Chapter 23: The Eerie Flash

The crowd was stunned by this revelation.

Can this sort of thing actually be awakened?

"Excellent, truly powerful. Have you considered joining our infrastructure team?" Lang Fei walked over with a wide, cheeky grin.

However, Dashan remained unmoved: "Wherever Brother Xiao is, I am."

"..."

Jiang Yunhan’s expression stiffened; he felt as if he had just recruited a package deal.

"The Pioneer Squad would welcome you anytime," Lu Xingji offered, attempting to recruit him as well, as Dashan’s strength was plain for all to see.

But none of them dared to press the issue, having all personally witnessed Chen Xiao’s prowess. After the three founders offered their congratulations, many other team leaders came forward to pay their respects. Since none of them were as strong as Dashan, they naturally wanted to curry favor.

Once the polite exchanges with the strangers were over, Chen Xiao brought Tang Shirou, Jiang Chuxue, and Dashan to the roof of the storage building. Dashan’s newly assigned room was located against the outer wall, a quiet and secluded spot.

"Get some good rest. There’s something important coming up the day after tomorrow that I need you for." After getting Dashan settled in, Chen Xiao closed the door and headed straight for the room where the two women were staying.

Through the closed door, Chen Xiao activated his enhanced [Dragon Breath] talent, sharpening his hearing.

"Sister Tang, are you really not going to move in with me?"

"No, Chuxue. I’m quite happy being with him."

"Pfft, don't tell me you're just thinking about… Hahaha, stop it! Don't hit me!"

"That’s for talking nonsense! Hahaha, that tickles!"

"Ahem."

Chen Xiao gave a deliberate cough. Seeing him enter, Jiang Chuxue’s face turned crimson, and she scrambled off Tang Shirou, sitting bolt upright with a look of feigned innocence.

Chen Xiao never expected that the aloof "Goddess of Sheep" he knew from his past life had such a side to her.

...

The sixth day of the apocalypse.

Less than twelve hours remained until the second Blood Moon. Chen Xiao brought Dashan to Jiang Chuxue’s room for hot pot, only to find that Lu Xingji was already there, dressed in a crisp suit and busy washing vegetables in the kitchen.

"Oh, look who’s here. The second-in-command is helping out, too."

Hearing Chen Xiao’s comment, Lu Xingji didn't even look back, replying coolly: "We’re all human, and we all crave meat."

"Still, I’ve never been able to figure out why someone with your strength would choose to join South City Storage."

Chen Xiao laughed. "Because I like the people here." He wasn't lying; joining South City Storage was entirely to flirt with Jiang Chuxue and acquire her talents.

Jiang Chuxue walked out of the bedroom, yawning. "That sounds nice, but since you're here to mooch off our food, get to washing! Look at how proactive Lu Xingji is!"

Chen Xiao shrugged helplessly at her jab.

Tang Shirou stepped in to defend him: "Chuxue, Chen Xiao is just here to celebrate getting his new safe house."

Jiang Chuxue wasn't buying it. "Fine, fine! You're all in on this together!"

Lu Xingji finished washing the vegetables and placed them in a fruit basket. "By the way, a strange flash of light appeared today at the border between South City and the Tianyi Storage facility. Your brother wants to go investigate; he’s always suspected that there are some profound, inexplicable forces at play in this apocalypse."

Chen Xiao’s eyebrows arched. "A flash of light?"

"That’s right. Boss Jiang has the footage; one of the patrol guards caught it on camera." Lu Xingji nodded at Chen Xiao before continuing, "The storage facility needs a vanguard team. The requirement is an A-grade talent. You and Dashan should report for duty."

But to his surprise, Chen Xiao shook his head vigorously, like a rattle drum.

"No way, no way. It’s too dangerous. I’ll just stay here and eat hot pot."

"Uh..."

Lu Xingji hadn't expected him to be such a coward. You’re the guy who knocked both me and Lang Fei down in two punches! Why are you putting on this act? Even if you’re cautious, this is a bit extreme, isn't it?

"What about Dashan..." Lu Xingji tried to pivot to Dashan. After all, Dashan was incredibly strong! If he joined, the team’s combat power would reach a whole new level. Whether they encountered New Humans or people from Tianyi Storage, their odds of winning would be much higher!

He locked eyes with Dashan’s calm, bottomless gaze. It was obvious: Dashan followed Chen Xiao’s lead.

"You live in the safe house; you are core members. Shouldn't you be standing with South City Storage during times like these?" Lu Xingji couldn't fathom Chen Xiao’s logic.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

The door opened, and it was Jiang Yunhan. He seemed to have heard Lu Xingji’s words, but he showed no signs of anger. Instead, he pulled up a chair to the table and said earnestly:

"I don’t need Dashan to join the vanguard team, but I do have a request."