310: Chapter 310 Walking the World in the Name of the Owl

Yongan Island...

This name was like a thorn deeply embedded in his heart.

Every time it was mentioned, it brought a wave of uncontrollable regret and fury.

He would never forget that stormy night.

That scene, which resembled an Asura Hell.

His sworn brother whom he treated like family, one of the youngest and most talented executives in the organization—Li Chengjun.

Died at the hands of that enemy who suddenly appeared, powerful as a ghost or god.

No remains were left, buried in the rough, dark, and cold ocean.

And he, Minister Luo Lie, as Li Chengjun's sworn older brother.

Could only look on helplessly at the blurry images transmitted by the Saints Relic, feeling completely powerless.

This hatred, this humiliation, had already built up in his heart for far too long, like a volcano waiting to erupt.

Now, had the clues to the murderer finally surfaced?

Minister Luo Lie took a deep breath, trying to calm the surging Killing Intent in his chest.

Very few within the organization fully knew the truth hidden behind the Yongan Island incident.

After the mission failed, he suffered severe punishment from the Board of Directors.

The opportunity to be transferred to the more powerful Experimental Department was completely ruined because of this.

Minister Luo Lie was unwilling to let it go and swallow his anger.

He used his authority to compare the pattern of the white demon mask day and night in the headquarters' database, frantically searching for any possible clues.

Ultimately, his hard work paid off, and he learned the terrifying meaning represented by this mask from a dusty file.

It was a sacred sacrificial object passed down for thousands of years from a certain primitive tribe.

The incomplete records in the file vaguely pointed to its origin, which might even far exceed the imagination of human history.

Perhaps it was a relic of some dark civilization that had long since perished in the river of time, symbolizing absolute power and bloodthirsty desire.

People who wore this kind of mask were called "Soul Guides" during the tribal period, crowned with the title of "Xiao."

The so-called "Xiao" was a fierce bird in mythology that devoured Souls and brought calamity.

Their Soul and Physical Body would be mutated by the power of the mask, and their minds would be controlled by the desire to slaughter, becoming the demons among demons, the murderers among murderers.

Ultimately, by continuously devouring human blood, they would evolve into some kind of ultimate organism.

This discovery rekindled the flames of revenge in Minister Luo Lie's heart and gave him a clear objective.

In addition to keeping a close eye on the movements of the "Zhenxiang Society" on Yongan Island, he also turned his gaze to all parts of the world, searching for any clues related to this white demon mask.

Not long ago, the intelligence sent from the Dongdu Branch gave his spirits a great boost.

An unknown expert had appeared in Dongdu, specifically opposing the Noah Organization. His methods were extremely brutal, slaughtering hundreds of Gang members associated with the organization overnight.

What caught his attention even more was that some of the combat characteristics of this mysterious expert were faintly similar to those of the enemy on Yongan Island.

Immediately after, the head of the Dongdu Branch, Ghost, personally led a team to hunt him down, only to end up completely wiped out, and he himself went missing.

Almost during the same period, another mysterious figure wearing a similar white mask also began to operate in Dongdu, acting in an extremely secretive and unpredictable manner.

With a skeptical mind, Minister Luo Lie contacted the newly appointed head of the Dongdu Branch, Station Chief Feng Jincai, to learn about the situation in detail.

Upon obtaining more information, he did not hesitate to volunteer to the Board of Directors, requesting to personally come to Dongdu to resolve this hidden trouble and completely settle that old grudge.

At this moment, the conference room, which had been slightly restless, was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

A suffocating Killing Intent pressed down on everyone's heart like a heavy block of lead.

Whether they were senior executives or newly joined members, they all subconsciously softened their breathing, terrified of making the slightest noise and angering this terrifyingly powerful figure.

Xu Hao felt his entire body's muscles stiffen slightly, and he turned his neck a bit, not daring to look directly at the man in the main seat who exuded a terrifying aura.

Hearing the words "Yongan Island," Fang Cheng's heart couldn't help but tremble slightly.

Zhuo Feng, who had always performed outstandingly, now had a fine layer of sweat beads seeping from his forehead, clearly under no small amount of pressure.

Seeing Minister Luo Lie react so intensely, he braced himself and continued, his tone even more certain than before:

"According to the intelligence we gathered, just a few days before the Yongan Island stronghold was attacked, Cheng Jiashu suddenly canceled all his scheduled performances on the pretext of being unwell and needing rest, including the opening show of a national concert tour that was extremely important to him!"

"During that entire week, his whereabouts became a mystery. Neither his management company nor the ubiquitous paparazzi media had any exact news about him."

"And the dates he claimed to be 'resting' almost perfectly coincided with the time of the Yongan Island incident!"

After Zhuo Feng finished speaking, he closed his mouth and stood respectfully to the side with his hands lowered.

