Chapter Forty-One: Entering the Ship Once More

At that moment, Chu Yunxi walked over, her steps crunching on the gravel, carrying several bottles of clean water in her hands. She handed one to Chen Yi, then another to Hu Sanhan.

"Thanks," Hu Sanhan said, taking the bottle and gulping down several mouthfuls.

Curious, Chu Yunxi glanced at the little girl in Chen Yi’s arms. "What’s the story with this child?"

"She’s a kid we rescued," Chen Yi replied, recounting the events once more.

Just then, Chen Yaxi stirred, rubbing her eyes as she woke in Chen Yi’s arms. Her large, dewy eyes blinked a few times, and at the sight of Chu Yunxi, she immediately exclaimed with delight, "Sister, you’re so pretty!"

Chu Yunxi was utterly charmed by the little girl’s innocence, her heart melting in an instant. She crouched down, gently stroking Chen Yaxi’s head. "Sweetheart, what’s your name?"

"Chen Yaxi," the girl replied, tilting her head with a sweet smile.

"Yaxi—what a lovely name."

"My name is Chu Yunxi," Chu Yunxi replied with a warm smile.

By now, the team members had finished counting the results of their battle and were resting in small groups under the shadow of the ruined base. The silence was broken only by the wind humming through shattered concrete and twisted steel.

Lu Kai approached, patting Chen Yi’s shoulder as he chatted with Hu Sanhan. "Brother Chen, we’ve finished tallying the aftermath. The losses aren’t significant."

Chen Yi nodded, his mood easing. Such unity and cooperation—this was the kind of team he wanted in the apocalypse.

"Good," he said, rising to his feet. He called everyone to gather around.

"Everyone, listen to me for a moment," Chen Yi began, glancing up at the sky as he silently reviewed the important news he was about to deliver. Then, steadying his voice, he addressed the group, "The ship we inspected—it’s ready for use."

All eyes brightened at his words. The team began to murmur, their spirits lifting. Some even gasped in disbelief. The hope that had nearly been extinguished by the apocalypse was rekindled on their faces.

"Really?"

"Does that mean we can finally leave this place?"

Chu Yunxi, too, couldn’t help but ask for confirmation, disbelief and excitement in her voice.

"Yes, but there are still a few details to arrange," Chen Yi replied with a smile, turning to Hu Sanhan. "Brother Hu, do you think you can get the ship running?"

Hu Sanhan thumped his chest with confidence, his voice booming. "As long as there’s power, I can sail it!"

"Great, that puts my mind at ease," Chen Yi said, then looked over the exhausted faces of his companions. It was clear they all needed some rest.

After a moment’s thought, he announced, "Everyone, rest for an hour. After that, a new group will join me to search the other ship and see if there are any supplies."

The group nodded in agreement.

Then Chen Yi turned to Hu Sanhan. "Brother Hu, stay here and keep guarding the base. Also, have some people disassemble the remaining zombies and throw the parts in the water."

"It may be harsh, but it’s necessary for our safety."

Hu Sanhan didn’t hesitate. "Understood. I’ll see to it. Not a single zombie will threaten us again."

Chen Yi’s orders were met with unanimous support.

The hour of rest slipped by quickly.

"It’s time to move," Chen Yi said, seeing the team members’ energy restored. He nodded with satisfaction, then gently handed Chen Yaxi into Chu Yunxi’s arms.

"Yunxi, keep an eye on Yaxi. We’ll be back soon."

"Don’t worry, little Yaxi, I’ll protect you," Chu Yunxi reassured her softly.

Yaxi nodded obediently. "Okay, I’ll wait here for you to come back."

Soon, Chen Yi and his group set out toward the capsized ship. The hull teetered precariously on the broken embankment, its tilt oppressive.

"Watch your step, everyone. Be careful not to slip," Chen Yi warned as he led the way, feeling the dampness of stone and weeds beneath his feet. His vigilance increased.

He glanced back at the dozen or so team members behind him. Though their faces betrayed some anxiety, none of them faltered.

Lu Kai jogged up beside him, voice tense. "Brother Chen, clearing this ship won’t be easy."

Chen Yi gave him a reassuring smile and patted his shoulder. "Just be careful. If things get out of hand, I won’t let anyone face unnecessary danger."

"Understood," Lu Kai replied.

When they finally reached the tilted ship, Chen Yi ran his hand along the hull, searching for good footholds. He used his double-edged blade to carve deep gashes in the metal, creating a makeshift ladder for the team.

"This ship has capsized. Watch your footing as you climb," he reminded them.

Step by step, Chen Yi nimbly ascended the hull, his fingertips hooking into the slashes he’d made. His double-edged blade glinted coldly in the dimness, like the weapon of death itself.

Inside, the ship was even darker, faint beams of light filtering in through jagged cracks. Chen Yi’s ears picked up furtive, muffled noises in the gloom.

"Prepare for combat," he whispered. The team gripped their weapons tighter, sweat beading on their foreheads.

"We can’t let the zombies out this time. We need to clear them here," Chen Yi said in a low voice. "Anyone who doesn’t feel up to it, stay by the entrance."

No one moved. In silence, every member pressed on.

Seeing this, a faint smile played at Chen Yi’s lips. "In that case, follow my lead. Stick to the plan. Don’t break formation."

The air inside the ship was thick with rot and humidity, the stench almost unbearable. Chen Yi led the way, his blade always ready to strike.

Rounding a narrow corner, a guttural snarl suddenly sounded.

"Get ready in the back!" Chen Yi signaled for the group to halt, cocking his head to locate the source. He knew it was a zombie, but how many, he couldn’t tell.

At that moment, someone behind accidentally kicked a loose piece of metal, which clattered noisily in the cramped space.

A shrill roar erupted—a zombie lunged from the shadows, claws bared, face twisted in a grotesque snarl.

Chen Yi reacted instantly. His blade flashed down in an arc, severing the zombie’s head in a single stroke. Blood splattered across the dim floor, vivid and chilling.

"Circle up! Don’t let them separate us!" Chen Yi barked as he spotted more dark shapes surging from every corner.

The battle exploded in an instant.

"Quick, guard your backs! Don’t let them get close!" Lu Kai shouted, swinging his steel pipe with all his strength.