Gao Wu: I inherited the evil organization in the game

Chapter 695 Feeding and Sharpening Stone

"Who?" the raven asked succinctly.

The chief councilor uttered a name softly.

Upon hearing the name, Raven was clearly stunned, his face beneath the mask filled with surprise and uncertainty.

He looked at the consul with a puzzled expression and couldn't help but ask:
"You...you've gone to so much trouble, what exactly are you trying to do?"

The consul smiled but said nothing.

Seeing that he couldn't get an answer, the raven stopped wasting its breath and instead asked:
"Then you can at least tell me exactly how long this 'time period' you're referring to is, right? I can't keep protecting it indefinitely."

The consul gave a meaningful smile and said:
"You'll find out when the time comes, don't worry, it won't be long."

This vague timeframe made the raven extremely irritated, feeling a sense of frustration at being led by the nose.

But he needs "red wax".

He took another deep breath, as if making a firm decision, and said in a deep voice, "After it's done..."

Before he could finish speaking, the consul interrupted:
"I'll give you another 'red wax'. Fair trade, no cheating the young or old."

The raven originally wanted to try to bargain and see if it could get more.

But when he met the governor's blank, emotionless eyes, the words that were on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back down.

He said nothing more, turned around abruptly, his black robe billowing in a cold whirlwind, and strode toward the door.

This time, the consul did not stop him.

The door closed gently behind him.

Silence returned to the office, with only the desk lamp burning alone.

After a long while, the Chief Executive slowly stood up, walked to the window, lifted a corner of the heavy curtain, and looked down at the city illuminated by the lights of the Upper Town.

"A delicious meal requires careful cooking, just as the people of the lower city need to be fed by those of the upper city to grow."

A soft murmur echoed in the room...

....
Uptown.

The Song family mansion, as one of the ancient and sacred bloodline families, is not just a simple building, but a perfect blend of ancient architectural aesthetics and cutting-edge technological security.

The glazed tiles shimmered with a moist luster under the cold light, yet beneath them lay an invisible energy field; beside the vermilion pillars, there were not only stone-carved auspicious beasts, but also defensive puppets standing silently, their eyes flashing red light.

The "Jingsi Hall," where the third branch of the family resides, is located on the west side of the family's architectural complex. Although it is not as majestic and imposing as the "Qingtian Hall" of the main branch, it has its own elegant and refined atmosphere.

The hall is paved with "Tranquil Jade" floor tiles produced by a certain hidden sect. They are so shiny that they reflect one's image. Walking on them, one feels a cool sensation underfoot, which has a calming effect.

The walls are adorned with ancient ink paintings of profound artistic conception, in which the mountains, waters, clouds and mist seem to be slowly flowing. On a rosewood shelf in the corner, there is an unknown and strange bonsai, the plant as translucent as glass, emitting a faint bioluminescence.

However, all this carefully crafted elegance and tranquility was completely destroyed by the oppressive atmosphere emanating from the beautiful woman in the main seat.

The mistress of the third wife, Madam Song Cao, whose maiden name was Guanyin, was sitting in the main seat at this moment, wearing a floor-length dress embroidered with intricate cloud patterns. The fabric was a rare biological velvet that flowed with different colors as the light changed.

She wore a completely transparent, round cover on her head, made of a material that resembled both crystal and reinforced glass, which fit her hair perfectly, like a miniature dome.

Beneath the crown was a well-maintained and still charming face, but at this moment, that face was covered with frost, her eyebrows were furrowed, and her beautiful eyes suppressed a raging fire and deep worry.

Her nails, painted with bright red cardamom, tapped on the armrest of the rosewood chair, producing a dull "thump-thump" sound. Each sound struck the hearts of the attendants standing in the hall, making them dare not even breathe.

Sitting to the left was her eldest son, Song Kuangyi.

He also wore a celestial crown, a moon-white long robe, and a dark blue satin vest, and had a handsome face.

He was known for his amiable personality and kind nature, and was highly regarded both within and outside the family.

However, at this moment, his face, which always carried a gentle smile, was unusually shrouded in gloom, and his brows were furrowed into an unsolvable knot.

Song Kuangyi stood up and bowed to his mother, who was seated at the head of the table.
"Mother, please don't worry too much. Taking care of your health is the most important thing."

My brother... he's a lucky man, he's probably just temporarily trapped somewhere, nothing serious will happen to him."

Song Cao suddenly raised her head, a fierce glint flashing in her eyes:
"How can I not be worried? Your brother is missing, and those good-for-nothings in the Ninth District of Lower City don't even know who kidnapped him."

