Chapter 690: Reincarnation Squad

Chapter 690: Reincarnation Squad

After finishing his exchanges, Zhang Yi planned to head back to Tianhai City first and deliver the compounds to Lu Keran and Zhou Ke’er for research.

After all, Tianhai wasn’t far from here—it wouldn’t even take half a day to make a round trip.

But Baili Changqing stopped him.

With a mysterious smile, he said, “I think you should meet the people from the Reincarnation Squad first. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.”

Zhang Yi raised an eyebrow, his face full of amusement.

“I’m not trying to be some captain of the so-called ‘Simp Squad.’ Even if we’re going to work with the Reincarnation Squad, I don’t need to be the one showing up.”

“Brother Baili, why don’t you go take that captain’s seat instead?”

He patted Baili Changqing on the shoulder with a grin.

Baili Changqing gave a wry smile. “You think I don’t want to? But if you’re not capable and still force yourself to take on responsibility, that’s just a crime.”

He shook his head, clearly feeling a bit of regret over his earlier ambition.

“There’s no one more suitable than you to lead Tengu Squad.”

Zhang Yi said, “Oh? So that’s why you want me to meet the Reincarnation Squad?”

“That’s not the only reason,” Baili Changqing said, his grin deepening.

“The main reason is—their captain is a friend of mine. I just want to introduce you two.”

“A friend, huh?”

Zhang Yi curled his lip. “Fine, if that’s the case, I don’t mind meeting him.”

“Great! Come with me then. They’re getting back today.”

“Once you’ve met him, just put in a request to Zhu Shuai and head back to Tianhai.”

Out of respect, Zhang Yi should still inform Zhu Zheng.

He had no objections.

He stored the compounds into his Dimensional Space, then left the Operations Command Center with Baili Changqing.

Baili’s car was parked in the lot just outside, so they headed there.

But as they reached the intersection, they saw a convoy of vehicles speeding down the road.

Even more people were rushing toward East City, visibly excited.

Zhang Yi had pretty good hearing and caught snippets of what they were saying.

“The Reincarnation Squad is back in glory!”

“They really are the pride of the common people. Another flawless mission success.”

“Sigh, compared to them, the Celestial Squad is just…”

“Who says only the rich kids can achieve great things? Our kids from regular families aren’t any worse!”

“Gao Changkong—he’s our pride! I’ve always said he’s way better than Deng Shentong!”

...

Zhang Yi stared blankly as a crowd in down jackets ran toward East City.

Among them was a group of girls waving large flags and chanting something unclear.

Sounded like: ‘With you, I made a vow, never to forget. Your promise to me, I shall uphold for life!’

Zhang Yi was dumbfounded.

How was fan culture still so intense at a time like this?

Baili Changqing drove the car over and couldn’t help laughing when he saw Zhang Yi’s stunned face. “So? Learned something new today?”

Zhang Yi pointed at the group of girls. “Don’t they have jobs or something? So much free time?”

Baili explained, “The girls who can come out to welcome the Reincarnation Squad either have parents in high-end professions who earn enough points to support them…”

“Or…”

Baili paused, then shrugged helplessly.

“They’re just regular folks who risk everything to chase stars.”

“They’re taking a real gamble. If they miss work and can’t earn enough points, they’ll end up sleeping on the streets. They might not even have enough points left for food, hot water, or electricity.”

Zhang Yi watched their retreating figures, thinking about that chant they kept repeating.

“Gao Changkong… wait, could it be that Gao Changkong?”

Baili Changqing nodded. “Yep. That Gao Changkong.”

Gao Changkong—a household name in the Huaxu Nation.

Not some idol or internet celebrity, but a legendary basketball player.

He first dominated the domestic league, then made it to the NBA, where he played for the Akacheng Red Suns as a small forward for twelve years—and won three championship rings.

Zhang Yi turned to Baili Changqing inside the car.

