Chapter 450: A Delicate Balance of Power

North China Battle Zone.

Tiancheng Merchant Guild Branch.

“Chairman Wang, why didn’t you greet us upon arriving? If I’d known you were leading the team yourself, I’d have made sure everything was in order!”

Inside the Zhenjiang Security Zone, a large group of renowned Third-Stage Awakened encircled Wang Tian like stars around the moon, their expressions unashamedly full of sycophantic praise.

On the perimeter, numerous high-ranking Safe Zone figures from various factions watched with envy as Xiao Hai stood by Wang Tian’s side.

“There’s no need for a reception.”

“Xiao Hai and I allocated the spirit energy ore quotas according to Yenir’s orders.”

“They’re meant for you—I’ll distribute them accordingly. I’m simply doing Yenir’s bidding, so there’s no need for such courtesy!”

Calm and composed.

Facing a crowd of top Third-Stage officials he once had to grovel before, Wang Tian kept his expression steady as he spoke coolly.

Among them were Safe Zone commanders, army regiment leaders, and formidable Third-Stage Awakened.

In the past, each one was a figure he’d have revered and fawned over.

But now, at his word, these former luminaries scrambled to curry favor with him!

Neither servile nor overbearing.

Yet, in his eyes, the thrill and pride were impossible to hide.

Ever since Yenir handed over full authority over part of the spirit energy ore quota to him and Xiao Hai just over a week ago, his status had skyrocketed—drawing all kinds of factions like cats lured by the scent of fish!

Even the chairman position he had long coveted was snatched up the moment news broke.

Or rather, the previous chairman stepped aside willingly, hoping that Wang Tian wouldn’t hold past slights against him.

Everyone knew that Wang Tian was now one of Yenir’s trusted inner circle—wielding significant power!

In the capital he might have been a minor figure, but locally, even a military district commander wouldn’t dare underestimate him!

After all, he had Yenir firmly behind him!

“Chairman Wang, this time you’ll have to allocate more quota for us…”

“You know, there are plenty of mutants in the North China Battle Zone. A single sortie of our fighter jets consumes an enormous amount.”

“Since we’re all in the same battle zone, you really must help us out!”

“Exactly! Chairman Wang, remember, Yenir is also from our North China Battle Zone. In the past, we barely received any quota and had to supply other zones, leaving the survivors in dire straits…”

Amid the earnest requests, Wang Tian calmly dismissed several Safe Zone executives hinting at potential kickbacks.

He understood well that in these apocalyptic times, spirit energy ore was as vital as oil once was—indispensable for both industrial production and weaponry.

In the past, the entire Huaxia Battle Zone suffered from energy shortages; the lower battle zones fared even worse.

The quota Yenir assigned him was enough to sustain two large battle zones for two years—and it was top quality!

Such vast authority was essentially a gold mine—who wouldn’t want a slice of the pie?

Yet he knew that these people were pleading not for Wang Tian’s prowess, but because of Yenir!

Extra gains? Cashing in on the power granted by Yenir?

Wang Tian could only snicker inwardly as he watched various high-ranking officials trying to get him alone for private discussions.

No…

Ever since he witnessed true power, he knew that as long as he stayed aligned with Yenir, such trivial gains were nothing.

The millions—even tens of millions—of credit points that once dazzled him now meant nothing at all.

His sole mission was to follow Yenir’s lead and execute every task flawlessly!

As long as Yenir remained, Wang Tian’s future would be limitless!

After politely dismissing the overtures, Wang Tian and Xiao Hai headed straight to the meeting room to discuss how to distribute the quota.

The stakes were high—his allocated share could shape the development of an entire battle zone!

Meanwhile, watching Wang Tian blatantly ignore their departure, former Tianfeng Security Zone officials from Zhenjiang wore complex expressions and sighed repeatedly.

Unlike others who could still muster the nerve to curry favor with Wang Tian, these top officials dared not even approach him.

The reason was plain—they had once offended Xiao Hai.

Though Xiao Hai never showed any sign of retribution, everyone knew that a single word from him, as one of Yenir’s close aides, could affect the quota distribution.

“Damn…if only I hadn’t offended that guy when I was in Tianfeng back then.”

“Ah, if I had encountered Yenir earlier, we might be the ones surrounded right now.”

“Exactly…just over the quota allocation—a military district commander would have to plead with them. His status really shot up overnight…”

“Honggang, I heard that the mutant you lost was actually snatched by Yenir?”

Standing dejectedly among the Zhenjiang officials, a Third-Stage Awakened shot a peculiar glance toward the usually silent Honggang, as if recalling something.

Their troubles in Tianfeng Security Zone with Xiao Hai had all stemmed from Honggang’s mishap.

“Maybe so…”

With a bitter smile, Honggang—who had once vowed to find out who stole his kill credit for the corpse tiger—now looked utterly disheartened.

He never expected that the person who struck from behind would turn out to be Yenir!

“Damn…if only I had known it was Yenir back then—I would have gladly offered my hands in surrender!”

Recalling the day he, Wang Tian, and the others ‘struck it rich’ only deepened Honggang’s anguish.

He knew that Wang Tian’s connection to Yenir was merely due to his son supposedly helping out Yenir, paving the way for him. And as for Xiao Hai, he was the former commander of Yenir’s home Safe Zone.

In his eyes, the two had merely ridden a wave of luck…

In truth, his own contributions to Yenir far exceeded theirs!

“Who would have thought…”

Bitter regret.

Given another chance, after having his kill credit snatched, Honggang would’ve pursued Yenir relentlessly—even shamelessly begging to be taken on as a subordinate.

……………

“Commander Xiao, according to Yenir’s orders, he wants us to unite with some private factions and exchange personnel for quota.”

“Take a look at the distribution list—I believe these companies are well-suited for it.”

Inside the meeting room, Wang Tian cautiously pointed at the list.

Under Yenir’s directive, they were no longer after wealth from this quota; what was needed was manpower!

Though no one knew what Yenir intended, they followed orders without question.

“I think it works.”

“Many Safe Zones are willing to pay a premium for extra spirit energy ore. We can certainly negotiate with them.”

“Especially some Private Faction Third-Stage groups, desperate due to energy shortages—we could subtly hint that they join us!”

“By forming a consortium of mutual benefit, we might even assemble an elite force in a short time!”

Compared to Wang Tian’s merchant-like mindset, Xiao Hai had already begun to deduce Yenir’s true plans.

Some things, however, he preferred to keep to himself…

With this quota, even if they pocketed no extra profit, the benefits offered by all sides would be astronomical!

If managed well, it could rapidly form a highly capable armed force!

Just as the two prepared to carefully study how to maximize the benefits from this quota and serve Yenir, a sudden, piercing sonic boom echoed from afar.

At the same time, domineering shouts resounded from outside the meeting room:

“Capital Military District, Third Army, Army Affairs!”

“Clear the way, everyone!”