Wasteland Border Inspector

Chapter 276: Integrity Supervision Department, A Storm is Brewing!

On September 8th, the dawn was just breaking.As usual, Cheng Ye opened his eyes five minutes before his alarm was set to go off.

By the time the ringing of the alarm shattered the silence, the lingering grogginess of sleep had completely dissipated.

He stared blankly at the ceiling in a daze for a moment before getting up and walking to the edge of the bed to draw back the curtains.

Instead of the bright, sunny day he had expected, it was heavily overcast—perfect weather for getting to work.

Thick white clouds hung like fluffy cotton candy over Happiness City, drifting slowly in the gentle breeze.

Cheng Ye picked up his Defense Terminal to check the weather forecast. The coming week would be completely rain-free, alternating between sunny and cloudy days.

"Now that is a good omen. Without rain, the construction in Dabo Town will go much more smoothly," he muttered to himself.

He reached out and pushed the window open, letting in a rush of fresh air tinged with a slight chill.

Now that it was September, Shi Province had already entered an early phase of comprehensive cooling. Over the next three months, temperatures would steadily drop, stabilizing at around five degrees Celsius by December.

According to historical data, the lowest winter temperatures would only hit between minus fifteen to minus twenty degrees Celsius, which was still within a tolerable range for Humans.

However, the weather patterns had been bizarre this year, and no one could say for sure whether they would break past that limit.

After breathing in the cold air for a moment to thoroughly clear his head, Cheng Ye closed the window and casually latched the security lock.

Everything in the room was already packed, leaving the space looking rather empty.

He grabbed his toiletries and walked out, surprised to find Huang Sheng and the other two already waiting at his door. At first glance, they all looked incredibly energetic, but a deeper look revealed an unconcealable exhaustion hidden in their eyes.

"What time did you guys get up?"

Cheng Ye expressed his surprise, then quickly corrected himself. "Don't tell me you guys couldn't sleep last night?"

"We really didn't sleep much." Huang Sheng scratched his head, a trace of awkwardness flashing across his face. "It's been so long since we went out into the Wilderness. Just the thought of starting a new life got us too excited to sleep."

Zhu Xiang and Wu Zhihong nodded repeatedly, wearing the exact same expressions.

They were all Veterans from the old Reclamation Corps, but when you added it up, it had been over a decade since they last took a single step out of the Buffer Zone. Coupled with the prospect of ushering in a brand-new life, it was completely normal for them to be up all night.

"Have all the issues with your official employment status been sorted out?" Cheng Ye asked.

"All sorted! We've submitted our resignation applications. Although they haven't been fully approved yet, the higher-ups have already issued our freelancer identity certifications," Huang Sheng nodded in response.

Without their official positions in the Buffer Zone, their only path forward was to stick with Cheng Ye to the bitter end.

However, this was a step the three of them had been looking forward to for a long time. Right now, there was not a shred of apprehension in their hearts, only excitement and thrill.

Having lived those peaceful, mundane days for far too long, just the mention of adventuring in the Wilderness and carving out a new life filled their entire bodies with vigor.

"Good!" Cheng Ye nodded slightly, not wasting any more words.

By the time he finished washing up, the trio had already moved his luggage into the hallway. Huang Sheng had even called over the construction team that had helped renovate the house last time. There were over twenty Able-bodied Youth, every single one of them brimming with energy.

"They are coming along too?" Cheng Ye raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. Not just them, but their families too. They all want to go to Dabo Town," Huang Sheng explained with a smile. "Everyone wants to start a new life. They do not want to be trapped in the Buffer Zone anymore, living the same repetitive days over and over."

"Good, excellent!" Cheng Ye praised twice in a row, the satisfaction in his heart beyond words.

It truly felt like when the time was right, heaven and earth aligned to lend their strength!

This world was not a linear RPG. There was no such thing as 'developing slowly on your own' and only unlocking the next quest after showing results. Multitasking on multiple fronts was the norm, and when all these forces converged, they would erupt with unimaginable Energy.

Cheng Ye opened the door, and the young men filed in, skillfully shouldering the packed supplies.

Downstairs, forty or fifty people had already gathered. They were all family members of the construction team, carrying bags of all sizes like a massive moving operation.

