The Absolute Favorite in the Apocalyptic Rebirth

Lei Hongming and his subordinates had just arrived at the Ability Users' Hall, only to find the personnel cleaning up the aftermath of a fight. His gaze swept across the room and landed on a bloodied figure lying on a wooden chair in the corner.

This scene clearly indicated that someone had caused trouble within the base.

Lei Hongming stood at the entrance, observing coldly.

His adjutant went inside and returned shortly, reporting, "Sir, the Lou siblings had a conflict with someone in the Ability Users' Hall. They were then invited by Liu Tianquan's men to the Sky Tiger Ability Users' territory." A worried expression creased his brow as he lowered his voice, "Sir, should we send more men to meet them? The matter we investigated last time isn't simple. Every time Liu Tianquan kills a high-ranking ability user, his own ability increases. The speed is simply too fast. Moreover, the bodies of those ability users either have their heads missing or are completely incinerated. I have reason to believe Liu Tianquan is definitely trying to hide something."

Thinking of a certain possibility, the adjutant felt his blood run cold. If ability users could truly devour other ability users' cores to advance, then how many had Liu Tianquan killed to reach his current level? If Liu Tianquan's ability hadn't grown so rapidly, the Lei family wouldn't be in such a passive position.

Lei Hongming clearly understood his meaning. After a few seconds of silence, he said, "Do as you suggested! Go!"

The adjutant agreed but immediately realized something was amiss. "What about you?" he asked.

"I'll go personally!" Seeing the adjutant's shocked expression, Lei Hongming added, "This is still within the base. Although my strength is not as great as Liu Tianquan's, I can protect myself. I'll be fine! You go!"

With that, he led several soldiers toward the Sky Tiger Ability Users' building.

Upon arriving at the Sky Tiger building, Lei Hongming saw two other groups arriving simultaneously. They all stopped at the entrance, encountering each other.

"Well, well, if it isn't General Lei!" a slick voice rang out.

Lei Hongming looked over and saw a sinister man in a floral coat. His eyes flickered slightly as he nodded. "Captain Jiang."

"Is General Lei also here to see Boss Liu?" Another booming voice followed. A dark-faced, burly man walked up to them, greeting them with a hearty laugh.

The sinister man was Jiang Qi, captain of the Starry Sky Ability Users. The burly man was Ge Daguang, captain of the Swift Leopard Ability Users. Starry Sky, Swift Leopard, and Sky Tiger were the three major ability user teams in the base. Originally, the three teams were equally matched, checking and balancing each other in a three-way standoff. This balance was broken only after Liu Tianquan's ability advanced to the fifth rank, making him the strongest.

Jiang Qi and Ge Daguang had naturally heard the news and rushed over to investigate. Liu Tianquan, now the strongest in the base, wanted to bring the entire base under his control. The first obstacle he needed to overcome was the deeply rooted Lei family. To avoid being attacked from both sides, he had been actively trying to win over Jiang Qi and Ge Daguang.

Facing the two, Lei Hongming remained indifferent as always. They exchanged superficial pleasantries, each probing the other while revealing nothing. This continued until a member of the Sky Tiger Ability Users, sweating profusely, ran out and invited them inside.

"I wonder why such a busy man as General Lei is here today?" Jiang Qi asked with a smile.

"Looking for a friend."

Ge Daguang asked curiously, "General Lei has a friend in Sky Tiger? Who is it? Are they powerful? You should introduce them to old Ge!" He then let out a hearty laugh, appearing simple and honest.

Lei Hongming remained silent. Jiang Qi glanced at the chuckling Ge Daguang. He knew that while Ge Daguang had a reputation for being simple-minded, this was merely a facade. If he were truly so simple, he wouldn't have been able to develop the Swift Leopard Ability Users to their current strength. Ge Daguang, like him, was observing the situation with Sky Tiger. Although Liu Tianquan's offer was tempting, neither had readily agreed.

Liu Tianquan's fifth-rank ability was certainly a deterrent, but the Lei family was not to be underestimated. Coupled with Lei Hongming's years of effort, he had become a key figure in the base. Even the two of them weren't confident they could completely deal with him. They were also somewhat reluctant to do so, still remembering the Lei family's sacrifices for the C County base. Without the Lei family's sacrifices, the base would have ceased to exist long ago.

Lost in thought, the three arrived at Liu Tianquan's office. The door was closed, with two guards stationed outside.

"Hey, you two, quickly inform Brother Quan that old Ge, General Lei, and old Jiang are here." Ge Daguang bellowed.

His voice boomed, penetrating the door.

