After discussing, Luo Mei was the first to go downstairs along the rope attached to the Flying Tiger Claws.
Next was Ji Yan carrying Fang Lianjiao, followed by Jiao Yang, Tan He carrying Zhao Han, Ye Zi’ang, and Yu Yao at the rear.
The group successfully left the Xin Xin Shopping Mall.
Fang Lianjiao’s condition was worsening. Her hands and feet were tightly bound, and her mouth was gagged.
Since leaving, she had been carried by Jiao Yang, while Zhao Han refused to walk beside them, causing Jiao Yang to glare at her repeatedly.
Zhao Han ignored him and kept snuggling into Tan He’s arms.
Clearing zombies along the way, they reached the parking area. Yu Yao quickly said to Jiao Yang, “You guys take our car.”
Jiao Yang was pleasantly surprised, “Thank you, thank you!”
With Yu Yao and Luo Mei’s strong abilities, the safety on their vehicle was much better, and they wouldn’t have to deal with Zhao Han—perfect!
“You’re welcome, get in quickly.” Saying this, she prepared to get in the car and leave before zombies could catch up.
She really didn’t have the energy to fight anymore!
Seeing this, Zhao Han panicked, “Aren’t you going to send us to the car?”
Their car wasn’t parked here.
Yu Yao glanced at her coldly and said, “Give me your life; I’ll live it for you.”
“Pfft hahahaha~” Luo Mei couldn’t help but laugh out loud. She swiftly opened the car door and got in without even looking at Zhao Han.
Then she stepped on the gas and sped off, not caring at all about Zhao Han.
Ji Yan and Ye Zi’ang exchanged a glance, tightened their grip on their weapons, fought off the pursuing zombies, and moved toward the parking spot.
As for Zhao Han and Tan He—if they kept up, fine; if not, let them be.
…
The return trip went smoothly with few zombies encountered—most were directly knocked away by Luo Mei’s car.
Yu Yao closed her eyes to rest and checked the talismans and equipment obtained from killing zombies.
She mostly got talismans and materials from her kills.
Five talismans condensed with the strongest first-level psychic zombie strike.
Luo Mei, possibly still under a newbie protection period, had a good drop rate.
Besides two types of refining materials, she also got an amulet—the [Linlang Amulet]—and a [Mithril Bracelet] that reduces skill cooldowns by 20%.
The Linlang Amulet is suitable for psychic-type ability users.
It reduces ability consumption by 20% and increases psychic ability strength by 30%.
When a lethal attack is detected, it automatically triggers an absolute defense barrier, with a cooldown of 7 days.
This stat is quite good for low-level equipment.
Yu Yao thought for a moment and decided to keep the bracelet but…
Only one of each type of equipment can be worn in the game.
Since she already had the Sky-covering Stone amulet, she couldn’t wear another amulet or it would automatically replace the Sky-covering Stone.
Although the Sky-covering Stone has a seven-day cooldown, it only counts down while equipped, almost cutting off Yu Yao’s chance to swap it out for another amulet.
Since the amulet was useless to her and didn’t match her attributes—and it was Luo Mei who killed the zombies and obtained it—
Why not… give it to her?
They were still teamed up for now. The stronger Luo Mei got, the more Yu Yao could benefit.
Even if Luo Mei had bad intentions, the Linlang Amulet would backfire on her.
Because all system-issued items, whether equipment or skills, automatically set restrictions upon equipping.
They cannot harm Yu Yao.
In this way… it’s like a lock on Luo Mei!
Yu Yao’s eyes flickered as she silently looked out the window.
…
Twenty minutes later, after contacting Captain Fang via walkie-talkie, they found the garrison point—
Jinjiang Garden Community Activity Center.
Captain Fang hurried over when he saw their vehicle and asked, “Comrade Yu Yao, Comrade Luo Mei, was the trip smooth?”
“Very smooth, thank you, Captain Fang.”
“That’s good. We’ll depart for the Safe Zone early tomorrow morning.”
“Okay, we’re ready to leave anytime.”
“Alright then, rest up. See you tomorrow morning.”
“See you tomorrow.”
Because Fang Lianjiao was injured, Yu Yao’s group chose a room next to the activity center for a casual rest overnight.
Early the next morning, Captain Fang personally brought them some water and compressed biscuits.
Yu Yao and Luo Mei didn’t want to take advantage of the soldiers and politely refused again.
Ye Zi’ang’s group did the same, except Zhao Han was less willing.
Captain Fang didn’t insist. After announcing the departure time, he hurried off to make other arrangements.
…
At eight o’clock, the convoy departed on time.
