Chapter 399: Chapter 399

Now, let’s discuss why things aren’t progressing smoothly. Logically, Yang Yang’s team possesses a very advanced configuration. First, there’s the sole S-rank, Zhen Nantian. His abilities remain a mystery, but his Combat Power is undeniably immense. Then there’s Hao Yunlai, a national treasure with the ability to sense danger. It’s said that Hao Yunlai’s contributions were also a major factor in the smooth completion of their missions.

Next is Yang Yang, the team’s strategist. His intelligence gathering is exceptionally potent. Often, their operations hinge on intelligence warfare. With such a powerhouse combination, what could possibly obstruct their path?

The answer is that their current destination is Austin! Does that sound familiar? Indeed, both the Underground Black Market and the Slave Master are also heading to Austin to seek protection.

Coincidentally, Yang Yang’s objective for this trip is to acquire the complete technology for dehydrated vegetables from Austin. This is after they stole 23 cargo ships laden with what is, in the apocalypse, the most precious commodity: food. This understandably enraged the Nobles and the Slave Master. Consequently, a fortune was spent to have Austin initiate a global manhunt using its big data. Now, the instant Yang Yang’s group reveals themselves, the Slave Master will undoubtedly be alerted.

Since they are all in Austin, one might ask: given the city’s vastness, couldn’t Yang Yang and his small team simply disguise themselves and evade detection? The answer is no, and this is partly due to Austin’s formidable capabilities. If not for these strengths, the Slave Master wouldn’t be seeking refuge there, which itself is a testament to Austin’s power.

Before the apocalypse, Austin was the capital of Texas. Known as Silicon Hill and considered on par with Silicon Valley, it housed Dell Headquarters, IBM, Amazon, and various other technology research centers and laboratories. It was renowned as a hub for advanced technology and computing. Content orıginally comes from 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⁂𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢⁂𝘯𝘦𝘵

After the apocalypse, Austin aggressively pursued technological development. Leveraging its advanced tech and its promise of absolute equality and security, it swiftly rose to dominate the region. This attracted numerous farm owners seeking protection and opportunities for growth. Austin developed its own independent and comprehensive system, transforming the city into a beacon of equality, security, and freedom in the United States—a true paradise.

In the second year after much of Austin was submerged, the mayor utilized newly developed materials to construct an enormous castle over the unflooded urban core. This structure was not only waterproof and earthquake-resistant but also maintained a comfortable climate, warm in winter and cool in summer. Dubbed Heaven, it drew countless farm owners and capitalists seeking refuge. Entry into the castle required a payment of one hundred pounds of food; one’s subsequent life within depended entirely on the amount of resources they possessed.

Thus, Austin became divided into two distinct parts.

The colossal ’castle’ accommodated two hundred thousand grain merchants and members of the middle class from various regions, concentrating the world’s foremost technologies and vast resources.

The periphery of Austin was inhabited by vagrants, individuals unable to afford the food toll, and ordinary citizens surviving on odd jobs. Nevertheless, their living conditions were considerably better than those of people elsewhere.

So, what is it like to contend with such exceptionally advanced technology and computer systems?

The moment Yang Yang and his team set foot in Austin, they found themselves on the wanted list. Forget the ’castle’; even Austin’s periphery was patrolled daily. Any Chinese individual encountered would be sent to the data center for verification. The main castle, completely enclosed and equipped with its own power grid sensors, was even more impenetrable; they couldn’t even get past the initial layers of security checks.

Consequently, Yang Yang resorted to his old methods: he killed some locals and used their skin to create disguises. His plan was to infiltrate the database center, tamper with the data, and then lead his team into the massive castle to procure various materials.

However, Austin’s technology proved too sophisticated. When Yang Yang, in disguise, attempted to pass through a full-body scanner, the system immediately detected discrepancies in his fingerprints, iris, and facial features; even his genuine human-skin mask failed. Fortunately, Zhen Nantian intervened just in time to rescue Yang Yang; otherwise, the consequences would have been dire.

Before these machines, even advanced disguises like dual-layer collagen masks proved useless. The infiltration plan had failed.

Unable to enter through the main gate, they attempted to breach the castle wall and sneak inside. However, alarms blared the moment they began their efforts. They fled for a considerable time, pursued by tracking cameras, and only managed to lose their pursuers after a great deal of effort.

Subsequently, they experimented with other tactics, such as digging tunnels and attempting aerial bombardment, but all attempts failed. Austin’s defenses around its core technology and resources were like a seamless egg—utterly impenetrable, with no discernible weaknesses.

In short, due to the Slave Master exposing their group’s identities, everyone, including Jing Shu, was now a wanted fugitive. Even attempting to enter as ordinary Chinese individuals would lead to intense interrogation.

Of course, had they not stolen the Slave Master’s cargo and subsequently become wanted, they wouldn’t be in such a predicament.

"So... after all this time, you still haven’t managed to get inside that massive castle in Austin?" Jing Shu inquired, her expression incredulous. Seriously? she thought. Such a formidable team, thwarted by what seems like a minor obstacle?

Yang Yang sighed. "We could get in, if we were truly desperate. It’s just a question of the price. We could heavily bribe a squad of guards, but once inside the main castle, identity verification is required at every checkpoint. These verifications demand a randomly generated code that must match an officially registered citizen... We did steal some of their advanced technology the year before last, didn’t we? We just didn’t anticipate them being this vigilant against us this time."

What goes around, comes around.

Jing Shu was speechless. Isn’t this a mess of their own making? This technologically advanced city truly was formidable. While darkness enveloped the outside world, the castle alone emitted a soft, comforting radiance. The material responsible was supposedly called the ’Perpetual Motion Warm Sun’—like a luminous pearl, it remained constantly lit and even generated its own power.

This new composite material was Austin’s ultimate treasure, Jing Shu mused, though it’s hard to say if it truly possessed all those capabilities.

"Furthermore," Yang Yang continued, "our mission target is currently among their most heavily protected assets. We can no longer expect them to transport these devices out. Our options are to seize them by force or... attempt to infiltrate the data building first and alter the records. However, bribing the database personnel is highly improbable. They are the mayor’s trusted confidants, lacking nothing and incredibly wealthy."

Zhen Nantian, the one with the highest Combat Power, opened his eyes. His gaze was as profound as a billion stars, enough to make one feel dizzy. "I’d prefer not to resort to violence unless it’s absolutely unavoidable," he stated. "But if it comes to that, Snake Spirit and I, along with a few others, will create a major diversion. You and the rest can then head to the database to alter the data. What do you think?"

Yang Yang narrowed his eyes, meticulously weighing the pros and cons. Zhen Nantian’s Combat Power was indeed unquestionable... but causing a large-scale disturbance would reveal too much.

Jing Shu coughed lightly. Having listened for a long while, she felt she understood the crux of their problem. "It seems you’ve all backed yourselves into a corner," she said. "This approach might be unnecessary. I actually have an alternative suggestion."

Yang Yang’s eyes brightened. "Go on."

Zhen Nantian’s gaze shifted to Jing Shu, appraising her with a searching look. This woman gives off a peculiar aura, he mused. She didn’t have it when I first met her. What could she have experienced recently?

Jing Shu stretched her limbs; she had finally grown more coordinated in her body over the past few days. "Perhaps it’s because we’re so accustomed to acting like thieves," she said, "always hesitant to take the direct approach. Why don’t we openly establish legitimate identities for ourselves? After all, Austin is known to welcome new immigrants who can contribute a substantial amount of food."

"But... we’re all on the wanted list."