“Do you know what those people would do to you?” Qu Xi’s expression carried a serious undertone, full of warning.
Shen Ke stared fixedly at Qu Xi for a moment before suddenly bursting out laughing with a “pfft.”
Qu Xi looked baffled. “What are you laughing at?”
Shen Ke hunched her back slightly, propping her chin with both hands. “Little Ghost, do you think I’m some pure and innocent type?”
“I’m not afraid of those things in bed. On the contrary, I like them a lot.”
Qu Xi’s expression cooled. She pressed her temple lightly. “Do you think I’m joking?”
“In front of an A-Rank Ability User, you wouldn’t stand a chance.”
Shen Ke’s eyes lit up at the words “A-Rank Ability User.” “Would an A-Rank Ability User like someone like me?”
“If I can get supplies and protection, so what if I become an A-Rank Ability User’s plaything?”
These words made Qu Xi realize that Shen Ke hadn’t taken her warning seriously at all.
Moreover, this kind of talk—what difference did it have from the kind of people she always despised? The ones who only thought about selling their bodies instead of growing stronger themselves.
Qu Xi clenched her teeth inwardly. Looking at Shen Ke’s eyes gleaming with greed, she should have felt disgusted, but a different thought bubbled up in her heart instead.
Qu Xi’s gaze darkened slightly. Her fingers tapped lightly on her thigh. “I am an A-Rank Ability User.”
“Do you want to latch onto me?”
These words made the other three companions reveal shocked expressions before silently chuckling.
It seemed Qu Xi had reached that age too.
Shen Ke furrowed her brows and sized Qu Xi up and down with a disdainful look, clearly not believing her. “You don’t look as strong as the person next to you.” She could vaguely sense the others’ power.
It was stronger than C-Rank Ability User Zhao Qi, but she couldn’t sense any trace of power from Qu Xi.
Qu Xi’s face darkened. She raised her hand and pointed at a large tree, telling Shen Ke, “Watch.”
Shen Ke looked in the direction of Qu Xi’s finger. “I see it. And?”
Qu Xi suddenly clenched her fist tight. A bolt of lightning struck the tree in a flash.
The blinding electric light left Shen Ke’s vision blank for a moment. When it cleared, the tall, sturdy tree was reduced to charred, shattered wood ash.
“I’m a Lightning Ability User. Now do you have an idea of my strength? Do you want to latch onto me?”
This sudden turn of events scared Shen Ke speechless. She never imagined this young woman was so powerful.
She seemed even stronger than Shen Yu.
Though Shen Ke was proud of her own Ability User status, she wasn’t an idiot. Facing someone far stronger than herself, she naturally wouldn’t provoke her.
Moreover, someone as powerful as Qu Xi was completely to her advantage.
She could cling to Qu Xi to get into Dawn Base, then ditch her when she found someone even stronger.
Shen Ke’s gaze met Qu Xi’s, landing on her pretty cheeks flushed with faint red. She hooked her lips into a seductive smile. “I didn’t expect you to be so strong. Alright then, it’s a deal—I’ll handle the bed stuff, and you take care of my safety and food, clothing, shelter, and transport.”
Qu Xi hadn’t expected Shen Ke to be so blunt. She turned her head away, avoiding Shen Ke’s cat-like eyes that seemed to hook the soul, and coughed dryly a few times. “Alright, we’ll rotate guard duty every two hours. I’ll take the first watch. You all go rest.”
The other three had no objections and returned to their tents.
Only Qu Xi and Shen Ke remained in place.
Shen Ke stood up and moved to Qu Xi’s side, sitting back down on her lap.
She wrapped her arms around Qu Xi and leaned on her shoulder. Shen Ke’s personality was like this—once she sensed even a hint of goodwill from someone, she would relentlessly take advantage.
Both the jacket and Qu Xi felt like warm furnaces. Staying like this was extremely comfortable for Shen Ke; she didn’t even feel the night’s chill.
She whispered in Qu Xi’s ear, “Are you good in bed?”
Her moist breath sprayed against Qu Xi’s ear, making it itch, but she couldn’t touch it—Shen Ke was leaning on her.
As for bed skills… Qu Xi’s voice came out low and slightly hoarse. “I’m very good.” She’d always been called a genius with strong learning ability—master anything after seeing it once—so she should be great at everything.
Shen Ke narrowed her eyes and grabbed Qu Xi’s hand, spreading her fingers apart.
Qu Xi’s fingers were slender with distinct joints, nails trimmed neatly and round.
Shen Ke chuckled. “Your fingers are so long. They look like they could go really deep.”
These words inexplicably dried out Qu Xi’s throat. She fell silent, unsure how to respond.
This was the first time she’d met someone like Shen Ke—blunt, bold, utterly shameless.
Shen Ke tilted her head up slightly and stuck out her tongue, licking Qu Xi’s neck like a little cat.
A tingling numbness instantly spread from the licked spot throughout her body. Qu Xi couldn’t help but tighten her hands, gripping Shen Ke’s palms together.
Her voice hoarse, she said, “Not like this outside.”
Shen Ke lazily gave an “oh” as a response. She hadn’t really planned to do it here anyway; it was just that Qu Xi smelled like fish jerky, tempting her to give a little lick.
Besides, Qu Xi was now her tool to use, so she’d definitely be obedient.
Shen Ke yawned, nestled in Qu Xi’s arms enveloped by warmth, and gradually drifted off to sleep.
“Damn it! Qu Xi, Li Yuanyuan, Song Man! Wake up quick!”
At this agitated voice, the few who had been sleeping jolted their eyes open, instantly alert and clear-headed.
