Chapter 433: Ambition and Conspiracy

"Zhang Su, I wasn't raised to be scared. Don't shout like that—we're still discussing where to meet. We'll give you an answer in fifteen minutes."

Liao Youzhi gripped the communicator, a cunning glint flashing in his eyes.

"Fifteen minutes? Fuck, what the hell are you people? Even a critical operation doesn't have a single person capable of making a decision—just a bunch of useless drunkards. The UN meetings aren't this slow. Hurry up! I can't guarantee I'll wait fifteen minutes!"

After ending the call, Liao Youzhi wanted to smash the communicator in his hand.

"Everyone, listen up! Take control of all the Civilization Protectors immediately. Depart north in three minutes!"

With this order, Liao Youzhi had decided to meet Zhang Su at Beidong Town—but he would never tell the other side in advance. After all, Beidong Town was thirty kilometers from him, but only seven or eight from Zhang Su!

When Li Zongkai heard the news, his blood surged violently; his five viscera, just calmed, ached again. To buy time, he slumped to the ground clutching his stomach, letting Liao Youzhi's bodyguards drag him out without lifting a finger.

Without any surprise, under the three factions' sudden strike, the Civilization Protectors were disarmed in confusion, bound, and shoved into vehicles.

Li Zongkai's delaying tactic backfired completely: when the Civilization Protectors saw their leader taken hostage, they offered no resistance and obeyed without question.

Liao Youzhi had ordered three minutes—he finished in less than two and a half. His men moved swiftly. The Civilization Protectors were baffled, but their leader said nothing, and their captors were even polite. They whispered among themselves: was this some secret plan?

Over thirty vehicles raced northward, their thunderous roar echoing across half of Qincheng—truly spectacular.

Among these vehicles, the most striking was a modified cargo truck; the metal cargo box shimmered with distorted air, revealing its scorching heat.

As soon as Liao Youzhi's convoy left, the temperature inside the LeGou Mall began to drop. Those left behind felt the cold intensify, utterly unaware why.

In the convoy, one vehicle stood out—a fully modified Cadillac Escalade. Its reinforced front and rear beams were brutal; the front icebreaker cone could not only crush zombies but also flip a car out of the way with a single strike.

This was Liao Youzhi's personal vehicle. He now lay flat on the second row; the driver was his trusted subordinate, the front passenger seat was empty, beside him sat a bodyguard, and Li Zongkai sat in the last row. Only four occupied the seven-seater—maximum comfort.

"Old Li, we've known each other a long time. I truly think you're a good man, steady and reliable. Xiao Ying Hui and Tianqi Team can't compare to your Civilization Protectors. Tell me—why did you suddenly lose your mind?"

Liao Youzhi glanced at the time—eleven minutes remained before the fifteen-minute deadline. He removed his mask, lit a cigarette, and turned his head to speak to Li Zongkai in the back seat.

"I'm just following my heart. As I said before, if I'd known Tianma Yu was Zhang Su's territory from the start, I never would've agreed to your northern expansion plan—I'd have done everything to stop it."

"You know land isn't better when it's bigger. Holding vast territory requires matching strength. Blind expansion brings uncontrollable chaos. Better to stop now…"

Li Zongkai kept his eyes closed, speaking slowly. He appeared to be resting, but inside he was deeply anxious. To prevent his eyes from betraying his thoughts, he shut them tight, feigning resignation.

"Hah…" Liao Youzhi chuckled. "If you'd advised me from the start, I likely would've honored your request. But now? Too late. The bow is drawn—no turning back!"

Li Zongkai took a deep breath. "In the apocalypse, life is fragile—and therefore precious. If you truly seek reconciliation, I'll mediate. Everything can be settled calmly."

Liao Youzhi inhaled sharply, exhaled smoke toward the back seat, his voice firm: "Qincheng is a scattered mess. Someone must unite all factions. Uniting northern Qincheng is just the first step. Next, the whole city. Those in Nancheng and the development zone won't escape."

"As long as zombies don't keep growing stronger and mutated ones don't cluster, within a year I'll clear every last one from Qincheng. I'll bring every person from the three districts and four counties under one banner—build a wall of bronze and iron! I advise you—and your friend at Tianma Yu—to surrender peacefully to the Survivors Alliance. Otherwise, forget it."

Li Zongkai hadn't expected Liao Youzhi's ambition to be so vast. After hearing him, he fell silent. He knew he couldn't reason with this madman. Better to focus on how to survive the next few minutes.

The conversation inside the Escalade revealed ambition. In another vehicle, conspiracy unfolded.

"Liao Youzhi won't hand over the prisoners. Today, one side must fall. How we fight doesn't matter—we must seize control of the flame zombie first. Who's got the confidence to do it?"

The car sped forward. Gong Chengming asked, his speech pace subtly quickened.

The other four exchanged glances. A man around thirty spoke up: "I'll do it."

Gong Chengming glanced at the man and nodded. "Fine, Sanhe—you're on it."

"Boss, why not warn Zhang Su ahead of time? If we coordinate from inside and out, taking down Liao Youzhi will be much easier."

Xiao Xuejian asked, puzzled.

Gong Chengming's lips curled into an indescribable smile. "Liao Youzhi exposed the Civilization Protectors? That's a gift handed to me. If I have a chance to negotiate with Tianma Yu, why give up that advantage for cooperation?"

"You mean… I get it. You'll use this chance to eliminate Liao Youzhi—and then seamlessly continue his plan to unify northern Qincheng?"

"Holy shit, that's insane! Then… congratulations, Boss Gong. Or should I say, Leader Gong?"

Zhang Su couldn't hear the conversation in the speeding convoy, but when he learned they'd demand a fifteen-minute negotiation, he grew wary. As he hung up the communicator, he signaled Qi Xiaoshuai.

"Xiaoshuai, get to Xidaying Village and watch the Hedaqiao Bridge. I suspect they're up to something."

Qi Xiaoshuai's eyes sharpened. Without a word, he jumped into his vehicle, stomped the gas, and shot onto the highway. Dust and grass clippings flew behind the tires, leaving twin ruts.

"Big Brother, you think Liao Youzhi's crew will use this time to rush us and catch us off guard?"

Zhao Dezhu asked, his expression grim.

Those around him grew serious, standing straight, tightening their rifle straps, checking their magazines.

Zhang Su stood, gazing south, frowning. "Maybe I'm overthinking. But better safe than sorry. Listen—I'll explain the hostage exchange procedure. First, I need someone to represent me in negotiations with Liao Youzhi. It'll be dangerous. Who's willing?"

"What do you mean?"

"Boss Zhang, you're not planning to… damn it, you're the one in the most danger!"

Chen Hanzhou looked at Zhang Su's outfit—identical to Guangming Knight Fan Dahai's—and instantly understood. His expression twisted with realization.

(End of Chapter)