Chapter 105: Heavy Blow
November 22, Friday, morning.
At the headquarters of the Dark Arrow Western Surveillance District, yet another emergency meeting was convened under the leadership of Commander Wang Hongjun.
“Yesterday morning, in a construction material market adjacent to a village in District X, a massive explosion occurred, leveling the site almost to the ground. Surrounding buildings were severely damaged by the shockwave; fortunately, it was far from the residential area, and only a dozen citizens were injured.”
As Wang Hongjun delivered his opening remarks to the attending officers, he glanced at the images on the large screen across from him, where Han Wei and Han Jie Li, participating remotely from another location, appeared.
“Chief of Staff Zhen, please brief us on the findings from the first phase of the investigation.”
After Wang Hongjun finished speaking, he pushed the microphone away and closed his eyes to rest.
“The analysis of the scene indicated that the explosive was a large quantity of fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate, estimated to be close to one ton, which translates to more than 200 kilograms in TNT equivalent, comparable to the power of a heavy aerial bomb.”
Within twenty minutes of the explosion, local police, fire, and medical organizations quickly arrived and secured the site. The explosion site was still being cleared, but signs of armed conflict involving firearms were already discovered in the vicinity, along with substantial bloodstains and broken flesh.
“After a rapid examination of the blood and tissue, it was determined to belong to a blood kin. Clearly, this explosion was not due to armed clashes between blood kin factions; one side chose to detonate the warehouse while the other was forced to retreat quickly.”
Zhen Guangquan displayed an aerial view captured by a drone on the big screen. The large warehouse in the center of the construction material market appeared as if it had been gnawed by a dog, completely out of place, with a roughly ten-meter diameter irregular pit near the center.
“These lunatics actually buried so many explosives in the warehouse… At least 200 kilograms of explosive power cannot be merely for mutual destruction; what the hell are they up to…”
In the corner, Han Xiao stared wide-eyed at the images on the screen, a look of confusion on her face.
The flooring of the warehouse was gone, but more importantly, the basement below remained. Currently, the 305th operational team’s intelligence unit had fully sealed off the site; as for what lay beneath, everyone would see for themselves…
Zhen Guangquan sighed and pressed a button, changing the display.
A few seconds later, Tao Qiaoer and another female officer burst out of the meeting room, accompanied by the sound of violent retching in the corridor. Han Xiao, still sitting in her seat, turned pale and trembled.
A large underground blood servant breeding farm had been affected by the explosion’s high temperature, resulting in the death of nearly thirty captive blood servants, their already mutilated bodies rendered even more grotesque by the explosive heat.
“During the debris cleanup of the warehouse, we found some charred body parts that were unidentifiable, as well as a large quantity of packaging for Fujilan, so we can basically confirm that this is a major black blood kin gang crossing S Province and Y Province, the Black Dragon Society’s key stronghold. As for the blood kin force that attacked here, their identity remains unknown.”
Zhen Guangquan said, enlarging a small image, allowing everyone to clearly see fragments of drug packaging boxes in foreign languages.
However, the biggest find was a complete blood kin corpse discovered under the rubble at the edge of the warehouse; its identity is currently being identified, which will assist our follow-up investigations.
Another close-up image appeared, causing Han Xiao to jump up from her seat, while Han Jie Li on the remote video conference showed an expression of surprise.
The identified blood kin individual was male, standing at 174 cm tall, dressed in a distinctive black tight combat suit and a dark gray tactical coat, equipped with various weapons and auxiliary equipment, indicating a high level of sophistication. His identity, boundary strength, and age are still under forensic analysis… Han, do you have any thoughts?
Zhen Guangquan seemed to feel something unusual behind him; he turned around and saw Han Xiao standing out in the meeting room, her face filled with shock, her eyes fixed on the large screen, her lips slightly moving.
“Uh, Chief of Staff… this person’s attire looks very familiar. Remember the nighttime operation at the military hospital in September? It’s highly similar to the dress of that mysterious blood kin force we captured!”
Han Xiao disregarded any meeting protocols and ran directly to the front of the screen, scrutinizing the details in closer proximity.
All the officers present stood up, eyes following the movement of Han Xiao’s arm on the screen, especially Tao Qiaoer, who had just thrown up, now glued to the screen, her gaze unyielding.
