Chapter 145: The Hero Fighting Alone
January 23, Thursday, the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month.
Although there had been few guests for a couple of days, the Golden River Club continued to operate until the day before New Year’s Eve. The hyacinth’s Spring Festival holiday surpassed that of the usual enterprises and institutions, lasting until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month.
It was necessary for Zhao Peng, who was promoted and taking leave, to be watched over in shifts, but most members of the hyacinth had received an extended personal relaxation period. The only rule Xiao Wen imposed for this Spring Festival holiday was that no one could leave the borders of Province S and that everyone must sign in daily in the work group to prove their safety.
This was the limit of freedom that the hyacinth could achieve for a normal life. Gaining something meant inevitably losing something else — this was the basic consensus among the members of the hyacinth who huddled together for warmth.
After almost an entire day of rest, Jiang Yan, returning from Province Ya, had finally shed most of her physical and mental fatigue. She was currently cleaning and decorating the small yard inside and out for the New Year.
As for Jiang Yao, she probably stayed up all night again and had no intention of getting up yet.
“Xiao Yao, I’m going to Shengci Hospital. Remember to take that bag of clothes to the dry cleaners later; today is their last day of operation. Also, I’ve prepared the list for the New Year’s Eve dinner ingredients and New Year purchases. It would be hard on you to run an errand this afternoon.”
After packing a large pile of non-machine-washable clothes, Jiang Yan changed into her dress and walked to the door of Jiang Yao’s bedroom, knocking on it.
“Ah? You’re going to Shengci Hospital again?”
After about ten seconds, the door opened. Jiang Yao, wearing pajamas and holding her phone, looked at Jiang Yan, who was dressed to go out, with bleary eyes: “Didn’t you say it was just some minor injuries? You already went once last night.”
“I’m going to get the examination report and conveniently pick up some medicine; I’ve arranged it with Miss Su.”
Jiang Yan forced a smile, gently tidying up Jiang Yao’s messy hair with a soft tone: “Tomorrow is New Year’s Eve, and since you’re on the night shift taking care of Brother Zhao Peng, let’s have the New Year’s dinner early. Uncle Liang and Brother Huang will also come over to make it more lively.”
Jiang Yao pouted, looking a bit displeased: “We clearly agreed to go house-hunting together at noon! Zhong Jing has finalized the design plan and said he would start work right after the New Year once you give the go-ahead!”
Jiang Yan was also taken aback, slightly avoiding Jiang Yao’s gaze and feeling a bit awkward: “I forgot I still had to go to the hospital… How about I don’t go, and you all can follow your plan? Honestly, I don’t understand these things anyway.”
“Oh… well, Sister, Zhong Jing wants to come for the New Year’s Eve dinner tomorrow… is that okay?”
Jiang Yao wasn’t stubborn; she nodded, then suddenly thought of something, looking at Jiang Yan’s face nervously.
“Sure, he has been helping Uncle Liang and Brother Huang around lately. It’ll be nice to get everyone together for New Year’s Eve.”
Jiang Yan seemed a bit distracted, and during the New Year, would fulfill any request Jiang Yao made. After saying this, Jiang Yan grabbed her canvas shoulder bag and hurriedly left.
“Strange, when did she start caring so much about her health… Could it be that her injuries are much more serious than she claims?”
Watching Jiang Yan’s departing figure, Jiang Yao’s heart grew heavier with doubt and unease.
She picked up her phone, intending to ask Su Xiaomeng about it, but just as she unlocked the screen, it rang — it was Zhong Jing.
This distraction shifted Jiang Yao’s focus again.
Right… we’re not going to look at houses this afternoon; Sister said she doesn’t mind, so we’ll go ahead with our plan for the renovation!
“Uh-huh… come over later and accompany me to buy ingredients and New Year goods, oh, and take the clothes to the dry cleaners.”
“What, it’s inconvenient to carry things without an electric bike? What does it matter to a man!”
“…What nonsense, just come here now or I’ll count to three!”
Hanging up the phone, Jiang Yao couldn’t help but smile; being able to boss someone around truly felt great. Especially after encountering Qianfanhua seeing Qingya, that feeling of self-confidence had swollen tremendously.
……
In the damp and cold foothills of Qingcheng Mountain, in a remote valley.
Cao Kuang was walking on a muddy mountain path with Zhu Bi Xian, followed closely by two of Zhu Bi Xian’s loyal knights.
This was Zhu Bi Xian’s cautious habit; after all, no matter how familiar he was with Cao Kuang, both were members of the Black Blood Tribe, so it was necessary to be wary of each other.
“Brother Zhu, don’t be discouraged; once this job is done, I guarantee you can rebuild your forces within twenty years, stronger than before.”
