Chapter 254: Assembling Troops
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Hey, Sister Wan’s outfit looks so cool… no, wait, why does it look so much like the Wang family’s style!?
From the distance, Wan Yue slowly descended the spiral staircase. Jiang Yao held a few pieces of fruit in her hand, her eyes filled with admiration.
Jiang Yan glanced over and quickly understood the meaning behind Wan Yue’s outfit, turning to look at Old Jin—this time, Hyacinth should change its appearance to cover for the Wang family’s main force.
At this moment, Old Jin, sitting on the couch, had his eyes shining, fixated on Wan Yue’s body, seemingly mesmerized.
Ah, this Mr. Jin, no matter when, as long as Sister Wan is present, his focus of observation is so pure… Faced with such a brazen, shameless old dog, Jiang Yan couldn’t help but chuckle.
As she took the final step down, Wan Yue surveyed the men and women in the living room, set her rifle aside, then crossed her arms under her chest and began to stroll along the wall.
Everyone’s gaze followed Wan Yue’s footsteps, and the living room fell silent.
“Zhu Bixian, Black Dragon Society, Lower River Marquis; Cao Fan, Black Dragon Society, Alemann Chief Marquis; Lin Kun, nicknamed Lin Baldy, Black Dragon Society, Caucasus Rebel Baron; Liang Chenglin, leader of the Liang family rebels; Iberian Upper Viscount; He Jingui, core member of the Liang family rebels; Liang Chenglin’s friend, Siberia Upper Baron…”
Almost every two steps she took, Wan Yue would announce a name that sent shivers down the spine of most people present, along with their respective power levels.
As she spoke, Wan Yue’s gaze examined the expressions of the Hyacinth members, excluding Old Jin.
Back beside Xiao Ai, Zhao Peng was currently looking down, his fists clenched tight—Wan Yue’s list highlighted the opponents they would face this time.
… Luo Shunhong, the black blood clan of Yue, not yet reaching the peak of Marquis Chen Fang but could be considered a half-step Marquis; Pan Shangzhen, also of the Yue black blood clan, Lower River Baron; Li Caiyu, another black blood clan member of Yue, Lower River Baron. Finally, Zhuang Jianfei, from the Hermit Alliance, Middle Apennine Baron!
As for the Knights, the Black Dragon Society combined with the Liang family rebels and the Yue black blood clan probably totaled around twenty to thirty, and it was forgotten to even count those below Knight. This is what we have to face; those who dare to risk their lives can sign up now.
Wan Yue’s footsteps finally stopped, having mentioned multiple high-ranking blood families—two Barons, one half-step Baron, six Barons, among which included the most troublesome Apennine Baron.
This lineup already surpassed most baron families; let alone Hyacinth, even the Hermit Alliance when Xiang Zuxing, Wu Yuqing, and Feng Jiulong were alive wouldn’t dare to engage lightly.
If it were a year ago, even half of these people would be enough to wipe out Hyacinth several times over.
In a corner, the three girls, Xiao Quan, Xiao Miao, and Xiao Xi, who had just been promoted to Knights for only over two months, were already shaking in fear.
“Peng-ge… does Sister Wan really have to go this time?”
Xiao Ai’s face turned pale as she gripped Zhao Peng’s arm, her voice trembling.
It was not just that long list of dizzying high-ranking blood members; when Zhuang Jianfei’s name was mentioned, Xiao Ai felt something was off.
Zhuang Jianfei was Xiao Ai’s great-grandfather’s, Chu Dali’s subordinate, and also the Elder of the Hermit Alliance.
Connecting this to the internal split of the Hermit Alliance in recent months, with half the high-ranking members injured or dead, and recalling that Wan Yue had led a group away, Xiao Ai suddenly felt that Wan Yue had already foreseen some hidden truths about the Hermit Alliance twenty-one years ago.
Zhao Peng tightened his grip on Xiao Ai’s hand, his breathing heavy, and upon hearing that their enemies even had Knights, a hint of despair emerged in his heart—how much determination and motivation must Wan Jie possess to lead everyone to challenge such an opponent!
On the other side, Jiang Yao absentmindedly dropped a piece of fruit that she had failed to notice falling onto her body, her small mouth agape, somewhat doubting whether Wan Yue was making things up.
“Then again, sister, shouldn’t the tall ones from the Wang family take the lead? Why do we little shrimps have to risk our lives?”
Jiang Yao glanced at the silent Old Jin and gently nudged Jiang Yan with her elbow, her brows furrowed.