“They’ve appeared in both incidents, indicating they must have deep roots in C City.”
“A blood kin force with such advanced equipment is practically a semi-militarized armed group!”
“We need to confirm whether the legitimate blood kin families from S Province are involved!”
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be the legitimate blood kin; some armed rogue blood kin forces are also quite powerful, such as the Hermit Alliance.”
“It can’t be the Hermit Alliance; their main activity zones are in the east and south, while the west is the Wang family’s territory.”
A multitude of voices erupted in hushed discussions, various opinions and views coming to the fore.
“Commander Zhen, I’m interrupting; my collaboration with the intelligence bureau at headquarters on our investigation has reached a temporary conclusion. I’ve obtained the background investigation report on the victims of the 11.01 million Qiao Li incident.”
At this moment, Han Jie Li suddenly shouted, drowning out the noise within the meeting room.
With a cough, everyone’s video feed was switched again, and a shared intelligence document appeared on the large screen.
“Among the victims of the 11.01 million Qiao Li incident, two individuals are quite special, as they belong to the Wang family’s external lines that the headquarters intelligence bureau has been monitoring for a long time, as well as being commercial agents, commonly referred to as brokers. As you all know, matters involving the Wang family fall under the jurisdiction of headquarters.”
“The 11.01 million Qiao Li incident should be considered a targeted assassination against the Wang family by the Black Blood Clan’s Black Dragon Society. For this, they used Fujilan to control a batch of cannon fodder to carry it out, ultimately achieving their aim.”
As this was said, even Wang Hongjun’s brows furrowed, for this signified that future operations would become much more challenging.
Because any matter involving a legitimate blood kin force like the Wang family is not something the Western Surveillance District can approach lightly; only headquarters has the authority to intervene, as outlined in the Iron Rule of Dark Arrow.
Although the strategic attitude of headquarters toward the Wang family is highly confidential, it is well understood among senior generals like Wang Hongjun, especially as most of the Wang family’s influence is located in the Western Surveillance District.
“…Thus, I have reason to believe that the explosion at the construction materials warehouse in District X yesterday morning was likely a powerful retaliation from the Wang family towards the Black Dragon Society’s previous ambush, but I didn’t expect the Black Dragon Society to have such a perverse backhand, burying so many explosives and opting for mutual destruction.”
In the picture-in-picture feed, Han Jie Li squinted as if greeting her cousin, who was far away in C City.
Would the Wang family’s people act in this manner?
Wang Hongjun furrowed his brows, scanning the room until his gaze landed on another individual in the picture-in-picture feed: “Old Han, what’s your opinion?”
“Old Wang, I’ll verify this matter further with headquarters… However, no matter where they are, the black blood kin face widespread condemnation. If the Wang family intends to take deadly revenge on the Black Dragon Society, that may not be a bad thing for us. Personally, I suspect that this incident was orchestrated by the Wang family, but not carried out directly by them. Those old turtles have their minions.”
As for Han Xiao’s analysis, the intelligence department can follow up the investigation long-term. If it truly involves the Wang family, according to regulations, it must be handled by headquarters, and the Western Surveillance District has no authority to meddle.
At this point, Han Wei suddenly smiled, tilting his head in another direction: “The bad news is out of the way, now, Han Jie Li, can you share the good news with everyone?”
Good news? In the meeting room, including Wang Hongjun, all the officers couldn’t help but develop puzzled expressions again.
“Well… Major Meng Huai, thanks to the tireless efforts of the medical security department at headquarters, has now basically turned the corner and is out of danger, with all his bodily indicators showing good recovery, down to Phase Two, and it’s very stable. According to the medical team, he can be discharged by next month at the latest, returning to the Western Surveillance District.”
“Wow! That’s wonderful! Team Meng is coming back!”
Tao Qiaoer was the first to clap, and Han Xiao couldn’t help but hug Tao Qiaoer’s waist, smiling at the beaming Han Jie Li on the screen.
“But don’t get too happy; even if Meng Huai is discharged and returns, he won’t be able to continue on the front line. As for the commander, he will coordinate with the personnel department to arrange for Meng Huai to be redeployed as soon as possible, and if he personally desires, he may also be arranged for a transfer to another position. Haha, we’ve finally secured a significant contributor for our country.”
