Chapter 167: Zombies Blazing a New Trail

The blue zombie felt unconvinced, harboring too many schemes in his heart. He believed that if Chen Yi’s power could be harnessed by the zombie faction, it would trigger a revolutionary shift.

However, Pete had witnessed the prowess of Chen Yi and his companions firsthand, so he dared not make a hasty decision. Seeing his partner—and a long-time rival of many years—behaving so recklessly, Pete simply waved his hand with calm indifference.

"Fine, if you’re so capable, go ahead. But don’t say I didn't warn you. If something goes wrong, don't come blaming me..."

"Jinx," the blue zombie scoffed, unimpressed. He did not believe Chen Yi possessed the true ability to annihilate someone as powerful as himself. His current supernatural strength alone was enough to crush most ability-users. He intended to probe Chen Yi to see if he was merely a hollow shell or a worthy opponent.

It wasn't just the zombies hesitating; Chen Yaxi was growing impatient. The young girl felt that Chen Yi was being overly cautious; she believed they should have pursued the zombies immediately after the first wave was wiped out. Chen Yi, reading her thoughts, chuckled and patted her head.

"Little girl, you’re about to walk straight into danger."

"What do you mean?" She blinked, her eyes filled with confusion. "Are you trying to lure the snake out of its hole, Brother?"

"Exactly," Chen Yi nodded gently. "They haven't attacked yet because they are testing whether we can see through their schemes. If we rush out now, we fall right into their trap. You know I wouldn't lie to you."

Chen Yaxi trusted Chen Yi implicitly; he had rescued her from peril and protected her ever since. She regarded him as a true elder brother and would never act recklessly against his wishes. Unlike the girl's initial impatience, Chu Yunxi began to understand Chen Yi’s intentions and let out a long sigh.

"I finally understand why you are always so composed. You had already seen through their motives before they even made a move."

"Sister-in-law is amazing," Lu Kai chuckled. "You saw that clearly—Boss really didn't spoil you for nothing."

Chu Yunxi blushed and cast a playful, reproachful look at Chen Yi’s close friend. "I was only guessing your brother's thoughts; his true intentions depend on what he says."

Chen Yi smiled, pulling Chu Yunxi to his side. "It is just as you said. I had long since seen through them, but I couldn't change the situation, so I didn't mention it earlier. That doesn't mean I was unprepared. I wouldn't let them scheme against us so wantonly."

"Yay! I knew Brother was the best!" Chen Yaxi cheered, dancing around, momentarily forgetting the lurking danger. Suddenly, Great Kunpeng reacted with lightning speed, shielding her from a poisoned needle.

As the assailant vanished, everyone in Chen Yi's group grew vigilant. To think the enemy dared to launch a surprise attack at such close range—had they been caught off guard, they might have been slaughtered. Chen Yaxi looked at Great Kunpeng, grateful yet worried. "Are you alright, Uncle?"

Great Kunpeng laughed heartily. "A bit of power like that trying to pierce my skin? Impossible. Don't worry, girl, I'm fine."

"Don't be careless," Chen Yi said, his brow furrowed. He felt the opponent wouldn't use just a single poisoned needle to test them. Sure enough, moments later, Great Kunpeng’s expression turned strange, and his body went limp, collapsing to the ground unconscious. After examining him, Chen Yi discovered that while there was no major damage, he had been injected with a massive dose of anesthetic—enough to keep ten oxen asleep.

"What do we do, Brother?" Chen Yaxi asked nervously, looking at the unconscious Kunpeng. "If the enemy's goal is this, they’ll surely strike again. Will we all fall victim to it?"

"No," Chen Yi replied, staring coldly at the sky, watching the poisonous rain begin to fall in a light drizzle. He let out a cold laugh. "Not unless they aren't afraid of dying."

The members of Organization X noticed the sudden weather change and began to retreat immediately. However, when the blue zombie saw these "vile humans" pulling back, he barked, "Who gave you permission to leave?"

"Why shouldn't we?" several members of Organization X replied with cold sneers. "Don't flatter yourself. You only have our master's temporary trust. When it comes down to it, you’re just lowly zombies, aren't you?"

"Damn bastards!" The zombie roared, his eyes glowing a deep, crimson red. "Since you're so eager to die, I will—"

"Stop." A sharp voice cut through the air. A man cloaked in black robes walked slowly toward the zombies. "Trying to throw your weight around in front of me? It seems you have no idea what the terror of death truly is!"

The blue zombie instantly fell to his knees, afraid to look at the man. He was a creature who had been on the brink of death; had this man not injected him with genetic modifications, he would have long since perished. "Master, I only wanted to help you solve the problem."

The man shook his head with a sneer. "I fear you only wanted to hold the Emperor hostage to command the world. Just because I don't interfere doesn't mean you can act on your own whim. I said: while dealing with Chen Yi, we must round up his friends. Great Kunpeng is unconscious; this is the perfect chance for your people to capture him. Once he is swayed, I have ways to modify him. Without this friend, Chen Yi’s strength will come to an end. Can you not even understand that?"

"I see," the blue zombie realized instantly. "Your target was never Chen Yi, but the people around him?"

"You only realize this now? You are truly as dull as a pig." The mysterious man shook his head, his expression turning stern. "Since you know now, why haven't you gone to arrange it?"