31: Chapter 31 Fortress Carnival Night

The blood and smoke of war had not yet fully dissipated, but the ecstasy of victory had already erupted within the Underworld Fortress like a long-suppressed volcano!

As the last group of teams cleaning up the battlefield returned safely with abundant loot, the heavy gates slowly closed, completely sealing off the ruins strewn with corpses outside. The interior of the Fortress instantly turned into an ocean of celebration!

"We won! We won!!"

"Long live the Master! Long live the Underworld Fortress!"

Relief after surviving a disaster, the pride of following the strong, and expectations for future life—all sorts of emotions intertwined, plunging every survivor into immense excitement and agitation. They cheered, jumped, and some even embraced each other and wept.

Lin Chen was not stingy.

He directly spent tens of thousands of nether talismans through the system to exchange for a large amount of supplies that could be considered dream-like in the apocalypse: barrels of foaming iced beer and various drinks; mountains of fragrant grilled meat, ham, and vacuum-packed cooked food; and even various fresh fruits and exquisite pastries!

An unprecedented victory banquet kicked off in the largest central square of the Fortress!

Bonfires were lit, reflecting every face overflowing with joy and excitement. Music (from sound equipment exchanged through the system) resounded through the night sky, dispelling the suppression and shadow of death from recent days.

Zhang Hao was undoubtedly the most active person on the field. Holding a shiny, greasy roasted beast leg in one hand and a beer bottle in the other, he bragged about today's battle achievements among a group of subordinates and veteran team members, his face flushed and neck veins bulging.

"Did you see that! With one swing of my axe, that grandson's head went 'splat' and disappeared like a watermelon!" He gestured wildly, spittle flying. Although it was a bit of an exaggeration, no one called him out; instead, it drew bursts of laughter and flattery.

"Brother Hao is awesome!"

"Follow Brother Hao and you'll have meat to eat!"

Zhang Hao was triumphant. He gulped down a large mouthful of beer, let out a loud burp, and glanced at Lin Chen sitting in the main seat. His voice suddenly rose, filled with incomparable fanaticism and loyalty: "Listen up, all of you! We're able to eat meat and drink beer here today all thanks to the Master's blessing! In the future, if anyone dares to have second thoughts about the Master, I, Zhang Hao, will be the first to chop them up and feed them to the ghosts before the Master even has to lift a finger!"

His roar drew a wave of agreement. Everyone raised their glasses and shouted salutes toward the main seat.

Lin Chen sat in the main seat with the finest food placed before him, but he didn't eat much. He slowly sipped a cup of Nether Fruit Wine with a peculiar taste, exchanged from the system. Watching the lively scene below, a faint, relaxed expression of total control played on his face.

Su Qingyu sat slightly below and to his side. She didn't join the revelry; only a glass of water and a small amount of food sat before her. But looking at this orderly (though noisy) celebration, and seeing the heartfelt smiles and adoration for Lin Chen on the survivors' faces, she felt a myriad of emotions.

Once upon a time, she was just a weak woman who needed protection and was full of fear for the future. Now, she had become the actual manager of this powerful Fortress, assisting Lin Chen in running it like an iron bastion. She clearly felt her own growth and transformation. This feeling of wielding power and realizing her value was far more grounding and... mesmerizing than simply relying on others.

She picked up the water cup, took a light sip, and scanned the entire venue to confirm that all logistical support was running smoothly, like a precision gear. This efficiency and composure had already become ingrained in her bones.

Just as the atmosphere of the victory banquet reached its climax, Zhang Hao wobbled over to Lin Chen and knelt on one knee with a thud, his face flushed with alcohol and excitement.

"Master!" His voice was booming, filled with absolute sincerity (or rather, awe of absolute power). "That bitch Qin Weiwei! She can't be kept! Leave her to me to handle! I guarantee I'll make her regret ever coming into this world!"

As soon as he said this, the noisy sounds around them lowered slightly, and many people looked over. The fact that Qin Weiwei was an undercover agent was no longer a secret among the upper ranks. Many people gritted their teeth in hatred for this woman with superb acting skills and a malicious heart.

Su Qingyu also looked at Lin Chen, waiting for his decision. In her view, Qin Weiwei indeed no longer had any value alive, and executing her was only natural.

However, Lin Chen swirled the fruit wine in his glass, which looked as deep as the starry sky. Looking at Zhang Hao kneeling before him, he slowly shook his head.

"No."

Zhang Hao was stunned and looked up, somewhat puzzled. "Master, she..."

The corners of Lin Chen's mouth curled into an unfathomable arc. That smile carried a coldness that intended to squeeze every last bit of value out of the enemy.

"She still has one last bit of utility."

He cast his gaze toward the depths of the Fortress, in the direction of the dark prison where Qin Weiwei was held. His tone was calm yet carried an indisputable sense of control.

"A desperate venomous snake that has already been exposed is sometimes more useful than a dead one."