Forgotten Photo Studio

Chapter 166 Get rich overnight

Han Wenshan paused, his voice carrying a cold, calculating tone:
"In this way, within 12 hours, the attention of Liuquanji will be drawn to their own conflict. This will not only cover our material transfer operation, but also provide an opportunity to weaken the two local bullies who are the biggest obstacle to our future integration of Liuquanji."

We can even decide, based on the outcome of the conflict, whether to support a proxy or directly intervene to "clean up the mess."

“Mr. Xu,” Han Wenshan concluded, “as agreed, 30% of all the material resources obtained in the first phase of the operation will be immediately transferred to your designated anonymous account after inventory. As for ongoing profits, once we have established a firm foothold, I will have my lawyers prepare an agreement with psychic binding force.”

"Of course, we share the risks. The reactions of the 'center' and other local forces are unpredictable variables. I will activate the highest level of information blocking and have prepared several contingency plans."

Mr. Xu, you must be extremely cautious while on site. If you discover any unexpected signs of danger, your self-preservation should be your top priority, and you may terminate the cooperation at any time.

In a single phone call, Han Wenshan demonstrated formidable drive, precise resource allocation, and a keen business sense that allowed him to profit from chaos.

His plan was not reckless, but rather a multi-pronged approach of verification, plunder, infiltration, and checks and balances, encompassing both immediate practical benefits and long-term strategic planning.

Xu Yan listened in silence, and his opinion of this business tycoon rose even higher.

He glanced at Chen Zhiwei, and seeing her nod slightly, he responded in a deep voice into the communicator:
"The plan is meticulous. I will confirm the situation at points three and seven within half an hour. The rendezvous is not a problem. Mr. Han, maintain communication after the operation begins."

"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Xu. I wish us a successful hunt."

The phone hangs up.

Inside the secret chamber, Xu Yan could sense that the dark forest of Liuquan Village was about to be unleashed by a massive, unseen storm, thanks to Han Wenshan's precise surgical intervention. And they were right in the eye of that storm.

Han Wenshan's plan was like the activation of a precision instrument, with every instruction clear and specific.

Without any delay, Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei immediately followed the most hidden and almost unknown path in the [Liuquan Collection·Dark Web] and stealthily made their way towards the "No. 3 Supply Depot".

Instead of approaching the target directly, they first arrived at a high point marked on the map, about 200 meters away from point three—an abandoned ventilation tower.

From here, you can get a panoramic view of most of the target area.

Xu Yan crawled on the edge of the tower, his silver-level spiritual vision spreading silently, taking in the distant "abandoned boiler room" and its surrounding area with meticulous perception.

The two sentry positions mentioned in the intelligence were accurate. One was hidden in the shadow of the stacked pipes on the side of the boiler room, while the other was disguised as a drunkard, leaning against a trash can at the entrance of the alley across the street, but with sharp eyes, constantly scanning the surroundings.

Xu Yan keenly sensed that there was a faint, continuously operating fluctuation of alert psionic runes at the entrance of the boiler room, which matched the "basic alert mode" described in the intelligence.

At the same time, he also sensed several relatively strong psionic fluctuations coming from inside the warehouse, which should be internal patrol personnel, and their numbers were consistent with the intelligence.

His spiritual vision swept across the outermost areas like radar.

Soon, his brows furrowed slightly.

Behind a second-floor window of a dilapidated apartment building diagonally opposite, he caught a glimpse of a very subtle gaze, not directed toward the boiler room, but rather observing the main paths leading to it.

Someone's watching this place too!

However, the other party's intentions are unclear. Is it another force spying on them? Or is it a mole of the "center" Shenxiao Bureau?
Xu Yan quickly calculated in his mind.

Han's plan was a swift and precise "surgical" strike, with the goal of minimizing disruption.

However, if a high-intensity conflict breaks out during the operation, the psionic fluctuations will inevitably be impossible to completely conceal.

Although Liuquan Village is chaotic, the Shenxiao Bureau at the "center" is by no means a mere formality. Once it is determined by them to be "large-scale disruption of order" or "threat to public safety," intervention is almost inevitable, which would be a catastrophic disaster for everyone.

Therefore, actions must be swift, accurate, and ruthless, and unnecessary combat should be avoided as much as possible.

Xu Yan lowered his voice and reported to Han Wenshan through an encrypted channel, providing detailed information:
"Point 3 confirmed. The positions of the visible and concealed sentries match. There are approximately three to four internal patrol personnel, with energy levels below Silver. One unidentified observer has been spotted at the west window of the second floor of the apartment building diagonally opposite. Their intentions are unclear, and vigilance is required."