“Old Wang, as for the Xuan Shen Brigade, once Meng Huai returns, the formal duty handover will take place. Headquarters has approved that Captain Tao Qiaoer will take over as the Xuan Shen Brigade commander, with the official appointment documents sent after Meng Huai returns.”
In the picture-in-picture feed, Han Wei had a relaxed expression, showing a hint of regret, but more of relief.
What began as a meeting to analyze a devastating explosion incident surprisingly turned into a celebratory gathering full of joy, especially for Han Xiao and Tao Qiaoer, whose faces had turned red with smiles.
In the capital, at a military base.
In the secure communications room, the screen went black, and both Han Wei and Han Jie Li exhaled heavily, then their expressions shifted back to seriousness.
“Third Uncle… is this approach appropriate?” Han Jie Li asked with a wry smile as he closed his notebook’s screen, leaning back against the chair with his hands clasped behind his head.
“Meng Huai’s situation is already known to everyone… The mole hasn’t been found, and there may be blood kin forces keeping an eye on the movements of a brigade leader like Meng Huai. His withdrawal from the mission must downplay its uniqueness.”
Han Wei shook his head slightly; it was unclear whether he was negating his nephew’s viewpoint or the current situation.
“Three Uncles, does Meng Ge really have to carry out his special secret operations for decades? If I grow old, who should I pass the Scarecrow position to?”
Han Jie Li chewed on a pencil, staring vacantly at the ceiling, mumbling incoherently.
“In the Special Secret Operations Group, you are the first-generation Scarecrow for Meng Huai; you have ample time to observe and select the next generation. They don’t have to be from the Han family.”
“Once the Scarecrow position is passed on, besides the code name and contact method, you cannot disclose any information about Meng Huai to the next generation Scarecrow. Similarly, Meng Huai will no longer know who the new Scarecrow is—that’s the double-blind principle, do you understand?”
Han Wei spoke coldly, his expression calm.
So if I die, no one will ever know Meng Ge’s true identity, isn’t that too cruel, too unfair…
Han Jie Li steadied himself, placing his hands on the table, his tone subdued and devoid of the usual optimism.
This is the underground struggle of the new era, as well as the blood and tears accumulated by Dark Arrow over seventy years.
In Saint Grace Hospital, District W, C City, S Province.
Saint Grace Hospital is a well-known large private medical institution in S Province, with strong capabilities in plastic surgery, orthopedics, gynecology, and endocrine diseases. It is also one of the few private hospitals that possess a national-level postdoctoral research station.
The Su family, which holds the shares of Saint Grace Hospital, is also a prominent family in S Province, encompassing elderly care, high-end maternity centers, prosthetics, and various other medical health affiliated industry segments, which can barely be considered a high-tech enterprise and is important to the local government.
The top-tier special medical area of Saint Grace Hospital has been almost entirely bought out by a mysterious user, and even the department heads have maintained silence.
Here, there are no so-called complete sterilization protective suits as commonly found in intensive care units. Wan Yue, dressed in a winter dress, quietly stood at the center of the patient room, her serious gaze fixated on Old Jin and Su Xiaomeng as they treated a certain man on the hospital bed for his injuries.
Zhou Ping’s reckless charge had also propelled two attendants, Zheng Shaolin and Xiao Dong, to join in to stop him. However, the blood servant beset by madness from Fujilan was now pushed into a corner, triggering the long-laid explosive trap.
Although they were more than thirty meters away from the epicenter, the immense construction materials piled within the warehouse absorbed part of the explosion’s power and shockwave, they still sustained nearly fatal injuries; in order to protect Zhou Ping and Xiao Dong, Zheng Shaolin was left with hardly a single intact area on his body.
Both Zheng Shaolin, Xiao Dong, and Zhou Ping were severely injured, while another two Hyacinth attendants who had followed Zhou Ping into the warehouse resulted in one being obliterated on the spot and the other buried under the rubble, with almost no chance of survival for the latter.
Ultimately, Zhao Peng made the wisest choice within twenty minutes, abandoning the site entirely to carry the wounded and loot away, forced to leave behind the comrade entombed under the debris.
Since the establishment of Hyacinth, this was not the most painful battle loss, but it was a regretful failure encountered just as they were poised for a major victory.
