Chapter 1805

Of course, if he could cross that threshold, Ximen Wudi would surely soar to new heights and achieve even more astonishing glory.

"Great Dragon Head, is it really safe for us to do this?" Li Yang asked.

"It's fine. You don't need to worry about this matter—just come with me." Ximen Wudi said calmly.

"But…" Li Yang hesitated.

"Don't worry—I'm well protected, and my men won't let anyone get the upper hand." Ximen Wudi smiled. "I've seen countless schemes and tricks in my life. If I can't see through these petty tricks, then I probably shouldn't be sitting in this seat as Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Gang."

"Alright." Li Yang sighed softly, then added: "But as far as I know, Yamamoto Kyoko still holds another card—if she chooses to reveal it, the Qinglong Gang will suffer serious losses."

"Oh? Where did you get this information?" Ximen Wudi said.

He did not doubt the truth of the information Li Yang had revealed.

Because he was his right-hand man.

"It's our people in southern Huaxia," Li Yang lowered his voice and said: "My lord, you know these people are no ordinary figures—if a fight breaks out, they could become the decisive factor."

"Then have them come as soon as possible—I'll meet them personally," Ximen Wudi said.

…………

The East Asian International Chamber of Commerce has already convened in Jiangjing.

The Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, sat in the front passenger seat of a car, while the Strategist sat in the back, their hands clasped together, looking warm and tender.

Yet beneath the Strategist's seemingly gentle and tranquil gaze lay a coldness as sharp as a blade.

Such a chilling gaze was extremely rare to see in ordinary times.

In this state, the Strategist resembled the Dark Dawn who once ruled the dark world of Europe.

"Sometimes I feel you've changed," said the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi.

"This is my true nature," the Strategist replied, tone flat, revealing no emotion.

"I know—it's not your fault," said the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi. "But you've become harsher than before. That's not a good thing."

"Your judgment may be unfair," the Strategist said. "I and Yamamoto Kyoko are completely different types."

"Heh." The Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, let out two mocking cold laughs.

In truth, the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, knew the Strategist well—though outwardly stern, the Strategist was inwardly kind.

If it were Yamamoto Kyoko, she would rather die than harm anyone.

"How many people will attend this annual meeting?" asked the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi. "Is there a list from you?"

"Three to four thousand," the Strategist answered.

"That's quite a large scale," said the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, smiling. "It seems all these people have come for Yamamoto Kyoko."

The Strategist nodded. "Yes, I've carefully screened them. There should be no major errors—everyone bought their tickets honestly. They won't dare plot anything, since everyone knows Yamamoto Kyoko is under your protection. No one wants to risk offending you."

"Yes, they all know the tension between the Yamamoto Clan and the Sun Temple," said the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi. "Too bad Yamamoto Kyoko's parents are still alive—if the Master and Lady saw all these men lusting after their daughter, they'd probably explode with rage."

"I think they wouldn't mind," the Strategist smiled.

"Indeed, the Master and Lady are both open-minded people—otherwise, Yamamoto Nian could never have been born." The Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, thought of Yamamoto Nian, and a tender smile appeared on his face.

"Would you like to rest for a while? Come to Jiangzhe after this annual meeting?" The Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, suddenly realized that over the past few years, he had spent far more time with his son than with the Strategist.

"I can't refuse," the Strategist said.

Hearing this, the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, immediately frowned: "Then I'm even more opposed to you attending this meeting—it will put you in danger!"

His tone was firm, and he made no effort to hide it.

"But we've gathered a lot of intelligence already," the Strategist gently patted the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi's arm, and said.

The subtext was clear—without trying, you'll never find a breakthrough.

After hearing this, the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, fell silent for a moment, then sighed: "Alright then."

The Strategist smiled faintly, her eyes glinting with wisdom: "I'll take care of myself. Don't worry."

Here, she paused, then looked out the window: "I've begun to understand this city. I think I can grow stronger—so I can spare you many troubles, and you can focus your energy on more important matters."

"Alright, since you've decided, I'll support you," said the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, pausing before adding: "Remember—this isn't a joke, and it's not something to play around with."

"Don't worry," the Strategist lightly kissed the Great Dragon Head of the Qinglong Society, Ximen Wudi, then closed her eyes.

…………

In a café somewhere in the city, a man with a full beard sat holding a coffee cup, staring at the information on his phone screen, shaking his head with a smile, then deleting the page outright.

The man looked about fifty, dressed in a crisp suit, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with gold wire frames perched on his nose—appearing refined and scholarly, with the air of an intellectual.

