Zuo Xiong felt that he had spent half his life pleasing others, and after finally enduring the apocalypse to awaken his abilities, he thought he had finally made it. But now, he had to please a kid younger than himself, which he was really unwilling to do.
So, he immediately turned his gaze to Zhu Xianhou. Seeing his expression, Zhu Xianhou quickly understood and stepped forward with a smile, "My name is Zhu Xianhou, an awakener of speed abilities. We sensed that you were undergoing a breakthrough and were worried that these zombies might disturb you, so we specifically stayed here to protect you."
He immediately recited his prepared speech, hoping to win their favor. However, he hadn't anticipated that Xu Nuo would just glance at him coldly, not even acknowledging his gesture. Judging by Xu Nuo's expression, Zhu Xianhou could say that Xu Nuo looked even colder when facing him than when facing Zuo Xiong.
He was surprised, knowing that his job of handling diplomatic affairs for Zuo Xiong was due to his friendly appearance and ability to disguise his true intentions, making people more willing to interact with him.
Unlike Zuo Xiong, who was always aggressive, coupled with his tall and intimidating figure, Zhu Xianhou found it challenging to win people over.
But to his surprise, Xu Nuo seemed to treat Zuo Xiong better than him, leaving him puzzled. He couldn't think of anything he had said that might have offended Xu Nuo. Why had he elicited such a negative reaction?
Zuo Xiong, however, didn't notice any difference in how Xu Nuo treated him versus Zhu Xianhou. He only knew that this young man held himself in high regard and didn't take them seriously at all. Even the usually effective Zhu Xianhou couldn't get through to him, worsening Zuo Xiong's mood. Though he felt like snapping, he restrained himself for the sake of their interests. Zhu Xianhou, feeling awkward at Xu Nuo's lack of response and the way he was being looked at, forced a smile and said, "It seems, sir, that you have successfully broken through? It's not very convenient to talk outside. Would it be possible to let us in to discuss? There are some matters regarding survival in the apocalypse that we'd like to talk to you about. I think you wouldn't refuse, considering you also have someone who needs care, right?"
After saying this, Zhu Xianhou glanced at Park Su, making Park Su feel a bit disheartened. Did he really look like someone who needed taking care of?
He was the one who had just broken through! Why judge by appearances?
Xu Nuo's gaze shifted indifferently to Zhu Xianhou, sizing him up before finally speaking, "Whether I broke through or not has nothing to do with you two. As for surviving in the apocalypse, I have my own methods and don't need your concern.
"I assume you've seen the talismans on the door. Do you really think I'd need to worry about regular zombies with such protection?
For me, having more people around is a hassle. As for taking care of him, that's none of your concern. If you don't have any other business, please leave. We have other matters to attend to and don't appreciate the disturbance."
With that, Xu Nuo pulled Park Su to turn and head back inside. Zhu Xianhou, who had finally gotten their attention, couldn't let them go so easily.
Just as he was about to say something to persuade them, Zuo Xiong, who had been holding back, rushed forward and grabbed Xu Nuo's arm roughly. "Hey, kid, don't be so ungrateful. I'm talking to you respectfully because you're an ability user. Do you really think you're some high and mighty master?
Let me tell you, you're not the only one with abilities in this world. You look down on us just because you think a few talismans can keep the zombies away. But if you're surrounded by zombies outside, do you think you can get out of here?
You'd be trapped here! And you should know that filling this place with zombies isn't hard. Now, are you still unwilling to let us in to talk?"
Xu Nuo turned back and glared at them, shaking off Zuo Xiong's hand from his arm and laughing coldly, "So, when the soft approach doesn't work, you resort to threats? Do you really think you can hold me?"
Zhu Xianhou, seeing the situation deteriorate, considered saying something conciliatory. But before he could speak, Zuo Xiong added, "Think whatever you want, but don't start thinking you're a big shot just yet, kid. You've got a lot to learn. I suggest you talk to me nicely when I want to have a good conversation. Otherwise, things might get ugly, and no one will look good."
