Chapter 177: The Mantis Catches the Cicada
February 25, Tuesday.
To the north of the capital city, at the foot of Yunmeng Mountain, at a secret base of Dark Arrow.
The early spring in the north is often indistinguishable from the end of winter. Deep in the mountains, the temperature is even lower, and the accumulated snow has yet to melt away.
The base has obviously undergone some simple decorations, and amidst the serious and murderous atmosphere, there is unexpectedly a touch of festivity. Seven or eight soldiers are strolling on the lichen training ground of the base, occasionally pointing and discussing.
Upon closer inspection, aside from an elderly man wearing a thick military coat without any insignia, the rest are active-duty soldiers, some of whom carry officer ranks.
This is the most elite secret unit of Dark Arrow, the training center of the Blood Dragon Brigade, Blood Dragon Base.
Today marks the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of the Blood Dragon Brigade. Even under strict confidentiality, the Dark Arrow headquarters arranged a simple celebration activity within permissible limits.
In fact, the first member of the Blood Dragon Brigade was born only forty years ago, but the preparation for the Blood Dragon Brigade and the construction of Blood Dragon Base started on this day in 1960.
All of this was vigorously promoted by the first-generation leaders of Dark Arrow Headquarters, especially Zhu Hua, who was the Deputy Chief of Staff at that time, who gathered resources through various secret channels to build the early framework of Blood Dragon Base.
In an era marked by technological backwardness and material scarcity, the construction of Blood Dragon Base progressed with extreme difficulty, only to be hindered by a decade-long turbulence that followed, which led to a temporary halt in its construction. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that it resumed.
If Zhu Hua is regarded as the founder of the Blood Dragon Brigade, then her son Han Zhongliang, who inherited her legacy, is the number one contributor to the true realization of the brigade.
At this moment, although Han Zhongliang has long since retired, he is still surrounded by several generals like stars surrounding the moon, reminiscing about the magnificent journey of Blood Dragon Base up to now.
“Old Chief, many of the current tasks still require your guidance; you can’t find us troublesome!”
Wu Zhongxian and Han Guowei, on either side, support the old man’s arms as they walk on the snow-covered playground, watching several members of the Blood Dragon Brigade training while speaking candidly.
“I’m being treated like an old child, coaxed with sweet words. We all struggled our way through, and I’ve encountered much worse situations than you.”
“Hey, I’ve only been retired for twenty years, and it’s already changed so much here, the scale has expanded quite a bit. To be honest, you not only need to develop the number of members in the Blood Dragon Brigade but also pay attention to the quality of training. Every comrade here is carefully selected to be a pillar of the nation.”
They have made tremendous personal sacrifices for the people, so not only should their growth be promoted, but their physical and mental health and their families’ well-being should also be cared for, ensuring they have no worries.
Han Zhongliang’s health has become increasingly frail after the New Year, with age spots more visible on his face, yet at this moment, he appears quite spirited, unable to help but frequently express opinions about a few young Blood Dragon Brigade members in the distance.
As he was speaking, a young officer with the rank of colonel, in charge of training, turned around.
Upon recognizing the elderly man, he quickly straightened his uniform, walked briskly over, and surprisingly ignored the presence of senior active-duty generals like Wu Zhongxian, directly standing at attention and saluting Han Zhongliang.
“Old… Chief of Staff, Blood Dragon Brigade Commandant Tu Weijun, reporting for duty, please advise!”
The young officer, tall and straight, avoided looking aside, his right hand maintaining the salute.
Although the Blood Dragon Brigade is referred to as a brigade, it is, in fact, at the regiment level. The young officer, as commandant, naturally holds the rank of colonel. This also reflects the headquarters’ intention and emphasis on granting the Blood Dragon Brigade the highest possible military rank.
Today is a celebration day, and with Han Zhongliang’s influence in the Blood Dragon Brigade and within Dark Arrow, Wu Zhongxian doesn’t care about Tu Weijun’s attitude, but instead, appreciates him as a straightforward and passionate individual.
“Little Tu, haha, you must be sixty this year… Good! What’s your current status? I remember you were a mid-tier knight twenty years ago. By the way, what’s your lineage…”
Han Zhongliang recognized the young man before him, Tu Weijun, as one of the first batch of Blood Dragon Brigade reserve members he personally selected years ago.