They can't even figure out if Kuang Yan is alive or dead. A bunch of incompetent fools!

Song Kuangyi sighed, trying to keep his tone calm:

"Mother, please calm down. This matter did indeed come suddenly, and the Ninth District of the Lower City could not find out the cause in time. Perhaps... that is understandable."

"excusable?"

Song Caoshi seemed to have heard something ridiculous, and suddenly slammed her hand on the rosewood tea table beside her.
“I know you’re kind-hearted, but your own brother has gone missing in District Nine, his fate unknown. Are you still going to defend those good-for-nothings?!”

Song Kuangyi shook his head and said:

“Mother, you misunderstand. I’m not trying to excuse them. What I mean is…”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the bowed servants in the hall. Madam Song understood, and impatiently waved her hand. The servants, as if granted a pardon, quickly withdrew from the hall.

Song Kuangyi stepped forward, lowered his voice, and continued:

"What I mean is, the fact that the Ninth District hasn't been able to find any concrete information or clues about Kuang Yan's whereabouts so far is actually the best news."

Song Cao's anger was slightly suppressed by these words, and a hint of inquiry flashed in her beautiful eyes:
"Oh? What do you mean by that, my son?"

Song Kuangyi's gaze was calm as he analyzed:
"If we can't find any information, it means that Kuang Yan is probably still alive, and someone wants to use Kuang Yan to make trouble."

Song Cao's face showed a thoughtful expression, and she asked again:
“My son is right. So who do you think this person is?”

Song Kuangyi did not answer immediately; he pondered for a long time, seemingly considering his words:

"Kuang Yan was sent down to the Ninth District as a special envoy, a position of unparalleled prestige."

Those local bullies in District Nine might outwardly comply but inwardly defy them and shirk their responsibilities, but to say they actually dare to take action against him... my son thinks it's unlikely.

Therefore, there is probably more to this story than meets the eye. The root of this matter may not lie in District Nine, but rather... in those around us.

Song Kuangyi's words were pointed, but Song Caoshi immediately understood her eldest son's implication.

She subconsciously glanced towards the direction outside the main hall, which happened to be the area where the main branch of the Song family was located.

A chill crept up from the depths of her heart.

Just as the mother and son were silently exchanging glances, an elderly man in black robes strode into the hall and respectfully bowed to Song Kuangyi and Madam Song. Song Kuangyi immediately stepped forward and eagerly asked:
"Teacher, what's the situation? Have you found any clues?"

The old man in black robes said with a rather solemn expression:

“Young master, madam. I have just discovered through some clandestine channels that two of the young master’s close associates seem to have mysteriously disappeared in the past two days.”

Song Kuangyi's expression suddenly changed, and he pressed for an answer:
"Can the teacher confirm? Which two people were they? Why did they suddenly disappear?"

The old man in black nodded affirmatively:
"This is a matter of great importance. I have confirmed it repeatedly, and two people are indeed missing. However... we have not yet found out where these two people went or why they disappeared."

It doesn't necessarily mean they went...

The old man in black hesitated for a moment, then didn't continue.

Song Cao's face instantly turned extremely gloomy, as if water could drip from it.

She slammed her right hand down on the rosewood coffee table beside her without making a sound, but the next moment, the incredibly sturdy coffee table seemed to crumble from the inside by an invisible force, silently turning into dust that scattered across the carpet.

She let out a cold laugh that was hard to decipher, and the temperature in the entire hall seemed to drop suddenly. Even the flowing clouds in the dynamic ancient paintings on the walls seemed to freeze for a moment.

After a long while, Madam Song Cao stopped laughing and turned her gaze to her eldest son:

"My son, what do you think?"

Song Kuangyi's face showed an extremely complex expression, including shock, anger, but more so, deep distress and pain.

Given his kind and harmonious nature, it was truly difficult for him to directly accuse the blood-related eldest son's branch of the family.

He gritted his teeth, seemingly going through a fierce internal struggle, and finally spoke:

"Mother, this matter... this matter is still undetermined. Just because two of the eldest son's close associates are missing, we cannot directly conclude that they were the ones who did it."

Perhaps it's another mission, or perhaps it's just a coincidence. If we rashly suspect anything, it might only exacerbate the internal strife within the family..."

Seeing his mother's face grow increasingly gloomy, Song Kuangyi continued:
"Therefore, I would like to request permission to personally go to the Ninth District of Lower City to thoroughly investigate this matter and rescue my younger brother."

