Chapter 268 Untitled
June 6, Saturday.
On a country road not far from the small western-style villa, a special bomb-proof armored vehicle is parked.
Inside the vehicle, Han Jieli leans against one side of the seat, lightly tapping the edge of his tablet with his fingers. The screen displays the somewhat fatigued face of Han Guowei, with the background being an office piled high with documents.
“Third Uncle, everything here is ready!” Han Jieli’s expression is relaxed, a hint of a smile on his lips. “The intelligence has been disseminated, now we just have to see how He Jianqing will lure Fujihara Kiyama out.”
Seeing his nephew’s confident demeanor, Han Guowei rubs his temples and sighs. “Do you think I’m contacting you now because I’m concerned about this matter?”
Han Jieli is momentarily taken aback, his smile quickly fading as he understands the troubles that Han Guowei and Chief of Staff Wu Zhongxian have been facing recently.
The capture of Wang Jia’s fifth son, Wang Jia Zuo, under the Wang family’s tacit approval, allowed Dark Arrow to obtain some confessions, confirming all suspicions about Ye Zhijun.
With the Wang family’s cooperation, Dark Arrow achieved a resounding victory, but it also faced a necessary internal purge.
The consequences of revealing the internal traitor are far from the simple eight or nine individuals mentioned in Ye Zhijun’s testimony. Besides the serious issues within the Intelligence Bureau, other departments have also been somewhat implicated, even including some senior leaders.
Some faced isolation and investigation, others were reassigned, and mildest consequences involved early retirement.
Including the Special Operations Group, Dark Arrow Headquarters had to implement personnel adjustments in key positions across multiple departments with the strictest measures. The resulting turmoil is arguably one of the most earth-shattering events in decades.
As for the infiltration of Wang family members into the Blood Dragon Troop, it has left both Wu Zhongxian and Han Guowei on edge. They cannot handle this as openly as exposing traitors, making the situation extremely tricky to manage.
After a dozen seconds, Han Guowei takes a deep breath, his expression softening slightly. “Forget it, the matters at headquarters should not interfere with your side… I’m contacting you today about Xia Yan and Gu Yao.”
“To put it this way, the Wang family’s manipulation this time not only helped us solve a major problem but also semi-publicized the secrets of Xia Yan and Gu Yao. This seems unintentional but is, in fact, deliberate. What do you think?”
Han Jieli instinctively glances at the car window, then thinks for a moment, proceeding cautiously. “Hmm, the Tu Wei Army has already figured out some details about Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao, and the likelihood of her being the Queen is very high… Third Uncle, the Wang family has captured Qin Rong and provided us with part of the testimony. Are they deliberately testing us?”
“Less beating around the bush, just say what you need to say!”
Han Guowei frowns, his tone unkind.
“Uh, I’ve also been verifying Qin Rong’s testimony these past few days. Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao indeed do not belong to the Wang family but are part of another blood clan force under Wang’s protection.”
Han Jieli pulls out a USB flash drive from his pocket and waves it in front of the camera. “Unfortunately, some parts of Qin Rong’s testimony are too obscure and do not reveal detailed information about this force. The Wang family has also refused to hand Qin Rong over to us for questioning, so further investigation is necessary.”
“An unknown force… wait, I’ll show you something!”
Han Guowei strokes his chin, seemingly having thought of something. He taps a few times on his device, displaying a specially processed video clip, followed by a secret audio recording.
This was a small incident that Han Guowei witnessed firsthand the night the Wang family coalition surrounded and attacked Liang Laoliu and Ruan Shunhong.
In the darkness, a tall, elegant woman wearing the Wang family’s combat uniform and a mask nonchalantly stood in front of Dark Arrow’s defensive array, engaging in conversation with Han Guowei.
Han Jieli stares intensely at the screen, ears perked up, holding his breath and replaying the clip multiple times.
“Yes, this senior! I previously thought she was a top leader of the Wang family. The last operation plan was coordinated with me on behalf of the Wang family, and she even had a clear grasp of Chu Dali and others’ movements.”
Han Jieli straightens his posture, his expression serious. “She is very familiar with our Han family and holds high authority within the Wang family, yet is not a member of the Wang family. That in itself is peculiar.”
