Chapter 28

"I've discovered something fun."

Yin Shaoqing's voice came through, carrying a hint of smugness from a top student discovering a new continent:

“When the enemy property was being cleared after the liberation of Shenyang in 1948, the records about ‘Sakura House’ were written in a way that was like a lie, with just one sentence: ‘The house collapsed, everything was looted, the basement was flooded, and nothing special was found.’ But! In 1952, when the sewers were being dug, the construction records clearly stated in black and white: ‘Under the original site of ‘Sakura House,’ we encountered an unusually solid reinforced concrete structure, unlike what ordinary people would build, but we couldn’t go around it because of the technology at the time.’”

"An unusually sturdy non-civilian structure?" Jin Zhaoxuan raised his eyebrows so high they could hang soy sauce bottles. "Is it that heavily guarded basement, or... some other weird contraption?"

“It’s probably part of that ‘eerie basement’ that old man Hu was talking about.” Yin Shaoqing analyzed logically. “The construction records indicate the approximate location and depth. I compared it with an old map, and wow, it’s roughly at the foot of those old, dilapidated residential buildings diagonally opposite the church. Although that place has been repaired and patched up since then, the buildings are not tall and the foundations are shallow. If the structure is really that hardcore, maybe… it’s still hiding down there.”

Jin Zhaoxuan stared at the highlighted area on the screen, his heart pounding. What if the thing was really down there…?

"But how do we find it? We can't exactly carry a Luoyang shovel and raid the neighborhood committee under the noses of the old ladies, can we?" Jin Zhaoxuan quickly calmed down; this kind of operation would probably make the news.

“Of course not.” Yin Shaoqing clicked his tongue. “We need to be precise. Maybe we can find the old workers who participated in that sewer project back then, or the retired cadres who are in charge of the urban construction archives in this area. Shenyang is so big, and there are so many people, we have to rely on fate.”

Jin Zhaoxuan understood. This was like finding a needle in a haystack, a deluxe plus version. But since they were already here, it would be a waste of gas money not to give it a try.

"I'll take a stroll over there tomorrow and do some on-site research. You keep digging through the files and see if you can uncover any more specific clues, or the list of the construction team from back then," Jin Zhaoxuan explained clearly.

"Okay. Be careful when you go out. I keep feeling... a chill down my back." There was a barely perceptible worry in Yin Shaoqing's voice.

"Understood, housekeeper."

The two whispered and discussed for a long time until late at night (mainly because Jin Zhaoxuan was drowsy from Yin Shaoqing's data stream).

The next morning, Jin Zhaoxuan checked out of the hotel, stuffed his luggage and the tablet containing Yin Shaoqing's "avatar" into the trunk, and drove straight to the South Gate Catholic Church.

The church, a century-old Gothic building, stood out like a stern, aged official from another era amidst the modern skyscrapers. Jin Zhaoxuan parked his car and wandered around the old neighborhood diagonally opposite the church. This area consisted mostly of five- to seven-story buildings, their walls peeling like psoriasis, while the snack shops and grocery stores on the ground floor were bustling with activity. He slowly walked along the area circled by Yin Shaoqing, his eyes scanning the ground like searchlights, trying to find any clues like sinkholes or cracks—but to no avail. Decades had passed, and the concrete was smoother than his own face.

He turned into a tobacco and liquor store, bought a pack of cigarettes, and casually struck up a conversation with an old man in his sixties behind the counter: "Sir, could you tell me about a place? Before liberation, wasn't there a pretty big Japanese restaurant around here called 'Sakura no Kan'?"

The old man squinted and thought for a long time before shaking his head: "Never heard of it. That's ancient history. I've lived here since I was a child, and I know this place used to be a mess, with houses built like dogs chewed them up. A Japanese restaurant? Maybe, but it was all torn down a long time ago."

Jin Zhaoxuan asked two more old men playing chess on the street, and their answers were largely the same. The events of that time were so long ago that those who witnessed them had either passed away or moved away.

He was a little discouraged and was about to leave when he caught a glimpse of an even older man sitting behind a bicycle repair stall on the street corner. The man's face was so wrinkled it could trap a mosquito, and he looked to be over ninety years old, basking in the sun with his eyes closed.

Jin Zhaoxuan's heart skipped a beat. He squatted down beside him and whispered, "Grandpa, sunbathing? I'd like to ask you about an old place, 'Cherry Blossom Pavilion,' do you know it?"

