Chapter 481: Reuniting with Li Jian

After hours of discussion, the factions finally reached an agreement. The groups dispersed to organize and reinforce their respective defensive positions.

As part of the flexible action team, Zhang Yi had a lighter task—providing support wherever needed. After the meeting, he approached Yuan Kongye with a grin.

“Miss Leader, I need a small favor from you.”

Yuan Kongye raised her head, her deep and luminous eyes meeting his. They resembled the night sky—profound, infinite, and captivating.

Though her face remained expressionless and she had spoken little during the meeting, it was hard for Zhang Yi to ignore the Bai Xue Jiao’s symbolic leader.

Especially considering her unique ability.

Zhang Yi was particularly curious because one of his companions, Yang Siyah, had awakened her powers through her connection with Yuan Kongye’s Ice Soul.

Before Yuan Kongye could respond, Zheng Yixian stepped between them, his calm gaze fixed on Zhang Yi with a programmed smile.

“Mr. Zhang, if you have a request, you can tell me directly. I’ll assist you. Our Leader dedicates herself wholeheartedly to serving the gods and doesn’t involve herself in mundane matters.”

Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow.

Protective much?

He couldn’t help but wonder about their relationship.

Could they be a couple?

Shrugging off the thought, Zhang Yi replied, “Here’s the deal: one of my people is an excellent doctor.”

Pausing for emphasis, he added, “She’s my girlfriend. She’s not a superhuman and has no combat abilities. I’d like her to stay here with your Miss Leader. What do you say?”

Zheng Yixian’s expression tightened at the phrase “Miss Leader,” his brows knitting slightly.

“Mr. Zhang, please mind how you address our Leader.”

“Ah, sorry, sorry,” Zhang Yi said with mock sincerity, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.

“I thought someone who serves the gods wouldn’t care about worldly formalities.”

Zheng Yixian chose not to escalate the tension. Of all the factions in Tianhai City, Zhang Yi’s was the one he feared the most. Zhang Yi’s rise had been nothing short of extraordinary, and he had repeatedly outmaneuvered and overpowered his rivals.

Before Zheng Yixian could respond, Yuan Kongye stepped forward and spoke calmly.

“Of course, that’s fine. If Mr. Zhang is willing to bring his girlfriend to the battlefield, it shows his commitment to this mission, even at the risk of her safety.”

“And doctors are indeed crucial to our logistics. She can stay at the cathedral with us.”

Zhang Yi flashed a wide smile. “See? The Leader gets it! Done deal. Plus, with her here, I’ll make sure the cathedral stays safe. Win-win for everyone!”

Turning on his heel, Zhang Yi left the cathedral.

Yuan Kongye and Zheng Yixian watched him go, their expressions unreadable. Zheng Yixian’s eyes held a trace of unease.

“He really is the most unpredictable factor in Tianhai City.”

It was no wonder Zheng Yixian paid so much attention to Zhang Yi. His rise had been both astonishing and unsettling.

Starting as a warehouse manager, Zhang Yi had been an insignificant figure in Tianhai City. But then, he had taken down Wang Siming’s shelter, clashed with the West Hill Base, and destroyed it entirely.

During the Five Faction War, Zhang Yi had almost single-handedly crippled the Chaoyu and Yangsheng Bases, all while remaining elusive.

When the zombie wave hit, Zhang Yi was the first to secure his territory and avoid the chaos. His achievements were nothing short of legendary.

“I just hope he doesn’t become our enemy,” Zheng Yixian murmured to himself.

Zhang Yi headed toward the snow vehicles where his team was waiting, intending to update them on the meeting’s outcome.

As he walked, a familiar figure caught his eye—a gaunt middle-aged man wearing glasses and an exhausted expression.

Zhang Yi paused, narrowing his eyes. The man noticed him too, and their gazes met.

Li Jian?

It was his old neighbor, the former Walmart Tianhai City CFO, Li Jian.

Zhang Yi had assumed the man had been killed in Yuelu Residential Area during the zombie outbreak. To see him here, alive and part of the Bai Xue Jiao, was unexpected.

For a moment, Li Jian’s eyes flashed with surprise, but he quickly averted his gaze and walked away as if he didn’t recognize Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi immediately understood.

With the delicate balance between the five factions, showing familiarity with Zhang Yi could invite suspicion toward Li Jian within the Bai Xue Jiao.

Zhang Yi decided not to approach him. They weren’t close enough for him to risk upsetting the current situation.

When Zhang Yi reached the vehicles, his team was relaxing nearby. Liang Yue cradled her Loong Roar Sword while chatting idly with the others.

Seeing the dire conditions of the Bai Xue Jiao followers, they couldn’t help but feel grateful for their own circumstances.

The Bai Xue Jiao lived in what was essentially a massive slum. Most followers were emaciated, surviving on scant rations. For warmth, they huddled together, often lacking even firewood.

In contrast, Zhang Yi’s team enjoyed the comfort of their luxurious, heated shelter. Their combat uniforms provided superior insulation, powered by internal batteries, allowing for mobility and warmth without bulk.

All of this was thanks to Zhang Yi’s efforts in creating an enviable standard of living for his team.

After Zhang Yi briefed them on the meeting’s details, no one was particularly surprised—they had anticipated this outcome.

The only downside was the prospect of staying in such an environment for an extended period. The team lamented the inconveniences, particularly one glaring issue: going to the bathroom.

In these freezing conditions, exposing one’s lower body was almost a death sentence. For minor needs, it was manageable, but for anything else, even a small mistake could lead to frostbite—or worse.

While the Bai Xue Jiao had makeshift underground latrines, the enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces were unbearable for Zhang Yi’s team. Lacking resources, the cult even used the waste for fuel or biogas production.

Zhang Yi quickly came up with a solution.

“We’ll make do for now. I’ll modify two vehicles into mobile toilets—one for men and one for women. We have the resources, so there’s no need to make ourselves suffer unnecessarily.”

Author's Note