The training room suddenly fell silent. Wang Hao's Adam's apple bobbed. This former gamer, now a shut-in, was facing the final psychological hurdle to becoming a true warrior.
"Isn't there... any other option?" he asked softly.
Han Feng walked up to Wang Hao and placed his hands on his shoulders: "Listen, these aren't ordinary criminals. They possess genetic technology that can turn ordinary people into killing machines, and it's easy for them to die. Many of our soldiers have died mysteriously because of this." He pressed down slightly. "If we let one escape, it could mean the deaths of many more innocent people."
Wang Hao took a deep breath, the hesitation in his eyes gradually replaced by determination: "I understand. How exactly do we deploy it?"
Han Feng's lips curled into a slight smile as he turned back to the screen: "Chen Feng, take charge of the eastern woods. Xiao Ran, guard the western wall. Wang Hao, you and Tie Ta set up an ambush in the main gate driveway." He zoomed in on the image of the underground passage. "This is where someone is most likely to break out; I'll set up a star barrier beforehand."
"When will the Aristocratic Alliance make its move?" Liu Xiaoran asked, inspecting the firearms.
"Wait for my news. The commotion will be huge." Han Feng pulled up a surveillance video showing several elegantly dressed men and women. "Pay special attention to the man in the gray suit. He's the young master of the Ling family. During the aristocratic family gathering, his father was the first to speak up for the Shangguan family. He's very likely Mu Xiaoxiao's hidden backup plan, so kill him first if you see him."
Wang Hao leaned closer to the screen: "What's he holding in his hand?"
In the image, the target is carefully handling a blue crystal box. Han Feng's eyes narrowed: "Not sure, but it's very likely part of 'that thing.' If you see it, whatever you do, don't touch it directly."
"Do I need to bring any special equipment?" Chen Feng had already started packing his tactical bag.
"No need, I will support you at any time."
The team members left the training room one after another, but Wang Hao remained standing there staring at the now-blacked-out screen.
"Regret it?" Han Feng handed him a bottle of water.
Wang Hao shook his head, took the water bottle, and drank it all in one gulp: "I was just thinking... three months ago I was still staying up all night playing ranked games in my dorm, and now I'm doing this kind of mission." He gestured with a wry smile, "Doesn't it sound like one of those cheesy game storylines?"
Han Feng chuckled softly: "Reality is much more exciting than games." He paused, "However, you have the right to quit. I can arrange things for you..."
"No." Wang Hao interrupted him, his eyes unusually firm. "I want to be one of you. Although I may never reach your level, at least..." He clenched his fist, "I want to be of some help."
Han Feng gazed at his once carefree brother, and suddenly noticed that the cynical glint in the other's eyes had been replaced by something much firmer. He reached out and punched Wang Hao on the shoulder: "Welcome to the Scales of Rebellion. You'll definitely become my right-hand man from now on."
As the two walked out of the training room, the setting sun bathed the corridor in a crimson glow. Wang Hao suddenly asked, "Brother Feng, what if... I mean, what if someone surrenders tomorrow?"
Han Feng didn't stop walking: "Do you remember the first rule I taught you?"
"Never believe what the enemy says," Wang Hao repeated in a low voice.
"Especially these enemies." Han Feng pushed open the locker room door, his voice fading as the door closed, "They're more dangerous than vipers..."
Han Feng gave Wang Hao a few more instructions before driving away from the base.
The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the windshield onto the steering wheel, where Han Feng's fingers tapped rhythmically. The car radio was playing an outdated pop song, creating a strange sense of temporal and spatial dislocation with the rapidly receding cityscape outside the window.
As they drove to the middle of the overpass, Han Feng suddenly turned down the music volume: "Come on out, isn't the trunk stuffy?"
A rustling sound came from the back seat, followed by a figure scrambling out. Dongfang Xun rubbed his numb legs and complained, "Did you already know I was there? You made me stay in there for so long!"
Han Feng glanced at him in the rearview mirror, a slight smile playing on his lips: "With your current concealment techniques at the late-stage, third level of the Innate Realm, you're practically naked in front of me."
Dongfang Xun blushed and sat up straight, feeling embarrassed. Indeed, trying to conceal himself from a Great Dao Realm expert was simply a pipe dream. He scratched his head, then suddenly became smug: "But I managed to evade Wang Hao and Chen Feng's checks, which means I've made considerable progress, right?"
"That's because they both have their minds on tomorrow's mission." Han Feng turned on his turn signal, and the car drove off the overpass. "So, tell me, why did you secretly follow us?"
Dongfang Xun dropped his playful grin and lowered his voice: "We've made all the arrangements. Those aristocratic families will return as scheduled tonight. Even if their patriarchs don't return by tomorrow morning, it won't cause an immediate commotion within any of the families."
Han Feng nodded in satisfaction: "That's the effect we wanted. The less noise we make, the easier our subsequent actions will be."
The streetlights flickered on, casting shifting shadows on Dongfang Xun's young face. He hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help asking, "Tomorrow... exactly when?"
Han Feng did not answer immediately. The car entered the tunnel, and darkness instantly swallowed everything, with only the faint light from the dashboard illuminating his sharply defined profile.
"I'll have Wan Tang do a divination later." The light at the end of the tunnel grew closer. "Since we're going to move, we must use swift and decisive methods."
Dongfang Xun unconsciously sat up straight. Although Han Feng's tone was calm, the killing intent contained in the words "thunderous methods" made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. At this moment, he truly realized that this seemingly easy-going young man beside him was a terrifying existence capable of easily destroying an ancient family.
Dongfang Xun nodded unconsciously, then suddenly remembered something: "By the way, a few young girls from various families have been asking about you lately."
"What's going on?" Han Feng raised an eyebrow. "What are you asking about me?"
"I don't know the specifics, but a few family heads secretly went to Grandpa's place, probably to ask if you had a wife or something." Dongfang Xun chuckled secretly, "Should I...?"
"Uh, you should ask your grandfather to explain," Han Feng said, somewhat speechless. "Doesn't he know perfectly well how many women I have?"
The car stopped at a red light, and Han Feng unlocked the door: "We're here."
Just as Dongfang Xun was about to get out of the car, he was suddenly called back: "By the way, brother-in-law."
"Huh? What did you call me?"
Han Feng scratched his head: "Brother-in-law, I forgot to tell you, Wan Tang is my wife now too."
Ignoring Dongfang Xun's fiery glare, Han Feng continued, "Tomorrow's operation..." Han Feng turned to look at him, his eyes sparkling, "Keep an eye on someone for me, my brother Wang Hao."
Dongfang Xun's eyes lit up instantly, and he nodded emphatically before jumping out of the car.
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