Chapter Ninety-Four: Mutated Aquatic Zombies!

Zheng Xiaoda began to panic.

He knew that Chen Yi was not the kind of soft-hearted coward who would hesitate. In fact, after realizing just how foolish his subordinates had been, Zheng Xiaoda had already considered that Chen Yi would certainly take action. He just hadn’t expected that action to come so swiftly—so swiftly, in fact, that he had no time at all to react or mount a defense.

Chen Yi narrowed his eyes, regarding Zheng Xiaoda with a smirk as he took in the shock on the man’s face. “Did you really think that, up until now, this place was still your playground to do with as you please?”

“What do you want, then?” Zheng Xiaoda’s hand hovered at his waist, clearly prepared to defend himself. If Chen Yi really intended to kill, he would not hesitate to fight back.

Chu Yunxi had already noticed Zheng Xiaoda’s threatening posture and immediately moved closer to Chen Yi, whispering, “Be careful, he doesn’t look like he comes in peace.”

Chen Yi nodded slightly, never loosening his grip on the knife in his hand. At this moment, Zheng Xiaoda’s group still held a slight advantage on the warship, but as they watched Chen Yi effortlessly shift into a combat stance, they all knew that numbers alone were not enough to ensure victory.

It seemed that, this time, there was no other option but to admit defeat.

Just as Zheng Xiaoda was about to speak again, Chen Yi darted in a flash past him and severed his left hand with a single stroke.

“Captain!” The other crew members were instantly enraged, but none dared make a move under Chen Yi’s icy gaze.

“Stand down, all of you,” Chen Yi commanded coldly. “Do you not know what times we live in? In the apocalypse, who has time for your endless quarreling?”

“You—” Zheng Xiaoda started.

“I know I was wrong,” he admitted.

Chen Yi said no more, simply glancing around at the others. “Now, we’re all on the same side. If we want to survive, we have to put our lives in each other’s hands. Those willing to stay, stay. If not, leave. I don’t need to repeat myself.”

With Chen Yi’s overwhelming strength, the rest of the crew, though disgruntled, ultimately held their tongues. Just then, Chen Yaxi let out a piercing scream.

Chen Yi and the others spun around to see a monstrous, half-human creature crawling onto the deck. More of these abominations quickly followed.

“Kill them!” Chen Yi commanded, striking down the monsters swarming up the edge of the warship without hesitation.

Those who moved too slowly were bitten to death in an instant by these seemingly sluggish, writhing creatures. More horrifying still, the victims soon began to move again, joining the ranks of the undead.

“Brother, they’re terrifying!” Chen Yaxi cried, retreating to Chen Yi’s side. Though she was a formidable fighter for her age, she was still a child; confronted with such horrors, it was impossible not to be frightened.

“Don’t be afraid,” Chen Yi said, shielding her and Chu Yunxi behind him with one arm. “These things are a new breed of zombie—water-adapted, by the look of them.”

“Boss!” called out Lu Kai and Hu Sanhan as they frantically fended off the attack. “How do we finish them off for good?”

Chen Yi spread his wings and took to the air, scanning the battlefield from above.

“Their weakness is behind the ear—one fatal blow will kill them. But remember, you have to burn their internal organs, or they’ll keep splitting apart!”

Thanks to Chen Yi’s guidance, most of the group fought effectively, but the battle was still brutal. They lost three to five of their own, and seventeen or eighteen of the slower warriors on the ship were also killed. Zheng Xiaoda, despite losing an arm, managed to cut down fifteen or sixteen zombies himself.

Chen Yi couldn’t help but feel a new respect for Zheng Xiaoda; he clearly had real skill, not just a sharp tongue.

Catching Chen Yi’s gaze, Zheng Xiaoda gave a resigned smile. “I know—I haven’t done enough. Boss, any punishment you see fit, I deserve.”

“No, you did well,” Chen Yi replied unexpectedly. “In the apocalypse, to protect so many, even as you protect yourself, is rare. Zheng Xiaoda, you are worthy to be my comrade.”

Hearing the word “comrade,” Zheng Xiaoda was overwhelmed with emotion. “Not a servant?”

Chen Yi shook his head, his expression grave. “I’ve told you before: only friends endure. Servants can never last in this world. Why do you sell yourself so short?”

“I didn’t mean to,” Zheng Xiaoda replied awkwardly, tugging at his clothes. “I’ve always felt I’m not someone others would value, so I…”

“Don’t say that. You have no idea how strong you are—you’ve just always been under someone else’s control.” Chen Yi approached and unleashed his healing power. Instantly, a new arm grew where Zheng Xiaoda’s had been severed.

Zheng Xiaoda stared in disbelief. “You… you can regenerate limbs?”

“I only did this because I see you as a friend. But whether you can truly become one of us depends on what you do next. Go and prove yourself by protecting everyone. If you fail, know that I can just as easily take this arm away as I gave it.”

“I understand,” Zheng Xiaoda replied, fully aware that Chen Yi’s decisions were final. The resolve and joy in his eyes were unmistakable—what warrior doesn’t crave recognition?

He straightened his back and thumped his chest in promise. “I want to help everyone. As long as you’ll have me, Boss Chen, my crew will follow your orders!”

“Good!” Now that he had won over these men, Chen Yi swept his gaze across them all. “From this moment, you are all my brothers. If any of you are ever in danger, I will save you.”

His words soothed the nerves of the anxious group, who broke into applause and cheers.

“As long as we follow Boss Chen, we don’t fear death!”

With the headcount sorted, Chen Yi drew a deep breath and his eyes blazed with intensity. “Now that we’re all clear—riflemen, follow Hu Sanhan; mortarmen, follow Lu Kai. Obey all commands. If anyone stirs up trouble, don’t blame me for being ruthless!”

As he spoke, Chen Yi shot a pointed look at Zheng Xiaoda.

Zheng Xiaoda nodded in understanding. “What Boss Chen says is exactly what I wanted to say. Remember it well!”