The safe zone was eerily quiet at night, with only the occasional footsteps of patrolling soldiers echoing through the camp. Jiang Ye sat alone in a corner outside the tent, cross-legged, eyes half-closed, and breathing steadily.

The cold moonlight bathed his figure, while the Lingfeng Sword rested quietly across his lap. Internal energy coursed through his body, flowing smoothly, as though every meridian in his body had been fully opened.

“It’s even faster now,” Jiang Ye thought to himself.

Previously, completing a single circulation of energy throughout his body would take at least fifteen minutes, but now it required less than twelve. He wasn’t sure why, but ever since the outbreak began, his cultivation seemed to have advanced significantly.

“Could this disaster be somehow connected to my progress?”

He shook his head, dismissing the idea. It was too bold a hypothesis with no evidence to support it. He only knew that he was now far stronger than before—his strength, speed, and reflexes had all reached unprecedented levels.

As his cultivation session ended, Jiang Ye slowly opened his eyes, exhaling a long breath. He lifted his head to gaze at the camp’s distant walls. Though they served as a barrier for now, they could crumble at any moment.

“This isn’t sustainable,” he murmured.

Over the past few days, his group had faced death several times. He knew relying solely on this fragile safe zone was not enough to secure their future.

Determination lit up his gaze.

“If no one else can protect us, then we’ll have to do it ourselves.”

The idea of building his own faction began to take shape in his mind. Only by amassing enough power and resources could he truly provide a sanctuary for his group.

But creating a faction would not be easy.

“First, we need people,” Jiang Ye thought. Elaine, Wang Han, Anna, Michael—these were trustworthy companions. Yet, they needed more people, more resources, and more weapons.

“Second, resources.” He recalled tomorrow’s supply run and felt his resolve solidify. He had to participate in the mission—not just for the group’s survival but also to start accumulating resources for his vision.

Closing his eyes, he reflected on the past few days. Zombies, bandits, and sudden crises—these encounters constantly reminded him that their current strength was far from enough.

“Perhaps, a clear goal is also necessary,” Jiang Ye mused. Building a faction was not just about protecting his group; he hoped to one day change this broken world. Though this dream seemed far off, he felt an unshakable belief growing within him.

This train of thought gave him pause. He didn’t want to become a cold and ruthless leader, but he also knew that without strong resolve and leadership, no faction could survive for long.

“If I create a faction, will I become like those I despise?”

Images of the ruthless bandits and tyrannical leaders they had encountered flashed through his mind. The thought filled him with disgust. He vowed never to become one of them.

Still, he understood that in this post-apocalyptic world, morality and humanity were often tested to their limits. He had to find a balance between strength and compassion.

As he pondered this dilemma, he finally lifted his head, his gaze resolute.

“No, I won’t follow that path. I will lead in my own way and guide everyone out of this despair.”

Jiang Ye stood up and surveyed the camp. His gaze lingered on the tents where his companions rested. Inside, Wang Han was softly snoring, Anna was likely still tending to Ethan’s wounds, and Michael was by Emily’s side, telling her a bedtime story that might or might not help her sleep.

“Everyone has their own value,” Jiang Ye reflected. He thought of Elaine’s decisiveness in battle, Wang Han’s courage in critical moments, Anna’s calm expertise, and Michael’s unwavering dedication as a father.

“They are the core of what I’ll build.”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

He began to map out his plans. He needed to convince his companions to unite and ensure everyone found their role. Only through unity and purpose could they survive and thrive in this chaotic world.

Jiang Ye picked up the Lingfeng Sword and gently wiped its blade. A profound sense of clarity filled him. No matter how difficult the road ahead, he would not falter.

“If this disaster has made me stronger, then I’ll use that strength to create a new order.”

He turned back to look at the tents where his group rested, silently vowing:

“I will protect you, and together, we will become the strongest force in this chaotic world.”

As the first rays of sunlight broke through the horizon, Jiang Ye stood tall, bathed in light like an unyielding mountain. Gripping the Lingfeng Sword, he took a step forward, his heart filled with unwavering resolve:

“This is my beginning, and our rebirth.”

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The morning air carried a faint chill as Jiang Ye led his team out of the safe zone. Before their departure, the commander had specifically summoned Jiang Ye and his group.

“This is your first official supply mission,” the commander said solemnly, his eyes scanning each person in the group. “The world outside is no longer the one you know. Never underestimate the danger.”

