The Absolute Favorite in the Apocalyptic Rebirth

With Aya's help, the rest of their journey, even when encountering attacks from intelligent zombies, became significantly easier. She could quickly pinpoint the hidden intelligent zombies, greatly reducing casualties and even preventing any further losses.

Lei Hongming and the others breathed a sigh of relief. At the same time, Aya's perception ability was revealed to everyone, and many ability team captains came to recruit her. However, You Jun had already made up his mind and politely declined all of them. Moreover, with Lou Dian by his side, those ability team captains, though annoyed by You Jun's perceived "lack of understanding," didn't dare to retaliate. This further solidified You Jun's belief that his choice was correct.

After about ten more days, while passing through a second-tier city, they finally encountered the Northwest Base's army and ability user teams that had come to meet them.

Leading the military escort was Qiu Rong. Leading the ability users were Lin Baobao and Tan Mo. There were also some other ability users they knew, including Yi Zheng.

Lei Hongming and Qiu Rong went to handle official matters. Lin Baobao, overjoyed, rushed over and gave Lou Ling a long-awaited hug. Yi Zheng, with her ample bosom, gave Lou Ling a hearty "chest-bury" hug. Tan Mo stood to the side, slowly chewing on beef jerky and politely greeting everyone. He still had some memory of Lou Dian, who had sent him flying many times but often gave him meat.

After Lou Ling enthusiastically exchanged greetings with Lin Baobao and Yi Zheng, and before Lou Dian could lose his patience and intervene, they finally released each other, smiling.

Because they had an escort and it was getting late, they rested in a row of houses on the outer ring of the city. Qiu Rong, Lei Hongming, and the others went to make arrangements. Lou Ling and the others had some free time, so they casually found a house on the outermost edge, tidied it up a bit, and settled in. You Jun and his two companions also stayed with them, which served as a form of protection.

After dinner, Lou Ling used her ability to ripen a honeydew melon. Everyone sat together, eating melon and chatting. The conversation naturally revolved around the Northwest Base and each other's recent situations. Although they often received news about the Northwest Base through the communicator, it was only general information, not as detailed as what they were discussing now.

Overall, the Northwest Base, while experiencing minor issues, had no major problems. Many things were well controlled by the Lou family. Even some powerful, uncontrollable private ability users couldn't cause much trouble because of Tan Mo, the "mobile weapon." In general, the internal environment of the Northwest Base was quite harmonious, and they were united in resisting external threats like zombies and mutated creatures.

"How is Tan Mo doing now?" Lou Dian asked casually while eating the sliced melon.

Tan Mo continued to eat his melon silently, showing no reaction, just like when they first met – a simple-minded, seemingly slow-witted "mobile weapon." He didn't react to any humans except Lin Baobao – unless they offered him meat. This caused Lin Baobao to get angry again, worried that he would be tricked away with meat or that someone hostile to them would poison his food. As a result, Lin Baobao kept a very close watch on him.

"His ability control is quite good now," Lin Baobao said, glancing at Tan Mo, who was eating with juice dripping down his chin. She was speechless at his ferocious eating habits. "The range he can affect is larger now. He can completely block off third and fourth-tier zombies. Only the intelligent zombies are too cunning; they don't fall for it. Hmm, we've recently discovered that many mutated beasts equivalent to the third and fourth tiers are also affected by his ability."

Hearing this, Lou Dian nodded, knowing that Tan Mo's current abilities were even stronger than during the same period in his previous life. This was likely due to the guidance and systematic training he received early on. Keeping him at the base was indeed like having a guardian deity.

After discussing this, they introduced You Jun and the others. Upon hearing about Aya's special ability, Lin Baobao enthusiastically invited Aya and You Jun to join their ability user team.

"Come on, handsome," Yi Zheng said, batting her eyelashes with a seductive look, resembling a vixen trying to break up a family. "Even though your level is a bit low now, please believe that our Tianguang Ability User Team is definitely the best choice for you." Tianguang Ability User Team was the name of the team Lin Baobao and the others had formed.

You Jun was extremely uncomfortable, frequently looking at Aya, worried that she would misunderstand. Yi Zheng's appearance was simply too captivating for most men.

