Chapter 266: An Unacknowledged Reality
The construction of the cross-border railway between China and Mongolia has benefited the remote towns of southern Xinjiang, with a significant increase in the flow of merchants compared to previous years. Even though night has fallen, both ends of the border crossing remain brightly lit, with countless trucks loaded with goods waiting in line to clear customs.
In this day and age, most public telephones have long since disappeared, but remnants can still be found in certain corners of border towns.
In front of a small local specialty shop, Hejian Qingya, dressed in exquisite ethnic attire, reluctantly hung up the phone.
During much of the conversation, she had been tapping her fingernails against the microphone to send encrypted messages, while Zhong Jing’s occasional words of concern made her increasingly eager to meet him.
After the call, Hejian Qingya did not leave directly; instead, she took interest in selecting items in the shop. The combination of her ethnic clothing and her petite, graceful figure attracted many passersby.
Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Bai Yu Qianzhen’s figure. Hejian Qingya calmly approached the counter to settle her bill, then slipped into the crowd carrying a bag of bamboo tubes.
After navigating the streets for a while, Hejian Qingya returned to her hiding place, a stilted farmhouse inn far from the main road.
Upon entering the courtyard, she encountered Tian Zhong Zhixiao, who was similarly dressed in ethnic attire yet bore traces of outdoor stealth.
Looking around, she noticed several attendants standing with their heads down, each silent as if something loomed within the stilted house, keeping everyone else out.
Subtle yet intense pheromone waves drifted from the stilted house, causing Hejian Qingya’s face to flush and pale. She glanced at Tian Zhong Zhixiao, who remained calm, even sporting a barely perceptible sneer at the corner of his mouth.
“Yuzi…”
Hejian Qingya looked up in the direction of the stilted house, murmuring softly.
A minute later, Fujiwara Yuyama appeared by the large window on the second floor, looking down coldly at Hejian Qingya and Tian Zhong Zhixiao.
……
Yuzi’s body was carried out from the main room, seemingly uncovered beneath the cloth, with an arm hanging out, marked with dark purple bruises and even bite marks.
As Hejian Qingya’s confidante, Yuzi had perished in Fujiwara Yuyama’s beast-like frenzy, not daring to resist from start to finish.
Hejian Qingya’s complexion was pale, her head bowed, staring blankly at the floor, showing no reaction to Yuzi’s body passing by her side.
Tian Zhong Zhixiao lightly touched Hejian Qingya’s arm, seeing her lost in thought. He then took her hand and stepped into the main room.
In the clean main room, an unpleasant odor lingered, mixed with faint traces of blood. At that moment, Hejian Qingya felt as if she had entered the dirtiest place in the world.
What was happening outside?
Fujiwara Yuyama, somewhat disheveled yet stubbornly dressed in loose clothing, sat leisurely in the center of the main room, sipping local rice wine.
Tian Zhong Zhixiao knelt in front of Fujiwara Yuyama, lowering his head to respond, “There are members of the Wang family moving in the south and east, making it difficult to exit the country.”
“Zhixiao, we can only rely on you this time to break through. Once we return to Japan, I will apply for retirement, and you will succeed me as my chief retainer.”
Fujiwara Yuyama smiled, personally pouring a cup of rice wine, squatting beside Tian Zhong Zhixiao, and patting his shoulder with sincerity.
“Yes, Uncle’s experience is the key to our successful withdrawal.”
Tian Zhong Zhixiao nodded in a subtle yet forceful manner, acknowledging Fujiwara Yuyama’s praise.
When Fujiwara Yuyama fled the battlefield, he chose not to enter Vietnam from the east or continue south into Laos. Instead, he took the reverse route, breaking northwest to re-enter Chinese territory.
With Tian Zhong Zhixiao’s capabilities, Fujiwara Yuyama, like a cunning fox, easily evaded the pursuit of the Wang family and hidden enemies, even preserving at least half of his manpower.
Flattered by the praise, Fujiwara Yuyama stroked the stubble on his chin, and for once, his normally gloomy face took on a bit of color.
