Chapter 72、When the People Believe, the Army Prevails!

"Is it the army? Is it the people's army?!"

"Mom, the soldiers are here! Let's go downstairs quickly!"

"Soldiers! Comrades! Over here, I'm a refugee! I'm a refugee!"

"Woo… we're saved! It's really the army! Damn it, those bastards killed my wife!"

One by one, survivors began emerging from their hiding spots in the residential buildings. They braved the scorching sun, running from all directions towards the military vehicles.

"Stop the vehicle. Accept the survivors."

A cool, commanding voice crackled through the intercom—Lin Yue's order. The military vehicle slowed down, and soldiers and officers, already prepared, moved forward, offering the survivors the meager rations and water they had. Some soldiers even carried ice-cold water, though the cooling effect was minimal, it still offered a refreshing chill.

"Lin Yue is really generous," Yi Bai said with a bitter smile, watching but not intervening.

The resources at the settlement were still sufficient, and Yi Bai, with his powerful abilities, had no concerns about shortages. He had long anticipated Lin Yue's decision to distribute resources and help the survivors. It was part of his long-term strategy.

Her kindness wasn't just a personal trait—it was a tactical move. If she couldn't gain the trust of the people, how could she implement the plans to expand Jiang Xiaoci's influence and the complex web of protection that Yi Bai had put in place?

The survivors devoured the food handed to them, all the while crying and recounting the horrors they'd endured.

"Thank you, thank you… you've finally come! I've been waiting for you!"

"I knew it! I knew you'd come! In times of disaster, I knew you would come!"

"I waited, I never gave up! I knew you'd come, no matter how long it took!"

Tears and cries filled the air as more than a hundred survivors gathered around the military vehicles. Others, seeing that the first group was safe, hurried downstairs to join them.

Amidst the cries, soldiers and officers gently comforted the survivors. Lin Yue had already briefed the troops on how to treat civilians with compassion, making sure they cared for the survivors along the way.

However, some survivors didn't seem hungry, nor did they take the food. They kept asking questions.

"Are we under martial law now? What's the protocol from here on out? Is the main force in the city?"

"Is the apocalypse real? What's with this sun? Do you know anything about the shelters?"

"Has the government said anything? The whole city's out of power, there's no news. Is this just our country?"

"Did aliens attack? Do you have enough troops? I want to join the army. I'll fight those bastards!"

Strangely enough, these people were not afraid at all when they saw the fully-armed soldiers. Their enthusiasm was overwhelming, like they were seeing long-lost family members.

This was the power of identity.

If the survivors had encountered armed thugs, they would have run as far as possible, terrified of being caught in the crossfire. But when they saw a well-equipped army, one that was unmistakably identified, their fear evaporated. Once they confirmed the army's identity, they felt a sense of security and trust.

Because this was an army that would never harm the people—it was the people's army.

Who would be afraid of their own army? The answer, of course, was no one.

But the soldiers were a little overwhelmed by the barrage of questions and attention. They could only provide the same standard answer to many of the sensitive inquiries.

"It's classified for now, but we will ensure everyone's safety."

Despite their growing workload, the soldiers remained patient. The feeling of being unconditionally trusted by the people was the highest honor they could receive, the greatest reward for their service.

Whenever a survivor approached the military vehicle, their sense of security surged, and the overwhelming fears and uncertainties of the apocalypse began to fade.

Some survivors even noticed Wang Daniu, who was wearing a military uniform, and were shocked.

"Holy crap! I know that guy! Didn't he take over the police station? He's here? He must have been arrested!"

Under normal circumstances, no one would dare speak like that to Wang Daniu. But in this context, in front of the army? The people felt emboldened.

"Shut up!" Wang Daniu growled, his face flushed. "Look at my uniform—I'm a soldier now! What do you mean arrested? This is a special time, I'm serving my country!"

"Oh, you can join the army now?"

Laughter erupted from the crowd. "Oh wow, even the bandit leader has been drafted! You better behave, or you'll end up in prison later!"

"Watch your mouth!" Wang Daniu retorted, his temper flaring. "I'm serving my country, you guys better show some respect!"

"Stop talking to this idiot. He doesn't understand the concept of patriotism," someone else shouted.

Wang Daniu, clearly frustrated, growled, "Don't talk about being a bandit leader! Can we not bring that up?!"

At that moment, the Chief of Staff, standing nearby, shouted, "Wang Daniu! Watch your attitude! Watch your rank!"

"Yes, sir!" Wang Daniu quickly snapped to attention, scratching his head awkwardly. He shot an exasperated look at the crowd and muttered, "I'll behave. I'll follow orders. Who's afraid? I'm not going to prison!"

The crowd burst into laughter, the tense atmosphere of the wasteland momentarily lightened. Even in the heat and chaos, the arrival of the army had instilled a sense of relief, and the survivors were gradually beginning to feel a glimmer of hope.

More and more survivors appeared, which slowed the army's progress. But Lin Yue didn't give the order to move forward. Instead, she instructed soldiers to disembark and make room for the elderly, children, and women.

The men in the crowd, though not skilled in tactics or combat, willingly helped. They stood beside the soldiers, offering what little assistance they could. They didn't want to be a burden.

Of course, some survivors with powerful abilities sought out the officers, eager to join the army and fight for their country. They all had the same simple idea: by contributing their strength, they could restore some semblance of order to the world and secure a better future.

Wang Daniu couldn't help but be surprised when he recognized some of the stronger, more notable survivors among the crowd.

"This is crazy. You guys had chances to join those big shots, but now you're all eager to join the army?"

"Being a soldier's tough. It's not all glory and good food. You'll have to suffer."

The survivors shot back with sharp words.

"What's wrong with giving my life for my country? My life's worth more than serving some outlaws. I'm joining the army to serve the nation! You know nothing about patriotism!"

"Go ahead, keep talking. You'll see what it's like when you're a soldier!"

Wang Daniu grumbled, "I'm from a good family. You're just a bandit leader who got drafted. We're not the same!"

"Stop bringing up the bandit leader thing!" Wang Daniu grumbled, rolling his eyes.