Chapter 178: The Yellow Sparrow Lurks Behind
February 27, Thursday.
Dark Arrow West Inspection Zone Command Headquarters, Conference Room.
“After nearly a month of in-depth investigation and verification, we have confirmed that the intelligence regarding three black blood clan strongholds in City P, City L, and City Y is genuine and reliable!”
Chief of Staff Zhen Guangquan opened over a dozen images on the large screen, and the male and female officers below began to whisper among themselves.
“Through technical tracking by the intelligence department, we have discovered that there are unenhanced black blood clan members in these three locations. It has been determined that these three areas are the core nests re-established by the Black Dragon Society after withdrawing from City C.”
“In order to verify this intelligence, not only did the intelligence department participate, but we also reassigned members from several stationed intelligence teams and organized considerable manpower to conduct continuous detection and investigation at critical sites. It turns out our efforts were not in vain.”
Saying this, Zhen Guangquan took a sip of tea, visibly in high spirits. “This is the best opportunity for us to turn the tide this year. Now, I would like to ask Director Li to explain in detail the situations of the three target points.”
The head of the intelligence department stepped up to the front of the conference room, and the officers below took out their pens and paper, paying full attention.
…Current intelligence indicates that the Black Dragon Society has lost its foothold in City C due to multiple strikes from the Wang family. Now, they can only disperse to surrounding areas or rebuild strongholds.
…Tracking has revealed that someone is continuously transporting a large amount of construction materials, including pumping devices, to the logistics center construction site on the east bank of the river port area in City L. We subsequently used geological radar detection equipment and discovered a large hidden underground space there, approximately the size of two basketball courts. Through intelligence tracing, it was confirmed that this underground space has been constructed for at least three months and has no engineering record…
…The intelligence department ultimately confirmed that the logistics center construction site on the east bank of the Wanjiang River in City L not only provides safety concealment but may also contain a large newly built underground blood breeding ground!
An underground blood breeding ground?!
As these words came out, many officers exhibited expressions interlaced with fear and anger, especially the female officers like Tao Qiaoer, whose faces turned pale.
…Alright, that summarizes all the intelligence data on the three Black Dragon Society strongholds. The latest content was updated at one o’clock this morning.
Three strongholds, a large number of images and analysis data, took nearly an hour to be roughly explained. Aside from Director Li’s voice, the entire process was met with silence.
“Chief, I have a question!”
Han Jieqian, sitting next to Tao Qiaoer, raised his hand.
“Calm down, Little Han’s mind is always active. Alright, you go first. What are your views?”
Zhen Guangquan nodded at the young lieutenant officer not far away with a smile, seemingly prepared.
“We easily captured unmasked blood clan members through infrared monitoring, and we easily tracked down their newly constructed underground stronghold. Doesn’t anyone feel like this seems intentionally presented to us? Is it possible they want to divert our attention?”
Han Jieqian’s analysis immediately sparked lively discussions among the attendees, with some agreeing and others disagreeing.
“Haha, little Han’s question is excellent!” Zhen Guangquan nodded in satisfaction, his expression relaxed, “I initially suspected this might be a false target and have been investigating comprehensively. But it wasn’t until Lao San Cao appeared that I confirmed it could not possibly be fake.”
Then, in the early morning two days ago, our intelligence tracking personnel photographed a middle-aged man at the Qingstone Quarry in the western district of City Y. After database comparison, it turned out this person was Cao Kuang, a core high-ranking member of the Black Dragon Society, also known as Lao San Cao, with a rank of at least upper baron.
“We have been tracking Lao San Cao for many years. He was even pursued by the Wang family ten years ago for attacking a significant figure from their family. He would not expose himself for a false layout at the risk of being discovered by both Dark Arrow and the Wang family.”
Additionally, based on intelligence from Myanmar, Zhu Bixian, the second-in-command of the Black Dragon Society who was entrenched in the Old Street of Northern Myanmar, was replaced by the Luo family and the Hermit Alliance, and has already fled back to the country, teaming up with Cao Kuang. This even more heavyweight villain is now back with Cao Kuang and is certainly not looking to return
Past records indicate that a considerable portion of the exposure of black blood clan members has occurred without them using enhancement drugs, which makes their current exposure more normal.
