Rotting Land: Survive

Chapter 589 - 578: Sudden Upheaval (Part 9)

"We can't ignore what Old Zhao said to us!"

Yue Guishan genuinely watched as three gun barrels aimed at Xu Renjie. He was well aware of the feeling of being targeted by guns. Although it wasn't him being targeted, the chill from within made Yue Guishan shudder, so he wasn't too confident about Hu Xiaodong's self-assuredness.

It's not that he doubted the abilities of Hu Xiaodong and the Archery Team; it's just that even a fool could see that comparing bows to guns, the power disparity was too great.

So Yue Guishan straightforwardly asked in return:

"Xiao Hu, in your opinion, if we engage with the opponent, what are our chances of winning?"

This probability question was something Hu Xiaodong naturally couldn't answer. He immediately replied truthfully, "I can't say, but I want to tell everyone that in this post-apocalyptic world, nowhere is safe. If we get scared off by some enemy threats and choose retreat as a solution, we will never find a suitable foothold."

In few words, Hu Xiaodong expressed his determination to share the villa's fate.

Old Xu nodded subconsciously. He quite admired Hu Xiaodong's gutsy character.

However, victory in war can't solely rely on guts, so he turned his face to look at the team's brain, the young man who had remained silent, "Xiao Tang, what's your opinion? Should we retreat or not?"

Slowly raising his head, Tang Xiaoquan exchanged a glance with Xu Renjie, scanned the room, and then gave his assured reply:

"We can't retreat! We definitely can't retreat!"

Tang Xiaoquan's firm stance surprised Old Xu, who quickly asked, "Why can't we retreat? Do you have a plan?"

"I don't have one, but as Brother Hu said, there's no place absolutely safe in the world. We've built this villa for so long; abandoning it would be such a shame. Besides, yes, the enemy is strong, but we're not pushovers either!"

"Oh?" Xu Renjie's lips curved slightly, "How so? Enlighten us."

"Firstly, they have guns, but how good are they? Deadly accurate? I doubt it. As for us, we not only have Brother Hu and Old Xu, ace shooters, but we also have high walls and fortifications as barriers. Moreover, they will eventually run out of ammunition, while we have abundant arrows left. Even if we run out, we can make simple arrows with materials."

"Secondly, they attack, we defend. As long as we use the terrain wisely and set traps to engage around the villa, breaking through us would be almost impossible without heavy firepower."

"Thirdly, after our recent transactions with Liu Fugui and our last search trip, we now have enough food supplies and medicine to hold the villa for a month. And the enemy? They have no base here. They can't outlast us in a prolonged battle."

"In summary, although we're currently outgunned, we are superior in timing, terrain, and unity. Plus, we can use their arrogance against them, catching them off guard in the first exchange. As long as we win the first battle, the tide will completely turn!"

Tang Xiaoquan's face was calm and confident. After his analysis, those who were inclined to retreat began to change their mindset subtly.

They suddenly felt the enemy might not be as daunting as they initially thought.

"Additionally, let's think about it. Is this villa, both in location and living conditions, worth fighting for? Is anyone willing to hand over what we've painstakingly built? Moreover, with deep winter approaching, leaving now, regardless of finding a suitable spot, what if we encounter rain or snow on the road during retreat?"

Tang Xiaoquan wasn't exaggerating. In past civilized society, being snowed in wasn't unheard of.

Now, in the apocalypse, governmental functions have collapsed, and no one will rescue you when the municipal system breaks down.

Thus, Tang Xiaoquan's message was clear: two words, Hold firm!

Yes! Hold firm! Hold the villa, retreat is not an option!

But holding firm requires strategy. After everyone agreed to stand their ground.

Old Xu finally spoke up, "Since we've decided to defend the villa, I must remind everyone of a few things. The concerns Old Zhao raised can't be overlooked. We all saw today what's at stake: our foes aren't ordinary people. They're likely thugs with blood on their hands, so they don't play by the rules. In dealing with these desperate criminals, we can't act recklessly."

"So, I have a few deployments: Firstly, Xiao Hu, you need to focus on intensive training for the Archery Team. Wang Qiang, Wen Quanxin, Xiao Gu, Wu Chao, A Cheng—no need for more words, you know the stakes. Your efforts are crucial to the villa's survival."

"Rest assured, Old Xu, we won't let you down." Wen Quanxin patted his chest loudly; he didn't want any regrets in the next battle.

"Good, that's the spirit!" Old Xu nodded appreciatively and continued giving orders, "Secondly, strengthen the villa's defenses. Old Zhao, you and Hua Biao will take charge. We defend by attacking and staying put, so fortifying our position is imperative for our safety!"

"Understood, no problem!"

For Old Zhao, an architecture professor, and with Hua Biao's military background, fortifications were no sweat. Old Xu was confident about this.

"Thirdly, Li Zhong and Li Guo, you two must get the solar power system running soon; electricity could be key to turning the tide."

"Fourthly, enhance combat drills. We must prepare and practice all emergency measures before the crisis hits."

"Fifthly, increase patrol strength at our posts. Early detection of enemy activity will buy us valuable time."

Old Xu rattled off these five points naturally, proving his expertise in the matter.

In conclusion, Old Xu gave a rousing speech to lift spirits, "Remember, everyone, that our strategy against the enemy is to hold steady and outlast them. If we persist, victory will certainly be ours!" (To be continued. If you like this work, come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)