Chapter 143: A Strictly Confidential Organization

"Please, stop saying that."

Chen Yi waved his hand calmly. "In reality, we are all the same, struggling desperately to survive. There is no one more noble than another."

Despite his words, those who had received Chen Yi's kindness remained eternally grateful. Velo, in particular, a Cecilian who had tried to oppose Chen Yi time and again, felt a deep sense of remorse. Because Chen Yi had offered him chances despite his past actions, Velo was secretly determined to repay the debt.

At that moment, Chen Yi was surveying the surroundings. There were still many unpredictable dangers in the deep sea, and he could not yet assume this was a place where everyone could find the security they hoped for. Consequently, he decided to head to the cities on land to conduct a reconnaissance.

"Yunxi, Yaxi, continue leading everyone in the Kunpeng's territory. I will take a few people to scout the nearby land."

These words immediately made Chu Yunxi anxious. "You’ve already analyzed the dangers on land, haven't you? Why go there now?"

"Exactly!" Lu Kai added, looking worried. "Boss, you said the land is even more dangerous than the ocean. After all, if a tsunami or something similar hits, we’d all be finished."

"But we cannot afford not to go," Chen Yi said with a solemn expression.

Based on the current situation, the pollution in the ocean was already severe. Relying solely on the sea for resources was not a sustainable long-term solution. Having made up his mind, Chen Yi quickly declared his decision.

"We must search for resources across the land, sea, and air. Creatures that fly, run, or swim—all can provide us with the means to survive."

"Ahem!" The great Kunpeng couldn't help but interject. "Boss, please, do not count me as a resource!"

The group burst into laughter at this. "Boss wouldn't count you as a resource! Besides, you're so massive that even if he wanted to, it would take quite some effort!"

"Hold it!" Kunpeng coughed awkwardly. "Don't think I'm joking. Seriously, let's look at the facts: we large marine creatures are your friends, so..."

"Do not worry about that," Chen Yi promised with a smile. "I am not a bloodthirsty or cruel person. Naturally, I will base everything we do on coexistence."

"Good!" The great Kunpeng felt completely reassured. "Being with the Boss is always safe. Alright, we'll listen to you. Whatever you say, we’ll do; we’ll follow your lead exactly."

The group was filled with excitement. Chen Yi was truly a leader who, regardless of the circumstances, was willing to do everything in his power to ensure everyone's safety. Of course, this didn't mean he was foolishly accepting of everyone's protection; those who are too kind are ultimately destined to be manipulated.

Seeing everyone staring at him, Chen Yi felt his face flush. "Why are you all looking at me? Shouldn't you be doing your own work? Alright, I'm off to investigate. Two of you come with me, and the rest stay with the Giant Serpent and Brother Kunpeng!"

"Ahem!" The Giant Serpent looked disgusted. "Stop calling me 'Giant Serpent.' I have a name—I am Tengshe!"

"Fine, then stay with Brother Snake!" Chen Yi dropped these words and spread his wings to depart.

Tengshe felt depressed. So his name was wasted? Brother Snake? *Heh*, he certainly didn't deserve that title! However, despite his reluctance, he knew Chen Yi was right. With great enemies looming, they needed to carefully coordinate their current strategy. Thus, Tengshe chose to stay behind to protect the humans alongside Kunpeng.

As Chen Yi soared into the sky, Chu Yunxi’s heart remained heavy, her hands clasped tightly. Chen Yaxi immediately took hold of her hands. "Sister, Brother will return unharmed. Don't worry."

Chu Yunxi offered a relieved smile. "Alright, I won't."

Chen Yi, accompanied by Halse, Hu Sanhan, and a few others with decent physical conditioning, hurried to the nearest pier. As soon as they landed, they were met by the dark muzzles of guns. Hu Sanhan quickly gripped his broadsword, his eyes cold. "Boss, these bastards seem to have been waiting for us."

Chen Yi gave a calm smile. "That appears to be the case. However, now is not the time to resort to violence." He coughed and looked ahead with piercing eyes.

"Everyone, we had no intention of trespassing. Please, do not be tense."

The person holding the gun realized that Chen Yi and his group posed no immediate threat. He signaled for his men to lower their weapons. Walking forward a few steps, he spoke up, "I am George, the captain of the zombie-extermination security team. Who are you? Judging by the mutations in your body, you must be one of the lucky ones with special abilities. Are you here to claim territory, or are you looking to cooperate?"

"Cooperate, not conquer," Chen Yi replied with composure. His demeanor earned a nod of approval from George.

"Very well. I’ve seen enough in this world to distinguish truth from deceit. You don't seem like a liar."

"What are you saying!" Hu Sanhan sounded unconvinced. "How can you talk like that? My boss isn't the type to do evil. You're being quite unreasonable."

"Enough of that," Chen Yi interrupted Hu Sanhan, then looked at George. "I know you are capable. The fact that you reacted so quickly and gathered so many people for defense shows that you don't treat surviving the apocalypse as a solitary endeavor."

George scoffed, clearly dismissive of Chen Yi’s words. "I am a practical man. If I only cared about my own survival, I would have treated these people as pawns long ago. But I don't do that; I intend to see everyone through this."

Chen Yi extended his hand, his gaze firm. "Then let us survive together."

George studied Chen Yi for a long moment before finally speaking. "What I can promise you is that if we cooperate, we will not betray our friends. But what kind of assurance can you offer?"

"The protection of the great Kunpeng—how does that sound?" With that, Chen Yi grabbed George and flew off with him.

The group on the ground erupted in chaos, but Halse and Hu Sanhan immediately took a defensive stance. "Our boss isn't the type to murder people. Besides, killing your leader would be an act of idiocy. How could we cooperate then?"

Meanwhile, George, having been taken by Chen Yi to witness the massive marine creature, was left in complete shock. "Is this your leverage?"

Chen Yi chuckled. "Tell me, is it enough to qualify?"