Chapter 0008: Trailblazers
After Di Ping and the others took their seats, Wang Delin cleared his throat lightly, drawing everyone's attention before he slowly spoke. "I believe everyone here knows the reason we've gathered, don't you?"
Seeing the crowd nod in understanding, he continued, "The provincial government has issued a notice to key leaders today. By noon tomorrow, they will attempt a breakthrough to the military base in the eastern part of the city. At that time, military forces will be there to receive them. This is our only chance to follow along—if we miss it, we won't get another opportunity for military assistance."
Pausing for a moment, Wang Delin swept his gaze around the room before continuing, "Therefore, we must reach the provincial government by noon tomorrow in order to join the larger group. The journey spans over ten kilometers, and dangers are inevitable. That is why we must stick together—our unity is our best chance at survival."
"When do we set off, Brother Wang?" A woman in her thirties, with some degree of attractiveness, asked in a low voice.
"We depart at exactly 6:00 AM tomorrow," Wang Delin replied, glancing at the woman before lowering his voice. "I have been observing for the past two days. Around 5:00 AM, the mutant rats and dogs begin to retreat. Leaving at 6:00 AM is the safest option. Moreover, the road conditions are poor—we must allow ample time for travel."
"What if it's unsafe outside? If we encounter mutant creatures on the way, aren't we doomed?" A thin young man asked, his voice laced with fear.
"Exactly! I heard on the radio that there are also mutant snakes and cats out there. Isn't this too dangerous?" Another person in the crowd echoed anxiously.
"Yeah! I even heard rumors about lions and tigers! Honestly, I think it's safer to stay at home," another added.
Di Ping had been observing Wang Delin closely. He noticed that when the young man voiced his concerns, Wang Delin's eyes briefly flashed with a cold, murderous intent—so fleeting that only someone highly perceptive would have caught it. His face, however, remained composed, soon replaced by a faint smile.
A chill ran down Di Ping's spine. He realized that Wang Delin was not someone to be trifled with. That fleeting killing intent revealed his true nature—ruthless and vindictive. Instinctively, Di Ping lowered his gaze as Wang Delin's sharp eyes swept over him.
"Ahem..." Wang Delin cleared his throat again, quieting the murmurs in the room before speaking in a firmer tone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, let me ask you just one question!" He emphasized his words, scanning the crowd with a piercing gaze. "How much food do you have left at home? How many more days can you last?"
"Impressive!" Di Ping silently praised. Wang Delin was indeed a formidable figure—he had gone straight to the heart of the matter. This was a concern Di Ping himself had pondered. With the electricity already cut, gas would likely follow soon. Even if people had rice or flour, they wouldn't be able to cook. Stockpiled bread and instant noodles wouldn't last long. Despite having collected a substantial amount of food, even Di Ping's supplies were dwindling—let alone the rest of the group.
"Oh no! We're about to run out of food!" Someone suddenly realized the gravity of the situation and exclaimed.
"We don't have much left either! We didn't grab enough when we had the chance. By tomorrow, we'll have nothing to eat! Can anyone lend me some?" Another person pleaded.
However, no one was foolish enough to share their supplies. Instead, the crowd responded with annoyed glances.
Wang Delin sat comfortably on the sofa, arms crossed over his stomach, his legs swinging slightly. His expression radiated satisfaction as he watched the crowd grow increasingly anxious.
Di Ping continued to observe him discreetly, sensing that Wang Delin was far from ordinary. He had carefully analyzed the activity patterns of mutant creatures, gathered people together, and with a few words, had once again unified a group that had been on the verge of fracturing. His leadership skills were undeniable.
"I think we should go! Staying home is just waiting for death!" Someone finally declared.
"Yes, I agree! The best chance of survival is to join the provincial government. At least they have the military!" More voices echoed in agreement.
"Alright, it's settled then! We will gather at 5:30 AM tomorrow and leave at exactly 6:00 AM!" Seeing the crowd's consensus, Wang Delin made the final decision.
"Now, let's assign roles. Who will lead the way?" Lighting a cigarette, Wang Delin took a deep drag before exhaling a cloud of smoke. His gaze swept across the room as he spoke calmly.
"The real challenge begins now!" Di Ping thought to himself.
The room fell into silence. No one wanted to be the one leading the way—it was the most dangerous position. Everyone preferred to stay in the middle of the group, where it was safest. But inevitably, someone had to go first.
"I'll do it!" A deep voice broke the silence.
All eyes turned toward the speaker. Di Ping looked over and was surprised—it was Li Sheng, one of the two men who had come to find him earlier.
Di Ping hadn't expected this man, usually quiet and reserved, to have such courage. It aligned well with his rugged and powerful appearance. In reality, few people would willingly take on such a perilous task. Even Di Ping himself wouldn't volunteer so easily.
"Count me in!" Another voice rang out.
Di Ping looked again—it was Chen Gang, the burly man who had accompanied Li Sheng earlier. He hadn't expected both of them to step forward.
"Excellent! You two are admirable," Wang Delin praised with a nod before scanning the crowd again. "We need two more volunteers."
As his gaze passed over the others, most lowered their heads, avoiding eye contact, fearing they would be called upon and forced into a role they couldn't refuse.
"I'll do it," a middle-aged man finally said quietly.
Di Ping glanced over. The man, in his forties, wore the dusty clothes of a construction worker. He had likely been trapped here while working on a renovation project.
"Great! We now have three brave men. We just need one more," Wang Delin said, nodding approvingly at the worker before continuing to scan the room.
Di Ping observed once more—everyone was still avoiding Wang Delin's gaze. Clearly, no one else wanted to step up.
"I'll do it." After a moment of thought, Di Ping finally spoke.
His decision wasn't due to a sense of self-sacrifice. Rather, he simply didn't trust the rest of the group. Most of them were selfish and timid—people he wouldn't want watching his back. At least the three who had stepped forward seemed more reliable.
"Good! A fine young man—such courage is rare these days!" Wang Delin praised him.
Di Ping merely offered a faint smile, exchanging glances with the other three. They all nodded slightly, acknowledging their mutual understanding.
"Alright, that concludes today's meeting. Everyone, be here on time tomorrow. Don't be late!" Wang Delin announced.
With that, the group began dispersing cautiously, peeking out the door before quietly slipping away. Di Ping exchanged brief farewells with the three others before heading upstairs to his room.
Back in his room, he packed a hiking backpack to its fullest capacity with food and bottled water. After a quick meal, he spent the afternoon training, though he kept the intensity low.
As night fell, he set another trap by the ventilation duct using instant noodles, hoping for another catch. This time, he didn't dare sleep on the couch, fearing he might doze off and be ambushed by mutant rats.
The night passed unusually quietly, with only occasional distant howls and sharp bird cries piercing the silence.
At dawn, Di Ping jolted awake, having been alert even in sleep. A glance at the time—5:40 AM.
He quickly freshened up, ate a simple breakfast of bread, slung his backpack over his shoulders, grabbed his Han sword, and headed downstairs.
The corridors were already bustling with movement.
By the time he reached the third floor, Room 301 was open, packed with nearly a hundred people. Wang Delin, along with Li Sheng, Chen Gang, and the construction worker, stood in the center.
"Di Ping, we were just waiting for you! Ready?" Wang Delin greeted him with a smile.
"Yes, let's go," Di Ping replied, stepping forward.