Chapter 379 - 180: The Fall of Ming Pearl

Chapter 379: Chapter 180: The Fall of Ming Pearl

Only then could Jiang City confirm that Ming Pearl Port had truly fallen. Only then could they learn from its downfall to better handle potential future crises. That was the duty of a Messenger.

After driving for a while longer, Xu Mo looked out the window. The silhouettes of distant mountains grew closer, and he could vaguely make out the outlines of some buildings.

"This leader you mentioned," Xu Mo began, "does he know more than you do?"

Bingbing nodded. "Yes. He used to be a military officer in Ming Pearl Port and took part in operations against the Fog Zone. He knows a lot of inside information."

"Okay."

Xu Mo acknowledged her, deciding he should speak with the leader of this survivor settlement first. ’No matter what happens next, I’ll need to get their support.’

The SUV bypassed the town instead of driving into it, which surprised Xu Mo.

He had assumed they would establish their settlement within the town. After all, it had ready-made houses that would be habitable after a bit of cleaning. He never expected them to just drive right past it.

Bingbing noticed Xu Mo’s surprised expression in the rearview mirror and began to explain.

"Our leader thinks towns are unsafe," she said. "Places like that seem livable, with houses and walls, but they’re actually incredibly dangerous. Who knows if zombies are hiding inside those buildings? Or what blind spots lurk around the corners? If a horde suddenly appeared from some alley in the middle of the night, you wouldn’t be able to escape."

She paused before continuing, "Rather than risk that, it’s better to build our own settlement out in the open. The conditions are harsher, but at least it’s safe. You have a clear line of sight for miles, so you can spot anything approaching immediately. And if we run into trouble, it’s easier to make a run for it."

Xu Mo nodded, understanding what she meant.

’This leader’s way of thinking is unusual,’ Xu Mo thought. ’He probably isn’t planning on settling down here long-term. Instead, his plan is to lead the survivors in a constant migration, evading the zombies. The town must just be a place for them to scavenge supplies, not a place to call home.’

This choice had its pros and cons. The upside was flexibility and mobility, allowing them to relocate at a moment’s notice and avoid being surrounded by zombies. For a small settlement lacking fortified walls and heavy firepower, this nomadic lifestyle was undoubtedly safer.

Of course, the downsides were also obvious. A nomadic life was harsh. They couldn’t plant crops or develop industry, forced to survive solely by scavenging through ruins.

Xu Mo felt he was in no position to judge. In the apocalypse, simply staying alive was a victory. Some chose to build walled settlements, while others chose a nomadic existence. There was no right or wrong, only what was suitable for one’s circumstances.

The SUV drove for another ten or so minutes after bypassing the town, and the view ahead suddenly opened up.

In a relatively flat clearing, Xu Mo saw a vast camp. It was a large settlement encircled by vehicles.

A quick count suggested there were at least four or five hundred vehicles. They were arranged in a large circle, hoods facing out and trunks in, forming a makeshift wall.

Teams of armed patrols moved along the camp’s perimeter, their guns at the ready as they vigilantly scanned the surroundings.

The entire camp, though rudimentary, was orderly and well-organized.

Bingbing glanced in the rearview mirror, a smile touching her lips.

"Welcome to our Nomad’s House." Her voice was tinged with pride.

Zhong, sitting beside her, also smiled. It was a genuine smile, one that spoke of his sense of belonging here.

Xu Mo looked from them to the camp outside and felt a stirring of emotion. ’So this is another way to survive the apocalypse.’

As the car reached the camp entrance, it was stopped by the patrol. A man holding a gun approached. His expression relaxed slightly when he saw Bingbing and Zhong, but he grew wary again as his gaze fell on Xu Mo in the back seat.

"Who’s this?" he asked.

Bingbing leaned out the window. "We ran into him on the road. He saved our lives. He needs to see the leader about something important."

The man looked at Xu Mo a few more times, then nodded and let them pass.

The SUV drove into the camp and parked beside an RV. It was larger than the surrounding vehicles and appeared to have been modified, with several symbols painted on its side.

"This is our leader’s place," Bingbing said. "Wait in the car for a minute, I’ll go let him know you’re here."

Xu Mo nodded.

Bingbing got out of the car and strode toward the RV. Zhong remained in the vehicle with Xu Mo, but they sat in silence.

Through the car window, Xu Mo watched Bingbing knock on the RV door and duck inside. A moment later, she emerged, followed by a burly man.

The man looked to be in his forties. He was tall and powerfully built, with a scar that ran from his left eyebrow down to the corner of his mouth, giving his face a ferocious look. But his eyes were calm and his stride was steady, carrying the quiet confidence of a man who had weathered many storms.

Bingbing led the man toward the SUV. Seeing them approach, Xu Mo opened his door and got out to meet them.

"Hello," Xu Mo said, speaking first. "I was sent by Jiang City. My name is Xu Mo."

The man sized him up for a few moments, then nodded.

"I’m Old Chen." His voice was as steady as his gaze. "Bingbing told me you saved them. Thank you."

"It was nothing," Xu Mo said.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Old Chen gestured toward the RV.

"Let’s talk inside."

The inside of the RV was much more spacious than it appeared from the outside. It was furnished with a sofa, a table, and some basic living supplies. What stood out most, however, were the stacks of documents and maps, making it clear this was where Old Chen worked.