On the top floor of the mental hospital, less than ten people sat in a massive conference room, deliberating important matters.
Lin Zheyuan occupied the head seat, his expression grave.
Those present were all official demon hunters: Gong Baoding, recently recovered; Yan Xiu, who had been busy catching ghosts; the balding youth Ding Mingguang; Lin Zheyuan's sister, Lin Lu; and the muscular intelligence officer You Han, clad in a pink sweater.
These were the only official demon hunters in the Furong River branch, though the number of unofficial hunters and assistants working with them was considerable.
"According to reliable intelligence, Yan Biqing should currently be within Furong River City. Our primary mission moving forward is to capture... or kill him!"
"Although he failed in his assimilation-level advancement, his danger level is no less than that of an assimilation-level supernormal. With his current strength, he's at least equivalent to a disaster-level monster."
"Therefore, once his location is confirmed, absolutely do not engage him in a one-on-one fight. We must mobilize everyone for a pincer movement. If necessary, we can also request assistance from the Heibei Province Hunter Association."
Lin Zheyuan finished outlining the situation and observed the reactions of everyone present.
All of them wore grim expressions, for they understood that the threat posed by Yan Biqing was no less than that of Mr. L from before.
Furthermore, as Yan Biqing had been a member of the Hunter Association before his incident, he possessed a certain understanding of their operational patterns, which only increased the difficulty of dealing with him.
"This time, I will also participate in the field operation," Ding Mingguang said, raising his hand from the end of the long table.
Lin Zheyuan frowned. This was the first time Ding Mingguang had voluntarily requested field duty.
"Your abilities are not suited for direct combat. It's too dangerous for you to be directly involved."
Ding Mingguang shook his head and said, "But without me, you can't do it!"
"Indeed..."
Lin Zheyuan fell silent for a moment, then said to Ding Mingguang, "I can approve your participation, but you must guarantee you stay with me at all times. The current Yan Biqing is very dangerous!" Su Dan Novel Network
Ding Mingguang nodded, his expression resolute. He knew what he needed to do.
Before being assigned to Furong River City, he had been Yan Biqing's disciple...
Therefore, he was the only one who was most familiar with Yan Biqing. Without him, Lin Zheyuan and the others wouldn't even be able to track Yan Biqing's movements.
...
Wen Wen took a taxi to the entrance of the Hunter Association, feeling rather apprehensive.
He had previously refused Lin Zheyuan's invitations, and now he was suddenly going to approach them, which made him feel a bit awkward about losing face.
"Besides, if the Containment Facility grows stronger in the future, the Hunter Association will definitely be an obstacle. This time, I'll consider it as infiltrating the enemy's ranks..."
"Sigh, it smells so good..."
After some inquiries, he learned that the demon hunters were all in the top-floor conference room for a meeting, so he headed straight for it.
An ordinary person attempting to reach the top floor would surely be obstructed by the assistants. However, Wen Wen had been here before. Without resorting to force, he easily managed to blend in and pass.
Upon arriving at the conference room door, he noticed a familiar figure sitting by the entrance.
It was Jiao Xinlei, the pet shop cashier who had accompanied Wen Wen to that villa not too long ago. Clearly, she had changed her profession.
Wen Wen asked in surprise, "Why are you here?"
Upon seeing Wen Wen, Jiao Xinlei's face lit up with joy. Since she had joined the Hunter Association, everything had been unfamiliar, and Wen Wen was perhaps her only acquaintance.
"After you left, Captain Lin said that all supernormals must be under the control of the Hunter Association, so I joined the association."
Wen Wen pursed his lips and asked, "Just like that?"
Jiao Xinlei nodded. Otherwise, how could it be more complicated?
"Alas... so young."
Seeing her current naive demeanor, Wen Wen could roughly guess what had happened.
It was likely that Lin Zheyuan had taken advantage of the girl's first encounter with the world of supernormals, using a combination of persuasion and intimidation to lure her into the association and sign a contract.
If it were Wen Wen, even if he were to join, he would definitely seek some benefits.
"Then why aren't you going in?" Wen Wen continued to ask.
"They said they were discussing classified matters this time, and my clearance level isn't high enough, so I'm waiting here," Jiao Xinlei said with a hint of grievance.
Wen Wen's eyes darted around, and he sat down next to Jiao Xinlei. "Then let's chat outside. How are the remaining three members of the Jiang family?"
Jiao Xinlei shot Wen Wen a glance and said, "You're one to talk. Jiang Wenhu's neck and shoulders have developed chronic issues, and he also suffered a severe concussion. He's currently undergoing treatment... Wen Yue and her mother had their memories wiped, but they have already moved out of that villa."
"So, who got that villa? Speaking of which, I haven't even asked for payment for driving away the ghosts for them. If no one wants the villa, I can take it..." Wen Wen said, his small eyes sparkling.
You went to drive away ghosts, killed their father, and hospitalized their brother, yet you still have the audacity to ask for payment?
Of course, Jiao Xinlei didn't say that. She merely said with a blank expression, "Uh, it seems it was confiscated."
"Confiscated... Tsk!"
Wen Wen shook his head in disappointment. He had been so immersed in the joy of his Containment Facility's advancement that he had forgotten to secure benefits.
Afterward, Wen Wen sat beside Jiao Xinlei and began to subtly extract information from her.
Such a rookie in the Hunter Association was the easiest to deceive.
Jiao Xinlei's mind was not quite sharp, and moreover, she had long ago categorized Wen Wen as a senior from the Hunter Association. Therefore, she told Wen Wen everything without reservation.
From her, Wen Wen learned about the Hunter Association's activities during this period and the process new members had to undergo to join.
He was now prepared for his negotiation with Lin Zheyuan.
...
"Alright, so the action plan is finalized. Everyone work a bit harder for the next period. You all got through the Paradise incident, and this one will be fine too..."
After the meeting concluded, Lin Zheyuan was the first to emerge from the conference room. He immediately spotted Wen Wen, who was busy extracting information, and felt his blood pressure spike.
He said irritably, "Wen, what are you doing?"
"Uh, Xinlei, this is a painful lesson. In the future, be careful not to trust people so easily. If you hadn't told me, revealing so much intelligence would have led to disciplinary action!"
Wen Wen gave an awkward smile and then turned to scold Jiao Xinlei.
"Do you think I wouldn't discipline her just because she revealed information to you?" Lin Zheyuan said with a cold snort.
Jiao Xinlei covered her mouth and was instantly stunned, "You're not part of the association? But you clearly..."
"Hmm... I'm an external member. Surprised? Unexpected? Don't worry, you won't be punished."
Wen Wen comforted Jiao Xinlei with a smile, then stood up and offered Lin Zheyuan a cigarette.
He had bought this cigarette on his way here. It cost over a hundred yuan a pack, the most expensive brand in the shop. He had bought a carton specifically to curry favor with Lin Zheyuan.
If Lin Zheyuan didn't agree to Wen Wen's request, then Wen Wen would eventually find a way to recover the cost of the cigarettes from him.
"Captain Lin, may we speak in private?" Wen Wen said, bowing with a slightly obsequious smile.
Lin Zheyuan, however, was not swayed by Wen Wen's attempt to get close. He said with a cold expression, "As a freelance hunter, maliciously extracting association intelligence is damaging your relationship with the association."
Even though he valued Wen Wen, he was quite displeased that Wen Wen was deceiving his subordinate right in front of him.
"But I've decided to join the association!" Wen Wen said, narrowing his eyes and smiling.
"Even if you join, I... Wait, what did you say?" Lin Zheyuan's eyes widened, looking at Wen Wen as if he had encountered a rare animal.