“Just keep listening; the Wang family’s elder and Sister Wan should have made arrangements long ago.”
Jiang Yan took a deep breath, her palm now sweaty.
Jiang Yan had previously guessed, but she didn’t expect the scale of the enemy to be this exaggerated. And judging by Wan Yue’s meaning, this was just one of the battlefronts.
How many years has it been, revolving around conspiracy theories and various sects? I have always adhered to one point: whatever the enemy wants to do, opposing it by any means is correct. As long as we eliminate them this time, we can secure a hundred years of peace!
Wan Yue walked to the center of the living room, looked around, and finally fixed her gaze on Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao, revealing a hint of mysterious smile.
“Pan Shangzhen…”
“Shaolin Ge, what’s wrong with you?”
In a corner, the already anxious Xiao Ling suddenly noticed that her boyfriend had fallen into a strange state.
Zheng Shaolin was trembling and breathing heavily, but not from fear. Within his momentarily dazed aura, a strange emotion emerged, as if he had found a long-lost outlet for release—impulsive, eager.
This uncontrollable emotion wafted out, even catching Wan Yue’s attention.
“Sister Wan, count me in for this assault!”
Without responding to his girlfriend’s confusion, Zheng Shaolin raised his right arm, his face displaying a full, resolute, manly grin.
“Shaolin Ge, you’re insane!”
Xiao Ling’s face paled again as she tightly clutched Zheng Shaolin’s raised arm, as if believing that by pulling down, he would give up.
Gazing quietly at the burly young man, Wan Yue thought for a moment and suddenly came to a realization, her heart giving a light jump.
Zheng Shaolin had been blood-invaded near the southern border of the Yue country back then, and the ones who invaded him likely were Ruan Shunhong and Pan Shangzhen’s gang.
All these years, especially after following Wan Yue, Zheng Shaolin’s transformation in attitude and thought had been significantly positive.
With a cheerful personality, being understanding, meticulous, and responsible, plus possessing top-notch culinary skills, he had gained the trust of the small blood servants in the Hyacinth Mountain Villa—these were all qualities Zheng Shaolin visibly demonstrated.
But now, cracks were appearing in this persona, revealing long-hidden aspects.
“Pan Shangzhen, I remember this person… He was the one who ambushed the logistics camp of Dark Arrow and killed all my comrades; I was also blood-invaded during that battle.”
“Over the years, I’ve met Sister Wan and so many brothers and sisters, and I love this life now, but… I still want to give myself an answer.”
Sister Wan, I won’t hold you or Xiao Yan, Xiao Yao back, but I’m confident I can deal with one or two Knights!
Zheng Shaolin’s expression became warm once more; the intense emotion from earlier disappeared, as if he had completed all his mental preparations in just a few seconds.
Since being severely injured half a year ago, Zheng Shaolin’s realm had dropped from Middle Knight to Lower Knight, and he had remained in recovery.
Fortunately, the RMCE and the secret blood from the Wang family that Jiang Yao had stolen initially preserved his growth foundation, and the subsequent effects of the secret blood supplied by Wan Yue exceeded expectations. Now, Zheng Shaolin had returned to the realm of Middle Knight.
As a core member of Hyacinth, Zheng Shaolin was among the few with combat talent. His positive attitude quietly opened a gap in the atmosphere filled with pessimism and fear.
“Xiao Dong, you’re familiar with the routine management work of Hyacinth Mountain Villa; I’ll leave it in your charge for a while.”
After signing up, Zheng Shaolin shouted towards Xiao Ling, who was trembling and looking down.
The named female Hyacinth Knight slowly raised her head with a dazed expression, merely nodding instinctively.
“If Lao Zheng is going, then count me in!”
On the other side, Liang Tai pried Xiao Dong’s hand apart, raised his arm, and smiled at Zheng Shaolin.
“Don’t, Liang Ge!”
Xiao Dong panicked, similar to Xiao Ling, as she desperately clutched her boyfriend’s arm, wanting him to give up.
“In the Ba Fu, I’ve heard of Lao Liang’s name, tactical skills are top-notch; we can coordinate together! Anyway, Hao Ge has also said to follow Sister Wan and attack wherever she points.”
Not even Hyacinth members, Xiao Hai, Xiao Guo, and Xiao Lian also raised their hands.
It wasn’t that Zheng Shaolin’s and Liang Tai’s leading roles were particularly inspiring, but Xiao Hai knew that Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao would definitely be involved this time.
