[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-shadow-empire":3,"chapter-the-shadow-empire-the-shadow-empire-chapter-122":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Shadow Empire",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2267742,4428,"Chapter 122: Woodcutting for Months, 6663 Votes","the-shadow-empire-chapter-122",122,"\u003Cp>Officer Lu Ka has been closely monitoring the case of Kent (a small casino operator), a case that has been labeled a top-priority investigation by the Jincheng City Police Bureau due to the high number of deaths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounds like… they’re taking it seriously, but many cases get this label—most of them eventually go nowhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some are unsolvable because no clues can be found; others have clues, but the investigation hits a dead end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A highly respected detective once said the hardest cases to solve are random, indiscriminate murders, where the killer’s motive stems from reasons ordinary people cannot comprehend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If such a case leaves insufficient evidence or too few eyewitnesses, it’s essentially unsolvable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for cases that simply can’t be pursued further, whether there’s evidence or witnesses, they still can’t be solved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why the rising water level of Angel Lake has remained an unsolved mystery to experts—no one has ever actually gone to the lakebed to investigate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Kent’s case can still be pursued, because he has a brother who’s a high-ranking member of a criminal gang, and he can use methods the police can’t touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Look, clues, motives, and witnesses are gradually coming to light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This contact with Lans was also a test—he wasn’t worried about alerting Lans, because Wei De was following behind; if this matter involved Lans, he would eventually slip up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officer Lu Ka pulled out a photograph from his pocket and handed it to him. “Have you seen this man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man in the photo was Kent, wearing a brightly colored shirt and a gold chain, standing on the street waiting to cross.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans glanced at it twice and shook his head. “Not familiar.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officer Lu Ka emphasized and repeated, “Not familiar?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans returned the photo. “I’ve heard of him—he runs a casino in the Imperial District.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>otTkдno￠O\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officer Lu Ka put the photo back in his pocket. “He has a brother named Wei De—a high-ranking member of the Kamila Gang. He may be targeting you now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he stared intently into Lans’s eyes, searching for any flicker of panic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unfortunately, he failed—yet not entirely, because Lans’s gaze was utterly calm, as if the news had not surprised him at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A merchant, if he were truly just an ordinary one, would be terrified upon hearing that a notorious local gang was coming after him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Lans himself runs a financial company suspected of loan-sharking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This suggests he may have already prepared for this—or anticipated it. He must be deeply entangled in this case, perhaps even involved directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officer Lu Ka found it hard to reconcile the image of Lans he’d met that day—the young man bathed in sunlight, radiating vibrant youthful energy—with the criminal he now suspected him of being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How can people be so complex?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps, can criminals truly appear so pure and clear?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know. Even though he’d encountered many criminals, he had no experience to draw from with Lans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans said, as if joking, “Is it too late to call the police now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officer Lu Ka was stunned. This answer exceeded all his expectations—he didn’t even know what to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about three to five seconds, he snapped back. “Of course, seeking police protection is your right, Lans. But Jincheng’s police resources are limited—we can’t protect you indefinitely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Those wolves are circling you. Eventually, you’ll slip up. So if you know why he’s targeting you, tell me—I might be able to help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans shook his head, claiming ignorance. “Maybe because I made a lot of money recently?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wrong answer!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officer Lu Ka smiled faintly. “Alright, it seems you really don’t know. But be careful—he’s completely lost his mind since his brother’s death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave Lans a phone number. “This is my office line—someone answers 24\u002F7. If you run into trouble, call me. I’ll be there within twenty minutes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans didn’t refuse. He took the slip of paper with the number, glanced at it, and joked, “No wonder movie climaxes always happen in the final twenty minutes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Officer Lu Ka’s confused expression, he explained with a smile, “You always show up in the final three minutes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood, chuckled quietly, then his smile stiffened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave Lans a thoughtful look, patted his arm, and said, “A clever joke—but remember to call me, if you’d like.” Then he shook his head and left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He already sensed a violent clash was coming between Lans and Wei De—he just didn’t know when, where, or how.