The scrap of white skin from the shaft was still glowing faintly when it was placed in a transparent evidence bag.
Lu Wenchuan stood before the iron door in Zone C, a temporary Line-Sealing Patch wrapped around his wrist. His face was even paler than before he had descended. The thin golden Small Talisman Xu Zhihan had attached inside his cuff was already half charred, its edges curled up, leaving faint red marks against his skin.
He glanced down at it but did not peel it off.
Above the shaft opening, Xu Zhihan watched the surveillance feed.
"Bring it up."
The Deputy Captain immediately arranged the lifting gear and sent the evidence bag back to the surface. Once the white scrap of skin left the Maintenance Shaft, its glow dimmed a little, but the word "thanks" inside it grew clearer.
Song Zhixia put on gloves and laid the evidence bag flat on the temporary testing bench.
"This thing is very thin, like skin, but also like a soul membrane."
Xu Zhihan stepped closer.
Song Zhixia raised a hand to stop him. "Keep your distance."
Xu Zhihan gave her a cold look.
Song Zhixia's tone left no room for compromise. "You just used your divine spark. If you touch this thing again, none of us will have an easy night."
Lu Wenchuan's voice came from below.
"Listen to her."
Xu Zhihan looked down at the screen.
Lu Wenchuan stood before the iron door, with the twenty-four living human shells they had just rescued behind him. The Medical Team was hoisting them up in batches. Space was tight below, and the mingled light of disinfection lamps and flashlights cast his face alternately into light and shadow.
Xu Zhihan remained expressionless. "Worry about yourself first."
Lu Wenchuan smiled, then lowered his gaze to