Chapter 263: Internal Affairs


    Ling Feng was still organizing the deployment of personnel. After all, they couldn''t bring all their forces out; a significant portion had to stay behind to protect the base. Staying behind meant no risk, but going out meant facing possible death. Zhang Yi had killed Xie Huanhuan and Liu Ziyang, and he could just as easily kill them too.


    Liang Yue''s unexpected request to join the mission drew many eyes toward her, including Ling Feng, who was somewhat surprised. Liang Yue was new, had a rather distant rtionship with others, and rarely interacted with her peers.


    Ling Feng cautioned, "Going out isn''t child''s y—it''s a life-and-death situation. The outside environment is nowhere near asfortable as the base. Are you really prepared for that?"


    Liang Yue nodded slowly but firmly. "I''ve only just arrived at the base and haven''t earned any merit, yet I enjoy high treatment here. I want a chance to prove myself!"


    Ling Feng nodded approvingly. "Alright, you''lle with us on this mission!"


    He then pointed at two other soldiers. "Zheng Xuerong, Shi Dayong, you two will also join us!"


    Both stood up and saluted. "Yes, Captain!"


    "Captain, when do we depart?" they asked eagerly, their eyes zing with anticipation. They were determined to destroy Zhang Yi''s fortress and avenge Xie Huanhuan and Liu Ziyang, knowing that the two likely hadn''t survived.But Ling Feng calmed their excitement. "Not yet! That ce is an incredibly sturdy fortress. Shen Hong and Yu Lang have already tried using regr explosives and heavy snipers, and they barely left a mark."


    "I''ve ordered Shen Hong''s team to gather intelligence and have our engineers and demolition experts assess the situation. We must be fully prepared before we proceed!"


    Even though everyone present was a Superhuman, Ling Feng didn''t dare to underestimate the task ahead. Superhumans were not invincible and with the exception of someone like Zhang Yi, who possessed spatial abilities, even other Superhumans had to be cautious around modern weaponry.


    Ling Feng''s team soon received new orders from Shen Hong and Yu Lang''s squad. They were instructed not to return yet but to move to Xu Family Town on the opposite side of the river, where they would continue to gather intelligence and await the main force.


    When Shen Hong received the orders, he immediately led his team to Xu Family Town. The arrival of more than a dozen heavily armed soldiers immediately caught the entire town''s attention. The town''s mayor, Xu Dongtang, calmly stepped forward to greet them in his official capacity.


    "Gentlemen, are you from West Hill Base?" Xu Dongtang asked.


    Shen Hong nodded. "Yes, we''re here on a mission and will be staying in your town temporarily."


    Xu Dongtang nodded eagerly. "We''re honored to have you here. It''s a privilege for Xudong Vige!"


    Other vige residents had also wanted to curry favor with the soldiers but didn''t dare challenge Xu Dongtang''s authority, as he wielded the most power. Instead, they returned to their homes and brought out whatever they could to wee the soldiers.


    The soldiers were baffled by the vigers'' hospitality. They couldn''t understand why these people were so enthusiastic, but it spared them the trouble of using force, which was a relief.


    Their arrival caused quite a stir, enough to catch Fatty Xu''s attention. Ever since Zhang Yi''s warning, he had been on edge, worried that West Hill Base would eventually involve him and the whole vige. And now, his worst fears hade true.


    Seeing the armed soldiers mingling with his vigers and rtives, Fatty Xu''s heart twisted painfully as if stretched taut and tied in a tight knot. He slumped to the floor,menting, "Oh heavens! You''re asking for trouble—why bring this disaster upon us?"


    Fatty Xu couldn''t understand Xu Dongtang''s eagerness to align with West Hill Base. All he knew was that these soldiers'' presence would bring great cmity to Xudong Vige. If Zhang Yi found out they were hosting West Hill soldiers, his ruthless nature would not spare them!


    After much hesitation, Fatty Xu made the smartest decision he could think of—contact Zhang Yi. Even if Zhang Yi sought retributionter, this might at least save his own skin.


    Soon, the call connected. Zhang Yi''s steady voice came through, "Hello."


    Fatty Xu, sitting on the floor and clutching his phone, whispered nervously, "Boss, we... we''ve got a problem!"


    In the shelter, Zhang Yi frowned slightly. As he suspected, it was rted to West Hill Base. Since they could locate his shelter, there was no reason for them to overlook Xu Family Town, such an obvious target.


    "Did West Hill Base people show up at your ce?"


    "Boss, you''re spot on! A squad of soldiers just arrived in our vige."


    Zhang Yi wasn''t surprised. Given the timing, it was likely the group he had driven away. His tone grew serious.


    "Fatty Xu, you''d better be extra careful!"


    "I''ve warned you before; these people aren''t part of any official organization. Tianhai City is already divided among various factions, so they aren''t bound by morals orws!"


    "Watch out for them raiding your vige''s food, and keep an even closer eye on your own safety!"


    Fatty Xu swallowed hard, his fear evident. "Don''t worry, Boss. If I need to run, they won''t catch me easily." His abilities made him quite adept at self-preservation.


    "They''re now being treated as honored guests. Every household wees them warmly. No one listens to anything I say."


    Zhang Yi chuckled softly. "Then don''t bother with them. It''s pointless to advise those who are determined to meet their fate. Just protect yourself and the people who matter to you."


    "But remember this, Fatty," Zhang Yi''s voice turned cold. "I''ve always treated you as a brother and valued you greatly. But if you ever betray me, you know what will happen."


    Fatty Xu, ever the coward, wasn''t even aware of his own potential strength. His power to manipte ice and snow, if fully developed, could be terrifying. Zhang Yi didn''t want to lose such a capable subordinate, but if Fatty Xu were to betray him, he wouldn''t hesitate to end him.


    Fatty Xu quickly reassured him, "Boss, you can count on me! I''m loyal to you!"


    Zhang Yi nodded. "Good."


    He was about to suggest that Fatty Xue to the shelter to avoid danger, but an idea suddenly struck him, and he changed his mind.


    "Stay in the vige for now, Fatty. I need someone there to keep an eye on things and keep me updated on their movements."


    Author''s Note