Chapter 280: Relying on Each Other and Pillow Rest
From the Pope's Hall, situated halfway up the mountain, Dai Yao overlooked the expanse of Wuhun City below. The densely packed throngs of zombies swarming the residential areas were enough to make his skin crawl.
"Bibi Dong," he began, voice steady, "for now, we should focus on hunting in the five less-dense areas first. If we've exhausted those and still fall short, only then should we consider venturing into the civilian zone."
Wuhun City was shaped like a hexagon and divided into six sectors, with a densely populated civilian area home to a hundred thousand ordinary people occupying one zone. Meanwhile, spirit masters took up the other five sectors, where zombies were far less concentrated.
In the zombie world, the number of undead mirrored the real population, making that packed residential area of ten thousand undead an absolute death trap he wasn't ready to face yet.
Bibi Dong's cold voice cut through his thoughts. "Have you grabbed enough?"
Momentarily stunned, Dai Yao released her wrist, realizing he'd unconsciously reached out to her for emphasis. "Sorry, I didn't mean to."
But Bibi Dong simply rubbed her wrist, not pressing the matter. In this world, she was as vulnerable to pain as any other human. Surprisingly, the sharp sensation reminded her of what it meant to be human, a feeling she hadn't encountered since becoming the Pope. Yet, she quickly suppressed this unfamiliar sense, her tone returning to its characteristic iciness.
"You've thought this out," she said, stepping to the edge and gazing down over the city. "But you're aware that, in the other five areas, the zombies are sparse. I'm short seven thousand kills, and I only have six months. If I don't make it...you know the consequences."
Dai Yao took a deep breath, his voice low and grim. "I know."
Her point was undeniable. To fulfill the god trial, they'd likely have to face the more treacherous undead hordes in the residential district.
Seven thousand zombies in six months meant nearly forty kills a day between the two of them, and since Bibi Dong had already decimated many zombies in the safer regions, they'd waste time simply moving between each target. Even so, safety demanded they try the outlying areas first. The residential area would only be an option if there was no other choice.
"Then we'll split up and cover more ground," Bibi Dong said, leaning on her scepter, her expression neutral.
"Alright," Dai Yao replied. He pulled out his dagger, along with the familiar black robe and mask, ready to don them. But as he held them, he noticed Bibi Dong's sharp gaze directed at him. Pausing, he offered her an awkward smile, as though caught in an old habit.
Seeing his discomfort, Bibi Dong raised a hand to stop him. "Hold on."
Confused, Dai Yao froze, watching as Bibi Dong reached over, taking the robe and mask from him. She touched the fabric, her fingers tracing the mask's intricate designs as she fell into a pensive silence. Memories of her time with the mysterious "divine envoy" surfaced, recalling a fleeting warmth in her life.
But that warmth had only been a lie.
Her expression hardened as she met Dai Yao's gaze, the mask dangling from her fingers. "So, this is the disguise you used to deceive me?"
Dai Yao nodded, tense and silent.
"I'm keeping them. Go start hunting," she commanded coldly.
Relieved she hadn't pressed the matter, he nodded and swiftly made his way down toward the city. Left alone, Bibi Dong continued to trace the mask, her fingers running over its familiar lines as a wave of regret washed over her.
"It was all just a dream…" she murmured.
Sighing, she shook off the memory, changing into her combat attire before heading down to join the hunt.
As night fell, the world seemed even more desolate, the white sun dipping below the horizon and casting a chilling pallor over the undead realm. Dai Yao and Bibi Dong regrouped in the stone chamber, visibly weary and covered in the dust of battle.
Despite the exhaustion, Dai Yao felt surprisingly alert, the remaining bloodlust from Slaughter City fueling him, making the thrill of killing feel almost like sustenance.
"How many did you kill today?" Bibi Dong asked, her face streaked with grime, her hair disheveled. She'd only managed to take down nine zombies, far from the minimum she needed each day.
Dai Yao took out eleven crystals and handed them over. "Eleven."
Seeing Bibi Dong scrutinize the crystals with a troubled expression, Dai Yao sighed. "It's clear now that the zombies in these sectors are too few. We won't hit our targets at this rate. It's time we consider the residential district."
After a heavy pause, Bibi Dong clenched her jaw and nodded. "You're right. To complete the trial, we have no choice but to enter the residential zone."
Her eyes carried a ruthless determination, one fueled by the drive to eradicate the Angel Clan by ascending to godhood. Sensing her resolve, Dai Yao spoke up, voice steady but laced with warning.
"Bibi Dong, you must understand that zombies in the residential district are no joke. My usable spirit power here is barely that of a beginner. One misstep, and we'll be overrun."
"In a place like that, we can only survive if we trust each other," he added, his tone serious.
She seemed startled by his frankness, but after a long silence, she gave a curt nod. "Fine."
She couldn't deny that, despite her own reservations, something had made her agree with him—a lingering feeling from the past or perhaps a need to complete her divine trial. Either way, she resolved to follow through.
