Chapter 284: The Kingfisher

"What if… Lei Youliang also takes people to the barracks to scavenge gear?"

Wu Lue asked the question.

If this had been earlier, someone would have jumped up to sneer at Wu Lue's doubt—many thought the Kuangzhuang bunch were useless—but now everyone stayed quiet and restrained; they'd just been harshly scolded and couldn't afford to act up again!

Zhang Su thought for a moment, then nodded: "It's possible. Good—we can use this chance to see what they're thinking. If they really dare go to the barracks, we won't hold back!"

"Perfect! I've hated that guy Lei for ages!"

Lu Yu immediately clenched his fist, even hoping Kuangzhuang would show up at the barracks.

"Forget Kuangzhuang for now. Let's discuss tomorrow's operation. Uh, Luezi, go get Xin Qi and the other two—they've got details we need to ask about!"

Soon, Xin Qi and the other two arrived. When they learned Zhang Su planned to clear the barracks, they were terrified—but still answered questions cooperatively, because they'd definitely be brought along; if their info was wrong and something went wrong, they'd be the ones to suffer.

After dinner, they spent two hours finalizing the plan and details. No extra nighttime activities—everything returned to normal: sentries on duty, others resting.

Deep down, Zhang Su hoped Kuangzhuang's fighters would join Tianmayu—they'd be a powerful asset—but only if loyal. Right now, there was no sign of loyalty.

"Damn, it's cold…"

The camp had been warned: if Lei Youliang tried to sabotage Tianmayu, the elite left behind would show him what winter's chill really meant—plus Linglingsan, a little monster eager for snacks, made it flawless.

If this winter stayed at minus twenty degrees, it would be a massive trial for everyone.

Extreme cold affected humans almost as badly as zombies. Staying indoors was fine, but any outdoor work increased risks—everyone felt immense pressure, because the real cold hadn't even arrived yet; today's low temperatures were just due to climate anomalies.

Several chefs woke before five to prepare breakfast—today was critical; everyone needed a full meal before setting out!

Zhang Su looked toward Kuangzhuang—silent, no sign of anything unusual. He shook his head: "No need. He'll see us heading north. If he's not stupid, he knows what we're after—and what he should do. I hope he doesn't act foolish."

The next morning, Zhang Su's alarm rang at six—before dawn, he was up.

The road was still clear as ever. As the vehicle neared Kuangzhuang, Zhang Su's passenger, Zhao De, said: "Bro, wanna detour through Kuangzhuang? See what that kid Lei's up to."

…

"Big Brother Lei, you're amazing! Tianmayu's already headed north toward Qingxian—looks like they're going straight for the barracks. What do we do?"

But when an anomaly lasts long enough, it becomes normal…

Ten vehicles rolled down the road, their exhausts puffing white smoke. As temperatures dropped, even roadside weeds grew brittle—wind from passing cars snapped them clean, scattering them in a trail.

After breakfast, Zhang Su didn't pause a second—he digested on the road. As for needing to relieve himself after eating? Just squat by the roadside—no one was watching.

Fine shredded meat noodles, each bowl with an egg—carbs, protein, plus two sprigs of green bok choy on top—better than life before the collapse. Everyone ate comfortably.

The convoy departed Tianmayu in force—but actually, few went: including Xin Qi and the other two, only fifteen or sixteen people!

One cargo van's AC was broken—no airflow. The driver, Qi Xiaoshuai, was bundled up tight. Luckily, he'd known ahead of time and brought a hot water bottle to hold against his chest; otherwise, it'd have been unbearable.

"Everyone assigned last night—come with me!"

To ensure flexibility in luring zombies, ten vehicles were deployed—excluding the two RVs and the cargo van holding Linglingsan. Motorcycles were impossible in this cold, but a small electric scooter was mounted on one vehicle.

Inside Kuangzhuang, one of Lei Youliang's admirers looked up to him in awe.

Their contact hadn't been long, but from a few things Lei had done, Zhang Su knew he was cunning, intelligent—but whether he could read the situation and adapt, that was still unknown.

