Xu Jingming said happily, “At least we didn’t make a loss.”
Pang Ze smiled and nodded. “This is the first operation, so the world’s targeting was still rather weak! We had also ensured that we wouldn’t suffer a loss and earn quite a bit. The second key operation… will target Cheng Yanran.”
Xu Jingming was solemn.
Cheng Yanran, this lunatic with a twisted personality!
This was because Xu Jingming told himself that this was the virtual world! Therefore, he could calmly accept normal murders. After all, the dead ‘people’ would wake up in reality.
However, the terrifying warped mind was too twisted.
For example, Zhang Ke—whose entire family had been killed, leaving him alone—felt despair as if he had fallen into the 18 levels of hell and was living a life worse than death. Even if Zhang Ke woke up in reality, it wouldn’t be easy for him to escape the effects of the mental torture. After all, it was a true emotion formed over decades!
There were many people like Zhang Ke in Xu Jingming’s team. Many members had their entire families killed and died in despair and madness.
As the captain, and his team members being implicated by him, Xu Jingming couldn’t tolerate it!
“When are we taking action?” Xu Jingming asked.
“We have to wait for an opportunity,” Pang Ze said. “Don’t worry; it’ll be soon.”
******
Imperial Capital, King Yan’s Estate.
Cheng Yanran was in a very good mood. He lay there happily as a one-armed woman fed him fruits.
“Emerald Pavilion was actually raided.” Cheng Yanran sighed with emotion. “I really can’t believe it. Those famous figures were plundered, and the Duke’s Estate’s third son, Cheng She, was killed? His family heirloom was snatched? Hahaha… Yu Feng must be vexed.”
“Your Highness, you shouldn’t gloat like this.” The one-armed woman smiled and fed him another piece of fruit.
“I’m sad. I’m sad for King of Yan’s Estate.” Cheng Yanran feigned sadness. “After all, so many guards died, which greatly affected Emerald Pavilion’s business. Hahaha… I can’t hold it in anymore. I’m dying of joy.”
The one-armed woman smiled.
Suddenly, footsteps sounded from outside.
“Huh?” Cheng Yanran glanced outside and frowned slightly.
“Your Highness, Lord Yu requests an audience.” A voice sounded from outside.
“Let him pass,” Cheng Yanran instructed with a pout.
“Yes, Your Highness!” The subordinates outside retreated.
“Lord Yu is here.” Cheng Yanran sneered.
The one-armed woman frowned. “I’m afraid he’s here to borrow some manpower from King of Yan’s Estate. I heard that nearly 200 guards were killed at Emerald Pavilion last night.”
“Borrowing manpower?” Cheng Yanran’s expression changed slightly. “Is it that easy to get it from me?”
The one-armed woman’s ears twitched slightly. “He’s here.”
“Open the door,” Cheng Yanran said.
The one-armed woman got up and opened the door.
A golden-robed man strode over from afar and entered the room. He cupped his hands when he saw Cheng Yanran lying on a bamboo chair. “Your Highness, I believe you’ve heard about what happened at Emerald Pavilion last night.”
“Yeah,” Cheng Yanran replied. He didn’t sit up straight and remained in his languid position.
“Emerald Pavilion is His Royal Highness’s greatest source of income in the capital,” the golden-robed man said seriously. “We have to secure Emerald Pavilion and stabilize its business. I’m currently gathering experts everywhere, but Your Highness knows that His Royal Highness doesn’t have much manpower in the capital, so I need to mobilize more people from the residence.”
“Lord Yu, how many people do you need?” Cheng Yanran asked.
“Two hundred,” the golden-robed man said.
“Are you dreaming?” Cheng Yanran stared at him. “My residence only has 500 people. How can we transfer 200 people to you?”
“The guards at Emerald Pavilion have to be much stronger than before,” the golden-robed man stated. “This way, the guests can be more at ease. Nearly 200 people died previously, so we have to make up for it!”
“Impossible.” Cheng Yanran shook his head. “Think of something yourself.”
“It’s fine if there are fewer people, but they have to be top experts.” The golden-robed man frowned slightly. “For example, sending more first-rate experts.”
“Don’t even think about getting a single first-rate expert,” Cheng Yanran replied decisively.
“Your Highness.” The golden-robed man’s expression darkened. “As you know, I have the right to mobilize the King of Yan’s forces.”
Cheng Yanran’s expression turned ugly.
“I really don’t want to dispatch them forcibly.” Yu Feng looked at Cheng Yanran.
Cheng Yanran fell silent for a moment before saying coldly, “10 first-rate experts and 90 second-rate experts. Not one more!”
Yu Feng gazed at Cheng Yanran and smiled. “Alright, it shall be as Your Highness’s wishes.”
…
Three days after the attack on Emerald Pavilion, night fell.
Lanterns hung high in Emerald Pavilion, and it was still beautiful. Beauties danced, and many officials and nobles from the capital came.
“Business is still so good.” Pang Ze was in a private room in an ordinary restaurant. He looked out the window at Emerald Pavilion.
Xu Jingming—who was sitting opposite him—ate in large mouthfuls as he casually said, “The last time we attacked Emerald Pavilion, we only wanted money and didn’t kill the guests! The only guest who died was that stupid third son of the Duke’s Estate, so it didn’t cause too much panic. Moreover, Emerald Pavilion made up for all the guests’ losses and greatly strengthened the guards.”
“Strengthened the guards?” Pang Ze watched. “The operation of alerting the enemy has begun.”
“Has it begun?” Xu Jingming looked up and gazed at Emerald Pavilion through the window.
At this moment—
Nine figures suddenly appeared out of thin air on the top floor of Emerald Pavilion, and their bodies were enveloped in hazy light.
Sixteen figures appeared out of thin air in Emerald Pavilion’s underground tunnel, and they were also enveloped in light.
In a certain room in Emerald Pavilion, a famous courtesan was resting when two people appeared out of thin air.