Li Yuanyuan was the first to leap out of the tent, scanning the surroundings warily. “What’s wrong, Zhang Li? Zombies?”
Zhang Li shook her head frantically, her expression terrified. “No! Zhao Shuangshuang messaged me—the leader was killed last night! The new leader takes over today!”
Their Dawn Base leader had been the only S-Level Ability User around.
And just like that, she was killed.
The area buzzed with chatter. Shen Ke couldn’t sleep anymore, but she didn’t want to open her eyes. Sensing she was hugging a super warm furnace, she rubbed her cheek against it. It had been so long since she’d slept this soundly.
Even after doing it with Wen Su, she’d fallen asleep exhausted. Normally, it was feast or famine with food, and missions outside required constant high alert, draining her energy every day.
Now it was great—she’d found an A-Rank Ability User. Just by sleeping with her, she got what she wanted. Unknowingly, her mental guard relaxed completely, letting her sleep so deeply.
Qu Xi’s waist was hugged tightly. Her breathing stayed light, afraid to wake Shen Ke.
Should she be glad she was an A-Rank Ability User? Even staying awake all night brought no fatigue.
Yes, she hadn’t slept at all last night. After Shen Ke fell asleep in her arms, she hadn’t made a single big movement.
During the shift change, she’d gently carried Shen Ke into the tent.
She’d wanted to leave, but at some point, Shen Ke’s thick, fluffy tail had wrapped around her wrist. A slight tug made it tighten, as if extremely reluctant to let her go.
This was the first time as an adult that she’d lain in a tent with someone else.
Shen Ke’s even breathing, warm body heat, sweet fragrance—it left her restless.
Her heart pounded chaotically, like it wanted to jump out of her throat.
She’d already heard the commotion outside. It was time to get up—after all, a leadership change was big news.
But Shen Ke clearly didn’t want to get up yet. Fine, no danger, so they’d lie like this a bit longer.
Qu Xi turned her head and carefully shifted to face Shen Ke.
At such close range, she couldn’t spot a single flaw on Shen Ke’s face. Stunningly beautiful.
She’d always thought she disliked humans, repulsed by any contact. Turns out, she just hadn’t met someone pretty enough.
Qu Xi’s gaze fell on Shen Ke’s closed red lips. Her eyes deepened. Their relationship wasn’t ordinary anymore—a kiss should be fine.
Her mind was a mess, but she was the first to notice Shen Ke’s eyes open.
Qu Xi said, “You, you’re awa—” But before she finished, soft, warm lips covered hers.
Shen Ke had opened her eyes to find Qu Xi staring dazedly at her lips, so she unceremoniously kissed her—just a light brush, like a dragonfly skimming water. “If you want to kiss, then kiss.”
Whoosh—Qu Xi’s face flushed bright red. She incredulously touched her lips, mouth opening and closing without words, then bolted out of the tent.
Shen Ke rubbed her eyes. “What’s up with her, running off like that.”
Outside the tent, Li Yuanyuan and the others stared blankly at Qu Xi, who appeared before them like lightning. “Qu Xi, what’s wrong? Why are you laughing? You happy the leader’s dead?”
Qu Xi hadn’t even realized she was smiling. She pressed her lips together, looking serious. “Nothing. By the way, what’s the background on the one who killed the leader?”
Zhang Li waved her hand. “No idea, but as long as they don’t threaten us, it’s fine.”
“Someone who can silently kill an S-Level must be insanely strong.”
“Since everyone’s up, pack up and let’s go.”
“Head back and check out our new leader.”
Dawn Base, headquarters.
Wen Su wore a white lab coat and black-framed glasses, a faint smile on her face. She looked utterly gentle, but no one below dared look at her.
Wen Su’s fingers tapped lightly on the armrest. “I assume you all know about zombies developing supernatural abilities.”
“Ah, when I talk, can you at least look up at me?”
At her words, the Ability Users below lifted their heads in unison.
Wen Su took out a crystal nucleus. “This is something that can make Ability Users stronger. Those with matching attributes can absorb it.” She pointed at a man.
Bang! The man exploded into a bloody mist before everyone’s eyes. A purple crystal nucleus dropped to the ground.
Wen Su rose slowly. Her pale face showed no trace of life. “See? This thing exists in Ability Users’ brains—of course, Ability Zombies’ brains too.”
“I’ve said all this just to tell you how to get stronger.”
“I believe after hearing this, no one wants to defy me. After all, I’ve shared something very useful.”
From start to finish, Wen Su’s voice stayed light and airy, like chatting over a meal.
“Within two days, I want to see a perfect laboratory.”
With that, Wen Su ignored their reactions and turned to leave.
The people left in the room finally exhaled. They weren’t particularly strong Ability Users—just management types who held these positions.
A-Rank Ability Users rarely attended such meetings.
Someone laughed, eyes burning with fanaticism. “Hey, did you hear? These crystal nuclei can make Ability Users stronger.”
“If we kill a ton of zombies, we’ll get stronger than that lunatic! No more kowtowing to A-Rank Ability Users!”
In the law of the jungle end times, no one mourned death.
Everyone just wanted to grow stronger and survive.
Wen Su stepped out and saw Wen Zhao sitting on a stool, swinging her legs. Seeing Wen Su emerge, Wen Zhao grinned. “Mama, good noon.”
Wen Su rolled her eyes toward Wen Zhao’s scaly cheeks and chuckled lowly. “Discarded, huh.”
Wen Zhao sighed. “Mama’s so smart. So when does Mama plan to capture Ke Mama back?”