Chapter 161 - One Move
“You're out of your mind, but can't you comprehend the gravity of the situation?”
“Or do you doubt our willingness to pull the trigger?”
The agitated soldier rose to his feet, expressing contemptuously.
With irritation evident, he withdrew a pistol from his belt and advanced toward Loong Chen, pressing it against his temple.
“Do you believe that even if I were to end you now, I'd escape unscathed?”
The soldier sneered, confident in his ability to incriminate Loong Chen for a variety of offenses, such as unlawfully entering the inner city.
“Indeed?”
Loong Chen squinted, his hands moving with swiftness akin to lightning.
Before the irritable soldier could react, he found his hands empty.
In the ensuing moment, he felt the chill of a gun barrel against his temple, prompting an immediate onset of cold sweat.
“How did you manage that?”
The irritable soldier queried in astonishment, finding Loong Chen's movements nearly imperceptible.
Loong Chen emitted a disdainful snort, opting not to address the soldier's inquiry directly but delivering a cold statement instead.
“Do you believe that even if I were to eliminate you now, I'd remain unscathed?”
Without hesitation, Loong Chen swiftly disengaged the safety pin.
At the sound, the surrounding soldiers promptly aimed their firearms at Loong Chen.
“Let's not act rashly. We can discuss matters calmly.”
A soldier bearing the semblance of a captain interjected hastily.
“Within ten minutes, summon your leader. Otherwise, he forfeits his life.”
Loong Chen's voice dripped with cold resolve. The soldier resembling a captain nodded in acknowledgment.
“Fine, just refrain from firing, and you have free rein.”
Uttering these words, he swiftly activated the walkie-talkie and transmitted a lengthy message.
Five minutes later, a contingent of fully armed soldiers approached, led by two individuals.
Among them stood a middle-aged man and a youth whom Loong Chen recognized instantly as Loong Ming.
“Chen!”
Spotting Loong Chen, Loong Ming's face lit up with excitement as he dashed towards him.
“Chen, it's such a relief to see you unharmed. Your sister-in-law and I have been beside ourselves with worry.”
To grant them a respite, Loong Chen single-handedly fended off a horde of zombies, a gesture that deeply moved and concerned Loong Ming and Jing Yan.
Seeing Loong Ming safe and sound finally brought a sense of relief to Loong Chen.
Despite knowing deep down that Loong Ming would be safe, Loong Chen couldn't shake off his worry until he laid eyes on him.
“Loong Ming, elder brother.”
Loong Chen uttered with an awkward tone.
Indeed, addressing one's prospective father as “elder brother” would naturally evoke such feelings.
“Captain Dongfang, not only does this individual aim to breach the inner city, but he also intends harm against me. You must ensure justice prevails!”
In this moment, the aggressive soldier, who moments ago had a gun to his head courtesy of Loong Chen, directed his outcry toward the middle-aged man beside Loong Ming.
“Captain, this is the remarkable individual I mentioned - Chen Loong. He single-handedly thwarted nearly a thousand zombies for us.”
With urgency, Loong Ming interjected to Captain Dongfang at this juncture. The middle-aged man regarded Loong Chen with contemplation.
He had stood against thousands of zombies alone and now stood here unscathed.
If Loong Ming's account was truthful, then indeed, Loong Chen warranted the title of extraordinary.
“Captain Dongfang.”
Observing the silence directed towards him, the soldier suddenly found himself in an awkward predicament.
Captain Dongfang's countenance darkened as he glanced at the soldier with a gun pressed to his head.
“How could you allow this? Aren't you ashamed? As a soldier, you can't even safeguard your weapon!”
Captain Dongfang bellowed furiously at the irritable soldier, who immediately felt a wave of shame wash over him.
Despite his inclination to argue back, the soldier found himself at a loss for words.
Should he admit that his firearm was swiftly taken from him? Such a confession might result in severe reprimand.
Though Captain Dongfang wasn't his direct superior, his rank far exceeded the soldier's own.
If Captain Dongfang wished to have him removed from his post, a single command would suffice.
During this period, a soldier's status was highly regarded.
“Loong Ming, kindly request your companion to lower the weapon.”
Upon hearing this, Loong Ming turned his gaze towards Loong Chen.
Loong Chen's intention was to lure Loong Ming out, and now that he had succeeded, the troublesome soldier was no longer required.
Consequently, he discarded the firearm, prompting the irritable soldier to hastily retreat.
“Brother Chen Long, this isn't the appropriate setting for discussion. Let's head back to the inner city first.”
Loong Ming suggested, guiding Loong Chen towards the inner city.
Loong Chen interjected urgently.
“I still have a few companions in the outer city. Can they accompany me?”
“You still have others?”
Loong Ming was taken aback by this revelation, then displayed a hint of embarrassment.
Given the grim circumstances, even he could only escort Loong Chen alone into the inner city.
Seeking assistance, Loong Ming glanced at Captain Dongfang beside him, silently pleading for aid. Captain Dongfang furrowed his brow.
“You understand the current complexity of the situation. Accommodations in the inner city are scarce, so…”
Captain Dongfang struggled with his words. Just as Loong Chen felt a twinge of disappointment, Captain Dongfang abruptly shifted the conversation.
“However, if you enlist in our military, you'd have the authority to bring your friends into the inner city.”
Enlist in the military?
Upon hearing this, Loong Chen directed his gaze towards Captain Dongfang, sensing that this was the latter's objective.
After contemplating for a moment, he acquiesced, acknowledging that he couldn't remain in this time period indefinitely.
Enlisting in the military wouldn't confine his autonomy.
Moreover, it would afford him the opportunity to facilitate Hua Yuxin and the others' entry into the inner city.
“Very well, count me in.”
Loong Chen nodded. Captain Dongfang was slightly taken aback by his swift agreement.
Subsequently, he continued.
“I'm not singling you out. Loong Ming mentioned your formidable capabilities, but I doubt you heard me. To enlist with us, you must possess exceptional skills.”
“Heixiong, over here.”
Captain Dongfang gestured in a specific direction.
Without delay, a tall, bronzed figure strode forward, measuring two meters in height.
The moment Loong Chen laid eyes on the newcomer, he narrowed his gaze.
Assessing the energy radiating from his presence, it was evident he was no ordinary individual; he was an Evolver.
Granted, he was merely a Level 1 Evolver.
Yet, in this post-apocalyptic era, even Quasi-Evolver fighters were a rarity, and Level 1 Evolvers were exceedingly scarce.
Hence, Loong Chen found himself mildly surprised.
“This is Heixiong. In consideration of Loong Ming, I won't demand too much from you. If you can endure under his command for five minutes, I'll permit your inclusion,” stated Captain Dongfang. Loong Chen arched an eyebrow in response.
Upon hearing this, Loong Chen raised an eyebrow.
Observing Loong Chen's reaction, Captain Dongfang interpreted it as fear and felt a twinge of disappointment.
However, Loong Chen then shook his head.
“Five minutes aren't necessary. A single move suffices.”
“What's your implication?”
Captain Dongfang inquired, puzzled by Loong Chen's statement.
Did he recognize his vulnerability against Heixiong's assault?
“My point is, I can overcome him with just one strike.”
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