There was no need to knock. The person inside already knew. As his voice faded, a voice responded, "Come in!"

Ge Daguang, seemingly oblivious, pushed the door open with a simple and honest smile and gestured for Lei Hongming to enter first as a sign of respect. Lei Hongming and Jiang Qi were surprised. Liu Tianquan's voice lacked its usual harsh arrogance, sounding instead weak and hurried, as if eager for someone to enter quickly.

General Lei entered first, followed closely by Ge Daguang, who squeezed Jiang Qi to the back. Jiang Qi didn't bother arguing with the big oaf and quickly followed.

Upon entering, the three were immediately hit by the thick stench of blood, impossible to ignore. Looking further, they saw Liu Tianquan sitting on the sofa facing the door, his face dripping with sweat, his hair and collar soaked. Fear lingered in his eyes. Opposite Liu Tianquan were a man and a woman sitting with their backs to the door. As the three entered, they turned to look.

As the three approached, they noticed something was amiss. Liu Tianquan's hands, hanging by his sides, were mangled and bloody, dripping onto the sofa. His black suit pants were soaked, and judging by the color, it was likely blood.

Lei Hongming's expression remained unchanged, but Jiang Qi and Ge Daguang couldn't hide their astonishment as they stared at Liu Tianquan, slumped on the sofa with fear still etched on his face. It went without saying that only the man and woman opposite him could have forced him into such a state. But Liu Tianquan was a fifth-rank ability user, the strongest at present. Who could have injured him?

"General Lei!" a gentle female voice called out.

Lei Hongming's eyes softened slightly. "Hello, Miss Lou." He then looked at Lou Dian and extended his hand. "Mr. Lou, it's been a long time. I didn't expect you to return! Welcome!"

Lou Dian shook his hand and smiled. "I also didn't expect to return to C County. Please, have a seat. Make yourselves comfortable."

Hearing Lou Dian's words, which reversed the usual host-guest dynamic, Lei Hongming naturally sat down on the single-seat sofa beside them. Jiang Qi and Ge Daguang subconsciously glanced at Liu Tianquan. Seeing he didn't react, they also sat down, warily observing the Lou siblings, who were now exchanging pleasantries with Lei Hongming.

"This Mr. Liu is truly hospitable, inviting us here for tea and conversation. However, there was a slight misunderstanding, but it's all resolved now." Lou Dian said with a smile. He glanced at Liu Tianquan and added, "Mr. Liu, is that right?"

Liu Tianquan lowered his eyes, his trembling hands concealing the fear within them. He forced a smile. "Yes, yes, it was all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!"

"Misunderstanding?" Lou Ling scoffed. "Didn't Mr. Liu just ask us to commit suicide to apologize to Fatty? I still remember how frightening Mr. Liu was just now. Women are timid; we can't handle such scares…" She put on the air of someone holding a grudge.

"No, no! Miss Lou misunderstands!" Ignoring the throbbing pain in his fingers, Liu Tianquan immediately assured, "Liu Bingsheng has failed to recognize esteemed guests and offended the two of you. I'll have him brought here immediately to apologize!"

Lou Ling pursed her lips and didn't bother responding.

Jiang Qi and Ge Daguang's first reaction was disbelief. When had Liu Tianquan ever sincerely apologized to anyone? This narrow-minded individual preferred underhanded tactics and had never failed before. Now, he was lowering his posture like a dog, probably because he had misjudged the situation earlier, thinking these two were easy targets. He likely wanted to stand up for Liu Bingsheng and forcefully brought them here to resolve the matter, only to find himself outmatched.

As they were thinking, they saw a vicious glint flash in Liu Tianquan's downcast eyes. He was merely submitting for the moment and was likely harboring resentment, waiting for an opportunity to kill the siblings.

As if truly wanting to appease Lou Dian, Liu Tianquan, in front of everyone, sent for Liu Bingsheng.

Liu Bingsheng was carried in. It seemed he had already received treatment, and from a light-ability user at that. The bleeding had completely stopped, and his complexion had returned to a healthy pink. However, despair was still etched on his face. Even if his wounds were healed, the loss of his manhood was enough to make any man despair.

As the despairing Liu Bingsheng was carried in, his vacant gaze landed on his enemies. He immediately transformed into a roaring beast, struggling frantically to get down and lunging toward Lou Ling with a murderous look.

Just as he was about to pounce, he was kicked away, his heavy body crashing to the floor.

The one who kicked him was Liu Tianquan. Ignoring Liu Bingsheng's incredulous expression, he roared, "Hurry up and apologize to Miss Lou!" His tone was completely commanding.