Zhen Guangquan’s explanation, while not flawless, was reasonable, and Han Jieqian had no choice but to sit down obediently, although he still felt that some details seemed artificially deliberate.
Any other suggestions or questions?
Zhen Guangquan was checking the time, presumably preparing to outline the final action arrangements.
Chief, the targets in City P and City Y are both independent semi-open buildings, and the surrounding terrain is also conducive for stealth encirclement. But City L is different. The area of that newly built logistics center is large, its visibility is open, and it’s challenging to approach stealthily. Surrounding it entirely would require too many troops; how do we carry out the assault?
Tao Qiaoer raised her hand and posed her question.
Hmm, comrade Tao has considered this well. The new Black Dragon Society stronghold in City L does indeed present numerous operational difficulties… However, why do we need to conduct an assault?
Zhen Guangquan chuckled lightly, his expression easygoing: “I will apply to the headquarters to mobilize the direct air force unit of the West Inspection Zone to use precision-guided heavy penetrating air-dropped bombs to carry out targeted bombing on the underground space location at that construction site!”
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone was startled, finally realizing that this legendary old squad leader of the Xuanjia squad had such ruthless and explosive methods, but in each person’s mind, images that were quite gratifying appeared.
A 1500-kilogram precision-guided bomb is equipped with a penetrating warhead that weighs over a ton and can easily pierce meters-thick steel-reinforced concrete layers.
No black blood clan members could survive the strike of a precision-guided heavy air-dropped bomb; let alone a baron, even a viscount or count would struggle to escape death in such an underground space.
If there are any, make it two! Given the black blood clan’s fear of death, such underground spaces usually have dedicated escape routes, often more than one. Once the underground space is completely destroyed and the escape routes are damaged, even if they don’t die in the bombardment, they will have no way to flee.
Han Jieqian, this time we might catch one or two big fish, at least one upper baron, or even a lower viscount.
Tao Qiaoer smiled and turned to Han Jieqian, whispering:
The operational situation is quite favorable for us; coupled with the air force, perhaps we can achieve zero casualties. It’s a pity that Sister Bi is currently leading a team in the southwest rotation and can’t make it for this operation…
Hmm, being able to eliminate the black blood clan with thunderous means at minimal cost is a good thing too.
Han Jieqian also had to admit that in the face of the various crazy provocations by the Black Dragon Society over the past few months, employing such overwhelming offensive methods could indeed create tremendous psychological deterrence against the black blood clan.
Lastly, I want to make a declaration: each of these three strongholds could potentially be hiding places for Zhu Laoer and Cao Lao San, so their importance should be treated equally!
Zhen Guangquan surveyed the male and female youth officers present, his tone and expression turning serious: “To achieve the goal of eradicating evil, I have discussed with Commander Wang and decided to simultaneously launch an attack on the above three Black Dragon Society strongholds!”
I now announce the combat action plan: The operation is scheduled for the early morning of Sunday, March 8. Three battalions will be deployed to approach the targets six hours in advance. Once the aerial strikes are completed, an immediate encirclement operation will commence to eliminate any stragglers.
Zhen Guangquan turned off the large screen, raised the tea cup on the table, and drank heartily, full of enthusiasm.
…
Third Uncle, why didn’t you attend the communication meeting just now?
As noon approached, Han Jieqian, with a strange expression, quietly squeezed into Han Guowei’s office, where the other party was slowly tidying up the bookshelf.
This operation is personally supervised by Commander Wang. There is no major issue… I’m about to head to the southern inspection zone; although the official notification has not yet arrived, I need to start packing my things in advance.
Han Guowei turned around from the bookshelf, smiling and waving his hand: “What are you still standing around for? Come over and help me pack these books.”
You are not in position and not managing the affairs; you are so at ease with the Chief of Staff…
Han Jieqian awkwardly smiled, walked forward, taking the books from Han Guowei’s hands and lowering his voice:
“Third Uncle, Chief of Staff Zhen plans to use air strikes against the Black Dragon Society’s stronghold in City L. Isn’t that a bit overblown…”
“Yeah, I know, it’s tough to catch the core leaders of the Black Dragon Society… Have you all finalized the details of the combat plan?”
