Chapter 698 - Yang Xinxin Volunteers for Battle
Yang Xinxin’s analytical thinking opened up a new door in Zhang Yi’s mind.
He had never once considered that there might be a traitor inside Blizzard City.
Even with political power struggles, he didn’t think anyone would be insane enough to collaborate with Moon of Corrosion.
But when all impossibilities are eliminated, whatever remains—no matter how unbelievable—must be the truth.
Truthfully, Zhang Yi had also been unable to make sense of how the Celestial Squad could be wiped out so easily.
Even if they couldn’t win, surely they could have escaped, right?
At the very least, when Zhang Yi took down the western Moon of Corrosion members, it hadn’t taken much effort.
Sure, that had something to do with how strong he was, but the Celestial Squad weren’t some bunch of nobodies either.
That’s why they were so thoroughly countered in battle.
And no one had paid any attention to Zhang Yi, a superhuman from the Outer City.
That was the only reason he was able to exploit the situation and achieve such a glorious victory.
Zhang Yi fell silent.
Too complicated. This whole thing is just way too complicated. I can’t figure it out.
Originally, he hadn’t planned to get involved in other people’s business.
But now, he was caught in the middle of it.
What if I end up getting dragged in and stabbed in the back too?
Seeing Zhang Yi’s conflicted expression, Yang Xinxin continued analyzing the situation.
“Brother, Zhu Zheng wants you to become a team captain, to lead a new investigation team, right?”
“Have you ever thought about why that is?”
Zhang Yi looked at her and said, “Because my ability can help them deal with Moon of Corrosion. And judging from the last campaign, I’m strong.”
“Sure, strength is a factor. Strength is always important. After all, if someone really wanted Deng Shentong dead, they’ve already achieved that.”
“So now, no one really wants Jiangnan District to lose to Moon of Corrosion. That means from here on out, no one will try to sabotage the next operation.”
“And the person leading the team—not only do they need to be strong, but they must also have one crucial trait: they must not pose a threat to the upper ranks’ power.”
“Because every strong superhuman in Blizzard City already has a significant status.”
“At this point in time, whoever defeats Moon of Corrosion and restores the reputation of Jiangnan District—or even Huaxu Nation as a whole—their fame will soar to unimaginable heights.”
“And that person could very well become Zhu Zheng’s successor.”
“But Blizzard City has multiple factions keeping each other in check. No one wants to see another side take all the glory.”
Zhang Yi said thoughtfully, “So that’s why they’re pushing someone like me—an Outer City superhuman—into the spotlight?”
“I don’t have any roots in Blizzard City. Even if I complete the mission, I won’t threaten the upper ranks’ power structure.”
“And,” Zhang Yi chuckled, “I’ve always refused Blizzard City’s offers to recruit me. That makes it clear I’m not interested in power or Blizzard City at all.”
“So even if I do succeed and become a hero in everyone’s eyes, they can easily spin it to let me stay in Tianhai City.”
“So that’s it… that’s how it is.”
Zhang Yi wasn’t a fool. After Yang Xinxin’s explanation, things became very clear.
“This whole thing is a damn swamp,” Zhang Yi sighed.
But Yang Xinxin smiled. “Actually, Brother, you don’t need to worry so much. If it really is like that, then you’re actually safer.”
“Because only with you as the Celestial Hound Squad’s captain can Blizzard City reach a relative peace. Only then will the major factions reach a consensus and stop tripping each other up.”
Zhang Yi shrugged. “Let’s hope so. Anyway, I’ve already made up my mind. This mission is a huge challenge. If things go sideways, I’m bailing. Gotta stay alive first.”
He was pretty pragmatic about it.
More importantly, Zhang Yi had a good grasp of himself.
He hadn’t let his powerful awakening go to his head. Just because he could fight didn’t mean he thought he was invincible.
This whole Moon of Corrosion mess was way too deep—like a giant spinning roulette wheel.
And anyone caught in the wheel could become a sacrifice.
He had to move cautiously, step by step, and never let hot-blooded emotion cloud his judgment.
Yang Xinxin lowered her head and gave a sly, mysterious smile.
“Well, if you’re so worried, why not take me along this time? With me there, I can help you come up with strategies too.”
The little demon girl had talked so much, but this was her true goal.
Only when Zhang Yi needed her—only then could she stand by his side and prove her worth.
Zhang Yi gave Yang Xinxin a long, thoughtful look.
The girl’s intentions were written all over her face—she wasn’t hiding a thing.
After thinking for a moment, Zhang Yi said, “You’ve never experienced a real battlefield. People die out there. I can’t even guarantee I’ll be able to protect you the whole time. Do you understand?”
Although Yang Xinxin had awakened her superhuman ability, Zhang Yi still didn’t fully understand its effects.
She was just an eighteen-year-old girl. If something went wrong on the battlefield… he didn’t even want to imagine it.
But Yang Xinxin looked at him earnestly. “I won’t drag you down, Brother! Don’t treat me like a kid.”
“And besides, wouldn’t it be safer to have your own people around during this mission?”
At that moment, Uncle You spoke up too. He slapped his thigh and earnestly offered:
“She’s right, Zhang Yi. You can’t trust the folks from Blizzard City. But you can trust us.”
“Let me go with you too!”
Zhang Yi quickly waved his hands. “Cut it out, seriously. This opponent is no joke. Even Blizzard City hand-picked their best elites for the last fight.”
“I’ll think about it, alright?”
Truth be told, he was seriously considering bringing Yang Xinxin with him.
When it came to brains, she was far more useful than he was.
For small-scale problems, Zhang Yi’s smarts were enough. But this current situation was a tangled mess.
Plus, Yang Xinxin came from upper-class society—she understood political maneuvering far better than he did.
He had to focus on strategy and battle, but he also had to deal with Blizzard City’s hidden agendas. He just didn’t have the bandwidth.
On the other hand, bringing Yang Xinxin would also give him a chance to observe her superhuman ability in action—and help her develop it in the field.
Worst case, he could assign Hua Hua to protect her.
After dinner, Zhang Yi chatted with everyone a little longer. It was mostly warnings not to go out, and to stay alert for any unusual movements in Tianhai City.
Then he pretended he was going back to his room to rest.
But instead, he quietly made his way to Yang Xinxin’s room.
Yang Xinxin was sitting on her pink princess bed, looking up sweetly at him.
“Brother, I knew you’d come.”
“You made your choice. Now you have to know what comes next.”
Zhang Yi took a deep breath—and pulled a gun out of his pocket.