Chapter 496: Night Demon's Plea [Two-in-One]
Chapter 496: Night Demon's Plea [Two-in-One]
The team leader was bewildered, "But isn't this team assembled by our Southeast Headquarters? Even if they are from prominent families, I thought they were specially recruited..."
An Ruo Xing was speechless, "No... Old Zhou! You really think that a team like this could be formed by me and Captain Zhao?"
Zhou Quanfu was stunned, "Life and Death Order? There's actually such a thing? Isn't this like declaring war on heaven itself?"
An Ruo Xing humphed, "So, you think a team like this can be managed by you? What can you take responsibility for?!"
Zhou Quanfu broke into a cold sweat, "Deputy Captain, I understand."
As soon as he heard the words 'Life and Death Order', Zhou Quanfu's heart sank.
This was like a decree from the Emperor himself. No, it was even more domineering than that. The Emperor would still follow reason, but this Life and Death Order was completely unreasonable!
"Pretend you know nothing, understand? When you need to take the fall, step up without hesitation."
An Ruo Xing said, "This is your biggest opportunity and role. I don't need to spell it out, do I?"
"I understand, sir."
Zhou Quanfu wiped his sweat.
"Now that you understand, why aren't you leaving?"
"I... take my leave, sir."
...
"I'll go check on the progress of the house and then rest at the Inn. You three, get to work."
Captain Fang Che's first words caused all three subordinates to scowl.
But the captain's authority was undeniable, and they couldn't fight back, so they pinched their noses, "Where should we start?"
"Begin with these three files on top. The Black Tiger Gang, Azure Dragon Gang, and the Divine Weasel Sect. Especially this Divine Weasel Sect, I have a bad feeling about it."
Fang Che said, "I have a premonition that this will be a tough battle!"
"As for how to investigate, you decide. You can use family or martial world resources... I only need results."
"Understood."
All three furrowed their brows.
It was clear that something was amiss.
The names of the Black Tiger Gang and Azure Dragon Gang were easy to understand, and they didn't care about them. This was the usual tone of the martial world.
But the name 'Divine Weasel Sect' seemed bizarre.
If they hadn't seen this file here, the three of them couldn't imagine that a martial sect would give itself such a name!
"When something is out of the ordinary, there's a demon at play."
Feng Xiangdong frowned, "I have people on this side, so I'll take care of this."
As the one with the most experience in the martial world, Feng Xiangdong was concerned that Qiu Yunshang and Dong Yunyu might be at a disadvantage when facing the mysterious Divine Weasel Sect.
Fang Che also furrowed his brows, "Xiangdong, be careful yourself and act discreetly. I sense that the Divine Weasel Sect is filled with evil energy."
"I understand."
The three of them nodded.
"Old Fang, did you get your bet?" Dong Yunyu rubbed his hands.
"Yes, I did." Fang Che replied.
"Congratulations, congratulations."
"Thank you, thank you."
"Can I borrow two spirit crystals first..."
Before Dong Yunyu could finish, he found that Fang Che in front of him seemed to have melted away.
Dong Yunyu was stunned, and then he burst into curses, "Damn it..."
Feng Xiangdong and Qiu Yunshang laughed, "You actually wanted to take advantage of Old Fang? Have you gone mad?"
Dong Yunyu was speechless, "This guy is too fast... Damn, he's the type who'd rather die than lose out."
Feng Xiangdong and Qiu Yunshang smiled with deep meaning, "You don't understand anything! We all wish Old Fang would take advantage... The more he takes advantage, the better!"
"What do you mean?" Dong Yunyu became curious.
"You still don't know Old Fang's temperament?" Feng Xiangdong and Qiu Yunshang were surprised.
Dong Yunyu seemed to be very familiar with Fang Che, but how could he not know this?
Dong Yunyu was speechless, "..."
He wasn't familiar with Fang Che at all.
They had met on the street and were pulled into the Yin Yang World. In the end, they met inside and then left.
Before that, Fang Che, knowing his foul temper, had avoided him. They rarely interacted.
Where could he go to understand his temperament?
"Old Fang is a strange person, you know? His temper is intense, and a bit twisted."
Qiu Yunshang sighed and explained, "If he likes you, he'll do anything for you. If he doesn't, nothing will work. That's the first point."
"The second point is..." Feng Xiangdong continued, "The most obvious trait is... If you nitpick with me, I'll be completely indifferent to you."
"If you respect me, I'll repay you tenfold. If you treat me as a brother, I'll treat you as a younger brother. If you draw your sword against me, I'll seek revenge!"
"He's not a generous person, nor is he stingy. His generosity and stinginess vary depending on the person."
