Hearing Shang Jianyao's question, Du Heng was silent for a few seconds before saying:
“Sort of.”
His answer was quite vague, a stark contrast to his previous know-it-all demeanor.
Remembering that Du Heng had said in the No. 1 Ruin of the Swamp that obtaining similar important information required an equivalent exchange of news, Jiang Baimian closed her mouth again after having intended to ask further.
Shang Jianyao thought seriously for a few seconds, then asked shamelessly:
“Just who is Xiao Chong?”
Du Heng smiled and said:
“Actually, I'm not so clear myself. I've lost a lot of memories, only knowing that one of my life's goals is to find him, and that he's very dangerous, possibly involving some secrets of the Old World.”
“I have a way to recover your memories!” Shang Jianyao volunteered.
Regarding this point, Long Yuehong and Bai Chen also had considerable confidence, after all, the 'Old Task Force' had the 'Fate Bead.'
Du Heng glanced at them and chuckled:
“Useless. Unless you can find a 'Bodhi' domain Awakened who has truly entered the 'New World' and use 'Divinity Derivation.'
He could even guess that? Jiang Baimian was momentarily surprised.
When she spoke about Dimarco, she only vaguely mentioned what that Awakened had done, being as ambiguous as possible about the ability's manifestation.
Yet Du Heng, based only on the bits and pieces of that experience, combined with Shang Jianyao's previous performance, had guessed that the 'Old Task Force' had an item that could use 'Divinity Derivation.'
To this, Jiang Baimian could only lament: Worthy of being a mysterious expert.
Shang Jianyao wasn't annoyed by being looked down upon; he asked in confusion:
“Was your memory erased by an Awakened in the 'Doomsday' domain?”
“Probably not.” Du Heng's tone wasn't so certain.
The topic entered a dead end, until Jiang Baimian changed the subject and asked:
“Just how dangerous is Xiao Chong?”
Du Heng pondered for a moment, then laughed:
“To be honest, I haven't even encountered him face to face so far.
“Hmm... all indications suggest that his level of danger surpasses your imagination. If this city didn't have so many 'Mind Corridor' level Awakened, he might have the ability to destroy it.”
A humanoid nuclear bomb? Jiang Baimian's eyebrows twitched slightly.
Shang Jianyao, however, laughed out loud:
“Luckily, he only likes playing games and doesn't like going out.”
Du Heng didn't continue this topic. Based on the 'Old Task Force's' previous sharing, he talked about his various experiences during his travels.
“That cult is really interesting. They based their teachings on some items and materials excavated from the city ruins, combined with the Year Guardian they worship, and created a very, very interesting set of doctrines.” Du Heng talked eloquently while smelling the increasingly rich aroma of grilled fish. “They treat barbells and sandbags as holy objects, as proof that the Old World was already worshipping their Year Guardian. They diligently exercise every day, with the slogans 'Only the body will not betray you,' 'Muscle is supreme,' and 'Only a strong physique can help you open the door to the New World'...”
A fitness cult? The term suddenly popped into Jiang Baimian's mind.
Then, she thought of City Defense Force Major Ducas.
That officer was fanatically obsessed with muscles.
Shang Jianyao didn't care about the others and asked directly:
“What's their holy communion?”
“High-protein foods. If there are drinks similar to Old World protein powder, they are considered a divine gift.” Du Heng chuckled. “They worship the April Year Guardian 'Twisted Shadow'.”
“From a practical point of view, their doctrines are actually more useful than many cults.” Bai Chen gave his opinion after listening for a while.
Jiang Baimian followed with a laugh:
“No matter what perspective you take, strengthening your body won't be wrong.”
“So they have many believers, especially in the military and among ruin hunters.” Du Heng nodded. “A good body, plus the accompanying good skills and good marksmanship, is truly a great weapon for survival in the Ashlands.”
The military… Jiang Baimian nodded thoughtfully.
Long Yuehong couldn't help but interject:
“It's not that many people don't want to exercise, it's just that they don't have the conditions.”
Exercising when you can't eat your fill will only harm you.
“For example…” Shang Jianyao laughed, but didn't name anyone.
