Abyss Summoner-Chapter 241 - 236: Hell’s Blood River

"Tomorrow morning, we will head to support the frontline outpost. Everyone is aware of the situation there: complex terrain, hordes of zombies. If we blindly rush in, even thousands of people could get devoured alive."

In the night, Chen Feng stood above the crowd, conducting pre-war mobilization.

The team below, over a hundred people, each dressed in brand new Insect Armor, equipped with Steel Sabers, carrying firearms, and even hanging five High-Explosive Grenades from their waists. One thrown could instantly render zombies powerless.

Although Chen Feng accepted Xu Hongzhuang's request, he did not conceal the matter. Instead, he sent people to inform Feng Zhiyong openly, explaining the reason for participating in the battle and placing himself on the moral high ground.

Feng Zhiyong had suffered insomnia these days, with all his thoughts focused on the base. He knew that Xu Hongzhuang's mission would be fraught with danger, and the best solution was to dispatch an army and skilled individuals for support.

However...

Things seemed calm on the east side of the bridge, but were actually very dangerous. No one knew Hong Jiuling's intentions there. If the city ended up without defensive forces, it's feared he might seize control entirely.

Supporting them seemed impossible; not supporting them was also unfeasible. Just as everyone was worrying, Chen Feng stepped forward voluntarily, providing Feng Zhiyong a glimpse of hope.

At this critical moment, Feng Zhiyong wouldn't be stingy. Sure enough, over a hundred people, each equipped with firearms, ammunition, and even the rare High-Explosive Grenades. Additionally, a team was assigned to manage food, water, and transportation of supplies, specifically supporting Chen Feng and his group's basic needs.

Chen Feng's skeleton warriors, Hong Jiuling's mindless corpse demons, and Feng Zhiyong's ability to remain strong on the east side of the bridge, aside from Xu Hongzhuang's Iron Demon Guards, also benefitted from a small weapons manufacturing plant.

Chen Feng unified the Economic Development Zone. Although he had over ten thousand people, most were ordinary civilians. Without the technical skills and experience, manufacturing guns and ammunition was a pipe dream for such a group.

But Feng Zhiyong was different, possessing most professionals. He had focused on developing the weapons plant months before. Although it's not large, it continually produces weapons, distributing them to soldiers.

After a period of research, these bullets are now extraordinary. The gunpowder is mixed with Explosive Flame Insect plasma. This insect's blood contains intense thermal energy, enhancing ammunition propulsion, resulting in superior blast and penetration power.

The monsters bring not only slaughter but also other uses.

Like Bloodthirsty Bees, after discovering the Explosive Flame Insect's potential, Bridge East heavily cultivated them for easy extraction of blood to refine weapons.

In addition to personnel gear, each skeleton warrior was equipped with a Steel Saber. Enhanced by necromancer aura, they resembled avenging ghosts, their aura alone radiating extraordinary might.

Standing above, Chen Feng looked at this group. Apart from aiming to subdue Xu Hongzhuang fully, another purpose was to let everyone feel what real war was.

After days and nights of defense and slaughter, according to battle reports, over three thousand zombies survived. Though halved, it's still a staggering number.

Over a hundred people, all elite personnel from each camp department. If all went well, these people would become future mid-level managers.

Only strong generals produce strong soldiers.

Only those who've experienced war can truly be called warriors.

Throughout his journey, Chen Feng fought relentlessly to train these warriors to develop a heart of strength. This zombie surge was the ultimate test: survivors would earn a ticket to a larger stage, while the defeated would turn to dust, buried underground.

To become a dragon or turn to bones.

Victory or defeat hinges on this.

......

"Young people's resilience is just not enough; how many have died, and yet they gallantly rush to join the battle."

At this moment, in a dark basement, Hong Jiuling stood bloodied in the dungeon, and beneath him lay a corpse.

This basement was extremely secretive. Among conservatives, aside from Hong Jiuling's true confidants, no one else knew about it.

"I heard they left in a hurry, rushing out of the city after obtaining materials from Feng Zhiyong. But I wonder if they intend to rely on combat to garner some prestige, then establish a foothold in the east side of the bridge, planning for more?" Li Chiyu stood beside, ignoring the dead body.

"Your considerations are not groundless. Inviting this person over, I discern a meticulous mind and ruthless actions in him. Having unified the Economic Development Zone, his ambition might swell, striving to carve out a legacy here on the east side of the bridge."

"But right now, the entire east side of the bridge is split in two. For someone who arrived only a few days ago, securing a foothold here won't be easy."

Hong Jiuling led the conservatives with seventy percent of Bridge East's power. Regardless of his ruthless killings in secret, he was openly supported by the masses.

He wasn't wrong. Despite Chen Feng having skilled individuals and being a master himself, gaining public support amidst such a situation was sheer fantasy.

Li Chiyu frowned: "So we'll just stand by and let them fight on the frontline?"

"No! Let him fight as he pleases, but the credit remains ours. Send word to Li Chuan and have him keep an eye on the battlefield's dynamics. Key moments require seizing the greatest credit; prestige is priceless. Once we slay the zombie surge leader, conservative support will reach new heights, leaving Feng Zhiyong powerless to contest me."

Li Chiyu nodded and said, "Let Xu Hongzhuang and Chen Feng lead the vanguard; they're surrounded by elites anyway. Then, have Li Chuan ambush nearby and claim the final fruit. After all, within various factions, competing for credit is routine, given the many men around them, even if they seize it. Would Chen Feng dare to kill?"

Li Chuan.

One of Hong Jiuling's confidants, who doesn't eat food but derives energy from metals, whose flesh and blood have transformed over time to be as solid as steel.

Exchanging pleasantries, Li Chiyu turned and left, evidently to issue further orders.

In the shadowy dungeon, Hong Jiuling stood silently:

"We've prepared long enough; I don't want any accidents at the final hour. Human blood is the sweetest..."

"No one can obstruct my plans."

"My power will awaken amid despair and the scent of bloodshed; then, the will of blood and fire shall descend upon me."

"Humans are my finest offerings."

The dark basement echoed with a fallen prayer chant. Hong Jiuling stood aside, seemingly merging with darkness, his previously normal eyes now growing intensely red, resembling an...

...a river of blood flowing to Hell.