Yet Fujiwara Yuyama seemed to understand that neither the hidden enemies nor the Wang family would let him go this time. Over the past week, emotions of frustration, despair, resentment, and anger had relentlessly tested Fujiwara Yuyama’s psychological defenses.
If he were captured by the hidden enemies or the Wang family, it would solidify evidence of the Fujiwara family’s involvement in creating internal chaos in China, leading to nothing but ruthless abandonment from his family and a fate of becoming a pariah.
Fujiwara Yuyama even sensed that other family retainers had long wished for his death outside, creating a circumstance where there would be no witnesses to his demise, to avoid any repercussions for the family.
As each day passed, the likelihood of him being sacrificed by his family increased, making Fujiwara Yuyama’s outward composure hide the internal fear and oppression that remained unknown to others.
The most direct manifestation of this was that Fujiwara Yuyama channeled all his negative emotions onto his female blood relatives.
This time southward, aside from Hejian Qingya, there were only two female members accompanying him, but now the last remaining one had also been tortured to death during Fujiwara Yuyama’s frenzied release of desire.
Thinking of this, Fujiwara Yuyama felt an intense agitation rise within him. He turned to Hejian Qingya, his expression darkening rapidly: “Qingya, what about your situation?”
Hejian Qingya shuddered and quickly lowered her head: “The area from the north to the outskirts of X City is under the control of hidden enemies. We have already identified the units known as Xuán Jiǎ Brigade and Hòu Qí Brigade, as well as some members of the Blood Dragon Brigade.”
“I’ve contacted the main family, and their message is that they cannot send a rescue team; you will have to solve this by yourself…”
After speaking, Hejian Qingya deeply bowed her head, resting it on her hands and fell silent.
Humph, the hidden enemies aren’t a concern, the real obstacle to our escape is the Wang family. Understanding their movements is crucial!
Fujiwara Yuyama’s eyes flashed with a fierce glint as he crushed the bamboo cup in his hand, looking sinisterly at Hejian Qingya, a wicked smile curling at his lips: “Qingya, for the greater good, you must take on a heavy responsibility and repay my investment in you… I have previously stated that the actions involving the Engel family and Chu Dali, are all led by you, and I merely made an error in judgment.”
“Your relationship with the Zhong family is of utmost concern to our main family, and the success of the collaboration with the EVN Group can be used to offset your mistakes, do you understand?”
Hejian Qingya hurriedly interjected, “Of course, I will explain everything to the main family and ensure that it does not implicate you, Uncle.”
Seeing the girl before him had regained her composure, Hejian Qingya exchanged glances with Tian Zhong Zhixiao, who slightly nodded. Fujiwara Yuyama felt a bit of reassurance.
……
Leaving the stilted house’s small courtyard, Hejian Qingya found herself by a nearby creek, accompanied only by Bai Yu Qianzhen.
Under the moonlight, the scattered reflections on the water and the soft sound of the trickling creek resembled the weeping of a girl—fragile and helpless, yet as annoying as it was melancholic. A hint of distress gradually surfaced on Hejian Qingya’s indifferent face.
“Have the princesses been cremated? Remember to bring them back to Japan.”
After a long pause, Hejian Qingya murmured as she sat on a large stone.
Bai Yu Qianzhen nodded, yet anxiously pressed, “Miss, can we still return to Japan?”
Hejian Qingya looked back but did not respond.
“If we can’t sneak back, we must die in front of the hidden enemies and the Wang family, to give everyone an explanation. Even if we return, it may not be better than staying here.”
Suddenly, Tian Zhong Zhixiao emerged from the side. Bai Yu Qianzhen quickly bowed and quietly withdrew.
“He can’t go back. The main family should have long reached a deal with the Wang family and the hidden enemies. If he goes back, he will surely die. Staying in Southeast Asia is his only way out.”
Tian Zhong Zhixiao stood behind Hejian Qingya, his tone as indifferent as ever. The “he” naturally referred to Fujiwara Yuyama, devoid of any honorifics.
Is that your wish as well, Brother Zhixiao?
