In the distance, there were 2 small hills facing each other, of almost similar heights, similar shapes, one planted full of bamboos, the other, osmanthus trees. One could see cement steps around the side of the hills leading to the peaks, where 2 traditional buildings stood. The plants at the peak of the hills had started to shed their leaves, and there was no green to be seen, just an area of yellow.
The place where the 2 hills met was a small valley, which was surrounded by a layer of iron fence. The fence itself was covered by tall shrubs, and it was impossible to see inside from the outside. A single electronic sliding door was in the middle of the fence.
A cement path that could fit 4 ordinary cars stretched all the way to a bluestone arch, which was about 10m away from Zhang Xiao Qiang's position. On the arch, there were the words "Poppy Spring Valley" carved in large gold letters. Behind the arch, about 3m away, there were 3 simple wooden houses, with a plaque hanging from the middle house 2 mummy-like zombies were shambling around in the middle house.
"Pengpeng" After a few gunshots, the zombies fell one after the other, and Zhang Xiao Qiang led his men to drive towards the gate. The cars had just come to a stop when a number of zombies came crawling out of the electronic door. The arrival of the zombies was too sudden, and the men were not mentally prepared. They stayed in the cars, watching as the zombies clawed and swiped at the car.
These pricks that had become proud when they just got their guns suddenly became so docile, staying within the car. No one dared to stick their guns out the windows, afraid that the zombies would climb in from there. Some of the drivers were even tempted to turn their vehicles around.
"Peng…" One zombie was knocked down by Zhang Xiao Qiang's opening of his door. He stepped out bare-handed, and sent a powerful kick at the head of the zombie, snapping its neck. He was furious when he saw the cowardly behavior of his men. They had lost their guts even when they had guns? He pulled out his handgun, firing a few rounds at the vehicle that had turned around intending to drive away. After firing a few holes, the car came to a stop, with wails sounding from inside.
Zhang Xiao Qiang stepped forwards and kicked 3 zombies away, chasing Three and the rest of the men out of their vehicles. He then slammed down with his foot, breaking the neck. His bloodshot eyes then swiveled to look at the guys.
"Bayonet…" He barked out loud, and the rest immediately stepped forward to give, including Shangguan Qiao Yun and Three.
"The objectives are the zombies! Move forward and strike them!" Zhang Xiao Qiang continued to shout his orders, as the rest raised their weapons and started to thrust at the zombies. Zhang Xiao Qiang did not stop, nor did the subordinates stop. They continued like this, and as they continued to strike, everyone's expression was different. Some were excited, some were fearful, some had bloodshot eyes and their teeth gritted tight, some had pale countenances, their legs shivering. There were some who were more fearless, and squeezed forwards, while others tried their best to maintain, and some tried to back away.
Zhang Xiao Qiang toyed with his 1911A1 while observing them all, remembering their performance today. Some of them had outstanding performances or might not be afraid to stand up to others, but were afraid when dealing with the zombies. Such people could not remain on the combat team. After all, the main enemy right now wasn't humans, it was the 6 billion zombies on earth.
Zhang Xiao Qiang paid more attention to Shangguan Qiao Yun, watching her as she joined the ranks of some men to squeeze forwards and strike at the zombies. She had no fear, nor excitement. She was just calm and knew that the brains were the weakest point. That was her target. She continued to slash at those that got too close, while the gun in her hand was held steadily. Each time, her strikes and shots were accurate. She wasn't like the men beside her, hollering in excitement or breathing loudly in their anxiety. She just kept silent, biting her lip, aiming at the zombies' heads while suppressing her urge to vomit. As long as Zhang Xiao Qiang did not call for them to stop, she would continue to attack and kill. There was no hesitation, no struggle, no stopping, nor mercy.
"Stop…" After Zhang Xiao Qiang gave his order, everyone came to a stop. Some were still red with bloodlust, it could be because they finally had a chance to give vent to their fears and frustrations, that they ignored his orders, and continued to lunge at the pieces of meat in front.
"Papapa…" Three gunshots rang out, and Zhang Xiao Qiang stared at those men consumed by their bloodlust. They immediately stopped but needed some time to calm down.
All of them looked at Zhang Xiao Qiang, who reloaded his magazine, and raised his gun while looking at them all. Some were staring straight at him, some had lowered their heads to look at their toes.
"Who tried to drive off earlier?"
His tone was low and menacing, as he looked at each of them, they felt like a cold beast was staring right through their soul. 3 men could not help but stare at their friend beside, who had an ashen expression. He looked at his friends staring at him, and his entire body turned soft and slumped to the floor. His body began to tremble profusely, and he did not even have the courage to raise his head, awaiting Zhang Xiao Qiang's punishment.
Zhang Xiao Qiang walked slowly to him, his military boots crunching in the soil, the sounds of his footsteps hammering against the heart of the man. It was until he saw the dust and mud-covered boots of Zhang Xiao Qiang appearing in front of him that he hurriedly lowered his head on to the ground, his shivering becoming even stronger.
Zhang Xiao Qiang looked at the man, this person happened to be one of those who had killed the zombies with a perfunctory manner. He raised his gun, pointing at the man's head. Everyone tensed up when they saw that. They knew Zhang Xiao Qiang wanted to make an example out of him, it was a common punishment back in the times of war, to execute any deserters.
"Peng…" Following a slight shudder of Zhang Xiao Qiang's right hand, the man slumped to the ground, a new hole in his skull. The bullet had penetrated his head and exited out his jaw, fresh blood flowing from the wound below his chin. His body was still twitching.
Zhang Xiao Qiang then raised the gun to point at another man who had not gone up to kill the zombies, instead, retreating back. The man saw Zhang Xiao Qiang aiming at him, and his face seemed to have been slapped with white flour, absolutely drained of color. The trembling was even more intense than the earlier guy. "Ge..ge…ge…" The man's teeth would not stop chattering, and everyone just saw his chest puffed out, not even daring to let out his breath.