"That period of history was the darkest time, known as the Dark Century, for both the imperial court and the various schools of thought. The various tribes emerged from the mountains. These barbarian tribes had been cultivating for many years and were now very powerful. Although each school of thought was guarding the area, they were still unable to resist them. The various schools of thought suffered heavy losses, and some even lost their lineage. Our Mohist school originally had six branches, but only Xiangli and Baili remain."
Fortunately, after a century of war, most of the barbarian tribes were finally wiped out. The rest either assimilated into the Central Plains or hid in the deep mountains, fighting with the beastmen for territory. "Xiangli Yanran explained.
“Yes, yes, that’s what I’m talking about. Two hundred thousand barbarians are buried deep in ancient Chang’an. That place is the Ghost City where the underground forces are located today!” Cheng Huaimo nodded.
"A ghost city? There's such a place! Have you ever been there?" Qin Mu asked in surprise.
"No! I've only heard about it!" Cheng Huaimo shook his head and said.
"It's so close! Doesn't the imperial court care?" Princess Changning asked curiously.
"I think this earth has turned upside down, and Chang'an has sunk deep underground. It must be very deep, with complex underground terrain, making it difficult for a large army to enter. It's not that the court doesn't care, but rather that they are willing but unable to do so!" Qin Mu guessed.
"That's right! One of the Twelve Guards has been stationed there year-round to guard the Ghost City." Cheng Huaimo gave a thumbs up in praise.
"So, the main base of the thirteen major underground forces in Chang'an is in Guicheng, and this place is just a stronghold for some of their subordinates and in the open," Qin Mu pondered.
“That should be the case!” Cheng Huaimo agreed.
“We can go with the flow, find out the location of the Ghost City, and wipe them out in one fell swoop!” Yuchi Baolin said excitedly.
However, he soon noticed that everyone was looking at him like he was an idiot.
"What? Am I wrong? Destroying the Ghost City, that's a great achievement, isn't it!"
"You idiot! I really don't know what Second Sister sees in you? If it were that simple, do you think it would be our turn? Not to mention how many people and forces are involved in the Ghost City, even if we entered the Ghost City, we probably wouldn't even leave behind any bones or dust." Cheng Huaimo said angrily.
“You’re smart! So what do you suggest we do? Are we just going to ignore them because they’re powerful?” Yu Chi Baolin said, glaring at him.
"We definitely have to manage them! Since they're hiding underground, we'll chop off their outward claws!" Qin Mu said, raising an eyebrow. In his mind, good will always prevail over evil. So what if they're so-called big tigers? If the court wants to take action against them, so be it!
"Hehe! Not bad! Not bad! Chop off their claws and see if they'll jump out! Once they're on the ground, I don't believe they can turn the world upside down!" Cheng Huaimo said with a smile.
"Ahem! Don't be too happy yet. These forces include people from the imperial court and powerful families. If we really provoke them, we are no match for them!" Li Chongyi, who had the least presence, reminded them.
"What's there to be afraid of! So what if they're powerful families? At worst, we'll have the old man reason with them," Cheng Huaimo said, head held high.
"Hehe! It seems like none of us here lack powerful backers! At worst, we can just dump the mess on the old man! Just thinking about it is exciting!" Yu Chi Baolin said with a smile.
"It's settled then! I hereby announce the official launch of the crackdown operation in Chang'an! Not only will we crack down, but we will also issue a notice to warn the martial arts world that Chang'an will no longer be under their control!" Qin Mu slammed his hand on the table and said firmly.
"What is a crackdown campaign?" Yu Chi Baolin asked.
"The full name is 'Chang'an City's Crackdown on Illegal and Criminal Activities and the Action Against Organized Crime!' Please have Inspector Li write a notice!" Qin Mu explained.
"Great! We need to make it bigger, so that Chang'an City knows we exist!" Cheng Huaimo loudly agreed.
"Then let's start assigning tasks now! Ruoxi, you go and coordinate with the night watchmen! We have a big operation tonight, give them your cooperation! Inspector Li, notify the ward guards to be on high alert tonight! Then prepare for the interrogation!"
Tonight, two car dealerships, five dental clinics, eight martial arts schools, two restaurants, one pharmacy, one grain store, and two general stores! A total of twenty-one establishments! Not a single one can escape!
"We'll split into three groups, each taking on seven households. We'll proceed one by one, according to the map!" Qin Mu said, taking out a map of Chang'an and pointing to the circled areas. He then tossed a scroll to Cheng Huaimo and Yuchi Baolin.
"And then what? I just wait?" Princess Changning asked, her eyes wide.
"Of course not! You have an even more important mission! As support personnel! If there is a powerful enemy, you will be needed!" Qin Mu said gently.
Although Princess Changning had the highest combat power among all the participants, she had not experienced many life-or-death battles, so Qin Mu did not want her to participate.
"Alright! Remember to send a signal immediately if there is any danger!" Princess Changning reminded her with a smile.
Qin Mu had considered this operation many times; in fact, he already had a vague plan when he left Chang'an last time. After returning, he refined the plan.
Of the 1,600 constables, 100 were sent as undercover agents, 100 remained on guard, and 50 were given to Princess Changning as reserves. The rest were divided equally among the three officers.
Night fell, the autumn wind howled, carrying a chilling atmosphere. The operation was chosen for the night because too many people were on the streets during the day, increasing the risk of harming innocent civilians, while enemies had less opportunity to blend into the crowd and escape at night. Therefore, nighttime was a better option.
Harmony Dental Clinic, the name sounds quite amicable, but the business it does is not so simple. Many people in Chang'an City know that this dental clinic has the greatest capabilities and the most abundant supply of goods.
Two beggars lay at the entrance of the alley, gazing idly at the sky, perhaps looking at the moon, or perhaps counting the stars.
Suddenly! Several figures rushed out from the shadows in the corner.
The beggar rolled over and was about to shout when he found his mouth covered, and the knife at his neck gleamed coldly in the moonlight.
The beggar was terrified and made muffled noises. Suddenly, many torches lit up the sky. When they closed their eyes and opened them again, they saw a young man in armor standing before them.
"Heh! Can't you even pretend to be a little more convincing! No beggar is this clean!" Qin Mu pulled the beggar's collar to the side and sneered.
Upon hearing this, the beggar became even more panicked, especially when he saw a dense crowd of people in front of him, all of whom were armed.
Qin Mu ignored the two sentries, waved his hand, put on the bronze mask, and walked forward.
Ahead was a large courtyard, the only one in this alley. Anyone who didn't know better might mistake it for a royal or noble family.
A constable in a flying fish uniform strode over and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Qin Mu.
Although he didn't speak, Qin Mu understood his meaning: it meant the area was completely surrounded.
"Take them all down. If they resist, kill them without mercy!" Qin Mu took a deep breath, his eyes narrowed, and he said forcefully.
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