The old man's eyelids twitched, and he slowly opened them a crack, his cloudy eyes looking at Jin Zhaoxuan without uttering a sound.

Jin Zhaoxuan waited patiently.

About a minute later, the old man mumbled in a slurred voice, as if he had a piece of candy in his mouth: "The... Sakura... Mansion... is... haunted..."

Jin Zhaoxuan's heart skipped a beat: "Downstairs? Grandpa, you mean the basement?"

The old man ignored him and closed his eyes again, as if what he had just said was a dream.

Haunted? Does it refer to the psychological trauma left by the many unethical things the "Matsumoto Agency" did back then, or... the literal meaning?

Jin Zhaoxuan knew he wouldn't get any more information, so he thanked him and got up. Although the clues were still fragmented, the word "haunted" matched Old Hu's "evil nature," further confirming that something fishy was going on.

He returned to his car and reported the situation to Yin Shaoqing.

“The old man behind the repair stall… might actually be someone in the know, or even know some inside information,” Yin Shaoqing analyzed. “‘Haunted’ is a folk belief that refers to an ominous, dangerous place or a place where someone has died. Considering the nature of the ‘Matsumoto Agency,’ it’s easy to guess what happened there.”

"Yeah. But we're stuck now. We don't have specific coordinates, so we can't just find some auspicious spot to dig." Jin Zhaoxuan scratched his hair in frustration.

“Perhaps we can try a different approach,” Yin Shaoqing pondered. “If the Takeda family is also searching, they might have more information than we do, and maybe even… a treasure map left behind by the Matsumoto Agency. They’re lurking in the shadows; they might leave their mark.”

"You mean... counter-surveillance?" Jin Zhaoxuan's eyes sharpened.

"We can give it a try. But the risk is off the charts. We know nothing about their personnel and operations in Shenyang."

As they were talking, Jin Zhaoxuan suddenly noticed that the black sedan in his rearview mirror seemed to have been following him suspiciously ever since he parked near the church. He made a few turns, and although the car was occasionally blocked, it would soon reappear like a ghost.

I've been followed!

“We’re being followed.” Jin Zhaoxuan lowered his voice and gripped the steering wheel tightly. “It’s probably Takeda’s lackeys.”

"Don't panic. Drive normally, take a main road with lots of people and cars. I'll try scanning that beat-up car." Yin Shaoqing's voice remained as steady as an old dog.

Jin Zhaoxuan took a deep breath, calmed his racing heart, and drove into the main traffic flow. Sure enough, the black car followed, maintaining a distance of three or four cars.

On the tablet, Yin Shaoqing was mobilizing computing power to analyze the car through camera images: the license plate number was suspected to end in "36," the model was an older Toyota Crown, and the windows were covered in graffiti like a terrorist's. There was a scar on the right front wheel rim; he noted it down.

"Turn right at the intersection 500 meters ahead into the commercial area. There are many intersections and cameras there, making it easy to shake off people," Yin Shaoqing quickly directed.

"Okay."

Jin Zhaoxuan turned right as instructed, heading into the bustling commercial district. On a weekend afternoon, the area was packed with people and cars, like dumplings being dropped into a pot. He weaved through traffic, changing lanes several times in an attempt to slip away, but the black car followed him relentlessly; it was clearly a seasoned stalker.

This can't go on. Jin Zhaoxuan steeled his heart, and a suicidal thought popped into his head.

“Yin Shaoqing,” he lowered his voice, “there’s a large underground parking lot ahead, the entrance is wide and it’s winding inside. I’ll drive in, and you keep an eye on the blind spots of the surveillance cameras and their movements. I want to… have a ‘chat’ with them.”

"Are you crazy?!" Yin Shaoqing immediately objected, "We don't even know how many people they have or whether they brought any weapons!"

“I know. But being followed around like this is even more frustrating. The parking lot is practically our home turf. Besides,” Jin Zhaoxuan glanced at the tablet, “didn’t you say the energy could explode once more? What if…”

He didn't finish speaking, but Yin Shaoqing understood. This guy wanted to use himself as bait to lure the other party into making a move, and then use his cheat-like abilities to create chaos.

"No!" Yin Shaoqing's voice trembled with anxiety. "Your safety comes first! Let's think of another way..."

