Chapter 153: Persuasion

"Boss, something is wrong!"

Lu Kai and Hu Sanhan had already noticed the anomaly. The body of the man who had used the forbidden technique seemed to be emitting a black glow. However, this black light was permeated with a malevolent aura.

"His life is already on a countdown."

Chen Yi spoke calmly at this moment. "Those who use forbidden techniques never meet a good end. Someone must have told him that the moment he decided to use it."

"I really don't understand why so many people insist on courting death when they could be living a good life!" Chen Yaxi pouted, truly unable to fathom what these people were trying to achieve. Her brother was clearly a good person, yet why did they insist on targeting him? Could people not simply be strong? Why must they be manipulated and exploited by these ulterior schemers, only to be discarded if they didn't obey?

"Don't worry." Seeing Chen Yaxi's reaction, Chen Yi offered a faint smile. "With me here, I will keep you both safe."

"Don't say that." Chen Yaxi and Chu Yunxi shook their heads in unison. They did not want to be mere vases under protection. After all they had been through, what they desired most was to stand together against the enemy, not to be flowers in a greenhouse.

Seeing their resolve, Chen Yi’s eyes flickered with determination. His goal in becoming stronger was to protect those around him and help them survive in this apocalypse as long as possible. Although he knew such a hope might be nothing more than a fleeting wish, acting on it whenever there was a glimmer of possibility was his code of conduct.

Seeing her brother lost in thought, Chen Yaxi spoke up softly. "Brother, don't forget, we still have an opponent."

Chen Yi turned his gaze back to the man from before. "Tell me, how far do you intend to take this? Are you planning to play the fool until the end?"

"Don't get cocky!" The young man’s eyes were cold, his fists clenched tightly. "If I could, I would tear you to pieces right now!"

"Ungrateful wretch! You don't know a good heart when you see one!" Chen Yaxi lunged forward and delivered a kick to the young man in white. "I already told you your methods were wrong, and yet you still insist on arguing with my brother. You really are as dense as a pig!"

"Xiao Xi, that's enough." Chen Yi stopped her. Although he also despised this man who acted without rhyme or reason, it didn't mean he would resort to humiliating him.

The youth froze, momentarily stunned. Was this man actually trying to help him?

Chen Yaxi waved her hand. "Brother, this guy is closely linked to the X Organization. Why can't we just finish him off? Being this passive is too dangerous!"

Chen Yi ruffled the girl’s long hair and shook his head. "Things aren't as simple as you think. Little one, do you know that in life, many people act against their own will? This man is the same. I say this not to help him, but to help you!"

"Help me?" The girl looked at Chen Yi, bewildered. "I... I don't quite understand."

Chen Yi smiled knowingly. "If we survive, I will tell you the reason. But for now, survival is our most important motive!"

The youth stared intently at Chen Yi and suddenly laughed. "I understand why you've managed to survive until now!"

This caught Chen Yi's attention. "Oh? And what are you trying to say?"

The youth sneered. "You are indeed formidable. Even with such a powerful enemy right in front of you, you remain calm and face them with such composure. It only proves one thing: you have a character that is full of tolerance for everyone, yet at the same time, you are cold toward everyone."

"What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Chen Yaxi, always protective of Chen Yi, prepared to strike, but Chen Yi held her back. Faced with the man's accusation, Chen Yi merely gave an amused smile. "When you decide to judge me, you had better make sure you are qualified to do so."

"Whether I am qualified or not is none of your concern." The youth began to move his left hand, preparing to strike. However, before he could act, Chen Yi anticipated his move and quickly pinned him to the ground.

As the man groaned, Chen Yi held his blade gently against his throat. Yet, the youth showed no fear. "I'm already living between life and death anyway—just kill me. Either way, it’s a miserable existence; I can't take it anymore!"

"Why not use this life to save others instead?"

Chen Yi’s words left him momentarily stunned. "What do you mean?"

Slowly withdrawing his dual blades, Chen Yi looked down at the boy on the ground with a cold expression. "Why must you waste your strength on the conflict with the X Organization?"

*Strange. Is the Boss speaking up for the X Organization today?* Lu Kai and Hu Sanhan were both confused, and even Sun Dawei felt a sense of disbelief. *Is the Boss planning to whitewash that organization? No, that's impossible. The Boss hates them to the bone; there must be something else going on.*

With that thought, Sun Dawei made a firm decision. "Boss, if this guy is so restless, why not leave him to me?"

Hu Sanhan couldn't hold back anymore. "You? What could you handle?"

Chen Yi looked coldly at the boy before him and spoke again. "Hu Sanhan, this guy is not someone you can deal with. Even though he is doomed for using a forbidden technique, the power of that technique will keep him alive for another three to five days. Even if you cut off his head today, he would still regenerate."

"You really are quite clever." The youth stood up. His eyes were cold, and his attitude remained icy. "Even if I only have three to five days left, I will fight you to the bitter end."

Chen Yi chuckled and shook his head again. "Before you boast, think about who you are and what you are doing, then make your plans."

Turning back toward the horde of zombies, Chen Yi spotted a wild cat struggling desperately amidst the undead. He rushed forward and saved it in one swift motion.

This action shocked the youth once more. "You’d risk your own life for a cat?"

"I’m willing to!" Chen Yi smiled again. "Whether it is human or animal, every living thing has the right to survive. Besides, I only acted because the timing was right; otherwise, I wouldn't have risked it recklessly."