242: I won't get carried away

After Bai Wei stated her purpose for finding Shen Bei, Shen Bei instinctively wanted to refuse and escape, even though Bai Wei hadn't yet detailed her plan.

He was sure it wouldn't be anything good.

Shen Bei felt as if a large, dark pot was slowly descending from the sky to cover him.

At this moment, Bai Wei beckoned, “Sit down, I’ll explain it to you in detail.”

Shen Bei clicked his tongue, “Then you say what you want, whether I listen is up to me.”

Bai Wei didn't object, “The plan to investigate the mole is very simple. In Changtu County’s underground, from the beginning until now, only you four from Zha Tian Gang and Chen Guoan have come out. Everyone else, whether they were Martial Artists or military members, never reappeared after entering.”

Shen Bei hadn't noticed this phenomenon, but it was understandable.

There was no need to elaborate on the military personnel; they wouldn’t rest until the base camp’s safe zone was completely built.

As for the Martial Artists, it was even simpler: they were waiting for the first batch to be approved to leave the safe zone and enter the underground to hunt for treasures.

Bai Wei continued, “So, I will announce in your name that you accidentally captured a human in the underground, obtaining top-secret intelligence. Say that you know someone in the military’s high command is a mole, and you’re going to the military to identify them and claim a reward.”

“Of course, at the military meeting, I will only gather a few high-ranking officials. If anyone tries to ambush you on your way here, I can then follow the clues, expose the mole, and eliminate them completely.”

“This opportunity only comes once, so you must seize it.”

Shen Bei’s mouth twitched upon hearing this.

He was going to die.

He was absolutely going to die!

Let alone himself, even if someone else had this kind of intelligence, the enemy would be driven to desperation and try to kill them as quickly as possible!

Shen Bei shook his head like a rattle-drum, “I am a very dull person, or rather, I can’t act at all. My facial expressions are uncontrollable when I try to do something dishonest.”

“How about…” Shen Bei thought for a moment and said, “I wholeheartedly recommend someone to you. This person is extremely responsible and dedicated. For this kind of task, he would be absolutely perfect.”

“That person is Qi Chuanyu. What do you think?”

Bai Wei tapped on the table, staring intently at Shen Bei.

Shen Bei felt a tingling scalp and was utterly uncomfortable.

She was sticking him with this.

According to Bai Wei’s plan, he was to identify a high-ranking military official.

But without naming anyone specific, it would make the military’s high command suspect each other.

One had to know that the Headhunter Tribe and the Apocalypse Cult had moles embedded in the military’s high command.

Such explosive intelligence in his hands would inevitably cause the real moles in the military’s high command to panic, become desperate, and take extreme risks, sending people to kill him.

Only if he died would they be safe.

Shen Bei sniffed, asking helplessly, “Why me?”

“You’ve killed many Headhunter Tribe and Apocalypse Cult members. From Changtu County to Lingnan City, both organizations have almost been destroyed by you. They harbor deep resentment towards you. As soon as you make any move, they will hardly doubt if it’s a trap; they’ll jump right in.”

Bai Wei exhaled, continuing, “As for Qi Chuanyu, whom you mentioned, he’s completely useless, not important enough. What if they hold their ground and wait for you to reach the military headquarters?”

“What I need is for the mole to make a move, not for us to end up with nothing after you arrive at the military headquarters.”

Shen Bei rubbed his constantly throbbing temples.

This was truly a deadly situation!

He was even the perfect candidate for this mission?

What a disaster!

If Shen Bei were to encounter members of the Headhunter Tribe or the Apocalypse Cult by chance, they would likely be of similar rank, and he could fight if he could, or run if he couldn't.

But this time, with a targeted attack from both sides, they would definitely send a Da Shouzi.

Shen Bei was well aware of his own strength.

Fourth-rank enemies were easy; he just needed a little caution. If nothing unexpected happened, it was like a complete sweep.

Fifth-rank… he could still put up a fight, but it required extreme caution, not a single moment of distraction, and there was a chance of killing them.

Sixth-rank meant he was done for; Shen Bei would have to run, and he would most likely escape.

Seventh-rank and above… No need to think about it; he wouldn't even be able to run at first sight. A few rounds would send him to the embrace of God, where he could talk about his troubles.

If he could think this way, the moles in the military’s high command could also think this way!

Therefore, according to Shen Bei’s judgment, if he accepted this mission, the enemies he would encounter would be at least sixth-rank as a baseline, seventh-rank as the main attackers, and eighth-rank as backup.

He couldn't handle it.

It was simply too dangerous.

This kind of thing couldn't be done!

It was very easy to lose his own life.

Shen Bei took a deep breath, still shaking his head, “I genuinely cannot take on this role. This fishing mission is too dangerous. I won’t go if it means needlessly sacrificing my life.”

“But I saved your life,” Bai Wei said with a teasing tone.

Shen Bei immediately turned away, adopting the posture of a scoundrel, saying shamelessly, “Did I ask you to save me? Let’s just say something unpleasant: if Nine Lives Raven was really looking for me, he wouldn’t have killed me. You were purely being overly sentimental.”

Shen Bei wasn't lying.

Although Shen Bei had killed many Headhunter Tribe members, from Nine Lives Raven’s perspective, these people weren't worth much, and it wasn't worth traveling a thousand miles to crush an ant like Shen Bei.

Nine Lives Raven’s fundamental goal was still the map.

Once the map was in hand, Shen Bei’s chances of survival would be very high, unlike Bai Wei’s plan, which was almost a death sentence.

Upon hearing Shen Bei’s unreasonableness, Bai Wei chuckled, “Your true nature is quite outstanding, too.”