The next morning, Dai Yao awoke at dawn, looking over to see Bibi Dong fully prepared. "Ready?" he asked.
Together, they headed out toward the residential district.
Dai Yao led the way with Bibi Dong following close behind, both moving in complete silence, even their gestures reduced to the simplest hand signals to avoid any noise. In the densely packed residential district, the slightest sound could provoke an unending wave of zombies.
As they neared the district, the density of zombies visibly increased. Five lurched aimlessly ahead, and Dai Yao immediately took cover. Seeing this, Bibi Dong mirrored his move, glancing at him with understanding. He made a few quick hand signs, and she nodded, signaling their approach to surround the zombies from opposite sides, using the buildings as cover to close in.
The five zombies continued to wander, unaware of the danger. In an instant, flashes of sharp steel cut through the air as both of them simultaneously decapitated the outermost zombies and lunged towards the inner three. With only a split second before they could howl and alert more zombies, Dai Yao brought his middle and index fingers together in a motion mimicking a spear. With a swift motion, he struck the neck of the remaining zombie. A twist of his wrist severed its head before it could make a sound.
Dai Yao's body pulsed with an intense bloodlust from the recent kill, his eyes glowing with an unsettling crimson. Noticing this, Bibi Dong was taken aback by his mastery and precision. In a quick, practiced motion, she caught the lifeless zombies and laid them gently on the ground, preventing even the faintest thud from echoing.
But her initial relief was short-lived as she noticed the deep red in Dai Yao's eyes. Her heart sank. He was fresh from the Slaughter City, and his mind was dominated by bloodlust. If he lost control, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Could she allow him to continue the trial in this state? The mounting bloodlust might push him to the brink, altering his personality irreversibly. Dai Yao needed to be here to help her complete the trial, yet she found herself unwilling to sacrifice his future. But she had no immediate solution, so for now, she pushed the dilemma aside.
Retrieving the crystals from the fallen zombies' heads, she pocketed them before following Dai Yao, seeking more targets. Zombies swarmed the area, and though they quickly dispatched five, other nearby groups numbered in the dozens or even hundreds, far too risky to approach. The best they could do was to seek out smaller groups. Despite these challenges, they managed to hit their daily target, if only just.
A month passed.
Every evening, they returned to the stone chamber, visibly weary and covered in grime despite attempts to wash off the day's filth. Bibi Dong's once-shiny purple hair had dulled, and her luxurious robes were tattered and stained from countless battles. Though exhausted, they maintained their daily quota, carefully avoiding large packs of zombies.
Bibi Dong, observing Dai Yao's intensifying bloodlust, couldn't hide her concern. "Dai Yao, how are you holding up?"
Dai Yao took a deep breath, suppressing the boiling fury within him as he forced himself back to clarity. Cold sweat broke on his forehead as he clenched his teeth. "I'm managing."
The trial seemed to hold a particular grudge against him, amplifying his bloodlust with every kill. A month of constant slaughter had stretched his control to its limits. Yet, with no escape from the zombies or from Bibi Dong's cold presence, he had no outlet for his growing madness.
"You're fooling yourself," Bibi Dong retorted, her eyes flashing with complex emotions. "Keep this up, and you'll lose your mind."
Dai Yao exhaled, shaking off her concern with a determined look. "I'll hold on. I have to—so that you can complete this trial. I can't fail."
Her gaze softened, and she snapped, "Why are you pushing yourself to the edge like this? Why does it matter so much to protect everyone else? Can't you think about yourself for once?"
In the isolated, harsh environment, she had come to see more of Dai Yao's character—the depth of his devotion and selflessness. The intensity with which he fought for his loved ones, like Zhu Zhuqing and Feng Wutong, had earned her admiration.
But Dai Yao's calm response only unsettled her further. "Because that's the only way you'll let Zhuqing and Wutong go."
His words struck her deeply. Dai Yao was so unlike the men she had known, like Yu Xiaogang and Qian Xunji. His quiet but unyielding loyalty stirred a sense of respect she couldn't ignore.
She shook her head in exasperation. "You're insane…"
She knelt beside him, her presence alone breaking his menacing bloodlust as he gazed at her in confusion.
"Lie down," she commanded coldly.
Puzzled, he complied, lying back as Bibi Dong gently lifted his head to rest on her lap. Opening his eyes, he was momentarily disarmed by the soft expression on her face, until her sharp voice cut through his awe.
"Close your eyes. Do you want to lose them?"
Startled, he closed his eyes, feeling the soft comfort of her lap and the faint, calming fragrance around her. Her voice softened slightly, yet retained its usual distance.
"This is only to help ease your bloodlust, so you can stay here to assist me with the trial. Understand?"
"Understood," Dai Yao replied, relaxing as the comforting warmth lulled his chaotic mind. The tension in his body faded, and soon he drifted into a deep sleep.
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30th, get 30% off your subscription and the purchase of the novel.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Canserbero10