Han Guowei maintained a calm expression, sitting back in his chair, smiling as he observed Han Jieqian’s mysterious face:
“The intelligence work has been comprehensively launched for about three weeks now, employing substantial manpower and equipment. With Commander Wang overseeing it, there shouldn’t be a major misjudgment.”
“If we could wipe out Zhu Bixian and Cao Bi of the Black Dragon Society in one go, then the accomplishments of the Western Monitoring Zone this year would have no worries!”
As he spoke, Han Guowei intentionally sighed regretfully: “Unfortunately, I missed out on this credit due to the timing.”
“Chief, some of the intelligence feels too unnatural; it seems deliberately exposed to us!”
Han Jieqian bit his lip, still insisting on his viewpoint:
“We easily discovered three hidden targets in a row, and we easily photographed Cao Bi’s image. Even Zhu Bixian from Northern Myanmar showed up. When did the Black Dragon Society become so confident?”
Han Guowei opened a drawer, fiddled around, and pulled out a stack of aerial photographs, throwing them directly onto the desktop, then casually observed Han Jieqian’s surprised face. He asked leisurely: “Hmm, there are indeed oddities; I have also discussed this potential falsehood with Commander Wang.”
“But, Comrade Han Jieqian, do you think Lao San Cao would deliberately expose the stronghold he painstakingly built at great cost, just waiting for us to raid him? What could the undiscussable purpose behind it possibly be?”
“And Zhu Lao Er, who poses an even greater threat than Lao San Cao and holds higher value, isn’t he trying to reclaim the territory of Northern Myanmar? Why would he specifically come to Province S to perform alongside Lao San Cao?”
Listening to Han Guowei’s chain of unarguable analyses, Han Jieqian frowned, feeling slightly unwilling: “Well… Actually, I have always had my doubts about Chief of Staff Zhen… so I had to stick to my assumptions.”
Han Guowei quietly observed his nephew, his expression gradually becoming serious: There is still no solid evidence…
Jieqian, murmuring in my office is acceptable, but try to avoid throwing out shots in the dark!
As he spoke, Han Guowei lifted his tea cup, drinking from it. After about ten seconds, he pondered: “Unless you can present more persuasive evidence, we cannot easily doubt this upcoming strike against the black blood clan. Eliminating the black blood clan is our consistent mission.”
Han Jieqian took a deep breath, adjusting his emotions, and slowly said:
“Chief, for Zhu Lao Er and the others to so boldly act under our noses, isn’t there a possibility that they are indeed acting but not necessarily for Dark Arrow? The only ones who hate the Black Dragon Society to the bone aren’t just Dark Arrow.”
Han Guowei froze, raised his head, quietly staring at Han Jieqian’s face, his mind racing.
After a moment, Han Guowei gently nodded: “Hmm, there is that possibility, but it doesn’t prevent us from taking the opportunity to cut off the roots.”
…
…
The end of the month has passed, and after leaving Hyacinth Mountain Villa, the little blood servant has still not been able to wait for a new fortunate spirit.
However, just last night until this morning, after having been dormant for over half a month, two newly ascended attendants gradually woke up. After a week of adaptive training for their realms, they will join the Golden River Club, further reducing the number of people at Hyacinth Mountain Villa.
As for Jiang Jin, whose aura has become so strange that it is incomprehensible, she has been hosting relatives in her room these days, and her unabashed aura always sends a chill to anyone approaching her floor.
But the real topic of interest has been Jiang Yan and Meng Huai—both are engaged in a game of hide and seek, with the former using every means to hide and the latter putting in tremendous effort to search.
In the wooded area, dense tree canopies blocked most of the sunlight, the energy of nature was entirely claimed by the trees, and only a few remnants of food scraps managed to slip through the gaps in the leaves, scarce on the ground and contended for by weeds.
