Chapter 186: Divine Thunder From Heaven (Part 1)
It was night, 9 PM, with only four hours left until the Dark Arrow operation began.
At the Zhong family villa, an unexpected guest arrived in the afternoon—a young man in casual clothes, covered in mud, who had been pacing around the main hall on the first floor for several hours. Most of the time, he was making various strange phone calls, seemingly anticipating some significant event.
The housekeepers did not recognize him and dared not approach this visibly agitated guest. However, Mom Zhong recognized the young man named Han Jiqian, a former colleague of the late Zhong family’s eldest son, Meng Huai. He had visited the Zhong family several times before.
“Hey, Comrade Han, why don’t you eat something and sit down while you wait? I can’t get in touch with Xiao Jing, but logically, he and Qingya should be back soon,” Mom Zhong said softly as she approached Han Jiqian with a plate of pastries.
“Is he always like this, attached to Hejian Qingya?” Han Jiqian asked, turning, his gaze fixed intensely on the plump, dignified woman before him.
What does ‘always like this’ mean? Comrade Han, my husband is on a business trip abroad, and Xiao Jing usually doesn’t handle matters for the group, so your search for him probably won’t yield much… How about I help you contact the group’s executive vice president?
Han Jiqian’s words were blunt, causing Mom Zhong to feel displeased. She thought she had already given this military man enough face over the past few hours. In fact, she felt that this person was somewhat ominous.
Outside the villa, the sound of a car engine could be heard, and Han Jiqian ignored the expression of the Zhong family’s matriarch, striding directly toward the villa’s main entrance.
As Hejian Qingya stepped out of the car, she was immediately approached by the mud-covered youth, his expression twisted with hostility.
…
In Hejian Qingya’s bedroom, Han Jiqian rubbed his arm, standing in the center of the room with a strange expression.
“Zhong-san, I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you where Jing-kun is right now. If you have urgent matters, feel free to tell me.”
Hejian Qingya sat elegantly on the sofa, sipping coffee, while another cup sat lonely on the coffee table, untouched.
Han Jiqian glanced at his watch and spoke in a low voice: “Let’s skip the small talk. What is the nature of the Zhong family, and who am I? Hejian Qingya, you are a baron of the Fujiwara family. Can you contact someone at a high level in the Wang family?”
Hejian Qingya was taken aback, her beautiful eyes slowly rotating before she smiled: “Han family, or Dark Arrow, hasn’t it always had a good relationship with the Wang family? Why are you trying to contact Jing-kun, or me?”
“I don’t have time to strangle you with nonsense!”
Han Jiqian grew increasingly frustrated, striding forward to stand before the sofa, fists clenched and eyes glaring: “If you can make contact, just give me a straight answer. I don’t have time for this!”
“What do you want to ask?”
The lack of courtesy from earlier at the villa entrance was now compounded by this display, prompting Hejian Qingya to let out a cold laugh as she stood up.
“Is the Wang family taking any action against the Black Dragon Society tonight?”
Ignoring the sensitive identities of the two, Han Jiqian declared his intent without hesitation.
Hejian Qingya thought for a moment, then walked toward the balcony. Just a few steps out, she suddenly turned around and asked, “Is it very important?”
“Very important. Many lives will be lost!”
Han Jiqian frequently glanced at his watch, his expression growing darker and his tone becoming more urgent.
For some reason, Han Jiqian had raised the probability of his speculation from fifty percent to nearly one hundred percent—a terrifying and unprecedented intuition that sent chills down his spine.
“Wait a moment.”
Hejian Qingya pondered briefly before quickly stepping onto the balcony and closing the door behind her. Although she hadn’t heard any information regarding movements from the Wang family from Zhong Jing or Wan Yue, it wouldn’t hurt to check with Zhong Jing to confirm.
Since she believed her relationship with Zhong Jing effectively positioned her alongside the Wang family, at the very least, she sensed a genuine fear in Han Jiqian’s eyes just moments prior.
Zhong Jing was currently at the Windbell Villa, a location she had personally driven him to that afternoon. His stated reason was to discuss the new company’s business arrangements with Wan Yue. But she knew Zhong Jing must have gone to accompany Jiang Yao, who was in a peculiar state that had yet to stabilize.
Thinking of this made Hejian Qingya feel slightly uncomfortable, but only slightly. She believed that in the competition for Zhong Jing, Jiang Yao had a very low chance of succeeding.
Unfortunately, no one picked up when she called Zhong Jing, and Wan Yue’s phone was off.
Nonetheless, core members of the Fujiwara family usually had some seldom-used means of communication when dealing with major bloodline families in Huaguo, intended for emergencies to prevent conflicts or misjudgments.
As the primary executor of the Fujiwara family’s infiltration in Huaguo, Hejian Qingya naturally had access to such communication channels.
