Chapter Forty-Three: Venturing Alone into the Town

This temporary military base was small, merely a basement of about a hundred square meters. However, its arsenal was quite well-stocked, and there were roughly twenty people present, though they all appeared rather battered.

The driver who had brought Gu Sha led him to meet the leader of the group—a resolute young man in his thirties.

“Major Wu, this is Mr. Gu Sha, an extraordinary individual whom our Association of Extranormals specifically invited to assist in the rescue of Academician Wang,” the driver introduced. Turning to Gu Sha, he added, “This is Major Wu, who has been chiefly responsible for the rescue mission.”

Major Wu extended his hand politely. “Mr. Gu, it’s a pleasure.”

Gu Sha shook his hand. “Major Wu, hello. Please brief me on the current situation in the town.”

Major Wu immediately began, “Based on preliminary estimates, there are no fewer than thirty thousand zombies gathered in Qingtong Town. The recent earthquake reduced their numbers somewhat, but at least twenty-five thousand remain. Since these zombies feel no pain and have no fatal weaknesses aside from the head, the quake did little damage to them.

“In addition, there are many infected beasts in Qingtong Town, especially the bees. Their numbers are enormous because the town originally had many apiaries. After mutation, these bees grew very large—ordinary ones are the size of a human fist, and some have been seen as big as basketballs. Their venom is potent, and they swarm together with a certain order, making rescue efforts extremely difficult.

“Bird-type zombie beasts are also abundant. The total number of flying zombie creatures is unknown. The greatest challenge lies near the research facility, where a python resides. We’ve made three successful approaches to the institute, but each time, the python thwarted us.

“So far, we’ve lost over a hundred soldiers and thirteen extranormals. However, we’ve identified several relatively easier routes. I’ll fetch the map now—please wait a moment.”

Gu Sha nodded.

Soon, Major Wu returned with a map and began his explanation.

After listening for a while, Gu Sha waved his hand. “Major Wu, I just need you to show me the quickest route.”

Major Wu was taken aback, his expression stiffening.

A young man standing nearby, clearly displeased, said, “Mr. Gu, we all know you extranormals are formidable, but please show some respect for the lives our brothers risked mapping out these routes.”

Gu Sha glanced at the young soldier. “I mean no disrespect, but I’m pressed for time. I want to resolve this quickly; I have another mission waiting.”

The young soldier scoffed. “You extranormals are always so arrogant, acting like you’re invincible. And what happens? Every time, a bunch of our brothers end up dead. Sure, you extranormals might survive, but what about us? Are our lives worthless?”

Gu Sha frowned.

He understood the soldier’s words. Extranormals often gained their powers suddenly and tended to become inflated, thinking themselves second only to heaven. Clearly, previous extranormals had maintained such attitudes, disregarding orders and causing heavy losses among the soldiers, hence their resentment.

It wasn’t just this soldier. From the moment he entered the base, Gu Sha sensed many here were less than welcoming. All had been left bitter by past extranormals.

Still, understanding was one thing; Gu Sha had no interest in playing the game of earning trust through debate. He ignored the young soldier and turned to Major Wu. “Major Wu, simply show me the quickest route. I’ll go alone.”

Major Wu looked troubled.

The soldier beside him sneered, “Mr. Gu, this is a military camp, not a stage for your heroics. You—”

“Damn you!” Gu Sha suddenly stood and seized the young soldier by the throat. “You keep accusing me of getting your men killed. Now I’m going alone, and you’re still whining. Are you insane?”

“Mr. Gu… Please, don’t be angry…” The people who had accompanied Gu Sha rushed to intervene, and Major Wu hurriedly stopped those soldiers who had raised their rifles at Gu Sha.

Gu Sha slammed the soldier to the ground; the man cried out in pain.

Coldly, Gu Sha said, “I understand you resent extranormals because of past disasters, but just because I understand doesn’t mean you can keep pushing your luck. If anyone else mouths off, I’ll kill him. If you doubt me, try your guns against my blade!”

As he finished, Gu Sha abruptly drew his sword.

A flash of white light swept across the room, and several rifle barrels were sliced clean off. The soldiers were stunned into silence, fear written across their faces.

Gu Sha looked at Major Wu. “Show me the way,” he said coldly.

Major Wu, seeing the display, pointed out a nearby route.

Gu Sha examined the weapon rack, took two flame guns, slung them over his shoulder, and strode out.

Major Wu and the others hurried after him, but all they saw was Gu Sha’s back, which soon faded from view.

…

Qingtong Town was once a bustling place. Though not as grand as the city, its area was vast. After the earthquake, the high-rises lay in ruins, debris was everywhere, and zombies roamed freely.

Following the route Major Wu provided, Gu Sha made his way swiftly toward the research institute. The new Tang sword in his hand proved formidable—cutting down zombies was as effortless as slicing melons or mowing grass.

His two flame guns dealt easily with swarming bees.

The journey posed little challenge; within about an hour, he arrived outside the institute.

The facility was large, but much of it had collapsed. Zombies wandered in droves, and giant bees buzzed past from time to time.

Gu Sha gripped his Tang sword tightly, slipping quietly through the institute, searching for the laboratory as per Major Wu’s directions. However, the earthquake had altered the building drastically. After a long spell of navigating, during which he had slain countless zombies, he still hadn’t found the lab.

Unbeknownst to Gu Sha, someone in the laboratory was watching his every move.