Chapter 16 Jing City Base

Chapter 16: Capital City Base

Song Pengcheng usually felt some effect after drinking the water Tang Tang handed him, but this time, it was completely useless.

He assumed it was because Tang Tang's healing ability was too low-level and thought about finding a way to quickly improve her power level.

While Tang Tang and Song Pengcheng were immersed in their act, the other supers in the treatment room rolled their eyes.

A more severely injured super spoke up, "Miss Tang Tang, my injuries are also serious. Since Mr. Song doesn't need your help, could you heal me first? We're at the same level—both first-tier beginners—so your healing would definitely work on me."

"I'm sorry," Tang Tang said apologetically. "I just used up my healing power treating Brother Pengcheng and can't use it again now. A few days ago, I exhausted my abilities healing Brother Chen, and continuous depletion severely damages me. This time, I'll need a long time to recover."

The questioning super rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath, "Worthless in a crisis. What's the point of the base supporting someone like this?"

Before long, Chen Chen arrived, still recovering from his injuries. Seeing that none of the supers in the room had been treated, he was about to ask Tang Tang what was going on when the same super who had asked for her help complained, "Commander Chen, our base spends so many resources every month supporting Miss Tang, not so she can sit around doing nothing. This time, with so many of us injured, Miss Tang knew her level was too low, yet she still prioritized healing Song Pengcheng, who was far beyond her capability.

If she'd actually healed him, fine—saving the most critical case first would be understandable. But the result? He wasn't healed at all, and now her power is depleted, leaving the rest of us untreated.

We know Miss Tang and Song Pengcheng are close, but personal favors shouldn't override protocol. Favoritism like this is just too disappointing."

Chen Chen's expression turned stern as he looked at Tang Tang, his gaze shifting between her and Song Pengcheng with clear suspicion.

"Tang Tang, explain this."

"I'm sorry, Brother Chen. It's all my fault. I saw Brother Pengcheng was so badly injured that he might die without treatment, and I panicked. I didn't think it through and healed him first. I promise I won't do it again." Tang Tang's eyes welled up with tears as she bowed deeply to the complaining super.

"I swear I won't make this mistake again."

Tang Tang looked genuinely pitiful, like a delicate blossom battered by the wind, bullied and helpless.

Song Pengcheng couldn't take it anymore. "Can you all stop bullying her? Tang Tang meant well—she was just trying to help. She's on the base's payroll, not yours personally, so why shouldn't she heal me first? Besides, I'm a peak second-tier super, stronger than all of you. I pull the most weight in critical situations—what's wrong with prioritizing me?"

This provocation ignited the room. Even those who had stayed quiet before were now furious.

"Bullshit! Tang Tang is on the base's payroll, but why does the base pay her? So she can heal us when we're injured!"

"Exactly! We got hurt on a mission for the base, not some side gig. Why shouldn't she treat us?"

"If she won't heal us, she should reimburse all the provisions the base has given her!"

Seeing that she had provoked collective anger—far beyond what a few words could smooth over—Tang Tang fell back on her usual act. Covering her face, she broke down in hysterical tears, tears streaming down as she rushed out of the treatment room. "I'm sorry, it's all my fault. Please stop fighting over me!"

"Tang Tang! Tang Tang!" Song Pengcheng tried to chase after her, but his injuries were too severe—he was too badly wounded to move.

Still, he snarled, "Just you wait! If anything happens to Tang Tang, I won't let any of you off!"

The first-tier super held his ground defiantly. "Come on then! Do it now! You think I'm afraid of you?"

Song Pengcheng couldn't even stand—how could he fight?

Chen Chen and a few lightly injured supers quickly intervened to calm things down. Song Pengcheng gasped like a wounded animal, seething with rage. Meanwhile, the first-tier super was dragged away by a friend after getting his meds.

Once outside, the friend scolded, "Do you not know what kind of person Song Pengcheng is? He's ruthless, and he's Commander Chen's right-hand man. Aren't you afraid he'll come after you once he recovers?"

The cool air helped calm his anger, but the first-tier super still muttered stubbornly, "You think I'm afraid of him? With injuries like that and no healer to treat him, relying on standard meds—who knows if he'll even recover properly or end up with lasting impairments? Besides, if Commander Chen keeps playing fair instead of protecting his own, how much longer will the rank-and-file stand behind him?"