“She is different from the Wang family; she dares to directly shelter members of Dark Arrow’s blood invasion. Moreover… she has long since known the true identities of Red Diamond and Meng Ge, and has been leveraging them. Third Uncle, what I mean is…”
Han Jieli hesitates, and on the other side of the screen, Han Guowei seems to have already mentally prepared himself, his expression grave.
Red Diamond…
The uncle and nephew almost simultaneously utter the four characters.
Outside the vehicle, a member of the Tu Wei Army in dark combat gear stands by the car door, hands clasped behind his back, eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings. Two other fighters from the Blood Dragon Troop stand at the front and rear of the vehicle, together forming an invisible defensive line.
At that moment, a graceful figure strides over from a distance, clad in rainforest digital camouflage, her light golden hair fluttering with the breeze, moving with a light and composed gait.
The appearance of Jiang Yao instantly captures the Tu Wei Army’s attention, his gaze instinctively following her figure, heart rate slightly quickening.
In just a few seconds, a multitude of complex special pheromone signals flood the Tu Wei Army’s mind, both shocking and perplexing. He has never sensed such rich and dominant pheromones from a blood clan member before.
Compared to other bloodline barons, who would marvel at Jiang Yao’s almost baron-like profound aura and the alluring scent of her rare blood, the Tu Wei Army, as an Apennine Baron, feels an invisible pressure wash over him.
Moreover, this situation has become the norm. Like Jiang Yan, beneath her seemingly half-barrier realm, it seems that a supermassive star on the verge of collapse is hiding.
“Miss Jiang Yao, is there something you need? Chief Han is currently communicating with superiors…”
The Tu Wei Army adjusts his stance, cleverly blocking Jiang Yao’s path. As the girl draws nearer, his gaze instinctively drops lower, finally glancing over her abdomen nonchalantly.
“Where is Zhong Jing?”
Noticing the unusual focus of the Tu Wei Army’s gaze, Jiang Yao smiles slightly, seemingly at ease, though her eyes hold a hint of provocation.
An hour ago, Mr. Zhong and Comrade Meng Huai went south to scout. Don’t worry, we have arranged people to protect them in the shadows.
The Tu Wei Army’s heart rate quickens slightly, and while answering, he unconsciously tightens his grip behind his back.
“He’s just an ordinary person, insisting on involving himself—what’s he trying to prove…?”
Having glanced southward, Jiang Yao mutters, her tone dismissive but failing to mask her tension.
“Miss Jiang Yao, do you… harbor some prejudice against Comrade Meng Huai?”
The Tu Wei Army has long noticed that the girl in front of him seems to bear an indescribable animosity towards Meng Huai.
It is entirely normal for Dark Arrow and the blood clan to view each other as mortal enemies, yet Jiang Yao gives the Tu Wei Army a somewhat different impression.
“Prejudice? You’re admitting that Meng Huai is on your side now?”
Jiang Yao suddenly laughs, a brazen expression on her face. “You’re an Apennine Baron, right? Do you think I’m dangerous?”
The Tu Wei Army falls silent, slightly turning away to avoid Jiang Yao’s piercing gaze.
“About a year ago, I and my sister repeatedly heard one saying: when you are powerful enough, you can ignore all truths and conspiracies. Hehe, seems like that time is now; you all just have to endure!”
With that, Jiang Yao turns and walks away.
Gradually, a hint of bitterness appears on the Tu Wei Army’s face.
There’s no way around it, Jiang Yao’s realm is too mysterious. It’s said that during the ambush on Liang Laoliu and Ruan Shunhong, she almost single-handedly killed several blood clan barons or viscounts in a swift, brutal fashion.
Such killing efficiency is no different from those powerful earls.
As for Jiang Yan’s strength, the Tu Wei Army has witnessed it firsthand in northern Myanmar; theoretically, it should be on par with Jiang Yao.
Due to the involvement of top-secret Dark Arrow matters, the Tu Wei Army cannot actively inquire about the Queen’s details from Han Jieli. However, it is certain that even if Li Hongjun hadn’t left the team, all four senior blood clan members of the Blood Dragon Troop combined would likely not stand against Jiang Yao or Jiang Yan.
“Instructor, are you alright?”
Two teammates have already noticed the subtle changes in the scene. Once Jiang Yao has left, they slowly approach with their weapons gripped, but their expressions are even more tense than the Tu Wei Army’s.
