Wang Yongjie led the way while Qin Shi followed behind, one holding the map to point out the direction; the other guarded the surroundings, cautiously on alert for any criminals that might emerge.
These uninhabited areas located on the outskirts of the main city of the Tai’an Metropolitan Area resembled abandoned towns, with deserted streets, decrepit shops with tattered signs, and a network of narrow, winding alleys.
Many desperate criminals or those carrying murder cases chose to hide and survive here.
They would carve out their territories and even form gang-like organizations, creating a dark underworld akin to a "shadow world."
The commotion from the previous fight attracted much attention; Qin Shi, with heightened senses, detected multiple footsteps and varying breathing rhythms.
They were lurking in the shadows, like hyenas, observing their prey and waiting for the moment to pounce.
Forced to hide in forbidden zones, these criminals were all ruthless and ferocious, often exterminating entire families of their enemies.
Killing law enforcement officers was mentally effortless for them, as capture would inevitably result in a death sentence.
Wang Yongjie, equally perceptive, sensed the danger, his nerves tightly wound:
"If a fight breaks out later, you can protect yourself, right?"
Wang Yongjie’s face twitched. With his life force developed over sixty points, he wasn’t about to be protected by a high schooler.
"Don’t worry about me, Qin. You handle it boldly," he said confidently.
"In terms of survival skills, few in the Inspection department could match me!"
Qin Shi nodded, then disappeared in a flash like a gust of wind.
With a light step, he charged into the alley on the right, like a sharp blade stabbing forward.
Shortly after, Wang Yongjie heard a brief and rapid series of fight sounds, interspersed with the breaking of windows and the crash of heavy objects against walls.
In less than half a minute, Qin Shi emerged looking refreshed, clapping his hands and signaling Wang Yongjie to continue forward.
The latter asked curiously:
"Qin, how did you deal with those people?"
"Following the action protocol, all were executed on the spot," Qin Shi replied.
Qin was indeed ruthless!
Wang Yongjie felt a slight chill in his heart. He had seen many skilled killers.
But for someone of Qin Shi’s age to shed blood so effortlessly and without psychological burden was indeed rare.
"Brother Jie, is there a reward for the Blade Sharpening Operation?"
Qin Shi’s gaze passed over the Monument Panel; the progress for the advanced [Overgrowth] achievement had reached halfway.
Thinking that these criminal-infested forbidden zones were perfect for "grinding monsters."
"Yes. Generally, conscripted or external personnel responding to the Inspection department’s law enforcement activities fall into several categories. For example, Qin De whom you killed was mid-level management in a security company.
According to regulations, major security companies are obliged to assist the Inspection department with cases, so they actively participate to maintain good relations with the authorities.
There are also senior students from top academies joining for training, experience, or credentials.
The rest usually aim to extend the validity of their qualifications, preventing expiration."
Wang Yongjie, a seasoned veteran, knew the ins and outs well.
"But as the saying goes, "the emperor does not employ hungry soldiers." The Inspection department generally offers incentives to stimulate the unmotivated external personnel, such as resource allocation and authority enhancement.
For example, this Blade Sharpening Operation is the most extensive in history. If the expected targets are met, like sweeping hideouts and eliminating criminals, one could receive an internal exchange list from the Inspection department.
Don’t underestimate it; the equipment from the Inspection department, each piece provided by Santang Heavy Industry, far surpasses the substandard goods of the black market and is relatively affordable."
Qin Shi spread his mist-like spiritual power, covering about ten meters around him, as if he had eyes on his back, seeing all movements clearly.
"Besides completing expected targets, are there additional standards for outstanding performance?"
"Exploring deeper into dangerous areas or killing high bounty criminals."
Wang Yongjie felt uneasy as he spoke.
Could Qin be intending to...
"So, there are extra points to earn!"
Qin Shi’s eyes glimmered slightly at these words.
"Brother Jie, what rewards come with outstanding performance?"
Wang Yongjie sweated profusely, originally thinking he was here to babysit.
Never expecting to become a war correspondent and walking encyclopedia!
"Qin, you should know that the Inspection department usually permits external personnel to receive defensive gear, like charged weapons and kinetic weapons, which are off-limits.
However, due to the large number of participants and experts in this Blade Sharpening Operation, an additional weapon exchange list was introduced."
Qin Shi listened intently, feeling much tempted as he had long struggled to find suitable arms.
He greatly admired the words of Old Ren about true warriors being omnipotent when armed.
"Brother Jie, let’s speed up and annihilate the Wild Wolf Gang within twenty minutes!"
Qin Shi eagerly rubbed his hands together; he had several combat-related achievement traits, growing stronger the more he fought, not fearing any consumption of physical and life force.
"Qin, we must proceed cautiously,"
Wang Yongjie, alarmed, feared this favored Chen Ruofu junior might face unexpected disasters.