Seeing this, Yi Zheng immediately switched targets, taking Aya's hand and saying, "Come on, little sister. If you join, I'll definitely take good care of you. With me around, no one can bully you. And we have housing for family members with preferential policies. You'll definitely feel at home…"

Now, You Jun started to worry about Yi Zheng taking advantage of Aya. Her unconsciously flirtatious manner made him think she might be bisexual – though in reality, this silly woman was just naturally flirtatious; she was actually quite innocent.

The others burst out laughing and left them alone, letting Yi Zheng carry on.

With the Northwest Base personnel escorting and clearing the way, the rest of the journey was smooth sailing. Within three days, the large group arrived at the Northwest Base.

The Northwest Base had expanded considerably over the past two years. It truly lived up to its name of being vast and sparsely populated. The buildings within the base were sufficient to accommodate the newly arrived survivors. The survivors from C County were naturally shocked when they arrived at the Northwest Base. After registering their identities, they quickly integrated into the base.

The Lei family was also arranged to live within the inner city of the Northwest Base. Marshal Lei had already retired and was no longer involved in affairs. Lei Hongming, with his military position, was naturally assigned to the military department. Because Lou Dian had given instructions beforehand, knowing that Lei Hongming was trustworthy, Lou Tang arranged a relatively high position for him, one that could fully utilize his abilities. The Lei family was very satisfied with this arrangement.

Lou Dian and the others entered the Northwest Base through a different entrance. As soon as they got out of the car, they saw many familiar faces coming to greet them. People like Grandpa Mo and Chen Kaiwei had come after hearing the news and asking for leave.

After another round of lively greetings, they finally dispersed when Lou Zhan arrived with his strategist, Yan Ge.

Lou Zhan looked Lou Dian up and down, noticing that he was more composed than two years ago, and his ability seemed even more unfathomable. He knew that they had a good life outside, and he couldn't help but look at them with the relieved gaze of a father whose unruly child had finally matured.

"Big Brother, we're back," Lou Ling said with a smile, then waved to Yan Ge. "Brother Yan, you seem to have gotten older."

Yan Ge's mouth twitched, and he retorted, "You really don't know how to talk. Your brother is young, handsome, and charming. How could I have gotten older?"

Lou Ling giggled, knowing that Yan Ge was afraid of being called old or being accused of being a cradle robber, so he always insisted that he was very young and paid great attention to maintaining his appearance. However, these couldn't cover up the fact that he had once been involved with an underage girl and, according to rumors, had been chased and beaten by several men from the Lou family.

Ahem, this was, of course, revealed by Lou Yan. Rumor had it that Lou Yan, in a moment of recklessness, had taken the opportunity to seduce him. But in the eyes of the Lou family elders, it was their own girl who had been taken advantage of, so the "victim" was naturally ganged up on and severely punished.

After returning to the Lou family mansion, there was naturally another round of lively activity. The former little bun, Lou Ye, had grown up a lot, becoming a little boy who liked to keep a straight face, striving to learn from his father and become a great soldier in the future.

The entire Lou family was back. After a lively dinner, Lou Tang called his sons and others to his study to discuss matters.

"I believe you already know about the order issued by the higher-ups," Lou Tang said, looking at Lou Dian.

Lou Dian nodded. "I heard about it from Lei Hongming."

"What are your plans?" Lou Tang asked nervously. Lou Zhan and Lou Shang watched silently. As a son-in-law, Yan Ge couldn't say much.

Exterminating the Zombie King wasn't simply a matter of facing zombies. It was the most powerful king among all zombies, having already reached the seventh tier. It was estimated that it would grow even stronger within a year. The strongest human ability user was only at the sixth tier, achieved through the Capital Base's research institute using crystal cores and potions. How could this not be despairing?

However, the danger posed by zombies was the greatest threat to humanity. If the Zombie King couldn't be eliminated, humanity would always live in crisis. Therefore, the central government issued a mandatory order, while also recruiting powerful ability users from the civilian population to join the effort to exterminate the Zombie King. As a major base, the Northwest Base naturally had to comply with this order and select its strongest ability users to participate in the operation.

Lou Dian smiled. "Uncle, don't worry. We have a year. We'll come back safely."

"We?"

