Chapter 51: Mutation of the Giant Python

The giant python was quite reluctant to consume the zombie flesh, as it could sense a bizarre energy surging into its brain, seemingly stripping away its self-awareness.

These water monsters had already developed a rudimentary intelligence. By the time of the Second Divine Blessing, certain water monsters would undoubtedly transform into entities resembling great mythical beasts.

However, Ao Xin forcefully shoved the zombie carcasses down the python's throat, leaving it with no choice but to swallow them in bitter resentment.

As the python consumed more zombie meat, the crimson glow in its eyes gradually dimmed.

When the hundredth zombie was forced into its maw, its eyes lost all glint of vitality.

A streak of deep green thread crawled up the python's blood-red eyes. The mutation in this python was visibly different from that of the giant rat.

Its previously limp and motionless body suddenly twitched and bounded upward as if struck by lightning.

Then, it thrashed faster and faster.

The heavy iron chains piercing through and restraining the snake's head rattled noisily under its desperate struggle.

At the tail end, the steel stake driven deep into the ground also showed signs of being wrenched free.

"Quiet!"

Ao Xin delivered a sharp slap to the python's head, but this blow only served to provoke the beast's fierce nature.

Its red-and-green mottled eyes snapped open, and its mouth, which usually only hissed, emitted a low, furious roar akin to that of a ferocious beast.

"Oh? Still feeling spunky?"

Ao Xin instantly triggered his dragon transformation. Sharp dragon claws coated in Armament Haki pinned the raised serpent head firmly to the ground, while his other claw tore aside the snake scales and snapped its spine!

The roar transformed into thunder, accompanied by blazing flames and wind blades. The wildly thrashing python went still once again.

Reverting to his human form, Ao Xin could clearly sense that the python's strength had increased significantly.

The grayish-green glow in its eyes had dimmed slightly, and the gaze it directed toward him flickered between overwhelming hatred and utter bewilderment.

Ao Xin knew that an awakening crystal must have already formed within the python's mind.

However, he had no intention of extracting it just yet; instead, he planned to continue cultivating it.

Such an exceptional breeding vessel was not easily obtained, and he wanted to nurture it until it grew as large as possible.

Only then, when he ultimately killed the serpent to harvest the crystal, would he reap the maximum benefits.

By dusk, five large cargo trucks rumbled into view.

Over a dozen robust men leaped down from the vehicles.

The leader had bandages wrapped around his shoulder.

It was Feng Kun and his regiment of migrant workers.

Meng Kui hopped down from the last truck, walked up to Ao Xin, stood straight as a ramrod, and shouted loudly:

"Reporting, Boss! All ninety-nine members of the migrant worker regiment are present and accounted for!"

Ao Xin stepped down from the giant python and swept his gaze over the sturdy men.

When he first encountered them, there had been over a hundred of them, yet in just over a day, their numbers had dwindled to fewer than a hundred.

In truth, when they first banded together, they had numbered nearly two hundred, but continuous combat had led to steady casualties.

Battling zombies meant that any wound inflicted by them resulted in infection; thus, the moment anyone was injured, their comrades would immediately put them out of their misery.

As the migrant workers laid eyes upon the hundred-meter-long python serving as Ao Xin's seat, their awe and reverence for him deepened further.

Finding vehicles at this point in time wasn't terribly difficult, but managing to secure fuel proved that Meng Kui possessed no small amount of capability.

Ao Xin pointed toward the riverbank behind him and said:

"Our reserve water supply is nearly depleted. If we want to survive, fresh water is crucial. Therefore, I intend to establish a secure base here. I want you all to draw up a plan."

One should never underestimate these migrant workers or assume they are only capable of heavy physical labor.

Back in their hometowns in the countryside, they had built their own houses entirely with their own hands, handling everything from the initial design to laying every single brick.

While they lacked the specialized knowledge required to construct towering skyscrapers, building a single-story base was well within their capabilities.

Zhou翔 stepped forward to speak, but was quietly pulled back by Feng Kun standing beside him.

Feng Kun took a step forward and asked loudly:

"Boss! May I ask what requirements you have for building the base?"

Seeing Feng Kun steal the opportunity to impress the boss, Zhou Xin felt deeply resentful, yet dared not voice his displeasure.

He could only stand quietly in place, anxiously awaiting another chance to speak.

Ao Xin replied: "The primary focus must be defense against zombies. Zombies are attracted by the scent of living humans; once a large population gathers here, they will inevitably attack. Therefore, defensive capability is paramount!"

"Secondly, basic sanitation facilities, such as sewage and waste disposal, must be included. Make sure nothing is discharged directly into the river."

"Thirdly, design it with scalability in mind so we can continuously expand the perimeter outward. For the rest, follow a standard architectural layout."

With that said, Ao Xin pointed toward the river water: "Ordinary building materials can hardly withstand zombie assaults. There is Seastone on the riverbed here, and a sand-dredging vessel over there. Find a way to mine the Seastone and mix it into the steel and construction materials; that will drastically enhance the base's defensive strength."

Hearing the mention of Seastone, Feng Kun and the others lit up with excitement. They had previously worried that since zombies could already easily demolish reinforced concrete structures, and would only grow stronger in the future, could a place like this truly provide effective defense?

Some among them even wondered whether possessing Seastone might give ordinary people like themselves a fighting chance to overthrow the ability users.

However, these were mere thoughts they dared not voice aloud for now.

"Meng Kui, take a few men and haul all the construction materials from the material yard over here. Bring over any non-electric equipment as well."

Meng Kui acknowledged the order. Noticing that the onlookers hiding nearby were poking their heads out again, Ao Xin beckoned to them.

He announced to the crowd:

"Those who want to earn contribution points can join this team. Room and board are provided, plus an extra point per day!"

Then, turning to the migrant workers, he added: "You get them too, three points a day for you!"

The discrepancy in treatment immediately stirred up murmurs of discontent in the crowd:

"Why? Why do we get two points less than them?"

"That's right! We're no worse than them! Why should our treatment be inferior?"

Ao Xin had anticipated the crowd's dissatisfaction.

He pointed at Feng Kun and said, "You, step forward!"

Though bewildered, Feng Kun obediently stepped out. "Boss, what is it?"

Ao Xin scanned the surrounding crowd, pointed at Feng Kun, and declared:

"See him? Whoever among you can defeat him will receive five points a day!"

"A bunch of cowards who don't even dare fight zombies, and you dare complain about fairness? What gives you the right, when I could crush you all with a single slap!"

Faced with Ao Xin's outburst, the crowd dared not grumble any further.

Yet, seeing that Feng Kun had one arm immobilized in a sling, they once again felt they were being underestimated.

"Big boss, are you serious? As long as we beat him?"

Ao Xin nodded and stepped back a few paces, leaving the arena to Feng Kun and the onlookers.

Feng Kun stood stunned for a few seconds before a fierce look washed over his face. "The boss said whoever defeats me gets five points a day! Come on, trash! All of you, attack together!"

He tossed his long blade onto the ground and stood alone, confronting the crowd.

"Damn it, what's with his arrogance? With one arm in a sling, he still dares look down on us?"

A middle-aged man rushed forward first, eager to secure the lucrative five-point daily gig!