131: One more, adding fuel to the fire.

The news of Major Rongxing Chunyilang's bizarre and sudden death at the Songhe Tower.

Like a massive rock thrown into stagnant water, it stirred up waves among the Kwantung Army's high command.

The coroner's report clearly indicated obvious injection marks on the deceased's neck.

Deadly cyanide was detected in the blood and neck.

This was a blatant assassination that occurred in a heavily guarded, bustling area.

The news was reported up the chain of command and eventually landed on the desk of Kōmura Gyouchi, commander of the Kwantung Army's 2nd Division.

Frowning as he listened to his staff officer's report, a flicker of displeasure crossed his face. "A Major... poisoned in the arms of a geisha?"

His voice betrayed little emotion, carrying a hint of aloofness from one in a high position. "The method is indeed insidious.

But the execution is too clumsy. It seems rats have infiltrated the city."

After a moment's thought, he ordered: "Order the military police to intensify patrols within the city, paying special attention to suspicious Chinese and anti-Manchukuo, anti-Japanese elements.

Conduct thorough checks around the Songhe Tower. Raise the alert level... by one degree."

Clearly, in Kōmura Gyouchi's view, this resembled more of a covert assassination targeting a specific individual.

Although the nature was severe, it was not enough to shake the overall situation.

He did not give it the highest level of attention.

However, just over an hour later, even more explosive news arrived.

"Boom~~ Boom~~ BOOM~~~"

Violent explosions came from the direction of the Japanese Army's military airfield on the outskirts of Harbin, rattling the windows of the Headquarters.

Immediately after, the piercing shriek of an air raid alarm tore through the night sky.

"Reporting, Division Commander!" A staff officer rushed into the office, his face pale.

"The airfield... the airfield has been attacked by an unidentified armed force! Multiple hangars and auxiliary facilities have exploded! Casualty assessments are ongoing!"

"Nani?" Kōmura Gyouchi abruptly stood up, genuine shock appearing in his eyes for the first time.

An attack on the airfield—this was an entirely different matter!

This was no longer a gutter-level assassination, but a direct provocation and sabotage against an Imperial military stronghold!

"The attackers? What's their scale? Is it the main force of the Anti-Japanese United Army or Soviet paratroopers?!" Kōmura Gyouchi demanded sharply.

"I... I don't know!" The staff officer's voice trembled. "According to the airfield garrison's report, the attack came from the airfield's perimeter.

The firepower was intense but brief, suspected to involve grenade launchers or light Mortars!

The enemy hit and ran, disappearing into the night, untraceable!"

"Bakayarou!" Kōmura Gyouchi slammed his fist hard on the desk.

The assassination at the Songhe Tower could be seen as the work of rats.

But directly shelling a military airfield—this was slapping the entire Kwantung Army in the face.

"Order!" Kōmura Gyouchi's voice was like ice. "The entire city is to enter the highest state of alert immediately! Implement a curfew!

All units are to assume combat readiness! Order Colonel Inuno! Have him immediately lead the 2nd Cavalry Regiment to rush to the airfield at full speed!

Ensure the airfield's security at all costs, and find me traces of the attackers! I want them alive or dead!"

"Hai!" The staff officer acknowledged the order and dashed away.

The Colonel Inuno mentioned by Kōmura Gyouchi was his own nephew, commander of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment: Kōmura Inuno.

A hardline, young officer eager to prove himself.

On the outskirts of Harbin, 2 kilometers from the Japanese airfield perimeter, atop a derelict brick kiln

Lu Fan blended into the kiln's shadows, the cold barrel of his AWM sniper rifle resting on a broken wall.

The night vision and rangefinder functions of his multifunctional glasses were fully activated, clearly locking onto the only road from the airfield leading into the city.

In the distance, the fires at the airfield had not yet fully died down, with faint sounds of commotion and military dogs barking.

"The target has appeared." A smile curled at the corner of Lu Fan's mouth. "Another one. Let me add some more fuel to your fire."

In the glasses' view, a Japanese cavalry unit, carrying torches and galloping on horseback, was speeding along the dirt road.

At the forefront rode a man on a tall Japanese horse.

The Colonel's rank insignia on his shoulder was clearly visible in the torchlight.

Lu Fan held his breath, his finger resting steadily on the trigger.

Wind speed, humidity, distance, the target's movement speed and trajectory—all data were instantly calculated within the glasses' view.

And converted into a tiny lead correction point within the scope.

He gently pulled the bolt, chambering a gleaming, sharp-tipped .338 Lapua Magnum round.

The cold metallic feel of the bullet transmitted from his fingertip.

This bullet was a premium one that the weapons shop owner Saleh had meticulously wiped with a soft cloth when Lu Fan made his purchase in Dala Village.

After buying the bullet production line, it came as a gift along with the AWP, ending up in his hands.

Now it was perfect for adding fuel to the fire.

Kōmura Inuno was waving his military sword, loudly urging his troops to speed up, his face etched with the anxiety of someone eager to earn merit.

He was completely unaware that the gaze of death had already crossed nearly two kilometers, firmly locking onto him.

Lu Fan's index finger decisively pulled the trigger.

"Bang~~~"

A low, resonant gunshot exploded in the silent wilderness.

Almost simultaneously with the gunshot.

In the aiming view of the multifunctional glasses, Kōmura Inuno's head burst open like a watermelon struck by a sledgehammer.

Red and white matter splattered in the torchlight.

His body swayed violently on the horse, then toppled straight off.

"Colonel!" The cavalry unit instantly fell into chaos.

Horses neighed in panic, soldiers frantically gathered around the fallen body, thrown into disarray.

Lu Fan stored the weapon in his space and activated the Flight Backpack.

His figure quickly merged into the deep night of the Northeast, flying toward the predetermined evacuation direction.

Killing a Colonel was not the bullet's ultimate purpose.

As for what the real target was, they'd have to let the bullet fly a while longer.

Kwantung Army Headquarters

"Report! Colonel... Colonel Inuno... on his way to reinforce the airfield... was... was sniped! Killed in action!"

The staff officer's voice carried a sob and extreme fear.

"What?!" The command baton in Kōmura Gyouchi's hand snapped with a "crack."

He spun around abruptly, his eyes bloodshot—a mix of shock, fury, and a hint of insane disbelief.

"Inuno... dead? Sniped?"

"Y... yes! Shot in the head... on the spot..."

"baka~~~" Kōmura Gyouchi let out a beast-like roar, kicking over the sand table in front of him.

Sand and miniature flags representing troops scattered across the floor.

"Investigate! Turn over every stone! Block all roads! Search house by house! Mobilize all intelligence resources! Offer a reward of one hundred thousand silver dollars!

I will tear that damned rat to pieces! Tear him to pieces!!!"

The entire Headquarters fell silent, with only Kōmura Gyouchi's heavy panting and furious roars echoing.

The death of his nephew Kōmura Inuno caused this Division Commander, known for his calm demeanor, to completely lose his composure.

Harbin's night sky was ignited by the flames of revenge.

However, the mastermind he sought had already vanished like a breeze, his deeds and name hidden deep.

Leaving only a countdown to doom and a scene of panic.