Chapter Sixty-Nine: Tiger Battalion

Recognizing the newcomer as Lu Qingyan, whom she had met a few days prior, Qin Sheng’s eyes grew guarded. She didn’t believe for a moment this man was merely an ordinary college student.

A faint smile tugged at the corners of Lu Qingyan’s lips, but in just a few seconds, his expression returned to its usual aloofness. Yet his eyes betrayed undisguised curiosity toward Qin Sheng.

“Is there something you want?” Qin Sheng’s brow furrowed slightly as her gaze swept over the young man before her, clad in a black suit, exuding a gravity and composure far beyond his years.

Lu Qingyan’s eyes landed on the spot where Qin Sheng had entered. He didn’t answer her question; instead, he gestured toward the concealed security camera.

“This place was operational even before the apocalypse. The moment you stepped inside, you were discovered,” Lu Qingyan said slowly. As he finished, the camera he had indicated obligingly wobbled, as if echoing his words.

Qin Sheng merely glanced at the camera, clearly unconcerned.

She had anticipated being noticed as soon as she entered. That’s why she had come in through the main entrance—the only question was when she would be found. What she didn’t understand was Lu Qingyan’s intention in making such a display.

Lu Qingyan seemed to read her thoughts. He adjusted his glasses and continued, “No particular reason. Just a reminder: the last person to trespass in the core zone was thrown into the zombie horde.”

Qin Sheng pressed her tongue against her back teeth, realizing that Lu Qingyan was threatening her.

“If I’m in here, what are you going to do about it? Or perhaps, what exactly do you want?” She chuckled softly, unafraid as she returned his question.

Qin Sheng knew this man was not simple. Even if he threatened her, he must have his own motives and plans. He was like a cunning old fox.

Her thoughts drifted to Song Qing’an, the little fox she knew—greedy, but far more agreeable than Lu Qingyan.

“My motives?” Lu Qingyan’s voice was light, as if he’d heard a joke. “At the moment, there’s nothing about you that interests me.”

Qin Sheng’s brows knitted tighter, her fists unconsciously clenching behind her back. She felt an urge to throw caution aside and challenge him head-on.

Noticing her hostile gaze, Lu Qingyan snorted mockingly and said, “After the zombie onslaught, the safe zone will select new members for the Guard.”

Qin Sheng raised her brows, not comprehending where this was going.

“Joining the Guard comes with only benefits, and it will help you achieve your goals,” Lu Qingyan explained with patience. Before she could reply, he strode away in long, resolute steps.

Qin Sheng’s brows remained furrowed as she watched his distant figure, perplexed. After a moment, she looked up at the camera, grinned, and swaggered out of the core zone.

On the twentieth floor of the core district, in the office of the district chief, Lu Qingyan’s retreating silhouette flickered across a monitor. Wang Xiang frowned deeply, unable to fathom why Lu Qingyan would seek out a college girl barely twenty.

“Spread the word: this time, the Guard selection is open to everyone—including those on the outskirts of the base.”

“Yes, sir.”

The moment Qin Sheng exited the core zone’s main gate, the sounds of gunfire and the furious roars of zombies filled her ears.

Clearly, the attacking zombie horde was no small number.

While the rest of the safe zone was locked in a desperate struggle, the core area behind her remained eerily calm, as if untouched by the chaos outside.

She paused for a few seconds, gazing back at the core district before striding away.

Within minutes, Qin Sheng had reached the northern sector—the area suffering the worst of the incursion.

Earlier that morning, she had already retrieved her Tang sword from her space, anticipating trouble.

A guttural roar split the air.

“Hold the line! First squad, lay down suppressive fire!”
“Captain, we’re almost out of ammunition…”
“Hold on! Even if we die, don’t let a single zombie through!”
“Yes, sir!”

Qin Sheng’s gaze fixed on a Guard squad of less than thirty men, locked in a desperate battle with the zombies.

Despite the northern sector’s severity, only thirty men had been dispatched, and they were nearly out of bullets. Their only hope of survival lay in their firearms—without ammunition, it was certain death.

Clearly, this squad must have offended someone.

“Captain Yang, what do we do? Ammo reserves are almost depleted. If the safe zone doesn’t send support, we can’t hold this…”

Qin Sheng’s eyes fell on the man addressed as “Captain Yang”—a sturdy, resolute figure. She guessed he had once served in the military. His face, which should have radiated confidence, was now etched with worry, though not a trace of fear.

