Translator: phizzlepop
Editor: mantou
【Ye Ming: Now, things are really getting out of hand. Ge, if you don’t step in, Yang Qian will die. He can’t die, ba? He’s the protagonist!】
【888: There’s no rule that the protagonist can’t die.】
【Ye Ming: But I haven’t finished eliminating his blackening value yet!】
【888: That shouldn’t be too difficult, ba. Hurry up and tell him that you love him before he dies, and that should be enough.】
【Ye Ming: …】
【Ye Ming: How could you be so cruel and heartless, this isn’t like you!】
【888: I’m just providing you with a suggestion so that you can eliminate his blackening value. What does that have to do with me being cruel and heartless?】
【Ye Ming: Ke, how about this ba, why don’t you give me one of the cheapest awakening potions? If I use it, I can save Yang Qian with a 100% guarantee that the blackening value will be completely eliminated. Then I can die heroically, killing two birds with one stone.】
【888: The cheapest one is still 1000 experience points.】
【Ye Ming: Just that one is enough! I need it very much ahhh. This is a foolproof method, what if the method you mentioned doesn’t work? I’m so close, so you absolutely won’t make a loss on this investment!】
【888: That’s fine, I’ll charge you three times the amount as a handling fee. You should already be used to it ba.】
【Ye Ming: …】
【888: Do you want it or not? If not, then forget it.】
【Ye Ming: Yes, yes, yes!】
As soon as Ye Ming finished speaking, he felt a cold current flow through his body. He shivered, immediately sensing that he now had an ability!
【Ye Ming: I also have an ability now. Now I can die with no regrets, and rest in peace!】
【888: …】F*ck, why did he have a feeling that this was the spicy chicken’s true purpose, to experience the refreshing feeling of having an ability?
Ye Ming gripped Yang Qian’s hand tightly, his eyes filled with tears of excitement. Although it was the cheapest, one-time, a-life-in-exchange-for-a-life ability awakening potion, it was still an ability ma!
The places where his skin was in contact with Yang Qian slowly lit up with a soft, white light.
Yang Qian had already readied himself for his impending death. When he suddenly saw the light in Ye Ming’s hands, a look of disbelief appeared on his face. Ye Ming had also awakened his ability! He was incredibly pleased and happy. He’d been worried that Ye Ming would have a difficult time in this world as an ordinary human being. But, if Ye Ming also had an ability, then things would be different. Now that this pair of siblings had the ability to protect themselves, then even if he died, he could still be at ease.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
The corners of Yang Qian’s lips lifted. Just when he wanted to ask Ye Ming what his ability was, a strange feeling that swept through his body soon caused his smile to freeze on his face, as he looked down at himself in shock.
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“No…” Yang Qian let out a mournful cry, his eyes blood-shot. “Stop it!”
But, he couldn’t move at all. The constant, mysterious flow of power from Ye Ming’s hands was preventing him from budging in the slightest, and he could only watch as Ye Ming transferred all of his injuries onto his own body!
Xu Xiaoyue had also noticed, and shoved Ye Ming aside, furiously shouting, “Ge, what’re you doing?”
But, it was too late. Ye Ming’s entire body was covered with blood. Her slight shove had caused him to topple to the ground. He coughed up a mouthful of blood, then gave her an apologetic smile, “Sorry…”
Xu Xiaoyue howled with anger. She wanted to hit Ye Ming, but Ye Ming’s current appearance made her unable to lift a single finger. She could only cry nonstop, “Who allowed you to do something like this, you bastard! How could you do this, how could you! How could you leave me alone like this… wa…”
She cried until she was completely out of breath.
Yang Qian slowly stood up. He could feel that all of the injuries on his body had healed, while the terrible injuries from before had appeared on Ye Ming’s body, on the body of the person he loved the most…
At the very last moment, a miracle had still occurred. But he’d rather the miracle not have happened at all.
He’d rather it not have happened…
Yang Qian gently held Ye Ming in his arms, his eyes filled with grief and despair, while his hands were trembling. Never before had he wished as ardently as he was now, that he’d be the one to die instead.
Ye Ming’s mouth was filled with blood. He forced a smile, then said, “I think, if you live… you’ll be more useful than me, I… ke ke, always drag you down, and ignore your wishes… and make decisions on my own. Sorry…”
“I don’t blame you,” Yang Qian’s voice was shaking. The rims of his eyes tingled and radiated heat, as though something hot was brewing.