"He hopes for a better world, but he also tends to assume the worst about many people."
Dong Yunyu glared for a long time, "Damn! Is this guy's temper like this?"
Feng Xiangdong said, "I thought you knew when you readily offered money, but it turns out you don't?"
Dong Yunyu: "..."
"You're such a show-off!"
Qiu Yun Shang laughed heartily, "We're all willingly losing money... Only you, damn fool, are actually rich."
Dong Yunyu flew into a rage, "Damn! Get to work! Show some respect to Fourth Brother!"
With a dark face, he walked ahead.
The two laughed and followed behind.
In their hearts, they actually changed their opinion of Dong Yunyu a little: They never expected that this guy was not only shameless but also a real fool!
...
Fang Che only made a quick stop at Fang Wangfu and then immediately returned to the Inn.
Entering his room, he took out the files of the three gangs and carefully studied each word.
The reason these three gangs were placed at the top was that all the unsolved cases seemed to point to them.
But they were extremely mysterious.
They appeared and disappeared without a trace, and for so many years, their headquarters remained undiscovered. In previous crackdowns, they only managed to capture some low-level members, which was completely useless.
The most mysterious among them was the Divine Weasel Sect.
The reason they knew this name was because of a series of consecutive extermination cases, which carried a peculiar foul odor.
A hunter who once guarded the town's main hall felt that the smell resembled that of a skunk. He caught a few skunks for comparison and only then confirmed this fact.
Then, based on this, it took five years to determine that this mysterious organization was called the Divine Weasel Sect!
Fang Che read this dossier with extra care, even feeling a little shaken.
The level of the protectors in Dong Hu Zhou was much higher than those in Bai Yun Zhou, with countless experts. The Southeast Headquarters could also provide support at any time.
It took a full five years just to learn the name of this sect!
The twists and turns made Fang Che's scalp tingle just thinking about it.
"Probably even Feng Xiangdong's family couldn't handle this matter..."
Fang Che sighed.
Then he focused his attention on the other two gangs.
In several operations, just as they were about to capture some key figures, high-level experts, including some of the Lord level and above, appeared and immediately rescued them, disappearing without a trace.
These few sentences caused Fang Che to pause for a long time.
"They're not easy to deal with at all."
"And there's no lead or clue."
But Fang Che also understood that if they had known the clues earlier, why would he be doing this? They could have swept them away long ago. With the power of the Southeast Headquarters, it was completely achievable.
The main reason they hadn't been eliminated was that they couldn't be found.
So Fang Che's thoughts immediately diverged: If the Guardians can't find them, does that mean the Only I Righteous Sect can't either?
Fang Che immediately took out his communication jade.
"Master, what are you busy with? I've encountered a huge difficulty here! I need your help!"
Fang Che sent the message without hesitation.
He was completely justified!
I'm an undercover agent, and I need results! I can't believe that the Only I Righteous Sect and the Guardians, working together, can't find two small gangs on this continent!
Fang Che's thinking was entirely correct: If the Guardians can't find them, it's because the Only I Righteous Sect is interfering.
And if the Only I Righteous Sect can't find them, it's because the Guardians are doing their best to protect them!
Yin Shen Palace quickly replied: "What's the matter?"
"It's like this, Master. Now, our Guardian Squad has confirmed our duties and authority. Just as you said, the authority is immense, and the power is heavy! It can even be said to be a special privilege."
"The specifics are like this..."
"And over these days, we've been familiarizing ourselves with the rules. Only this morning, An Ruo Xing, the Deputy General Overseer, assigned our task..."
"I realized that while the authority is great, the challenges are all top-notch. My plan to start with a bang and gradually expand is embarrassing since I can't even get past the first hurdle."
Fang Che sent the details of the authority and power without changing a word.
Yin Shen Palace had already briefly heard about this, but after An Ruo Xing's introduction, Fang Che further deepened his understanding, so he naturally had to report it again.
This allowed Old Yin to realize more profoundly his current high position and authority—he was now a big shot on this side!
This would facilitate his future promotion within the Only I Righteous Sect, and this side's mission must be completed with your help.
Otherwise, I can't do my work.
It's as simple and justified as that.
Finally, he added: "But I'm also thinking about something else. While these tasks are indeed the responsibility of the Guardians' Southeast Headquarters, if such a large amount of manpower and resources have been invested without results, could it be related to our sect?"
"If we do find them, and if we take action, what level of disruption will it cause to our sect's plans? Can I bear the responsibility? Or can our sect withstand the loss? If not, I hope Master will make early arrangements and evacuate in advance. Even if I just strike an empty camp, it's still a merit."
