NOVEL NEXT Chapter 742: First Kill of Mutant Beast
Rumble—
The convoy of over thirty thousand people left Shuize Base, and the massive commotion instantly alerted all the zombies in Shuize County.
However, Shuize County was a small place; the number of zombies wasn't actually that high, at least not compared to Red Stone County. Besides, the zombies of Level Two and above in Shuize County had been mostly wiped out by Wang Tao, leaving only Level 1 Zombies.
Under military protection, these Level 1 Zombies couldn't pose much of a threat to the convoy for the time being.
For safety's sake, Bai Hao first dispatched a helicopter squad to take a quick round inside Shuize County, luring many of the zombies away, and only then did the convoy set out.
Inside the command vehicle at the center of the convoy, Wei Zhenguo and others were all on edge, fearing an unexpected encounter. However, everything had proceeded smoothly without any incidents until the convoy left Shuize Base and entered the suburban highway.
"Phew—"
Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
At this moment, it couldn't be said they were entirely safe, but they had at least safely evacuated Shuize County, making a good start for their next move.
Zzz—
Wang Tao then sent a Heat Energy Beam, dealing with the zombies still chasing the convoy, and then flew up to the command vehicle and said to Bai Hao:
"The zombies pursuing us have been dealt with. It's up to you guys now!"
"I will get us all to safety!"
Bai Hao nodded with a solemn look and began assigning tasks to everyone.
The highway was mostly free of zombies, making it a relatively safe place. However, the highway wasn't necessarily clear, especially at some intersections where there would be many abandoned vehicles, with zombies inside for sure. Plus, there might be zombies that moved onto the highway from other places...so they couldn't fully relax now; someone needed to keep an eye on the road circumstances at all times.
"Oh, by the way—" At this point, Wang Tao seemed to recall something and said with a serious expression, "Although there are fewer zombies in the outskirts, there could be other mutant beasts. Be on the lookout, and if you notice anything, notify me immediately!"
"Understood!"
They all knew that the creature on Wang Tao's shoulder, Taxue, was a Level 1 mutant beast with strong capabilities, so they took this matter seriously.
Buzz Buzz—
At this moment, the helicopter squad returned.
They had previously lured many of the zombies in Shuize County away, and confirmed the safe departure of the main force before coming back to rendezvous. Currently, there were fewer zombies with ranged attack capabilities, so the aircraft were relatively safe. Thus, Bai Hao sent them out for scouting again, and to report any findings directly to Wang Tao, as they unconditionally followed Wang Tao's orders.
With the helicopter squad paving the way, Wang Tao relaxed a bit, as he didn't have to fly back and forth for the time being. He then took out a map and began to study it carefully.
This time going to Zijin Base, he expected to meet many acquaintances. Not only Lan Yulian and Lu Yingfeng who stayed in Zijing City, but also Xu Xiaojun and Yang Changhong whom he encountered on the way.
Of course, this "encounter on the way" referred to the previous life, considering it was still early this time around, and they were likely hiding at home not daring to venture out. So Wang Tao was taking this opportunity to bring them along.
They had talked to Wang Tao about their situations in the previous life, so Wang Tao knew roughly where they might be now, and he could just go find them in a couple of days.
Soon, Wang Tao circled two locations on the map, which were Xu Xiaojun's home and Yang Changhong's company. Both places were on the route to Zijin Base, conveniently along the way.
"Wang Tao, this is..."
Ding Yuqin, seeing the places Wang Tao marked on the map, was immediately curious.
"I have friends there. I'll go pick them up when the convoy passes by."
Wang Tao explained briefly.
Upon hearing this, Ding Yuqin instinctively thought of Han Rui. Back then, Wang Tao said something similar, mentioning he was going to find a friend, and came back with a woman...
But Ding Yuqin sensibly didn't ask much, only quietly exchanged glances with Li Qiuyu, and they made a bet. Ding Yuqin guessed Wang Tao's friend was likely a beauty, considering Wang Tao had that preference, while Li Qiuyu argued it ought to be a male friend...
Though their conversation was small amidst others in the compartment, it wasn't lost on Wang Tao, leaving him somewhat speechless; here he was, a gentleman, being smeared like this!
Shaking his head, Wang Tao continued to locate Zijin Base on the map, marking the positions of Lan Yulian and Lu Yingfeng...
...
In no time, the sun had set.
The convoy stopped at a service area on the highway.
The wilderness in the apocalypse was too dangerous, so for safety's sake, it was best not to travel at night. Resting at night wouldn't delay much time anyway.
This service area was quite deserted, with only a few ordinary zombies around. It was evidently a good spot for a rest. But the military still conducted a thorough check to ensure no hidden threats existed.
Indeed, during their meticulous search, they did find something. Then they promptly called Wang Tao over.
"Mr. Wang, it's right here!"
Behind the service area was an unnamed small mountain, right at the foot of which the service area was located. During the military search, they found a very hidden cave on the mountainside, not visible from the service area unless taking a detour.