"Report, the epidemiological investigation results are out. The casualties... the casualties..."
The soldier from the Dragon Pavilion said with great difficulty, the casualty figures making him hesitant to even report them.
"Speak!"
Ye Longlin frowned, clearly having anticipated it, but the result still needed to be heard.
"Six thousand eight hundred and ninety-five."
Upon hearing this number, Yuan Gang instantly felt as if his spirit had been drained. He slumped onto the chair, his eyes unfocused, as if he had lost his soul.
6895!
It was a terrifyingly impactful number, a number that could make one lose everything!
Nearly six thousand nine hundred people!
So many ordinary lives lost meant three times as many families shattered, rendered incomplete!
He hoped there were no children or pregnant women among them.
Children were the greatest hope.
"Yuan Gang, pull yourself together. The most important thing now is to find the perpetrator and the mastermind, otherwise, these people can never rest in peace."
Ye Longlin said in a low voice, a fierce killing intent surfacing in his eyes.
At this moment, Ma Zhou and Qin Mingxuan also arrived, their faces equally grim.
"King Ye, we have reported to the capital. The capital's message is for us to cooperate with you to resolve this matter as quickly as possible, and then for you to return to the capital for a report, as well as... as well as General Yuan."
Qin Mingxuan said with a hint of embarrassment. This was what his superior had asked him to relay to Ye Longlin. The shock and consequences of this incident were simply too severe!
Yuan Gang, who was in charge of this matter, would also be implicated. Although this matter had little to do with them directly, it had happened under their watch, so some people would inevitably find fault.
Furthermore, after this incident, the opposing forces in the capital would definitely try to destroy him!
These things were not hard to imagine.
"I understand. The most crucial thing is to resolve these matters. Yuan Gang, you will represent the Dragon Pavilion in holding a press conference, informing the public of everything that happened here, in its entirety. They have the right to know. Also, inform them that within five days, we will definitely apprehend the culprit and make them pay for those who lost their lives today!"
This was a necessary step. Otherwise, if there were no explanations for this matter from all parties, it would only cause panic and even provide an opportunity for those with ulterior motives.
After Ye Longlin finished speaking, Yuan Gang seemed to finally come back to his senses slightly. He nodded and walked out silently.
"Alas, anyone would be unable to bear such a thing."
Ma Zhou sighed. At this moment, they were very glad they were not the primary responsible party. If they were, and had no one to back them up, they would essentially be ruined.
But it was different for him. When he faced trouble, the King himself came. With the King's backing, there probably wouldn't be any major issues.
"Alright, stop talking nonsense. Do you think we'll have an easy time back there? If it were that simple, it would be good."
Qin Mingxuan glared at him, saying irritably.
In a certain skyscraper, a man in a suit looked at the soaring flames, a playful smile appearing on his lips: "Such a big event, how will you clean up your mess? As a gift for our first meeting, I wonder if you'll like it."
"Knock, knock, knock."
At this moment, the office door was knocked.
"Enter."
The secretary walked in, holding a document to report: "Boss, President Lin Tian Ai of Nan Province arrived in Jinling an hour ago for our cooperation. When would be a good time to meet?"
His eyebrows shot up, and a playful smile appeared on his lips: "Tomorrow. Because things will only start getting interesting from tomorrow."
The secretary didn't quite understand his meaning, but could only nod.
As a secretary, she didn't need to know much, only to act according to instructions.
"Ye Longlin, your ex-wife has arrived. I wonder if you have any thoughts on this."
Meanwhile, on the other side, after returning to the city, Yuan Gang immediately convened a press conference and gave a deeply sorrowful account of today's events.
First, he was sniped, then self-detonating drones were used to attack ordinary people, and then they guided people to evacuate. All of this was within their plan!
At least, in Yuan Gang's words, they had become victims.
His original intention was for the public to witness the update of the Military God Rankings, hoping to boost recruitment for the following spring. No one would have expected this, nor would anyone have anticipated such an event occurring.
Of course, Yuan Gang did not intentionally conceal his mistakes regarding this matter. Under countless spotlights, he admitted his error and acknowledged his carelessness, believing that it was a glorious era for the military, and no one would dare to cause trouble, yet he was still exploited.
He apologized to the deceased, to their families, to their parents, relatives, and loved ones, for being unable to bring them back.
This press conference ignited everything!
This incident was the first large-scale death and the first serious incident since the dawn of the new era!
The Supreme Ministry issued a statement, declaring that they would definitely apprehend all those involved, and not a single person connected to this case would escape!
The Dragon Pavilion remained silent but released an image: a picture of a fire dragon facing a fire tiger, signifying that the two were sworn enemies and one must disappear!
Following this incident, Ye Longlin received countless calls from the capital, most of them informing him to return to the Hall of Honor for a report after the matter was concluded.
After all, in the end, such an incident had occurred in Jinling under Ye Longlin's watch. Did this mean his current management ability had declined?
"Everyone has been dispersed throughout the city for a thorough investigation. The revision of the Military God Rankings is suspended. Our people are closely tracking whom these war criminals have contacted."
Yuan Gang reported respectfully, standing beside Ye Longlin. He felt he still lacked the ability to take over the power from his boss.
"I'm going out for a bit. You guys continue the investigation."
Ye Longlin said, picking up the car keys from the table and leaving directly.
They had no leads on this matter, but Jiu Tian Yun Xiao should have information. Therefore, he needed to visit Qin Shiyin. If Qin Shiyin had any news, they could shorten the time, the shorter the better!
They had to give the public an explanation!
"Yes!"
After Ye Longlin left, Yuan Gang sat dejectedly on the sofa, looking blankly at Qing Long, and chuckled bitterly, asking, "Brother Qing Long, are you and boss disappointed in me?"