"If I can't even strike an empty camp, I'll think of other ways."
"Although I yearn to make a name for myself, I understand that it must not affect the overall situation of our sect. I am aware of this, Master."
"But Master... if it's not too important, I'd really like to prove my worth."
After pouring out his woes, he sought help.
Then, he expressed his understanding of the bigger picture.
Finally, he made a weak request, indicating that he valued this achievement and was eager to take on this new role.
He tried to convey his inner struggle as clearly as possible.
This was an extremely subtle psychological game, one that was only suitable for old foxes.
Because these old foxes shared a common trait—when dealing with young people, they often had a sense of superiority, believing they had outgrown such petty thoughts in their youth, and possessed a 'worldly wise' perception.
Therefore, Fang Che's hesitation and struggle appeared especially precious.
Because it was genuine.
After sending the message, Fang Che read it over again.
He pondered for a moment and nodded.
The message immediately reached Yin Shen Gong.
His perception of Fang Che's message was completely different.
Fang Che was seeking help.
Moreover, it was as if he was opening his heart, like a child trusting their parents completely, revealing everything without reservation.
Although he had the typical youthful pettiness, the fact that he could consider things so comprehensively was already commendable.
However, Yin Shen Gong was also perplexed.
He had never heard of the Black Tiger Gang, the Azure Dragon Gang, or the Divine Weasel Sect.
What were these three groups on Donghu Zhou? He immediately sent this information to Yan Nan.
"Deputy Chief, Night Demon has sent a message. This child is likely facing a difficult situation now."
Yin Shen Gong replied, "I have no recollection of these three sects at all."
Then he quietly waited for a response.
At that moment, Yan Nan was reviewing Yan Beihan's plan.
It must be said that, in Yan Nan's eyes, which had scrutinized plans for tens of thousands of years, this plan was exceptionally brilliant.
Firstly, it clearly defined the goal: what he wanted to achieve.
Then, it outlined the preparations he had made to reach that goal.
He listed the people under his command, analyzing their relationships, backgrounds, and individual capabilities, and what each could contribute.
Next, he identified the targets he would engage and provided a detailed analysis of each, specifying his objectives.
He also considered how much he needed to handle personally and how much required the assistance of high-level experts from headquarters.
Additionally, he thought about how he would compromise on merits and interests to ensure the development of his small team.
He listed everything, and although it was lengthy, it was not boring at all.
On the contrary, each point seemed concise and to the point.
Yan Nan read it with great pleasure.
Yan Beihan, who was reporting across from him, sat straight-backed and serious, exuding a cool aura.
It was clear that he was not treating this as a report to his superior but as a display of his ability to stand on his own.
Under this highly feasible plan, Yan Nan witnessed the wisdom, cunning, and strategic thinking it revealed.
And when he looked at Yan Beihan, he saw a capable general who could stand alone.
For the first time in his life, Yan Nan felt this way: My granddaughter has grown up!
"This is an excellent plan," Yan Nan praised, but his voice was filled with emotion.
"Xiao Han, I feel for the first time that you've matured."
Hearing Yan Nan address him as Xiao Han, Yan Beihan couldn't help but smile. "Deputy Chief Yan, I'm just reporting to you."
"Alright, alright, no need to pretend in front of me."
Yan Nan waved the plan in his hand and said, "With this plan, you've already gone overboard with your act."
"Grandpa is teasing me again." Yan Beihan was slightly annoyed.
"It's truly outstanding." Yan Nan spoke earnestly. "This plan has a high feasibility and a high success rate. There's just one minor detail missing."
"What detail?" Yan Beihan asked.
"In your plan, if the target puts up a fierce resistance and their strength exceeds yours, you should have a contingency plan."
Yan Nan explained, "A general must consider all aspects, past and present, and be able to respond accordingly. How to advance in victory, how to recover in decline, how to preserve in defeat, and how to turn the tide in a dire situation... One must be thorough in their considerations."
"As a leader, you must prepare for everything. How to pursue victory, how to handle decline; how to fight in defeat, how to survive in dire straits... You must consider the entire situation."
"The difference between a general and a leader is just one word, but the considerations are entirely different."
"A general only focuses on the current battle, while a leader must have a broader perspective, taking into account the entire world. In a major defeat, if the strength of the troops remains, a counterattack can be launched at any time. In a minor victory with heavy losses, it may affect the overall strategy, which is not desirable."
"To do this, you must step out of the chessboard and view the game from an observer's perspective, looking beyond the board."
"The chessboard is naturally the focus of the competition, but beyond it are the players, the table, chairs, benches, houses, mountains, rivers, and even the heavens and earth. The chessboard is but a tiny part of the whole!"