Jiang Yan sat on a yoga mat, in a state reminiscent of meditation, radiating a rhythmic stream of clear blood energy that rose and fell through the forest. At times, it was as forceful as a heavy hammer, breaking powerfully, and at other times, it was as light as a whisper, drifting softly.
The foundational practice courses provided by the Wang family’s Siberian lake series, combined with real-person experiences under Moon Phase, proved to be exceptional.
Jiang Yan was rapidly advancing; her boiling blood control was almost approaching the level of Zhao Peng prior to his ascension to dormancy. Coupled with the cross-training from the Rhine lineage foundational practice courses, Jiang Yan’s boiling stability could be said to have already matched that of a baron.
The effectiveness of multiple lineage practices indicates that both Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao, despite deeper differences, still possess the same foundational qualifications. The only regret is that while Yan has yet to seize the opportunity for a comprehensive upward realm change like Jiang Yao did,
A familiar aura quietly approached, triggering Jiang Yan’s perception. With distracting thoughts, her breathing and boiling control faltered, causing the birds and insects in the forest to exhibit bizarre and uncontrolled behavior.
“Stop following me! Didn’t Sister Zhisui give you the foundational practice course for the Alatai lineage? If you have nothing to do, focus on your own training!”
Jiang Yan opened her eyes, turned her head, furrowed her brows, and spoke coldly.
“It’s noon already, let’s eat.”
Meng Huai, holding a portable and insulated food container provided by the cafeteria, slowly emerged from the depths of the forest, his expression calm.
When did he learn this? Isn’t he someone who has always concentrated on himself and long lacked empathetic capabilities?
Staring at the food container in his hand and his gradually approaching figure, Jiang Yan felt a wave of irritation.
“Meng Huai, why do you insist on bothering me?!”
Jiang Yan raised her voice, starting to gather her yoga mat, water bottle, and other items, all stuffing them into her travel bag without casting a glance at Meng Huai.
“I only know you.” Meng Huai stood a few meters away from Jiang Yan, his gaze unwavering, “Before I woke up, you weren’t like this.”
“Hmph, when you were all muddled up, you weren’t like this either. Meng Huai, I only feel sorry for you. Don’t misunderstand; I have many, many things to do. I don’t have time to consider your feelings anymore!”
Jiang Yan stood tall with her travel bag in hand, covering her forehead with one hand, suddenly feeling that Meng Huai was more detestable than ever.
“I can help you.” Meng Huai remained expressionless and stepped forward two more paces.
“You can help me?”
Jiang Yan, instead of getting angry, laughed; a hint of mockery appeared on her cool face: “Meng Huai, you haven’t even figured out how to survive as a blood clan member. What can you help me with? How can you help me?”
“I can listen to your stories; I can accompany you at the hospital; I can save you, but I still consider myself a normal person. Meng Huai, you can hardly manage to be a normal person, so how do you expect to integrate into this world and hope to share my burdens?”
Jiang Yan took a deep breath, turned away without a glance back.
Looking down at the food container in his hands, Meng Huai’s face twitched slightly, remaining silent.
Why do I need to save him?
What good is it that he’s now awake?
I’ve been accommodating him all this time, but what’s the use of bringing back that constantly conflicted and entangled Meng Huai?!
Running swiftly through the woods, Jiang Yan clenched her teeth, her face turning white with fear.
…
Late at night, City D, Northeast Mountain Area.
Decades ago, during the third-line construction era, the hot-blooded passion has ultimately faded, returning to desolation and monotony. Around the winding national defense road, in the remote mountains and valleys, several old small villages are sporadically scattered.
At the end of a rural road, a cluster of low buildings stands, no older than ten years but overgrown with weeds and deserted.
This was a series of self-operated pig farms previously invested in by the Tang family. As the largest agricultural enterprise in Northern Province S, similar investments are countless, and this is just one of several unfinished projects for unknown reasons.
However, as far as the local village officials are concerned, they have gotten all the investment and benefits they were meant to receive, and who revives this remote pig farm is no longer their concern.
The construction progress of the pig farm is actually much better than most people imagine; it has all the necessary supporting functional areas, but it lacks the proper installation of farming equipment, which makes it seem unfinished.