Fortunately, it was just past dawn, still an hour away from the start of the work day in the Buffer Zone, so not many people noticed the commotion.

Cheng Ye locked the door, slid the key under the gap at the bottom, and turned to head downstairs.

Having lived here for half a year, it would be a lie to say he had no emotional attachment to the place.

Even if the Space was cramped and the environment mediocre, across his two lifetimes, it was the first room—his very own territory—that truly belonged to him.

'A new journey, a new beginning...'

Cheng Ye chanted silently in his heart. Then, letting out a long breath, he took long strides forward and never looked back.

Going out this time was a strategic retreat to avoid the storm created by the clash of two major forces.

But the next time he officially returned, Inspector Cheng's voice would undoubtedly carry enough weight and Strength within the Buffer Zone!

Leading the mighty crowd, Cheng Ye first headed to Tianyuan Community.

No one from Tianyuan Community was joining the expedition to build Dabo Town this time, but the three District Elders had gotten up early, dressed in fresh clothes, and were waiting at the entrance of the Shopping Mall to see them off.

Over two thousand three hundred people from Yongxing Community and the four other communities that had pledged their loyalty yesterday were gathered in a dense sea across the open plaza in front of the Shopping Mall and the surrounding Pedestrian Street. Everyone was carrying bags and bundles, their faces brimming with anticipation for their new lives.

At the same time, nearly three hundred Guards stood around the perimeter. Each of them exuded a fierce aura, forming a human wall to separate the crowd from curious onlookers.

Seeing Cheng Ye approach, a tall man stepped out from the ranks of the Guards and walked over with a dark expression.

"Cheng Ye, you certainly like to show off your prestige." The man's voice was grating. "Gathering over two thousand people first thing in the morning. What are you planning to do?"

"And you are?" Cheng Ye tilted his head, his gaze sweeping the man up and down.

While the other Guards wore unified standard uniforms, this man completely stood out. He wore a tight-fitting camouflage undershirt. Despite the cool morning breeze, the fabric was already soaked in sweat, leaving dark, damp patches on the front and back. It clung tightly to his broad back, revealing bulging, iron-like muscle contours.

For his lower half, he wore baggy dark green cargo pants cinched tightly at the waist with a thick hemp rope. His side pockets were loaded with assorted gear. A gleaming short sword hung on his left side, its scabbard wrapped in black cord. A military combat spike dangled on his right, and a Bison Combat Pistol was holstered diagonally across his waist.

Wild, dark stubble covered most of his face, and a prominent, dull brown scar slashed all the way from his brow bone to his jawline, pulling the outer corner of his right eye into a slight slant.

"First time meeting, let me introduce myself!"

The man grinned, baring two rows of white teeth. "I am the Director of the Order Maintenance Division of the Integrity Supervision Department, Qin Zhaoye. You can call me Director Qin, or... Officer Qin."

His gaze was condescending, exuding an unbridled arrogance.

"Officer Qin?"

Cheng Ye repeated the title and couldn't help but chuckle. "You shouldn't even have an official position yet, right?"

"Heh." Qin Zhaoye sneered. "I don't right now, but the Integrity Supervision Department will be formally established in a week. I hope that when the time comes, you..."

However, before he could finish his sentence, Cheng Ye abruptly cut him off. "If you don't have an official position, then what should you be calling me?"

Hmm?

Qin Zhaoye's face instantly darkened, the ferocity in his eyes almost turning tangible.

Yet, when this materialized killing intent met Cheng Ye's calm, indifferent gaze, it slowly dissipated.

"Inspector Cheng, I know you are a Source-Binder." He clenched his fists, his tone hostile. "Unfortunately for you, so am I. And I am stronger than you, far more vicious than you!"

"Oh, is that so?" Cheng Ye arched an eyebrow. "Qin Zhaoye, by blocking my way here, are you planning to assault a Happiness City Inspector, or are you trying to threaten me with something?"

"With all due respect, given your current status, you have no right to stand in my way."

With that said, Cheng Ye didn't spare him another glance and walked straight ahead.

Qin Zhaoye stood blocking his path, as unmovable as a boulder. It wasn't until Cheng Ye was about to step directly onto his foot that he reluctantly pulled back half a pace.

The two practically brushed shoulders as they passed. The clash of their auras condensing in the air felt like a physical collision.