“Brothers! If we’re out of bullets, we fight hand-to-hand! Damn it, not a single zombie will leave here alive!” Yang Lin suddenly remembered something, drawing a sharp dagger from the bloodstained pocket of his camo uniform, radiating righteous fury.

Qin Sheng glanced around; like their captain, the others showed no hint of fear. They all drew their blades, prepared to fight the zombies to the death.

Sensing the absence of gunfire, the zombies roared more ferociously, baring their teeth and surging toward Yang Lin’s squad like a torrent.

Nearly a hundred zombies versus thirty men without bullets—the Tiger Squad stood no chance. Even if they took down many, it would be at a terrible cost.

In a flash, Qin Sheng drew her Tang sword and swept into the horde like a gust of wind. Within the blade’s arc, zombies fell in droves.

She was faster than ever before, leaving only the afterimage of severed heads in her wake.

The Tiger Squad’s fortunes turned in an instant.

Yang Lin noticed the black-clad girl wielding a Tang sword who had somehow joined their ranks. Admiration and gratitude filled his gaze, and he gripped his knife tighter.

“Brothers, let’s give it everything we’ve got!” Yang Lin’s cry reignited morale. The battered squad surged with newfound energy, every strike lethal, tapping into reserves of strength they never knew they had.

Qin Sheng did not relent. Her sword rose and fell, cutting down zombies before they could even approach her. Many zombies, sensing her power, shifted toward what they believed were weaker targets.

But the Tiger Squad was no easy prey. Years of military training had steeled them; even as comrades fell, their resolve did not waver. Their eyes burned red with fury and determination.

Some could not hesitate, even when they had to turn their blades against friends who had become zombies.

“It’s time to end this…” Qin Sheng murmured, gathering her strength. She charged once more into the horde. Within five minutes, the northern sector was cleared—every zombie slain.

Of the Tiger Squad’s thirty members, only four perished.

As the battle ended, Yang Lin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Turning toward the commotion, he saw reinforcements from the core district finally arriving.

The breach in the northern sector was swiftly secured, and the most dire moment had passed.

Exhausted, Qin Sheng sheathed her sword and made her way to leave.

“Please wait a moment.” Yang Lin’s deep voice called out behind her.

She stopped and turned. Even blood-soaked and weary, Yang Lin’s spirit was gradually reviving.

“On behalf of the Tiger Squad, I thank our heroine for your help.” With grave sincerity, Yang Lin saluted the disheveled but resolute young woman before him.

Following his lead, the rest of the Tiger Squad saluted Qin Sheng in turn, expressing the purest and most heartfelt gratitude of soldiers.

It was the first time she had experienced such a scene. A little nervous, she replied softly, “No need to thank me. It’s what I ought to do.”

Seeing her unease, Yang Lin nodded to his men, who promptly lowered their hands in unison.

Qin Sheng took a deep breath, her nerves easing.

Yang Lin’s gaze fell on the Tang sword slung across her back, its hilt’s red gemstone gleaming in the sunlight.

It was Qin Sheng, with her sword, who had pulled them back from the brink.

“My name is Yang Lin, Captain of the Guard’s Third Squad. These are my comrades,” he introduced himself.

Qin Sheng smiled, introducing herself graciously, “I’m Qin Sheng.”

Yang Lin nodded, looking down at the girl nearly a head shorter than himself. He was reminded of his own younger sister, about Qin Sheng’s age.

Qin Sheng could sense the brotherly fondness and gentle kindness in his eyes.

“Captain Yang, it’s getting late. I need to find my friends,” she said politely.

Yang Lin nodded and gave a few simple instructions, then watched as Qin Sheng left the northern sector.

“Captain Yang, that girl is remarkable,” said Wang Dong, one of his men, coming up beside him, his eyes full of genuine admiration.

Not to mention the value of her Tang sword—her skills alone rivaled that of seasoned soldiers.

Yang Lin nodded in agreement, his appreciation obvious.

In the western sector of the safe zone, Jiang Miaomiao and the others were much safer on the rooftop. The morning’s tension had eased considerably.

A heavy thud sounded at the rooftop door, startling the resting group.

“Xingyu, let’s check it out,” Jiang Miaomiao whispered, gripping the dagger at her waist. She exchanged a glance with Chu Xingyu, and together they crept cautiously toward the door.

As they drew closer, the growling grew louder, accompanied by a girl’s pained moans.

“Zhang Meng?”