"This man practiced his skills and suffered a Qi deviation, leading to a significant loss of power. Now, he is estimated to be at most close to the peak of Ghost Level. His appearance this time is also to find someone to heal him," Wu Qingcang added.
Although he wasn’t the Great Protector Yang Xiao had been eagerly anticipating, perhaps he could capture this Second Guardian alive and force him to reveal the whereabouts of the Great Protector.
When it comes to interrogation, Yang Xiao has always been very confident in himself.
Now with the samurai puppet assisting him, and his own strength vastly increased, he didn’t fear this heavily wounded Blood Sun True Man in a one-on-one situation.
"Where is this Blood Sun True Man now? Who is around him?" Yang Xiao pressed on, this was what really concerned him.
"He’s at a remote mine in Huai Shuo Province, with their stronghold in a nearby town, Shixin Town. His condition is very unstable, so he doesn’t dare appear in the city," Wu Qingcang informed Yang Xiao about the situation.
Yang Xiao knew Huai Shuo Province wasn’t far from Jiangbei Province; starting from Qinglan City, it would take about half a day’s drive to get there.
A Second Guardian with depleted strength, without other Guardian-level masters around him, hiding in a remote mine, and not far from his own location in Qinglan City. These pieces of intelligence might make sense separately, but together, Yang Xiao suddenly had a very uneasy feeling. Could this be a trap?
Recently, he had consecutively taken out three Withered Bone Pavilion Guardians, including the Five Guardians, so the other side couldn’t possibly be unaware.
Seeing Yang Xiao’s doubts, Wu Qingcang said, "You won’t have to act this time. I’ll coordinate with the Huai Shuo Province office; they can take care of this stronghold."
"Captain Wu, I want to go. I have a grudge against the Withered Bone Pavilion, and I want to handle this personally," Yang Xiao needed to capture someone alive to extract information, a task he could only undertake himself.
But ensuring personal safety had to take priority, and he could find a way to manage that.
Upon hearing this, Wu Qingcang suddenly laughed, "If you want to capture someone alive to gather intel, just say it. Why beat around the bush?"
Getting caught off guard by Wu Qingcang, Yang Xiao felt somewhat embarrassed because his current status and position were not what they once were.
Nowadays, Director Hong Anguo and Vice Commissioner Zhao Jingde spoke to him much more respectfully, calling him ’brother,’ but Wu Qingcang remained the same, as if destined to stay in the position of a first-level deputy forever.
Of course, he didn’t dare say this out loud. That Overlord Spear had profoundly shocked Yang Xiao’s young heart back then.
He had heard from Chen Nang that in the underground prison, people often had nightmares at night, all shouting ’Wu Qingcang has entered the village.’
"Captain Wu is right, I do have this plan, but I suspect this might be an ambush. After all, they had all disappeared recently, so why... suddenly appear again?" Yang Xiao rationally questioned.
"Whether it’s a trap is hard to say, but it doesn’t matter; we could just sweep them away. If you want to go, I’ll coordinate with the Huai Shuo Province office to support you," Wu Qingcang replied.
"Alright, then thank you, Captain Wu. I think it’s best to have them send a team of experts to wait for orders nearby. I’ll lead a surprise attack. If anything unexpected happens, they can provide immediate support." Actually, Yang Xiao didn’t want outsiders involved in this matter, but safety came first.
"But... won’t these Evil Cultivators be exposed?" This was also something Yang Xiao needed to consider, given his different status now.
"You don’t need to worry about that; I’ll take care of it," Wu Qingcang assured.
"Thank you, Chief Wu. When do you think we should set off?" Yang Xiao was worried about delays leading to more complications.
"I’ll arrange everything now. Wait for my message," Wu Qingcang waved his hand, directly issuing an eviction order.
"Hey, you’re putting on airs! Clearly not taking me, the General Bureau’s envoy, into account?" Yang Xiao felt a little displeased.
"Hmm?" Wu Qingcang, looking up from the documents he was reading on the sofa, asked, "Do you have something more to say?"
At the frown from Wu Qingcang, Yang Xiao instinctively backed down, "No, nothing at all. Just wandering around. I’ll be going then, Captain Wu, you continue with your work, sorry for bothering."
