manynovel Chapter 23 Saving Zhang Jie
Chapter 23 Saving Zhang Jie
Inside the underground control room of the wastewater treatment plant, the atmosphere was oppressive, like the calm before a storm. The rustling and crawling sounds from the ventilation ducts grew increasingly intense—the scurrying and gathering of thousands of rats and insects, accompanied by nauseating rustling and shrill hissing. The faint odor in the air was gradually being replaced by a cloying, putrid mixture of gases—methane, hydrogen sulfide, and some unidentified chemical substances were slowly accumulating. The monitoring screen at midnight showed that the ground entrance was blocked by a swarm of rats, several key readings in the ventilation system were abnormal, and air pressure and airflow speed were fluctuating unnaturally.
This round of attacks by Death is no longer a simple physical coincidence, but a complex killing scheme that combines biological disturbance, environmental poisoning, and structural destruction, with a clear objective—to trap them, poison them, or trigger a massive explosion in the underground space!
"The ventilation system has been tampered with. The external air intake is partially blocked by rats and debris, and the internal circulation filter 'happened' to malfunction, leading to the accumulation of exhaust gas and insufficient fresh air flow. At the same time, the stirring device in the underground storage tank 'accidentally' activated, stirring up the anaerobic sediment at the bottom and accelerating the release of toxic gases." Chu Xuan stared at the data model on his laptop, speaking rapidly. "It is estimated that in forty-five minutes, the concentration of the mixed gas will reach the lower explosive limit or a level that will cause unconsciousness. And the structural sensors show that the stress in several load-bearing columns and pipe supports above us is abnormally concentrated, possibly related to the gnawing of rats, gas corrosion, and resonance damage from the previous explosion."
"Damn it, they're trying to wipe us all out!" Overlord carried a flamethrower (brought from the Main God Space) and aimed it at the ventilation duct, but dared not fire it easily for fear of causing an explosion.
"Clean up the rats and insects, fix the ventilation, or... find a new safe exit to evacuate immediately." Li Shuaixi gripped his knife tightly, looking at the passageways leading deeper underground or to other areas. Most of those doors were rusted shut or required electricity to open.
"Searching for an unknown exit in a toxic environment and a potentially collapsing structure with two unconscious wounded soldiers (Zhang Jie and Lu Renjia) is extremely risky." Zhan Lan's face was pale. Her mental scan made her perception of the deteriorating surroundings even clearer. "Moreover... Death may have also arranged 'coincidences' in those passages."
Zheng Zha leaned against the wall, his chest heaving, his gaze shifting between the unconscious Zhang Jie and his tense teammates. The vampire energy and inner strength within him were also somewhat agitated due to the oppressive environment and the invisible pressure of death.
Wang Lin stood beside Zhang Jie, one hand resting on the slightly warm contract paper in his pocket, the other gently on Zhang Jie's cold wrist. He closed his eyes, his spiritual vision fully activated, using his newly acquired knowledge of contract theory to carefully sense the two intertwined and conflicting forces within Zhang Jie's body, as well as the "shackles" that appeared and disappeared, connecting to an unknown location.
"Chu Xuan," Wang Lin suddenly opened his eyes, his voice low but clear, "I have a preliminary idea that might temporarily solve Zhang Jie's problem, and at the same time... buy us a 'safe period'."
Everyone looked at him.
"The core of my contractual ability is 'agreement' and 'rules.' The conflict within Zhang Jie is essentially a contradiction between two kinds of 'rules' or 'authorities' within him. One is the 'guide' or 'administrator' type of authority (let's call it that for now) granted by the main god, but which may be distorted or limited; the other is the 'reincarnator' essence, which is bound to his own consciousness but suppressed or corrupted by the former," Wang Lin said quickly, explaining in the most intuitive way, "The reason why Death can sense and target him is precisely because of this unstable, high-authority contradictory state, like a torch in the night."