Reflecting on Fujiwara Yuyama’s and Tian Zhong Zhixiao’s previous elevated status, now reduced to exiles, Hejian Qingya felt a strange satisfaction inside, though her face remained composed.
“I am a member of the Apennine blood family; though merely a baron, my value surpasses his…”
Tian Zhong Zhixiao chuckled, displaying a detached demeanor, seemingly indifferent to Fujiwara Yuyama’s current situation and future.
As he spoke, Tian Zhong Zhixiao turned to face the south, pointing: “Besides, don’t you think this is the most liberated place for blood relatives in the world? With his strength, he should be able to live no worse than he would at home.”
“Liberated?”
Tian Zhong Zhixiao’s words caused Hejian Qingya to pause, pondering.
During the last world war, Japanese blood relatives were also active in Southeast Asia. Many, after the end of the war, chose not to return home but rather to live incognito in this land, becoming part of one of the most chaotic and disordered worlds for blood relatives.
If not for obstacles like herself and Fujiwara Yuyama, perhaps Tian Zhong Zhixiao could have already extricated himself alone. Why then did he choose to stay here?
Observing Tian Zhong Zhixiao’s nonchalant expression, Hejian Qingya’s confusion deepened.
“Lord Zhixiao, back then, you assisted Yuyama in saving our father and dealt with Hejian Miyako, correct?”
Finally, Hejian Qingya posed a question that had weighed heavily on her heart for a long time.
“Mm.”
Tian Zhong Zhixiao nodded without hesitation, as if having anticipated the inquiry.
“Why? Hejian Miyako is your biological sister.”
Hejian Qingya slowly stood up, turning around to fix her gaze on the young man, as if trying to extract something from his eyes.
“We are first and foremost members of the Fujiwara family; brotherhood comes second… Until we have sufficient strength, the family is our only support; don’t naively think that we can protect happiness that can’t be sustained. Uncle once said, she chose the wrong path at the wrong time.”
“Lord Zhixiao, do you also believe that Miyako sister made a mistake?!”
Hejian Qingya interrupted Tian Zhong Zhixiao’s words, pressing forward aggressively.
“If she hadn’t made a mistake, would you have had the chance to appear in China?”
Tian Zhong Zhixiao’s laughter rippled through the air, and he turned to leave.
Of course, if Hejian Miyako hadn’t betrayed the family back then, could I have met Jingru? Shouldn’t I be thanking them… Hejian Qingya stood by the creek, lost in thought and helplessness.
……
After midnight, with still two days to the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, the full moon above had already become round and bright, bathing the earth in silver light, calm and serene.
On the balcony, Jiang Yan sat in a reclining chair, staring blankly at her wrist under the light on the wall.
Unlike Jiang Yao, Jiang Yan was immediately aware of the unusual state of her body upon regaining consciousness. Some basic knowledge of blood relatives clearly indicated what this meant.
Back when she was with the hidden enemies, Jiang Yan had seen the deformed low-level blood relatives caused by blood boiling chaos. The stench from their decayed, mutated tissue was so familiar that even with perfume, it lingered on her senses.
Her thoughts drifted back to a week earlier, when she witnessed Baron Wugasuo of the Black Blood Clan stab through Meng Huai’s body. Jiang Yan had been unaware of what strange state of blood boiling eruption she had entered.
The only feeling she retained was as if she had broken some seal; the previously unshakeable congestion in her body and mind disappeared, leading her into a liberated state.
But the price was that her body exhibited terrifying symptoms typically associated with low-level blood relatives.
Had the queen’s instability begun to reflect on her own body… Jiang Yan shivered internally and slowly closed her eyes.
“Fujiwara Yuyama has been found. Now, Advisor Han is coordinating joint capture plans with the Wang family, likely to take action in the next day or two. Dr. Lu suggests that you should not participate due to your poor health.”
A familiar voice sounded behind her. Moments later, a tall young man squatted at the side of Jiang Yan’s reclining chair.
“Are you planning to return to the hidden enemies after this?”
Awakened, Jiang Yan seemed apathetic towards Meng Huai’s life and death, and her expression and voice appeared cold. She quietly hid her left hand behind her back as she spoke.