“Don’t worry, when the plan begins, I will send people to protect you secretly, ensuring your safety.”

“As long as the mole isn’t removed, the underground will never be peaceful.”

Bai Wei slowly stood up, stretched, and said with a smile, “I don’t know what your purpose is for entering the Martial Artist path. Perhaps it’s to gain the identity of a Martial Artist and enjoy state benefits, or perhaps it’s to go into the underground to earn money. That’s your freedom.”

“But when I was learning martial arts, my teacher constantly told me that the battlefield is everywhere.”

“For example, spring planting and autumn harvesting, that is the farmer’s battlefield.”

“For example, manufacturing industry, that is the worker’s battlefield.”

“And doctors in hospitals, that is the battlefield of saving lives and helping the injured.”

“And our Martial Artists’ battlefield is not only in the underground but also in social security.”

“Where did those inexplicably missing citizens end up? You know better than I do.”

“You can stand by and watch, or even mock them for their misfortune, but you cannot do nothing.”

“If you’re afraid, and I’m afraid, and the Martial Artists’ battlefield is a complete mess, how will the public on other battlefields view Martial Artists?”

“A bunch of useless people, or a bunch of empty barrels?”

“So, someone always has to stand up and say they are acting for a great cause and conscience. You might think it’s sentimental. Then let me put it another way: do you have family?”

“Don’t rush to answer. It’s okay if you don’t have any now, but in the future… what about your children?”

After Bai Wei finished speaking, she opened the door before Shen Bei, and finally, she said again, “Think about it. I’ll wait for your call.”

With that, Bai Wei turned and left directly.

Shen Bei rolled his eyes.

Lecturing him?

Did she really think he was Qi Chuanyu, who would easily get emotional?

Shen Bei scoffed.

However, he didn't leave immediately but remained seated in the chair, his gaze unfocused, deep in thought for a while.

Finally, he sighed, got up, and left the detention room.

As he walked out, he happened to see County Magistrate Shi Yong rushing back, his shoes covered in mud.

“Shen Bei!”

Shi Yong greeted him with a smile, “When did you come out of the underground? Why didn’t you say anything? I could have arranged a celebration banquet for you.”

Shen Bei grinned, “I wouldn’t dare trouble the County Chief. I’ll just grab a bite myself.”

“You’ve truly worked hard,” Shi Yong said with a respectful expression. “For Changtu County to produce a Martial Artist like you is something we should collectively be proud of.”

Then, Shi Yong looked around and whispered, “If I don’t step down, when I retire, I’ll at least make a sculpture of your flag-planting photo in the park!”

Shen Bei uttered, “That’s, that’s too ostentatious.”

“How can it be called ostentatious?”

Shi Yong corrected him, “The internet has no memory; the hype dies down in a few days. But a sculpture can be preserved for a long time. This is inspiring future generations!”

Shen Bei scratched his head, “Alright… alright. By the way, where have you been?”

Shen Bei asked, pointing at the yellow mud on County Magistrate Shi Yong’s shoes.

“Sigh,” Shi Yong sighed, “It’s all because the monster birds attacked the county town so suddenly, killing over a hundred citizens. Our government has to preside over a collective funeral, and as a local official, I naturally have to attend to mourn and deliver a eulogy.”

“That’s, that’s quite busy,” Shen Bei shrugged.

“You can’t say it like that,” County Magistrate Shi Yong’s expression almost faltered as he continued, “This isn’t something to be busy about! How can it be okay for people to die like this every day? As long as you Martial Artists are dedicated and responsible, the vast majority of ordinary people are your strong backing.”

Shen Bei touched his nose, remaining silent.

The two chatted for a while longer.

County Magistrate Shi Yong was truly very busy, especially with the influx of a large number of merchants. Food, clothing, housing, daily life, public welfare, and environmental hygiene all needed to be attended to and arranged.

After only a few words, someone came to bid farewell, and Shen Bei left the government compound.

Qi Chuanyu and the others had been waiting for Shen Bei at the main entrance.

They were playing a pebble game called “Turtle Bull.”

Shen Bei had mostly forgotten the rules of the game.

The three of them took turns, being utterly defeated by Jian Tong.

“Go, buy me some Gua Zi!” Jian Tong said, hands on her hips, looking triumphant.

Qi Chuanyu pulled out a yuan, “Go yourself.”

“One yuan?” Jian Tong’s eyes widened, “Are you a sore loser or what?”

Qi Chuanyu pointed to the elementary school entrance opposite, where an old woman sold Gua Zi, “Fifty cents a cup, that’s enough for you to crack.”

Liao Zhongyang’s mouth slightly opened, “How many years has it been? Still fifty cents a cup. I used to buy Gua Zi there all the time when I was little.”

Ring-ring-ring~~~

The elementary school opposite had just finished for the day.

A group of adorable, energetic children in blue and white school uniforms, carrying their backpacks, like reflections of the sky, chirped as they rushed out of the school gate, heading home with their parents.

Shen Bei watched for a moment, then turned and said, “That’s it, dismissed. We’re returning to Lingnan City tomorrow.”

“Wait a minute, you haven’t told us what Bai Wei wanted to see you about?” Qi Chuanyu asked curiously.

“Nothing much,” Shen Bei said casually, “Just discussing how to make you, Old Qi, shut up.”

Qi Chuanyu: …

The group parted ways at the government entrance.

Qi Chuanyu and Liao Zhongyang were both from Changtu, so they took the opportunity to go home and see their parents.

Shen Bei, on the other hand, pulled Jian Tong back to his own home.

To do what?

Does that even need to be said?!