Song Cao's expression brightened, a hint of relief flashing in her eyes, but more worry remained:

"No, absolutely not! If the eldest branch of the family truly intends to harm your brother, then the Ninth District will be in grave danger. I cannot let you take any more risks. If something happens to you again, how can your mother bear the consequences?!"

Song Kuangyi stepped forward, surprisingly defying his mother's wishes:
"No, Kuang Yan is my brother. No matter what dangers lie ahead, I must go to District Nine to rescue him. Only if I go will there be the best chance."

I wouldn't feel comfortable sending anyone else.

Song Cao still firmly refused:
"I said no, I'll send someone else..."

Before she could finish speaking, Song Kuangyi interrupted her with his actions.

He suddenly bent his knees and knelt heavily before his mother, his head bowed, his voice deep and resolute:
"Please grant me permission, Mother. Kuangyan is my beloved younger brother. He is currently in grave danger, and his life hangs in the balance. How can I, as his elder brother, sit idly by in the city?"
My heart is heavy! This matter must be handled by me; my brother must be saved by me.

He raised his head, looking intently at his mother, and continued his analysis:

"Son knows what Mother is worried about, but please think about it carefully..."
Firstly, the matter may not have really been done by the eldest son's wife; there may be other hidden circumstances, and my trip will be the perfect opportunity to investigate.

Secondly, if it really was the eldest son's doing, my personal visit would actually make them hesitate to act rashly. After all, if both Kuang Yan and I were to be harmed, it would mean the third son's hopes would be dashed, and the eldest son's family would be the most panicked.

Song Caoshi could understand this logic. The eldest son's family had always been suppressing the third son's family openly and secretly, acting as if they wished the third son's family would be wiped out, but they certainly wouldn't dare to actually let the third son's family be wiped out.

A good third wife is one who is half-dead; otherwise, the first wife will truly be restless and unable to eat or sleep.

Song Cao's face showed a hint of hesitation. Just then, Song Bangyan, the head of the third branch of the family, strode into the hall.

He also wore a celestial crown, possessing a handsome and refined demeanor, yet his brows exuded an imposing and dignified aura.

After he entered, his gaze swept over his eldest son kneeling on the ground and he spoke directly:

"There's no need to argue. I've already informed the family head and explained the situation. Kuang Yi, prepare yourself and head to the Ninth District of the Lower City as soon as possible."

Song Caoshi hurriedly stood up, though she had a thousand words to say, but in the end she only uttered one sentence:
"My son, be very careful, and you must bring your younger brother back with you."

Song Kuangyi stood up to accept the order, and at the same time looked at his father:

"Yes, Mother, your son will not fail you. Father, is there anything else you wish to tell me?"

Song Bangyan looked at his son, on whom he had placed the most hope, his gaze deep, and after a moment of contemplation, he said:

"You should know that, due to certain historical reasons, the Upper City has always been unable to directly intervene in the specific affairs of the Lower City's districts."

Therefore, your mission is not only to rescue your brother, but also to make good use of this opportunity. Do you understand?

Song Kuangyi's face showed a thoughtful expression, and he nodded solemnly:

"My son understands, and he will make his move according to the situation."

Song Bangyan nodded. He had always been confident in his eldest son's comprehension and abilities.

He waved his hand and said:

"You have always been steady and reliable in your work, planning things out before acting. I trust you completely. Go now and prepare well."

"Yes, Father, Mother, I take my leave."

Song Kuangyi bowed again, his manners impeccable, even amidst his turbulent emotions.

He took a few steps back before turning around and walking steadily outside.

The old man in black also bowed, and then followed him out.

Only Song Bangyan and his wife, Madam Song, remained in the hall. Madam Song's beautiful eyes were filled with worry, and she couldn't help but complain:

"Why must we send Kuang Yi? What if something happens to him? Our third branch of the family will be in serious trouble..."

Song Bangyan then said in a deep voice:
"It may seem dangerous, but it's actually safe. Unless the eldest son goes completely mad or the Ninth District tries to turn the world upside down and become independent, Kuang Yi's trip is safe and sound."

Moreover, unlike Kuang Yan, he already possesses considerable strength and has cultivated a group of talented individuals around him over the years; it's time to send him out into the world to face the challenges.

He paused, his tone revealing the ruthlessness and foresight of a powerful family leader:
"A fledgling eagle that never leaves the nest will never learn to fly; a tiger that never enters the forest will eventually become just a domesticated cat."

Without experiencing bloodshed and decisive action, without witnessing mountains of corpses and seas of blood, even the sharpest claws and teeth are useless; without being stained with blood and dust, even the best character is unfit for great use.

This incident, for Kuang Yi, might just be the best whetstone.

(End of this chapter)