Everyone's eyes focused in unison on Minister Luo Lie, who was sitting in the main seat, waiting for his final decision.

"Good, very good!"

Minister Luo Lie's deep voice broke the dead silence of the conference room, his tone betraying no emotion.

He slowly raised his head, looking directly at Zhuo Feng:

"Captain Zhuo, you did well this time. The intelligence was gathered in a very timely and crucial manner."

"Once this matter is settled, I will personally request a reward for you from the Board of Directors."

Upon hearing this, an uncontrollable look of excitement appeared on Zhuo Feng's face, and he quickly bowed:

"Thank you for your cultivation, Minister Luo! Your subordinate will certainly do everything in his power to share the organization's burdens!"

Seeing this, Ma Biao curled his lips in secret.

Xu Hao also criticized in his heart that this guy usually liked to put on the airs of a Genius, but in front of a real big leader, he was still just like a lapdog.

Minister Luo Lie remained silent for a moment, his fingers tapping on the mahogany table, making light "tap-tap" sounds as if he were weighing something.

Ultimately, he nodded slowly, a trace of icy severity flashing through his eyes.

"Since that's the case, there is nothing to hesitate about."

His gaze shifted, becoming sharp and serious, slowly scanning everyone present like a hawk.

"The day after tomorrow is Saturday. If the weather permits, the time of action will be set for that evening, when Cheng Jiashu leaves the orphanage."

Minister Luo Lie's voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority.

"But there are a few points I must emphasize again!"

"According to the intelligence currently in our hands, the target Cheng Jiashu is very strong, perhaps even exceeding our previous estimates."

"Therefore, during the operation, absolutely no one is allowed to let their guard down or underestimate the enemy and advance rashly!"

"Secondly, although the orphanage is in a relatively remote location, it is still a public place after all. During the operation, try to avoid taking action in densely populated areas to prevent large-scale casualties, which would trigger interference from the Special Investigation Team and the great families, bringing unnecessary trouble to the organization."

"This operation must be swift and clean. We have only one primary goal—to capture Cheng Jiashu alive!"

"If the situation gets out of hand and it is truly impossible to capture him alive, then... kill him on sight!"

Every word of Minister Luo Lie's carried a chilling Killing Intent, making the atmosphere in the conference room heavy once again.

Thoughtful expressions appeared on many people's faces as they secretly weighed the risks of this operation.

For the remaining time, the meeting entered the concrete deployment phase.

It was mainly hosted by Station Chief Feng, with Minister Luo Lie occasionally adding a few words regarding key aspects, and the task allocation for everyone was quickly finalized.

The core raid and capture mission was naturally handled by Station Chief Feng's most trusted Level 8 executives, Zhuo Feng and Scorpion.

In addition, four other Level 7 executives who excelled in speed and stealth would each lead an action squad composed of the organization's elite members and ordinary operatives.

They would split into six routes, forming a pincer movement on the orphanage from different directions, weaving an inescapable net to ensure the target Cheng Jiashu had no way to escape.

Meanwhile, "local snakes" like Ma Biao were assigned to be responsible for peripheral security, clearing the area, and providing backup afterward.

To ensure there were no external interferences in the operation area, handle various emergencies that might arise, and support the other combat squads.

As for Xu Hao, he was naturally assigned to Ma Biao's squad, responsible for assisting Ma Biao in controlling the peripheral situation.

Xu Hao was naturally glad to have it easy with this arrangement, secretly rejoicing in his heart.

Following Brother Biao meant having meat to eat without taking too much risk; it was simply a cushy job.

Ma Biao also had an indifferent look, even patting his chest to guarantee to Station Chief Feng that the peripheral matters left to him would be absolutely foolproof.

The meeting lasted for nearly an hour and a half.

The specific plan codenamed "Demon Hunting Operation" was finally finalized, and the meeting concluded in a slightly tense atmosphere.

With varying expressions, everyone stood up one after another, leaving the conference room in twos and threes.

Some had grave expressions and were in a hurry, clearly eager to go back and make preliminary preparations for Saturday's operation.

Others were relatively relaxed, still conversing in low tones with people they knew well, seemingly quite confident in the upcoming operation.

Xu Hao and Liu Yu followed behind Ma Biao, also walking out.

"Brother Biao, do you think this operation... is reliable?"

Xu Hao lowered his voice, leaning in close to Ma Biao, and asked somewhat uncertainly.

Ma Biao chuckled, patted Xu Hao on the shoulder, and likewise lowered his voice:

"Don't worry, Haozi, when the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up."

"As for us, we'll just follow behind, cheer them on, and pick up any scraps."

"If there really is any danger, I, your big brother, will be the first to take you and run, guaranteeing you won't lose a single hair!"