Yet beneath the pig farm lies a secret space of considerable size that most people wouldn’t dare to imagine.
In the dim underground space, almost a hundred square meters in size, the dirty and sticky cement floor is littered with black, loosely laid bedding and tents, scattered plates and food wrappers, as well as several power banks for illumination.
An upper-level knight of the black blood clan, accompanied by five or six black blood clan attendants, has been residing here for over a month now.
“Why hasn’t Lao Si returned yet? Didn’t he just go to the city to buy a few things? Did he run off to find a woman to spend the night?”
The upper-level knight sat on a makeshift bed, smoking a cigarette, staring at the stagnant ventilation fan overhead, a fierce look on his face: “Lao Liu, keep calling Lao Si. Tell him to hurry back!”
“Boss, now that the Tang family is gone, there’s only the Wang family’s newly arrived knight in City D. We don’t need to hide out in this countryside anymore… Why don’t we move to the city? Even if it’s just renting a room, it’s better than lurking in this pitch-dark place.”
One low-ranked attendant cautiously inched closer, saying.
“You don’t know anything! Who knows if Dark Arrow will leave anyone behind in the city? The Tang family’s people may not all be captured.”
The upper-level knight spat, looking somewhat gleeful: “Hmph, that Tang family was riding high, forcing us to secretly provide them with blood, and look what happened—they got annihilated by Dark Arrow. Luckily, I reacted quickly!”
“Actually, those old tortoises are not good folks. Arranging a place like this for them is no better than what we black blood clan do…”
“Hehe, I heard that after Tang Zhaowen ran away, he was buried by Cao Kuang and his men.” Another mid-level attendant chimed in, almost flattering their boss, “Our big brother really has talent; he got the brothers through another ordeal.”
The upper-level knight appreciated this, nodding frequently: “It can’t be helped. Once the president ascended to dormancy, Cao Kuang and Zhu Bixian turned against him. Those of us who follow the president are naturally their primary targets to eliminate… In the end, we ended up in this place, getting trapped by the Tang family for several years.”
“Hehe, but heaven opened its eyes, that damned Tang family met bad luck. Now the territory of City D has become vacant. Once the storm passes completely, we’ll talk about settling down in the city.”
“Ninth year, or tenth? I reckon that our chief must have died, most likely discovered by Cao Kuang and Zhu Bixian at the ascension site. In the future, no one should rely on anyone anymore. With the few funds left by the president, we can still get by.”
The upper-level knight laughed, reminiscing about the hardships of the past years, feeling somewhat pleased, while the surrounding younger brothers all sang his praises.
As he laughed, the smiles on everyone’s faces in the basement began to solidify, followed by a pale face, trembling all over.
A gaunt middle-aged man of medium build stood quietly at the entrance to the basement, followed by a short figure that resembled a quail.
A thick, chaotic aura, imbued with a chilling presence, filled every inch of the basement, dissipating the burnt smell of the second-hand smoke and causing those present to shudder in fear.
“Ch-chief!”
The upper-level knight recognized the arrival’s appearance and instinctively rolled off the makeshift bed, kneeling on the ground, trembling.
“What’s wrong? I’ve successfully ascended, and you don’t seem happy?”
Qian Guilong slowly walked in, nodding secretly at each black blood clan attendant he passed.
“Chief, you… you’ve returned!”
The upper-level knight’s expression suddenly shifted, bursting into tears and nose-blowing, nearly rushing to hug Qian Guilong’s legs in a fit of hysterical laughter.
“Hehe, not bad, you didn’t follow those two white-eyed wolves to betray me. You have done well; I’ve taken note.”
Qian Guilong sat on the only broken sofa in the basement, and one attendant quickly produced a cigarette to offer.
“Following the chief is the greatest blessing! I’ve already told everyone that you would surely ascend to baron and lead the brothers to clean up our mess. Look, I didn’t touch most of the bank funds you entrusted me with, just waiting for your comeback!”
The upper-level knight nodded and bowed, the previous elder’s dignity completely vanished.
Qian Guilong smiled, clearly satisfied: “Try to contact all those who have not yet died, prepare to watch a dog-eat-dog show.”
