Zombie Apocalypse: Reborn With A Farming Space Chapter 869: The Herders ( 2 )

Observing Pei Yixie's intense anger, the flames in Li Sikai’s heart instantly faded. He chuckled softly and ruffled her hair. “Okay, you've already crippled their legs. No need to stay mad like that.”

Disgusted by the filthy intentions of those scum, Pei Yixie declared, “Brother Sikai, you're far too merciful. Scum like them ought to be executed. They deserve death. You have no idea how vile their thoughts are. This isn't their first offense with such depravity.”

Her words made Li Sikai pause briefly before he inquired, “So you're saying they didn't just fantasize about it—they've actually committed these acts before?”

Pei Yixie nodded firmly and suggested, “Brother Sikai, since we're free right now, why not scout the nearby regions and aid those poor souls?”

Arching his brows, Li Sikai remarked, “You weren't this compassionate when you first joined our squad.”

“That was then, this is now. You've taught me how to be a righteous person,” Pei Yixie gushed compliments without a hint of shame.

Li Sikai gazed at her playful grin and shook his head in fond exasperation. Though she lacked her former composure, this lively side suited her teenage years. A bit of mischief now and then was perfectly fine.

“Let's notify the Captain first and gather more teammates. This territory is unknown to us, so caution is key.”

Pei Yixie realized from his words that he'd consented. Among her brother Zhang Yuan, Qin Luzi, and Li Sikai, the latter wielded significant influence. Convincing any one meant her brother would surely approve.

With that in mind, she agreed and stated, “I'll go invite Brother Fu to join us.”

Li Sikai nodded and patted her head. “Go on.”

As Pei Yixie set off to enlist Fu Guai, he headed to locate his Captain.

Jin Xuyan noticed him approaching and questioned, “What's up?”

Settling next to him, Li Sikai announced, “Captain, I'd like to head out for some reconnaissance.”

“Did you uncover anything from those captives?”

He affirmed with a nod and elaborated, “Several showed clear signs of mutation. Plus, Yixie mentioned they've been abducting numerous women and men.”

Jin Xuyan fell quiet momentarily, then probed, “You suspect they've been forcing those captives into breeding?”

They had ventured into war-torn zones plagued by endless conflict, beholding endless violations of human dignity.

Even under the reign of law back then. With society's collapse now, the darkest possibilities were undoubtedly unfolding.

Li Sikai confirmed with a nod. “This location feels off too. Nearly a year into the apocalypse, supplies ought to sustain for three to five years at least.”

“Yet our earlier searches of the structures turned up empty, indicating the zone's been thoroughly looted. Lacking food stocks or agriculture, how have those survivors endured?”

Jin Xuyan grasped the implication without further explanation.

Upon arrival, mutant beasts were plentiful and powerful. Relying on hunting them for sustenance would prevent such beasts from thriving to this extent.

Linking all the clues pointed to a single horrific truth: cannibalism.

Jin Xuyan's gaze hardened upon this realization. After a brief silence, he instructed, “Take additional members. Prioritize retreat if danger arises.”

“Got it.”

With the Captain's approval secured, Li Sikai rallied Feng Yun, Cheng Rui, and Jian Ziqin for the outing. Including Pei Yixie and Fu Guai, their investigative team totaled six.

Roads being ruined, Feng Yun retrieved motorbikes from his space. Tanks were pre-filled, ample for extensive travel.

After verifying supplies and armaments, they mounted the bikes and departed the structure.

Meanwhile, Jiao Lizhi and Du Beiye arrived at the urban core.

Mapping the city dragged on as they halted to eliminate stray zombies, mutant plants, and beasts. They also gathered provisions and underground fuel tanks from a station.

Most supplies bore zombie virus contamination, yet it posed no issue. Stored in Jiao Lizhi’s space, her System converted the virus to energy for absorption.

They claimed the fuel tanks since no survivors appeared across over 50 kilometers of traversal.

Beneath a road sign, Du Beiye faced his sister. “Sister, this place feels suspicious.”

Jiao Lizhi agreed with a nod. “Our intel shows Second Colony housed over 12 million residents.”

“Factoring in building-trapped zombies and our kills, that's barely 50,000. Such a massive vanishing act defies logic.”

Pausing thoughtfully, she pondered, “Perhaps the Organization seized them, or those bugs did?”

Du Beiye mulled it over and nodded. “Likely scenario. Bugs crave human meat, making them zombie-like in hunger.”

A fleeting idea struck Jiao Lizhi upon hearing that, vanishing before she could seize it. She furrowed her brow but shelved deeper reflection for now.

“Gaia, scan the vicinity for any concealed Sthanam mine.”

Du Beiye blinked in surprise. “Sister, do you think a Sthanam mine exists here?”

“The Great Commander mentioned two in this area. That's why I'm here—to claim the crystals,” Jiao Lizhi confirmed with a nod.

Du Beiye studied her sister briefly before venturing, “Might the Red Cliff Base assault connect to these mines?”