“Gao Changkong… is the captain of the Reincarnation Squad?”

Baili nodded again, his eyes shining just like those fangirls outside.

“That’s right. He’s an incredible guy!”

Zhang Yi wasn’t into basketball, but even he knew the name Gao Changkong.

Anyone who played basketball would admire him.

Zhang Yi couldn’t help but mutter, “Talk about a winner in life…”

Whether before or after the apocalypse, he was outstanding and dazzling.

Baili Changqing said, “Across all of Blizzard City, he’s one of the most beloved figures.”

“Sure, compared to rich second-gen types like Deng Shentong, his background’s pretty humble, and he didn’t have many resources. But among regular folks, his influence might actually be even greater.”

Zhang Yi wasn’t a fanboy, so he couldn’t really judge.

But thinking about it, someone like Gao Changkong—born with top-tier athletic ability—would obviously be strong post-mutation too. No surprise there.

Zhang Yi calmly got into the passenger seat.

Baili started the engine and headed toward East City.

The closer they got, the more crowded the roads became.

That was rare to see in apocalyptic Blizzard City.

But everywhere Zhang Yi looked, fans were beaming with joy and excitement.

His ears were filled with praise for Gao Changkong and the Reincarnation Squad.

He couldn’t help thinking—this kind of enthusiasm probably had something to do with the recent failure in suppressing Moon of Corrosion.

Blizzard City’s leadership might even be encouraging this to help ease public frustration.

Thanks to Baili’s special license plate, they drove through traffic without any issues.

People would make way the moment they saw his plate, no matter how crowded it was.

In Blizzard City, strict social hierarchy was no joke.

When they reached the city gate, Zhang Yi finally saw the Reincarnation Squad.

Two snow-ready vehicles pulled up, doors swinging open as several team members stood waving and cheering at the crowd.

Staff from Blizzard City unfurled a massive red banner from the top of the 30-meter-high wall all the way to the ground.

"Warm congratulations to the Reincarnation Squad for their victorious return from Beiting Lake!"

On both sides of the road, countless passionate fans were screaming with joy, calling out their names.

And of course, the one they shouted the most was Gao Changkong.

Zhang Yi and Baili parked by the roadside. Baili told him they couldn’t go any farther.

This was the Reincarnation Squad’s stage now—they had to keep a low profile.

“Got it.”

Zhang Yi replied flatly. But he didn’t see Gao Changkong—he must still be inside the vehicle.

Soon, he spotted some familiar faces.

Chief of Operations Tu Yunlie, along with several high-ranking officers, had arrived.

After they showed up, Gao Changkong finally stepped out of the vehicle.

He was tall—officially listed at 1.96 meters.

Zhang Yi sized him up. He had a warm smile and looked incredibly approachable.

His build was strong, clearly well-maintained. No post-retirement bloat like some athletes.

His naturally curly hair added a West Coast vibe.

As expected, Gao Changkong’s appearance triggered another wave of screams and cheers.

Tu Yunlie said a few words of praise on behalf of Blizzard City, then left—leaving the spotlight to Gao Changkong and his team.

But Gao Changkong’s gaze fell on Baili Changqing’s car nearby.

The license plate was unmistakable. He recognized it right away.

With a smile, Gao Changkong raised his hand high, signaling Baili to come over.

Baili grinned and said to Zhang Yi, “Come on. Let’s go say hi.”

Zhang Yi opened the car door and followed him through the crowd.

Spectators nearby looked at Zhang Yi curiously.

“Who’s that guy? Never seen him before.”

“Looks like a new face. The guy next to him is Baili Changqing from the Black Robe Investigation Team.”

“Eh, the Black Robes are kinda washed now. And the Celestial Squad…”

“The Reincarnation Squad is the real deal. Who says kids from regular families can’t outperform the elite?”

Among the city’s citizens, many looked at the bright and friendly Gao Changkong in the crowd with genuine pride.

Author's Note