Qing Niao's team showed their efficiency by leaving immediately after finishing their task. Wei Wei had been unconscious for about half an hour, but Qing Niao's team had spent less than an hour in Scrap Iron City. They cleared the totem projections, punched the God's Death Knell into the True Knowledge's embrace, received a scolding, and then departed.
As the local security team leader, Captain Ouyang Jian accompanied his team to see them off. When they arrived, everyone was already on the modified vehicle convoy parked at the edge of Scrap Iron City. They were playing video games with their legs hanging out the window.It took them only three minutes to assemble, seemingly waiting for Hei Mao. It was clear that Hei Mao's performance in the team wasn't great, and no one knew if she would face punishment upon returning."Oh, Captain Qing Niao is leaving already?"Captain Ouyang waved for Hei Mao to hurry back and approached the lead vehicle to bid farewell to Qing Niao. He held a paper bag and said enthusiastically, "You're leaving too quickly. Why not stay and have some fun? This is a small gift from us in Scrap Iron City."The members of Qing Niao's team were surprised. Such hospitality was rare in their line of work.Qing Niao herself was taken aback, her gaze shifting from the game console to Captain Ouyang. Her eyes showed surprise and disdain, but before she could say anything harsh, Captain Ouyang opened the bag.Qing Niao's eyes lit up, and she quickly put down the game console, stepped out of the vehicle, and shook hands with Captain Ouyang excitedly. "Thank you so much! We have urgent tasks, or I would have come to say goodbye earlier."The onlookers were stunned. Qing Niao was thrilled, hugging the paper bag tightly. The situation was bizarre—a gift being given and received openly."What's in the bag?"Wei Wei, who had just returned Hei Mao to the convoy, asked quietly."A pair of black vintage high-top boots with studs," Little Lin replied softly. "Captain Ouyang picked them up from a roadside store without spending a dime; they're not expensive.""But he's sure this will win Qing Niao over," Little Lin added.Lucky chuckled. "He always knows exactly what to give to impress someone."Wei Wei admired Captain Ouyang even more after hearing this.Uncle Gun suddenly spoke up, "Except for you...""Captain says he knows what you like but doesn't dare give it to you," he said.Qing Niao was delighted with the gift and chatted with Captain Ouyang, their rapport growing quickly. It seemed that in the future, Scrap Iron City's security team could rely on Qing Niao's team for cooperation.Wei Wei watched in awe, feeling there was much to learn.However, just as Hei Mao returned to the team and Captain Ouyang had pleased Qing Niao, she turned to Wei Wei unexpectedly and said, "Do you want to come with me? I can promote you as my personal assistant."The members of Qing Niao's team were stunned, especially Xu Zhong, who was sitting in the second vehicle. Being an assistant to Qing Niao was a coveted position, akin to being a successor.Wei Wei was taken aback by the sudden invitation. Could it be that Captain Ouyang's gift was meant to persuade Qing Niao to take him away?He shook his head. "No, I won't go."The others were silent again, surprised by how Wei Wei spoke to Qing Niao."Good, you have character. I like that," Qing Niao said.She tossed the bag into the vehicle but didn't get in immediately. Instead, she walked towards Wei Wei and said, "I was waiting for you. I don't know if Hei Mao told you, but I'm actually your senior. I graduated from the East Mountain Training Camp's sixth class, and our instructor, the Soaring Snake Instructor, taught me back then.""Sixth class?"Wei Wei was surprised and looked Qing Niao up and down. "How old were you back then?"Qing Niao puffed out her chest, which wasn't very confident. "Entering the training camp at seven isn't too early, is it?""Not at all," Wei Wei said with a smile. "It's just that you're so impressive, Senior."Qing Niao snorted but couldn't hide her pride. She stood on her tiptoes and patted Wei Wei's shoulder. "If you need anything, come find me. Hei Mao is under my protection now."Her voice dropped, and she added, "Before I came, the instructor asked me to remind you that the Foundation's plans aren't just what you see on the surface. Be careful."Wei Wei's expression didn't change, but he nodded silently. He sensed a subtle demonic power around him as Qing Niao spoke, distorting the space to prevent others from hearing."Alright, let's go," Qing Niao said, returning to her usual carefree demeanor.After she boarded the vehicle, the convoy departed, rumbling into the Wastelands. Typically, people felt a mix of awe and fear entering the vast, lawless area. However, as Qing Niao's team drove in, it seemed the Wastelands themselves were trembling. The team's presence evoked an unusual feeling.Although Qing Niao's team had just completed a failed mission with severe consequences, they still exuded an intimidating aura. This was the combat prowess the Foundation prided itself on—a mobile force with technical support, logistics, medical teams, intelligence units, and elite fighters capable of facing totems head-on. They were agile, acting swiftly, and backed by professionals who could cover their tracks.In contrast, the Scrap Iron City security team looked at each other, eventually smiling in relief. "We're better off than them! Now we can loudly declare: 'Scrap Iron City is at peace!'"The excitement was genuine. With the God's Death Knell gone, a major concern was alleviated. The mysterious organizations hiding in Scrap Iron City would decrease, and the number of Transcendents would return to normal. The Seventh Sect was annihilated, and the pressure from outside organizations had dissipated.The only danger was that some totems might seek revenge, but since they were defeated by the Foundation and Qing Niao's team, not Scrap Iron City, there was little to worry about. The Seventh Sect's destruction was a significant loss, but they were preoccupied with stabilizing their situation after acquiring the God's Death Knell.Currently, the main issue is the aftermath. Many buildings were destroyed, and civilians were injured. However, these were administrative concerns—repairing infrastructure and reassuring the public.The Scrap Iron City security team just needed to issue a press release. Little Lin had already drafted one: The disaster was caused by a worker's mistake while operating a boiler, exacerbated by outdated gas lines and poor city maintenance. The explosions led to a series of collapses, resulting in the catastrophe.As for the monsters and crosses seen by many, it was just hallucinations caused by toxic gases spreading during the explosion.Captain Ouyang was preparing to write a report to take credit for the success. Officially, the conflict over the God's Death Knell would be erased, leaving only the Seventh Sect's attack, which was successfully resolved by the Scrap Iron City security team. As for Qing Niao's team, they had never been seen in Scrap Iron City—any rumors about them were just that.With this mindset, the team handed over their duties and returned to their base, feeling like they were on vacation. Inside, they found Brother Piglet, wearing an apron, with a large copper pot and dishes of tripe, greens, mushrooms, and lamb skewers, all perfectly seasoned.Seeing Brother Piglet smiling and waiting for them to sit down and eat, Wei Wei's earlier envy of Qing Niao's team dissipated. He realized he was better suited to his current life, if only for this hot pot meal.
黑山老鬼
Chapter 118 - Peace in Scrap Iron City