The Tu Wei Army shakes his head, forcing himself to calm down. “I’m fine; maintain vigilance and focus on the task at hand.”
The car door opens, and Han Jieli rubs his shoulder.
Chief Han, has there been any instructions from above regarding them?
The Tu Wei Army moves closer, casting a glance in a certain direction.
Watching Jiang Yao’s figure disappear into the small villa, Han Jieli shrugs, a bit helpless.
“The Wang family has now stepped into the limelight, creating quite a predicament… The higher-ups are still discussing, and we shouldn’t act rashly. Capturing or eliminating Fujihara Kiyama is our top priority.”
“Old Tu, with the Blood Dragon Troop now exposed, and Li Hongjun having led people away, the Blood Dragon Troop’s strength has dropped by at least half, right?”
Mentioning such a touchy subject instantly darkens the Tu Wei Army’s expression.
“Well, Old Tu, what do you think of Meng Ge?”
Han Jieli suddenly smiles, changing the subject while patting the Tu Wei Army’s shoulder in a friendly manner. “He used to be the captain of the Xuanjia Squad; his roots are solid, and he’s passed all the psychological tests. I think the Blood Dragon Troop should need someone like him, right…”
The Tu Wei Army is momentarily taken aback, slowly furrowing his brow. “Meng Huai? Hmm, I’ve also observed him for quite some time; his comprehensive qualities are very strong. Although he is a mixed blood clan, his combat ability is among the top ten in the Blood Dragon Troop.”
But I’ve noticed that his relationship with those two girls is quite unusual… Chief Han, were you speaking on behalf of the higher-ups, or is this your personal opinion?
Hehe, just throwing in my two cents!
The Tu Wei Army’s business-like attitude leaves no room for camaraderie, prompting Han Jieli to hurriedly deflect.
After this confrontation, Meng Huai’s identity and strategic tasks might be exposed. Although it hasn’t been directly announced, it is practically certain that he has been “dismissed” by the Special Operations Group, making finding Meng Huai a good future opportunity particularly important.
What the higher-ups at Dark Arrow Headquarters are considering, Han Jieli is unsure, but he cannot bear to let Meng Huai wander alone in the blood clan world like a lost ghost.
It is said that Han Guowei is set to posthumously award a first-class merit to a former Dark Arrow blood invasion warrior, which has become another storm in Dark Arrow Headquarters amidst all the upheaval—many matters will sooner or later be discussed openly.
Han Jieli feels like the first and last straw for Meng Huai, already worn out with worry.
“By the way, I have a new discovery!”
The Tu Wei Army seems to remember something and quickly leads Han Jieli to the other side of the vehicle, ensuring no one is around before lowering his voice. “That Jiang Yao… she seems to be pregnant.”
“Preg… pregnant?!”
A bolt of lightning strikes Han Jieli’s mind, causing the young officer to shudder, quickly grabbing the Tu Wei Army’s arm. “What the hell, Old Tu, you better not be mistaken!”
“I was unsure a few days ago, but just now… I think there’s a 90% chance. Chief Han, regarding the secrets of the Ancestor Project and the Queen, I shouldn’t pry, but if it doesn’t involve core matters, you’d better fill me in so I can be prepared…”
As he speaks, the Tu Wei Army’s expression grows increasingly serious.
I, how am I supposed to explain this to you… Damn it, sigh!
Han Jieli’s face turns sour, his speech becoming a bit incoherent.
With Ye Zhijun’s capture, along with the declassification documents personally issued by Wu Zhongxian, the secret files on the Ancestor Project in Dark Arrow’s possession have finally been completely opened up to Han Jieli. Coupled with information obtained from the Wang family, Han Jieli’s understanding of the Queen, while not 100% accurate, has reached a deep level.
Pregnant means the Wang family has already started secretly working on bloodline transfers; Gu Yao is the true Queen? What then is Xia Yan’s role?
No, someone is deliberately leaking this information, but for what purpose?
Ignoring the Tu Wei Army’s expression at the moment, Han Jieli stares at the distant small villa, the image of that mature and seductive mysterious woman from the Wang family flashing through his mind.
…
In the small villa, on the second floor.
Liang Taiquan, fully armed, guards the corridor, clutching his phone while speaking with Xiao Dong.
