Despite facing the cautious Toxic Scorpion, Zhang Yang's steps never faltered as he closed the distance, step by step.
"What do I want to do?"
Zhang Yang smiled lightly, tossing the question back at her.
"What I do entirely depends on you."
"My dear Toxic Scorpion, surely you wouldn't want harm to befall yourself and your children, would you?"
The Toxic Scorpion froze in place.
She wanted to take the initiative, to see if she could force this unwelcome guest back.
But instinct told her otherwise.
If she chose to strike—
Then whether it was her own life or that of the children on her back, the outcome would be the same: death!
"Does not attacking this zombie guarantee my safety?"
The Toxic Scorpion hesitated, caught in a dilemma.
She could neither advance nor retreat, unable to make a decision.
At that moment, Zhang Yang had already reached her, his sharp tail and massive pincers towering in a display of power. Yet, he paid them no heed.
He spoke slowly:
"I offer you a chance."
"Surrender to me!"
"Then both you and your children will survive, and perhaps even ascend to a higher level of evolution."
"Of course, you are free to refuse."
"But the consequences…"
At this, Zhang Yang waved his hand.
The corpses of the fierce beasts and insectoid creatures he had just slain tumbled out of the spatial panel.
They piled up like a small mountain in the ruins.
The Toxic Scorpion spotted several familiar figures among the heap—Tier 2 peak Snowweb Silver Spider, Windstorm Wild Dogs, and the Green Ring Serpent… These insectoids and beasts were nearly as powerful as herself.
And even if she wished to defeat them, it would come at a great cost.
Yet, these formidable enemies, in numbers and strength, had been easily wiped out by the figure before her.
Realizing this, the last glimmer of hope within the Toxic Scorpion vanished.
She bowed her head respectfully, signaling her willingness to surrender.
"Well done."
Zhang Yang was pleased with her decision.
"Those who recognize the situation are the true sages."
His abilities activated.
A strand of mental energy formed an invisible mark, sinking into the Toxic Scorpion's head. She felt a fleeting daze, but quickly regained her senses.
"What is this…"
The Toxic Scorpion was confused, a mix of fear and unease.
"Soul Mark."
Zhang Yang explained as he turned to leave.
"It's merely a small mental trick."
"It will stimulate your brain and accelerate your mental evolution."
But that was only part of it.
The Soul Mark had another function, one that Zhang Yang didn't mention—it was for execution!
If the Toxic Scorpion ever harbored treacherous thoughts in the future, he would detect it through the Soul Mark, and directly destroy her head, killing her on the spot!
After all, one must always be prepared.
Zhang Yang also gave the Toxic Scorpion a name—Scorpion Queen.
Calling her "Toxic Scorpion" repeatedly seemed cumbersome.
"Scorpion Queen" was much more straightforward.
With everything done, Zhang Yang's objectives at the subway station had been fully achieved.
Not only had he obtained the precious Bloodstone, but he had also reaped many unexpected gains.
For instance, he had wiped out a squad of Black Sha members and acquired the Scorpion Queen, a powerful general whose strength rivaled that of the Blade King.
Moreover, once the Scorpion Queen's young hatchlings grew up, they could form a scorpion army.
Zhang Yang led the Scorpion Queen and her children out of the subway station.
Outside, when the Blade King and the zombie horde saw their master, the Zombie King, had brought back the formidable Tier 3 Scorpion King from the depths of the station, and seemingly tamed her, they were all in shock!
The horde let out a collective cheer of triumph.
The Blade King approached to congratulate him:
"Congratulations, Boss, on acquiring another powerful general!"
Then, he inquired:
"Boss, now that everything's more or less settled, should we head back home?"
The Blade King's suggestion was not unreasonable.
After all, a Zombie King should not neglect his territory, and it was best to return as soon as possible, even after a successful excursion.
However,
Zhang Yang didn't intend to leave just yet.
He waved his hand dismissively.
"No rush. Since we're in the next block, it would be a shame not to take a look around before heading back."
He then looked at the Scorpion Queen beside him and asked,
"Scorpion Queen, you should be quite familiar with this district."
"Do you know where the human settlements are?"
The Scorpion Queen pondered for a moment, then hissed.
"There are indeed some humans in this district, though they are scattered and I usually can't be bothered to hunt them."
"But there's one area where a large number of humans have gathered, and their strength is quite formidable."
"There's even one person I fought with once. We were evenly matched!"
"Oh? A Tier 3 evolver?"
Zhang Yang's interest piqued.
The higher the level of an evolver, the greater the energy contained within their crystals.
A Tier 3 evolver was a rare and valuable resource in the current world.
Such an encounter must not be missed.
Zhang Yang looked in the direction the Scorpion Queen pointed to.
It was a place he hadn't expected but also felt was quite fitting—the industrial park!
"Quite the coincidence!"
He chuckled lightly.
Before the apocalypse, he had foreseen such a scenario and rented several cold storage units in the industrial park to stockpile meat for survival.
There were still various supplies stored there.
Located on the outskirts, the area was relatively isolated, making it an ideal place for a human stronghold.
"A rainbow should meet a rainbow! Let's go, and bring some warmth to those in the industrial park!"
Zhang Yang cheered excitedly.
In the parking lot next to the subway station, he found a large cargo van that still had fuel.
The Blade King sat in the passenger seat.
Meanwhile, the Scorpion Queen and her numerous larvae crawled into the sealed cargo compartment.
The nearly two-ton weight made the rear of the van sink noticeably, the front lifting slightly, giving the vehicle an additional air of speed and battle-readiness.
With a mental energy spark, the ignition started.
Zhang Yang drove the van northward, leaving the gloomy city behind and heading for the industrial park.
Though the roads were chaotic and rugged due to the apocalypse, with his mental energy clearing the path,
And with the kingly aura radiating from Zhang Yang, the Blade King, and the Scorpion Queen, mutated creatures dared not approach.
Wherever the van passed, the zombie horde dispersed.
Thus, they smoothly entered the industrial park.
They had arrived.
But Zhang Yang had no intention of being discreet. He continued driving the roaring engine, the van groaning under its load, heading toward the direction of the human settlement.
Zhang Yang's plan was straightforward.
Since this was a human stronghold, there must be checkpoints or guards.
As long as they weren't blind or deaf,
They would inevitably notice the van approaching.
Then,
Regardless of their attitude, whether friendly or hostile,
They would come to him.
This was called drawing the snake out of its hole, leading them into the trap. Ha-ha-ha!