Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 561 - 551: Juli Sports Arena (Part 3)

The car continued to slowly move forward, getting closer and closer to the sports arena. Just as Lin Junfu was about to turn into the side road, Tang Xiaoquan, who was deep in thought, suddenly shouted, "Look over there! The gate to the arena seems to be open!"

Sitting in the passenger seat, Tang Xiaoquan had a visual advantage over the others due to the car just having turned. He happened to glance up and saw the open gate.

What does an open gate at the sports arena imply? It's self-explanatory!

As a result, Old Lin felt a tightness in his chest. Without hesitation, he pressed the accelerator and sped towards the gate.

Tang Xiaoquan's heart sank to the bottom due to the sudden change. He could almost predict the situation they were about to encounter.

As the car approached closer, the survivors realized that the open gate wasn't the only issue, as when they reached the entrance, there were no guards or checkpoint personnel in sight.

What does this mean? This is supposed to be a sanctuary. If there really were troops stationed here, how could the gate be wide open, unattended?

Old Lin didn't rush to drive into the arena; he was well aware of the dangers within.

But to leave just like that, he felt deep down that he'd be letting Tang down.

So, he gave everyone the power to make the decision.

Unexpectedly, both Wang Qiang and Hu Xiaodong gave a firm answer: "Old Lin, there's no need to say more, drive in!"

Having been through thick and thin with Tang Xiaoquan for so long, they naturally wouldn't choose to retreat at this critical moment.

No matter what dangers lurked inside the arena, they were determined to accompany their brother into the risk.

After all, throughout this journey, in countless perilous situations, if not for Tang Xiaoquan's wisdom and quick thinking, they might have already fallen victim to the zombies and died.

However, as the leader of this group, Lin Junfu had the responsibility and duty to bring everyone back to the base alive.

Therefore, he first contacted the base camp as per the pre-departure agreement.

After giving a detailed report of the current situation, he started the car and drove into the arena.

However, contrary to all the survivors' expectations, inside the arena, there was no chaotic scene as imagined. They didn't even find a single dead body.

Yet, the living garbage left on the court showed that survivors had indeed camped here.

No blood, no bodies—this somewhat calmed Tang Xiaoquan's chaotic mood, and his mind quickly started to race.

Connecting with the current information he had, he figured the place was likely evacuated collectively due to some situation.

Moreover, from the analysis of the garbage left in the arena, the survivors likely left in an orderly fashion.

Because if a zombie attack or a base riot had occurred, the arena wouldn't be as clean and tidy as it was now.

"Hey! Is anyone here? If someone is here, please say something!" Wang Qiang shouted at the top of his lungs for a while.

After confirming that there was only an echo and no response, he pulled his head back in and said, "Seems like the people from the arena left a long time ago, bro!"

Tang Xiaoquan nodded silently in response.

"But, everyone, I find it strange. The situation around the arena doesn't seem that bad, why would they abandon this place and leave?" Wang Qiang glanced sideways at the high walls of the arena, clicking his tongue in confusion.

Old Lin responded indifferently, "Maybe the troops were ordered to move survivors to a safer place!"

Without a doubt, Old Lin's words were meant for Tang Xiaoquan; he hoped to calm the young man's heart.

Keenly understanding this, Hu Xiaodong didn't miss the chance to support, banging his leg in agreement: "Yeah, Old Lin, you're spot on! It's been over five months since the apocalypse began. I believe the government and troops have made some progress in certain places. Maybe they've even reclaimed some areas, and they ordered locals to search and transfer the survivors in their hands to safe areas."

But to their disappointment, Tang Xiaoquan only gave a listless "Maybe" in response.

"Come on, right? Tang, don't be so pessimistic, alright? What's with the 'maybe'? Why do you lack so much confidence in our government and troops? I, Wang Qiang, refuse to believe it! Back then, the Eight-Nation Alliance, Japan, and so many others invaded us, yet Huaxia pulled through. Oh, now you think a mere mindless zombie outbreak could wipe out our grand Huaxia? Absurd! I firmly believe our Party and troops will reclaim our vast lands from these beasts. Trust me, Huaxians are invincible. Even if the rest of the world crumbles, Huaxia will win this war! So get a grip, your parents are definitely waiting for you at some safe shelter, waiting for you to reunite with them, understand?"

Wang Qiang firmly patted Tang Xiaoquan on the shoulder, his expression both sincere and resolute.

Tang Xiaoquan hesitated for a moment, then felt a warm feeling flow through his chest.

Undoubtedly, Tang Xiaoquan was moved by Wang Qiang's plain yet heartfelt words. He knew his brother was not eloquent and disliked speaking sentimentally.

Yet, he managed to speak such a long string of comforting words without a stutter. What defines brotherhood? This defines brotherhood!

So, with a slight choke in his voice, Tang Xiaoquan replied, "Yeah, I understand, Qiangzi, thank you!"

"Should we check the lounge in the arena to see what's up?" Wang Qiang immediately suggested, his thoughts simple—just to help Tang Xiaoquan find clues about his parents.

However, this time, Tang Xiaoquan gave a firm no: "No, let's just go!"

"Ah? Not going to check? What if..."

"No!"

Currently, there are only four of them, and while there aren't many zombies inside the arena, no one can ensure there are no hidden creatures in the corners, especially in the dark passages for the players.

Additionally, their actions have already attracted the attention of the zombies outside the arena, and they are approaching.

Thus, Tang Xiaoquan didn't want to risk everyone's safety by lingering in the arena because of his own reasons.

So he firmly said again: "Drive, Old Lin. I appreciate everyone's intentions, but there won't be any clues in the lounge. Old Lin, you should understand this, being part of the system. The troops would clear related action plans upon leaving. Moreover, staying here poses too much risk. Let's go!" (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)