The entire intelligence network of Great Xia was spinning frantically, with countless intelligence systems working at full speed, all to locate the headquarters of the Dark Hall!
No one knew where the Dark Hall's headquarters was, and no one had ever found it, even with Great Xia's extensive intelligence networks in operation.
This was because, up to this point, no members of the Dark Hall had been observed operating openly, making it impossible to monitor them.
However, today, individuals belonging to the Dark Hall began to emerge one by one in Chang'an, thoroughly stirring up the already turbulent waters of the city. When the first piece of news concerning the Giant Whale Group broke, Ye Longlin was already aware.
"Investigate, investigate the whereabouts of the Dark Hall members!"
Ye Longlin issued a direct order, unable to suppress his rising emotions. His eyes narrowed as if he had a sudden realization, his expression growing somber.
"Notify the military and the foundational families; there's no need to hide anymore. Come forth directly!"
On the eve of the decisive battle!
With years of precognitive foresight regarding crises, he had already guessed the Dark Hall's objective.
Stirring up Chang'an was, in essence, an attempt to divert their attention, to draw all their focus outward, thereby creating an opportunity for them to act.
Furthermore, when things deviate from the norm, there is always a hidden agenda!
"Alright!"
After a moment of thought, Ye Longlin pondered for a bit before speaking, "Xuan Niao, let's go out for a bit!"
Xuan Niao nodded, and Mu Hanqi continued.
But two hours later, a piece of news completely detonated the calm waters of Chang'an!
Ye Longlin had disappeared. Only their vehicle was found, and there were bloodstains at the scene. After verification and comparison, the bloodstains were confirmed to belong to Ye Longlin and Xuan Niao. The surrounding surveillance had long since been disabled.
Enraged, Mu Hanqi mobilized all the energy at her disposal to conduct a carpet search of the entire Chang'an. She issued a single command: "I don't care what methods you use, you must find Xuan Niao and Ye Longlin."
These two individuals were extremely important to her.
Ye Longlin was her husband, and Xuan Niao was her bodyguard!
Moreover, the fact that they could be taken away from Chang'an without anyone noticing clearly indicated something was amiss.
For such an incident to occur right after she had taken charge of affairs naturally filled her with anger and helplessness.
Ye Longlin's disappearance left them leaderless. Yuan Gang arrived at the Xia family residence and saw Mu Hanqi pacing anxiously in the courtyard.
"Sister-in-law."
Yuan Gang spoke after a moment of silence.
Mu Hanqi turned around and saw Yuan Gang standing at the entrance.
"Do you have any news?" she asked directly, her eyes filled with anxiety. No one had anticipated Ye Longlin's disappearance.
Yuan Gang shook his head. "Boss is at Saint Realm triple heaven. And for someone to injure him under these circumstances and then disappear without a trace is basically impossible. Besides, this whole situation is impossible. I have a feeling this is the boss's plan."
Hearing this, Mu Hanqi also fell into thought. It seemed to be true, as Yuan Gang said. After all, Ye Longlin's cultivation level was significant. If the Dark Hall truly intended to take him away so easily, it would be impossible!
To put it bluntly, even if the Dark Hall made a move, Ye Longlin could hold the front line, and Xuan Niao would still have the capability to call for reinforcements. But with both of them disappearing together, there was a significant problem.
After a moment of silence, he continued, "Sister-in-law, please don't worry. Nothing will happen to the boss. The waters in Chang'an are already muddy, and the boss likely intends to hide himself completely, letting those behind the scenes surface before making his move."
This was also the boss's method, and he was quite accustomed to it. It was often like this, even when fighting overseas in the past, leading to times when people couldn't locate the boss.
Mu Hanqi nodded slightly. "Alright, I understand. Tell them all to stop. Although I don't know what he's trying to do, this is the only way for now."
Meanwhile, Qin Hanlie's expression gradually darkened after receiving the news. He was still on his way, having only departed not long ago, and hadn't even left the capital's highway yet.
After receiving this news, what could he do? Ye Longlin had indeed disappeared; this was a fact. He was also unsure of the situation and could only head to Chang'an quickly.
He tried calling Ye Longlin's phone, but no one answered. He was still unaware of what was truly happening.
"How could Ye Longlin disappear? Even if the Dark Hall wanted to make a move, they couldn't possibly take him away so silently. Although the Dark Hall is also preparing for the decisive battle, they wouldn't possibly make a move at this time.
Could it be that he staged it himself? To fade from view? But why? According to what he said before, there seems to be no need for this. What is he trying to do?"
Qin Hanlie was very confused. He had no idea what the other party was attempting.
Regardless of what he was planning, at least for now, this incident had certainly caused a significant stir.
If it was indeed a staged event, what was his purpose?
If it was the Dark Hall's doing, then what were they trying to achieve? Did they want to kill Ye Longlin and announce it to the world?
But if the Dark Hall were truly responsible, the Ye family would not stand idly by. Therefore, it was highly probable that he did it himself, a staged performance!
While the outside world was in an uproar, in a small village somewhere in Chang'an, Ye Longlin narrowed his eyes as he looked at his surroundings and asked with a dangerous tone, "Where are my people?"
Chen Daoru slowly walked out, smiling sinisterly, "Kid, did you really think I invited you here as a guest? Aren't you too naive?
Do you think it's possible to escape from the Dark Hall's headquarters? Out of respect for you being a formidable figure back then, I'll give you a chance to take your own life here. Otherwise, don't blame us for taking action.
When we act, it won't be a pretty sight."
Ye Longlin stared at him coldly and let out a sneer. "Old Chen, you're quite something. I never expected someone like you to join the Dark Hall.
Honestly, I'm very curious. Why did you join the Dark Hall? You should know their objectives. Do you really think the Dark Hall can survive the wheels of history in Great Xia? Are you perhaps too overconfident in yourselves?"
At this moment, a figure in a black robe emerged from behind them.
"Old Chen, do not be rude. Stand down."
A hoarse voice echoed, and the scene instantly fell into dead silence.
Upon seeing this person, a cold glint appeared in his eyes, and a flicker of something extraordinary flashed within them.
"The Hall Master of the Dark Hall!"