Yan Nan continued, "When you can incorporate all of this into any strategy, you will be invincible! Even your subordinates will feel they can't keep up with you!"
Yan Beihan listened attentively, sitting calmly as he committed every word to memory.
Grandfather Yan Nan pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "When you were making this plan, did you consider what thoughts Eastern San San and the Guardian might have about your actions? And under such thoughts, what kind of response might they make? Moreover, from which aspect would their response come, or rather, from which aspect would it most likely disrupt your plan? Or is there a possibility that they might even help you? Have you considered these aspects?"
"I have considered them," Yan Beihan replied, biting her lips. "But it's difficult to see through Eastern Military Advisor's possible arrangements, so I dare not make any assumptions. However, I've made preparations from every possible angle."
"Whether it's something good, like allowing me and Feng Yun to compete to disrupt the Only Righteous Sect's plans, or him stopping me from rising, preventing me from attacking the Secluded Mountain Gate... I've even taken advantage of the opportunity to win him over. I've made preparations for all of these scenarios."
Grandfather Yan Nan glanced at his granddaughter with appreciation. "The fact that you've considered all of this already exceeds my expectations."
"I'm very satisfied with this plan, which was made in such a short time, and that you were able to find this breakthrough to counter Feng Yun's dominance." Grandfather Yan Nan laughed heartily.
Yan Beihan smiled sheepishly and said, "This wasn't entirely my idea."
"Oh?"
"Do you remember when I promised Night Demon that I would give him a piece of Divine Nature Metal from your collection?" Yan Beihan asked.
Grandfather Yan Nan furrowed his brows. "Hmm?"
"After we left the Yin Yang Realm, I met with Night Demon and gave him the Divine Nature Metal, along with some cultivation resources."
"Go on."
"During that meeting, I also assessed Night Demon's abilities. I asked him how I should proceed to be able to stand up to Feng Yun."
"What did he say?"
"Night Demon suggested this plan—to target the Secluded Mountain Gate." Yan Beihan explained.
"I see," Grandfather Yan Nan muttered, his silver eyebrows knitted together. "Why didn't Red Aunt tell me about this?"
"I asked Red Aunt not to mention it," Yan Beihan said. "Please don't blame her, Grandfather."
"Hmm..." Grandfather Yan Nan frowned. "Night Demon came up with this idea? Does he have such a strategic perspective?"
"Red Aunt left to avoid any conflict of interest," Yan Beihan explained. "She shouldn't have been involved in this matter."
Grandfather Yan Nan spoke indifferently, "It's only because the Only Righteous Sect's current situation is stable, with various lords and powers rising, and no one can interfere in their affairs, that Night Demon was able to find a way for you. This alone is surprising."
Yan Beihan bowed her head. "That's why I believe Night Demon's talents are worth utilizing. My decision to recruit him was indeed reasonable."
"It's more than reasonable," Grandfather Yan Nan said. "The fact that you placed your bet on Night Demon back when the 'Raise Gu to Become a God' plan was in motion shows your exceptional foresight."
"It wasn't just me who placed a bet on him," Yan Beihan admitted. "Chen Yin was also involved. His name in the 'Raise Gu to Become a God' plan was Black Radiance."
Grandfather Yan Nan smiled faintly. "Black Radiance... only in the darkness can light shine upon the firmament? Chen Yin, do you feel oppressed within the Chen Clan?"
Yan Beihan remained silent in response to this statement.
Grandfather Yan Nan pondered for a moment. "Chen Yin is indeed a talented individual. Unfortunately, in his generation, he is not the firstborn heir. To rise above, something significant would have to happen within the family. Otherwise, even if his abilities surpass those of his older brother, Chen Yun, the outcome will always be the same—he will remain the second son."
"Unless he surpasses his older brother by several levels, he won't be able to compete with his direct heir brother. This is the greatest shackle of the eldest son's privilege in noble families!"
"Whether he can break free is still uncertain. If he were to compete with you for Night Demon, he wouldn't stand a chance."
Grandfather Yan Nan spoke slowly, then chuckled. "However, given the current status of the Chen Clan and our momentum in the Only Righteous Sect, it's unlikely that such a significant event will occur within the Chen family."
"As you say, Grandfather," Yan Beihan agreed.
In the current stable state of the world, how could something happen to a massive family like the Chen Clan, with the Old Ancestor Chen Gu sitting at its helm?
"So, you filled in the details based on this framework, or did Night Demon initially suggest those ideas as well?" Grandfather Yan Nan asked, focusing on this point rather than Chen Yin.
He was more concerned about Yan Beihan's capabilities compared to Night Demon.
(End of Chapter)
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