Long Yuehong knew he couldn't pick up on that, because if he did, it would definitely be, “Hey, only 1.75 meters tall even after genetic modification…”
He closed his mouth and waited for Du Heng to answer.
Du Heng smiled self-deprecatingly:
“I'm not too sure how they specifically develop believers, but they probably give out some food regularly.”
This is the greatest weapon for proselytizing in the Ashlands... Jiang Baimian nodded slightly.
After chatting about this organization called the “Holy Body Sect,” Du Heng spoke about his experiences in different places. He had even been to “Spirit Island,” also known as “Pleasure Island,” which was controlled on each side by the “Supreme of Desire” sect and the “Transcendent Spirituality” cult, forming a confrontation.
It was suitable for growing fruits, marijuana, and other things, and had a mature supporting industry to exchange for various supplies.
Listening, Shang Jianyao suddenly asked:
“Have you been to the 'Salvation Army'?”
“I have.” Du Heng smiled. “It's not that unique, but people's mental outlook might be different, and two extremes have emerged…”
Just as he said this, the chef grilled the fish, separating the skin, ribs, and meat, and brought it to them.
The rich aroma made everyone take a deep breath.
Genava feigned it.
“We can eat.” Du Heng took the lead in forking a piece of fish fillet, half-closing his eyes, and taking a bite.
Shang Jianyao went straight for a piece of fish skin. It incorporated the seasonings and had its own unique flavor. The two combined together made saliva secrete madly, leaving a fragrant aftertaste.
This meal was enjoyed by both host and guests. Even Genava was filled with several batteries.
When the 'Old Task Force' bid farewell to Du Heng, it was already completely dark. The pedestrians on the road were hurrying, their numbers many times greater than in the afternoon.
“What a pity, we didn't even leave contact information.” It wasn't just Shang Jianyao who felt regret, but also Jiang Baimian.
Du Heng neither had a cellphone connected to the First City network, nor did he give an address or radio frequency. Facing the 'Old Task Force's' inquiries, he only waved his hand casually and turned to step into the crowd, disappearing around the street corner.
Hearing this, Genava “thought” for a moment and said:
“You wanted to freeload off his help?”
…Don't put it so bluntly… Also, when did you learn the word “freeload?” The expression on Jiang Baimian's face almost stiffened.
This damn robot most needs to learn about social skills!
Sigh, I should have left the sentiments to Shang Jianyao… Jiang Baimian couldn't help but glance to the side.
Shang Jianyao said seriously:
“As long as Xiao Chong is still in First City, we'll meet Teacher Du Heng again sooner or later.
“When that time comes, I'll learn from him how to make myself look mysterious.”
“…Hopefully.” Jiang Baimian sighed and said to Long Yuehong and Bai Chen, “Let's head back separately.”
This time, their destination was one of the safe houses.
...
Seeing that the time was almost up, the 'Old Task Force' turned on the radio transceiver.
They were waiting for Lehman, the arms dealer from 'United Industries,' to give them the time and place for the transaction.
--Terrence of the 'Blackshirts' had already given Shang Jianyao a reply, saying that raising such a huge sum of money was indeed difficult, but they could add equivalent materials.
They could waive the interest, provided that sufficient collateral was given.
Jiang Baimian's plan was to first use the old military exoskeleton device as collateral, and then, after completing the transaction, change it to a new mechanical arm. Anyway, they wouldn't be able to use that thing for a while, so they could leave it with Terrence for now and slowly repay the debt.
Shang Jianyao suggested using Genava as collateral, but Terrence refused without hesitation.
Now that everything was ready, they didn't waste any time. They contacted Lehman at that specific safe house and waited for a reply at the agreed time.
After a long time, the radio transceiver finally received a signal.
While receiving, Jiang Baimian quickly and simply decrypted the message using an auxiliary chip.
The moment the first word was translated, her eyelids twitched.
It was:
“Help!”
Jiang Baimian sped up the process and quickly completed the translation of the entire telegram:
“Help! 55 Corne Street.”
Seeing the content of the telegram, Long Yuehong blurted out:
“Lehman is in danger?”