Liu Bingsheng was stunned. The two ability users carrying him were also shocked, as were the people outside the door.

Although Liu Bingsheng wasn't an ability user, Liu Tianquan held great respect for his older brother, allowing Liu Bingsheng to act with impunity within the base. No one dared to disrespect him. Liu Bingsheng's carefree life was entirely due to being Liu Tianquan's older brother. He was more than ten years older than Liu Tianquan and had raised him like a father and brother. Even though Liu Tianquan was now vastly different from before, he still held immense respect for his older brother.

The entire base knew this, so seeing Liu Tianquan attack him now, everyone was in disbelief.

Jiang Qi's mind reeled. He had to re-evaluate the Lou siblings, whom he had never met before. He now understood that if they truly had a connection with Lei Hongming, Liu Tianquan's plan wouldn't succeed.

Liu Bingsheng was completely bewildered. When he was finally forced to apologize, he was in a daze, not hearing anything around him. Only one thought remained in his mind: It's over! Without Liu Tianquan's protection, he was nothing in the base! He was even worse off than ordinary people!

"…To express my apologies, here are one thousand third-rank cores and one hundred fourth-rank cores, all for Miss Lou! In addition, Liu Bingsheng is at your disposal. Even if you don't spare his life, you can…"

Liu Bingsheng finally snapped back to reality. Hearing these last words, he wailed and lunged forward, clinging to Liu Tianquan's leg. "Quanzi, you can't do this! Have you forgotten who raised you, who fed you, clothed you, and sent you to school? You can't do this! I'm your brother!"

Liu Tianquan looked at him indifferently, pulled his leg back, kicked the clinging Liu Bingsheng away, and then called for someone to drag him out.

Everyone else watched this scene, chilled to the bone.

The extent to which Liu Tianquan had previously indulged Liu Bingsheng was now matched by the terror he inspired. Everyone understood that Liu Tianquan was abandoning Liu Bingsheng to appease the Lou siblings.

Jiang Qi and Ge Daguang frowned. They both understood that Liu Tianquan had been forced into a desperate situation and had to cruelly abandon his brother, with whom he had depended on for survival, just to protect himself. Of course, no one sympathized with Liu Bingsheng. He had committed too many atrocities in the base, and this outcome only elicited cheers. However, it also piqued their curiosity. Just how powerful were the people who could force Liu Tianquan to this point?

Everyone's gaze subtly shifted to Lou Dian. They now understood that he was the one Liu Tianquan feared. No one could sense his ability level, suggesting it was likely beyond the fifth rank. However, looking at his handsome and refined face, he didn't seem threatening at all. Only his eyes, when meeting another's gaze, were cold and inhuman, devoid of any emotion, filled only with an inorganic chill.

Under everyone's gaze, Lou Dian pulled Lou Ling to her feet and said, "We've rented a place in the outer ring. General Lei, feel free to visit us sometime. We'll take our leave now."

Seeing him rise, no one dared to remain seated. They all stood up.

General Lei smiled rarely. "In that case, I'll visit when I have the time."

Jiang Qi and Ge Daguang had become mere background figures, not daring to utter a word or even attempt to strike up a conversation, fearing they might offend Lou Dian. Seeing the rare smile on Lei Hongming's face, they both understood. With such powerful allies, his victory was assured, and it was naturally a cause for celebration.

Lou Dian was about to leave when someone suddenly rushed in through the door, shouting anxiously, "N-no good! A horde of zombies is coming!"

Everyone's hearts jolted. Ge Daguang grabbed the person and boomed, "What do you mean, another zombie horde? Didn't we just clear out the zombies the day before yesterday? Where are they now?"

The person, held by the giant of a man, was nearly foaming at the mouth. He gasped weakly, "…Someone saw them…twenty kilometers outside the base…a lot of zombies…don't know where they came from…like they just suddenly appeared…"

At this moment, the base's alarm blared, confirming the news.

Lei Hongming's face paled. He excused himself to Lou Dian and quickly left the Sky Tiger building. He had to personally take charge of the situation. Jiang Qi and Ge Daguang also hurried to gather their respective teams. Only the Lou siblings and the members of the Sky Tiger Ability Users remained.

Lou Ling frowned, looking worried.

Lou Dian stood by the window, gazing out at the area outside the base, his expression calm. After a while, he turned around and stared directly at Liu Tianquan.

Under that gaze, Liu Tianquan's scalp tingled, as if he saw the Grim Reaper raising his scythe.

Author's Note:

Today's Goal:

Lou Ling's Goal: Roar, bully the bad guys!

Lou Dian's Goal: Help my sister bully the bad guys!

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