Chapter 451: Outsiders and Locals
Three major bases, one religious sect, and one rogue faction—this is the current power structure in Tianhai City.
After receiving the email from the Jiangnan District Investigation Team, each faction dispatched representatives for a meeting.
Zhang Yi brought along his regular combat squad, composed of their main force from the West Base and Hua Hua. The shelter’s surroundings were currently devoid of major threats, and even in the case of an emergency, the shelter’s defenses were strong enough to hold until reinforcements arrived. Therefore, leaving no combat personnel for defense wasn’t a concern.
The other factions, however, didn’t have the same luxury. They constantly had to guard against attacks from zombie hordes and giant rats, leaving large numbers of troops stationed at their bases. Each faction leader led a select few troops to the Central Building to meet the investigation team.
The first to arrive were the people from Yangsheng Base.
Xiao Honglian arrived with a group of her subordinates in a combat vehicle, accompanied by a captain from the Western Superhuman Forces and ten elite warriors. Meanwhile, the main camp was left under Zhuge Qingtian’s command.
Upon reaching the Central Building, Xiao Honglian immediately noticed the distinctive snow vehicle.
“Just one vehicle? It seems like the District sent only a small group.” Xiao Honglian’s mood turned somber.
However, despite her disappointment, Xiao Honglian decided to meet the investigation team, hoping this was merely an advance team with reinforcements to follow.
She and her team approached the Central Building, stopping to examine a snow channel over a hundred meters long and ten meters deep.
Crouching down, Xiao Honglian ran her hand over the perfectly smooth surface of the channel. It was clearly not machine-made but rather shaped by a superhuman ability, likely a single, precise strike.
As one of Tianhai City’s top superhumans, Xiao Honglian immediately grasped the skill it took to create this. She quickly dismissed her earlier underestimation.
“There’s a master among them,” she muttered, her tone serious.
Xiao Honglian continued toward the building, but as they neared the entrance, a man in a black uniform stepped out. His face bore a smug, mocking expression as he looked at them.
“Which faction are you from?”
The man, Wu Di, had an arrogant demeanor that instantly irritated the Yangsheng Base team, making them want to punch him.
Xiao Honglian frowned. “We’re from Yangsheng Base. I am Xiao Honglian, the base leader.”
Wu Di’s gaze lingered on her before he said, “Xiao Honglian, former captain of Tianhai City’s Criminal Investigation Unit. Welcome.”
Xiao Honglian’s brows furrowed slightly—his words carried an implicit warning: "I know everything about you."
So, this is a power play? she thought to herself.
Wu Di stepped aside and gestured. “Please enter, but only you. Your men will have to wait outside.”
Xiao Honglian didn’t object and turned to her subordinates. “Wait for me here.”
One of her captains whispered, “Leader, could this be a trap?”
Xiao Honglian smirked. “Even if it is, no one here can stop me if I want to leave.”
Her confidence drew admiration from her subordinates.
Indeed, Xiao Honglian’s power was unparalleled. Countless challengers had fallen in less than 30 seconds against her.
“Yes, ma’am. We’ll wait here for your orders!”
As Xiao Honglian entered the building, Wu Di’s lips curled into a faint sneer.
Soon after, the second group arrived—representatives from Chaoyu Base.
Wei Dinghai, cautious as ever, even brought his strongest subordinate, Chen Jingguan. Recent setbacks, including battles and zombie horde attacks, had left Wei on edge.
Like before, Wu Di stood at the entrance, barring everyone except Wei Dinghai from entering.
Chen Jingguan was immediately annoyed. “What’s with all the secrecy? Afraid we’ll overpower you?”
Wu Di’s smug expression only deepened. “We only discuss matters with faction leaders. Unless you’re the leader of Chaoyu Base?”
Chen Jingguan’s face darkened, but Wei Dinghai stepped in with a hearty laugh, diffusing the tension.
“Haha, let’s not fall for such petty provocations,” Wei said. “We’re here sincerely. If they only want to talk to me, that’s fine.”
With his Ice and Snow Lord abilities, Wei Dinghai was confident in his safety, especially in this icy terrain where his powers excelled.
More importantly, he couldn’t let Xiao Honglian outshine him.
Wei patted Chen Jingguan’s shoulder. “Stay here and wait for me. Don’t engage with anyone,” he warned with a stern look.
Chen Jingguan froze for a moment before nodding. “Understood.”
Wei Dinghai calmly entered the building but remained vigilant, secretly observing everything around him.
Meanwhile, Wu Di, clearly bored, turned his attention back to Chen Jingguan.
“Too bad your boss is here. Otherwise, I would’ve liked to spar with you. Care to try now?” he taunted with a sneer.
Chen Jingguan’s expression darkened, but recalling Wei Dinghai’s warning, he restrained himself and stood aside, pretending not to hear.
This restraint earned ridicule from the nearby Yangsheng Base soldiers.
Not long after, Zhang Yi’s group arrived.
From a distance, they saw the vehicles and soldiers, immediately recognizing the presence of Yangsheng and Chaoyu Base representatives.
“Enemies meet again. Let’s hope they behave,” Zhang Yi muttered, unlocking his Desert Eagle.
After the previous Five-Armies Battle, the other bases had suffered heavy losses, likely harboring deep resentment toward Zhang Yi.
Given the delicate dynamics among the five factions, Zhang Yi prepared himself for potential conflict.