Chapter 600: The Art of Language

Chapter 600: The Art of Language

Bai Chunyu led Zhang Yi into a room. The temperature inside was quite comfortable, and the decoration was exceptionally stylish.

It might not be appropriate to call it luxurious, but it was full of modern vibes. The furniture inside had a cyberpunk style, giving off a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Bai Chunyu said to Zhang Yi, “Wait here for a bit. Our captain will come over as soon as he finishes the matter on his side.”

As he spoke, he clapped his hands, and immediately a maid entered carrying a teapot, pouring Zhang Yi a cup of tea.

“Thank you,” Zhang Yi said politely, picking up the teacup and taking a sip.

Bai Chunyu left the room, and Zhang Yi started to observe the surroundings while waiting for Deng Shentong.

Outside was a large floor-to-ceiling window, beyond which used to be a garden and a lake—or at least, it probably was.

Now, everything was frozen solid.

Zhang Yi thought to himself,

Sure enough, this is a major family of Blizzard City, wealthy as expected, but even they can’t afford to heat the entire manor these days.

Money is useless now. Resource distribution is based on contribution. Even big families can't waste them. After all, Commander Zhu Zheng wouldn’t allow it.

The room, meanwhile, was the perfect comfort zone of a rich second-generation kid.

Soft sofas, a huge TV hanging on the wall, and scattered video game cartridges littered across the carpet.

Zhang Yi casually picked up the remote control on the coffee table and turned on the TV.

As expected—just static!

He could play games, but considering the time might be too short, Zhang Yi gave up on the idea.

If I can't fully enjoy it, I'd rather not play at all.

The wait wasn’t long. Less than half an hour later, Deng Shentong’s voice came from outside the door.

“Zhang Yi, you’re here!”

Zhang Yi glanced at the time. 5:58.

Didn’t expect the captain of the Celestial Squad to be this punctual.

Deng Shentong took off his coat. His tall and lean figure stood firm and agile, clearly the body of someone who trained regularly.

Zhang Yi turned to look at him. “Just got here not long ago.”

Deng Shentong took a hair tie out of his pocket and casually tied his long hair into a ponytail. Then, putting on slippers, he came over to Zhang Yi’s side.

“Creak—”

He plopped onto the sofa, letting out a leisurely sigh as if he had just finished some exhausting work.

Zhang Yi watched him curiously. Today, this captain gave off a completely different vibe compared to last time.

“Do I have a flower on my face?” Deng Shentong asked with a charming smile.

“Not exactly. It's just that you’re too handsome. I couldn’t help but take a few more glances,” Zhang Yi replied with a grin.

This time, Deng Shentong was visibly stunned. He didn’t expect Zhang Yi to be so unpredictable.

Not many people usually spoke to him like this.

“Hahaha! You’re really something!” Deng Shentong slapped his thigh and laughed.

“By the way, I heard you didn’t sign up for the operation to wipe out Neon’s [Moon of Corrosion]? What’s your reasoning?”

The question came out of nowhere.

Zhang Yi thought for a moment and answered with a smile, “The thirteen cities of Jiangnan—even if Blizzard City’s Investigation Team and the Yan Yun Guards don’t make a move—there are still dozens of forces from the twelve outer cities.”

“My participation won’t make much of a difference. Plus, Tianhai City is still in ruins. You must have heard, we all suffered heavy losses. Now’s not the time for more conflict.”

Deng Shentong rubbed his chin and nodded after hearing Zhang Yi’s explanation.

“You make a fair point. But your strength is clearly way above the other superhumans in the outer cities. If you went, I think the chance of taking down the Ronin would be much higher.”

Zhang Yi’s eyes flashed with a strange light.

What’s Deng Shentong trying to imply by saying this out of nowhere?

“But I’m not alone. I represent a whole team.”

Deng Shentong chuckled dismissively.

“If you don’t want to go, don’t go! I was just casually asking. Maybe your choice is the wiser one.”

He actually knew the inside story, but that wasn’t something he could tell Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi, hearing this, grew more certain of his suspicion.

It’s probably just as I thought—the Moon of Corrosion in Linhai City isn’t so easy to deal with!

Next, Deng Shentong said directly, “Let’s not beat around the bush. You should already know why I called you here today. How about it? Join my squad!”

Deng Shentong looked at Zhang Yi with a smile and extended his right hand, listing all the benefits of joining the Celestial Squad.

“The Celestial Squad is the strongest force in all of Jiangnan District!”

“Once you join us, you’ll be untouchable across Jiangnan!”

“You’ll enjoy supreme glory and command awe and respect.”

“And to put it more bluntly, if you want women or resources, I can provide those too. In short, you can get whatever you want with me!”

Deng Shentong spoke with absolute confidence.

He wasn’t just selling dreams—he firmly believed that under his command, these things were all easily attainable.

And truthfully, he did have that kind of power.

Zhang Yi sighed, “You really are incredible! In my life, I’ve seen many outstanding geniuses, but it’s my first time meeting someone as wealthy and gifted as you.”

Zhang Yi’s flattery clearly pleased Deng Shentong.

He flipped his long hair with satisfaction. “That just means you’ve seen too little of the world! But you’ll have the chance to follow me and see a broader one.”

He reached out his right hand to Zhang Yi. “Come on, join the Celestial Squad!”

Zhang Yi’s eyes were filled with "gratitude."

“This... this is really touching. So, if I join the Celestial Squad, I’ll be safe, right? No life-threatening danger?”

Deng Shentong confidently smiled, “Of course! I, Deng Shentong, have the ability to protect my team!”

Zhang Yi let out a long breath.

“Well, in that case, that’s great. I’ll join the Celestial Squad!”

Zhang Yi declared.

Deng Shentong’s face lit up with joy.

But the next moment, Zhang Yi added, “But, I’m actually pretty scared of dying. How about I stay in the city and handle logistics for you?”

Deng Shentong’s smile froze instantly.

“You... you’re kidding me, right?”

Zhang Yi blinked. “Weren’t you the one who said you’d guarantee my safety? I think staying inside Blizzard City is the safest.”

The corner of Deng Shentong’s mouth twitched violently.

What I need is a soldier who can fight! What’s the use if you don’t even leave the city?!

But Zhang Yi went on, “I truly admire your strength and generosity. So, if I join the Celestial Squad, I’ll definitely be better off than before, right?”

“If you know anything about me, you should know that I spent most of my time in Tianhai City hiding inside the shelter. I never took the initiative to leave.”

“Even my ability is mainly defensive. Abilities reflect the true nature of a superhuman. Since I’m naturally defensive, of course I won’t take the initiative to attack.”

Author's Note