"You mean, use the power of the contract to forcibly 'agree' or 'balance' these two powers to temporarily stabilize him?" Chu Xuan immediately understood.
"Not only that." Wang Lin shook his head, a resolute glint in his eyes. "I want to use a contract, combining the 'recognition' and 'will' of all of us, to create a 'temporary identity overlay' for him."
"Temporary identity overwrite?" Zheng Zha asked, puzzled.
"Simply put," Chu Xuan explained for Wang Lin, "it's about temporarily 'deceiving' the main god's judgment mechanism through a collective 'consensus' with a certain rule-based power, making Zhang Jie 'identify' as a relatively 'normal' reincarnation team member without any special authority conflicts during this period. This reduces the 'abnormal fluctuations' he emits and avoids the Grim Reaper's priority targeting."
"Is this even possible?" Zhan Lan asked in surprise.
"Theoretically, the Contract Paper possesses a weak ability to interfere with rules, as we proved when we signed the team contract. Furthermore, collective will can resonate and generate power under specific conditions (such as during the final confrontation with Ju-on). Zhang Jie himself also desires to escape this contradictory state (otherwise, he wouldn't be struggling so painfully). Combining these three factors, there's a possibility of success," Wang Lin analyzed. "But the risks are significant. First, the contract overlay requires Zhang Jie to be fully conscious and deeply cooperative, voluntarily accepting the 'overlay' and temporarily 'giving up' or 'sealing' the power and burden brought by that special privilege. Second, the overlay process consumes enormous mental and contractual power, potentially damaging my spirit and the Contract Paper, even causing permanent damage. Third, the overlay is temporary; its duration is unknown, possibly only a few days, or even less. Fourth, during the overlay, Zhang Jie might become extremely weak, losing most of his special abilities, even becoming weaker than an ordinary veteran. Fifth, and most importantly—we're unsure whether the God will approve of this 'deception,' or whether the overlay process will trigger other reactions from the God, such as… direct annihilation."
His words sent a chill down everyone's spine. This was a gamble, the stakes being Zhang Jie's life, Wang Lin's spirit, the potential of the contract, and potentially even the entire team.
"Is there no other way?" Zheng Zha asked in a deep voice.
Chu Xuan adjusted his glasses: "Based on the current conditions and time, this is the most feasible solution. Other solutions, such as finding external tools to forcibly suppress (unknown and time-consuming), waiting for Zhang Jie to self-balance (extremely low probability and could be detonated by the Grim Reaper at any time), or abandoning Zhang Jie (violating the contract and losing key information and potential combat power), are all inferior to Wang Lin's solution in terms of overall evaluation."
He looked at Wang Lin: "How much preparation time do you need? What conditions are required for the coverage process? What is the estimated success rate?"
"Preparation time... the sooner the better, death won't wait for us." Wang Lin felt the increasingly strong smell of poisonous gas in the air and the increasingly obvious groans of the structures above his head. "I need a relatively stable environment, at least ten minutes free from fatal interference. The coverage process requires everyone to concentrate, forming a 'will resonance field' through the contract paper. At the same time, Zhang Jie must remain conscious and actively cooperate with the guidance. Success rate... I can't estimate it, 50%? Or lower. It depends on Zhang Jie's will, our cooperation, and... whether the potential of the contract paper is sufficient."
"Then let's do it!" Zheng Zha gritted his teeth. "We can't just watch him die, and we can't all die here together! Wang Lin, what do you need us to do?"
Wang Lin quickly gave the orders: "First, immediately clear out a relatively safe area and reinforce it with everything you can find to isolate it from the poison gas and potential collapse. Chu Xuan, use your energy device to create a small-scale stable force field to shield it from external energy interference as much as possible. Second, Zhan Lan, Zero Point, Overlord, and Li Shuaixi, you are responsible for perimeter security. At all costs, block any direct attacks from Death or the environment during the ten minutes we are covering it! Third, Zheng Zha, you are responsible for protecting the core area between me and Zhang Jie, and at the same time... use your vampire energy and internal energy to try to help Zhang Jie stabilize his physical condition and awaken his consciousness. Fourth, Zhao Yingkong and Ming Yanwei, you keep an eye on Lu Renjia and assist Zhan Lan in conducting a mental scan for early warning."