For those who had already witnessed Jiang Yan’s combat abilities, Xiao Hai and the others had a greater understanding of the risks and confidence in this attack than the members of Hyacinth did. Moreover, the elite of Ba Fu had long since been ingrained with the scent of bloodshed.
Jiang Yan looked over at Xiao Hai and his three companions, a slight smile creeping up her lips.
The two male Knights from Hyacinth chose to join the fray, leaving the rest being girls not well-versed in combat. This made Zhao Peng, a Baron, grit his teeth, unable to look up.
But Zhao Peng understood his responsibilities, so he could only suppress his guilt and indignation, his fists tightening even more.
Xiao Ai obviously understood her fiancé’s thoughts and could only wrap her arms around his waist, softly comforting him.
“All actions are voluntary, but don’t regret it. Zhao Peng, guard. Those who don’t guard, do your tasks well; don’t make me worry about everything.”
Moreover, Hyacinth wouldn’t be running haphazardly into danger; this time, besides us, there are other families that will participate.
From now on, Hyacinth is on break; think about whatever you want. Those who sign up can gather at the traffic interchange of the urban highway at five o’clock tomorrow morning!
After saying this, Wan Yue pulled out a cigarette and lit it. She glanced over the expressions of everyone one last time before turning and walking towards the door.
Seeing this, Old Jin finally remembered his purpose for coming today and hurriedly followed her.
The living room of the villa fell unusually quiet again, silence and daze became the main themes.
Jiang Yao didn’t know where she had run off to, while Jiang Yan habitually took out her phone, futilely scrolling through messages over and over again.
Unfortunately, there were no new messages; Hao De was once again out of touch, as if he had disappeared from this world.
Sister Wan had asked Mond to cooperate with Dark Arrow’s actions; perhaps he had already gone south. What was he doing now… Jiang Yan secretly pressed the call button, but only received the prompt that the other party’s phone was either turned off or out of service.
“No, Shaolin Ge, I want to go too…”
Xiao Ling gritted her teeth, suddenly standing up; after mumbling something dazedly, she abruptly turned and dove into Zheng Shaolin’s embrace, clinging to him tightly without saying a word.
I’m not good at combat, but I can do medical support; I’m going too.
Looking at Xiao Ling, Xiao Dong also regained her spirit, resting her head on Liang Tai’s shoulder, casually saying as if they had confirmed a date.
The two men froze for a moment, but after a few seconds, they both smiled and tightened their holds on their girlfriends.
“Peng-ge and I will keep Hyacinth Mountain Villa safe; wait for you all to come back.”
Xiao Ai stood up, scanning the room; finally, in her capacity as the newly appointed head steward of Hyacinth, she concluded this breathtaking “Wan Yue Assembling Troops,” ensuring those who were reluctant wouldn’t carry too much psychological burden.
Old Jin, we’ve known each other for over thirty years; no matter how you think, I believe we should be more suitable as friends…
Strolling through the nearby woods, Wan Yue lazily stretched her arms while speaking softly over her shoulder to someone.
A graceful lady, a gentleman should court her… Whether you like me or not, what I like, it’s my concern.
Old Jin’s combination of shamelessness and fearlessness made Wan Yue chuckle out loud, taking several deep breaths before her mind suddenly conjured up images of Hao De, Jiang Yan, Zhong Yao, and Jiang Yan.
Yes, the unattainable water is far away and restless; those who are loved harbor no fear…
After saying this, Wan Yue slightly tilted her head, gazing into the depths of the forest, her smile fading, her brows knitting again: “You’re not just here to chat about these things, are you?”
“Hmm, it’s Old Fourth Uncle who asked me to bring you a message…” Seeing Wan Yue’s gaze shift in someone’s direction, Old Jin scratched his nose, feeling a bit guilty, “He meant to say you actually don’t have to participate; arrangements have long been made at the main family.”
“Ha, even Liang Tai wants to give himself an explanation; why can’t I? The Wang family can only look at results, but I can’t…”
Wan Yue turned back, regaining her signature elegant smile: “Okay, you’re just a messenger; since he’s personally come to discuss, let me speak to him face to face.”
Old Jin sighed, knowing he couldn’t hide it, and could only awkwardly walk toward the villa.
Unknowingly, some time passed, and a middle-aged man in an old Tai Chi robe, robust in stature, slowly emerged from the woods.