"Repeat: The key to this operation lies in speed and stealth. If it gets dragged into a protracted war or triggers a large-scale psionic conflict, it is highly likely to attract the intervention of the 'Center,' with unimaginable consequences. It is recommended to proceed as planned, but we need to be prepared to deal with the variables that this 'unknown observer' may bring."

He clearly communicated the details he observed and the risk assessment, demonstrating a level of prudence and strategic vision that surpasses that of ordinary contractors.

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the channel, clearly Han Wenshan was quickly weighing his options.

Soon, the instructions came:
"Received. 'Unknown Observer' has been included in the risk assessment. Operation proceeds as planned. The 'Dark Current' team will carry powerful psionic shielding devices to suppress energy fluctuations within the operational area to the greatest extent possible. The feint plan at point seven has been slightly modified to direct some of the disturbance towards the apartment building in an attempt to interfere with or force back the Observer."

Mr. Xu, your team is responsible for monitoring the observers' movements. You have the authority to take immediate action if they exhibit any unusual behavior or attempt to communicate. Once confirmed, proceed with the planned response.

After receiving authorization, Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei, like cheetahs blending into the shadows, began to move along the predetermined route towards a concealed rendezvous point to the side and rear of point three.

Xu Yan kept a sliver of his spiritual vision fixed on the window of that apartment building, while Chen Zhiwei held the talisman between her fingers, alert to any unusual energy movement around her.

Almost at the same time Xu Yan sent the confirmation signal, a sudden, unusually sharp commotion arose from the direction of point seven, relatively far away, amidst the unique background sounds of Liuquan Village, which were a mixture of hawking, discussion, and the buzzing of unknown energy.

“Bang! Crash—!”

It sounded like a shelf being knocked over, with bottles and jars shattering—the sound was particularly jarring.

"You dare steal my money! You've got a death wish!!"

A furious roar followed, followed by shouts, shoving, and curses from many more people.

Chaos erupted like a drop of water thrown into a frying pan, instantly spreading across the area near point seven, and the psionic fluctuations became restless and agitated.

Without a doubt, this was Han Wenshan's "feint to the east while attacking the west" tactic launched on time, precisely attracting the attention of most of the guards and potential observers in the area.

Almost at the same second, the oppressive silence in the relatively secluded area where point three was located was suddenly broken.

Two "plumbers" dressed in oil-stained work clothes and pushing a cart loaded with repair tools suddenly tilted their cart, apparently because the cart's wheels got stuck in a crack in the road. A seemingly old metal box connected to unknown wires crashed to the ground with a thud.

"Didi-didi-didi-!"

A sharp, hoarse, and seemingly lifeless old psionic alarm suddenly burst from the box, sounding particularly jarring in the otherwise silent area.

On the tower, Xu Yan's spiritual vision, like the most sophisticated sensor, firmly locked onto what was below.

“It has begun,” he whispered.

Chen Zhiwei nodded slightly, his gaze sharp.

They all saw the sentry hidden in the shadows of the pipes on the side of the boiler room, their bodies tensed instantly, and their heads turned sharply toward the direction from which the alarm sounded.
At almost the same time, the "drunkard" opposite also threw down his bottle and looked over warily—their attention was successfully drawn by this sudden, unexpected sound that was so close at hand.

In that brief moment when my mind was distracted, less than a second later...

"Tsk! Tsk!"

Two faint hissing sounds, almost drowned out by the lingering alarm, were heard.

Xu Yan clearly "saw" that two sentries were hit almost simultaneously on the back of the neck by a small, metallic crossbow bolt with a faint blue luster.

The two men froze, a look of astonishment and confusion flashing in their eyes before their gazes quickly glazed over, and they slumped down limply.

Immediately afterwards, several figures, like ripples on water, darted out of the shadows near the source of the alarm.

They wore advanced optical camouflage suits, blending almost seamlessly into their surroundings as they moved, with only blurry outlines visible.

Working in pairs, their movements were as swift as lightning. One person caught the fallen sentry to prevent him from making a sound, while the other quickly checked him, finished him off, and dragged him to the nearest hidden corner. The whole process was as smooth as if they had practiced it a thousand times.

Another person approached the boiler room door like a ghost, holding an inconspicuous device in his hand. He waved it at the door lock, and the faint fluctuation of the warning spiritual energy runes quietly disappeared.

