[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-fiercest-man-in-the-end-times":3,"chapter-the-fiercest-man-in-the-end-times-the-fiercest-man-in-the-end-times-chapter-551":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Fiercest Man in the End Times",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2319789,4536,"Chapter 551: Challenge Completed!","the-fiercest-man-in-the-end-times-chapter-551",551,"\u003Cp>“Old Li, hey, Old Li!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Liu Yao stepped forward, his expression solemn: “If we’re talking about Civil Protection joining Tianma Yu, we must mention our situation, everyone… Let me introduce myself—I’m Liu Yao of the Little Eagle Society, the Little Eagle Society from Xinglong Kindergarten—you’ve all heard of us, right? We’ve already joined Tianma Yu. Old Yang, won’t you say a few words?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, Liu Yao turned to look at Yang Xinqi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course I’ll speak!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yang Xinqi was a shrewd man—he knew exactly what Liu Yao was after: to show loyalty before the King of Hell. He quickly stepped forward and faced the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hello everyone, I’m Yang Xinqi, former leader of the Tianqi Squad, the Tianqi Squad from the Beibei Tongrui Auto Park—we’ve also joined Tianma Yu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As survivors from Qincheng’s urban district, they all had some understanding of surrounding factions; they knew the Little Eagle Society and the Tianqi Squad each had strengths and weaknesses, but any group that could shield survivors in the apocalypse had its merits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the attitudes of Yang Xinqi and Liu Yao, Civil Protection’s survivors could sense the truth: these two factions had joined Tianma Yu without much struggle, and their participation was largely voluntary—this could only mean Tianma Yu possessed unique appeal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the two finished speaking, Li Zongkai spoke again: “Everyone’s heard of the Four Tigers of Beicheng. All three of us have joined Tianma Yu—and the Survivor Alliance won’t be left out. From now on, there will be no more Four Tigers of Beicheng. We will all develop together under Mr. Zhang’s leadership, unified in defense and offense, sharing glory and disgrace!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One shocking revelation wasn’t enough—another came, leaving Civil Protection’s uninformed members dizzy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Four Tigers of Beicheng were called four tigers, but in truth, they were more like one tiger and three wolves—the Survivor Alliance dominated, with combat personnel outnumbering the other two combined, perhaps only lagging behind Civil Protection in weapons and equipment—but Civil Protection was small…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If even the Survivor Alliance had joined Tianma Yu, the entire northern landscape of Qincheng had undergone a seismic shift!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What exactly was Tianma Yu? Who were the Hell’s Army and the King of Hell? How could they consolidate all of northern Qincheng in such a short time? It was unthinkable! “That’s right—what Chairman Li, Officer Liu, and Captain Yang said is all true. I can vouch for it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su walked forward with a smiling face, easing the tense, solemn atmosphere, then asked: “I welcome all Civil Protection brothers to join the Tianma Yu family. But I still have to ask—is there anyone unwilling? If so, no problem—step forward boldly. We’ll give you supplies, weapons—no harassment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the apocalypse, the first thing people must learn is acceptance: accept the arrival of zombies, accept the sudden loss of companions, accept that any bizarre thing might happen at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this, Civil Protection’s people felt no resistance to joining Tianma Yu—especially since they were their saviors. What reason was there to refuse?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if someone truly didn’t want to join, in this world, how long could they survive outside the barracks with just weapons and supplies?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a fool would refuse! Zhang Su stood in the center, feeling the gazes of dozens around him, while the number representing Civil Protection in his mind surged rapidly—soon surpassing eighty percent, then fading, disappearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From accepting the challenge to completing it, the entire process wasn’t long—less than two days had passed, far short of the five-day limit—but the trials he’d endured had left him under immense pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially earlier at the LeGou Mall, when he learned over thirty armed personnel had entered the barracks, Zhang Su had felt a terrible premonition—his precognition had once again saved the day, and rescued dozens of Civil Protection lives!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the challenge was completed, Zhang Su exhaled deeply. Now he just needed to find a quiet place to receive his reward—he didn’t want to wait a second longer. Facing the crowd’s enthusiastic stares, he opened his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Welcome everyone to Tianma Yu! The formal welcome ceremony will come later. First, let’s handle today’s matters. Decide among yourselves how to deal with these villains. I’ll be back in a moment. Old Li, where’s the restroom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his voice when asking Li Zongkai—everyone heard, but no one found it odd. Everyone has urgent needs—it was perfectly reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Out the door… Daqiang, you show Mr. Zhang the way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zongkai raised his hand and immediately called Wu Daqiang to guide Zhang Su.