Chapter 460: Laying Cards on the Table

Hearing Bian Junwu’s high praise for Zhang Yi, the other members of the investigation team couldn’t hide their surprise.

When Bian Junwu referred to someone as a “promising candidate,” it implied potential eligibility to join their elite ranks of superhumans.

Figures like Xiao Honglian, Wei Dinghai, Xing Tian, and Zheng Yixian were merely under observation. The Jiangnan District’s recruitment standards were notoriously stringent, prioritizing not just raw power but also loyalty and intellect. Strength alone wouldn’t suffice.

Of course, this didn’t mean that every member of the investigation team was stronger than Xiao Honglian and the others. Instead, as long-standing members of the Jiangnan District, their loyalty and reliability were assured. Recruiting from outside required far stricter criteria.

“Is he really that strong?”

“How can you tell if we’ve never even seen him fight?” asked Ye Jikang, the team’s demolition expert, leaning forward with curiosity.

“First, my instinct,” replied Bian Junwu.

“Second, experience and judgment. Despite their small team, they’ve risen to become one of the top five factions in Tianhai City. That alone suggests their superhumans are exceptional.”

“As the leader of his group, Zhang Yi must have the strongest overall capabilities. And, they were the only faction to completely resolve the zombie threat near their base—a clear indicator of their strength.”

A sly smile played across Bian Junwu’s lips.

Discovering Zhang Yi had unexpectedly added a layer of intrigue to this mission. For someone like Bian Junwu, whose own growth had plateaued at a high level, uncovering new talent had become one of his few remaining joys.

Baili Changqing laughed heartily.

“Ah, I see! As expected, you’re always thinking ahead, Captain.”

The cabin fell silent for a moment as everyone seemed lost in their thoughts, some of which were less than pleasant.

A few seconds later, Wu Di broke the tension with a grin.

“Interesting, interesting! Now I really want to spar with him!”

Bian Junwu raised an eyebrow.

“Wu Di, don’t underestimate him. As I understand, his ability counters yours.”

“Oh?” Wu Di replied, his expression showing mild defiance.

“Counters me? That makes it even more interesting! Captain, what’s his ability?”

“Something extremely rare, even among specialized abilities—spatial manipulation,” said Bian Junwu.

Gasps filled the vehicle.

“Spatial manipulation!” Baili Changqing’s eyes widened as he murmured,

“Even in the Jiangnan District, spatial abilities are incredibly rare. Their strategic value is off the charts!”

Spatial powers might not offer the most direct combat potential, but their utility in areas like storage and logistics made them invaluable to any team.

“No wonder you’re considering recruiting him!” Baili Changqing laughed.

Bian Junwu responded, “It’s just an idea. We’ll see how capable he truly is. Whether he’s willing to leave Tianhai City for the Jiangnan District is ultimately up to him.”

Zhang Yi was an unexpected find, but Bian Junwu’s primary objective remained the resolution of the zombie crisis.

Meanwhile, in the lead vehicle, Zhang Yi had enabled autopilot, allowing it to head toward the shelter while he discussed the Jiangnan District visitors with Liang Yue and the others.

“These people are leagues above any other faction we’ve encountered,” Liang Yue said.

“We should be cautious and respectful in our dealings with them. The military district's people demand a certain level of reverence.”

Bian Junwu’s obliteration technique had left Zhang Yi utterly awestruck, offering him a clear sense of how formidable the Jiangnan District truly was.

Superhumans of Bian Junwu’s caliber weren’t likely in short supply within their ranks.

For now, Zhang Yi saw no harm in maintaining good relations with such a powerful force.

Sometimes, the smartest approach in life is knowing when to bow and when to stand tall.

Besides, Zhang Yi had noticed that Bian Junwu seemed to regard him with a trace of goodwill. While the source of this sentiment was unclear, it was undoubtedly a positive development.

Hours later, Zhang Yi arrived at his shelter with Bian Junwu and his team in tow.

The sight of the massive, luxurious villa left the Jiangnan District visitors momentarily stunned.

“I thought his shelter would be some underground bunker. Who knew it’d be a mansion?” said Kong Sheng, shaking his head in disbelief.

“This place is ridiculously extravagant! Even in the Jiangnan District, we don’t have shelters like this,” he added.

Meng Siyu reminded them, “Don’t forget, this used to be the residence of the richest man in China. It’s no surprise it’s of this caliber.”

They disembarked from their vehicles, taking a moment to admire the grandeur of the shelter’s exterior before Zhang Yi welcomed them inside with a warm smile.

Inside, Zhou Ke’er and the others were already waiting to greet the visitors. Having been informed earlier, their curiosity had them quietly appraising the Jiangnan District representatives.

“Zhang Yi, are these the people sent by the Jiangnan District? They really look like regular army troops!” Zhou Ke’er whispered.

Zhang Yi rarely allowed anyone into his shelter, and even then, only those with substantial authority or credentials.

“They’re envoys from the Jiangnan District, here to help resolve the zombie crisis in Tianhai City,” Zhang Yi replied.

“Prepare some food and drinks for our guests.”

Turning to his guests, Zhang Yi asked, “What would you all like to drink? We don’t have much, just some alcohol, coffee, and soda. I hope that’s alright.”

Even Bian Junwu’s eye twitched at this point, while the others struggled not to burst out laughing. The extravagance of the villa and Zhang Yi’s feigned modesty were almost unbearable.

Still, as seasoned professionals, they maintained their composure.

“Just plain water is fine,” Bian Junwu replied calmly.

The group settled into the plush couches in the living room, trying not to gawk at the luxurious surroundings.

Zhang Yi and Liang Yue sat with them, but Bian Junwu soon turned to Zhang Yi and said, “Could we have a private conversation?”

Zhang Yi nodded with a smile. “Of course. Please, follow me.”

He directed his team to entertain the other visitors while he led Bian Junwu to a small reception room.

Situated in the southeast corner of the shelter, the room featured bulletproof glass walls, offering a panoramic view of the snowy landscape outside. Its serene atmosphere made it perfect for a quiet chat.

Zhang Yi set down two glasses of plain water, one in front of Bian Junwu and one for himself.

Bian Junwu glanced at the scenery outside before sitting down across from Zhang Yi.

“Now that it’s just us, let’s hear it—how exactly did you deal with those zombies?”

Zhang Yi opened his mouth, intending to embellish his previous explanation, but Bian Junwu’s sharp gaze stopped him.

“What you told the others was a half-truth at best. That might fool them, but don’t try to play games with me. The Jiangnan District’s intelligence is far more extensive than you realize.”

Zhang Yi paused, then chuckled in resignation.

Of course, people from the top would be hard to deceive. Any more vague answers could leave a bad impression on Bian Junwu, and that was something Zhang Yi couldn’t afford.

Author's Note