Upon hearing this, Xu Hao's mind eased slightly, and he quickly thanked him:

"Then this little brother will fully rely on Brother Biao's care!"

"But then again, Haozi, you should also perform well if you get the chance."

Ma Biao shifted the topic and said earnestly:

"I heard that this newly arrived Minister Luo has very high standards for his subordinates, and he won't tolerate any flaws."

"If you can achieve a great merit in front of him, your future will be boundless, and you might even be transferred to the headquarters for development..."

Xu Hao nodded repeatedly in agreement, giving lip service while secretly calculating in his heart.

The target of this operation, that "Smiling Demon," was freakishly strong.

Even the Level 9 boss "Ghost" had fallen. As a mere Level 6 member, it was safer for him to honestly stay behind and just go through the motions.

As for achieving merit, let big shots like Zhuo Feng and Scorpion worry about it; his own little life was what mattered.

Fang Cheng heard all of Xu Hao's little thoughts loud and clear.

This guy actually possessed quite a bit of self-awareness, knowing how to seek fortune and avoid disaster.

Through his pupils, he looked out of the giant French window.

The gray curtain of rain was like a giant dome, shrouding the entire bustling city in an oppressive and hazy atmosphere.

Row after row of skyscrapers loomed indistinctly, like mirages.

A moment later, Fang Cheng withdrew his gaze and cut off the connection.

His consciousness, like a receding tide, slowly withdrew from Xu Hao's perception and returned to his own body.

Inside the unfinished room, sitting cross-legged, he slowly opened his eyes, a sharp light flashing across them before vanishing.

This projection of consciousness deep into the enemy camp was undoubtedly a massive success.

Not only did he eavesdrop on the secret meeting of the Noah Organization's Dongdu Branch, but he also obtained plenty of crucial intelligence.

The target of the "Demon Hunting Operation" pointed directly at the idol singer Cheng Jiashu, who was the Smiling Demon he knew so well.

The composition of the Noah Organization's forces in the Dongdu Branch had also become roughly clear.

Among these elite members present, the three Level 8 executives—Zhuo Feng, Scorpion, and Ma Biao—as well as the seemingly slick but actually deeply hidden Station Chief Feng, were all targets that required key attention.

As for that Minister Luo who had come down from the headquarters to assist...

Although Fang Cheng could not directly experience that substantial pressure.

But through Xu Hao's perception and the silent, terrified behavior of everyone around, he could clearly determine one thing.

This Minister Luo's strength was absolutely far superior to everyone present, and also far superior to the Level 9 executive, Ghost, whom he had killed!

Next, it was a matter of how to use this intelligence to secure the greatest benefit for himself.

Fang Cheng stood up from the cold concrete floor, stretching his somewhat stiff limbs.

Thoughts spun rapidly in his mind as he quickly analyzed the current situation.

Should he warn his "old friend"—Cheng Jiashu?

If Cheng Jiashu were successfully captured, the suspicion on him would definitely be cleared very quickly.

Once the Noah Organization learned that the operation was a mistake and the real culprit was someone else, they would inevitably restart the investigation.

Especially that Minister Luo.

Judging by his previous behavior, he likely had an extraordinary relationship with Li Chengjun, whom he had killed.

He would probably only spare even less effort in investigating the true culprit of the Yongan Island incident.

Sooner or later, he would still be exposed to their field of vision.

Then, what if Cheng Jiashu met with an accident during this "Demon Hunting Operation" and was killed by the Noah Organization?

At first glance, it seemed that with the dead unable to testify, the truth would be buried forever.

After achieving their grand success, perhaps the Noah Organization would temporarily lower its guard.

However, a misunderstanding was ultimately a misunderstanding.

Once he clashed with members of the organization again in the future, as long as the other party paid a little attention, they might notice something amiss from some of his characteristics.

By then, with the lie exposed, the situation he faced would only become even more dangerous.

Fang Cheng carefully weighed the various possibilities, constantly running deductions in his mind.

Thinking it over, a living Cheng Jiashu who had completely fallen out with the Noah Organization was undoubtedly of the greatest value to him.

He could become an excellent target to draw most of the enemy's attention.

Thereby buying himself more time to grow and room to maneuver.

Thinking of this, Fang Cheng already had a decision in his heart.

Cheng Jiashu must be saved.

But, he could not save him directly.

Since the Noah Organization had already decided that Cheng Jiashu was the murderer who had caused them so much trouble, why not go with the flow and beat them at their own game?

Continue to muddy the waters, completely cementing Cheng Jiashu's identity as the true culprit, and making the situation even more complicated and confusing?

The corner of Fang Cheng's mouth curved slightly as he turned his gaze toward the white mask hidden in his shoulder bag.

He already had a preliminary plan in mind. (End of Chapter)