Chapter 130: Tensions in the Security Zone

Inside Tianfeng Security Zone.

The Zhenjiang Third-Class personnel, just captured from the military base, looked on in surprise as troops were suddenly mobilized. It was as if a command had been issued—soldiers began gathering in groups while several helicopters streaked across the sky.

At a glance, the entire security zone seemed to have plunged into a state of war.

“What’s going on? Are they mobilizing troops to attack us?”

“You really think that seeing a troop movement will make us afraid?”

Honggang glanced around and let out a cold laugh.

Raiding other security zones to snatch people was undoubtedly bold, but at least they refrained from causing injuries—a fact that could be excused. If Xiao Hai couldn’t swallow his pride and dared to have the troops surround him, he’d soon find out just how formidable three Third-Class figures could be!

“Probably not…”

“Xiao Hai isn’t that brave. Ladies and gentlemen, I believe those helicopters are heading outside the city…”

An Awakener trailing behind the Third-Class group whispered in caution. He noted that these troops appeared to be gathering outside the city, with many soldiers racing headlong toward the city gates without so much as glancing their way.

The group paused in surprise and watched intently; yet after a while, none could decipher what Tianfeng Security Zone was planning.

“Forget it—let them do what they will.”

“They wouldn’t dare leave him hanging anyway!”

Regardless of what might happen, power breeds confidence. The Zhenjiang Commander sneered, dismissing it as nothing more than Xiao Hai’s bluster—an attempt to bolster his nerve by mobilizing troops. If he were alone, he might have felt a twinge of fear, but with so many Third-Class figures present, those troops were nothing more than small potatoes.

“Keep coming up with excuses for the search! I don’t believe Xiao Hai can always act like a coward.”

Yu Zhengwei waved his hand nonchalantly.

Their intention to confront the hidden Third-Class figure was merely a ruse; the true goal was to squeeze a deal with Tianfeng while simultaneously inflicting embarrassment.

The two security zones were too close—years of rivalry and friction had long made them look down on Tianfeng.

Meanwhile, just as they planned to take some individuals back for a round of ‘interrogation’ and to humiliate the other side’s higher-ups, two military helicopters suddenly appeared from opposite directions on the horizon, each emblazoned with the emblem of the 119th Safe Zone.

“Their arrival is far too abrupt.”

The Zhenjiang Commander glanced over instinctively, and his face darkened instantly.

“119th Safe Zone? How did people from there end up here?!”

“Isn’t that the Safe Zone under General Chen Zhong of the North China Battle Zone? In other words, that’s essentially half of his direct superiors.”

“What’s going on? How did the Zhenbei Security Zone (119th) send people over here?”

Yu Zhengwei was taken aback and couldn’t help but blurt out his question.

After the apocalypse, many industrial systems were devastated. With the Doomsday System suppressing technology, most high-tech products ceased to function. Only Awakener with mechanical aptitude, blending spiritual energy with technology, could manufacture various spiritual energy vehicles or weapons. As a result, each military vehicle or aircraft was exceedingly expensive—no faction could afford many.

To deploy military helicopters integrated with spiritual energy technology, the person responsible had to be a top-tier leader.

“Commander Yu! It’s not just people from Zhenbei; that one in the back appears to be from the Tiancheng Merchant Guild!”

“I can see their emblem!”

After the two military helicopters landed in the Tianfeng parking area, it seemed Tianfeng hadn’t anticipated visitors at this hour. Many of the assembled soldiers split off and approached under the lead of a senior captain.

Yu Zhengwei and his team exchanged puzzled glances before deciding to follow along.

“Two major factions visiting Tianfeng at the same time? What’s happening? What could this rundown place possibly offer?”

“Let’s go! Check it out!”

……….

Gale-force winds howled as rapidly spinning rotors kicked up a storm of dust.

Stepping off the helicopter, Chen Yong nodded calmly to the Tianfeng garrison commander and surveyed his surroundings with curiosity.

Noticing the rather makeshift anti-aircraft guns nearby, a strange feeling welled up inside him.

What a decrepit safety zone, with pitiful defenses.

He had come with Wang Zheng this time without even exchanging greetings. After all, with the military helicopter sporting the 119th Safe Zone emblem, no security zone would dare shoot them down.

Boasting the status of Chen Kailai’s grandson, his face alone opened doors wherever he went; no high-ranking official would dare disregard him.

“Brother Ye Lin said we’re here to discuss something…”

He mumbled under his breath. Behind him, Wang Zheng looked around in confusion, while his father, Wang Tian, furrowed his brow in disapproval.

At their level, visiting a low-tier security zone like Tianfeng was almost unheard of, and even the Tiancheng Merchant Guild wouldn’t extend their business here. After all, the survivors here were generally weak, offering little profit.

A quick glance revealed that most of the stationed soldiers were ordinary people, with only a few First-Class personnel. To the average survivor, mighty Tianfeng now looked little more than a wasteland.

“Officers…”

“May I ask why you’ve suddenly come to Tianfeng?”

A uniformed middle-aged man from the Tianfeng garrison hurried forward, his eyes wide with astonishment. Though he didn’t recognize Chen Yong, he immediately identified the high-ranking official from the Zhenbei Security Zone behind him by the colonel’s insignia—a genuine post in the North China Military Region rather than merely an internal marker among security zones.

That rank was on par with their commander, if not even more prestigious! The other two, bearing the Tiancheng Merchant Guild insignia, also appeared to be of high standing.

“It’s nothing—just come over and take a look. No need to worry about us.”

He dismissed their presence with a casual remark. Unlike his treatment of Yenir, Chen Yong was rather aloof with his subordinates. With his status, he didn’t need to report anything to Xiao Hai.

“Just taking a look?” The garrison leader’s eyes widened in alarm as a torrent of unfavorable thoughts rushed through his mind.

Before he could ask any further, a hearty laugh erupted from behind.

“Ha ha, what a coincidence!”

“Never expected to run into Brother Chen and Lord Zhang Tao here! And over there, isn’t that Vice President Wang Tian of the Tiancheng Merchant Guild?”

He feigned surprise.

Yu Zhengwei quickly stepped forward, greeting them warmly.

Even though he was a Third-Class figure himself, Chen Yong’s grandfather was a mid-level Third-Class. The gap in power and status between levels was enormous—especially when facing someone of half his superior’s rank. Naturally, he greeted him with great enthusiasm.

Just as he was about to text Yenir, Chen Yong looked at the Zhenjiang Commander in surprise.

How did this old fellow even manage to show up here?

Surely he wasn’t sent by Lord Ye Lin, was he?

“How did you get here? Did Lord Ye Lin also inform you?”

Chen Yong asked instinctively. Initially dismissive, his gaze suddenly hardened as he realized that anything involving Yenir was no trivial matter.

“Ye Lin?”

Yu Zhengwei was taken aback, clearly puzzled by Chen Yong’s remark.

His smile froze as his thoughts raced.

“What does this mean? Are all these big shots here for one person?”

“No, I came to the Tianfeng Security Zone to settle a…”

Before he could finish, Chen Yong noted that Yu Zhengwei wasn’t here because of Yenir. The spark of interest vanished instantly as he waved his hand, signaling that there was no need to continue. If it wasn’t related to Yenir, he couldn’t be bothered with what that old fellow was doing here.

In that instant, embarrassment flickered across Yu Zhengwei’s face, while the Tianfeng garrison looked on with bewildered expressions.

So even the once-boastful Zhenjiang Awakener had his moments of defeat?

Unbeknownst to Chen Yong, who was busy reaching out to Yenir, the Zhenjiang group had indeed been ‘brought in’ by Yenir.