The school director couldn't help but feel even greater reverence for that towering, rock-like figure exuding solemn dignity.
If he had once been an atheist, he had now changed. He had become one of Yanwang Dijun's most devoted followers.
Faced with this situation, Zhang Chulan and the others could only sigh in admiration. Truly, this was the Emperor's doing—wherever he went, his charisma effortlessly attracted a legion of devoted admirers.
——
At this moment, Xiao Yan and the others remained at the school to protect the survivors.
Meanwhile, the group of elders had left the school and scattered across various parts of City H to search for more survivors.
Sigh…
"Though I expected it, this is still far too tragic. In such a vast area, only a few thousand people have survived."
The Old Heavenly Master's expression darkened as he looked at the survivors he had just rescued.
Regardless, these individuals were still descendants of Yan and Huang, characterized by black hair, black eyes, and yellow skin.
As the saying goes, "Though miles apart, we share the same moon and sky."
But now, these compatriots had suffered such a calamity, filling the Old Heavenly Master with a deep sense of shared sorrow.
"Well, considering this is a country where dangerous items are strictly prohibited, it's still fortunate that so many survived."
The Old Heavenly Master was right. As a nation that banned the circulation of hazardous goods, its people had few means to resist sudden dangers.
Against ordinary threats, they might have stood a chance—fists, kicks, or even bites and scratches could have been effective.
But against infectious zombies, resistance was futile. These creatures felt no pain and feared no death.
Unlike people from other countries, the citizens of Yanhuang didn't carry firearms or weapons when they went out.
So, when faced with zombies, most could only flee. But no matter how fast they ran, how could they outpace tireless undead?
Being caught was inevitable. Under such circumstances, the Old Heavenly Master saving thousands was already a remarkable feat.
Though they had anticipated this outcome, witnessing the tragedy firsthand still weighed heavily on the Old Heavenly Master's heart.
But now was not the time for sorrow.
After steadying himself, the Old Heavenly Master prepared to lead the survivors back to the school and settle them there.
Thus, under his protection, a large convoy set off toward the school-turned-sanctuary.
Along the way, every zombie that crossed their path was reduced to motionless corpses by the Old Heavenly Master's golden threads of light, sharp as blades.
As they neared their destination, they inevitably encountered a familiar face. Seeing Lu Jin approaching lifted the Old Heavenly Master's spirits slightly.
"Hey, old Lu. Hm? Are these the survivors from your side?"
The Old Heavenly Master greeted Lu Jin's group, then shifted his gaze behind him.
What he saw made his expression tighten.
Behind Lu Jin stood only a few hundred people.
"Yeah. A medium-sized zombie horde hit my area, and those people barely had any weapons to defend themselves. By the time I arrived, it was too late. Only these survivors remained."
Lu Jin's eyes dimmed. Though he was part of the older generation that had endured the War of Resistance and was no stranger to death, the harrowing scenes he had witnessed still cast a shadow over his heart.
He couldn't help but blame himself—if only he had arrived sooner, perhaps more could have been saved.
The Old Heavenly Master understood Lu Jin's thoughts. Though equally pained, he still offered comfort to his stubborn old friend.
"Enough, old Lu. You're not a god—you can't do everything. Why torture yourself? You still saved these people. That's already enough.
This isn't your fault, so don't add to your burdens. If you're angry, take it out on the zombies.
Besides, didn't we already expect something like this?"
The Old Heavenly Master's words were sharp, laced with frustration.
This old Lu was excellent in every way, except for his tendency to obsess over things. Even when it wasn't his fault, he'd still find ways to torment himself.
Chastened, Lu Jin finally snapped out of his spiral.
Sigh…
"I know. It's just… hard to accept," Lu Jin murmured after a long silence.
"You think you're the only one who feels this way?"
Seeing Lu Jin regain his composure, the Old Heavenly Master relaxed slightly.
"Let's focus on settling these survivors first. There might still be others out there."
"…Right."
After a prolonged silence, the two elders led the combined group toward the school-turned-sanctuary.
Before long, the convoy arrived back at the school after a two-hour journey.
Once the survivors were settled, the two elders asked around and made their way to their quarters.
"Hm? Chulan, where's Senior Zhongli? I don't see him."
After surveying the room, the Old Heavenly Master noticed only Zhang Chulan and the other youngsters were present.
He knew the whereabouts of Zuo Ruotong and Zhang Huaiyi, but why was Zhongli also missing?
Puzzled, he turned to Zhang Chulan.
"Huh? Oh! Master, you mean Grandpa Zhongli? He went to another city.
None of us have a fast way to travel, so we can't support other cities."
Zhang Chulan paused, then added:
"Once he saw things here were under control, he erected a stone barrier and left."
"I see. Well… that's for the best."
The Old Heavenly Master sighed after hearing Zhang Chulan's explanation.
...
And where was Zhongli, the subject of their discussion?
He was now in another city.
High above another region of Yanhuang—City S—Zhongli stood in the attire he wore as a consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, gazing down at the scene below.
His golden eyes reflected the deathly stillness of the city.
The once-bustling metropolis now resembled a silent graveyard, its streets suffused with an air of ruin and desolation.
...
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(End of Chapter)