From the moment the alarm sounds until the sentries are eliminated and the entrance is silently taken over, the entire process takes no more than ten seconds.

"major."

Xu Yan gave a low evaluation, his tone carrying a hint of barely perceptible admiration.

This precise timing, clean and efficient actions, and use of high-tech equipment truly demonstrate that Han's "Undercurrent" operations team possesses a level of professionalism far exceeding that of ordinary contractor teams.

“Hmm,” Chen Zhiwei agreed, but then added, her eyes still wary, “I just don’t know if they are just as professional at dealing with the ‘things’ inside.”

Her concerns were not unfounded; clearing out the guards was only the first step, the real test was the unknown dangers inside the warehouse.

Without further delay, the two moved swiftly and silently toward the designated rendezvous point, like cheetahs gliding into the shadows, preparing for the next phase of their coordinated attack.

Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei moved closer like shadows, meeting up with the "Dark Current" team leader who was guarding the entrance.

The captain is a middle-aged man with a cold face and sharp eyes, codenamed "Lynx".

He quickly gestured to Xu Yan and whispered, "The entrance has been cleared, and the three patrolmen inside have been dealt with. Mr. Xu, Ms. Chen, please come in with us to confirm the target."

The three quickly disappeared underground.

The passageway leading to the warehouse was narrow and steep, and the air was filled with the smell of dust and rusty metal.

The underground warehouse was deeper than expected, and the temperature was significantly lower. Only a few emergency lights emitted a dim yellow glow, barely illuminating the interior.

The warehouse interior wasn't particularly spacious, but it was packed full of things.

The standardized metal boxes, some bearing seals or danger signs from different factions, stand silently on shelves and open spaces like treasures.

Captain Lynx had clearly already quickly scanned the area. He led Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei to several specific shelves, reporting rapidly but clearly, with an undisguised excitement in his voice:

"These boxes, numbered T3 to T7, are filled with high-purity psionic crystals, estimated to be over five hundred standard units! The energy reaction is extremely active; they're a valuable commodity!"

He pointed to several thicker, black, long boxes with physical locks on the other side: "Those are controlled-grade runic weapons. Strong armor-piercing and energy-tearing attribute fluctuations were detected. They are at least mid-level silver standard. There are twelve of them!"

“And in that corner over there,” he pointed to a pile of boxes covered with tarpaulins, “are some ancient artifacts and forbidden research materials. Their specific value needs to be determined by experts, but the fact that they’re hidden here means they’re definitely not simple.”

Listening to Lynx's report and looking at the mountain of resources in front of him, Xu Yan felt his heart beat faster involuntarily.

This is a huge resource that could support a small force for a long time.

Although Chen Zhiwei wasn't particularly interested in weapons and artifacts, his eyes lit up when he saw the several large boxes filled with glowing psionic crystals.

This means that for a long time to come, they will no longer have to worry about cultivation resources and materials for purchasing high-level talismans.

"Action!" Captain Lynx gave the order, and the team members who had been left outside quickly went inside.

The team members were well-trained and divided into two groups.

A team of handheld portable psionic detectors and breaching tools precisely opened the target container for final confirmation and carefully disposed of any tracking or self-destruct runes that might be present.

Another group works in pairs or threes, using small anti-gravity transporters, which are similar to suspension plates that emit a low hum, to lift heavy metal boxes as easily as lifting a feather, and then move them steadily and quickly toward the exit.

Despite the tense atmosphere and tight schedule, every team member's face couldn't help but glow with excitement, and when their eyes met, they all shared an unspoken excitement and drive.

This is an unimaginable windfall!

Even the usually aloof Lynx's lips twitched slightly when he glanced at the psionic crystal boxes during a break in his command, clearly indicating that he was not at peace with himself.

Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei were not idle either.

Xu Yan used his spiritual vision to scan the entire warehouse again, confirming that there were no hidden traps or overlooked high-value items.

Chen Zhiwei stood guard near the entrance, a talisman between her fingers, vigilantly sensing the movements outside. At the same time, her gaze would occasionally sweep over the boxes being moved out, and a rare, faint smile, typical of a young girl seeing a "treasure," would appear on her usually cool face.

A sense of security and excitement, as if they had suddenly become rich, permeated the slightly oppressive space of the warehouse.

Each box that is safely transported out represents a greater sense of confidence and potential for their future.

Young and promising, joining hands to venture into this treacherous and dark world, seizing their first pot of gold – the feeling is enough to make one's blood boil.