Upon hearing Zuo Xiong's words, Zhu Xianhou immediately abandoned the idea of speaking softly. Since things had escalated, he decided to wait and see how Xu Nuo responded before deciding if he should intervene again. After all, this kid was showing them no respect, and a convoy was helping them deal with the zombie corpses. Letting him suffer a bit might be good.
Park Su was secretly astonished by Zuo Xiong and Zhu Xianhou. Although he knew these two were here to take advantage, they had initially been quite friendly. He didn't expect that just a cold expression from Xu Nuo would cause them to flip so quickly.
What puzzled him more was why Xu Nuo, despite his coldness towards the impulsive brute, seemed even more disdainful towards the gentle, scholarly man.
Despite his confusion, Park Su knew he couldn't embarrass his ally at this moment, so he remained silent, standing quietly behind Xu Nuo while circulating his wood-based abilities internally.
He thought, although Xu Nuo might not need his help, as a reliable subordinate, he needed to show his loyalty. Maybe he'd get a chance to deal with these two arrogant guys.
They thought a few words would get them benefits from Xu Nuo? When he had to persistently coax Xu Nuo for twenty days and had a life-saving grace to barely get Xu Nuo to agree. Who did they think they were?
While thinking this, he still mentally lit candles for the two in front of him. Earlier, he had used his mental power to observe their fight with the zombies. Their combat power was worlds apart from Xu Nuo's.
Although Park Su didn't dare be overly confident, he felt that with their level, he might be able to handle them himself.
Beside him, Xu Nuo's frosty face showed a smile after hearing their words, but to Park Su, the smile looked even more terrifying.
His fox-like eyes swept over the two people in front of him. "So, it seems the two of you want to fight?"
Zuo Xiong saw the smile on Xu Nuo's face and assumed he was giving in. He snorted, "If you were sensible, we wouldn't need to go this far. So, are you ready to talk now?"
What he didn't expect was that Xu Nuo, instead of agreeing, tilted his chin down, looking at them with an air of superiority. "What a pity. I never like it when people act high and mighty in front of me. If you're so confident in your strength and eager to teach me a lesson, I'll give you a chance. Show me if you have what it takes to make me invite you in for a discussion. Go ahead."
Zuo Xiong was caught off guard by Xu Nuo's challenge. He hadn't expected this young guy to actually want to fight him. But seeing Xu Nuo's dismissive attitude only fueled his anger. Especially that superior look, which he had always hated. Since Xu Nuo wanted to see his skills, he didn't mind teaching him a lesson. Enraged, he raised his fist and swung it at Xu Nuo.
With a loud thud, the punch landed on someone, but it was Zhu Xianhou who flew backward.
The commotion was so big that the convoy members, who had been secretly watching from a distance while dealing with the zombie corpses, were stunned. They all knew that Zuo Xiong and Zhu Xianhou, the captain and vice-captain, had always had a good relationship. Why had the captain suddenly hit the vice-captain?
What was going on? Should they intervene?
Even Zuo Xiong was confused. He couldn't understand how, despite aiming at the young man, he ended up hitting Zhu Xianhou instead.
His punch had moved so fast that even he hadn't realized it. He was a bit stunned but quickly turned to check on Zhu Xianhou's condition.
After all, that punch had used all his strength, intending to teach the young man a lesson. He regretted that it had landed on his good buddy instead.
Zhu Xianhou had been completely unprepared and coughed up blood from the blow, indicating some internal damage.
Seeing his friend's state, Zuo Xiong became even more anxious and asked urgently if he was okay. This scene reassured the convoy members watching from afar; they saw their captain going to apologize, so they decided not to intervene.
Zhu Xianhou, now looking less composed, ignored Zuo Xiong's concern and stared directly at Xu Nuo.
Before he could say anything, Xu Nuo raised an eyebrow and coldly said, "Is that all you've got? Showing your skills by hitting your own brother?"
"You!" Zuo Xiong angrily tried to respond, but Zhu Xianhou stopped him. "You must have done something. Is your ability related to control?"