Yet beneath this scholarly exterior lay an unfathomable depth, as if a fierce flame of wisdom burned slowly within—its heat sufficient to scorch anyone who drew near.

This man was none other than Hisashi Juniko's older brother, Hisashi Juniko's father, Hisashi Tianjun.

Before leaving, Hisashi Juniko had warned her father—not to reveal himself, and to leave everything to her.

"Are you in Jiangzhou now?" Hisashi Tianjun's voice carried a gentle tone, like spring water.

"Dad, I'm in Jiangzhou. How did you guess I'd be arriving tonight?" Hisashi Juniko said.

She had just finished bathing, wearing a white dress, resembling a classical beauty from a Jiangnan mist-and-rain painting.

"Juniko, your thoughts are written on your face. I don't need to strain to understand your heart," Hisashi Tianjun shook his head with a light laugh.

"Dad, are you here in Jiangzhou to attend Yamamoto Clan's banquet?" Juniko said, walking to the table and pouring two cups of tea: "Father, please have some tea."

"No, Juniko—I didn't come just for the banquet. Of course, my ultimate goal is still your sister," Hisashi Tianjun sipped his tea and said. "I never married. I have no children. I only wish to see you happy."

This sounded somewhat insincere.

In truth, if one observed closely, one would notice that whenever Hisashi Juniko spoke, she habitually clenched her fists.

She was a girl who never showed her emotions—but that didn't mean she didn't feel bitterness inside.

"Mm, I also wish Father and Mother a son soon," Juniko forced a smile, yet a glistening tear still lingered in her eyes: "I hope you both grow old together."

"You need to take care of yourself too." Juyang Tianjun's fingers tapped against the glass cup: "If you run into anything you can't handle, tell Daddy."

"Okay." Junko nodded.

This was a disguise of feigned strength; in truth, at this moment she could not control herself at all, tears sliding down her cheeks.

This was her only soft spot, but right now, she could not show it.

"I'll go sleep first. You rest early too, and stay safe." Juyang Tianjun patted Junko Juyang's shoulder and stood up.

Junko hurriedly stood up as well, supporting Juyang Tianjun, her eye-rims red all over: "Daddy, be careful on the road."

"I know." Juyang Tianjun smiled: "Don't worry, Daddy will live longer than anyone. I will protect, for you and Apollo, the things you want to protect."

1758 is getting more and more troublesome

These words were filled with thick warmth and expectation.

Only, one did not know whether it was heartfelt hope, or false comfort.

"Thank you, Daddy." Junko Juyang choked up, then she turned and ran toward the inside of the room.

…………

Qinglong Society's Grand Dragon Head Ximen Wudi sat in the front passenger seat, not turning his head. He reached out, rubbed his temple, then sighed: "Sigh, it seems this matter really is getting more and more troublesome."

The military advisor gently shook his head: "Actually, I think you should go see your sister."

"My sister?" Qinglong Society's Grand Dragon Head Ximen Wudi heard this, his brow furrowing sharply, his voice low: "What happened to her?"

"This, for now isn't clear." The military advisor said: "But, according to the intelligence I've gathered, she's in Dongyang, and has encountered some threats."

"Encountered threats?" Qinglong Society's Grand Dragon Head Ximen Wudi's eyebrows rose: "Tell me the specifics."

The military advisor said: "She's currently staying on Dongyang's Prime Minister Island, but her identity has already been leaked."

"The secret prison of the Dongyang Prime Minister's residence, I know. But, based on my understanding of Junko Juyang, I'm afraid she couldn't break in at all, and the defense systems in those prisons would be like nothing to her; she could even disguise herself as some prisoner and sneak into the prison." Qinglong Society's Grand Dragon Head Ximen Wudi said.

The military advisor gently nodded: "It is indeed like this."

"But, why would she get hurt?" Qinglong Society's Grand Dragon Head Ximen Wudi narrowed his eyes: "Could it be that these people laid hands on her?"

"I can't figure it out. Junko's combat ability is extremely high, and she has many trump cards on her. Even if she ran into a Divine Ninja, she'd have a chance to escape. She shouldn't have been caught." The military advisor deliberated for a moment, then said: "Unless…"

"Unless what?" Qinglong Society's Grand Dragon Head Ximen Wudi pressed.

"Unless there's a faction with extremely great strategic depth, or one with extremely strong counter-surveillance capability." The military advisor said: "But, under these circumstances, whether Junko Juyang can safely withdraw is also a question worth discussing."