When Zhang Su's convoy passed the provincial highway, Kuangzhuang got word—exactly as Lei Youliang had predicted!

"Don't rush!"

Lei Youliang lit a cigarette, gazing through the smoke toward Qingxian, confident: "Let the bullets fly a bit longer. We'll move out later. To be the kingfisher, you must have the kingfisher's awareness!"

"When the Qinglong Army was at its peak, it had nearly four hundred men! Good heavens—I can't imagine how much gear's still in that barracks!"

"We're gonna hit the jackpot, haha!"

"Hope Tianmayu's bunch clears a path Shunli —once we take the barracks, Heihei, things'll get interesting!"

Kuangzhuang's group, buoyed by Lei Youliang's grand promises, felt ambitious, dreaming of the near future. Their wishes were modest: just to stand equal to Tianmayu.

But not everyone agreed with Lei Youliang. Someone deeply disliked this tactic—Yang Liehuo, sitting quietly in the corner, gloomy.

He couldn't endorse Lei's plan. In his view, either go openly to the barracks, draw the zombies away yourself, and scavenge—or cooperate honestly with Tianmayu and share what you need.

This sneaky, underhanded stuff… it's not right.

Unfortunately, his personal opinion couldn't sway the group. He'd raised objections repeatedly during planning—but every time, votes had overruled him.

"You go ahead. I'm feeling unwell today—I'll stay in the village. Don't count me in for any loot. Good luck."

Saying this, Yang Liehuo crushed out his cigarette, stood, and walked out of the room under everyone's startled stares.

"W-wait, Big Brother Lei, Uncle Huo…"

"Uncle Huo seems really angry."

Lei Youliang watched Yang Liehuo leave, his face expressionless, his heart cold. Hearing his subordinate's words, he gave a weary smile: "Uncle Huo's just stubborn in his thinking. No big deal. Let him stay in the village and think things over. Don't worry about it."

In truth, no one cared—except himself…

…

Huh, huuuh.

The convoy passed by the church's flower field. The icy wind scattered the withered branches, leaving a mess.

Soon, the vehicles entered Qingxian County. Zhang Su slowed down, heading toward the barracks. From this angle, no zombie horde was visible yet—but as they drew closer, caution increased.

At the fork turning south from Qingxian toward the barracks, six different vehicles were parked—minivans, pickups.

Seven or eight men gathered near the lead vehicle, arguing, occasionally pointing at maps, then gesturing toward the barracks—clearly planning something.

On the bed of a pickup sat a lean man wearing a large earmuff hat. He gripped a submachine gun in one hand, a pair of binoculars in the other, scanning the surroundings. When his gaze swept toward Qingxian, he froze.

"Boss! People coming from Qingxian!"

The earmuff man tensed: "Shit! A whole convoy—seven, eight, nine—ten vehicles! Boss!"

"I'm not deaf—I can hear!"

The man in the driver's seat of the lead vehicle opened his door and stepped out.

He wore a Nike down jacket, its style too youthful for his age. Tactical gloves covered his hands. He was broad and muscular. His right eye saw clearly; his left was covered by a black cloth—whether blind or mimicking a pirate captain for better night vision, no one knew.

Everyone fell silent, instinctively gripping their weapons, eyes locked on the slowly approaching vehicles.

As days passed, people had shifted from joy at seeing other humans to suspicion.

"Brother, where you from? Where you headed?"

When the lead vehicle—a FJ Cruiser—stopped ten meters away, the one-eyed man raised an eyebrow and asked, in a normal tone:

Zhang Su sat inside. He'd noticed from afar that they were plotting something—he didn't need to guess it was about the Qinglong Army. A meeting was inevitable. Better to face them now.

"We're from Niuziquan Town. Where we're going? Probably the same as you."

Zhang Su rolled down his window, pointing toward the Qinglong Army barracks. The icy wind rushed into the warm cabin, making several shiver.

(End of Chapter)