Chapter 35: Hidden in the Market

Street.

It had been an hour since they had vanquished the deformed beasts, but the troops were still stationed in the same spot. After the fierce battle, everyone needed some time to recuperate, and just now, a simple funeral had been held here.

Cremation.

This was the most common way of burial in war. In this battle, a total of twenty-three people died unjustly. They were stacked on top of each other, doused with gasoline, and as Feng Zhiyong struck the match, the raging flames engulfed them all at once.

Some choked sobs could be heard among the crowd. Among the twenty-three, some were friends, comrades, squad leaders, and even brothers-in-arms. In the past seven days, they had witnessed too many scenes like this, yet they still couldn't get used to it. On one hand, they felt sorrow for the deceased, and on the other hand... no one knew if the next time it might be themselves lying within those fierce flames.

From soldiers to warriors.

They needed some time to complete their transformation.

In the crowd, Chen Feng stood solemnly in the corner, gazing at the burning corpses, a hint of desolation flashing in his eyes.

In the apocalypse, human lives were as expendable as grass. Not only these soldiers, but in fact, no one knew when death might come knocking on their door.

Dimensional invasion, with the increasing energy particles in the air, the dimensional barriers would become increasingly fragile. These rifts could appear anywhere, in desolate wilderness, bustling markets, or even in quiet homes.

Skeletons, insects, and some unknown monsters emerged from these fissures. One moment, you might be savoring a delicious meal, and the next, a rift would open, possibly leading to being devoured by monsters.

It would take about half a year for things to slowly return to calm.

...

Search.

Feng Zhiyong's current strength did not support him in controlling this district, especially as three professional soldiers had fallen in battle, which brought his elite forces dangerously close to extinction.

J City had three main districts: West Bridge, East Bridge, and the Economic Development Zone beneath their feet.

Feng Zhiyong's headquarters were located in East Bridge. His current objective was to search for supplies and survivors in the surrounding area, and then wait until his strength had reached its peak before truly occupying this district.

Very astute.

Feng Zhiyong showed outstanding insight and wisdom. In the current environment, conservative defense was more conducive to restoring humanity's vitality than reckless combat.

This was also the reason why Chen Feng was willing to cooperate with him. Compared to some blindly arrogant fighters, Feng Zhiyong knew better how to make compromises.

The journey went smoothly.

Despite the surrounding area being teeming with monsters, many people had become the prey of these creatures. However, there were also some lucky ones. Over the next period of time, the team rescued over five hundred people who had fervently held on during the dark seven days. Today, they finally received the rescue from the army. They embraced their loved ones and friends, and even the strongest men couldn't help but shed tears of joy.

However, within the weeping crowds, there was more sorrow and pain. The disaster had struck so suddenly that many among these people had witnessed their loved ones being killed by monsters. The feeling of helplessness and despair had finally been released today.

To their surprise, even two professional soldiers were found among these crowds.

An eight-year-old boy and a septuagenarian.

The former's ability was related to gravity. He could create a gravitational field around his body, causing any creature or human who entered it to be burdened with an additional thirty kilograms of weight.

It was a very practical ability. However, due to his age, the boy was closely guarded and kept away from the frontlines.

As for the elderly man, he was a kind and gentle old man, meticulously combed hair with no sign of disarray. However, silver strands of hair could still be clearly seen within the black mass. In his slightly sunken eye sockets, a pair of deep brown eyes quietly narrated the vicissitudes of time.

The only difference was that he held a brush and stood among the crowd, exuding an aura of elegance and refinement. Even Feng Zhiyong couldn't help but subtly lower his own posture. He was the very image of "hiding oneself in a crowd and in the city."

In times of peace, he was a renowned figure in J City. This old man could be considered one.

Zhou Xian.

The old man had a great love for literature. Without a wife or children, he had served as the head of the J City Calligraphy Association ten years ago. Despite his expressed intention to step down on several occasions, his prestige was unparalleled, and there was simply no one capable of assuming the position of the association head. As a result, even at his advanced age, he remained in a lofty position.

Who would have thought that in the apocalypse, this great sage would become a professional, and because of his awakening, his spirit became even more vigorous, and even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes became much finer.

Chen Feng glanced at Zhou Xian and said in a low voice, "A literary man can kill with a pen."

In the previous life, Chen Feng had lived in J City for a long time and was fully capable of contending with the strong in this city.

Zhou Xian.

This person is skilled in using a brush to kill. He can concentrate his power on the tip of the brush, one word at a time. Swinging the brush to write "kill," the blade descends; wielding the brush to write "seal," the opponent is confined. Whether it is the artistic aura or the killing intent, he possesses an unpredictable and awe-inspiring power.

In such a chaotic era, Zhou Xian had resisted countless monsters with just a brush. He had extremely high prestige among the people.

J City's future prosperity and flourishing owe much to this old man.

The abilities of professionals are diverse. Apart from peculiar and bizarre abilities like Chen Feng's, some professionals' abilities can be traced back.

For example, Zhou Xian, who has dedicated his entire life to calligraphy, has already merged his bloodline with the art of calligraphy, so naturally, he possesses abilities related to calligraphy after awakening.

As for some combat experts, sword masters, and boxing champions, who were accustomed to combat before awakening, they are more likely to awaken abilities related to combat.

This type of professional, because of their solid foundation, is more adept at mastering their power and can progress more rapidly.

Chen Feng glanced at Zhou Xian, then quickly withdrew his gaze.

In his memories, not one of the strong individuals was a simple figure!

The only difference was that in his previous life, the figures he looked up to are now standing not far from him, with no distinction in their positions.