“It’s too late. They’ve already followed us in.” Jin Zhaoxuan’s eyes turned cold as he looked at the black car that had followed him into the parking lot entrance in the rearview mirror. “Listen to me. Get ready. If things go wrong… you know what to do.”

After saying that, he didn't give Yin Shaoqing a chance to refute him. He turned the steering wheel and drove the car into a dimly lit corner on the second basement level of the parking lot, where he found an empty space to park.

He turned off the engine but didn't get out of the car. He sat quietly, staring at the rearview mirror.

The black car followed and stopped a short distance away. The door opened, and two lean, well-built men in jackets got out, one on each side, and casually walked towards his car.

In the earphones, Yin Shaoqing's breathing stopped.

Jin Zhaoxuan's hand quietly reached for the stun gun (MAX enhanced version) hidden under the seat.

The crisis, as dark as night, spread like ink in the dimness.

The two men drew closer, their steps steady as if measured with a ruler. Their eyes seemed to dart around, but in reality, they were fixed on Jin Zhaoxuan's car. Their hands were in the bulging pockets of their jackets, clearly carrying weapons.

Jin Zhaoxuan's muscles tensed, his fingers gripping the stun gun switch, his palms slightly damp. Quick assessment: twenty meters away, two against one, the opponent might be armed. A direct confrontation wouldn't be wise. He needed to create chaos and create an escape window.

Just as one of the men was less than ten meters from the car door, about to pull his hand out of his pocket—

"Sizzle—Bang!"

The fluorescent light on Jin Zhaoxuan's car roof in the parking lot suddenly flickered wildly, emitting a pig-slaughtering electrical sound, and then exploded with a "crack!" Glass shards and sparks rained down!

The two men were taken aback by the sudden attack and instinctively looked up and raised their hands to cover their faces.

Almost simultaneously!

"Beep beep beep beep—!!!"

The black Crown they drove up in had its windows locked, yet the burglar alarm blared like it had seen a ghost! It was utterly mentally disturbing in the empty parking lot!

The two turned around sharply to look at their car, their faces showing a bewildered expression that seemed to say, "This car must be sentient."

Great opportunity!

Without the slightest hesitation, Jin Zhaoxuan abruptly pushed open the car door. Instead of rushing out, he rolled on the spot, using the car body as cover, and quickly rolled behind a tall SUV next to him to hide. His movements were fluid and graceful, clearly showing that he had been trained (though forced to do so).

"Damn it! Where is he?" A man realized what was happening, cursing as he rushed towards Jin Zhaoxuan's car, only to find it empty.

The other man scanned the area warily, finally pulling his hand out of his pocket—not a gun, but a tactical baton that gleamed coldly and looked painful.

"Over there!" He spotted the hem of clothing peeking out from behind the SUV and immediately gestured to surround it.

Jin Zhaoxuan leaned against the cold car body, holding his breath, listening to the approaching, deliberately soft yet clear footsteps. Two directions. Blocked.

He gripped the stun gun, calculating the distance and the timing of his strike. One against two, both armed, his chances of winning were practically zero.

Just as he was preparing to fight to the death—

"Clang! Crash—!"

Not far away, a pile of old tires and empty paint cans leaning against the wall suddenly collapsed without warning! They rolled everywhere, making a terrifying noise!

The two men's attention was instantly drawn.

"What's going on?" The man with the baton frowned and gestured to his companion, "Let's go check it out!"

"Be careful, it might be a trap!"

The two men temporarily abandoned their attempt to encircle the pile and cautiously moved towards the pile of tires.

Now!

Seizing the fleeting moment, Jin Zhaoxuan leaped out from the other side of the SUV, crouching low and sprinting, his target the fire escape deep inside the parking lot! There were usually stairs there to slip through!

"There he is! Chase him!" A man spotted him and immediately turned around and gave chase.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the parking lot, like the beating of drums.

Jin Zhaoxuan possessed astonishing explosive power, rushing to the heavy iron door of the fire escape in a few strides. He pulled—it was locked!

"Damn it!" he cursed under his breath, turning around without hesitation, his back against the iron gate, facing the pursuers, and raising the stun gun. The blue-white arcs of electricity crackled and popped, their intimidating power reaching its peak in the dim light.

The two men stopped five or six meters away, fanning out to surround him. The one with the baton sneered, "Run? Keep running? Mr. Jin, our boss wants to invite you back for 'tea.' Cooperate."

