Chapter 42 - Audience with the Emperor?

Chapter 42: Audience with the Emperor?A Zombie King?

Qin Jun’s eyebrows twitched slightly. He was currently stuck at the peak of Level 2 Evolution. To reach Level 3, the purity of ordinary energy cores was insufficient. 

Due to the thorough clearing of zombies around Dongdu, there weren’t many zombies left, let alone a Zombie King. The news of a Zombie King was indeed good news for him.

“Bring them to see me,” Qin Jun waved his hand, and the generals and other high-ranking officials silently withdrew.

In just a few days, Qin Jun had established a high level of prestige among the Qin family subordinates. 

It wasn’t just because he was Qin Yuan’s son, but also because of his methods—an elder with a significant status had presumed his seniority, and Qin Jun had him and his entire family executed with just one sentence. 

The elder’s faction was also purged, resulting in hundreds of deaths. In peacetime, Qin Jun might have spent some effort to win over the elder, gaining his approval and support to stabilize morale. 

But in the apocalypse, there was no need for such trouble. In this era, only power and strength were unchanging principles. As long as Qin Jun was strong enough, no one below him would dare to challenge him.

—

Wang Hai and Wang Zhi followed the escort and boarded a military vehicle, heading towards the city center. After an indeterminate amount of time, they were brought to the lobby of a large building and left to wait. 

These two individuals, who should have been regarded as top figures in the apocalypse, were now ignored and left waiting.

Wang Hai, who once led a shelter with hundreds of people, could only wait obediently. He began to contemplate the value of the information he had brought. 

The lobby was bustling, seemingly a government office, and Wang Hai noticed several evolved individuals entering, possibly to hand over tasks.

After a while, a female officer hurried over to them, her expression stern. “My name is Li Wen. Pack up and follow me.”

This female officer, clad in a black military uniform, exuded a terrifying aura, clearly an evolved individual. Wang Hai also noticed that all evolved individuals in Dongdu wore black uniforms, distinguishing them from ordinary officers.

“Yes!” Wang Hai replied quickly, and he and his niece, Wang Zhi, followed Li Wen. 

They boarded another military vehicle, which then headed deeper into the city. Sitting in the front passenger seat, Li Wen turned to the back and spoke solemnly to Wang Hai and Wang Zhi. 

“The young master wants to see you. Be mindful—don’t offend him, don’t raise your voice, and don’t look directly at him. Answer his questions succinctly.”

Wang Hai nodded repeatedly, while Wang Zhi, overwhelmed by the numerous restrictions, felt dizzy. So many rules, so many prohibitions—it felt like an audience with the emperor!

After a long drive through multiple security checkpoints, the vehicle finally stopped in front of an opulent and grand building. 

Two evolved individuals in black uniforms stood guard, both exuding an aura that made Wang Hai and Wang Zhi’s hair stand on end—these guards were far stronger than them!

Wang Hai was even more shocked. He had heard of the Qin family in Dongdu, a colossal force occupying the city. In the old world, the Qin family was a top-tier aristocratic clan, with its head, Qin Yuan, being a name known throughout China, second only to the president. 

After the apocalypse, the Qin family took over Dongdu, and every member awakened abilities, becoming the so-called “chosen family.”

But these were just rumors; they had no firsthand understanding of the Qin family’s power. Now, seeing it up close, he finally grasped a fragment of its true might. Even evolved individuals were mere gatekeepers!

Wang Hai clenched his fists, determined to seize the opportunity to enter Dongdu and serve the Qin family. Going solo had no future!

Li Wen showed her credentials to the guards, whispered a few words while pointing at Wang Hai and Wang Zhi, and the guards nodded, allowing them entry. 

Following Li Wen, Wang Hai and Wang Zhi entered the Qin Mansion, where even the servants were elegantly dressed, carrying themselves with the grace of nobility.

The place truly felt like a royal palace. In such an environment, they couldn’t help but feel intimidated, walking cautiously. Finally, they reached a room. Li Wen knocked lightly, and a calm, clear voice from within responded, “Come in.”

The voice seemed to have a magical power, making them involuntarily tense. Li Wen gently opened the door, leading Wang Hai and Wang Zhi inside. They were greeted by the sight of an extraordinarily handsome young man looking at them. Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ ɴøvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

This young man was none other than Qin Jun, the only SSS-level talent in Dongdu and the future master of the Qin family.

“Your journey must have been exhausting,” Qin Jun said, surprising Wang Hai and Wang Zhi. 

Instead of jumping straight to business, this powerful figure showed concern for them, instantly making Wang Hai feel a surge of gratitude, even though he knew it was merely a polite gesture from someone of Qin Jun’s stature. 

Sometimes, a small gesture of politeness from a powerful figure could deeply move those of lower status.

Qin Jun nodded and asked, “I heard you have news about a Zombie King?”

“Yes, a Zombie King has appeared in Donghua City and is about to complete its evolution.”

“What is the current situation in Donghua City?”

“The strongest evolved individual in Donghua City is a man called Blood Bear, with an A-level talent. He has nearly unified all the shelters in Donghua City, making him very powerful.”

Wang Hai revealed everything he knew, detailing the various shelters and the number of evolved individuals in Donghua City.

Qin Jun narrowed his eyes, deep in thought, and the room fell silent. Wang Hai didn’t dare breathe loudly, while Wang Zhi, forgetting Li Wen’s instructions, sneaked a glance at Qin Jun’s pensive face. 

‘He’s so handsome…’

Li Wen noticed Wang Zhi’s disrespectful act and her face showed a flash of anger, but she didn’t dare scold her in front of Qin Jun. She could only give Wang Zhi a stern look.

After a while, Qin Jun smiled and said to Wang Hai, “Your information is valuable. What reward do you seek?”

Wang Hai’s heart leaped with excitement. “Young master, we wish to stay in Dongdu and serve you in the future!”

Wang Hai was indeed shrewd; he didn’t say “serve the Qin family,” but “serve Qin Jun.” The difference was subtle but significant.