It is said that Old Fourth Uncle is the Wang family’s purse-keeper, meticulous and thrifty, not expecting to play tough with intelligence and battle planning just as shrewdly as Old Fifth Uncle, but with even more guts…
Do you know when the Wang family drove a nail into Meng Li’s territory? Since Old Fourth Uncle is so confident, what do I have to worry about? It’s also nice to take advantage of the moment.
Wan Yue looked at the Wang family’s Old Fourth Uncle standing a few meters away, suddenly grinning playfully.
“Hmm, this time the opponents are splitting into two routes; the northern route where Chai Er is is actually a decoy; he and Ruan Shunhong have both been set up as stepping stones by Chu Dali and Qin Rong. However, they have Frankensteins in hand. Desperate dogs will leap over the wall, making it quite dangerous; you’d better not touch them.”
Old Fourth Uncle’s expression grew serious, but his eyes hid a trace of affection.
“So this time, the Wang family is employing a bunch of mediocre families, pretending to be Wang family members openly; aren’t they afraid this kind of plot will backfire?”
After several seconds of silence, Old Fourth Uncle didn’t answer. Wan Yue lit a cigarette and inhaled a few times, her tone growing more somber: “Grandpa, I must go this time…”
“Hmm, is it because of that Zhuang Jianfei? I said, they are all decoys, anyone arranged by Chu Dali to the northern route is going to their deaths! If you want his corpse, I can arrange that for you later!”
Old Fourth Uncle placed a hand behind his back, turning southward, an imposing aura of a count quietly radiating.
“Ha, when I found out he was also a decoy, the nature changed… I originally planned to go to the southern route to add glory to your mission.”
Wan Yue slowly sat on a collapsed tree, her gaze fixated on the cigarette in her hand. The glowing red tip, now covered in layers of ash, appeared still hot yet was destined to extinguish.
Old Fourth Uncle froze. A few seconds later, as if recalling something, his brows knit tightly: “Could it be that he is just like you? Hmph, childish games, and ended up sacrificing his life…”
Wan Yue threw away the cigarette and burst into laughter: “Haha, to you and your family, we appear to be playing house, but we take it very seriously, and we are charging forward!”
“You once undermined the Blood Dragon Squad, merely using Dark Arrow as a hand, sticking a Wang family label on it, feeding for decades, just waiting for the day to lure certain people into a deadly struggle with the Dark Arrow.”
“Are you really not afraid one day it will cost you your family’s fortune?”
Wan Yue’s laughter was loud and piercing, but Old Fourth Uncle didn’t respond, slowly walking to Wan Yue’s side, looking down at his granddaughter from a height.
Seconds later, Old Fourth Uncle crouched down and stroked Wan Yue’s hair, revealing a loving smile: “Girl, to coexist with Dark Arrow, the Wang family must invest its own capital. No one should expect to only profit from the other.”
Wan Yue looked up, meeting her grandfather’s gaze, lightly nodding: “So the Wang family sent Zhu Qianhua out as a bargaining chip, Dark Arrow must be prepared to relay with the Wang family. Behind the Wang family’s grand national righteousness, it remains very realistic.”
Old Fourth Uncle made no comment, taking out a piece of paper from his clothing and placing it in Wan Yue’s hand: “Han Zhongliang is nearly at his end, in the military hospital in the capital. I estimate he has just ten days to half a month left. Contact this person, he will arrange for you to meet.”
Saying this, Old Fourth Uncle stood up and sighed: “Your second brother has schemed for most of his life, yet still veered off course… The ancestor’s intention is, after all, that he is a descendant of the Wang family. When the man dies, the debt is settled; I won’t pursue it.”
Wan Yue’s hand trembled, gripping the paper tightly, falling into silence.
…
An hour ago, everyone had gathered, but now, Wan Yue’s villa had become cold and empty again.
Whether it was the ones who voluntarily chose to engage or those who retreated in fear, they had all left. Even Zhao Peng, who usually acted as Wan Yue’s close aide, was nowhere to be seen.
In the vast living room of the villa, only Jiang Yan was tidying up, cleaning up the few bits of trash.
Wan Yue entered the living room, looked around, felt there was still one person present, and smiled: “What is Jiang Yan doing hiding up there alone?”
Jiang Yan turned her head, looking somewhat embarrassed: “I should be on the phone with Zhong Jing…”
“This little girl, she harshly ignored Xiao Jing for a month, and now she’s being delicate like a proper girl; playing this kind of separation and death scene, I wonder who she learned it from… Forget it, let her be. But you, you seem emotionally unaffected?”