“I don’t know. Let’s first deal with Fujiwara Yuyama and his people,” Meng Huai said, holding a large food box aloft, bringing it to Jiang Yan’s front. “Dr. Lu said you need to strengthen your nutrition, eat more so your body recovers faster.”
Looking at the scars lingering on half of the young man’s face, Jiang Yan silently picked up her chopsticks and nibbled at her food, with Meng Huai taking on the role of a table, maintaining his squatting position to assist her.
At that moment, Jiang Yan refrained from mentioning Meng Huai’s previous suicidal behavior, nor did Meng Huai speak about their current relationship, as if both had forgotten the recent scene of life and death separation.
After squatting for a while, Meng Huai shifted his stance, causing the food box to shake slightly. Jiang Yan instinctively pulled out her hand from behind to steady the box and prevent it from tipping over.
Her wrist, wrapped in thick gauze, glimmered under the dim light, and both Jiang Yan and Meng Huai paused simultaneously.
“I can take it back to my room to eat; it’s too late. You should go get some rest.”
Jiang Yan carefully picked up the food box, not daring to look at Meng Huai’s face.
Meng Huai released his hands, slowly rising to watch Jiang Yan from above. A few seconds later, he suddenly leaned down and pecked her forehead in a swift motion.
“Don’t look up!”
Before Jiang Yan could react, Meng Huai straightened up as if he had done something wrong and hurriedly turned his back.
It was unclear how long had passed, but soon the balcony was left with only Jiang Yan, who stood there in a daze, clutching the food box.
He was still trapped in internal conflict, never daring to face reality; perhaps he already knew who I was. Maybe it wouldn’t be long before I wouldn’t make him struggle any longer…
Glancing at the bandage on her wrist, Jiang Yan let out a light laugh and turned to go back inside.
Hello, the current communication function of the secure communication device has been deactivated. Please use the correct device for contact.
Outside the small villa by the fish pond, Meng Huai slowly closed the secure communication device in his hand, his expression serious.
“Meng Ge, you’re still awake,” Han Jiejian approached, his attire in ethnic style clashing somewhat with his personal image and temperament.
“Is everything arranged?” Meng Huai asked, putting away the secure communication device in a nonchalant manner.
“There are still some loopholes to the west; the Blood Dragon Brigade is still preparing.”
Catching a glimpse of the other’s earlier actions, Han Jiejian felt somewhat uncomfortable and could only provide vague explanations.
The two shared an unspoken understanding, avoiding the acknowledgment of certain matters—Han Guowei and Wu Zhongxian had officially revoked Meng Huai’s status as a seed.
Under the almost blatant assassination tactics of the Wang family last time, Meng Huai had been classified as having an exposed identity. Han Jiejian knew even more that in the strategic mission to track down Xia Yan and Gu Yao, Meng Huai had already fallen into a state of confused position.
Regarding Meng Huai’s future direction, Han Jiejian dared not speculate; these issues were concerns for the superior leadership of the special secret operations group to debate.
“Han Jiejian, could you help me with something? I need to look up some information, consider it a personal matter.”
Meng Huai walked up to Han Jiejian, shoving the deactivated secure communication device into his hand with a serious expression, even showing a rare humble demeanor.
Fujiwara Yuyama?
Han Jiejian was startled, realizing only a vendetta against his mother could stir such intensity in Meng Huai.
No… it’s about Jiang Yan’s wrist injury…
Meng Huai hesitated for a few seconds and pulled out a photo he had taken stealthily while Jiang Yan was unconscious.
In the photo, there was an unsettling ulcer scar on the girl’s left wrist.
“You can ask the Wang family about blood-related matters; they know a lot more than the hidden enemies.”
Han Jiejian took the photo, examining it in the dim light for several seconds with a frowned expression, still puzzled.
“Then forget it.”
Meng Huai retrieved the photo, squatting at the edge of the rice paddy, gazing at the shimmering pond under the moonlight.
