Chapter 1041: Doomsday Big Boss 45

Hearing Ling Chi’s suggestion, Hu Tongxia glanced at him and said bluntly, “Don’t even think about it. If he goes with you and loses his position as leader, Xu Jintang won’t agree to leave.”

Ling Chi was momentarily stunned.

But he wasn’t foolish. Over the past months, he had seen too many ability users intoxicated by power—people who, once they tasted control over others’ lives, became addicted to the fear and obedience they inspired. If Xu Jintang had already grown used to that feeling, then there was little chance he would give it up voluntarily.

Understanding this, Ling Chi nodded. “I see. Thanks for the reminder.”

Hu Tongxia waved it off. “It’s nothing.”

After a brief pause, he added, “There should still be people in the base willing to leave. How about this—you move the supplies first. Wanwan and I will head back and ask around. If anyone wants to come, we’ll bring them along.”

Ling Chi’s eyes lit up. “That works. I’ll go with you—I can meet Xu Jintang directly.”

Hu Tongxia had no objection.

Soon after, Ling Chi, along with two ability users, followed Hu Tongxia and Tang Wan back to the air-raid shelter.

By the time they returned, Xu Jintang had also come back with the rest of Li Feng’s group.

The moment he saw Ling Chi, he froze slightly before stepping forward with a smile. He raised his fist and lightly bumped it against Ling Chi’s. “Ling Chi—it’s you. Long time no see.”

Ling Chi returned the greeting with a nod, but didn’t waste time on pleasantries. Given the urgency, he quickly explained his purpose.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Jintang’s expression changed.

It wasn’t surprising. In this world, ability users were the most valuable resource. The more one had, the stronger their base would be. And now, Ling Chi was essentially trying to take some of his people away.

There was no way Xu Jintang would be pleased.

Seeing the shift in his expression, Ling Chi already understood that Hu Tongxia had been right. Still, he had no intention of forcing anything.

“Don’t misunderstand,” he said calmly. “I’m just asking. If you don’t want to go, then forget I said anything.”

Xu Jintang’s expression eased slightly. He shook his head. “It’s not that I don’t want to go. It’s that the university town isn’t as safe as this air-raid shelter.”

His tone was steady, but firm.

“When this shelter was built, long-term survival was already considered. At least for now, we don’t have to worry about sudden crises. But the university town? That’s one of the most densely populated areas in the city. You don’t even need to ask—there must be countless zombies there. Going there is practically asking for trouble.”

Ling Chi didn’t argue. He simply nodded. “I understand your concerns.”

At this moment, Hu Tongxia spoke up, his tone sharp. “You don’t want to go—that’s your choice. But others have the right to decide for themselves.”

Xu Jintang’s gaze turned cold as he looked at him. “Hu Tongxia, if you want to leave, then leave. Why drag others with you to a place surrounded by zombies?”

Hu Tongxia let out a mocking laugh. “That’s rich. I said people have the right to choose—I never said I’d force anyone to follow me.”

His expression turned slightly dangerous, his voice laced with sarcasm.

“Or what? You’re afraid they might actually choose to leave?”