“Bai Yu-kun!”
“Qingyi!”
A figure landed in front of Hejian Qingya, kneeling on one leg and bowing deeply.
“Quickly contact the local Wang family’s sealed land knight, take the Fujiwara family’s token, and convey one message: Does the Wang family have any significant actions tonight? A quick reply is necessary!”
Bai Yu Qianzhen nodded in assent, springing into action and disappearing into the night.
Returning to the bedroom, Hejian Qingya found Han Jiqian had emptied his coffee cup and was anxiously glancing at his watch while seated on the sofa.
She approached him and said coolly, “Just wait a bit longer. It should be about an hour.”
Han Jiqian raised his head, his anxiety and conflict evident in his eyes.
“The Han family members I remember are all very shrewd. Han-san, you seem very different today.”
Hejian Qingya sat back down at Zhong Jing’s desk, adjusting her skirt and smiling lightly: “Han-san, are you not afraid I’ll give you a fake reply?”
From across the spacious bedroom, Han Jiqian fixed his stare on Hejian Qingya’s face, taking a deep breath: “If something significant occurs in Huaguo and proves to be related to the Fujiwara family, Dark Arrow will first eliminate everything you have in Huaguo!”
“That’s a reasonable point… However, the Fujiwara family is still cooperating with the Wang family in broader terms, like with the Zhong Group. Of course, that’s just my personal stance.”
Hejian Qingya opened her computer and began playing a card game, a faint smile on her face.
Han Jiqian composed himself, finally exhaling heavily: “I know the relationships between prestigious bloodline families are complex, but you should understand that it is precisely because of the Wang family’s existence that the bloodline world maintains its balance, providing the Fujiwara family with a livelihood in Huaguo!”
“Hmm, I accept that perspective… It’s my first time encountering someone from the Han family who would protect a proper bloodline family in Huaguo so ardently during times of peace. That’s one of the most unbelievable aspects of Huaguo.”
Hejian Qingya smiled and stood again, heading towards the tea area to prepare another cup of coffee for Liu Fang.
As the clock approached 10 PM, Han Jiqian became distraught in his anxiety, even contemplating whether he was being overly sensitive.
The phone rang, and Han Jiqian took out his phone to see it was the director Ye from the intelligence bureau.
“Han Jiqian, the person in charge of intelligence from the Wang family has given clear feedback…”
Han Jiqian pressed the phone tightly against his ear, fearing he misheard even a single word. A few seconds later, he hung up, slumping onto the sofa in a state of weakness and confusion.
The Wang family took no action… Could it be that all my guesses were unfounded?
He gently set the steaming coffee on the coffee table, quietly observing the bewildered young officer from Dark Arrow, a hint of unexplainable pity rising within him.
A familiar presence surged from the direction of the balcony, as Bai Yu Qianzhen pushed open the balcony door and knelt on one leg: “Miss, feedback from the Wang family’s sealed land knight indicates there has been no action!”
Looking back at Han Jiqian, Hejian Qingya shook her head gently.
“Thank you…”
Han Jiqian wearily rose to his feet, rubbed his aching shoulders, and slowly walked out.
Even though both channels of information received consistent answers, Han Jiqian still felt uneasy. He planned to rush to the operational site in L City to take a look.
The distance was less than two hundred kilometers, and there was still nearly three hours to go, which should be enough time to arrive—at the very least, he could witness a spectacular firework display.
…
At 10:30 PM, with only two and a half hours remaining before the joint operation between the Wang family and the Hidden Alliance,
In a five-star hotel in C City, on the top floor’s presidential suite.
An elderly man in a snow-white Tai Chi uniform leaned back on the living room sofa, resting with his eyes closed. Nearby stood two young men in suits.
Old Fifth Uncle was not ranked by seniority or power within the Wang family hierarchy, but rather by the specific responsibilities he handled—he ranked fifth for his duties in domestic intelligence and action planning.
Old Fifth Uncle was a Caucasian bloodline member, with status neither excessively high nor low among the Wang family seniors. He was not even a direct descendant of the Wang family, but, in terms of blood relation, he’s considered a nephew of a certain generation of Wang family members.
Perhaps due to his innate abilities, or maybe the severe internal injuries sustained from the bloody battles with Japanese bloodlines eighty years ago, Old Fifth Uncle had remained stuck as a lower viscount for decades, struggling to attain the opportunity to rise to a count—a fate faced by many high-level bloodline members with limited longevity.
However, in terms of capability, Old Fifth Uncle had gained the recognition of the Wang family’s old ancestor, thus bearing the significant role of intelligence.
However, since the Wang family expelled the Japanese more than seventy years ago, the old ancestor revised several rules for the high-ranking members, allowing everyone to focus solely on their assigned tasks without the authority to meddle in others’ affairs.