He paused, then looked at the unconscious Zhang Jie: "The most crucial step is to wake him up and get his consent."
Zheng Zha walked to Zhang Jie's side, placed his hands on his shoulders, and slowly injected red and white energy into him, trying to stimulate his life force. At the same time, he roared, "Zhang Jie! Wake up! Do you hear me! We know you're different! But now is not the time to hide! Death is going to wipe us all out! If you want to live, you fucking wake up! Cooperate with Wang Lin!"
Perhaps it was the treatment injection that took effect, perhaps it was Zheng Zha's energy stimulation, or perhaps it was the instinct for survival, but Zhang Jie's eyelids trembled violently a few times before he finally slowly opened them. His eyes were initially unfocused and pained, filled with struggle and confusion, but they quickly focused, and he saw his teammates surrounding him, the urgency in Zheng Zha's eyes, the contract in Wang Lin's hand, and Chu Xuan's calm and scrutinizing gaze.
"You...you all know?" Zhang Jie's voice was hoarse and dry, tinged with self-mockery.
"We know you have secrets, we know you're a big problem right now," Zheng Zha said bluntly. "But you're our teammate! If you want to live, trust us this once!"
Zhang Jie coughed a few times, black blood spilling from the corner of his mouth. He looked at the contract paper in Wang Lin's hand, feeling the aura emanating from it, which was of the same origin as the team contract but even more profound and mysterious. He then looked at his teammates who were on high alert and still chose to stay despite the increasingly harsh environment. A complex expression flashed in his eyes—struggle, guilt, a desire for relief, and a hint of deep-seated madness.
"...Ha, the 'farmer' ends up being saved by the 'pig'? How fucking ironic..." He chuckled, then his eyes sharpened as he stared at Wang Lin. "Kid, to what extent can your contract...achieve?"
"I don't know," Wang Lin admitted frankly. "But this is currently the only way to potentially get you out of this situation where you're being attacked from both inside and outside. You need to voluntarily accept the contract's coverage and temporarily 'give up' or 'seal' the part of you that causes you pain and attracts death. The process is painful and risky. After you succeed, you may become very weak temporarily, but at least... you can fight like a normal reincarnator instead of being used as a target."
"A normal reincarnator..." Zhang Jie chewed on the word, a smile more like a grimace spreading across his face. "I...'ve wanted to try this for a long time. Let's do it!"
"Alright!" Wang Lin's spirits lifted. "Concentrate your minds and feel the connection of the contract! Everyone, including Zhang Jie, focus all your will—your desire for 'survival,' your identification with the 'team,' and your consensus on 'temporarily concealing the anomaly'—onto me! Do not resist the guidance of the contract!"
Wang Lin sat cross-legged, laid the contract paper flat on his lap, placed his hands on the paper, closed his eyes, and poured out 35 points of mental energy without reservation, injecting it into the contract paper! The pale golden patterns instantly shone brightly, and a soft yet resilient golden halo spread out from the center of the paper, forming a semi-transparent light shield with a diameter of about three meters, enveloping Wang Lin, Zhang Jie, Zheng Zha, and Chu Xuan.
Outside the protective barrier, Zhan Lan's mental scan was at its maximum, and the Zero Point sniper rifle locked onto every suspicious vent and crack. Ba Wang and Li Shuaixi, armed with flamethrowers and knives, were on high alert for the rat swarm and potential structural collapse. Zhao Yingkong and Ming Yanwei dragged Lu Renjia to a corner and used debris to block any possible openings.