Cheng Ye had only taken a couple of steps when Qin Zhaoye's voice sounded from behind again, dripping with unwilling threats:

"Inspector Cheng, we've already gathered information on you, including certain unexplainable anomalies. I hope that the next time I invite you into the Integrity Supervision Department, you'll be just as composed as you are today."

"Of course, you could also Flee just like your grandfather and father did." His tone was sinister. "I guarantee that no matter the ends of the earth you run to, the Integrity Supervision Department will drag you back."

Without even turning his head, Cheng Ye could picture Qin Zhaoye gnashing his teeth.

Looking at all the Low-Tier Inspectors at the Inspection Station, Cheng Ye was not only a Core Inspector but also had a special background. He was the flag-bearer for the current young generation of Inspectors.

If the Integrity Supervision Department wanted to establish their dominance, setting their first fire on his head was naturally the most suitable choice.

'Transcendent Faction,' Cheng Ye muttered in his heart.

Currently, within Happiness City, the Technology Faction held the greatest say and controlled the entire industrial district.

The Transcendent Faction commanded the heavy military forces of the legions, yet they had no right to meddle in internal city affairs.

But once the next Great Reclamation Era arrived, the Transcendent Faction would inevitably fight for actual power to guarantee the legion's interests and the direction of their pioneering efforts.

Zhou Changhai's defection had perfectly handed them an excuse to step in. All the conflicts had collided at once.

It was just a pity that no one expected Inspector Cheng to Flee. He had absolutely no intention of staying in the Buffer Zone waiting to be pushed around.

They wanted to arrest him?

If they had the guts, they could come try it in Dabo Town!

This was a fiefdom personally decreed by an Elder, an independent satellite town. The Integrity Supervision Department's reach didn't extend that far.

The only hassle was that he would have to return to the Buffer Zone later to pick up Yu Yong. But that was a mission assigned by an Elder; no matter how arrogant Qin Zhaoye was, he surely wouldn't dare interfere.

By the time Cheng Ye reached the entrance of the Shopping Mall, the hundreds of Guards around the perimeter had already retreated under Qin Zhaoye's orders.

Clearly, that guy had known all along that the crowd was migrating to Dabo Town. Gathering the Guards to wait for him had merely been a deliberate attempt to show him who was boss.

What a pity his calculations had fallen through, and he ended up being suppressed by Cheng Ye's explicit official identity instead.

Up on the high platform, the three District Elders, Da Long, Er Long, Hou Genbao, and the four District Managers from the other communities were already waiting.

Seeing Cheng Ye approach, Da Long immediately handed him a Megaphone.

Cheng Ye took the Megaphone and tested it twice. The clear, amplified sound pierced through the noise of the crowd, causing the surging sea of people to gradually quiet down.

He swept his gaze over the dense throng of figures below the platform and declared loudly, "Everyone, quiet down!"

As his voice echoed out, the final whispers of commotion faded away, and all eyes converged on the high platform.

Cheng Ye gripped the Megaphone tightly, his tone steady and powerful. "I don't need to elaborate on the dangers of the Wilderness. Once we leave the Xingfu Defense Line, it is even more critical to maintain order and ensure safety! I will emphasize three points, and everyone must memorize them!"

"First, keep a close eye on your luggage!" He stressed his words. "Hold onto your Backpacks and personal belongings tightly. Keep your valuables close to your body! Don't lose things in a panic—once we reach Dabo Town, finding them again will be difficult! Especially the belongings of the elderly and children. Families need to keep an extra eye out; absolutely do not get careless!"

"Second, form groups by community, and stick together with your families!"

He raised a hand to signal Hou Genbao and the four District Managers. "District Managers, head to your respective areas now. Families, regardless of age, must stick tightly together—no separating! The elderly and children walk in the center, while the young adults protect the outer perimeter. Absolutely no one is allowed to fall behind or wander off alone!"

The five instantly voiced their compliance and hurried down the platform, splitting up to organize the formations. Orderly shouts of coordination gradually rose from the crowd.

Looking at the slowly forming ranks, Cheng Ye called out once more. "Third, proceed to the South Inspection Station in an orderly fashion!"