Jiang Ye nodded.

The commander continued, “Your goal is to gather as many resources as possible to sustain the team. I recommend avoiding areas with dense zombie populations, like supermarkets and plazas. Those places are not only high-risk but also likely stripped of usable supplies. Instead, focus on sparsely populated residential areas or small warehouses. You might still find useful resources there.”

He then gestured toward Jiang Ye. “In addition to your team, I’ve assigned five soldiers to accompany you. They’re experienced and will provide combat support and on-site assistance.”

The five soldiers introduced themselves one by one:

* Carter, the squad leader, an expert in tactics and command.

* Sarah, the sniper, responsible for long-range support.

* Brooks, the demolitions expert, carrying small explosives for emergency use.

* Reynes, the medic, equipped with essential medical supplies.

* Austin, the close-combat specialist, skilled in various melee weapons.

“Follow Carter’s orders,” the commander added. “He has far more experience than you.”

Jiang Ye glanced at the soldiers, their expressions grim and composed. Each of them exuded a sense of reliability.

“Understood. We’ll cooperate,” Jiang Ye replied.

“One more thing,” the commander said, his voice dropping lower. “If you encounter anything that threatens the team’s survival, retreat immediately. Staying alive is the priority.”

Jiang Ye nodded in acknowledgment, and the other team members followed suit.

Jiang Ye led his team out of the safe zone, accompanied by the five soldiers. Their mission seemed simple in theory but was fraught with danger: to find enough supplies to sustain the group. Over the past five days, zombies had overrun most of the city, and many areas had become too hazardous to enter. Fresh food had rotted, and most obvious resources had already been scavenged.

Michael unfolded a map, tracing a route through sparsely populated residential neighborhoods with his finger.

“We need to avoid supermarkets and plazas,” he explained. “Too many zombies, and most supplies there are probably gone. Our best bet is to check small corner stores, private homes, or abandoned warehouses.”

Elaine tightened her grip on her metal rod. “Sounds good, but it also means we’re heading into the unknown. Could be zombies, or worse.”

Carter stood nearby, calmly adding, “If an emergency arises, I’ll signal for retreat. Everyone needs to respond quickly. Got it?”

“Got it!” the group answered in unison.

Jiang Ye nodded. “Stay alert. Move quickly and quietly. No unnecessary risks.”

As the team cautiously moved through the city’s ruins, the streets were eerily silent. Broken glass crunched underfoot, and distant zombie growls occasionally echoed through the air. Jiang Ye walked in front, the Lingfeng Sword in his hand, his eyes scanning every shadow for potential threats.

At an intersection, Sarah suddenly raised her sniper rifle.

“Two hundred meters ahead. Five zombies wandering. Two more are closer. Targets confirmed.”

“Prioritize the closer ones,” Carter ordered.

Sarah squeezed the trigger, and two nearby zombies dropped instantly. However, the remaining five were drawn to the sound of the shots.

“Prepare for combat!” Carter shouted.

Jiang Ye immediately charged forward, his Lingfeng Sword slicing through two zombies with lightning precision. Austin followed closely behind, cleaving another zombie’s head with his battle axe. Elaine and Wang Han covered the rear, ensuring no zombies got too close to the group.

“All clear,” Brooks reported after scanning the area to confirm no additional threats.

The team pressed onward, with Michael guiding them into an abandoned residential district. The streets were littered with derelict cars and trash bags, and the air carried a faint stench of decay.

“These houses might still have supplies,” Brooks suggested, pointing to a detached house.

“Carter, Jiang Ye, split into two groups and search,” the commander said.

Jiang Ye led Elaine, Wang Han, and Anna into a small house. They started in the kitchen, quickly finding a few cans of food and bottles of water.

“Not bad,” Wang Han said with a grin.

Meanwhile, Carter and his team searched another house, uncovering some medical supplies and spare batteries.

“Don’t get too excited,” Carter warned. “This isn’t nearly enough to sustain the group.”

The team regrouped in the residential area for a brief rest. Reynes treated minor scrapes, while Brooks inspected the explosives he carried to ensure they were intact.

Jiang Ye unfolded the map, pointing to a small warehouse district farther away.

“There might be more supplies here, but it’s a bit farther. We’ll need to move quickly,” he said.

Carter nodded. “Fine. We’ll head there. But stay vigilant. No one gets left behind.”

As the sun rose higher, the team reassembled and set off once more, stepping into the unknown with determination and caution.