Wan Yue approached Jiang Yan, habitually sweeping back her long hair by her ear, offering a teasing smile.
Since everything is arranged by Sister Wan and the Wang family’s elder, I have nothing to worry about.
After experiencing so many life-and-death trials, Jiang Yan felt that she had basically mastered Wan Yue’s ways of doing things, so she could only speak the truth.
Saying the truth isn’t a good thing; who told you I’m not an impulsive person? I originally planned to go somewhere else. It was just that last night I changed my mind. If I say this, would you still be calm?
After saying this, Wan Yue turned and headed up the stairs, leaving Jiang Yan a bit stunned.
Once you finish tidying up, come to my room; I plan to be impulsive again… no, I mean I will help you be impulsive again.
Watching Wan Yue’s back as she headed to the second floor, Jiang Yan felt somewhat puzzled.
…
After everything was tidied up, it was already past three in the afternoon when Jiang Yan prepared to meet Wan Yue.
Just as she arrived in the second-floor hallway, she spotted Jiang Yao sneaking out from one of the bedrooms.
At this point, why are you changing clothes? Planning where to go?
Seeing her change into a new pair of jeans and carry a small bag, Jiang Yan felt confused.
Jiang Yao’s gaze dodged, her words hesitating: “Sister, I forgot something at home; I want to go back and get it…”
Clearly lying, she must be going to meet Zhong Yao, just as Sister Wan said—the cheerfulness displayed by Xiao Yao is merely a facade.
Looking at Jiang Yao’s gradually reddening face, Jiang Yan understood and could only nod: “Go ahead; it’s alright if you don’t come back tonight, but make sure to remember the gathering time to leave tomorrow, and don’t forget to take your medicine.”
Mhm!
Jiang Yao quickly nodded before hurrying down the stairs.
Soon, the faint sound of a car engine starting came from the outdoor parking area of the villa.
Seeing Jiang Yao’s hurried demeanor, Jiang Yan couldn’t help but sigh, then walked directly toward Wan Yue’s master bedroom.
In the room, Wan Yue had already changed out of the previous combat uniform of the Wang family and was sitting at her vanity in a straight black dress, putting on makeup.
She had returned?
As Jiang Yan noticed herself reflected in the mirror, Wan Yue put down the lipstick, grabbed a perfume bottle, and sprayed it near her ear, smiling.
Sister Wan, are you also going out?
Seeing Wan Yue in such a ready-for-battle demeanor, Jiang Yan felt something was a bit different from before.
Wan Yue looked at her watch, stood up, and grabbed a small shoulder bag: “Jiang Yan, tomorrow you will lead everyone to depart according to the schedule. I will send you a confidential email with the specific arrangements.”
I need to catch the earliest flight to the capital, and I will fly south to meet everyone directly tomorrow. Additionally, I plan to send you to another place alone.
I’m not going with everyone?
Hearing Wan Yue say this, Jiang Yan was stunned.
Yes, further south, to the main battlefield in Thailand; I will provide you with contacts and coordinates for the Wang family. Wan Yue stepped closer to Jiang Yan, her expression growing a bit mysterious, stating that Mond is also there, and after consideration, it’s most suitable for you to go there.
Jiang Yan lowered her head, rubbing the hem of her dress, feeling a bit at a loss with the sudden change in arrangements: “Why me…”
You already know the answer… Because a certain someone wants to be completely free, probably only you can bring him back. Although the Wang family and I have both used him, you haven’t. I think you wouldn’t want him to become a wandering spirit, would you?
In fact, if he completely disappears, it wouldn’t be bad for you or me… So before I become hard-hearted, quickly agree; consider it his last chance.
After saying this, Wan Yue sighed, casually tucking Jiang Yan’s hair behind her ear.
Does Mond want to seek death? Is he so stubborn and desperate about the future…? Jiang Yan’s face began to pale, her lips moved several times without uttering a word.
After a few seconds, Jiang Yan bit her lip and gently nodded.
Hehe, great! It’s only at this moment that you show that little bit of womanly charm.
Wan Yue’s expression transformed again, a classic sly smile appearing on her face as she poked Jiang Yan’s chest with a finger: “Has it gotten a bit bigger? Do you feel like you’ve gone through a second growth spurt? Not bad, filling in the gaps; any kind of man can be easily captured!”
With that nonsensical teasing, Wan Yue grabbed her bag and left, leaving a blushing and anxious Jiang Yan in the room.