Time is a brutal blade, but for the bloodline above the knight rank, it astonishingly brings a dreamy envy. Now, forty years have passed, and Tu Weijun looks hardly more than ten years older than back then.
Etiquette aside, when it comes to confidentiality, Tu Weijun couldn’t help but glance at Wu Zhongxian, seeking confirmation. After receiving a nod, he smiled and replied, “Old Chief, you’ve forgotten, I’m from the Apennine lineage, and I was promoted to baron last year.”
As he spoke, Tu Weijun activated his blood boiling ability, and for a moment, a domineering aura surged forth, turning heads among the training personnel of the Blood Dragon Brigade in the distance.
Unfortunately, the ordinary soldiers present cannot appreciate the overwhelming breathing aura of the bloodline baron, only nodding repeatedly at the sight of Tu Weijun’s red eyes.
“Good, that’s wonderful!”
Han Zhongliang exclaimed excitedly, unable to hide his joy, and stepped forward to thump Tu Weijun’s shoulder: “Efforts do not betray those who are diligent; our Dark Arrow has finally produced an Apennine baron! After forty years, we’ve finally achieved an Apennine baron; it’s worth it!”
“Little Tu, come to my house tonight for a drink!”
Han Zhongliang seemed a bit overly excited, pulling Tu Weijun to his side while also addressing Wu Zhongxian, “Wu Zhongxian, though this is the Blood Dragon Brigade, we also value a balance of work and leisure. You don’t mind me inviting Little Tu to my house for a visit, do you? Well, you come too!”
Seeing both men looking at him, Wu Zhongxian smiled, thought for a moment, and could only nod.
“Guowei, I heard you’re going to the Southern Inspection Area next month as commander. Is there some big trouble there? If I’m not wrong, the Wang family can’t hold out there anymore?”
Han Zhongliang tilted his head to look at his son, his expression becoming serious: “To raise troops for a thousand days to use them at a moment’s notice. If someone truly provokes us, the Blood Dragon Brigade should also show its sword! Of course, I’m just suggesting.”
Han Guowei was taken aback, exchanging glances with Wu Zhongxian before gradually nodding: “Yes, I also plan to discuss with the Chief of Staff about dispatching a special team over.”
After the outdoor visit ended, Han Zhongliang, accompanied personally by Tu Weijun, went to tour the inside of the base, while Wu Zhongxian and Han Guowei did not follow; instead, they sat on a bench by the playground to rest and chat.
“Don’t be fooled by the old Chief being nearly ninety this year; he still worries about Dark Arrow… I heard that last time the strategic task was declassified, you talked all night with the old Chief, and it made him ill again.”
“Old Han, you can’t do this; last year, the work of Dark Arrow was not going well, so don’t provoke him…”
Wu Zhongxian looked at the old man’s distant back, his mood somewhat heavy.
As the saying goes, having an elderly person at home is a treasure. Even after retirement, Han Zhongliang’s behind-the-scenes guidance for Dark Arrow’s work is not something to be taken lightly.
“He has been thinking about the Seed and strategic mission for decades. Even though he keeps mentioning retirement, he cares more than anyone else… Honestly, after the New Year, the Medical Security Department did a check-up for my dad; he might not last another two years.”
Han Guowei took off his military cap, his tone equally somber: “I didn’t expect that when I mentioned the strategic tasks of the three Seed predecessors, especially the Red Diamond mission, he cried for a long time…”
Wu Zhongxian was stunned, slowly turning his head. After a few seconds, he sighed deeply, unsure of what to say, and could only gently pat his old partner’s shoulder.
“Honestly, how did Old Ye’s investigation go regarding the possibility of last July’s X4974.30 operation final report leaking after that visit to the research center? It should be the closest clue to the identity of the mole.”
Han Guowei put his military cap back on, his mood returning to normal.
“Well, Han Jie’s ability to break through structured thinking is very strong. I thoroughly agree with his views. Old Ye has already launched a deep investigation there, but there hasn’t been any harvest yet. At the time, only five people had access to this investigation report; besides me, it was you four of the same generation.”
“I can’t just think that the mole is one of us five, right? Look, I’m entering a dead end again.”
Wu Zhongxian smiled bitterly, getting up and heading towards the base building.
“Could it all just be coincidence? Are we guessing blindly?”
Watching Wu Zhongxian’s retreating figure, Han Guowei fell into deep thought.