Cao Kuang looked back at the two loyal subordinates of Zhu Bi Xian not far behind, smiling: “Those two kids aren’t bad; if trained well, they could become barons, much more useful than that Pang fellow you have.”
This was the first time Cao Kuang addressed Zhu Bi Xian as ‘brother,’ showing respect for his lower noble title.
“Hmph, being a baron isn’t that easy…”
Zhu Bi Xian frowned as he walked, nearly grinding his teeth: “Cao Kuang, you have to compensate me for something. Just as I left, my old family was wiped out, and the bases around Province Ya must not be many left either.”
“Rest assured, after meeting with Zhuang Jianfei, you can ask for whatever you want. This kid has connections far beyond ours…”
As he spoke, Cao Kuang looked up; ahead, the dilapidated temple was already vaguely visible.
……
Two loyal knights stayed outside to guard the temple, while Zhu Bi Xian was led inside by Cao Kuang.
Inside the dining hall, it was a completely different scene, filled with a variety of exquisite dishes and wines on a table. It was hard to tell how Cao Kuang managed to arrange this in an isolated place like this.
Zhu Bi Xian turned his gaze, landing on a young man in a suit and gold-rimmed glasses sitting at one side of the table, his expression friendly and his demeanor cultured.
“Ha-ha, you’re quite timely; the dishes are still warm.”
Zhuang Jianfei stood up, walked directly to Zhu Bi Xian, extended his hand with a smile: “Brother Zhu, I’ve heard a lot about you from Brother Cao. We’ve long admired your reputation in Northern Myanmar and Province Ya.”
Zhu Bi Xian stared at Zhuang Jianfei’s eyes, every sense tense as he confirmed the other party was not interfering with him; after a few seconds, he replied coldly, “Baron Apennine, Brother Zhuang, you are well-known in the Hidden Ones Alliance as well.”
Seeing that the other party was extremely vigilant and did not even accept the handshake, Zhuang Jianfei only smiled, withdrew his hand, and sat down at the dining table.
“I wanted to celebrate the New Year in advance with the three of you, and afterward, we can cooperate sincerely.”
As Zhuang Jianfei poured wine, he glanced at Cao Kuang: “Once things are settled, I’ll help you find out about the whereabouts of Old Man Qian. Even if he succeeds in being promoted to a count, I’m sure with your strength, he’ll have no choice but to comply.”
“No need for any fanfare; Cao Kuang has already told me… I just didn’t expect that Elder Zhuang of the Hidden Ones Alliance would be a major employer of the Black Dragon Society, and targeting both the Wang family and the Hidden Ones Alliance. You’ve got bigger guts than our Black Blood Tribe.”
Zhu Bi Xian didn’t touch any of the food on the table, not even the wine. In his eyes, those with noble titles above baron were people to avoid deep interactions with.
Because if Zhuang Jianfei were to do something inside the dining hall, aside from another Apennine bloodline baron, almost no one would be able to notice in time.
“It’s not that I’m reckless; I’m only progressing together with some international friends… Moreover, I also want to befriend Brother Zhu and broaden horizons.”
Zhuang Jianfei raised his wine glass, looking at Zhu Bi Xian with a smile, a teasing twinkle at the corner of his mouth: “I know a bit about your business in Northern Myanmar, and even Elder Feng and Elder Deng have had some interactions with you, right?”
I’ve heard that over the past few years, Brother Zhu has also benefitted considerably from the North American James family, secretly helping them with some clinical tests of blood clan secret medicines… Sodocaine, a nominal veterinary anesthetic, but even more effective than the Wang family’s growth medicine. However, it has side effects that can harm the blood clan’s nervous system; I’m not wrong, am I?
At these words, Zhu Bi Xian suddenly stood up, his face filled with disbelief. Because this secret, aside from essentially confirming that Pang Yun had died, had no third person who knew about it.
Zhuang Jianfei in front of him clearly was operating several levels above him in terms of connections and behind-the-scenes power among traditional overseas clans, no wonder Cao Kuang, who wouldn’t get up early without benefits, would be so eager to curry favor with Zhuang Jianfei.
In just a few seconds, Zhu Bi Xian steadied himself, the icy expression on his face changed dramatically, smiling as he raised his glass: “Elder Zhuang is well-informed; your insights surpass those of us who are just scraping by in the poor mountains. Since we have the Great Golden Pill backing us, let’s do this deal well.”
“However, I must make it clear from the start; I’m here to add to the glory, not to foot the bill. I won’t participate in anything risky.”
Saying this, Zhu Bi Xian proactively extended his glass and clinked it with Zhuang Jianfei’s.
“Rest assured, this is a cross-border cooperation. We have enough manpower, financial resources, and material resources to push things to the limit.”
Zhuang Jianfei picked up his chopsticks, casually picking at some dishes, the smile on his lips not fading: “I’ve heard the Wang family has already hit a snag in the south. If we eliminate a few of their key members this time, life will be a bit easier for everyone.”
