Chapter 275
Our Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PazjBDkTmW
You can buy coins here to unlock advanced chapters: https://gravitytales.com/coins-purchase-page/
Chapter 275: Deep Underground
Although the sewers are confined to the inner city, they are remarkably intricate.
Even if the entire Clean-up Team were mobilized, conducting a thorough search would be a daunting task.
To address this, Zhuang Mian boldly sought assistance from the Public Security Team in her plan, ensuring sufficient manpower.
Having been transferred from the Public Security Team to the Clean-up Team, Zhuang Mian was well aware of the caliber of those individuals; sending them into the sewers might result in them not even knowing how to use gas masks.
It was likely that some would be incapacitated by toxic gas before they even reached the deeper levels.
But with the current staffing shortage, there was no alternative. Even if those individuals were inept, with El’s support, uncovering some clues wouldn’t be too difficult.
Once everything was in place, Zhuang Mian returned to her room, retrieved her communicator, and relayed the news to her teammates in the shadows.
“The plan has been submitted, and we expect to commence operations within three days. Any updates on your end?”
“The necessary clues have been arranged.”
“Pleasure to cooperate.”
“Pleasure to cooperate.”
Zhuang Mian ended the communication and began awaiting approval for her plan.
On the other side of the inner city, Lin Qingliu observed El “emerging” from the ground.
“You’ve mastered your abilities quite well.”
He quipped with a smile while scrutinizing El.
It had been some time since they last met, and El’s complexion appeared healthier; he must have been eating more regularly lately.
As for sleeping on a regular schedule, Lin Qingliu didn’t hold much hope; after all, El was adept at nighttime activities, and as long as he ensured adequate sleep, it wasn’t an issue.
“Did you need something from me?”
While eating, Lin Qingliu pondered, asking as he grabbed another packet of nutritional paste.
“Zhuang Mian and I have been planning an event recently.”
“Oh?”
Lin Qingliu sensed something unusual in El’s manner of speaking…
“Have you been reading and studying lately?”
“Yes.”
“That explains it.”
Lin Qingliu smiled,
“No wonder your vocabulary has improved since the last time we spoke.
“But are you certain it was a plan you devised, and not just Zhuang Mian’s idea?”
“Alright, I admit most of it was her idea.”
El candidly acknowledged his level of education, but having worked on it for some time, he showed no signs of remorse. He continued:
“Recently, while gathering resources, I’ve been keeping an eye on the instruments and materials you mentioned. Most of them have been located, but I haven’t had the opportunity to scout them yet.”
“The more we act, the higher the chance we’ll be noticed. That’s why, starting two weeks ago, I shifted our main operation route to the sewers of the inner city.
“Most parts of the sewers are filled with toxic gas, but some areas closer to the surface are relatively safe. In those spots, I’ve found some unidentified items, likely from the black market or things that were meant to be destroyed.
“The owners of those items control the gray areas of the inner city, and each of them has significant backing, making them a considerable threat to me.
“Zhuang Mian, on the other hand, needs a well-executed operation to silence her critics and secure a promotion.”
Hearing this, Lin Qingliu quickly grasped the plan:
“I see. You two will stage a performance, each taking what you need.
“She’ll help you clear the obstacles, allowing you to gain more power of speech in the gray areas, while you’ll assist her in monitoring the ‘underground world’ and provide her with the merits necessary for promotion.
“Interesting.”
Wasn’t this also a form of collusion? But it didn’t matter. As someone with a goal-oriented approach, Lin Qingliu believed that as long as no innocents were dragged into the operation, it wasn’t a problem.
A faint smile tugged at Lin Qingliu’s lips as he observed the still somewhat youthful-looking boy before him.
El’s mental growth was indeed remarkable. Lin Qingliu had initially thought El would be at Zhuang Mian’s mercy, but to his surprise, El had managed to hold his own and secure his own interests.
“I understand. Proceed as you see fit.
“We’ve always said from the start that as long as you believe an action benefits humanity’s survival, you’re free to pursue it.
“Any tasks requiring collaboration will be communicated in advance.”
El nodded, though he seemed to have more to say.
Lin Qingliu didn’t give him the chance, pressing on:
“Your current approach is intriguing. Whenever the weight of your cases starts to hinder your actions, you aim to trigger an incident to escape.
“It’s a clever way to ‘shed your skin,’ but this time, even if those people are caught, how will you clear your own suspicion?”
“That’s exactly what I wanted to discuss.”
El ran a hand through his hair, his expression slightly sheepish. It seemed he was about to reveal the core of the plan.
“After shifting our focus to the inner city, I deliberately tied the identity of ‘Heart Snatcher’ to one of my superpowered subordinates.”
“So, you’re planning to sell him for a good price? Does he know?”
Lin Qingliu asked, half-joking, half-curious.
He knew El well enough; even from a rational standpoint, he didn’t believe El would do such a thing.
“I’m not selling him. As you said, since this identity is tied to him, the one shedding their skin isn’t me—it’s him.
“That’s also why I came to you today. I need to know if there’s a way to disguise or forge a corpse. If not, the plan will have more flaws, which might draw the attention of other Clean-up Team members.”
You’ve come to the right place.
Lin Qingliu chuckled inwardly, quickly formulating a response.
“There are indeed ways to do that. Obtaining a corpse in the outer city isn’t difficult, but if you want a more convincing disguise, I can help you with that.”
“What’s the method?”
“You don’t need to know yet. But if you’re interested in my solution, you’ll have to do something for me.”
“Go on.”
“There’s some risk involved.”
Lin Qingliu pointed downward.
“Are you aware of the underground areas beneath the inner city?”
El nodded.
“I am, but I’ve heard they’re controlled by certain councilors, making it nearly impossible for outsiders to infiltrate. That’s why I never venture too deep when using my abilities.”
“The underground areas of the inner city house farms and ranches. All the vegetables and meat for Hope City come from those two places.
“What I need from you is simple: overcome your fears, infiltrate the underground area, and conduct an investigation.
“Do this, and I’ll provide you with a flawless ‘corpse.’”
