Rotting Land: Survive

The speed at which the woman lost control far exceeded Tang Xiaoquan's imagination. He didn't even have time to open his mouth before she had already dashed out of the defensive circle, running for her life.

The Zombie Dogs scattered, their bodies crouching low, with powerful front paws clawing at the ground.

Stirred and attracted by the woman's screams, the Corpse Dogs did not foolishly advance towards the same spot this time but instead sought out their own targets, ready to strike.

Seeing the formation of the Corpse Dogs, sweat on Tang Xiaoquan's forehead dripped down like a waterfall, a helpless despair surging and spreading within his heart.

Undoubtedly, if earlier they could rely on a circular defense to block and intercept the Corpse Dogs, now it truly matched the old saying, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

"Old Zhao, let's retreat!" The cold words lacked any emotion, even though Tang Xiaoquan knew that if they left at this critical juncture, it would mean abandoning the women.

After all, without their barrier, the Zombie Dogs could charge in unimpeded, and by then, the women would be no different from lambs waiting to be slaughtered.

Yet, despite this, Tang Xiaoquan did not intend to rescue them.

There are three reasons:

First, these women have nothing to do with him to begin with. He has no reason or obligation to risk his life for them.

Second, before taking action, it had been repeatedly emphasized to the women the correct response during an enemy encounter. Unfortunately, they didn't even manage half of it, so Tang Xiaoquan could not see any reason to save them.

Third, the attack power of the Zombie Dogs is terrifyingly strong. If a so-called group rescue mission were implemented now, it would only result in being individually taken down by the Corpse Dogs.

Therefore, all things considered, for safety's sake, Tang Xiaoquan felt that the safest evacuation method was to stick together. Then, using a solid formation and the protection of Corpse-Blocking Shields, a staggered retreat would be the best plan.

Just his thoughts were good, implementing them however…

The attack by the Corpse Dogs came without any warning, not even a single "word" of communication before they scattered like conjoined twins.

No doubt these animals had some brains; they did not attack the sturdy defensive line of the seven men, but instead bypassed the circular defense and charged straight for the women running desperately behind with their lives.

You can imagine, when the women heard the swaying sound of stalks inching closer behind them, those with weaker hearts were directly scared catatonic on the ground. In an instant, their desperate wails were as earth-shattering as mourning bells, more grievous than the passing of any family member could cause them to cry.

A wolf into a flock of sheep, this was the first reaction of the seven men group. It wasn't just the women; even they, the spectators close by, were shocked by the scene of fierce dogs chasing people.

"Ah!" With a shrill wail, a burst of bright red blood splattered into the air, the previously thunderous cries abruptly silenced.

A woman merely stared wide-eyed at the blood-red mouth of the Zombie Dog in front of her, her wrinkled hands tightly clutching her throat.

Her mouth was half-open as if she wanted to say something, but her throat, which had been torn of a good chunk of flesh, could only emit a few feeble "creak" sounds and nothing else.

The woman's suffering didn't last long; soon, a sharp arrow pierced straight into the top of her skull.

Her eyes immediately drooped, collapsing straight to the ground.

This woman was undoubtedly fortunate. Thanks to Hu Xiaodong's intervention, she not only avoided the torment of being mauled by a Zombie Dog but also retained the last dignity of being human.

But to save her soul, Hu Xiaodong exhausted the last carbon arrow in his hand.

A drop of sweat slid down his cheek, splattering on the rooftop and scattering everywhere.

At this moment, Hu Xiaodong's mind was as chaotic and disordered as the falling drop of sweat. From his vantage point high above, he could see everything in the field plainly.

It was so tragic, so shocking. He very much wanted to use the compound bow in his hand to assist the women below, but the exhaustion of the arrows left him wanting, yet unable.

Resolutely, he drew the cleaver from his back, the icy blade reflecting the sunlight in streams of cold light. Hu Xiaodong leaped off the rooftop, raising his knife as he charged into the field, joining the battle.

However, before he could step forward, a young man's shout suddenly came from nearby: "Brother Hu! Start the car quickly!"

Upon these words, Old Zhao, who had been in a confused state, suddenly opened his eyes wide in realization. He instinctively glanced to either side, and seeing the helpless flight of the women, some strange courage swelled from nowhere as he resolutely patted Tang Xiaoquan's shoulder next to him, saying, "I'll go start the car too," before rushing behind without hesitation.

Old Zhao's departure was like a catalyst, stirring something within the men who had huddled together.

Although most of them were very scared and frightened, the women's wails and cries were like painful reprimands, echoing and swirling in their minds endlessly.

What am I doing? Am I still a man? How can I watch these women being hunted by beasts with my eyes wide open?

Self-reproach and conscience began to fight and tangle with fear and amazement, not just an individual's mental activity, but a process of self-redemption.

In this smokeless battle, some overcame themselves, while others remained unchanged.

After a brief recovery, Wang Qiang's numb arms gradually regained feeling. As the only one with direct combat experience with Zombies and successfully taking one down, he grabbed the spear from Tang Xiaoquan and shouted at the top of his lungs, "What the hell are we all doing! Save them now!"

With that, Wang Qiang ignored the others, charging alone towards the Corpse Dog that was gnawing on the woman's carcass, still cursing, "These bastards aren't immortal! Just block their attacks with the shield, then give it all to their heads!"

As he spoke, Wang Qiang had already reached the side of the Corpse Dog.

Perhaps the taste of human flesh was too enticing, as the Corpse Dog, fully absorbed in its feast, didn't notice the danger approaching from behind at all.

Seeing the woman being dismembered and torn into a pulp, Wang Qiang's heart blazed with anger.

Undoubtedly, Wang Qiang didn't know the woman in his sight; he hadn't even seen her face once, but that didn't prevent him from feeling empathy for her pitiful fate.

A living person being skinned and shredded by a beast, such an inhumane fact had pushed Wang Qiang's tolerance to its limit.

As the saying goes, "Enough is enough," Wang Qiang's brows furrowed sharply as he raised the long spear in his hand without a word...