Chapter 24: Breaking Into Helyue City

Just as Zhang Ze and his companions were at a loss, Er Long and his group in Changping Village were plotting something big.

“Uncle Baldy, Uncle Long and the others seem to be making a move,” Li Tian hurried up to Baldy and said. After a fire razed Chen Village to the ground, Baldy and Li Tian had stayed behind in Changping Village to help. Seeing Li Tian so flustered, Baldy grew concerned.

“What are they planning to do?”

“It looks like... Uncle Long wants to take some people... to the provincial capital.”

Baldy was stunned, muttering, “What, does he want to go head-to-head with the Lin family?”

“Come on, let’s go check it out.”

The two quickly found Er Long. Nearly ten men stood before him, all of whom had broken through as martial artists years ago.

“What are you doing? Taking them to their deaths?” Baldy was alarmed by the sight.

“Don’t worry about it. Just keep an eye on the village for me. I’m heading to the headquarters of the Provincial Investigation Bureau.” Shouting at Baldy, Er Long turned and led his men away.

Baldy darted ahead, blocking his path. “Are you out of your mind?” he cursed Er Long. “The headquarters of the Pill Company is in Heyue City. Taking them there is suicide!”

Er Long sneered, unwilling to argue, and got into the car with his men. Three vehicles started their engines and gradually vanished from sight, leaving Baldy with a pounding headache. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

Meanwhile…

“That guy looks familiar.” Zhang Ze and Wang Chao were eating when they noticed a figure in the corner of the restaurant.

“What’s wrong?” Wang Chao asked, noticing Zhang Ze’s change in expression. He glanced toward the same spot.

A thin young man, dressed in a black jacket, sat quietly eating noodles.

“I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before,” Zhang Ze muttered, unable to recall the man’s identity.

Just then, his phone rang in his pocket.

“Xiao Ze, Er Long has taken people to Heyue City. I can’t follow because of the Chen Village situation. Keep an eye out…” Baldy’s anxious voice came through as soon as Zhang Ze answered.

“Alright, I’ll keep watch,” Zhang Ze replied, Baldy’s call pulling his thoughts back into focus.

“I need to go to Heyue City. Er Long’s gone there with his men; something might happen.”

Wang Chao frowned at Zhang Ze’s words. “You’re only a first-grade martial artist—what could you do if you go?” he said quietly. “Don’t worry. No matter how bold the Lin family is, they wouldn’t dare do anything to this group.”

But his words didn’t stop Zhang Ze. “I’ll go with you,” Wang Chao said in a low voice.

Fatty and Huang Ming were left behind, and though they didn’t get along, Fatty—ever the social butterfly—raised his eyebrows at Huang Ming. “With those two gone, how about we hit the town tonight?” Before Huang Ming could answer, Fatty grew restless. “My luck with women’s been rotten lately—it must be Zhang Ze’s fault!”

“Achoo!” Zhang Ze sneezed as soon as he got in the car, rubbing his nose. “Who’s talking about me behind my back?” he muttered. At that moment, a face flashed through his mind.

“I remember where I saw that guy!” The realization startled Wang Chao beside him, who thought, “Are you all right?”

Zhang Ze wasn’t about to explain. He dialed a number, but no one answered for a long time.

Heyue City.

Third Squad, Investigation Bureau.

Captain Ma Cheng’s expression was grave.

“Is everything thoroughly investigated?”

“Captain, the information is very reliable this time.” The young man responded quickly as Ma Cheng finished speaking.

Ma Cheng glanced at him, his face dark as he surveyed the others in the office.

“We lost a brother in the last operation—it even got reported to the First Squad. If there’s another mistake this time, see if I don’t tear you apart.”

The words made several young men clench their fists.

“Information about the cult’s activities must be absolutely secure,” Ma Cheng said.

“Yes, sir!”

At nine that night, Zhang Ze and Wang Chao arrived in Heyue City, while Er Long and his group had not yet reached the city. On the way, Zhang Ze managed to contact them.

“What kind of organization is the cult?” Zhang Ze asked Wang Chao as they sat in their hotel room. He figured Wang Chao had served in the military and ought to know something.

“Where did you hear about the cult?” Wang Chao’s brow furrowed in surprise.

“When we were eating in Mengyang County, I felt like I’d seen that person before. If I’m not wrong, he was one of the cult members I met with Li Sanqing.”

Zhang Ze wasn’t entirely sure, but the idea had struck him during their journey.

“Why didn’t you say so earlier? In Mengyang County, you should’ve had him detained!” Wang Chao was agitated.

“I couldn’t reach Li Sanqing at the time, and I only realized it later. I’m not even sure if it’s true…”

Hearing this, Wang Chao calmed down.

“They’re nothing but complete scum!” Wang Chao cursed fiercely. “Those bastards commit crimes against humanity. As a martial artist, remember—when you encounter them, kill them. No questions asked!”

Zhang Ze was shocked by Wang Chao’s righteous fury. But remembering how the cult had murdered members of the Investigation Bureau, he felt no sympathy for them. Wang Chao, hearing the word “cult,” became unusually serious.

“Martial artists aren’t as noble as they seem. Sometimes, I think the Lin family’s actions aren’t entirely wrong.”

Seeing Wang Chao behave oddly, Zhang Ze frowned slightly.

“They raised the price of pills, taking away many people’s chance to become martial artists. You think they’re right?”

Having lived a frustrated life in his previous existence, Zhang Ze couldn’t help but relate to Er Long and his group. He wanted to explain, but Wang Chao stayed silent. Just then, Er Long called.

When Zhang Ze finally met Er Long and his men, it was already eleven at night.

“Brother Long, bringing these people—” With his system, Zhang Ze could easily see that they were all martial artists.

“What do you think?” Er Long snapped, unable to contain himself. “Chen Village was burned to the ground—do you think I brought them here for a night out?”

Zhang Ze understood how much anger the Chen Village incident had stirred in Er Long and the others, so he ignored his tone.

“Brother Long, with so few people, what can you accomplish in Heyue City?” he said softly. “How about this…”

He leaned in and whispered a plan into Er Long’s ear.

Wang Chao watched, puzzled.

“Well?” Zhang Ze asked after a moment.

“If you dare, why should we be afraid?” Er Long replied.

Zhang Ze chuckled lightly, saying nothing more.