"Close the door on your way out," Wu Qingcang continued to read the documents.
"Sure thing." Yang Xiao cheerfully closed the door and left.
Out of Wu Qingcang’s sight, Yang Xiao increasingly realized how extraordinary Wu Qingcang’s eyes were.
Although Yang Xiao had now encountered many half-step Netherworld and even true Netherworld Envoys, he didn’t know why, but Wu Qingcang’s eyes were quite special, always imparting a distinct sense of intimidation.
Not for nothing was he praised even by Second Demon Uncle, who was notoriously hard to impress, scarcely ever finding anyone worth his attention. Even now, at Yiling Academy, he looked down upon the Pseudo Realm Sheng Jingxuan, openly saying he’d leave him behind.
After work, Yang Xiao took a moment to visit the experimental base — firstly to ensure the benefits he had promised were in place, and secondly to rally his men, as they’d head out in the next couple of days to capture the Withered Bone Pavilion’s Second Guardian alive.
Thinking about meeting the Cannibal Buddha of the Esoteric Sect yet without a present, Yang Xiao felt relieved now that the Second Guardian had come. The Withered Bone Pavilion was truly considerate this time.
To be safe, he planned to bring more people. This way, even if the other side had another Guardian-level force joining in, they’d still have the upper hand in a fight.
Of course, he couldn’t place all his hopes on the Huai Shuo Province office or rely entirely on this group of Evil Cultivators. He too had to make his own preparations.
Regardless of whether it was an ambush, he had to treat it like one — better safe than sorry. These were turbulent times, after all, and there could be someone reckless trying to take him down.
For some reason, the faces of Han Chen and Han Li from the Han family suddenly popped into Yang Xiao’s mind.
Captain Wu was efficient; by the next morning, everything had been arranged. He agreed to Yang Xiao’s plan and informed him that the Huai Shuo Province office would fully cooperate with him.
The action was scheduled for the afternoon. Sticking to the usual routine, he’d first head to the experimental base to pick his men, and then drive to the destination.
By the time the car reached the destination, it would be nightfall — perfect for making a move.
This operation was strictly confidential. On the morning of the operation day, Yang Xiao still went to the provincial office for work and even attended a meeting.
After the meeting ended, Yang Xiao, resting back at his office, was pondering over all possible scenarios for the mission when he got an unexpected visitor.
"Zhao," Yang Xiao feigned surprise, ushering his guest in to sit down.
"Younger Brother Yang, I hope you don’t mind my uninvited visit," Zhao Jingde had become more amiable since the recent incident.
"What are you talking about? What brings you here today, Zhao?" Yang Xiao was direct.
Vice Commissioner Zhao first glanced at the door to ensure nobody was eavesdropping, then spoke softly, "Younger Brother Yang, have you considered what we talked about earlier?"
"Ha ha ha, I drank a bit too much that day, what did we talk about?" Yang Xiao avoided the subject.
Seeing this, Zhao Jingde decided to lay it all out, lowering his voice further, "Yang, I assure you I’m sincere. I came today to show my utmost sincerity."
"You’re planning an operation soon, aren’t you?" Zhao Jingde asked, "Your target is an Evil Cultivator stronghold in Huai Shuo Province."
Upon hearing this, Yang Xiao understood what was happening; the operation details were likely leaked.
"Take my advice, and don’t go. It’s a trap set specifically for you," Zhao Jingde earnestly warned.
"Go on," Yang Xiao also turned serious, dropping his earlier lightheartedness.
"Gaining this position you offended the Han family, and they’re looking to bring you down. It’s not just a Second Guardian there; I heard the Great Protector is involved too, waiting for you to fall into their net."
"Moreover, Han Li left Qinglan City stealthily last night. I don’t know exactly where he went, but it’s certainly targeting you."
"He’s afraid you might survive by chance. From my understanding of him, he wouldn’t dare face you directly on the battlefield with the Withered Bone Pavilion."
"This guy is extremely cunning; he would most likely ambush you on your way back, aiming to take you down in Huai Shuo Province."