"Golden Thunder Kick!"
Chen Du bellowed the iconic battle cry from the movies, launching himself into a high-flying kick aimed at the lead zombie. The creature, struck square in the chest, was hurled backward as if launched by a catapult, tumbling head over heels before finally skidding to a halt several feet away. Even Chen Du himself was astonished by the sheer force behind his strike. He hadn't anticipated his strength reaching such extraordinary levels. After all, zombies were far stronger than humans—what would happen if this kick landed on a person?
Unlike humans, zombies didn't flinch when their comrades were knocked aside; they simply continued snarling and lunging toward him without hesitation.
"Come at me!"
With a gleaming silver-grade Tang sword in hand, Chen Du unleashed raw power rather than finesse, slicing through the undead horde as though they were nothing more than wheat stalks beneath a scythe. For a brief moment, no new threats emerged.
Shaking the putrid blood from his blade, Chen Du mused, "It appears the group that entered the villa district alongside us truly did decimate most of the undead. Before long, other survivors who hear whispers of this place will likely flock here seeking refuge. How intriguing..."
Still, Chen Du wasn't overly concerned about future arrivals. With the Fortress Wall guarding his perimeter, he believed he'd be well-prepared by the time others showed up. His primary concern lay with the neighboring group—a cohesive unit whose intentions remained unknown. Could the wall withstand an organized assault? What if they scaled ladders? He couldn't guarantee its effectiveness against such tactics.
He resolved to address the nearest threat first. Once that was neutralized, he was confident his villa would transform into an impenetrable stronghold by the time any newcomers arrived.
"I'll need to seize the right opportunity..."
Returning home, Chen Du passed through the Fortress Wall's facial recognition system. As he stepped inside, his gaze lingered briefly on the adjacent villa, silently contemplating his next move.
Inside, Xie Li awaited him anxiously, scanning him for injuries.
"Chen Du, thank goodness you're back! Are you hurt?"
Taking her hand, Chen Du chuckled reassuringly. "No need to worry. Luck's always on my side. I even stumbled upon a divine artifact today."
Moments later, Chen Du transferred some experience points to Xie Li, instantly elevating her to Level 3.
ID 1215:
Level: 3 (2/300)
Strength: 7
Agility: 13
Stamina: High
"Not bad," Chen Du remarked approvingly. However, his focus remained on his own growth. For now, Xie Li would trail behind him by a level. Perhaps later, when experience requirements soared, they might catch up. Additionally, her physical attributes seemed less remarkable compared to his—whether due to inherent differences or otherwise, he couldn't say for certain.
As Xie Li allowed Chen Du to review her stats, she remarked, "You have no idea how worried I was back here. Watching the experience bar surge made my heart race!"
Ruffling her hair affectionately, Chen Du grinned. "There were close calls, but we pulled through unscathed. This influx of experience has given us both a significant boost. And you, my dear, now possess enough skill to hold your own."
Xie Li had noticed Chen Du's habit of tousling her hair. While not displeased, she found it curious. "Why do you always play with my hair?"
Realizing his unconscious tendency, Chen Du paused. It felt almost instinctual, akin to petting a cat. Returning his hand to her head, he teased, "Should I focus on something else instead—your conscience, perhaps?"
Her cheeks flushed. "You had your chance earlier..."
A flicker of desire stirred within Chen Du. Clad in form-fitting attire, Xie Li exuded allure. Her coy demeanor and nervous fidgeting only heightened the tension.
"Ah, beautiful women are indeed mankind's ultimate distraction," he thought wryly, swallowing hard.
"But why not embrace temptation?"
In one fluid motion, Chen Du swept Xie Li into his arms, their lips meeting as pent-up passion erupted between them.
"Lili, shall we freshen up...?"
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she murmured, "I've already bathed..."
Just then, an intrusive system alert interrupted the moment.
[Attention, player. Several unidentified individuals are approaching your Fortress Wall.]
Chen Du froze, reality crashing down like ice water. Sensing his abrupt shift, Xie Li unwound her legs from around him and stood. "What is it?"
Without delay, Chen Du steadied himself, his expression grave. "Unknown survivors are nearing the wall. I must investigate."
Straightening her clothes, Xie Li insisted, "Let me accompany you!"
Checking his pistol, Chen Du shook his head firmly. "Stay here. Take position on the second floor with the crossbow. If things turn sour, cover me."
Nodding resolutely, Xie Li retrieved the crossbow and ascended to the balcony, positioning herself strategically. Meanwhile, Chen Du reloaded his weapon, muttering under his breath, "Thanks to you meddlers, my evening plans just went up in smoke. Cross me, and you'll regret it."
Standing behind the Fortress Wall, he called out sternly, "Halt! Approach my sanctuary no further unless you wish to face dire consequences!"