“The old turtle of the Wang family has been too arrogant for far too long. It’s time to re-divide the domestic cake, don’t you think?”
After saying this, Zhuang Jianfei even gestured with his chopsticks over several plates.
“Elder Zhuang, you’re a big figure in the Hidden Ones Alliance. I don’t mind what you do to the Wang family, but why are you collaborating with foreigners to plot against even your own allies?”
Zhu Bi Xian had seen many vicious people, but Zhuang Jianfei truly opened his eyes, because from Cao Kuang, he had learned that the other party had secretly contacted foreign blood clans last month and undermined another elder’s warehouse in the Hidden Ones Alliance.
If this were during the war decades ago, such a person would indeed be labeled a traitor, unworthy of pity.
“We all take what we need. Now that everyone is occupying their own territory, I can’t just sit and do nothing, can I?”
Zhuang Jianfei put down his chopsticks without hesitation, taking out an envelope from his suit and handing it in front of Zhu Bi Xian: “A million dollars as a meeting gift, plus a hidden goods location with some secret medicines that Brother Zhu will definitely be interested in; it pairs perfectly with sodocaine. I believe within twenty years, you will make a comeback.”
Saying this, he shared a meaningful smile at Cao Kuang on the side: “Brother Cao now has a strong army under him, but he has the most say.”
“That kind of secret medicine that can ignore the talent bottleneck and directly break through levels?”
Seeing the greedy expression on Cao Kuang’s face, Zhu Bi Xian’s pupils contracted as he grasped the enormity of this meeting gift.
After hesitating for a few seconds, without waiting for the other party to respond, Zhu Bi Xian directly took the envelope and stuffed it into his pocket, gritting his teeth: “Fine, I’ll partner with Elder Zhuang! But I also need some Yu Heng Dan from the Hidden Ones Alliance; otherwise, the side effects of sodocaine are troublesome! I don’t have many people I can gather, so they can’t be easily harmed.”
The mention of Yu Heng Dan caused a subtle change in Zhuang Jianfei’s expression.
Though the Hidden Ones Alliance can’t compare to the Wang family’s thousand-year foundation, it is still the number one wandering blood clan force in Huaguo and naturally has its own little brands in medicine.
Yu Heng Dan is a kind of secret medicine that can slightly improve the stability of blood clan overheating, but it is only effective for blood servants below the knight level, helping them through the most difficult early growth stage and reducing the rate of accidental death during growth. However, it is completely useless for blood clans of knight level or higher.
Only after coming into contact with the North American James family did Zhuang Jianfei learn that Yu Heng Dan could reduce the side effects of sodocaine, prompting him to privately sell these secret medicines that had little use in the Derzh monitor and obtained a vast amount of personal resources and wealth.
“Deal!”
Zhuang Jianfei thought for a moment and raised his glass again, toasting, downing it in one go. Zhu Bi Xian relaxed, continuing with the food and wine.
“We haven’t even gotten started yet! What are you two yammering about? Brother Zhuang, since when do you guarantee everyone can retreat unscathed!”
Cao Kuang, who had been listening green-eyed from the side, was anxious, quickly grabbing Zhuang Jianfei’s arm.
“Just enjoy the New Year well, you accelerate the progress and deal with the necessary arrangements; I will notify you of the specific timing,” Zhuang Jianfei leisurely ate, exuding confidence, “And to give you a heads up, this time, we plan to borrow the hand of an暗箭…”
Borrow the hand of an暗箭!? Could it be that this Brother Zhuang has even extended his hand into暗箭?!
Both Zhu Bi Xian and Cao Kuang paused with their chopsticks, faces filled with shock.
In a moment, the New Year’s Eve meal that started a day early became unusually heavy, eerie, yet inexplicably exciting.
After three rounds of drinks, Zhu Bi Xian left eagerly to arrange for his loyal subordinates to fetch things, leaving only Cao Kuang and Zhuang Jianfei in the dining hall.
“I’m increasingly afraid of you… Brother Zhuang, you have a grand scheme, a strong backing, and a merciless heart. Zhu Bi Xian and I are on the same path with you to the end, but please don’t treat us as cannon fodder when it comes down to it.”
Cao Kuang glanced back at the door, slowly sitting up straight; despite his usual crude and fierce demeanor, a rare expression of caution appeared on his face: “To get Zhu Bi Xian on board, I had to sell his stronghold, forcing him to follow me.”
“In this world, where else can I find such an obedient dog like you? Don’t worry, I’m not Qian Gui Long; the benefits I’ve given you will only increase in the future.”
Zhuang Jianfei didn’t look up, continuing to eat and drink, speaking as if it were a light matter.
