Chapter 133: The Unwitting Metamorphosis (Part One)

Having stopped Xue Zhong’s retaliation, the middle-aged man was left in a cold sweat. Wujue’s calm intervention had undoubtedly left him both shocked and somewhat grateful.

Wujue put away his gun and pulled the man to his feet. "Alright, gather your people, and the other survivors here as well. I think we can cooperate quite well, provided everyone can set aside their prejudices."

The man obediently ordered the others to assemble everyone on the farm while introducing his subordinates. His name was He Mao, though others called him Old He. Having been involved in street life in the past, he was considered a senior to the Leopard brothers. The dozen or so men under him were mostly small-time thugs and hoodlums, armed with a handful of outdated firearms.

When the crisis first erupted and the city was largely destroyed, these thugs had attempted to break into the police station’s armory for weapons, only to find it already ransacked by zombies. They later managed to locate an old underground munitions depot, where they salvaged some antique hardware. Beyond these, their arsenal consisted of little more than machetes and iron pipes. Wujue examined them one by one; they had the rough-and-tumble fighting style of brawlers, but their martial foundation was mediocre, nowhere near the level of the Leopard brothers. Still, for people of their caliber, even this was enough to dominate the countryside, let alone handle anyone with actual training.

Wujue exchanged a glance with Huron; it was time to bring An Yi, Xiao Han, and the others over. While Old He went to assemble the survivors, Wujue had Huron slip away to fetch them.

Wujue began counting heads in the yard. Soon, nearly forty or fifty people had gathered—mostly women and young children, with hardly an elder in sight. Watching their fearful expressions, it was clear they had lived under the thumb of their oppressors. Before Wujue could speak, Old He took the initiative, announcing that Leopard and Tiger were gone and that Wujue would henceforth be their protector, urging everyone not to be afraid. He lavished praise upon Wujue, claiming life would be much better than before. Wujue sneered inwardly but said nothing, merely calling out, "That’s enough. We’ve met; everyone disperse. Things will go on as usual, but I guarantee I won’t mistreat any of you."

At these words, the crowd—especially the more attractive women—looked at him with disbelief. Seeing his bald head, he looked even less like a "good guy" to them, and his promise was met with guarded suspicion as they timidly drifted away.

Old He sidled up to him. "Big Brother, would you like to stay in Tiger’s old room? It’s the most comfortable one here. If you need anything, just call us. Would you like me to pick a beautiful girl and send her over tonight?"

A wave of disgust washed over Wujue. While he wasn't one to strictly adhere to ascetic codes in these times, he possessed a sense of pride and would never force a woman to do something against her will. Besides, he had no interest in the women who had likely been debased by the brothers. He shook his head. "Forget it. I have friends coming; there’s no need."

After dismissing Old He, Wujue went to Tiger’s room and collapsed onto the sofa, letting out a long, weary stretch. Everything that had happened since arriving here had sent his adrenaline surging. Survival of the fittest—perhaps that was the truest reality of this apocalypse, and clearly, excessive kindness had no place here. The actions of the Leopard and Tiger brothers had provided him with a grim realization: his own resolve was not yet ruthless enough, nor did he possess absolute power. What if he faced a similar situation again?

As he pondered, he remembered the look in Xue Zhong’s eyes. Although Wujue had helped save Xue Xue, Xue Zhong’s gratitude had quickly been replaced by resentment. He, too, likely wanted a seat of power here.

Driven by this thought, Wujue walked to the window and looked down. The spot where Tiger’s body should have been was empty. Had Tiger been dragged off by zombies in such a short time? Suspicious, Wujue scanned the distance. The perimeter fence was intact, meaning no outsiders had broken in. Driven by unease, he jumped from the window to investigate. If Tiger were still alive, he would be a grave threat.

He searched the grass near the back and found a trail of blood leading toward the fence. It seemed Tiger had crawled away. Looking through a gap in the fence, he saw the city in ruins; in the distance, zombies roamed. Surely Tiger wouldn't walk into a trap? Perhaps this was a diversion.

As Wujue prepared to turn back, he heard voices—it sounded like Xue Zhong talking to his sister. He ducked into the tall grass to observe.

Xue Zhong pulled his sister to a secluded spot and hugged her. "Xue’er, thank goodness you’re safe. I was worried to death!"

"Brother, you’re squeezing too hard!" Xue Xue pushed him away, pouting. "You’re hurting me."

Xue Zhong stroked her hair before letting go. "I missed you so much, Xue’er. When Leopard kicked me out, I thought I was a dead man. I’m just glad you’re safe, especially knowing you weren't violated."

"Brother, don't say such things. I was scared to death; I don't want to talk about it," she replied, clearly uncomfortable.

Xue Zhong grabbed her hands earnestly. "Don't worry, Xue’er! I’m just concerned. Let’s... let’s elope."

"What? Leave again?" Xue Xue looked up, stunned.

Hearing this, Wujue felt a surge of revulsion. Why would Xue Zhong talk of eloping with his sister? Was there some illicit affair between them? He instantly regretted saving the man. He stopped listening, but caught fragments of Xue Zhong trying to persuade her, only to be rebuked. Then, Xue Zhong suddenly swore that even if he stayed, he would make a name for himself. He didn't have a gun, but he had a plan to kill Wujue and take his place as the boss.

A cold rage ignited in Wujue’s chest. So, you want to be just like Leopard and Tiger, riding roughshod over others? Truly, crows are black the world over.

After hearing the rest of the plan, Wujue waited for the siblings to leave before emerging. He felt as though he had been doused in ice water. Xue Zhong, I helped you out of kindness, and you respond with such treachery. Don't blame me for being ruthless in return.

He climbed back into the room, feigned indifference, and lay down for a nap. Later, someone knocked to say Huron had arrived with An Yi and Xiao Han. They decided to split up; Xun’er and Miaopu would stay, while the others scouted elsewhere. After settling them in, Old He and his men came by with drinks to thank Wujue for saving them, using it as an excuse to get closer.

Wujue didn't refuse. They turned Tiger’s room into a banquet hall, drinking and eating canned ham and eggs. The men took turns toasting him, pledging their loyalty. Wujue drank freely, playing along. Eventually, the men began clamoring for women, and the most beautiful ones were brought in to pour drinks and be teased. Wujue didn't object, blending in with the group.

By the time they were all dead drunk and passed out in a heap, Wujue was still clear-headed. He had seen everything—Xun’er’s anger, Huron’s sighs. In the dead of night, he saw a figure peeking through the doorway: it was Xue Zhong, looking shifty. He knew the move was coming.

Wujue made an excuse to go outside to relieve himself. He stumbled out of the room, but once outside, he silently slipped down the stairs.