"Hurry! Hurry up! The last crate of rune weapons!" Lynx urged in a low voice, but his tone was clearly excited.

The moving operations proceeded rapidly at an efficient and energetic pace.

Most of the high-value supplies had been transported out, and just as the team members began to show relaxed expressions, a sudden change occurred!
The light at the warehouse entrance suddenly dimmed, and three undisguised, menacing silver-level spiritual pressures pressed down as if they were tangible.

Immediately afterwards, three male contractors of different builds but with equally fierce eyes, along with seven or eight sharp-eyed, weapon-wielding bronze-level henchmen, blocked the exit.

The leader was a burly man with a hideous scar on his face. His greedy gaze swept over the several boxes of psionic crystals and runic weapons that hadn't yet been moved from the ground, and he grinned, revealing his gleaming white teeth.

"Hey! Brothers, you've been working so hard, but it's all for nothing! If you know what's good for you, leave your stuff behind and you can get lost!"

The two Silver-ranked individuals behind him spread out to the left and right, subtly forming a pincer attack, their psionic energy already gathering between their fists and palms.

With three Silver-level members and the numerical advantage of the Bronze-level members, their strength completely overwhelmed the Han family team and Xu Yan present.

There's absolutely no chance of winning if we fight head-on.

Captain Lynx's expression changed drastically, and the team members tensed instantly, instinctively gripping their weapons and protecting the supplies behind them, but their eyes were filled with despair. The difference in strength was too great.

"Prepare defensive formation! Prioritize protecting supplies!" Lynx roared, giving the order, but everyone knew it was futile.

At this critical moment, Xu Yan's brain was working at lightning speed.

He took a sudden step forward, not to charge at the enemy, but to shout to Lynx: "Captain! Take the men and prioritize moving the crystal box numbered T5 and the first weapon box on the left! Quick! Take the backup passage! Zhiwei and I will cover the rear!"

The T5 box contained the purest batch of crystals, while the weapon box held some of the most valuable rune weapons.

In an instant, Xu Yan made the most rational decision: sacrifice a pawn to save the king and protect the most core interests!
Chen Zhiwei was of one mind with him. Almost at the same time as Xu Yan spoke, she raised both hands at the same time, not to attack talismans, but to release several "dense fog talismans" and "barrier talismans" that she had prepared beforehand!
"puff--"

A dense, grayish-white mist containing psionic interference particles erupted at the warehouse entrance, instantly obscuring the vision and psionic perception of the Blood Wolf Gang members like a heavy curtain.

At the same time, a semi-transparent light barrier with flowing runes instantly rose up behind the thick fog. Although it could not block the attacks of three silver-level beings for long, it was enough to buy precious time.

"go!"

Captain Lynx was a decisive man. He immediately understood Xu Yan's intention. Without lingering in battle, he directed his team members to carry the two designated boxes and the two boxes of ordinary crystals that they could easily take with them. Without hesitation, they rushed towards a backup evacuation route marked on the map deep inside the warehouse.

"Want to run?!"

The scarred man roared and threw a punch. The violent psionic energy slammed into the light barrier, causing it to shake violently and cracks to spread!

"Stop them!"

Xu Yan gave Chen Zhiwei a low shout, then his figure flashed. Instead of confronting him head-on, he used the thick fog as cover to approach a bronze-level subordinate who was trying to bypass the barrier like a ghost. His palm contained the cold killing aura of "Abyss", and he delivered a precise hand chop to the side of the opponent's neck. The man groaned and collapsed to the ground.

Chen Zhiwei wandered along the edge of the mist, her fingertips adorned with talismans like butterflies flitting among flowers.

She did not seek to kill, but instead continuously released "Mud Swamp Charms" to slow down the opponent's progress, used "Flash Charms" to interfere with vision, and used "Disruption Charms" to create false psionic fluctuations.

Her use of talismans was exquisite, turning the area into a death swamp and a labyrinth of senses where it was impossible to move an inch, greatly limiting the opponent's advantage in numbers and strength.

"Damn it! If you've got guts, don't hide!" Another Silver-ranked player roared angrily, unleashing a blazing fire serpent spell, but it only shattered an open space and a few insignificant boxes. Xu Yan had already dodged ahead of time thanks to his spiritual vision.

Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei worked seamlessly together, using the dense fog, warehouse shelves, the crowd control effects of talismans, and their own agile movements to tightly entangle the three silver-level warriors and their subordinates.