"Shh! Are you insane? If you want to die, don't drag me into it!" the friend hissed. "Enough! Commander Chen already ruled against her—she's losing a month's wages."

"Just one month?" the first-tier super grumbled. "That's barely a slap on the wrist!" "Commander Chen is affected by Ji An's mental interference. Who knows if he'll ever advance again? Whether he can even keep his position as base commander is another matter altogether..."

In the end, they didn’t dare say anything more and left.

Unlike the turmoil in the Third Base, Ji An had already arrived at the gates of the Capital Base by now.

The walls of the Capital Base were towering, standing several meters high, constructed from massive stone blocks—likely the work of superpowered builders. At the top of the walls, a ring of electric fencing crackled ominously, spitting out frightening sparks with loud crackles intermittently, operating nonstop around the clock.

Wan Xueying smiled as she introduced, "Though our walls aren't the tallest, they're protected by this electric grid. It covers the entirety of the Capital Base and is currently the most extensive of its kind in the world."

She spoke with pride, basking in the shared glory. "This grid provides twenty-hour protection. Whether superpowered or ordinary, anyone foolish enough to try climbing over the walls would be electrocuted into charred remains."

Kong Zhongcheng added with a grin, "So if you ever need to leave the base, don’t try scaling the walls—remember to use the gates."

The gatekeepers clearly recognized their vehicle, saluting from afar and shouting, "Welcome back, Commander-in-Chief Gu, Deputy Commander Wan, Deputy Commander Kong, and everyone else! You’ve worked hard on your journey!"

Gu Jinsheng, Wan Xueying, Kong Zhongcheng, and the other superpowered individuals all returned the salute.

The gatekeeper then went through the standard procedure: "May the leaders please present your identification?"

Wan Xueying handed over her credentials, which the gatekeeper verified for authenticity while others inspected the vehicles.

Ji An was the only unfamiliar face in the car. After Gu Jinsheng briefly explained his identity and vouched for his entry, the gatekeeper used an iPad to register Ji An, collecting his blood sample, fingerprints, and iris scan before issuing him a card.

"This is the base citizen card, equivalent to a bank card in the pre-apocalyptic era. Any credit points you earn in the base will be deposited here," the gatekeeper explained briefly before adding, "Credit points are the official currency of the base." He continued, "Welcome to the Capital Base, Mr. Ji An. This will be your safest harbor. May your life here be happy and fulfilling."

"Thank you," Ji An replied, already filled with anticipation for his future in the Capital Base. The gatekeeper’s words resonated with him, stirring a faint flutter in his chest.

As the car drove into the base, the other vehicles returned to the command center, while theirs headed straight for the research institute.

Meanwhile, the senior researchers there had already received the news and were eagerly waiting at the entrance, hoping to catch the first glimpse of the precious experimental apparatus.

When Ji An released the equipment, the researchers’ eyes gleamed with excitement, and even their attitude toward him softened noticeably.

"Well done!" A leading research director stepped forward, clapping Ji An on the shoulder. "The equipment you've brought will be of immense value to the base. If you have any requests, don’t hesitate to ask. We won’t let Young Gu treat you unfairly." (Note: “Young Gu” is an informal, affectionate way of referring to someone younger despite their rank.)

It took Ji An a moment to realize who "Young Gu" referred to, but following the professor’s gaze, he realized it was none other than the ice-cold looker Gu Jinsheng. Someone actually dared to call such an icy man "Young Gu"!

"Young Gu" remained expressionless, his face unreadable.

Kong Zhongcheng barked loudly, "Now that you’ve made it onto the research director’s radar, you’re in for a good life! He’s the head of all researchers in the base—his standards are high, and he rarely praises anyone."

Since Ji An intended to pursue research in the future, building a good relationship with his potential superior was crucial. Extending his hand respectfully, he said, "Professor Na, hello. My name is Ji An, a psychic-type superpowered. I’ll be joining the lab in the future—please guide me well."

Professor Na, whose full name was Na Boyu, shook his hand and gave his arm a couple of enthusiastic pats. "Good, very good! Ambition like yours is exactly what the scientific community needs—fresh blood to keep pushing forward."