……
……
“The headquarters has always believed that it was the Wang family who initially borrowed the暗箭 to expose the Tang family… Why do you want to trace the clues back to the X497.4.30 operation?”
In a small conference room in the Western Monitoring District Command Building, Han Guowei crossed his arms, looking at his nephew with a serious expression.
“All current situations opened up after the X497.4.30 operation, so I have to start re-examining some of my doubts from there.”
Han Shuqian adjusted his laptop to a position so that the other party could see the mind map on the screen.
“Third Uncle, look, based on the authorization I received from the director of the Intelligence Bureau, I found out that initially, it was the Wang family who informed us of the Tang family’s initiation ceremony occurring in the underground factory, which was then communicated to the Western Monitoring District.”
“If the Wang family knew that what the Tang family was doing was related to the ancestral plan, why would they inform us instead of secretly doing it themselves?”
“Or, why not directly tell us the truth to obtain more benefits? Was it just coincidence that allowed us to rediscover the clues to the ancestral plan?”
“Or did they know the truth but deliberately play dumb, unwilling to take on such matters, resulting in our misjudgment, leaving the Xuanjia Brigade unprepared and suffering heavy losses?”
Han Shuqian’s words made Han Guowei’s brow furrow deeply.
Because previously, including the headquarters’ Intelligence Bureau, it had been determined that the Wang family’s intelligence cues were the very reason the Tang family was wiped out by暗箭 that decisive night. The Wang family merely feigned ignorance, playing a trick to avoid trouble.
“I don’t believe in absolute coincidences; this seemingly concealed intelligence conveniently avoided the interference of insiders! Otherwise, the Xuanjia Brigade would have definitely missed it, rather than facing a fierce encounter!”
“This isn’t just about the Wang family deliberately shirking and passing off trouble to the暗箭 . Can I assume that the Tang family’s so-called initiation ceremony intelligence was deliberately presented to the Wang family by another mysterious individual to avoid exposing the insider, who deliberately pushed the enemy’s key progress in executing the ancestral plan to暗箭?”
So, rather than saying that the Wang family used the暗箭 to eliminate the Tang family, it’s more accurate to say that this mysterious elder sent precious intelligence to暗箭 through the Wang family as a springboard, the safest way possible.
Third Uncle, I still stand by my point; you are the head of the Special Operations Group and cannot stick your head in the sand… This elder has been continually warning暗箭 of insider presence, but he doesn’t know who it is, nor dares to contact his own strawman. Therefore, he can only take a step back and publicly disclose the crucial clues he discovered to暗箭.
As Han Shuqian spoke, he took out a page from a folder, sliding it across the table to Han Guowei. “Zhen Guangquan suddenly was promoted from the logistics director of the central monitoring area to the chief of staff of the Western Monitoring District at the end of May last year, with the timing coinciding right after the first stage report of the X4974.30 operation was submitted to the headquarters; what a shocking coincidence that personnel transfer was.”
And only by July and August did the Engel family realize this issue. The point was, the scene of the Tang family’s initiation ceremony was definitely under strict control and lockdown; how could they obtain this intelligence? They had to resort to insiders in the Western Monitoring District, attempting to cover up while vying for Xiya and Gu Yao, indicating that the Tang family’s exposure concerning the ancestral plan indeed caught them off guard.
If Zhen Guangquan was the insider, he would merely be a low-level executor, as his previous position could not access intelligence from the headquarters’ Intelligence Bureau, nor could he influence his position shift.
Thus, the real big insider was inside the headquarters and was the object which that mysterious elder truly aimed to guard against.
After Han Shuqian finished speaking, he slowly stood up, his expression solemn, and his body stood straight.
Han Guowei’s hand trembled slightly, emotions fluctuating, his eyes gradually reddening, ultimately letting out a heavy sigh: “Your second grand uncle is right; the three strategic seed figures have never forgotten their mission; due to the presence of an insider, they truly are fighting alone…”
“I understand your meaning, Xiao Ga, I am coordinating specific arrangements with Chief Staff Wu Zhongxian; by the time, as the fourth strawman, you’ll also have the qualification to review some confidential documents.”
As for the investigation and identification of Zhen Guangquan, you can proceed as you deem fit; you’re right, there are too many coincidences, and they are unsettlingly abnormal…”
After finishing, Han Guowei held onto the table and slowly rose, one hand resting on his nephew’s shoulder as he pressed down several times: “Xiao Ga, you have the perceptive intuition that normal people lack, like your grandmother. Back then, without specialized psychological testing, it was hard to see into others’ hearts, but your grandmother selected those three seeds with one glance.”
“Work hard, Comrade Han Shuqian; the future of暗箭 may not belong to the Han family, but it will certainly belong to you young people.”
Han Guowei put on his military cap and left. Behind him, Han Shuqian maintained a salute, standing tall with his right arm raised.