This time, Zhao Han and Tan He were not allowed to get on Ye Zi’ang’s car. Zhao Han was unhappy but powerless.
Ji Yan worried Fang Lianjiao might turn into a zombie, so told Jiao Yang, “Jiao Yang, take Fang Lianjiao in our car.”
“Okay.”
Now, only Yu Yao and Luo Mei remained in their car.
With no outsiders, Yu Yao directly handed Luo Mei the Linlang Amulet.
Luo Mei looked at the delicate talisman in Yu Yao’s palm, puzzled, “What’s this? A protective amulet?”
Yu Yao didn’t answer, only said, “You’ll know once you wear it.”
Luo Mei thought about her weapons.
Strangely, the moment she received the amulet, she instantly understood all its information.
Holding the amulet in her palm, wondering how to wear it, she suddenly saw it vanish from her hand.
At the same time, the function and information of the Linlang Amulet appeared in her mind.
Luo Mei’s breath caught, and the car jolted for a moment.
Yu Yao quickly grabbed the handle above her head and reminded her, “Stay calm, dying in a car accident would be such a waste.”
Luo Mei pursed her lips, her slender fingers fiddling with the leather cover on the steering wheel, her voice trembling slightly.
“Sis, don’t just pull that thing out casually in the future.”
She didn’t want to dig into where all these things came from—she just feared that innocent people with treasures might be blamed and bring unnecessary trouble to Yu Yao.
Yu Yao smiled lightly, her tone calm. “I won’t. I only give it to people I trust.”
Luo Mei turned to look at Yu Yao’s stunning profile, translucent and radiant under the sunlight. A smile curled on her lips, her fox-like eyes shining brilliantly. “So, I’m someone you trust?”
“Mm.”
“You agree to join our team?”
“Is that up to me?”
“It counts! They’ll definitely like you. If they don’t accept you, then I’ll go with you!”
Yu Yao raised her delicate brows and turned her head to look at her in surprise. “You’re so eager to find them, yet you want to go with me?”
“I just want to make sure they’re all okay. A bunch of grown men—I don’t need to follow them around.”
She paused for a moment, then continued, “But it’s better to be with them. Just the two of us, we’re still a bit weak.”
Yu Yao smiled again. “You’re conflicted, huh?”
“…Yeah, a little.”
Yu Yao: “…”
“But sis, I’m not asking for free. When I get crystal cores, I’ll give you everything except what I need.”
“Mm.”
Although she didn’t originally plan to let her freeload, Luo Mei’s tactfulness was indeed pleasing.
…
The journey back to the safe zone went smoother with military escort.
Yu Yao and Luo Mei didn’t even need to get out of the car and finally arrived at the hot spring resort before evening.
Before the apocalypse, this place was a famous gold-digging pit combining hot spring baths, dining, entertainment, lodging, and sightseeing. It covered a huge area, and only the wealthy or noble could afford to come here.
The buildings were solidly built and had withstood earthquakes without being damaged for use.
Only acid rain had destroyed some walls and plants, reducing the scenic beauty somewhat.
But no one cared about that.
Now, the area was fully controlled by the military and turned into a temporary safe zone.
Entering the safe zone required a health check; if there were wounds, a 24-hour observation was necessary.
Fang Lianjiao was naturally kept in the observation room. Jiao Yang, worried about her, stayed with her.
Upon entering the safe zone, Captain Fang led them to the trading hall.
This was formerly the resort’s office building but was now converted into a trading hall.
Registration, renting rooms, receiving and submitting tasks, exchanging points—all were done here on different floors, making it clear and organized.
Yu Yao and Luo Mei first checked out the room rental window.
People entering the safe zone could stay in free tent areas or pay some supplies to rent houses. Parking spots also required supplies to rent.
The level of accommodation varied, with different supply costs.
They looked at the rental information and finally chose a two-room apartment, costing one jin (about 0.5 kg) of grain per day.
Renting for ten days granted free parking in the apartment’s garage for ten days.
Not cheap, but resources were too tight now, so this was the best option.
Yu Yao decisively took out a 10-jin bag of rice she and Luo Mei had collected and completed the rental.
After getting the keys, they went to the mission hall on the second floor.
The safe zone didn’t support idlers. Everyone entering for free had to take at least one mission daily to earn points to exchange for living supplies.
There were many kinds of missions: capable ones could clear zombies nearby, rescue survivors, help find people, or gather supplies.
Those who couldn’t or dared not leave the safe zone could build houses, fences, clean, or do logistics inside the base.
Doctors or people with special abilities were recruited first, rewarded generously, and protected by the military.
As always, capable and talented people were favored regardless of the environment!