Chapter 160: Shadow Appears Again

Chen Haonan staggered out of the villa, his gaze hollow and numb, like a walking corpse.

He didn't know where he should go, nor did he know what he should do.

All he knew was that he wanted revenge; he wanted Jiangnan dead!

Chen Haonan pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, it's me, Chen Haonan," his voice was hoarse and low, like a demon from hell.

"I need you to help me kill someone, no matter the cost!"

There was a pause on the other end, then a cold voice said, "Who?"

"Jiangnan!" Chen Haonan spat, each syllable forced through clenched teeth.

"Alright, I understand," the voice replied, "Wait for my word."

Chen Haonan hung up, a flash of madness flickering in his eyes.

He knew he had stepped onto a road with no return, but he didn't care.

His only goal now was to kill Jiangnan and avenge his family!

Chen Haonan turned, gave one last glance at the ruined Chen Family Villa, his eyes filled with hatred and resolve.

He took heavy steps, walking away step by step toward the unknown darkness.

His silhouette in the afterglow of the setting sun looked especially lonely and mournful.

Jiangnan did not know that a conspiracy against him was quietly unfolding.

He knew even less that he was about to face an unprecedented crisis.

The source of that crisis was the Holy Sect he had destroyed with his own hands, and the Chen Family he had eradicated.

……

Yun Province, Spring City,

This is the capital of Yun Province and its most modern city.

At the heart of Spring City stands the Southwest's tallest building—the Spring Light Building.

At this moment, in the top-floor conference room of the Spring Light Building,

more than ten figures cloaked in black robes gathered for a meeting.

The leader wore a black metal mask etched with strange patterns.

His cold gaze swept the others, yet no one dared meet it. He was the board member of the Shadow organization, codename Hui Ma.

The atmosphere in the conference room was suffocatingly oppressive.

Hui Ma sat at the head of the table, his black metal mask flashing cold light under the lamps.

He spoke slowly, his voice deep and authoritative: "Who can tell me why the altar was damaged?"

"Didn't the Holy Sect swear with absolute certainty?"

His tone was full of doubt and resentment, each word like a sharp knife stabbing everyone present.

The black-robed men stared at each other, all silent as cold cicadas.

They bowed their heads, bodies trembling slightly as if bearing great pressure.

The room was terrifyingly silent, only Hui Ma's heavy breathing echoing.

After a long while, a tall black-robed man forced himself to stand.

He was one of the Shadow organization's chief leaders, responsible for liaison with the Holy Sect.

"Board member, the Holy Sect's operation... ran into an incident,"

The chief leader's voice trembled a bit, fine beads of sweat beading on his forehead.

"Oh? An incident?"

Hui Ma's tone carried a hint of amusement,

"Tell me."

"The Holy Sect's operation was sabotaged by a guy named Jiangnan."

The chief leader whispered,

"The Holy Sect's leader and several elders all died at his hands."

"Jiangnan?"

Hui Ma's brows twitched; the name sounded familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere, yet he couldn't recall.

He fell into thought, his fingers lightly tapping the table, producing a "tap tap" sound.

The atmosphere grew tenser, everyone holding their breath, awaiting Hui Ma's reaction.

Every move Hui Ma made tugged at their nerves.

"What is this Jiangnan's background?"

Hui Ma lifted his head, his gaze blazing at the chief leader.

"Board member, based on the intelligence we have, Jiangnan's identity is highly mysterious, seemingly possessing a strong background and power."

The chief leader answered cautiously,

"We are investigating his background with full force, but have no concrete results yet."

Hui Ma was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "Regardless of his background, daring to sabotage our plan must be paid for."

His voice was calm, yet it carried a chilling murderous intent.

"Board member, what should we do now?"

The chief leader asked tentatively.

"The altar's destruction has severely impacted our plan."

Hui Ma tapped the conference table irritably.

"Is there any remedial plan?"

"Report, Director, we have already taken emergency measures."

The Chief hurriedly said,

"We have exterminated the Chen Family and seized all of their assets."

"With these assets, rebuilding the altar is only a matter of time."

"Chen Family?"

A flash of keen light flickered in Hui Ma's eyes,

"It's the Chen Family that cooperated with the Holy Sect?"

"Yes, Director."

The Chief replied,

"The Chen Family has operated in Spring City for many years, amassing vast wealth and connections."

"By controlling the Chen Family, we effectively control the economic lifeline of Spring City."

"Very well."

A cold smile curled at Hui Ma's mouth,

"Since the altar cannot be rebuilt for now, we will first use the Chen Family's resources to expand our sphere of influence."

"Yes, Director!"

The Chief bowed to receive the order, silently exhaling a breath of relief.

"Also,"

Hui Ma suddenly recalled something,

"Keep a close watch on Jiangnan."

"If any news about him arises, report to me immediately."

"I will meet him personally, to see what abilities he truly has, daring to oppose our Shadow organization!"

A blood‑thirsty gleam flickered in Hui Ma's eyes; it had been a long time since he encountered a opponent as intriguing as Jiangnan.

"Yes, Director!"

The Chief quickly agreed, but a chill rose in his heart.

He knows that anyone targeted by Hui Ma never meets a good end.

After the meeting ended, the Black‑robed Men gradually left the conference room.

Hui Ma sat alone in the empty conference room, lost in thought.

He removed his black metal mask, revealing a pale and sinister face.

His gaze was deep and complex, as if concealing countless secrets.

"Jiangnan…"

Hui Ma murmured,

"I want to see what kind of deity you truly are!"

He picked up the telephone on the desk and dialed a number.

"Hello, it's Hui Ma."

His voice was cold and merciless,

"Find a person for me; his name is Jiangnan."

"I want all information about him, including his origins, background, strength, and everyone important around him."

"Remember, I require detailed and accurate intelligence; do not disappoint me."

"I will handle this myself; do not delegate it to others."

"Do you understand?"

A respectful voice answered on the other end: "Understood, Director, I will take care of it immediately."

Hui Ma hung up, a cruel smile curling at his mouth.

He stood up and walked to the floor‑to‑ceiling window, overlooking the brilliantly lit Spring City.

At night, Spring City was bustling and noisy, full of vitality and vigor.

But in Hui Ma's eyes, the city resembled a massive hunting ground, and he was the hunter hidden in the shadows.

He relished the feeling of total control, enjoying watching prey struggle and howl in his traps, ultimately meeting destruction.

"Jiangnan, you cannot escape."

Hui Ma whispered, his voice full of confidence and cruelty,

"You will become my most perfect prey."

He lifted the red wine glass, gently swirling the liquid; the crimson wine glimmered oddly in the light, like blood.

He brought the glass to his lips, took a light sip, then closed his eyes, savoring the exquisite taste.

In that moment, he seemed to already see Jiangnan trampled beneath him, pleading in pain.

A faint upward curl of his mouth revealed a chilling smile.

Outside the window, the night deepened, and a storm of blood and gore was about to descend.