…It should be tonight; the Wang family’s seventh uncle is in charge. We have two barons from the Apennine family here, so there’s no problem…
…Don’t worry, you’ve seen Xiao Yao’s strength yourself; Fujihara Kiyama is done for!
At the end of the corridor, Liang Taiquan turns around, just about to take a moment to say a few tender words to Xiao Dong, when he sees Jiang Yao sneaking around outside a bedroom.
“Xiao Yao, Dr. Lu is inside talking to your sister alone. Let’s not go in for now!”
Liang Tai quickly pockets his phone and strides over to block Jiang Yao.
“I’m not going in, just listening…”
Jiang Yao turns to the side with dissatisfaction, pressing her ear against the door.
…
Inside the bedroom, Jiang Yao sits at the desk, quietly looking at the examination report in her hands.
“Uncle Ninth means you are nearing the third stage of the Queen Realm now; the boiling blood intensity and threshold are showing fluctuations again. It’s possible that by your next physiological cycle, you’ll enter absolute boiling blood taboo.”
Dr. Lu glances at the report in the girl’s hand, revealing a hint of resignation. “So, any control that exceeds the boiling blood threshold or overexertion will lead to a decrease in the stability of your body.”
“After all, the Queens recorded in history are inherently unstable. However, you and Xiao Yao have already subverted many definitions of the Queen Realm, so what I just mentioned can only serve as a reference.”
“Indeed, it’s essentially ‘unstable metamorphosis’… Your ancestor has said that Queens towards the end become a monstrous mixture of human and ghost, and the Sophia blood clan is born unstable. So, reaching this point in my growth can be considered fortunate.”
Jiang Yao gently puts down the report, smiling easily.
In the current eight major bloodline systems, the so-called “unstable metamorphosis” disease mainly occurs at the blood servant and attendant stages, and is nearly impossible at the knight level and above. However, the legendary Sophia bloodline is different; they lack such clear divisional boundaries, and stability issues can follow them throughout their lives, making any occurrence not surprising.
“Thank you, Dr. Lu. I will be cautious.”
Jiang Yao stands up and slightly bows to Dr. Lu.
The conversation can only go this far; Jiang Yao knows that no matter how careful she is now, it’s merely a delay—she is still just that flawed Queen, not a perfect member of the Sophia blood clan.
“Well, I’ll first arrange a regular health maintenance plan for you… By the way, for the operation tonight, I suggest you not participate. We have sufficient manpower. From now on, avoid boiling blood as much as possible.”
Dr. Lu avoids Jiang Yao’s gaze, beginning to write down what is termed as medical madness, sighing deeply within.
I have to go; there’s an Apennine baron on the other side, and the opportunity may only come once. If Xiao Yao and I cooperate…
Before she can finish her thought, Jiang Yao suddenly stops speaking, turning her head toward the direction of the room door.
“What do you think you’re going for! In your current condition, are you still trying to take front stage for that esteemed man? Do you think you’re a savior, continuously moved by your own sentiments?”
The door bursts open, and Jiang Yao storms in, her face a mask of anger, shouting at the top of her lungs, while Liang Tai stands awkwardly behind her, at a loss.
Dr. Lu sneaks away, unable to remain for even a second longer. Jiang Yao says nothing, just stares at the ground, her expression blank.
“When has he ever truly valued you? He comes and goes as he pleases, and when he seeks comfort, he teases you! A hug, and you’re lost! He’s not your esteemed man; he’s from Dark Arrow, not from the windflower family—what else are you daydreaming about!”
As she continues to scold, Jiang Yao begins to cry, wiping her tears and snot vigorously with the back of her hand, gritting her teeth.
“Done scolding? Come over and help me change the dressing.”
After letting off enough steam, Jiang Yao slaps the desk and retrieves medication from a small first-aid kit.
Wiping her tears and snot, she slowly walks over to Jiang Yan, unwrapping the bandage on her left wrist. Just a quick glance makes her eyes redden even more. “Look… it’s rotten like this and you still want to be tough… who knows if that esteemed man still dislikes you!”
The light green medicine gently applies to the sore, prompting more tears from Jiang Yao, making her voice sound muffled.
“Though it looks like unstable metamorphosis, the ancestor from the Wang family has said I am more stable than you. Perhaps next time the blood protein renews, it will heal on its own without treatment.”
Jiang Yan gently smooths Jiang Yao’s hair, smiling faintly.