“Xiao Yue, I’ve used everything, and even if I manage to save his life, he may never rise again; the damage to his foundation is too severe. This kind of explosive power from that distance, let alone a knight, even a baron can’t handle it.”
“The necessary surgeries have all been performed; we will continue to observe. I can’t predict when he will wake up… I can only say we will do our best.”
Old Jin turned around and took off his glasses to wipe them slowly, his tone calm yet laced with hints of regret.
“Okay, you’ve worked hard.”
Wan Yue nodded lightly, her expression devoid of any particular emotion, then turned once more to Su Xiaomeng: “How are Xiao Dong and Zhou Ping? Are they out of danger?”
“Xiao Dong and Xiao Ping are luckier because they were protected behind Zheng Ge. Their injuries are not as severe as his, and they should wake up in a few days. However, whether they have been affected in any foundational way is still uncertain.”
Grandpa will explain the situation to the family. The Black Dragon Society has always been ruthless; in light of this incident, the family will address the fallout…
Out there by the river, how could one not get their feet wet? Once we took on the Wang family’s commission, this is what we must do, and you all must provide the promised remuneration without fail.
Wan Yue nodded, maintaining her composure, and turned to walk out the door.
Old Zheng…
In the corridor, Zhao Peng had no color left in his face, his lips trembling; the usually composed man appeared utterly despondent.
Wan Jie and Miss Su are here, and it is said that Old Jin is also a decades-long expert; Zheng Ge will be fine…
Jiang Yan sat beside Zhao Peng, softly comforting him.
Zhou Yang had not been in a good mental state recently; I shouldn’t have let her participate in the operation… Why did this happen… I clearly yelled at them to stay out…
As soon as he finished speaking, the door opened, and Wan Yue appeared, a hint of helplessness on her face.
Zhao Peng, stop looking like you’ve lost your entire family in front of me! Let’s go see how Zhou Ping and the others are doing.
After being reprimanded by Wan Yue, Zhao Peng finally snapped back to reality, silently rising to straighten his suit.
In another intensive care unit, Zhou Yang, who had undergone surgery, was also in a coma, with her entire body wrapped in bandages, though at least her head was still visible.
The atmosphere in the patient room was quite oppressive.
Sitting by the bed, Wan Yue extended her hand and gently covered Zhou Yang’s bandaged hand, her expression flat.
Burn injuries are not a major issue; it’s just that the internal organs have suffered significant damage. However, the surgery was very successful, and with some medications, recovery remains possible. Sister Xiao Dong is a lower-tier knight, and her injuries are somewhat lighter.
Meanwhile, Su Xiaomeng quietly introduced Zhou Ping’s condition while Zhao Peng grew increasingly despondent.
No matter what her motivations were at the time, she must have encountered considerable difficulties… I won’t put her in a tough spot; let’s first get her treated. Zhao Peng, arrange for personnel to keep watch here.
Zhao Peng quickly stepped up, nodding vigorously but still unable to bring himself to look at Zhou Yang, who was in such dire condition on the bed.
Shifting his gaze from Zhou Ping, Wan Yue turned back to Jiang Yan, nodded gently, and finally revealed a hint of a smile: “Jiang Yan, you did very well this time… Even if it were me, I might not have been able to prevent such things from happening; Zhou Ping was just an accident.”
Jiang Yan didn’t respond, just standing behind Wan Yue, slightly bowing her head to look at the ground, filled with bitterness and helplessness.
The operation against the blood kin in District X stirred quite a commotion within the Hyacinth, with two knights and one attendant hospitalized with severe injuries, while another attendant was dead, and one missing, or rather, that so-called missing young attendant boy was essentially as good as dead.
Even those Hyacinth attendants who didn’t enter the warehouse but were still relatively nearby sustained varying degrees of injuries from the shockwave. The Hyacinth had clearly suffered a great deal of energy loss.
This was a perfect operation that was faultless 99% of the time, but again, in that 1% of the time, a painful failure emerged that was hard to accept.
Apart from the spoils, the rewards provided by the Wang family were even richer than expected, likely a response to some of Hyacinth’s over-expected performances as well as a sense of compensation psychology by adding in a long-term investment.
For this, Wan Yue accepted it all, feeling at ease.