He pointed toward the south. "The route has already been cleared. Follow the guides at the front. No cutting in line, no pushing! Walk slowly, keep your footing steady, and put safety first!"

"Shuttle vehicles have already been arranged outside the inspection station, enough for everyone to ride! Once you arrive, listen to the staff's instructions and board sequentially by community!"

He paused for a moment before raising his volume again. "Did everyone understand? Guard your luggage, stick together in groups, and march in an orderly fashion! Now, move out! District Managers lead the way, elderly and children have priority!"

His voice fell.

The massive procession began to shift. The dense sea of people spontaneously marched toward the South Inspection Station.

Resources in the wasteland were limited. While Yongxing Community had developed quite well over the years, they had only reached a level of basic sustenance, spending any surplus funds entirely on acquiring equipment. Right now, the luggage everyone carried consisted merely of changes of clothes and daily necessities. Even the elderly who had lived in the Buffer Zone for years had nothing they couldn't bear to part with or couldn't carry along.

As for the refurbished equipment and warehouse supplies, they could be transported slowly in the future; there was no need to rush.

Watching the tide of people flow out of District B-7, Cheng Ye turned to the three District Elders and gave a slight nod. "Elders, call me anytime if anything happens. I have already activated cross-district permissions."

"Alright, Inspector Cheng, have a safe journey!" The three District Elders smiled and nodded their farewells.

Cheng Ye then turned to Da Long and Er Long. "Keep a close watch on the community. If there's an emergency, go find someone at the inspection station. I've already made arrangements; just give them my name and someone will connect with you. If you run into trouble you can't handle, call me immediately. Don't delay, understand?"

"Yes, Sir!" Da Long immediately nodded. Then, unable to help himself, he glanced toward where Qin Zhaoye had just been standing. "This morning before you arrived, he came looking for us. He said that if we reported any of your illegal or rule-breaking behaviors, depending on the contents of the report, he could reward the community with thousands, or even tens of thousands of Contribution Points for every piece of information."

"Did you believe him?" Cheng Ye was taken aback for a second before he couldn't help but laugh.

"Sir, if it weren't for the uniform he was wearing, the isolation room inside the Shopping Mall would probably be holding a prisoner right now," Da Long said, baring his teeth.

"Don't be reckless." Cheng Ye shook his head slightly. "His Strength is immense; you are no match for him. Do not clash with him head-on under any circumstances. He is a man of the legion. I will find a way to deal with him in the future, but for now, we have to endure and wait until our foundation is more stable."

"Understood!" Da Long and Er Long nodded simultaneously, their expressions respectful.

Cheng Ye thought for a moment and added, "Follow the detailed contribution rules I left behind. Promote those who deserve to be promoted immediately, and reward those who deserve rewards promptly. For the community to develop in the future, there must be a system of rules that can convince the masses. And don't worry about someone stealing your positions. In my eyes, the two of you will definitely always be my Confidants, understood?"

"Understood!" Excitement flashed in their eyes as they nodded forcefully once more.

Everything that needed to be instructed had already been clearly laid out over the past few days, including the subsequent construction of the Pedestrian Street, as well as the procurement and establishment of the factories. These all required time to settle. They would collectively open for business next spring, so there was no need to rush for quick results.

Cheng Ye confirmed that all arrangements were secure. Lingering no longer, he turned and walked away gracefully.

The gazes behind him followed his retreating figure until he disappeared around the corner, at which point the crowd finally seemed to wake from a dream.

The three District Elders rose tremblingly and returned to the Shopping Mall. Da Long and Er Long stood at the exact spot where they had first met Cheng Ye, overwhelmed with emotion.

"Big brother, did you want to go to Dabo Town with him?"

Er Long couldn't help but ask. "If you want to go, hurry up and chase after him. The first wave of opportunities is the most precious. If you're too late, someone else might overtake you."

"You don't want to go?" Da Long shot him a sidelong glance and smiled. "Is this community no longer enough to hold you?"

"No." Er Long replied earnestly. "I just feel that staying in the Buffer Zone to act as Sir's eyes and ears is much more important than heading over there just to be another extra pair of hands working."

"Heh, and what makes you think I don't feel the same way?"

Da Long scoffed softly. "Let's go, stop overthinking things. When it's time for us to exert our Strength, Sir will absolutely not forget about us!"