Though his tone was fervent, Ji An knew it was directed more at the equipment he’d brought rather than himself. As for his personal prospects, the professor’s approval was uncertain—likely mostly perfunctory, treating him as an ordinary junior.

Ji An didn’t mind. It was only natural. Before the apocalypse, he’d commercialized a small discovery, but he was far from outstanding. Many had achievements, and he was just one among the crowd. After the apocalypse, he’d become even more undistinguished, having not touched research since. It was no surprise no one took him seriously.

He couldn’t help feeling that if not for the equipment he’d brought, they might not have even allowed him into the lab.

"Ji An!" A delighted voice called out just then. Turning toward the sound, Ji An saw his former university professor—the same one he’d rescued, along with his wife, who had gifted him the Space Necklace as thanks.

The professor’s name was Zhou Fanxiu, a pre-apocalypse professor at Capital University who had participated in numerous research projects—a truly remarkable figure.

His wife, Bai Na, was equally accomplished, also a professor at Capital University with multiple experiments under her belt, embodying the spirit that "women can be just as capable as men."

The two had just stepped out of the lab when they heard about an early third-tier superpowered who had retrieved valuable experimental equipment all by himself. Eager to see it, they rushed over immediately.

"Professor Zhou, Mrs. Bai." Ji An stepped forward to greet them, genuinely delighted. "It's so great to see you both safe and well."

Zhou Fanxiu and his wife Bai Na looked almost unchanged—both full of energy, clearly thriving in the base.

Zhou Fanxiu hugged Ji An, his eyes glistening with tears. "Ji An, it's really good to see you again. How have you been all these years? You've gotten so thin."

Zhou Fanxiu studied Ji An from head to toe, overjoyed at seeing his former top student once more.

The wrinkles around Zhou Fanxiu’s eyes deepened as he smiled. "That’s my boy—I’d heard someone went solo into a zombie den and came back with some precious lab equipment. I was wondering which hotshot could pull that off. Never thought it would be you!"

Bai Na jumped in cheerfully, "Old Zhou always liked you best, used to call you his top student. And look—you’ve lived up to it! Even though you didn’t stick with research, you’re still killing it no matter what you do!"

Most people would blush getting that kind of praise, but Ji An didn’t even blink. He just believed it was true.

He even added, "Professor, I’ll be even better in the future!"

Zhou Fanxiu had expected some modesty, not Ji An proudly boasting about himself. After a pause, he burst out laughing. "Good! That kind of boldness—that’s what young people should have!"

"By the way, Ji An," Bai Na asked, admiration in her voice, "what ability did you awaken? It must be seriously strong if you're taking on stronger opponents as an early third-tier super."

"I awakened a psychic ability," Ji An answered honestly.

Zhou Fanxiu, Bai Na, and Na Boyu—who was checking the lab equipment—all let out sharp gasps. “You got a non-combat psychic ability? How is it this powerful?”

Ji An shook his head. "I don't know."

Tang Ning, standing nearby, cut in, "You might not know, but when Mr. Ji and I escaped, he wasn’t even third-tier yet—he was still second-tier. He only leveled up during the fights in the underground base."

She'd spent so much time with Ji An, fought side by side with him many times. Ji An told her his real strength so she wouldn’t think of him as some unbeatable badass and depend on him. So Tang Ning knew the truth.

Zhou Fanxiu and the others changed expressions completely. Zhou’s smile faded and he got serious.

"You actually fought using a psychic ability? Have you been doing that all these years?"

Ji An didn’t understand why Zhou was suddenly so strict, but he nodded anyway.

Zhou Fanxiu said, "Psychic abilities aren’t meant for fighting. At the same level, psychics are the weakest—they can’t even beat zombies of their own tier alone. But you took on stronger enemies and brought back all this stuff. Just imagine how much battle experience and training it took to get that strong."

"For a non-fighter like you to match others at your level, it must’ve taken an insane amount of work."

Tang Ning quickly agreed. "Exactly. Mr. Ji worked harder than anyone."

"At first, before he even awakened his ability, he joined superpowered squads as a regular person to take on mutated zombies. Later, he joined second- and third-tier teams hunting high-level zombies!"

Everyone there now looked at Ji An differently. He could feel it—the newfound respect and amazement in their eyes.