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the warehouse, Zhang Su looked up at the dark sky, his emotions complex: joy at completing the challenge, anxiety over the approaching zombie horde, and renewed pressure as Tianma Yu expanded again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Survival pressure was never a joke. As leader of more and more people, pressure naturally grew daily—power, privileges, and responsibility all came together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Boss Su, the zombie horde to the east… what do we do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Daqiang led Zhang Su toward the restroom, unable to help asking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su glanced at Wu Daqiang in surprise. This big soldier had always respectfully called him “Mr. Zhang”—this was the first time he’d said “Boss Su.” Respect meant distance; the change in address signaled their relationship had deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During their collaboration, Zhang Su had observed everyone in the camp, especially combat personnel—he needed to select some outstanding ones for the Hell’s Army. “Outstanding” meant more than just ability—it involved other considerations too. Wu Daqiang was one of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve adapted quickly. Others either can’t get over the pain of losing comrades, or are excitedly debating how to deal with those bastards—you’re already thinking about the zombie horde?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su asked with a teasing tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Daqiang pulled at his lips, forcing a strained smile: “The dead are gone. As combat personnel, we must look forward. This disaster stems from zombies. Unless we solve the root problem, today’s safety is only temporary.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, they reached the restroom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The restroom beside the playground had an old-fashioned design—clearly from last century. The sewage system was completely dead; beside it stood a three-wheeled cart and a shovel. No explanation was needed—its purpose was obvious. Fortunately, the temperature was low enough that the smell wasn’t strong…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su pulled out a pack of cigarettes, offered one to Wu Daqiang, then lit one himself as incense, exhaled smoke, and said: “How we handle it depends on what the scouts report. Alright, this place stinks—go back first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying this, he patted Wu Daqiang’s shoulder and stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he turned fully behind the wall, the text appeared in his mind as promised—very principled—making Zhang Su breathe a huge sigh of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Within five days, absorb and recruit all forces of the Four Tigers of Beicheng, with each faction contributing at least eighty percent of its members to Tianma Yu. Difficulty: A. Completed.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Reward: Emotion Release Source】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell…? This is way too abstract!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su stared at the fading text in his mind, his head spinning. Emotion Release Source—he’d have thought it was some psychology term if he didn’t know better, with a faint cyberpunk vibe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t feel anything special. What’s this thing even for? Emotion Release Source… such a weird thing…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rummaged through his mind, searching—but it remained unchanged. He muttered inwardly: “Didn’t give me anything. What even is an Emotion Release Source?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on past experience, he knew he’d have to figure it out slowly. This trip out wasn’t just for the reward—he’d also had an urgent need.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After taking care of it, he stepped out of the restroom with lingering confusion, seeing Wu Daqiang still waiting nearby, and walked over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know the way. Go back—you don’t have to wait. It’s freezing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke to Wu Daqiang, Zhang Su noticed an interesting change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he first stepped out, Wu Daqiang had been frowning, his expression heavy with worry—but as Zhang Su approached, the worry on Wu Daqiang’s face slowly shifted to confusion, like someone deeply puzzled, scratching his head. “Daqiang, what’re you thinking about by the restroom door?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su was startled, glancing at himself—had he accidentally smeared shit on himself? Wu Daqiang shook his head, utterly baffled: “Still thinking about the zombie horde. How do we solve it? It’s really troubling.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su raised an eyebrow. When he’d left the restroom, Wu Daqiang had clearly been worried—how had it turned into deep thought so fast? Was he putting on a show to seem concerned about the camp’s safety?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That didn’t make sense. Thinking about solutions was concern; worry was concern too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of insight struck Zhang Su’s mind. He took a deep breath of the cold air, suppressing thoughts about the “Emotion Release Source,” then flashed a bright smile and patted Wu Daqiang’s shoulder: “Why think so much? When soldiers come, meet them with troops; when water comes, block it with earth. We’ve got so many elite fighters—why fear zombies?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Daqiang froze, his doubt fading, then slowly smiled, nodding vigorously at Zhang Su: “Right, Boss Su, you’re right. What’s scary about zombies? We’ve got guns, cannons, warriors—hahaha, not scary at all!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su’s expression was priceless—he thought he’d figured out how the Emotion Release Source worked!