Did Chen Dafu know about this? Chen Xun wasn't sure, but he soon felt once again the overwhelming power of Chen Dafu.
Originally, under Jiang Xiaoci's arrangement, Chen Xun was supposed to oversee the swift coordination between the members of the Courage Alliance and the Jinling Rescue Team, ensuring the smooth transfer of duties and preparations for the upcoming city-wide rescue operations.
During the hour of busy work, just as Chen Xun was putting thoughts of Chen Dafu aside to focus on his tasks, a resident suddenly reminded him: "Boss Chen, look at the chat channel! Something seems to have gone wrong!"
"Huh?"
Chen Xun opened the chat channel, his eyes narrowing in confusion. The moment he looked, his face shifted to one of shock.
What appeared before him was nothing short of incredible.
Just an hour ago, the ruthless shelter, known for its arrogance and boasting, had suddenly reversed its typical attitude—fearless and unshakable.
It posted an official message in the chat channel.
Ruthless Shelter: "In order to aid the people of Xinchang's disaster-stricken areas, the entire Ruthless Shelter will cooperate fully with the Jinling Rescue Team to carry out city-wide rescue operations!"
"We will uphold the national unity spirit of [One Nation]! We must remember the [Four No's] rescue policy! We will practice the basic challenge of [disaster relief]!"
"I call on all armed forces: do not engage in unnecessary resistance! Wake up your inner conscience! Look at the suffering masses around you! The weapons we hold should not be used to oppress the people, but to defend the people's city walls!"
"Join me, and let us firmly stand with the Jinling Rescue Team's position. The apocalypse is merciless, but humanity still has love. Disaster relief is everyone's responsibility!"
Chen Xun scanned the message and froze, his mouth hanging open in disbelief.
What on earth was happening?
The Ruthless Shelter—this place, notorious for being as cruel as they come—was suddenly talking about humanity and compassion?
No way! This was the same group of stubborn militants who, while known for their infamy, were also famous for being impossible to deal with—kill them, and you lose; spare them, and they'll turn on you.
What had Chen Dafu done to change their stance so quickly?
"Could it be… evil gets its comeuppance?" Chen Xun murmured to himself, unable to believe his own eyes. Yet, the proof was right in front of him.
It wasn't just Chen Xun who was stunned. Other forces in the chat channel were equally baffled.
"Am I still dreaming? The Ruthless Shelter actually said that? Are they government officials now?"
"Oh, wow, this apocalypse is getting weirder by the minute!"
"What happened to the old Ruthless? Were you kidnapped? Blink if you were!"
"Blink? Can you even see him blink? To be honest, I bet the White Bear did something to him..."
"I don't care who's messing with him. The Ruthless Shelter isn't afraid of anyone, even an idiot bear!"
"Shut up! You don't know anything!"
At that moment, the Ruthless Shelter stepped in to clarify: "Don't talk nonsense! That's my brother, the White Bear! Whoever disrespects him is going to face me!"
It was clear now! The White Bear must have confronted them!
But just as quickly, the group realized something far more terrifying.
A faction as brash and domineering as the Ruthless Shelter had so easily been subdued by the White Bear?
That was just unbelievable!
Many in Xinchang's various forces had the means to handle the Ruthless Shelter, but few dared to act. The Ruthless Shelter was powerful, and no one wanted to risk their home base being raided while they were away.
The biggest reason, however, was that the Ruthless Shelter had a reputation for not fearing death—some even claimed they'd go toe-to-toe with S-rank talents. No one wanted to tangle with such a mad dog.
But today, this mad dog had been forced to obey.
No one knew exactly how the White Bear had done it, but everyone now had a clear understanding of the Jinling Rescue Team's power.
In just their first appearance, they had eliminated an S-rank combat talent, taken control of the Courage Alliance, and swiftly suppressed the most notorious force in the city.
After witnessing these two impressive feats, many now felt the weight of the Jinling Rescue Team's unimaginable strength.
A new question loomed over everyone: Should they align with the Jinling Rescue Team before the day ends?
Just then, the White Bear spoke again.
White Bear Shelter: "You all saw what the Ruthless Shelter just posted, right? If they can change, so can the rest of you. This disaster relief is urgent and serious."
"I won't say much more... just one thing—by sunrise, I need to see where you stand. Don't make me wait too long."
"Otherwise, you'll deal with the consequences."
With that, Chen Dafu patted his hands and kicked the middle-aged man who was kneeling beside him: "Get up. Stop looking so pathetic. It's really unpleasant to watch."
"Hey, hey, Big Brother Bear, I'm sorry," the middle-aged man hastily stood up, his face full of ingratiation. "I've done what you asked. About that little trinket you gave me... could you take it off for now?"
"Just wear it for now. It suits your personality."
Chen Dafu casually lifted a small necklace hanging from the man's neck, sneering. "Trash. Wasted an A-rank item on you. If you'd just cooperated earlier, none of this would have happened."
Chen Dafu, accustomed to dealing with people who didn't fear death, had the perfect means to handle them. For an unyielding lunatic like the Ruthless Shelter, the best approach was pain and control.
The A-rank item "Torture Device" he used allowed him to inflict excruciating near-death pain without actually killing anyone.
"Big Brother Bear, you're going back on your word!" the middle-aged man protested.
"I broke my word. What are you going to do about it?"
Chen Dafu looked at the Ruthless Shelter leader, who stiffened and lowered his head. "I... I dare not do anything…"
In his eyes, a glimmer of resentment flashed, which Chen Dafu caught. With a cold laugh, he slapped his face: "I've let you live. Don't get any funny ideas. Otherwise, next time, someone else will make you regret it."
"Enough. You won't listen anyway, so I don't care."
Stretching, Chen Dafu added, "Take your people, and follow me back to report. Whether or not you join the Rescue Team depends on higher-ups' approval."
"And if they reject you..." Chen Dafu narrowed his eyes, a wicked smile curling on his lips. "Then you'll be completely free."
The Ruthless Shelter leader's heart skipped a beat.
He had no idea what awaited him by following Chen Dafu, but judging by the man's sinister grin, it certainly wasn't anything good.
For Chen Dafu, the Ruthless Shelter was just a small blip on his radar.
But for the city's various factions, it was a powerful display of muscle—a sign that made everyone aware of the looming threats posed by the Jinling Rescue Team.
Since the Ruthless Shelter's submission, the chat channel fell into a deep, heavy silence. It seemed everyone was calculating what the Jinling Rescue Team's arrival meant for Xinchang's future.
As Chen Dafu and his team slowly made their way back to the Courage Alliance's headquarters, the sky darkened. Yet, the Courage Alliance remained bustling, its lights glowing brightly as many gathered outside the headquarters, holding lamps and talking excitedly.