“No, there should be someone else who knows…”
Han Guowei repeatedly searched through his memories from last May to July. Suddenly, a piece of information jumped out, making his eyelids twitch, and he couldn’t help but stand up.
“No, it’s impossible… How can that be!”
Taking a deep breath, Han Guowei shook his head as if wanting to dispel the outrageous thought that had popped into his mind.
…
One morning, Zhong Jing and He Jianqing returned, while the old man Jin, who had just left for a day, came back again. On the same day, Huang Gu arrived at the Hyacinth Villa.
Wanyue’s private suite became a temporary conference venue. Besides the two bigwigs, old Jin and Wanyue, Huang Gu, Jiang Yan, and Zheng Shaolin were also allowed to participate.
The joint action initiated by the Wang family and the Silent Alliance to strike against the Black Dragon Society was in the implementation stage. Not only had old Jin brought the latest intelligence investigation results, but Huang Gu’s private arrangement for the site reconnaissance work also arrived for a comprehensive summary.
“Xiaoyue, fortunately, this time we left enough time to verify the intelligence, otherwise, we would have suffered losses again.”
Old Jin turned on the projector, pointing to the image on the wall with a relieved expression: “Previously, we only knew that the Black Dragon Society had only Zhu Bixian and Cao Kuang as leaders, along with two barons under Cao Kuang, but the latest intelligence indicates that there is now a newly promoted Caucasian baron under Cao Kuang.”
“The Engel family is behind them, and maybe the James family should be included. It’s no surprise that those infamous experimental drugs are used on these black bloodline individuals.”
Wanyue didn’t look at the projection, instead, her attention was on a stack of paper documents Huang Gu handed over, speaking without even lifting her head.
“Well… However, the final intelligence was still verified. From five target points more than six months ago, it has now narrowed down to three, all within Province S…”
As she spoke, old Jin used a laser pointer to highlight several positions on the map.
Not only Wanyue, but Jiang Yan and Zheng Shaolin also quickly focused, staring intently at the map on the projection screen.
L City, River Harbor District, Industrial Park Logistics Center; P City, East District, Gangue Mountain Quarry; Y City, West District, Qingshi Town Quarry.
Except for the goal in P City at the farthest south, which is almost reaching Province Y, the other two targets are around City C, with the nearest being L City to the south.
“The excluded points, after covert investigation, have proven to be mere distractions; they can serve as safe houses but do not qualify as core dens. This will make it easier to deploy manpower from Uncle Wu.”
“Xiaoyue, Uncle Wu means that we along with a few others from the Silent Alliance, you and I will take charge of that base in L City. The other two will be handled by our family. For every point, we will deploy at least three viscounts and several barons!”
Old Jin’s mood was much better compared to half a month ago, probably because the reduced number of targets greatly increased the Wang family’s success rate in completely eliminating the Black Dragon Society.
Wanyue raised her head, frowning slightly: “Three viscounts? In L City, the Silent Alliance’s Xiang Zuxing, Wu Yuqing, you, and me, at most there’s only one baron under Wu Yuqing. Where will we find three viscounts?”
“Uncle Wu said that you count as a viscount, if not stronger,” Old Jin flattered smoothly, causing Zheng Shaolin and Jiang Yan to laugh.
“Say whatever sounds good; you still can’t get into my bed!”
Wanyue shot him an eye roll, took out a cigarette and lit it, ignoring Old Jin as she turned to the obedient Huang Gu beside her: “Huang Gu, tell us about your field investigation results over the past half month.”
“Cough, cough… It’s like this, time’s tight, so I didn’t go to P City, but for the other points, I spent several days scouting them individually. Since this time, Jin Ye and Sister Wan are handling L City’s point, I’ll share my thoughts.”
“Over the past half month, I’ve made several trips to the River Harbor District in L City, gradually deepening my reconnaissance on-site.”
Huang Gu took the computer mouse, opened several drone-captured images and videos, his expression somewhat hesitant: “Jin Ye, Sister Wan, on the east bank of the Min River, near the industrial park logistics center, something feels off. On the surface, it certainly looks like a new key base for the Black Dragon Society.”
“I inquired around; that large storage station was constructed as a chemical raw material storage zone, and it only began construction last year at the end of December, resuming work after a one-week break for the Spring Festival. Generally, construction crews tend to resume work around the Lantern Festival.”