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans didn’t drive home. He went straight to Alberto’s place and said bluntly, “I need a batch of weapons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alberto had made a lot of money lately, and Lans’s liquor had earned him great favor with Mr. Pasreto—he’d gained many advantages, so he was especially warm toward Lans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem. Let Fodisi take you to pick them up. I’ll give you a friend’s discount.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you have submachine guns?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alberto paused. “We do. But are you sure you want those?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you use them inside the city, you’ll definitely pay a price—you know, the public will panic.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The best way to soothe public fear is to catch a “criminal”—whether they’re the real culprit doesn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Big Poli—many knew he was the one firing a submachine gun from a second-floor window at a passerby, but when someone else claimed responsibility, the police didn’t press further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On one hand, they feared retaliation from such a madman; on the other, he paid enough “price”—those two bastards would likely spend five to ten years inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he managed to get them out, it would be years later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Trading ten-plus years of freedom from two men to calm public anxiety was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans shook his head. “I’ll be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alberto studied him for a moment. “Trouble?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Small trouble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He added, “If you need help, just say the word—even if I can’t fix it, Mr. Pasreto can.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In this city, his word counts more than the mayor’s.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And he’s long wanted to meet you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Repeatedly refusing kindness is impolite, so this time Lans didn’t refuse—but added a condition: “After I resolve this trouble, I’ll visit Mr. Pasreto in person.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alberto nodded. “I’ll tell him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then called Fodisi to come and take Lans to the arms depot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sumuli people aren’t easily bullied in the Federation for a reason—submachine guns, rifles, grenades, even landmines—these items opened Lans’s eyes; this could equip a small infantry unit!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All these are reliable weapons. If you’re done using them, bring them back—we’ll buy them back at 60% value.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Big Beard spoke with serious intent. Lans laughed. “You’d make a great merchant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shrugged. “It’s business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Six submachine guns Lans didn’t recognize, twenty Maigre 1212 semi-automatic pistols, and corresponding ammunition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Notably, these submachine guns also used pistol rounds—they’re interchangeable, reducing logistical burden. Though with this small amount, there’s hardly any burden—or logistical pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For all this, Lans paid 2,200 credits. Big Beard also gifted him a fragmentation grenade. “Hope you never have to use it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans patted Big Beard’s arm. “I’ll be back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they reached the garage, Fodisi pulled Lans aside. “Trouble?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Small problem,” Lans said, offering him a cigarette. “Kamila Gang.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fodisi lit the cigarette, took a drag. “Vermin. Alberto must’ve told you—anytime you need help, call us!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re always our friend, Lans.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans embraced him. “Small difficulties are just stones on the road—step over them. After I settle this, I’ll need your help again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fodisi didn’t ask why. He simply said, “I’ll wait.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back at the company with the car full of weapons, Lans gathered everyone who had nothing to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kent’s brother, Wei De, has finally come after us. They’re not like the police.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The police won’t move against me without evidence—even if they know we did it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But Wei De is different—he’s Kamila Gang. He won’t wait for evidence before striking. So we must prepare. Even before he moves against us, we should eliminate him first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enio had been zoning out. Lans walked over, grabbed the back of his neck, and slapped him. “What are you daydreaming about?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was grim. He forced a smile. “Sorry—it’s my problem. I…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans shoved him hard. Enio stumbled, nearly falling, and staggered several steps before regaining balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans pointed at him firmly. “We’re family. Don’t talk like that. Your trouble is my trouble. My trouble—I solve it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans’s words stirred guilt in Enio—and also a burning desire to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded firmly. “Yes… no, yes. We’ll solve it together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans struggled to pull the heavy weapon-filled duffel bag from the car and dumped it on the table, then unzipped it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the weapons inside—the boxes of ammunition—everyone drew a sharp breath, yet also felt a surge of courage, a surge of strength.\u003C\u002Fp>",1456,"2026-06-19T21:10:27.799Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","e0160564a876e6fa2077be61b78c1a9bd70485e59a7095dd670446356225af69","the-shadow-empire-chapter-123","the-shadow-empire-chapter-121",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-shadow-empire-cover.jpg"]