Yuan Gang watched the rhythm of his tapping on the long sword, his gaze filled with a strange light.
The Commander's order: infiltrate the Dark Hall, ascertain its structure, and obtain the Great Xia list.
This was a special hand gesture, known only to a select few.
As soon as the gesture appeared, Yuan Gang knew he was telling the truth, because this gesture, along with the count and rhythm, was all classified.
"I believe you will betray me, so today, none of you will leave."
Killing intent permeated the air, and Yuan Gang's martial energy surged.
Within the surrounding forest, flames flickered – muzzle flashes. The air was filled with the sound of gunfire.
The incessant sounds of gunfire instilled fear in the hearts of those at Cloud Mist Villa.
"President Wang, what exactly is going on? You owe us an explanation. Why is there a gunfight outside? What have you been hiding?"
"President Mu, you owe us an explanation. What have you been hiding? What is the purpose of bringing us here today? We best be informed, otherwise, if we join forces, you won't be able to suppress us."
Inside Cloud Mist Villa, the business magnates who had been invited collectively exerted pressure, questioning Wang Meilan and Mu Ye.
They had organized today's event, so they must know some inside story. They were not fools.
The two offered wry smiles. "Gentlemen, this matter is beyond our control. We are merely following orders. If you wish to know the truth, the truth is outside."
One by one, their faces grew extremely grim, yet they were helpless.
The truth was outside, but did they dare to venture out?
If they went out, they might not return. In this situation, who would dare to step outside the door?
However, at that very moment, a team of individuals dressed in foreign legion uniforms appeared before them, weapons in hand, their gazes fixed coldly on everyone present.
"You'd best not move, or I can't guarantee who will die first."
This team was unknown even to Tian Jian.
The Devil's ability to maintain his standing in the Golden Triangle region relied not only on force but also on his intellect. Otherwise, he wouldn't have so many people willing to follow him after escaping.
In the sky, drones transmitted everything happening to the Devil's eyes through their cameras.
"Yuan Gang, the foremost of the Dragon Pavilion's Four Heavenly Kings. His martial prowess is unknown, his cultivation is unknown. It seems the Dragon Pavilion's status in Great Xia is even higher than I imagined."
The Devil, watching the scene before him, fell into deep thought.
Those in the Golden Triangle region couldn't enter Great Xia. It was already extremely difficult for them to smuggle so much ordnance into Great Xia; they had no way to get them in here. The border was tighter than before.
"The Dragon Pavilion is the sole department that exercises military deterrence externally. It is the most violent organization in all of Great Xia. Their status exceeds your imagination, and the power they wield makes countless people envious. This is the Dragon Pavilion."
A person shrouded in a black robe emerged from behind him. Her voice indicated she was a woman.
Upon hearing her voice, the Devil chuckled and said, "To receive an invitation letter from the Dark Hall personally, historically, it has only been granted to high-ranking officials, conglomerates, or those in power. Never has a mercenary or assassin organization received such an invitation. I am the first."
The woman in the black robe chuckled lightly. "Yes, and you are merely a stray soldier, not even a mercenary organization."
The Devil shrugged, indicating indifference. He then asked, "Ye Longlin hasn't made a move yet. Once he does, these people will be gone. Do you have any plans to deal with Ye Longlin?"
The black-robed woman's voice suddenly turned icy. "This is not something you should know. Asking too much will get you killed."
The Devil understood her attitude and said no more, focusing on the screen.
"Just watch. This is the power of the Dark Hall!"
...
The battle between Tian Jian and Yuan Gang was far more terrifying than ordinary people imagined, yet neither had sustained injuries after fighting for so long.
"Both the Sky Eye System and the Counter-Surveillance System indicate that many individuals have betrayed us, whether for profit or position. Their betrayal is a fact. After that incident involving Tian Jian, the Commander sought me out, and we have been planning this all along.
The aim was to tarnish my record. Once I become the person in charge of Great Xia, I will gain access to Great Xia's list and eradicate all these people, only then can I restore my identity."
Tian Jian's swordplay was elegant, and each move carried immense power. His Grandmaster aura erupted, making it appear like a battle to the death.
However, only the two of them knew that despite their powerful displays, the actual destructive force was not that great.
It was merely a way to converse.
"You know the special hand gesture, but that doesn't mean you haven't betrayed us. I cannot fully trust you unless you provide evidence to prove your identity."
Yuan Gang unleashed a palm strike, its rigid force landing on Tian Jian. Tian Jian feigned injury, spitting out a mouthful of blood and turning pale.
"Have the people behind you contact the Commander. He can verify my identity."
Tian Jian knew that if his identity wasn't confirmed, he would have to continue fighting him. But if this went on for too long, it would easily expose them.
Meanwhile, Ye Longlin, who was monitoring the entire scene through a miniature camera, withdrew his gaze, took out his phone, and dialed a special number.
The contact was labeled "Qin Shuai."
The call was answered quickly, and a deep voice came from the other end.
"You don't call without a reason. Speak, what do you need?"
The two were quite familiar with each other, as one was the Commander and the other was a Five-Star Heavenly King.
"Tian Jian."
Qin Shuai was silent, with a hint of confusion. "How do you know?"
Ye Longlin said, "He is currently fighting Yuan Gang. If his identity is not clarified, he will die here today."
Qin Shuai knew he was not exaggerating and sighed. "This matter is classified. Furthermore, wherever Tian Jian appears, people from the Dark Hall are sure to be present. Be careful yourself. The Dark Hall is like the Glorious Hall; no one knows the true extent of their power. If you are exposed, they will surely kill you."
Ye Longlin rolled his eyes. "So much nonsense."
Qin Shuai, far away in the capital, rolled his eyes back. "This brat, he deserves a beating."
Ye Longlin activated his earpiece and issued an order. "Let him go."
When these three words reached Yuan Gang, he knew the outcome had been decided. His identity and mission were confirmed; otherwise, he wouldn't have been allowed to leave.
"You can go."
As the words fell, Yuan Gang sat cross-legged on the ground. Behind him, the Immovable Wisdom King appeared, and he unleashed a palm strike.
"Boom!"
Tian Jian was sent flying backward, crashing through several large trees, his fate unknown.
"Pfft."
Tian Jian carved a沟壑 in the ground with his body as he skidded to a halt, spitting out a mouthful of blood. He gave a wry smile, "That bastard Yuan Gang, he hit too hard. Wait until I get my hands on that bastard and stuff him in the toilet!"
After saying this, he tilted his head and fainted.