After a review of the drone images and videos, Huang Gu’s expression grew even more serious: “Before the Spring Festival, the progress of that large storage station was performing normally, but for two days before the Lantern Festival, it suddenly accelerated, with day and night shifts. It has only just calmed down recently, and there hasn’t been further rush at night.
Last week, I added night vision infrared camera functions to the drone and discovered that many of the bloodlines appeared at the site without having taken warming drugs; they should be members of the Black Dragon Society.
Thus, it gives me a constant feeling of being unafraid of exposure and hastily rushing construction. This is Sun’s territory; do they really think they can do this brazenly?
As he spoke, Huang Gu switched directories and released a few photos taken by the drone in infrared mode at night.
“Uh, very detailed… Old Jin, how’s the intelligence you’ve collected?” Wanyue nodded slightly, then looked towards old Jin, “Have you figured out the details of that large storage station?”
“Yes, there are some findings.”
Old Jin quickly nodded, smiling as he pulled out a few printed documents from his suit pocket, handing them to Wanyue: “This is the information I found about the River Harbor District, the east bank of the Min River, and the industrial park logistics center.”
“This logistics center was originally an unfinished project that had been halted for two years. Suddenly, in early December last year, it was taken over by a foreign company registered in East China in City S. I checked this company’s background, and it’s a typical shell company, yet they could suddenly splurge over a hundred million in real capital, so the L City government wouldn’t care much about it.”
“Look, this is the official planning information found by Uncle Wu. Essentially, it’s a large-scale solid chemical raw material warehouse with very limited functions, so Uncle Wu judges there must be a secret large basement beneath it. This has also been verified by intelligence from the Silent Alliance.”
Old Jin pointed to an official engineering plan that noticeably highlighted a circle.
“Aren’t all the members of the Black Dragon Society supposed to be snakes? … It’s strange not to have a basement.”
Wanyue compared the printed information with the latest aerial maps in the projection, nodding frequently: “However, on the surface, this ground-level logistics storage station and the surrounding supporting facilities appear to be mostly completed. If they were still rushing construction, it would only be for underground reinforcement or expansion, or for building other supporting functional areas underground…”
“Sister Wan, over the past few months, the Black Dragon Society has suddenly brazenly risked being discovered, spending huge amounts of money to create new hideouts. I also feel something’s off!”
Zheng Shaolin raised his hand, puzzled: “I don’t quite believe the Black Dragon Society could be so poor that they can’t even afford warming drugs!”
At this point, Zheng Shaolin and Jiang Yan exchanged glances, both feeling that these occurrences were somewhat unusual.
“Jiang Yan, what’s your take?”
Wanyue turned her head towards Jiang Yan, revealing a slight smile.
Jiang Yan straightened her body, took the projection laser pointer from Huang Gu, and pointed at the projection: “This area is adjacent to the Min River’s inland waterway, with convenient transportation and considerable movement of personnel and goods, making it very suitable for covering various actions of the bloodlines. To the east and north, there are remote mountainous areas that facilitate escape and transition, theoretically making it well-suited for construction as a core stronghold.”
“Of course, this is all predicated on the entire industrial park logistics center being completely constructed. But at present, it’s just an unfinished engineering area that has just resumed work. Except for this rush-built large storage station, other areas are basically still in the planning stages, very isolated, lacking cover, and very susceptible to be attacked.”
“I really don’t believe the black bloodlines haven’t thought of this point. If they, like last time, continue to set up some backup plans in the underground space, it might rather lure the attacking side into severe losses.”
Jiang Yan’s opinion was quickly supported by Huang Gu and Zheng Shaolin, especially Zheng Shaolin.
Old Jin watched the members of the courier team, shaking his head repeatedly, not agreeing with the couriers’ views, or perhaps already anticipating these issues.
“Sister Wan, Uncle Wu has already considered these.” Old Jin crossed his legs, appearing fully confident, “Our family sent an Apennine baron; he infiltrated two nights ago, and the Silent Alliance’s Zhuang Jian also visited personally.”
“The underground space is mainly for living and habitation. Although it’s still under decoration, some people are already living there. It’s said to be quite luxurious, unlike a place that ordinary black bloodlines would enjoy. There are two escape passages, both quite concealed.”
“The deeper blood feeding grounds have not yet been put into use. Regarding the ambushing backup you mentioned, I can responsibly say that nothing has been detected; they don’t have the time to set it up.”
