Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies-Chapter 556: The Summoning Order

Chapter 556: The Summoning Order

Regarding Yuan Kongye’s essence, Bai Li Changqing had already given Zhu Zheng an explanation.

The report stated that Yuan Kongye had been obliterated, leaving no remains, and his essence had dissipated into the world.

Zhu Zheng had no reason to doubt this report. There were two main reasons for this.

First, he trusted the loyalty of the investigative team, and they had no reason to hide anything. If they had obtained the essence themselves and grown stronger, they would have been prioritized for training by the district.

Second, in past missions, there had been brutal battles where Superhumans were completely annihilated, and their essence dispersed. It was not uncommon.

Not to mention, in battles of this magnitude, where casualties numbered in the millions and entire cities were wiped out, the loss of Yuan Kongye’s essence seemed entirely plausible.

Though unfortunate, there was no point in dwelling on it.

After a brief conversation, Zhu Zheng looked at Bai Li Changqing, his gaze filled with contemplation.

The six major investigation teams of headquarters each required a powerful Superhuman as a leader.

Now that Bian Junwu had died in battle, there was no one in Blizzard City who could match his strength.

That made Bai Li Changqing the best candidate to take over as captain.

Although Bai Li Changqing was not as strong as the other captains, he was still far more capable than the average team member. More importantly, he was experienced and respected within the team.

Zhu Zheng raised his head and spoke seriously:

“Bai Li Changqing, Bian Junwu has fallen. His death pains me, but we cannot leave the investigation team without a leader.”

“Starting today, you will take over as captain of the Black Robe Squad.”

Bai Li Changqing’s sturdy frame trembled, his eyes filled with uncontrollable excitement.

The difference between a vice-captain and a captain was just one word, but the change in treatment was vast!

This meant that he and his family would now enjoy Class-A privileges in Blizzard City.

With tears in his eyes, Bai Li Changqing stood up and saluted Zhu Zheng.

“Thank you for your trust, Commander! I will give my all for you and Blizzard City!”

Zhu Zheng nodded.

“The official appointment documents will be in your hands within the next two days.”

“As for Bian Junwu… we will confirm the first-class merit you reported for him personally, and your Black Robe Squad will receive a collective first-class merit as well.”

“His family will receive the benefits of fallen hero status, ensuring lifetime access to Class-A resources from headquarters.”

Bai Li Changqing nodded vigorously.

“Thank you, Commander!”

Leaving Zhu Zheng’s office, Bai Li Changqing stepped outside into the gloomy but bright sky.

His mood was soaring. Though he had just lied to Zhu Zheng and concealed some details about Zhang Yi, the outcome was a win-win for everyone.

Zhang Yi wouldn’t have to come to Blizzard City.

Bai Li Changqing had been promoted to captain.

The deceased Bian Junwu had somehow earned first-class merit, securing a lifetime of stability for his wife and children.

This result couldn’t have been better.

Just as Bai Li Changqing was lost in thought, a cool, crisp voice sounded from a distance.

“Vice-Captain Bai Li… oh wait, I should be calling you Captain Bai Li now, shouldn’t I?”

Bai Li Changqing turned his head and saw a tall woman in a white lab coat walking toward him.

She had a lazy yet indifferent expression, her long hair casually pinned up with a ballpoint pen.

The moment Bai Li Changqing saw her, he broke into a smile.

“Ah, Professor Li!”

The woman was Li Lingxue, the chief professor of Blizzard City’s research department.

In Blizzard City, few people dared to disrespect the research department.

After the Great Mutation, their importance sometimes even surpassed the military.

Li Lingxue approached and spoke lazily, “Where’s that thing you mentioned?”

“Oh, right here. I was planning to deliver it to you personally after reporting to the commander.”

Bai Li Changqing took out a silver metal box from his combat uniform pocket and handed it to her.

Li Lingxue eyed the box curiously. “This is that mutated plant you were talking about?”

Bai Li Changqing nodded. “It has an incredible growth rate and can produce a zombie virus that infects hosts.”

Li Lingxue raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t sound that impressive.”

Bai Li Changqing felt awkward—this thing had nearly wiped out all of Tianhai City.

But coming from Li Lingxue, it seemed like nothing.

Not surprising, though. She had studied far stranger things.

Without another word, Li Lingxue pocketed the box containing the Blood Vine’s root and left without a greeting.

Bai Li Changqing was used to her attitude. It wasn’t arrogance—she simply wasn’t interested in anything outside of research.

He shrugged and turned toward home.

…

After Bai Li Changqing left, Zhu Zheng sat in his chair, his expression grave.

The crisis in Tianhai City had been far more severe than he had expected.

The loss of a captain-ranked officer was a first since the apocalypse began.

And it had only been six months since the world fell apart.

Even with the talent in Blizzard City, they couldn’t sustain this rate of loss.

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

An idea that had been lingering in Zhu Zheng’s mind resurfaced.

He clasped his hands together and stared out at the snow-covered landscape of Blizzard City.

Muttering to himself, he said, “Blizzard City alone can’t maintain stability in Jiangnan District for long. It seems I’ll have to rally the other regional forces.”

He activated his communicator and summoned his secretary, Lan Xincheng.

Lan Xincheng stepped forward respectfully. “Commander, what are your orders?”

Zhu Zheng’s gaze was sharp.

“Xincheng, issue an official announcement in my name. The target is all significant factions in Jiangnan District.”

“Inform them that in ten days, I will be hosting a Superhuman Assembly in Blizzard City. Attendance is mandatory.”

Lan Xincheng was momentarily surprised but then chuckled. “So you’ve finally decided to unify Jiangnan District?”

A deep light flickered in Zhu Zheng’s eyes.

“I’ve been considering it for a while. But Bian Junwu’s death made me realize we need to act faster—we can’t delay any longer.”

He hadn’t done this sooner because the timing hadn’t been right.

With countless factions locked in constant conflict, even Jiangnan District’s overwhelming power wasn’t enough to manage them all.

Issues like poor communication and difficult transportation made centralized control nearly impossible.

Overreach would only cause more problems.

But now, circumstances had forced his hand.

If Blizzard City continued to bear the burden alone, it would weaken their core strength.

Lan Xincheng bowed. “Understood. I will draft the decree immediately, summoning all major faction leaders in Jiangnan District.”

A glint of cold amusement flashed in his eyes as he adjusted his glasses.

“If any faction refuses to comply, may I send an investigation team to eliminate them?”

Zhu Zheng nodded. “Yes. If necessary, strike down a few as an example.”

This assembly was not optional.

Anyone who refused would be considered defiant.

And if they refused to submit, they had no place in Jiangnan District.

Author's Note