsily tied one of the strings around his own wrist, then turned to Song Yi. "Give me your hand."
Song Yi frowned but didn't move.
This wasn't an ordinary red string. It was called a "Red Thread of Fate."
Not the traditional kind, though. This one allowed the two people wearing it to sense each other's danger and instantly teleport to the other's side if needed.
Shen Yujing opened his mouth to explain, but in the end, all he said was, "Trust me. I won't harm you."
Song Yi already knew that, since he had tied one around his own wrist.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she extended her hand, allowing Shen Yujing to tie the red string around her wrist.
Shen Yujing explained, "If you sense danger, just channel a bit of your energy into the string. It'll act as a summon, and I'll appear in front of you immediately. If you feel a strong sense of unease, just... untie the string."
Song Yi looked down at the red string on her wrist and asked, "Why?"
Quan Le chimed in, "Because that means he's in danger. During a fight with zombies, he can't guarantee that his energy won't accidentally activate the Red Thread of Fate. If he summons you, it'll just complicate things."
Shen Yujing nodded. "Exactly."
Song Yi looked at Shen Yujing and asked, "But if you're in danger, why should I untie it? Wouldn't it be easier to just summon you back?"
"That won't work," Shen Yujing shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. His peach-blossom eyes seemed to glow as he said, "That would be desertion. I would never abandon an ally on the battlefield."
"Understood," Song Yi lowered her head and pulled her sleeve down to cover the red string.
It was a bit distracting... or so she thought.
*
When they arrived at their destination, Song Yi wasn't allowed to join the fight. She could only watch from a distance.
Both Area B and Area C had mobilized their ability users to fend off the zombies. The zombies attracted by her blood were limited in number, so the situation was under control, and the danger had mostly passed.
Just then, there was a sharp knock on the car window, startling her.
Song Yi turned to look outside. Standing there was a black-haired boy with an ambiguous smile on his face.
It was... Hang Feng, the deputy leader of Area A.
Song Yi didn't have much of an impression of him, as he usually stayed silent, following Xu Che around.
She rolled down the window and asked, "What do you want?"
Hang Feng extended his left hand, revealing a zombie crystal in his palm.
A sense of wariness crept into Song Yi's heart. She shook her head. "I don't need this."
"Is that so?" Hang Feng lowered his gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I wasn't planning to give it to you anyway."
Song Yi asked cautiously, "Then what do you want?"
Hang Feng said softly, "I'm a psychic ability user."
Song Yi remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
Sure enough, he went on, "I can control zombies... and I can also read their thoughts."
Song Yi scoffed. "Are you kidding me? Zombies don't have intelligence."
"Exactly. They only have their most primal instincts," Hang Feng clenched the crystal in his hand and looked at Song Yi again, his eyes turning cold. "Like an extreme craving for something pure."
He enunciated each word clearly, "For example... the Purification Spirit."
The moment Song Yi's smile froze, Hang Feng knew he had guessed correctly.
Looking at the scene not far away, Song Yi quickly calmed down. She said directly, "You have no evidence."
Without any evidence, no matter what he said, it was just speculation.
Her blood had long been covered by the stains of countless zombies, making it impossible to trace.
"I don't need evidence."
The crystal core in Hang Feng's hand turned into powder in an instant, scattering into the air. He looked at Song Yi with a faint smile and said, "Don't be afraid. I'm not your enemy. I want to be your ally because I know you hate all humans."
The black-haired boy leaned down, his lips lightly brushing against the girl's earlobe. His breath was icy as he whispered, "How did someone who died forty years ago come back to life?"
"I'm also curious—how many secrets are still hidden in your blood?"
