The Comprehensive Evolution of American Comics.

Chapter 1306 A Deadly Joke (Beginning)
The soldiers had built an amphibious vehicle. Hai Shaoxia was curious about how they managed to drive such a large vehicle into the sewers, so the soldiers showed it to him.

It turns out that Black Manta and his crew had already dug through the underground sewers, and through the hidden passages, they could reach New York Harbor directly.

This was indeed a very important piece of intelligence. Hai Shaoxia silently kept it in mind, preparing to report it at a suitable opportunity.

Along the way, the soldiers gave Hai Shaoxia some basic first aid, which involved spraying some medicine and then wrapping him in bandages.

This suited Hai Shaoxia's wishes perfectly, since the bandages wrapped around his upper body looked quite intimidating.

They traveled in silence until Hai Shaoxia returned to the submarine.

To his surprise, Black Manta came out to greet him personally. Judging from the faint smile on the latter's face, it wasn't hard to guess that his adoptive father was in a good mood.

"Well done, my child."

This was the first time Black Manta had used such an affectionate term, and Hai Shaoxia actually felt flattered, which was truly absurd.

"I'm sorry, Father, I failed." Hai Shaoxia lowered his head, looking very frustrated.

“It’s nothing, my child.” Black Manta patted Sea Boy’s shoulder lightly. “My informant reported the situation on the scene; you’re lucky you managed to escape.”

Hai Shaoxia wanted to say something, but Black Manta interrupted him by raising his hand first.

"Let's put aside these unpleasant things. How's your injury? How are you feeling?"

"My injury isn't urgent," Hai Shaoxia said, gently rubbing his abdomen. "The soldiers bandaged me up, and before that, I used some water to heal the wound a bit. It's fine now, and I estimate it will be fully healed in another two days."

"It's good that you're alright." Black Manta nodded. "In that case, you can rest assured for the next two days, but remember to go to the infirmary for a check-up every day."

"I will, Father."

Hai Shaoxia nodded slightly, secretly relieved that he might have gained Black Manta's trust.

However, this trust was earned by hurting his former teammates, and it's unclear how Superboy is doing now.

Hai Shaoxia wanted to inquire through communication magic, but he knew it wasn't the right time yet; he would have to wait until at least tomorrow.

Hai Shaoxia has made up his mind. Tomorrow he will ask Black Manta for permission to go into the water and use the ocean to heal his injuries.

I believe that this time the black manta ray will not refuse or become suspicious.

...

"Superboy's stats are all normal."

Cyborg, facing the hopeful eyes of the Young Justice League, spoke words that reassured them.

"He is out of danger. Yang's surgery was a success. The reason why Superboy hasn't woken up yet is because he has some sedative in his body."

"However, given his physical condition, he should wake up in about an hour."

This good news completely put the children at ease. It wasn't that they didn't trust Yang Le, but rather that the instruments were indeed more credible at times.

Now that Superboy is confirmed to be alright, the Young Justice League's activities for tonight can finally come to an end, except for Martian Girl who wants to take care of Superboy in the infirmary.

The other children were too tired and wanted to go home to rest.

Robin, in particular, felt overwhelmed by the activities he participated in tonight as an ordinary person. He didn't even want to write a report tonight; he just wanted to go home, lie in his bed, and get a good night's sleep.

No one said anything about it. After all, even in the Justice League, few people are willing to hand in reports readily. If it's not something important, most people will choose to delay for a day or two.

Because she fears being detected as having residual Zeta Rays, Robin never teleports directly to Wayne Manor, but instead goes to one of Batman's temporary bases and then returns home from there.

He learned this from Batman; caution had saved his life more than once. Therefore, no matter how tired he was, he never changed his habit of writing.

Looking at the familiar Gotham night sky, Dick sighed that it was another busy night, just then Dick Grayson's cell phone rang.

Dick wondered who would be calling him at this hour.
Usually, only Kid Flash and others would contact him this late, but they usually communicate using the Young Justice League's communication system and rarely use cell phones.

Curious, Dick pulled out his phone and took a closer look. Barbara? That was quite an unexpected name.

"Why is this guy calling me so late?" Dick muttered to himself, then answered the phone with a hint of annoyance.

"Hey? Why are you calling so late? Aren't you going to school tomorrow?"

Dick perfectly portrayed the state and tone of someone who had been woken up, but the sound that came the next second startled him so much that he was wide awake.

"Well~well~well~" The voice was hoarse and sharp, with a hint of cynicism.

"Is this the police station? I found a cell phone, who should I hand it over to?"

Dick felt as if he had been doused with cold water; goosebumps instantly covered his entire body. Everyone in Gotham knew that voice all too well.

"clown…"

"Wow!" the clown exclaimed, flattered. "I never expected that the famous vigilante would have heard of me. It's truly an honor."

"Stop pretending!" Dick snapped. "Since you can call me from this number, it proves you already know who I am."

"Hahaha!" the clown suddenly burst into laughter. "Little fledgling, you're really clever. That bat taught you that too, and you've learned it very well."

“State your purpose, and Barbara’s current state!”

Dick pressed for an answer, but the clown's tone slowed down, and he spoke unhurriedly.

"Don't rush, little chick. The game has to be played step by step. If you want to know what happened, come find me at the location I sent you."

"Remember, you must come alone. If I find out you told anyone else, or that something is following you, your best friend will get a big smile!"

"Hahaha! Now that you've talked about the reward, what about the punishment?"

Another crazy female voice came from the other end of the phone, and Dick recognized it as Harley Quinn.

"Oh, my sweetheart, I only offer rewards, not punishments."

"Oh, you're such a kind and sweetheart, that's why I can't live without you!"

"Hahahahaha!"

With a sharp, hoarse laugh, the clown hung up the phone, but Dick immediately received a text message.

(End of this chapter)