Inside the light shield, Zheng Zha continued to supply energy to Zhang Jie, helping him stabilize his body. Chu Xuan, on the other hand, operated several energy stabilizers, which surrounded the edge of the light shield, forming a rudimentary auxiliary array.
Zhang Jie gritted his teeth and, following Wang Lin's guidance, voluntarily released some of the suppression of the violent and chaotic power within his body. At the same time, he tried to touch and sense the cold and lifeless "shackles" deep within his soul—the authority granted to the "guide" by the main god, which was also the root cause of binding him and keeping him constantly under surveillance and in conflict.
"Based on the contract, grounded in consensus." Wang Lin's voice echoed within the light barrier, carrying a peculiar rhythm, as if chanting a law, "Temporarily relinquishing extraordinary power, returning to the ranks of the practitioners. Wills resonate, rules temporarily overturned—activate!"
The light on the contract paper surged! Countless fine runes made of golden light emerged from the paper, flowing like living things. Some wrapped around Zhang Jie, trying to seep into his body and soul to "wrap" and "cover" the two sources of conflict; the other part connected to Zheng Zha and Chu Xuan inside the light shield, as well as all the team members who had signed the team contract outside the light shield!
Everyone felt an invisible suction force, their spirit, will, and even a trace of life force were gently drawn by the contract bond and merged into the golden torrent of runes, becoming the force that propelled the "rule coverage"!
Zhang Jie let out a painful roar, his body convulsed violently, blood began to seep from his seven orifices, and veins bulged under his skin, as if something was about to burst out of his body! The violent power was resisting, and the cold shackles were tightening!
"Hold on! Zhang Jie! Remember your identity as a 'normal reincarnator'! Remember to fight alongside us!" Zheng Zha roared, generously channeling his vampire energy and inner strength into Zhang Jie's body to help stabilize his physical form.
Chu Xuan calmly adjusted the output of the energy stabilizer, attempting to neutralize the abnormal fluctuations emanating from Zhang Jie's body and reduce interference with the coverage process.
Veins bulged on Wang Lin's forehead, his mental energy was being depleted like a flood, and the light on the contract paper began to flicker, with even fine scorch marks appearing on the edges! He felt as if he were trying to pry up a mountain, the power of the contract resisting some kind of deep rule set up by the main god!
Outside the protective barrier, Death's attack arrived as expected, and it was even more ferocious!
The ventilation ducts suddenly ruptured, and a swarm of black rats poured out like a flood bursting its banks! At the same time, a cracking sound came from the ceiling as large chunks of cement and steel bars began to fall! The concentration of toxic gas in the air also skyrocketed, and the pungent smell made people dizzy!
"Stop them!" Zhan Lan screamed, her mental energy forming an invisible wall that temporarily halted the vanguard of the rat swarm. Zero's bullets precisely struck the largest rat in the pack, the "leader rat," seemingly driven by some force. Overlord spewed out scorching flames, burning the surging rats and insects to charcoal. Li Shuaixi's blade flashed like snow, slicing through the smaller falling pebbles.
But the attacks were too intense! A rat, burned by flames but not dead, leaped up strangely and pounced straight at Zhan Lan, who was maintaining her mental strength! A piece of steel bar, deflected by Zero Point, changed its trajectory and shot towards Chu Xuan's back, who was operating the equipment! The main load-bearing beam of the ceiling finally snapped and crashed into the golden light shield with tremendous force!
A close call!
Just as the rat's teeth were about to touch Zhan Lan's throat, the steel fragments were about to pierce Chu Xuan's back, and the massive concrete beam was about to shatter the light shield—
Inside the light barrier, Wang Lin suddenly opened his eyes and spat out a mouthful of blood essence, which landed on the contract paper!
The golden runes on the paper seemed to be infused with their final power, bursting forth with an unprecedentedly dazzling golden light!
"Coverage complete!"
An invisible wave swept outwards from the center of the light shield!
Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
The rat that pounced on Zhan Lan suddenly froze, fell to the ground, and convulsed dead. The steel fragments aimed at Chu Xuan deviated by an imperceptible degree, grazing his shoulder and embedding themselves in the wall. The falling concrete beam shattered into countless small pieces in mid-air, as if disintegrated by an invisible force, turning into a rain of stones that, although causing the light barrier to fluctuate violently, failed to break through it!
Inside the light barrier, Zhang Jie stopped convulsing and collapsed, his breath weak. But the two fiercely conflicting forces within him miraculously disappeared! No, they didn't disappear; rather, they were firmly "wrapped" and "sealed" by a thin, pale golden membrane with contract patterns, becoming extremely obscure and faint, almost imperceptible. The death gray lines on his body also faded to almost invisible.
Wang Lin's face was ashen, and he swayed, nearly falling, before Zheng Zha caught him. The contract paper in his hand had completely dimmed, turning yellowish and brittle, covered with fine cracks, as if it would turn to dust at any moment. His mental energy was also almost exhausted, and his head was throbbing with pain.
But they succeeded!
Zhang Jie's "abnormality" has been temporarily covered and sealed, and he has been temporarily removed from the Grim Reaper's "priority lock list".
Almost simultaneously with the completion of the coverage, the frenzied and dense attacks from the outside, like hounds that had lost their primary target, abruptly ceased and descended into chaos. The rat swarm, losing its unified drive, began to scatter and flee. The structural collapse also seemed to have reached a critical point and then ceased to intensify. The rate of poison gas accumulation slowed significantly.
Death seems to have temporarily "lost" its highest priority target, and the attack logic has fallen into a brief period of chaos and reassessment!
"Quick! Now! Evacuate according to the third emergency route that Chu Xuan planned!" Wang Lin said hoarsely, trying to suppress his dizziness.
Without the slightest hesitation, Zheng Zha carried the exhausted Zhang Jie on his back, Ba Wang carried the still unconscious Lu Renjia, Ling Dian and Wang Lin supported each other, Chu Xuan packed up the equipment, and Zhan Lan, Li Shuaixi, Zhao Yingkong, and Ming Yanwei brought up the rear. They quickly evacuated the underground space that was slowly heading towards destruction along a relatively stable sewage maintenance channel that Chu Xuan had calculated in advance.
As they emerged from a hidden exit several kilometers away and breathed in the cold but relatively fresh air, a muffled rumble of collapse came from behind them in the distance—the main structure of the sewage treatment plant had finally collapsed completely.
The last rays of the setting sun shone on the disheveled bodies of the group, a mixture of relief at surviving the ordeal and deep exhaustion.
Wang Lin looked at the almost ruined contract in his hand, then at Zhang Jie, who had fallen asleep on Zheng Zha's back but whose breathing had become much more stable, and let out a long sigh of relief.
The first step was a success. Zhang Jie was temporarily "safe," and the Grim Reaper's pursuit had been disrupted.
But the covering is temporary; the contract paper is severely damaged, and his own mental strength needs time to recover. And Death will never give up so easily.
The remaining seven days will still be a test of life and death. Moreover, with Zhang Jie having lost his special privileges and Wang Lin having almost lost his contractual support, the team will face new challenges.
But at least they saved an important teammate and gained a chance to catch their breath and regroup.
Chu Xuan adjusted his glasses, gazing at the distant city skyline and the darkening sky. His eyes behind the lenses were deep. "The coverage effect is expected to last three to five days. During this time, Zhang Jie's threat level will be significantly reduced, but we will also lose his 'unconventional' combat power. Death will readjust its attack patterns, possibly becoming more dispersed, or it may launch a more ferocious counterattack when the coverage fails. We must use this time to find a more thorough solution, or... survive the remainder of the mission."
Wang Lin gripped the tattered contract in his hand, sensing the almost imperceptible yet still present connection of rules, and nodded.
The road ahead is long, and the battle is far from over.