Ye Ming smiled, and shook his head, “I know… but, I also wanted to protect you for once. I can finally… also protect you, just this one time.”
“You have to live well…”
“And Xiaoyue, you guys, both of you have to live well…”
Ye Ming said this and slowly closed his eyes, his breathing becoming weaker, until it completely disappeared.
Yang Qian held him, and lowered his head to kiss him on the lips, tears silently falling down. I know… I know just how much you wanted to protect me. Just like back then, you’ve always been doing your best to protect me.
You’re not weak or cowardly. You possess courage far greater than the rest of us…
It’s always been you, who’s been protecting me.
My beloved.
【Ding. Yang Qian’s Blackening Value -1. Current Blackening Value: 0】
………………
One year later, there was a vibrant, small town in the northern mountains.
This small town was nestled in the mountains. Because of its steep paths, and limited accessibility, setting up a few simple obstacles could block off a majority of the zombies. The average person wouldn’t be able to find this place at all. It was quiet and peaceful, just like an otherworldly paradise.
After Yang Qian and Xu Xiaoyue escaped from the base, they met up with the rest of the survivors. They protected the ordinary human beings, migrating all the way here, before finally finding this new location where they could stay, settling down here.
The ability-users were still responsible for going out to search for supplies and replenish their resources, while the ordinary human beings farmed and raised livestock. They were basically self-sufficient here.
Xu Xiaoyue’s ability was extremely powerful, and was regarded with reverence by the mass populace. She’d taken over for Yang Qian and was managing the place, and had already become a highly-respected leader. Yang Qian was no longer in charge, and was only responsible for leading teams to hunt zombies and search for supplies outside, but didn’t bother with anything else.
Even though he stayed on the base, he almost never communicated with anyone else. He lived alone in a corner, in a spot at the very edge of the base, and had built a lonely, small cabin there.
Yang Qian never invited anyone else to his home. He was withdrawn and aloof, keeping others at a distance. Xu Xiaoyue also seemed to dislike him very much. She was always very pleasant to everyone else, but only ever had a poor attitude when it came to him.
Despite this, she always made a trip to Yang Qian’s house at least once a week. She was also the only person who could enter Yang Qian’s home. But each time, she’d only stay for a little while before leaving again.
No one knew why their relationship was so strange. They seemed to have a really bad relationship, but they always maintained an intriguing balance, like they were depending on each other.
On this day, Yang Qian had just returned from going outside. He was carrying a fresh slab of meat and could hardly wait to get home. Everyone was already used to Yang Qian being like this. No one tried to talk to him, and no one tried to strike up a conversation with him.
When Yang Qian got home, he brought the bloody piece of raw meat to the kitchen, and carefully cut it into pieces. However, he didn’t heat it up or fry it, but directly plated it just like this, before opening his bedroom door, carrying it in with him as he entered.
An abrupt clattering sound came from his bedroom. A person suddenly charged out. There was a chain tied around his waist, and a mask on his face, while he was clothed in some old, but clean, faded clothes. He was struggling to pounce on Yang Qian, but didn’t speak, only groaning ahhh. His skin was tinged with gray, while his eyes were clouded over.
It turned out he was a zombie!
Seeing his impatience, Yang Qian couldn’t help but chuckle. He put the plate in front of him, untied his mask, then took a step back, before saying with a smile, “Eat ba, you must be starving, ba.”
But, the zombie wasn’t too interested in the meat, and was more interested in eating Yang Qian. He waved his arms around, trying to grab him, but couldn’t reach him no matter what. In the end, the bloody chunks of meat in front of him finally managed to attract his attention. He grabbed at them, directly stuffing them inside his mouth, smearing blood all over his hands and face.
Yang Qian let out a helpless sigh, “I’ve already cut it for you, plus no one will snatch any from you, but you still won’t take your time when you’re eating…”
Seeing that the zombie had finished eating his meat, while his arms had begun scrabbling for him again, Yang Qian’s expression became even more helpless. He seemed to be somewhat reluctant, but still went over to tie up his hands, and put his mask back on for him, before ignoring his struggling to hold him in his arms.
The zombie could sense that there was a human being, and frantically struggled to bite him, wanting to devour him!
Unfortunately, because he had a mask on, he couldn’t bite him no matter what he tried, and a fierce gleam seemed to flash in his murky eyes.
Yang Qian had long gotten used to this, and continued to hug him just like that.
