Chapter 927: Provocation

Chapter 927: Provocation

Chapter 927: Provocation

After Zhang Yi had chatted with the three of them for a while, he found their personalities quite straightforward and refreshing.

Unconsciously, he began opening up more in conversation.

However, he deliberately brought up the matter of the Divine Source.

Pretending to be casual, he raised his wine glass. "You've already obtained the intelligence about the Divine Source. I thought the East Sea Region would send you there! Surprisingly, you're here on escort duty instead."

"This is rather strange. Even if there is a Divine Source, logically it should be given to you first, right?"

Confused expressions appeared on their faces.

"Divine Source?"

"What is that thing?"

The key point was that since Zhang Yi had already disclosed everything, they had no reason to fake it now.

Zhang Yi smiled inwardly.

This was pretty much what he had expected.

Something as classified as the Divine Source wouldn't be easily known unless you were directly involved in the mission.

If he hadn't been tasked with going to the ocean back then, even Zhu Zheng wouldn't have told him.

He put on a surprised expression. "You really don't know? Seriously?"

Then he proceeded to explain everything about the Divine Source to all three of them.

"That thing, they say it can break through genetic limitations. Simply put, it can cause a second mutation in superhumans stuck at the Delta level, unlocking genetic restrictions and opening the door to Epsilon!"

As soon as these words were spoken, their expressions instantly changed.

Currently, these three were already top-tier superhumans in the East Sea Region.

However, within the Four Spirits, there still existed strict hierarchies.

The gap between them and Xuanwu was literally like heaven and earth.

Sometimes they even felt like they were just there to make up the numbers.

It was only because Xuanwu Meng Yingchuan requested that title that the other three were gathered to complete the set.

Not being Epsilon-level meant they stood almost no chance against a true Epsilon.

Even if all three of them combined their strength, they wouldn't be enough to take on Xuanwu alone.

Of course they hoped to break through their genetic limitations and become more powerful superhumans!

Zhang Yi downed his glass of wine, his eyes slightly unfocused as he spoke casually:

"Don't worry, good steel should be used on the blade's edge, not on the back. If the East Sea Region obtains the Divine Source, they'll definitely use it on one of you three. When that time comes, I'll have to congratulate that person!"

Zhang Yi's words stirred up complicated feelings within them.

Although none of them were fools and knew Zhang Yi was deliberately trying to sow discord.

But they couldn't deny that what Zhang Yi said was the truth.

If there was only one opportunity, who would be willing to give it up?

Just then, Zhang Yi murmured: "But it's hard to say for sure. If there really is such an opportunity, I believe there might be others besides you three who would want the Divine Source."

"The East Sea Region is full of talented people. While you three are the top experts, there might be others with comparable talent."

He chuckled: "To be honest, if I were Li Guangxiao, I'd definitely give that thing to someone closest to me. After all, in this apocalypse, you can only trust your own people."

Qinglong suddenly laughed loudly: "Brother Chaos, you're exaggerating a bit too much. Commander Li is completely selfless, focusing entirely on the peace and stability of the East Sea Region and the maritime defense of Huaxu Kingdom. He would definitely handle things impartially!"

Zhang Yi nodded: "Ah, right right right. I've had too much to drink, heh!"

He downed another glass of wine, noticing the subtle changes in their expressions.

Zhang Yi smiled inwardly.

It was quite satisfying to mess with the East Sea Region like this.

If in the future, the East Sea Region somehow obtained the Divine Source but didn't give it to these three, their unity would probably fall apart.

However—

Whenever he thought about the Divine Source, a cold glint flashed deep in Zhang Yi's eyes.

His original plan had been to hand over the intelligence to Zhu Zheng.

Facing the Colombian Ocean Fleet at sea, it would be difficult for the Jiangnan Region alone to obtain that thing.

Even though Zhang Yi possessed spatial abilities, his lifelong cautious nature made him unwilling to take reckless risks.

Spatial abilities weren't absolute.

His previous encounter with Cadillus had taught him that lesson.

Against a truly powerful expert with absolute strength, even he could be killed.

Therefore, Zhang Yi believed cooperation between the Jiangnan Region and East Sea Region was the best approach.

But instead, the East Sea Region had chosen underhanded methods and imprisoned Zhang Yi.

This made Zhang Yi extremely unhappy.

If given the opportunity, he would definitely strike back at the East Sea Region.

Zhang Yi knew when to stop and didn't continue the conversation further, having planted the seed in their minds.

About half a day later, they arrived at Blizzard City.

The three had come purely out of curiosity about Zhang Yi personally, taking this escort opportunity to get to know him without any other agenda. After delivering him, they returned.

The welcoming party for Zhang Yi and Rose Squad was much more elaborate.

For the first time, Zhu Zheng personally came to the station to receive someone.

Almost all high-ranking officials from the Operations Command Center were present, with heavy security surrounding the area.

As Zhang Yi got off the vehicle, Zhu Zheng immediately approached and firmly grasped both his hands.

"You've suffered during this time!"

Zhang Yi looked moved. "It wasn't hard. Serving the region!"

Linghu Feixue and the others also disembarked. Zhu Zheng arranged for Rose Squad members and Old Tian's group to be taken to reception areas for proper accommodation.

Linghu Feixue was handled by Tu Yunlie.

Clearly, compared to Zhang Yi, Linghu Feixue's status was considerably lower.

Zhu Zheng led Zhang Yi by hand to a vehicle heading toward the Operations Command Center.

The driver was none other than his chief bodyguard, Sun Luxuan.

With Sun Luxuan driving upfront, Zhu Zheng and Zhang Yi sat in the back.

Zhu Zheng asked solemnly: "Did you receive any improper treatment in the East Sea Region?"

Zhang Yi replied calmly: "They administered Compound 3, sealing my abilities. It will take about a week for the drug's effects to wear off. Right now, I'm just an ordinary person."

"Also, they made me drink truth serum. I told them the location of the Divine Source."

Zhu Zheng's face immediately darkened.

"That Li Guangxiao, how dare he pull this on me!"

Zhang Yi looked at Zhu Zheng: "What do you plan to do? I'm worried they might get there first."

Zhu Zheng frowned deeply.

"Right now your abilities are sealed, and we're lacking combat strength. This is a serious problem. The inhibitor's effect is too strong, and there's no way to counteract it."

"But don't worry, I won't let this matter rest! Heh, if the East Sea Region thinks they can keep everything for themselves, I won't allow it!"

Zhang Yi nodded. "I trust you have arrangements in place. But I'm too exhausted now and would like to go back for proper rest. Would that be alright?"

After speaking, Zhang Yi closed his eyes, appearing thoroughly fatigued.

Zhu Zheng looked at him with heartfelt concern.

Then Zhu Zheng let out a long sigh. "You've truly worked hard! You definitely deserve good rest. Don't worry, just stay in Blizzard City. No one can bother you here anymore. I'll provide you with the best recovery environment!"

Author's Note