“Sister, after these two battles, most of the secrets on us can’t be hidden anymore. That Tu Wei Army with a nose like a hunting dog… Now Wan Jie is asking me to go into hibernation; can we really trust the Wang family?”
After finishing applying the medicine, Jiang Yao reveals a concerned expression as she opens a jar of ointment.
“Besides the earls, who else can take you on alone?”
Jiang Yan’s heart skipped a beat, but she maintained a calm demeanor.
“Sister, I have a bad feeling; are Wan Jie and the Wang family also using us? Are they truly considering everyone’s interests? Zheng Zhongyong and Little Lian have left too; what’s the meaning of such sacrifices!”
“Don’t say such things!”
Jiang Yan’s expression darkens, directly interrupting Jiang Yao.
“I will say it! Don’t think I don’t know; you, Wan Jie, and the old duke of the Wang family have been plotting a counterattack against the Engel family! It sounds good, claiming that we can live in peace for decades to come, but it’s not for us!”
What did Wan Jie use to say? The Wang family never engages in losing trades. Even if Dark Arrow can’t do anything to us now, how can we guarantee that the Wang family is absolutely on our side?
Jiang Yao purses her lips, still unwilling to relent.
At this moment, there’s a knock on the door, prompting Jiang Yan to quickly signal for silence.
“Jiang Yan, Xiao Yao, I just connected with Qing Ya. Should we check in with Chief Han and them again?”
At the door, the figures of Zhong Jing and Meng appear, the former grinning, while the latter gazes straight ahead.
What’s there to check? The Wang family and Dark Arrow’s Blood Dragon Troop are here to stir things up again, do we really need you to make a fuss?
Seeing Zhong Jing’s smiling face, Jiang Yao feels a surge of anger and rolls her eyes. “Qing Ya, calling so intimately…”
“I’m changing the dressing for my sister; if there’s something, let’s discuss it later!”
Ignoring Zhong Jing and Meng’s reactions, Jiang Yao turns her head and snaps.
“I’ll do it.”
Ignoring Jiang Yao’s hostility, Meng walks directly to Jiang Yan’s side.
“Who are you?”
Jiang Yao is about to explode but finds her kneecap firmly pressed down by Jiang Yan.
“Okay… Xiao Yao, you’re the main force today; go and discuss plans with Zhong Jing. I need to talk to Meng for a few words…”
Jiang Yan gives Jiang Yao a gentle push from behind, then places her left wrist in front of Meng.
Crouching in front of Jiang Yan, Meng carefully wraps the bandages around her wrist.
After finishing, he sprinkles a bit of perfume, then sits back next to Jiang Yan, whispering, “The medicine sent by the Wang family is quite good; it feels comfortable.”
Jiang Yan appreciates the bandage on her left wrist, smiling softly. “Meng Huai, I feel much better today; let’s leave together tonight.”
Meng Huai doesn’t respond directly, only gazes at Jiang Yan’s left wrist, his tone light. “I’m sorry, my emotions were a bit out of control yesterday…”
You should be happy because tonight, the demon who harmed your mother will finally receive his deserved punishment.
Jiang Yan slowly extends her hand, touching Meng Huai’s cheek, her eyes sparkling with an ambiguous light. “Meng Huai, after tonight, you will return to Dark Arrow… You’ve done enough; you owe nothing to the windflower or to me. Now I feel like what Wan Jie said doesn’t necessarily hold true.”
Meng Huai looks up, staring dumbfounded into the black-haired girl’s eyes, unsure of how to respond.
A gentle breeze from the southern coast flows through the window, teasing the curtains and whispering softly as if hidden wind spirits are spying on the man and woman inside.
“Yan, be my girlfriend…”
After a long while, Meng Huai lifts a strand of hair from the girl’s face, revealing a slight smile.
Jiang Yan is taken aback; seconds later, the corners of her mouth lift. “Okay, it’s time for me to tease you once.”
Crash! The door bursts open as Zhong Jing and Jiang Yao tumble into the room together. They lift their heads to see Meng Huai and Jiang Yan gradually moving closer while holding hands, their expressions all different.
“Just listen; why are you crowding in here?”
Avoiding Meng Huai’s gaze, Zhong Jing hastily supports Jiang Yao from the ground.
Jiang Yao shakes off Zhong Jing’s hand, fuming silently, refusing to speak.