His movements were very gentle, because he was afraid of touching the rotting skin on the zombie. He’d put in a lot of effort, trying to avoid damaging him in any way, like he was preserving a fragile treasure…
“Xiaofei, it’s not that I’m not willing… I’m just afraid that after you eat me, no one will accompany you in the future.” Yang Qian gave him a gentle smile, then said softly, “Xiaoyue is still here… I still have to take care of her on your behalf.”
“Don’t fuss, why do you always have so much energy, what am I supposed to do with you…” Yang Qian had a pampering expression on his face.
Just then, the outside door was pushed open, and there were the sounds of someone walking in.
But Yang Qian showed no signs of surprise, and didn’t even lift his head or look back. The only person who’d come here was Xu Xiaoyue.
When Xu Xiaoyue walked in, she saw Yang Qian holding her brother, not disgusted by his unpleasant, rotting appearance at all. There was a tender, affectionate expression on his face, as though he was still facing his beloved.
She’d seen scenes like this for over a year, but each time, still felt the same suffocating sadness. She’d endured for a long, long time, but seemed to have reached a breaking point today, after restraining herself countless times. She said angrily, “Haven’t you had enough, ah! My brother is already dead. He’s not my brother, he’s just a zombie!”
Yang Qian turned to look at her, a somewhat grave expression on his face, “Don’t say that. He just can’t speak anymore, but he can still move and eat. How can you say that he’s dead?”
Xu Xiaoyue’s chest felt stifled, and her eyes heated up. She gave Yang Qian a cold glance. “Do whatever you want, ba!”
Saying this, she turned and left, tears rolling down her face once again.
How could she not also want her big brother to still be alive? But, there was no way for her to deceive herself anymore. And you? How is it that you can interact with him day and night, yet can still lie to yourself?
Yang Qian didn’t mind that Xu Xiaoyue had left. He turned back, and said, “Xiaofei, don’t be angry. She just hasn’t thought things through yet. But, it doesn’t matter, I’m still here with you…”
He carefully helped him tidy up his clothes and hair, before laying down on the bed with him, embracing each other like lovers. He looked up at the starry sky outside the window, smiling and whispering softly, “Say, do you think the world will get better one day?”
“A few days ago, we brought in a few refugees. They said that the provisional government formed by a federation of human survivors outside is studying ways to kill the virus. Maybe someday, the zombies will all disappear, and this world will go back to how it used to be.”
“It may not be long before you’ll be able to see it…”
Darkness continues on, while dawn may never arrive.
No matter how long it takes, I’ll stay by your side, until you can see that day with your very own eyes.
The author has something to say: the next world is the last one la~ that is, the world from the first chapter, finally made it to this point, la!
The translator has something to say: QAQ, the endings always make me sad… but there were some… interesting parallels + random tidbits i noticed
the emphasis on him “descending from the sky” and “not giving up on him” when he came back for him as a s/o to YQ never showing up to save him back then like he’d imagined in his daydreams… oof
he rlly hammered in that “srry couldnt protect you”… mega oof. and technically, the only reason he died is bc he literally sacrificed himself directly for YQ… ultra mega oof
back then, YQ forced him to stay by threatening him with his sister, but… he lowkey left his sister to him before he dipped, so look who’s being forced to stick around now…
he spent a long time in chains for no d*mn reason, and interestingly enough, he’s back in chains again… but, out of necessity this time
Ah, I feel bad now. Only a bit though. Just a little bit and nothing else. I still hate him for being stupid. Definitely.
i know… i always feel so bad when he decides to fix up his behavior, but it’s always too late in the end…
This made me cry the most huhuhu the sister made me then the ML’s delusion, it hurts so good 😭😭😭
i didn’t mean to reply with you guys huhu im still crying, my tears are all over the screen 😭😭
…I really want to see how MC will get out of it in the next world, he directly tried to shoot the ML.
Thanks for the chapter!
hehehehe the next arc indeed has an intriguing plot + setting
thanks for reading!
Thanks for the chapter and finishing this arc!!!!! 😘😘😘
thanks for reading!!!
now that im trying to catch up with commenting im just responding to the later ones lol so CG isn’t flooded with my comments, but ahh! i rlly wish i could’ve been an English major! the last time i took a formal english class was back in 2014 so now i have to google phrases to make sure they actually exist in english 😂
I knew it, I knew it! But I can help cry over and over again T^T I usually like tragedy, BUT the ending is too hardcore ah! I hope there’s arc with happy ending, even if only once. Thank you for the chapters by the way :3
i mean, can it be a happy ending if YM has to die within 10 daysthe of clearing the mission?
this one was kinda hardcore… his lonely cabin at the outskirts with zombie XXF… it’s just so depressing
thanks for reading! :3
Now I really have no excuses… I really just like making myself suffer emotionally and damn it hurts so good 😭
Looking forward to the next arc woot woot and thank you for the chapter~~
honestly, same, hahahahaha this QT tragedy tag hits hard…
next one will be ~interesting~ and thanks for reading!
