Chapter 455: Testing Strength
Zhang Yi smiled as he said to Bian Junwu, “Currently, West Hill District and Lu River District are under my control and stable.”
“So, according to your proposal, if local forces can maintain their own stability, does that mean they’ll be granted a certain degree of autonomy?”
He added with a diplomatic tone, “Of course, we’re more than happy to cooperate with the Investigation Team. If there’s anything we can help with, feel free to ask. As long as it’s within our capacity, we won’t hold back.”
“However, at this stage, we still hope to focus our energy on our own territories. After all, you all know that our numbers are limited, and we simply can’t spare forces for operations elsewhere.”
His words were measured and respectful. He maintained Bian Junwu’s dignity while making his stance clear:
If the Jiangnan District Investigation Team needs assistance, we’re willing to help—but only because we choose to. This is about giving Jiangnan District face, not because we can’t handle our own problems.
Bian Junwu stared at Zhang Yi for a long moment before replying in a deep voice, “You’ve done well. This proves that your team has remarkable wisdom and strength.”
“In the upcoming operations, we’ll need to rely on your power.”
He was willing to offer Jiangnan District respect. Besides, Zhang Yi didn’t want Tianhai City to be completely destroyed. As long as his own interests weren’t compromised, he could assist Bian Junwu in dealing with the zombie horde and the mutant rat swarm.
Bian Junwu nodded. “Then I’ll thank you in advance.”
From that moment, everyone understood that Zhang Yi had become a unique presence in Tianhai City.
Other forces sought the Jiangnan District’s help because they couldn’t resolve their problems. But Zhang Yi, acting as an ally, offered assistance. The difference in status was significant.
“Now,” Bian Junwu said, placing both hands on the table, “from this moment on, I need your unconditional cooperation with our operations!”
“Start by sharing all the information you have!”
“And for now, regardless of any past grudges, put them aside!”
“Even if you want to fight, wait until after we’ve resolved the current crisis!”
Zhang Yi maintained a relaxed smile. With his own strength intact and the problems in his territory already resolved, he feared no one.
The other factions, however, weren’t so fortunate. Struggling with their own crises, they had no time or energy to challenge others.
As a result, everyone tacitly agreed to this arrangement. For now, they would cooperate until the zombie threat was eliminated.
“Next, let’s discuss how to handle the crisis of the zombies and mutant giant rats,” Zheng Yixian said, frowning deeply.
The Followers of the Snow God had suffered the most significant losses in this crisis.
To date, at least five thousand of their members had died—either devoured or infected, forcing them to be sent back to the Snow God’s kingdom.
If this continued, the foundation of their faith would be obliterated.
At that moment, commotion erupted outside.
Everyone instinctively turned to look.
Wei Dinghai frowned deeply as he heard Chen Jingguan’s voice.
He walked to the window, flicked a finger, and the frost on the glass instantly melted, revealing the scene outside.
Something was clearly wrong—Chen Jingguan was in a standoff with members of the Investigation Team, and the atmosphere was tense.
“What’s that guy up to now?” Wei Dinghai muttered, his expression darkening as he glanced at Bian Junwu.
Noticing Wei Dinghai’s gaze, Bian Junwu asked indifferently, “What’s the problem?”
“Nothing, just some minor disagreement among my men,” Wei Dinghai replied.
Xing Tian chuckled. “Oh, a minor disagreement?”
Bian Junwu dismissed the issue with a wave. “Let them deal with it themselves. We have more important matters to discuss.”
Clearly, he had great confidence in his subordinates.
Everyone returned to the table to resume their discussion.
Meanwhile, outside the Central Building, Chen Jingguan stood with a grim expression, glaring at Wu Di and Kong Sheng.
“So what if they’re from Jiangnan District? What’s so special about them? Back in the day, I served in the Navy myself,” Chen Jingguan sneered.
“If you’ve got the guts, come fight me one-on-one! But don’t go crying to your superiors if you lose!”
Chen Jingguan had been simmering with frustration. Once a prominent figure in Tianhai City’s upper class, he’d risen rapidly in the military and, after awakening his superpowers, became the second-in-command of Chaoyu Base.
Yet the Jiangnan District Investigation Team treated him like an insignificant nobody, and he couldn’t stand their disdain.
Standing on the steps, Wu Di and Kong Sheng looked down at him, smirking as though he weren’t worth their time.
Wu Di, hands in his pockets, remarked to Kong Sheng, “Look at that—he’s actually throwing a tantrum!”
Kong Sheng sneered, “Useless people only know how to rage.”
Wu Di laughed. “But he’s issued a challenge. If we don’t accept, won’t it seem like we’re scared?”
Kong Sheng nodded. “I won’t let these small-town nobodies think Jiangnan District is on their level.”
Their mocking banter belittled the local powers of Tianhai City, with Chen Jingguan treated as the lowest of the low.
“You’re too arrogant! We’re all superhumans—you’re not necessarily stronger than us!” Chen Jingguan retorted, pointing at them.
Kong Sheng squinted and stepped down the stairs. “Fine. Let me show you the difference between a Jiangnan District superhuman and someone like you!”
As the fight loomed, onlookers from various factions gathered, eager to see just how strong these outsiders were.
Chen Jingguan smirked inwardly. He had chosen Kong Sheng deliberately, knowing the latter was an Enhancement-Type superhuman.
Enhancement-Type abilities, though common, were purely physical in nature. Kong Sheng might excel at close combat, but Chen Jingguan’s ability was a Special-Type power: Rubber.
Unless Kong Sheng’s attacks exceeded his defensive threshold, they would have no effect. And reaching that threshold would require firepower akin to artillery.