Chapter 562: Consolidating Power

Chapter 562: Consolidating Power

Baili Changqing was now the captain of the Black Robe Squad, which meant he wasn’t supposed to leak regional intelligence to Zhang Yi.

However, there was a deep secret between them. So when Zhang Yi reached out to ask about the gathering, Baili Changqing had no choice but to share at least some information.

Even if he could only reveal a fraction, it was still better than Zhang Yi making wild guesses on his own.

At this moment, in Blizzard City, Baili Changqing was dressed in casual clothes, sitting at the dining table, waiting for dinner.

Outside, snow was falling heavily, but inside, the scene was warm and cozy.

His eight-year-old son, a chubby little boy, was using chopsticks to poke at the food in his bowl, while his wife was busy in the kitchen making soup.

Despite its simple appearance, their home was classified as an A-grade residential area in Blizzard City—only captains and their families were allowed to live there.

Baili Changqing had just been promoted recently, and with good fortune came a good mood. Even his time with his wife had been especially passionate lately.

But when he picked up his phone and saw the caller ID labeled "Zhang Yi," his smile instantly froze.

His promotion had a big secret behind it—Zhang Yi’s contributions had been divided among the entire investigation team.

If the headquarters had followed standard procedure, Zhang Yi would have been the one summoned, and while it wasn’t guaranteed he’d be made captain, it certainly wouldn’t have fallen to Baili Changqing.

With this leverage in Zhang Yi’s hands, Baili Changqing’s expression turned complicated.

Little Hu looked at his father’s odd expression and asked, “Dad, what’s wrong?”

Baili Changqing looked at his son and smiled. “It’s nothing, just some work matters. You and Mom go ahead and eat.”

He took his phone, walked into the bathroom, locked the door, and carefully glanced around before answering.

“Hello, Zhang Yi?”

“Who else would it be? Captain Baili, how have you been?”

Hearing Zhang Yi’s teasing tone, Baili Changqing took a deep breath.

“Thanks to you, I’m a captain now. What do you want?”

Zhang Yi got straight to the point. “What’s the deal with the Jiangnan District’s summons? Tell me about it.”

Baili Changqing relaxed upon hearing that.

“Oh, so it’s about that! You got the email, didn’t you?”

“Just now.”

“Then that’s right. The Commander recently made the decision to consolidate all available forces in Jiangnan District.”

“We also received the notice. Since many Superhumans from different places will be coming on the eighth day of Xiyue, we need to maintain order in Blizzard City.”

“At least two investigation teams will be present.”

Zhang Yi recalled that Bian Junwu had mentioned that the headquarters had a total of six investigation teams.

Each of them was powerful enough to sweep through an entire region.

Not only were their members all high-level Superhumans, but they were also equipped with the most advanced technology and resources provided by Jiangnan District.

However, Zhang Yi wasn’t concerned about that. His main focus was the true purpose of this gathering.

“Are they summoning us to recruit us into a unified Superhuman force under regional management?”

Baili Changqing scratched his head.

“That part, I really don’t know. The headquarters doesn’t exactly share their intentions with frontline operatives like us.”

“But honestly, I think you’re overthinking it.”

Zhang Yi’s eyes narrowed. “Oh? Why do you say that?”

Baili Changqing explained, “It takes a massive amount of resources to support a single Superhuman.”

“If the entire Jiangnan District’s forces were to be centralized, wouldn’t the district have to provide for all of your living, training, and equipment needs?”

“Even with all of Blizzard City’s wealth, it couldn’t sustain that kind of burden.”

Zhang Yi scoffed. “It’s just a few thousand people. You really can’t afford to feed us?”

Baili Changqing laughed heartily.

“Superhumans do have big appetites, but food isn’t the issue! We have our own agricultural zones for self-sufficiency.”

“The real problem is the specialized medicine needed to enhance Superhumans.”

Zhang Yi’s eyes flickered. “There’s something like that?”

“Of course! A district-level power like ours has access to the most advanced national technology and the best Superhuman training methods.”

“Otherwise, how do you think Blizzard City’s Superhumans are generally stronger than those from other cities?”

Zhang Yi had learned something new, but he wasn’t envious.

If gaining strength meant giving up his freedom, he’d rather not have it.

Besides—he was already strong enough.

After hearing Baili Changqing’s explanation, Zhang Yi rubbed his nose.

“So, I can take this to mean that Jiangnan District wants us under their control but doesn’t want to provide resources for us?”

Baili Changqing shrugged.

“Not exactly! Given the chaotic times, external Superhumans are an incredibly powerful force.”

“The Commander wants to harness that power while ensuring it doesn’t spiral out of control.”

“So they’ll definitely offer you something reasonable in exchange.”

Zhang Yi felt a little more at ease. If that were the case, it wouldn’t hurt to go and take a look.

As long as he concealed his true strength, no one would know his real capabilities.

“Alright, after all that talk, I guess I’ll have to see for myself.”

Baili Changqing grinned. “I’ll treat you to a drink when you get here!”

“Sure, don’t worry—I was planning to find you anyway.” Zhang Yi responded with a smile.

Baili Changqing, of course, wanted to stay on Zhang Yi’s good side so he wouldn’t expose their shared secret.

Meanwhile, Zhang Yi took the opportunity to extract as much intelligence on Blizzard City as possible.

Both got what they wanted.

After ending the call, Zhang Yi stretched and called out to Yang Siyah.

“Gather everyone. We’ve got work to do.”

Yang Siyah, having overheard the conversation, already had a general idea of the situation.

She sighed softly, realizing that their peaceful days were once again about to be disturbed.

She nodded and went to inform everyone to assemble in the living room.

Zhang Yi sat up on the sofa, grabbed a piece of frozen cake from the table, and took a bite.

He had to show some respect to Jiangnan District’s summons.

But the message only stated that the leaders of various forces had to attend—it never said they couldn’t bring others along.

Zhang Yi considered taking his team’s main combatants with him.

This was the first large-scale Superhuman gathering in Jiangnan District.

No one knew how many regional powers would be meeting in Blizzard City.

Surviving the apocalypse and forming a stronghold meant that none of these forces were weak.

When so many powerful figures gathered in one place, conflict was inevitable.

Zhang Yi wasn’t one to start trouble, but it was always best to be prepared.

While waiting for his team to assemble, he made a call to Xing Tian to see if he had received the same message.

Xing Tian confirmed it. “Yeah, I just got it too. Zhang Yi, are we going or not?”

Zhang Yi thought to himself—if Xing Tian had received the notice, then Xiao Honglian and Chen Jingguan must have as well.

That meant the entire Tianhai City faction would be heading there together.

Author's Note