Recently, facing a sudden, aggressive move from the Black Dragon Society, the Wang family suffered substantial losses, bringing considerable embarrassment to Old Fifth Uncle. Compounding this was Old Seventh Uncle’s unsuccessful attempts to interfere in the Liang family’s internal strife in the south, increasing the pressure on Old Fifth Uncle.
Tonight was a critical operation for Old Fifth Uncle to regain face, a prime opportunity to eliminate the Black Dragon Society. As the highest responsible person, he was directly stationed in C City.
The door to the presidential suite opened, and a Wang family knight of higher rank entered, lowering his head to speak softly: “Old Fifth Uncle, as per your instructions, the information has all been sent back…”
“Hmm… Everyone’s confidentiality work has been quite good. Any signs of movement must not be provoked. Dark Arrow and the Fujiwara family—all their thoughts are unpredictable.”
Old Fifth Uncle half-closed his eyes, speaking in a detached tone.
“However, that was an emergency communication from Dark Arrow’s upper echelons. Isn’t it inappropriate for us to keep this from them?”
“What I mean is, our family is short-handed right now. Why not pass the information to Dark Arrow and let them deal with the Black Dragon Society…”
One of the younger Wang family knights, having served closely beside Old Fifth Uncle, was evidently someone of considerable competence, cultivated over time. However, he appeared uncomfortable, as though he had opinions about the operation presided over by Old Fifth Uncle.
“Hehe, kid, you’re clever, but this concerns the Wang family’s reputation. It’s not just about simple revenge. Taking down the Black Dragon Society is a substantial benefit; unless it’s a fruitless endeavor, when it’s time to act, don’t hesitate.”
“Furthermore, this is not merely revenge; it’s when the Wang family must show its strength and establish its authority. Otherwise, trouble in the south will embolden outsiders to think the Wang family can be bullied…”
Old Fifth Uncle sighed lightly and waved his hand, not even looking at the Wang family knight in front of him: “You all can leave now, I’m tired… Wait for the good news and tell me then.”
Exchanging glances with the other two knights in the room, the three rapidly exited the presidential suite.
Once he no longer sensed the presence of his subordinates, the elderly man on the sofa opened his eyes, a sinister smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.
“A bunch of fools, and they still let the Han family notice something was off… What a pity, you’re all too late… I had hoped to stay a few more years…”
Old Fifth Uncle stood up, his aged appearance suddenly vanishing without a trace as he quickly moved into an inner room, retrieving a package and changing clothes.
“Old Ancestor, it’s not that I’m unfaithful, but if I don’t ascend to Count, my life will soon run out, and I can’t accept that… This time, I provided false information to Dark Arrow and the Fujiwara family—once tonight’s events pass, I will also reveal my presence.”
“Hehe, Old Ancestor, you’ve grown muddled in your old age, still yearning for the Wang family to act like Huaguo’s pi pao. Times have changed…”
Dressed in all black, Old Fifth Uncle walked to the window, gazing out at the vibrant city scene under the night sky, his eyes gleaming with an unusual brilliance.
…
On March 8th, 12:15 AM, there were forty-five minutes left until the joint action between the Wang family and the Hidden Alliance.
In the southern area of C City, on the eastern bank of the Min River in the L City harbor district, in an industrial park’s logistics center.
Several figures infiltrated the area, each approaching the target point from different directions, converging on Tongluo Mountain, just a few hundred meters away from their objectives.
“Hey, Xiao Yue, according to Elder Xiang and Elder Wu, you and I are to stay outside, responsible for ambushing and blocking any leaks, while also keeping an eye on the retreat…”
Old Jin, dressed in mismatched black attire akin to a thief, quietly appeared behind Wan Yue, his voice laced with a hint of helplessness.
“Their words? I think it’s Zhuang Jianfei’s opinion! Isn’t he the chief strategist for this joint operation?”
Wan Yue, clad in a windbell combat outfit, with her long hair pinned back and a small bag of throwing knives at her waist, and Uzi submachine guns hanging from her thighs, smirked while holding a cigarette, exuding confidence.
As she spoke, Wan Yue deliberately turned to face him, arms crossed, looking playfully at Old Jin, who was being sneaky.
The large ballistic vest over her tactical jacket failed to hide her alluring curves, making it particularly enticing, causing Old Jin’s gaze to linger.
“You’re speaking too loudly; people are coming…”
Noticing Wan Yue’s displeased look, Old Jin quickly glanced at the dark bushes behind him, scratching his nose awkwardly.
From the darkness, four figures of varying heights approached, led by the burly Xiang Zuxing. The others wore their personal styles, showing a disinterest in standardized combat gear after long stints as leaders.
“I knew Sister Wan is nostalgic. Looking at that outfit, extremely charming—it’s still the style of our Ba House.”
