Chapter 509: Luring the Enemy into the Trap

Zhang Yi pulled out his satellite phone and activated the pre-programmed control system to guide the mechanical rat deeper into the subway.

This lifelike mechanical rat, crafted by Lu Keran, was so realistic that only a close inspection could reveal its artificial nature.

It could even mimic a rat’s squeaks and engage in simple communication.

The mechanical rat darted through the underground tunnels at high speed. Given how vast the Ao Mountain District subway network was, it wouldn’t be possible to scout everything in a short time.

But Zhang Yi wasn’t in a hurry—he had all the patience in the world for this task.

Everything the mechanical rat saw and heard was transmitted back to Zhang Yi’s satellite phone in real time.

Two long hours passed.

Then, they finally found what they had been looking for.

At the deepest section of Ao Mountain District’s subway tunnels, they spotted a horrifyingly large horde of zombies lying in a dormant state.

Layer upon layer of corpses piled up, blocking multiple subway passages entirely.

By Zhang Yi’s rough estimate, there were at least 300,000 zombies—and that was just the lower limit.

The actual number was likely far greater, but the mechanical rat couldn’t advance any further due to the sheer density of the undead.

“Tianhai City had a pre-apocalypse population of nearly 20 million—a perfect breeding ground for zombies,” Zhang Yi muttered.

“If given enough time, this zombie army could grow to an unimaginable scale.”

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Yi immediately commanded the mechanical rat to retreat from the horde and slip into a drainage tunnel.

There, it entered standby mode—ready to be reactivated if necessary.

If he didn’t need it again, it would remain hidden indefinitely to avoid detection.

With the reconnaissance mission complete, Zhang Yi and Hua Hua swiftly withdrew from the subway tunnels.

As he emerged back onto the snow-covered surface, a gust of cold wind hit him.

Gazing at the vast, frozen wasteland before him, he exhaled a long breath.

“I was right… but I can’t feel happy about it at all.”

“The real challenge… is just beginning.”

Zhang Yi’s eyes narrowed coldly.

Meanwhile, the Investigation Team had not yet left Tianhai City.

Despite their victory against the Followers of the Snow God, where they had eliminated six Zombie Kings and left hundreds of thousands of zombies in disarray…

They still needed to ensure that the zombie crisis was truly over.

Their final task was simple—confirm that Tianhai City no longer had any organized zombie armies led by intelligent creatures.

Thus, they scouted the subway tunnels near major faction territories, searching for hidden hordes.

But after more than ten days, they found no evidence of any surviving Zombie Kings.

Naturally, most of the seven Investigation Team members began to believe the crisis had ended.

Inside a black snow vehicle, Wu Di lounged in his seat with his hands behind his head, lazily muttering:

“Can we go back now? There aren’t any more zombie hordes—just a few scattered brainless ones.”

“Let the locals clean up the rest. We should head back to Blizzard City and take a well-earned break!”

The team chuckled and nodded in agreement.

Vice-Captain Baili Changqing glanced at Bian Junwu, knowing that their leader had the final say.

“Boss, is there anything else we need to wrap up?”

Bian Junwu adjusted his mirrored sunglasses.

“So far, nothing seems off…”

But deep down, he felt uneasy.

That unease was the only reason he hadn’t ordered a retreat yet.

His instincts came from two things:

First, his extensive experience in handling complex crises.

Second, something Zhang Yi had told him before.

The Tianhai City mission had gone too smoothly.

Even though many people had died, the Investigation Team itself had suffered zero casualties.

And in just one battle, they had taken out six Zombie Kings?

It felt like a scripted scenario, far too convenient.

Bian Junwu had handled countless difficult operations. He knew the difference between a natural disaster and a man-made catastrophe.

And this mission… felt staged.

However, despite his suspicions, they hadn’t found anything unusual.

And they couldn’t stay in Tianhai City forever.

Their superiors had already urged them to return after receiving their reports.

Blizzard City’s high command was particularly interested in Yuan Kongye and her Ice Soul ability.

Glancing at his relaxed teammates, Bian Junwu decided:

“Fine. Let’s head back to Blizzard City.”

A cheer erupted inside the vehicle.

Qi Guangming and Kong Sheng high-fived excitedly.

With the mission complete, they would soon receive their rewards and enjoy a well-earned vacation.

Baili Changqing laughed, “Too bad Zhang Yi and Yuan Kongye aren’t coming with us.”

Biology and medical expert Meng Siyu raised an eyebrow, amused.

“Oh? Vice-Captain, are you that interested in them?”

Baili Changqing grinned.

“Actually, there are quite a few Superhumans in Tianhai City that I find impressive. But Zhang Yi and Yuan Kongye stand out the most.”

Meng Siyu thought for a moment, then nodded with a smile.

“That makes sense. Special-Type Superhumans reaching Delta-level strength are extremely rare.”

Zhang Yi’s ability would be invaluable in any team.

Meanwhile, Yuan Kongye’s power was at a strategic level.

By comparison, combat-focused fighters like Xiao Honglian, Xing Tian, and Wei Dinghai were strong, but not rare in Blizzard City.

Bian Junwu thought about Zhang Yi and Yuan Kongye and remarked coolly,

“We’ll discuss them later.”

If Zhang Yi wasn’t interested in joining Blizzard City, Bian Junwu wouldn’t force him.

But if Yuan Kongye’s ability was proven to mass-produce Superhumans…

Then whether she wanted to go or not wouldn’t be her choice.

With his decision made, Bian Junwu ordered the team to return home.

Baili Changqing turned the snow vehicle around and drove toward the Tianhai City border.

However, just before they left the city, Bian Junwu’s satellite phone rang.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Hmm?”

Baili Changqing noticed and asked, “Boss, is it a call from HQ?”

“No,” Bian Junwu replied flatly. “It’s Zhang Yi.”

At the mention of Zhang Yi’s name, Wu Di immediately frowned, his face full of impatience.

“This guy… of all times, he calls us right before we leave? What, is he looking for trouble?”

Wu Di had always disliked Zhang Yi, even showing open hostility toward him.

Zhang Yi was aware of it, but had no idea why—he had never done anything to offend Wu Di.

Bian Junwu ignored Wu Di’s complaint.

As the satellite phone continued ringing, he calmly reached out and pressed the answer button.

Author's Note