Meng Ge, do you… really care for Jiang Yan? Han Jiejian squatted down beside him, his voice trembling slightly. “You should understand that her and Jiang Yan’s true identities might just be…”
“Enough!” Meng Huai hissed, blood vessels prominently visible on his neck, his expression terrifying. All this is just your speculation; I refuse to believe such absurdity!
But the Wang family’s attitude, their advanced multi-line blood capabilities… Han Jiejian sighed and took out a USB drive from his pocket, handing it to Meng Huai. “Here, this contains part of Qin Rong’s testimony; you can listen for yourself.”
They didn’t commit any acts that harm society; must you push all blood relatives to one side? Is it never-ending? Meng Huai’s harsh response left Han Jiejian speechless, who could only resentfully step back several paces.
“Han Jiejian, do you see me as a traitor to the hidden enemies in your eyes?”
After a full minute, Meng Huai finally spoke in a deep voice.
“I don’t know; I don’t understand those psychological models or so-called theories.”
Han Jiejian sighed grimly, picking up a pebble and throwing it into the pond, contemplating, “My third uncle once said that there’s a blood relative named Zheng Yuanchao who used to be hidden enemies; he might posthumously be awarded first-class merit… Meng Ge, our lives as ordinary people are too short; it takes a significant time cost to see through every blood relative.
Faced with any immediate or future threat, our options are actually quite limited; time will vindicate every claim, but that’s too luxurious for us… Time is also the greatest gulf in our communication with blood relatives.
“My third uncle even once doubted the strategic mission model. Who can stay steadfast for decades, even centuries, without changing their initial beliefs? The three seed predecessors, the more they can remain unchanged, the more we fear the things that will change…
“Meng Ge, to be frank, the Han family is preparing to withdraw from the hidden enemies. The Han family’s influence on the hidden enemies is too significant. I think Grandma and Second Granduncle have connections all over the hidden enemies, and when they were alive, every thought and word from them carried weight.
“The likes and dislikes of the Han family, directly or indirectly, will become the stories and even rules of the hidden enemies, which itself contradicts the beliefs left to us by the founding leaders.
Thus, only with the Han family’s withdrawal can others liberate more thoughts.”
At this point, Han Jiejian seemed to feel a bit relieved.
Looking at Han Jiejian’s youthful yet mature expression, Meng Huai fell into deep thought.
……
……
In the early hours of June 4th, in Province A, City H of China, an unpublicized hidden enemy operation was unfolding with unprecedented intensity.
In collaboration between the Wang family and the Zhou family, the hidden enemy’s eastern inspection district mobilized four action teams to launch a surprise attack against the core location of the Hidden Ones Alliance.
In the dark of night, helicopter searchlights from the sky akin to white chopsticks pierced through every corner of the remote martial arts school, stirring up chaos.
Above the massive martial arts school complex, hidden enemy soldiers executing night landings arrived continuously; surrounding the mountains were hundreds of specialized armored vehicles, effectively blocking all land transport and continuously tightening the siege.
It was unclear under what circumstances the information leaked. The remaining Hidden Ones Alliance members within the remote martial arts school were dwindled to mere dozens, most of whom were below the servant level and could hardly resist the armed-to-the-teeth thousand hidden enemy soldiers, not to mention some formidable and mysterious high-level blood relatives.
Resistance was negligible, or, at this stage, any resistance was akin to striking a stone with an egg.
The evidence of the Hidden Ones Alliance’s headquarters being compromised was finally found in the most secretive underground facility.
Long-thought-to-be dormant Senior Elders Gao and Shen were confirmed dead by the Zhou family, who reached the scene first.
These two longstanding, formidable blood relatives of China, now lay concealed within the frozen warehouse as corpses. Beyond their mutilated exterior, their valuable internal organs had also vanished without a trace.
Actually, it wasn’t just in Province A, City H. In several provinces and cities in East China, the main large strongholds of the Hidden Ones Alliance underwent simultaneous hidden enemy assaults, with no more than an hour apart.
For both the hidden enemies and the Wang family, no fallen blood relative force was allowed to exist. As the largest wandering blood relative force in Chinese history, the Hidden Ones Alliance, on this night, fell into disarray, bereft of leadership.
