Chapter 222: The Phoenix Man Who Soared Before the Apocalypse (27)

Shen Xiuyan’s words were a tremendous morale boost for everyone present. Even though they had been locked up for so long and were nearly out of strength, they still summoned every last ounce of energy they had.

Hatred burned in everyone’s eyes, as if they wanted to set the woman’s soul ablaze.

They surged forward, jostling to get closer. The woman’s screams rang out, but before long, her cries grew weaker and weaker, eventually drowned out by the crowd.

The elderly man leading the group was worried that Shen Xiuyan might not be able to stomach such a brutal scene and would try to stop them. He watched Shen Xiuyan’s face nervously.

But after a long moment, seeing no trace of disapproval on Shen Xiuyan’s face, the old man finally let out a long breath of relief.

When he noticed that the woman’s screams had completely stopped, he quickly shouted, “Leave her alive! I want them to taste the pain we’ve suffered!”

“Yes, Village Chief!”

The old man’s eyes turned cold again as he barked, “Go tie up the other three. Break whatever needs breaking. Don’t let them escape again.”

“Yes, sir!”

The three people still unconscious on the ground had no idea what kind of fate awaited them.

After settling things on this end, the old man wiped the tears from his eyes and tightly grasped Shen Xiuyan’s hands. “I’m sorry you had to see that. But this is our village’s business. Please, don’t stop us.”

Shen Xiuyan smiled. “I won’t. If you have a grudge, settle it. If you’ve been wronged, take your revenge. When they committed such unforgivable crimes, they should have known what kind of future awaited them.”

The old man slapped his thigh in excitement. “Well said! You truly are the benefactor who saved us!”

Shen Xiuyan waved his hand. “No need for formalities. If there’s nothing else, we’ll be on our way. These people already wasted too much of our travel time.”

“Of course, of course. Please, go ahead—” The old man’s voice cut off mid-sentence.

The only road out of the village was now blocked by a mound of earth.

“Uh… your car probably can’t get through. Please wait a moment. I’ll organize the villagers to dig the road out for you.”

Sensing his sincerity, Shen Xiuyan smiled. “No need. I’ve got a way.”

He turned and called out, “Young Master Huo, take two boxes of food from the trunk and leave them for them.”

“Got it.” Young Master Huo deftly tossed out two boxes of food.

The old man waved his hands frantically. “We can’t accept this, we can’t!”

“Take it. You’ll need it.”

That was just how Shen Xiuyan was. If someone asked him for something, he’d say no. But if they didn’t ask, he’d be the first to offer it.

“Thank you, thank you.”

The old man tried to kneel again, but this time Shen Xiuyan was quicker and caught him before he could.

“No need for such formalities. Young Master Huo, let’s go.”

“Go? How?” Young Master Huo looked dumbfounded.

“Mingyue, come out,” Shen Xiuyan said as he knocked on the car door. Once Su Mingyue stepped out, he turned to Young Master Huo with a mysterious smile.

“Try lifting the car. Just carry it out. That way, we can leave the dirt mound behind as a barrier to protect them.”

Young Master Huo’s mouth twitched. “Young Master Shen, you really overestimate me…”

Shen Xiuyan waved dismissively. “It’s fine. Just give it a try. If it doesn’t work, I’ll blast a path through.”

“Alright then.” Young Master Huo wasn’t thrilled about it—he didn’t think he could actually do it.

But he couldn’t go against Shen Xiuyan’s orders. After all, he was still trying to stay in this powerful man’s good graces.

Taking a deep breath, Young Master Huo walked to the back of the car, grabbed the chassis with both hands, and silently counted down in his head: three, two, one—go!

He was sure it wouldn’t budge. But Shen Xiuyan insisted he try.

Wait… what?

It moved…

He actually lifted it!

No way—was a strength-type supernatural ability really this powerful???

He couldn’t believe it.

Young Master Huo didn’t even feel tired. Lifting the car was as easy as picking up a box. He effortlessly carried it over the dirt mound and set it down smoothly on the other side.

Even after putting it down, he stared at his own hands in disbelief.

The villagers were all stunned, mouths agape.

Only Su Mingyue had tears of envy in her eyes again. Ugh, she had been too loud this morning. Strength-type supernatural abilities were amazing too! If she had that kind of power, even fighting zombies up close wouldn’t be so scary.

Young Master Huo really didn’t know how lucky he was!

So frustrating!

From outside, Young Master Huo called out, “Young Master Shen, the car’s in position. We’re good to go!”

“Coming.” Shen Xiuyan turned back. “Then we’ll be taking our leave.”

“Safe travels!”

As soon as they got in the car, Su Mingyue glared at Young Master Huo. “Didn’t you say your ability was useless? I saw how useful it was just now!”

Young Master Huo shrank back under her fierce accusation.

Oh no, this was his sister-in-law! And his big brother was right there watching! Could she please give him a break?

He gave a sheepish laugh. “Well, I didn’t know I was that strong either…”

“Hmph!” Su Mingyue huffed twice in protest.

Shen Xiuyan pinched her cheek. “Don’t be so grumpy. Your husband will get revenge for you later.”

“Revenge? How?” Su Mingyue blinked in confusion.

Shen Xiuyan gave her a mysterious smile. “You’ll see soon enough.”

Up front, Young Master Huo shivered. He had a bad feeling about this.

They drove all morning. Aside from stopping at a gas station to refuel, they didn’t take a single break, switching drivers along the way.

By noon, the sun was high in the sky. As they passed another service area, Shen Xiuyan said, “Let’s stop there and take a break.”

Young Master Huo looked horrified. “Aren’t there a ton of zombies in service areas?”

Why would you even think of going in there?

Shen Xiuyan gave him a gentle smile. “It’s time for your training.”

Young Master Huo felt a chill run through his entire body, freezing him from head to toe.

What did Young Master Shen mean by that?

Before he could figure it out, Shen Xiuyan had already parked the car.

He gave calm instructions. “Mingyue, lock the car and stay inside. Young Master Huo, you’re coming with me.”

Young Master Huo clutched the door handle, looking small and helpless.

“No, I’m not going. Don’t force me.”

Shen Xiuyan gave him a threatening smile. “You can get out on your own, or I can help you out. But if I have to help you…”

He didn’t finish the sentence, but left plenty of room for imagination.

Young Master Huo whimpered and shakily slid out of the car.

— Translator’s Notes —

• slapped his thigh: A common Chinese gesture expressing sudden excitement, realization, or approval.