Chen Du explained, "Bai Xi is the person who sold me the intel on that Gold-Tier Supply Crate. Remember when I told you earlier today that I wanted to buy a blueprint for a special arming sword? Well, it was Bai Xi who wanted to trade."
"At first, I just planned to haggle over the price. But then, she pulled out a video of me with my face clearly visible."
"Obviously, I couldn't let that get out. So, I tracked her down, captured her, and managed to lure out her father."
"Guess what happened next?"
Xie Li leaned in eagerly, captivated by the story. Seeing Chen Du pause dramatically, she playfully tickled his side to urge him on.
"I'm not guessing—just tell me already!"
Chen Du burst into laughter before continuing, "Then, I discovered something surprising: Bai Xi isn't afraid of zombie bites. After questioning her, I found out she'd taken an antiviral serum."
"So, I struck a deal with her father. In three days, I'll exchange eight vials of antiviral serum for his daughter."
Hearing this, Xie Li finally pieced everything together.
"So that's how it went… I thought…"
Chen Du hummed softly, prompting her to continue.
"What did you think?"
Xie Li whispered, almost teasingly, "I thought Bai Xi was some stray flower you picked up outside."
Chen Du erupted into hearty laughter.
"You silly woman, thinking such nonsense! With you at home, why would I ever go looking for wildflowers?"
Xie Li chuckled softly, her tone playful yet probing.
"Oh? What about that friend you're always chatting with?"
Chen Du quickly clarified, "Lili, don't misunderstand. Tian Xiaoyu and I are just good friends…"
Before he could say more, Xie Li placed a finger gently on his lips, silencing him.
Her voice softened as she spoke, "Chen Du, there's no need to explain anything to me. Just know that I love you deeply, and I'll always stand by your side. All I ask is that you never betray my trust."
Chen Du pulled her closer, holding her tightly.
"Lili, I will always love you. You have my word."
In his embrace, Xie Li closed her eyes peacefully.
"Just make sure you keep that promise."
Chen Du smiled warmly and kissed her forehead.
---
The next morning.
Chen Du retrieved the newly crafted Enhanced Arming Sword—and examined it closely.
Enhanced Arming Sword: Silver-Tier Weapon (Special)
Attack Power: 15
Special Effect: Critical Strike (Deals an additional 30% damage to zombies; wounds inflicted cannot heal.)
He ventured to a nearby zombie-infested area, seeking a lone, unfortunate target to test the blade's capabilities.
Picking up a stone from the ground, he extended his thumb with one hand and squinted to gauge the distance. With a swift flick of his wrist—
Thud!
The stone struck the zombie squarely on its head.
The creature turned blankly toward Chen Du, growling lowly before charging at him.
Chen Du unsheathed the Enhanced Arming Sword, assuming a defensive stance.
As the zombie lunged forward, a flash of silver sliced through the air.
Its left arm fell off at the elbow, eliciting a pained roar from the creature.
Chen Du observed the wound carefully. True to its description, the injury showed no signs of healing—a stark contrast to the regenerative abilities typical of zombies. Normally, even severed limbs would stop bleeding within moments. Yet here, blackened blood continued to drip steadily, carrying the foul stench of decay.
Satisfied with the sword's performance, Chen Du delivered a final blow, decapitating the zombie. He recorded the entire process on video.
Next, he began crafting additional Enhanced Arming Swords.
[Blueprint: Enhanced Arming Sword]
Iron Sheets: 50 units
Whetstone: 1 unit
Additional Effect: Critical Strike
Level: Silver
Remaining Crafting Attempts: 19
[Craft 19 Enhanced Arming Swords?]
[Yes/No]
Chen Du selected "Yes."
[Requires 950 Iron Sheets, 19 Whetstones. Materials confirmed. Beginning crafting process.]
A ding sounded as the system notification appeared. Nineteen gleaming Enhanced Arming Swords now rested in Chen Du's inventory.
He kept ten for himself and listed the remaining ten on the trading platform.
It didn't take long for the community to notice.
ID 353346: "Just spotted ten Enhanced Arming Swords on the market. They claim to deal extra damage to zombies and prevent wounds from healing. Sounds awesome, but they're pricey!"
ID 324346: "I can afford them, but who knows if these swords live up to their hype? If they turn out to be duds, that's a lot of wasted credits."
ID 123321: "Let me save you all some trouble. This is 1945's listing. Do you really think he'd sell something this powerful? If it were real, wouldn't he keep it for himself?"
ID 355221: "I bought one. Seems solid so far, though I haven't tested it against zombies yet. Will update after combat trials."
ID 54321: "Don't waste our time if you haven't tested it! Everyone knows 1945's all about quick profits. Doubt there's anything special here."
ID 1945: "Ah, the usual skeptics, huh? Here's proof." (Attached Video)
Chen Du uploaded the footage of the Enhanced Arming Sword in action, showcasing its devastating effects on zombies. The video highlighted both the weapon's lethality and the non-healing nature of the wounds it inflicted—a clear standout among melee weapons available on the platform.
Within minutes, the ten Enhanced Arming Swords sold out instantly.
Scarcity drove demand. Even at a premium price, many survivors were willing to pay—but only those who could truly justify the expense.
Chat channels soon filled with cries of disappointment from those who missed out.
ID 453543: "Ugh! Missed out on the Enhanced Arming Sword. So frustrating!"
ID 674567: "1945, do you have any more? I'm willing to pay above the listed price!"
ID 563278: "Same here! Sent you a private message—check it ASAP!"
ID 123321: "Honestly, I don't get the hype. It's just a fancy sword. Big deal."
ID 1945: "Unfortunately, I only had ten Enhanced Arming Swords to sell. The blueprint has since degraded, meaning production is temporarily halted. For now, consider them exclusive until another blueprint surfaces."
Amidst the chaos, a shocking announcement from Sheriff's team sent ripples across the survivor community…