"Who's your boss? That grandson of Takeda Kei?" Jin Zhaoxuan stalled for time while quickly scanning his surroundings. Apart from the iron gate behind him, there were pillars and carts on both sides, with no road.

"You'll see when you get there." The man didn't want to waste words, so he twirled his baton. "Don't force us to use force; you're all delicate."

Jin Zhaoxuan knew he couldn't just sit and wait to die. He took a deep breath and prepared to fight for his life.

Right on the brink of life and death—

"Buzz—hum—!"

Suddenly, all the lights on the second basement level went completely malfunction! They flickered on and off like a disco! The constantly changing light was enough to blind you instantly!

Not only that! The alarms of several cars in the parking lot seemed to have caught a contagion, blaring in unison! Horns blaring, alarms blaring, lights flashing wildly, plus tire drums rolling all over the ground... the entire basement level instantly turned into a large-scale paranormal scene + symphony concert!

The two men were bewildered by this supernatural phenomenon. They instinctively raised their hands to shield their eyes from the light and looked around warily, momentarily forgetting about Jin Zhaoxuan.

"Ghosts... there really are ghosts!" A man's voice trembled, and his calves cramped slightly.

"Shut up! Stay calm!" The man holding the baton tried to remain calm, but the fear in his eyes was unmistakable.

Jin Zhaoxuan was deeply shaken, followed by a surge of emotions that were both warm and bittersweet. It was Yin Shaoqing! He was frantically overdrawing the already limited energy of this "avatar" to create this chaotic battle of electromagnetic sound and light!

We can't wait any longer!

Taking advantage of the moment when the other man was distracted and the light was flashing, Jin Zhaoxuan suddenly threw the stun gun at the man holding the baton! Not to hit him, but to distract him! At the same time, he pushed off with his feet, not rushing towards the exit, but instead lunging at a low-slung car next to him!

As he got close, he braced himself against the hood with one hand, and like a cheetah, he leaped into the air, flipping over the roof of the car! Without pausing upon landing, he used the car body and pillars for cover and sprinted towards another exit of the parking lot where there were sounds of cars coming and going!

"Damn it! Chase after them!"

The two men realized what was happening and chased after the car, but the chaotic light and noise severely slowed them down.

Jin Zhaoxuan unleashed his full potential, moving so fast he was almost a blur. He remembered seeing the exit sign when he came in. Rounding a corner, the exit lights and toll booth were right in front of him! There was a line of cars!

He dashed out like a gust of wind, passing through the turnstile amidst the astonished gazes of the toll collectors and queuing drivers who wondered, "Is this guy running a marathon?" He plunged headlong into the bright light and bustling crowds of the street outside.

After running for two blocks and making sure there were no tails behind him, Jin Zhaoxuan leaned against a tree, panting heavily, his heart pounding like a drum, his back completely soaked with sweat.

He immediately reached for his earphones, his voice trembling: "Yin Shaoqing? Yin Shaoqing! You bastard, say something!"

There was complete silence in the headphones.

No response.

Jin Zhaoxuan's heart sank to the depths of the Mariana Trench. He frantically pulled out his tablet. The screen was black; nothing he pressed worked. The indicator light was off.

Did the clone's energy burn out? Or... was it damaged?

A wave of panic washed over him like ice water. He didn't even care if he was still being watched; he immediately hailed a taxi and gave the driver the location of his car, which was parked on another street not far away (he was clever enough not to park directly under the church and become a sitting duck).

He got into his car, locked the doors, and tried to start the tablet again, but the screen remained black. Remote monitoring of the main server also showed a lost signal.

"Yin Shaoqing..." Jin Zhaoxuan's voice trembled violently as he gripped the cold tablet tightly, his knuckles turning white. It was all his fault... If he hadn't been so reckless, Yin Shaoqing wouldn't have had to work so hard...

No, now is not the time for sentimentality. We must get back to Anshan immediately! The main server is our base!

He forced down his panic, started the car, and floored the accelerator onto the highway. At this moment, nothing mattered more than confirming Yin Shaoqing's safety—neither the clues in Shenyang nor the Wu Tian family!

The car sped through the night.

Jin Zhaoxuan pursed his lips tightly, his face as white as paper, but his eyes were as fierce as a wolf protecting its cubs.

Wait for him to go back.

We must wait for him to return.