Upon hearing this, even Wanyue was taken aback, and after a few seconds, she revealed a teasing smile.
Jiang Yan stole a glance at Wanyue, her silent expression indicating she didn’t know how much mystery the other party read into this intelligence.
“Alright, since someone has verified the situation below, let’s wait for the formal action time from you.”
Wanyue turned off the projection, stood up stretching her body, gradually becoming lazy, saying, “This time, I’ll go alone. Jiang Yan, Zheng Shaolin, you stay behind and take care of your own matters.”
Jiang Yan, Zheng Shaolin, and even Huang Gu were somewhat astonished. Even old Jin’s corner of the mouth twitched subconsciously.
It seems that between Sister Wan and Zhuang Jian, there really can’t be a lack of some stories… Jiang Yan thought silently.
The others didn’t know how long they had left, with only Jiang Yan still sitting on the living room sofa, lost in thought.
“What’s wrong? Staying here and wanting me to help you figure something out?”
Wanyue walked out from her bedroom, already changed into a new sexy low-cut dress, looking at Jiang Yan with a smile.
“Sister Wan, Xiao Yao… she is still hung up on Sister Xiao Ping’s matter; shouldn’t it be this way?” Jiang Yan lifted her head, her expression a bit bitter.
“Do you really expect her to reflect? I’m just having her evade some attention here.”
Wanyue sat in a position by the window, lit a cigarette, and casually said, “She’s someone who can empathize deeply with the tragedies at hand but has become numb to the unseen tragedies.”
“I think Zhou Ping’s matter is the catalyst that prompts her to step into her queenly realm this time. Now, I can understand her state of mind, hating her helpless weakness and yearning for a strong self to break free from confinement… because I have experienced that before.”
Jiang Yan was taken aback, carefully savoring the words, deep in thought.
For such a person, seeking a powerful self is fine, but without a true life goal, self-reflection is just empty talk. Sigh… Jiang Yao, she has no attachment to the past, even more than you and I; she seems more like a bloodline.
Of course, she remains pure, knowing who treats her well and willing to help them at all costs; that is her strength and weakness. However, if given a choice, I’d prefer she always retains this quality.
Her current realm strength is on par with an ordinary mid-tier baron. Last night, I gave her the training subjects for the Siberian baron’s blood explosion as well as Marquis Alatai’s Thousand-Hand practice. Watching her, she has now become immersed; I am looking forward to it…
While speaking, Wanyue pointed at Jiang Yan’s body with one hand holding the cigarette: “You still need to find your own opportunity to step into the queenly realm, but there’s no need to rush.”
As for Meng Huai, spend more time with him; in the past world, besides you, he had only the late Fujihara Yaka, who could touch him. It’s even more so now.
As soon as she heard Meng Huai’s name, Jiang Yan’s mood instantly sank. After a long time, she stood up, neither nodding in agreement nor shaking her head in denial, but rather left the room in heavy thought.
Lunch time was approaching, and small groups of Hyacinth little blood servants walked towards the dining hall. Jiang Yan also walked with her head down, her expression cold, lost in thought, ignoring some friendly greetings.
As soon as she stepped into the dining hall, she saw Meng Huai sitting in a corner across from her, looking at her.
Didn’t he move to the small farm? How did he come back… Jiang Yan was momentarily stunned, and after a few seconds, she turned around and exited the dining hall.
Meng Huai quickly stood up and hurriedly followed her, sensing the curious glances around him.
Jiang Yan walked faster and faster, nearly running back to her own room, locking the door tightly, then lying down on the bed, covering her head with the quilt.
Outside the door, footsteps were faint, and the familiar aura lingered in the corridor. Apart from being slightly weak, the characteristic smell of the black bloodline was almost indistinguishable.
However, the emotions carried in the aura remained the same: rigid, cold, stubborn, with no sign of fluctuation.
If before, Jiang Yan could only see these traits from Meng Huai’s expressions, now, she read them from his “heart,” understanding his unchanging emotions.
As a comrade, he might be a trustworthy and respectable captain with solid military qualities and rich combat experience, but as a man, he truly falls short…
Ten minutes, twenty minutes, an hour… The footsteps and aura finally faded away. Jiang Yan cautiously peeked out from under the quilt, her expression somewhat chilled.
