Chapter 228: The Hongmen Banquet

"What did you say? You've exposed yourself?"

The man opposite spoke hurriedly, "Didn't I tell you to be careful? What on earth have you done?"

Hearing the thick dissatisfaction in his tone, Bai Niao felt a chill and said, "I don't know where the flaw showed, but I have a feeling I've already been targeted."

As he spoke, he recounted the events of today in full.

"You say you got flustered just because they glanced at you?"

The man found it unreasonable.

"I can sense something's off here."

Bai Niao shook his head, "There were so many people in the hall then; he looked at no one else but me. When he left, he even asked the person beside him for my name. He's definitely suspecting me, and I'm afraid he has already reported this to Bing Li, and they are now doubting me."

"Then perhaps let me return to the Blood Hand Society; I'm afraid staying in the Dawn Society any longer puts my life at risk."

His voice was pleading.

In truth, the pressure of being an undercover is immense; every day he lives in constant dread, never knowing when he'll be discovered and meet a fate worse than death.

"No."

The man opposite refused without a second thought.

"Our only eyes inside the Dawn Society are you; if you return, who will keep collecting their information? And how much effort has the organization spent to get you settled there, to train you up to—?"

"I understand, but I can come back and keep serving the organization."

Bai Niao said, "Take this mission, for example. The assassin they sent before was useless; he couldn't even handle a Second-level Force Warrior and exposed my existence. If it were me, I could have captured him with ease and completed the mission perfectly."

"You're only Level 6 and you have the nerve to say that."

The man let out a cold laugh.

"In short, returning is non-negotiable. Of course, if you insist on defying orders, I can only remind you that even if you don't think of yourself, you should think of your family."

"No, don't hurt them!"

Bai Niao hurriedly said.

"Do your job properly, and the organization certainly won't harm them. Even if you die, the organization will still provide for them, but if you disobey or try to betray us, that's another story."

"No, I have no intention of betraying the organization. I understand; I will continue staying in the Dawn Society," Bai Niao gritted his teeth, feeling a wave of helplessness deep inside.

"You could have said that earlier."

The man snorted coldly, then consoled, "Even if they suspect you, what can they do? Do they have any evidence? Even if you slipped up before, we've covered it up; they can't find anything."

Moreover, you're a Senior Original Force Warrior; over the years you've completed many missions for them. How could they say they'd eliminate you just by removing you?"

"But..."

Bai Niao recalled Jiang Cheng's gaze.

The more he thought, the more frightened he became.

"But what? A single glance scared you? Stop being paranoid; you're already losing your footing. How could anyone not suspect you? Fine, the mission isn't urgent; contact me after you get yourself together." After speaking, the man hung up.

Bai Niao listened to the voice from his phone, and his gaze hardened.

Yeah, a single glance can scare you? I'm just a Second-level Force Warrior, what's there to fear!

Even if Bing Li's side doubts me and calls me in for a talk, without solid evidence I just have to deny it firmly.

They could watch me for a day, ten days, a month—what about even longer?

I'll eventually have a chance to contact my comrades and kill that kid.

Unbeknownst to him, beyond the third floor, a Steel Needle attached to a recorder drifted slowly back into a woman's hand.

"So, you are indeed the traitor."

The woman let out a cold laugh and vanished from the spot in an instant.

……

The next day.

Bai Niao had already steadied his mood and, as before, arrived at headquarters.

After a night of contemplation, he was completely calm. Indeed, even if they suspect him, what can they prove? Even when he later meets that guy named Cang Hai, he'll stare back without any guilt.

If he weren't afraid of exposing his identity, he might even utter a couple of harsh words.

At that moment, his phone rang.

Seeing the caller ID show Bing Li, he felt a bit uneasy, but having anticipated it, he quickly answered.

"Hello?"

"Bai Niao, are you free now?"

Bing Li said cheerfully.

"Yeah, Bing Li, bro, what's up?"

"If it's convenient, come over as soon as possible."

"Got it, I'm coming right away."

Bai Niao hung up.

Since they asked him to go, he would definitely go.

Otherwise it would only raise suspicion.

But no matter what they say, he just needs to flatly deny it.

In less than two minutes, he arrived at the Conference Room Bing Li mentioned.

Upon entering, he immediately sensed something was off.

There were too many people in this Conference Room.

Including Bing Li, there were at least five or six people! Each stared at him with an icy gaze.

Half of the people he knows have no strength lower than his; basically they are all Level 6.

The unfamiliar feels even more dangerous to him.

At this moment, he began to regret coming; just looking at it was not a good sign, but the situation had come to this, regret was useless, and he could only grit his teeth and keep moving forward.

"Bing Li, brother, why did you summon me here?" he forced a smile and said.

"Hehe, sit down first; we'll talk slowly once you're seated."

Bing Li still wore a smile.

"Alright."

Bai Niao glanced at the people around, feeling a bit uneasy, and sat down on the chair.

"Bai Niao, you've been with the Dawn Society for several years, haven't you?"

"Yes, what's up?"

"Considering that over these years you haven't earned any merit but have done hard labor, I'll give you a chance to surrender: honestly reveal your identity. I promise you, in the end I can give you a satisfying resolution."

Bai Niao felt a sudden thump in his heart.

He knew that if he confessed, it would be over.

A firm denial left a sliver of hope.

He immediately laughed, "Bing Li, brother, what are you saying? I don't understand. What's this about my identity or not?"

"So you're saying you don't want to speak up."

"Bing Li, brother, what exactly are you saying?"

Seeing the bewildered Bai Niao, Bing Li sighed, "Alright, listen to something first."

As he said so, he pressed a button, and soon a voice began to sound in the room.

The moment the voice appeared, Bai Niao's whole face turned pale.

Because that voice was his.

(End of chapter)