Damn…. that’s just sad….
😭😭😭 Yang Qian’s monologue when he was by himself inside the villa made my heart hurt for him…
Thank you for the chapter! I love zombie/apocalypse themed romance so although the end got set and creepy I really liked this.
also love zombie/apocalypse stuff!! idk, i think the setting allows for such intense + potentially tragic content, plus it always brings out the dark side of humanity, which i find super intriguing. it’s v interesting what diff authors focus on, whether it’s the difficulty of fighting zombies, the hardships behind dwindling resources, or the cruelty of surviving human beings, ahhhhh it’s all just so much ~fun~ and there’s such potential for depth of character, heroic actions, and true grit in general
thanks for reading!
Oof…at least they get to be together…forever? Maybe at the end he’ll let Xiaofei eat him 🤷♀️
LOL honestly i think he’s tempted but he’s been charged with taking care of his sister first… i did think it was interesting there was a bit about other survivors potentially finding a cure for the zombie virus, although we do already know from 888 that these worlds were all kinda doomed to begin with bc they’re rlly nothing more than energy sources for the main system/lord system
Not as spectacular as my zombie pit ending, but still great! 👍🏼 The sister moves on, but the lover is unable to…
It got close to my prediction but flipped it and made it hurt everyone 🤣 I am kinda sad your theory didn’t happen. It really was just a pit they used once
i do miss that zombie pit too… his ending was very… Xu Xiaofei? his character setting took a very quiet, amicable, self-sacrificing route this time around, but this kind of “died for you” thing… super effective
Oof..what a nice cry cry me feel refresh :’)
Thanks for the chappie translator-sama!!
Muah muah muah!! ( ˘ ³˘)♥
hahahaha the onion ninjas live eternally in this author-dada’s novels…
thanks for reading!! <3<3<3
Ooooh that was a great plot twist. Ye Ming really is a master story crafter. The system should be thanking him for creating such intense storylines. Whew that ending works so well I’m actually super satisfied and we all know how done I was with YQ 😆
Thank you so much for translating and editing! If I knew mandarin I would consider helping 😭
Ye Ming-gege somehow manages to get the ML back for all his major affronts throughout his time back with them again and im super impressed. i love the black-belly petty but somehow also carefree and open-minded type, idk, he’s such a fascinating person
and thanks for reading! hopefully someone will be able to join us so together we can share Ye Ming-gege’s story to the end
This is my first time seeing this kind of ending in apocalypse arc. Usually the MC will save the world or directly die etc. leaving ML to roam around the world. But nurturing a zombie… gosh I’ve seen it all.
yeah Ye Ming-gege literally pced out the moment he finally got an ability… he was so done with the blood and gore haha~
Weeeeeeeeeeeee here we go again ✌😇
I think this is the saddest ending out of all the worlds thus far. The fact that he’s holding his lovers corpse that’s constantly trying to eat him as the ml fantasizes that his baby(Mc) is still alive T.T It’s dammmm sad to see someone fool themselves so hard into believing that their lover is still alive because if they didn’t, they wouldn’t be able to live on
YO. WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCCCCCC 😭 AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
THANK U FOR THE CHAPTER!!!
LOl, the translator last line cracked me up: he spend a long time in chains but then he’s back on it again, 😂🤣😂
wait what. did i miss anything?? i read this some time ago and i really love the ending from this arc coz it just hurts sooo good (haha) but from what i remember, yang qi eventually let zombie!mc eat him??? lklkfj DID I IMAGINE THAT MYSELF HAHAHAAH idk byee
Bohooo
Okay hands down sad as hell q.q
Holy shit. He was the most abusive and abused ML so far ah. Fck i only rested my eyes for 1 chapter. All the rest emptied out my blood. Waaaaa 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
Probably the most dark ending for all the arcs so far. YM just wants an ability this guy 😂
I picked this up after several months of piling up chapters and this is what I red. Crazyyy 😅😅😅 and I love it
Arthur sama try to be less abusive to my lovely ML😭😭😭