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To test it, he recalled the Civil Protection members slaughtered by the Eight Families Village—the bloody, brutal scenes surfaced in his mind, and a faint sadness rose, growing stronger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Daqiang’s confident smile visibly faded; his expression darkened, his eyes slowly reddening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, Daqiang, you were smiling so happily just now—why suddenly look like you’re about to cry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s just… Boss Su, I’m just thinking about humanity’s bleak future. It’s heartbreaking. I’m fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Daqiang’s voice was sorrowful as he wiped his reddened eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su nodded inwardly—the purpose of the Emotion Release Source was becoming clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the name suggested, he had become the source of emotional release—his emotions would infect those around him. If he was happy, others became happy; if he was sad, others became sad too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emotions were contagious, but the reasons each person felt them differed. Just now, Zhang Su had felt sorrow thinking of ten Civil Protection comrades dead; Wu Daqiang, affected by the emotion, felt grief too—but his reason was the lack of hope for humanity’s future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those infected would spontaneously invent their own reasons for the emotion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, only the emotion was transmitted—not the thought itself. This also explained why joy and sorrow didn’t always transfer together: what seemed tragic to one person might seem joyful to another, depending on perspective…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—we humans will win!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su internally encouraged Wu Daqiang with courage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, little zombies won’t crush us!” Wu Daqiang’s eyes hardened, his pessimism rapidly fading.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su couldn’t help but marvel—this ability had arrived at the perfect moment. Tianma Yu had expanded by hundreds in a short time, a turbulent period. Properly using the Emotion Release Source could better unify hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A leader’s influence was crucial. A failed art student’s speech could ignite thousands, making them eager to rush onto the battlefield. Zhang Su might not have that kind of eloquence—but his emotions were spot-on! He imagined a scene: himself standing before a crowd, passionately speaking, the people below gazing at him with fanatic eyes. Often, all you needed was the right emotion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they walked back to the warehouse, he glanced sideways—Wu Daqiang’s sorrow had vanished, replaced by determination and confidence, clearly influenced by Zhang Su’s inner state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn, this is a double-edged sword!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su instantly realized the downside: if his own emotions fluctuated wildly, they’d negatively affect those around him. For example, in battle—if he felt pessimistic, even if he spoke bravely, others wouldn’t believe him…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I must strengthen my mental discipline. Not to switch emotions at will, but at least to hide them instantly. This isn’t just ‘remain calm before a collapsing mountain’—I need true inner stillness. Damn, this is hard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hard was good. Simple tasks were for ordinary members. As a leader, what’s wrong with suffering? “To wear the crown, bear its weight. Damn, such a cheesy phrase… haha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He muttered nonsense inwardly, his peripheral vision catching Wu Daqiang’s seamless emotional shifts—hilarious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the warehouse door, Zhang Su took a deep breath, steadying his mind—it wasn’t time for jokes anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he pushed open the door, before even trying to influence others, Zhang Su was immediately hit by waves of anger and murderous intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? My sensitivity to emotions has improved!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an unintentional discovery. Earlier, his focus had been on testing, and Wu Daqiang had been almost completely influenced, so he hadn’t noticed this advancement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still couldn’t precisely sense everyone’s emotions—but this was a huge leap forward, a promising start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his excitement, he felt joy—and immediately saw Wu Daqiang’s lips curl upward. His emotion spread like a shockwave, radiating outward from him, starting with those closest—gradually, the fury on their faces began to fade…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This couldn’t continue. This was a serious trial—what if everyone started laughing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Su cleared his throat, summoning anger in his heart, glaring at the five kneeling men—each had their mouths bound, probably for talking too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked toward the center of the courtyard and called out loudly: “Everyone, what’s your verdict on these villains? Shout it out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kill them! Avenge our brothers!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unforgivable! Must kill them!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who kills my comrades—must die!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd erupted in fury. Even the usually calm Yu Wen and Li Zongkai shouted along, their voices shaking the warehouse ceiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, everyone had decided to execute the five from the Eight Families Village. Most felt primarily grief and outrage; a few were still mourning their fallen comrades. But now, all emotion had transformed into pure rage—everyone wanted to tear the five apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five kneeling men were terrified by the atmosphere. Death or life was the outcome—but the process mattered. If they had to die, just give them a quick end—don’t scare them like this…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2335,"2026-06-20T15:15:16.642Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","219b8f1a67deb5cb4ad3d75b35805ead30b17ca8b4a477066217a00d91e7f452","the-fiercest-man-in-the-end-times-chapter-552","the-fiercest-man-in-the-end-times-chapter-550",694,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-fiercest-man-in-the-end-times-cover.jpg"]