The Lou family all looked at Lou Ling, who looked gentle and docile, like a lovely girl next door, making them feel that she shouldn't be involved in such a dangerous mission. However, Lou Dian's calm and composed demeanor gave them some reassurance. Perhaps it was because Lou Dian had never disappointed them, so they subconsciously trusted his words.

"Yes, Ling'er will be with me all the way," Lou Dian said gently.

Except for Lou Ling, who was already used to it, the others couldn't help but feel a strange sensation. Lou Dian's tone sounded dangerous, as if he was saying, "Even if we die, we'll die together." Normally, knowing there was danger ahead, one would leave their loved ones in a safe place, letting them wait for their return. But Lou Dian's attitude of taking Lou Ling, a mere third-tier ability user, with him was difficult for them to understand.

Lou Dian just smiled, offering no explanation. Although Lou Tang and the others were worried, they could only suppress their doubts.

After staying at the Lou family home until 8 p.m., the two finally returned to their house in the base. Although they had been away for two years, the house had been kept for them, and their aunt often went over to clean it. There was no dust, so they could move in directly after taking out clean bedding and other items.

After taking a hot shower, Lou Ling, wearing short pajamas, nestled in bed, enjoying the breeze from the fan, and practicing her ability with a few mutated seeds.

A pair of slightly damp hands embraced her from behind, pulling her into a warm hug. As Lou Ling looked up, a wet kiss landed on her face, and she was pressed down onto the bed.

After their stress-relieving activities, Lou Ling lay on top of him, poking his chest, and asked, "How are you going to improve your ability? Secluded cultivation?" Inwardly, she was pondering Lou Dian's ability level. It was probably quite difficult to improve now. The higher the ability level, the harder it was to advance. Fortunately, Lou Dian's mental power alone was already at the tenth tier, three tiers higher than the Zombie King.

"Accumulate first, then secluded cultivation," Lou Dian said. He already had a plan, and that plan still involved her. "In a few days, we'll go into the mountains for training."

Lou Ling simply responded with an "Oh" and leaned against him, falling asleep. She had no objections to his arrangements, even though she knew that this training would be arduous. Since this man could persevere, why couldn't she?

It was this unwavering attitude that filled the man's eyes with tenderness. He couldn't help but nuzzle her, feeling as if it was never enough, as if he wished they could be bound together for life and death, never to be separated for even a moment.

Fortunately, Lou Ling was already asleep and unaware of his thoughts. Otherwise, she would definitely be unnerved by his possessive passion and underlying darkness.

The next day, the two wandered around the base, visiting friends. The rest of the time was spent simply strolling. Of course, Lou Dian's face was also a deterrent. Many ability users in the base who had suffered at his hands quickly made themselves scarce, deciding to be on their best behavior while he was at the base, lest he set his sights on their ability user team again and make them suffer.

The consequences of Lou Dian's actions left the Lou family both amused and exasperated. However, it did ensure peace within the base, so they turned a blind eye and didn't bother explaining that Lou Dian was really just accompanying his woman on a casual stroll.

After spending three days at the base, they left again.

This time, they were going to train in the mountains near the base, so the Lou family didn't react much, only reminding them to be careful and to come home once a month.

Of course, after hearing that they were going to the mountains to train, supposedly facing mutated beasts and plants, Tan Mo and Lin Baobao also followed along to train together. Lin Baobao's current ability level was one tier higher than Lou Ling's, having reached the fourth tier as a water ability user. Fourth-tier water ability users developed another ability: healing. Although the healing effect wasn't as good as a light ability user, it was still highly sought after. Many lower-tier ability users, when injured and unable to go to the hospital, would seek out fourth-tier or higher water ability users.

During this fourth year of the apocalypse, many zombie sieges occurred throughout China. Many small bases were completely overrun, and the death toll soared. Most medium-sized bases merged with the five major bases, and the population of China gradually concentrated.

The Northwest Base also experienced several zombie waves. Because the Northwest Base was near the largest inland salt lake, the sieges mostly consisted of zombie birds from the sky. However, thanks to Lou Dian's mental net protection of the sky, they didn't suffer any significant losses.

Time passed slowly. When the fifth year of the apocalypse arrived, news came from the Capital Base that they had developed a zombie detector, and the Zombie King's whereabouts had been discovered.

Author's Note:

Today's goals:

Lou Ling's goal: Never give up!

Lou Dian's goal: Life and death together!

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