Wu Yuqing was dressed in a sleek, tight black jumpsuit, showing off her curves, with a wide belt adorned with various equipment, even tying a white silk scarf around her neck.
Aside from her being slightly older, Wu Yuqing’s figure and looks were not much inferior to Wan Yue, and her talent was commendable. Decades ago, she was once Wan Yue’s “rival,” only for that person, Chu Songming, to ultimately choose Wan Yue.
As the familiar outdoor-clothed young man came closer, Wan Yue drew the Uzi from her right thigh, her smile becoming strangely enticing.
“Xiao Yue, calm down; you promised me…”
Old Jin was almost ready to embrace her but ultimately settled for grasping the leader of the windbell’s arm, looking panicked.
“Sister Wan, if you really want to cause trouble, then don’t participate!”
Xiang Zuxing’s anger flared, positioning himself directly in front of Zhuang Jianfei with a stern demeanor: “If we can kill Zhu Bixian this time, it will be beneficial for everyone. Whatever grudges you have can be addressed later!”
In comparison to Xiang Zuxing and Old Jin’s reactions, Wu Yuqing seemed to be spectating, showing no emotion.
“Is it not acceptable for me to check my weapon?”
Wan Yue casually extracted the magazine from her Uzi, feigning nonchalance and stroking it before reattaching it to her thigh, then lighting her cigarette again, looking entirely unimpressed.
Exhaling a cloud of smoke, Wan Yue shifted her gaze to Zhuang Jianfei’s rear, casting a contemptuous glance at the knight named Wei Jun: “When did we start needing to bring an inferior sidekick to participate in high-end events? Zhuang Jianfei, are you waiting for someone to collect your body?”
Wei Jun, following Zhuang Jianfei, wore an awkward expression, utterly refraining from showing any anger, just lowering his head.
“Let him stand back and learn a thing or two. Sister Wan, once my younger brother completes Elder Chu’s task, I’ll give you an explanation, okay?”
Zhuang Jianfei glanced back at Wei Jun, smiled, and continued to engage Wan Yue. His façade of humility did not overshadow his cold gaze, which showed no sign of retreat.
Wei Jun caught all of this, observing closely.
“Alright, time is almost up. Let’s move stealthily. Sister Wan, you and Old Jin will be responsible for blocking the perimeter and keeping an eye on the retreat. That kid can stay here, establish an observation post, and keep an eye on the west; if anything happens, send us an emergency communication.”
Among those present, the highest-ranking was Xiang Zuxing, who naturally assumed the role of temporary commander, issuing commands for this operation.
His tone was not only cold; he was not even seeking input from others, clearly riled up by Wan Yue’s earlier conduct.
Wei Jun was taken aback, instinctively glancing at Zhuang Jianfei, who gave a slight nod. He obediently turned and began walking west, sneaking glances at Wan Yue.
“Xiao Yue, there’s only half an hour left; let’s move to our designated position.”
Once everyone had dispersed, Old Jin approached Wan Yue, gently reminding her.
“Hmm…”
Wan Yue’s gaze remained fixed on the direction where Xiang Zuxing and the others had departed, seemingly lost in thought.
“Xiao Yue?”
Seeing her failure to respond, Old Jin stepped a bit closer.
He noticed that Wan Yue seemed different today; every detail of her demeanor was unlike her usual self, as though she bore a profound concern, and it was not solely the surface hatred for Zhuang Jianfei.
“Old Jin, does your superior know about this operation?”
Wan Yue snapped back to reality, beginning her descent down the mountain while lightly muttering.
“He knows. After finalizing the operation plan, Old Fifth Uncle reported to the Old Ancestor. I heard he praised him for having the courage to act… Xiao Yue, ever since the bloody battle against the Tanaka family with the Japanese, Old Fifth Uncle has overseen our family’s intelligence and operational planning, so he is quite shrewd.”
Old Jin thought Wan Yue might have doubts about this operation and quickly hurried to catch up, explaining patiently.
Wan Yue halted, slowly turning back to quietly observe Old Jin’s face, then managed to give an awkward smile.
“Hey, Xiao Yue, I know you are extremely cautious, but in this world, what can be guaranteed to be one hundred percent controllable? Don’t worry, even if the sky falls, it’s still Old Fifth Uncle and them who will be there.”
“Well, at least I’m here too!”
Old Jin patted his chest, wearing a responsible expression.
“Did you become a prominent Wang family official by relying on your charm with women? You really are an old fool that’s hard to hate…”
Wan Yue sighed softly, shaking her head repeatedly.
Old Jin, taken aback by Wan Yue’s teasing, stumbled forward, his old face turning bright red.
“I… I certainly rely on my own abilities…”
After several attempts to find his words, Old Jin finally stammered something out.