They fought and retreated, calculating each step precisely to lead the enemy in the opposite direction from the Lynx squad's withdrawal.

"boom!"

The barrier was finally shattered by the scarred man!

But by then, the "Lynx" team had already disappeared into the darkness of the backup passage.

Seeing that he had achieved his goal, Xu Yan gave Chen Zhiwei a wink.

Chen Zhiwei understood and unleashed two more powerful "Exploding Flame Talismans" to block the enemy. The two of them simultaneously broke free, their speed reaching its limit, and rushed into the backup passage.

"Chase!"

Enraged, the scarred man led his men into the passage, only to find it riddled with branching paths and their target long gone.

The Lynx team, who had taken the lead, sped through the passage. Hearing the faint sounds of explosions and roars behind them, each member was filled with relief at surviving the ordeal and deep respect for Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei.

"Captain, they..." a young team member couldn't help but speak, his face still showing lingering fear.

"Stop talking nonsense! Let's go!"

The lynx growled, but his clenched fists and slightly trembling arms betrayed his inner turmoil.

He had initially harbored some doubts about these two "connected individuals," but their lightning-fast decision-making, precise command, and courage and strength to cover the rear completely won him over.

These two are no ordinary people!

They not only preserved their most valuable harvest, but also, despite being at a significant disadvantage, used their wisdom and courage to carve out a path to survival!
This unexpected twist, however, made Han's action team truly trust their two young partners.

Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei used the complex terrain of the backup passage to outmaneuver the three members of the "Blood Wolf Gang" who were hot on their heels.

The passage was narrow, making it difficult for the opponent to capitalize on their numerical advantage, but the pressure from the three Silver-level players remained substantial.

The scarred man slammed his fist into the rock wall, sending debris flying, and roared, "You two rats! Let's see how long you can hide!"

Just as Xu Yan was calculating how to turn at the next fork in the road, the hot-tempered silver-level member among the pursuers behind him seemed to be completely enraged by this cat-and-mouse game. He suddenly channeled his spiritual energy into his right leg and delivered a powerful whip kick to a seemingly inconspicuous wooden box that the Lynx Squad had been forced to abandon earlier.

"Break it for me!"

"Boom!"

The wooden crate exploded with a loud crack!

Inside were not the psionic crystals or weapons as expected, but several ceramic jars sealed with twisted runes, constantly oozing black liquid.

The runes on the surface of these pottery jars suddenly dimmed and shattered the moment they were subjected to a violent impact!
"Om-"

A cold, filthy aura filled with endless resentment erupted from the broken pottery jar like a shockwave!

Immediately afterwards, a deafening, inhuman scream filled the entire passage! Several, a dozen, even dozens of translucent, twisted black shadows, exuding intense malice, surged out of the broken pottery jars like hungry ghosts breaking free of their cages.

E-class ghosts, and hordes of them!
Although these ghosts could not cause fatal damage to the silver-level contractors, their large numbers and intertwined resentment created a small ghostly realm that sent shivers down one's spine.

The temperature inside the passage plummeted, and icy frost instantly condensed on the walls, filling the air with the smell of decay and despair.

The faces of everyone in the "Blood Wolf Gang" turned deathly pale in an instant!
"Damn it! It's a Soul Nourishing Jar!!" the scarred man shouted in horror, no longer caring about chasing Xu Yan, and hurriedly circulated his spiritual energy to protect himself.

But his men were not so lucky. Several bronze-level members were struck by the ghosts and instantly let out a shrill scream. Their skin turned bluish-black at a visible speed, and their life force was frantically drained.

Driven by an instinctive hatred for the aura of the "living," the ghosts, like sharks that have smelled blood, mostly pounced on the "Blood Wolf Gang," whose energy fluctuations were more conspicuous and whose numbers were greater.

Chaos erupted within the passageway as psionic light clashed violently with ghostly figures, accompanied by a cacophony of roars, screams, and howls.

In the instant the chaos erupted, a glint flashed in Xu Yan's eyes. Instead of panicking, a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth.

opportunity!

Without hesitation, he reached into his robes with his left hand and poured all his spiritual energy into the jade cicada!
The jade cicada's gentle light shone with unprecedented intensity, forming an extremely condensed spiritual light shield that almost completely isolated the internal and external auras, firmly enveloping him and Chen Zhiwei within it.

This jade cicada was originally a treasure for concealing one's aura, and now, under Xu Yan's relentless activation, its effect was brought to its maximum.

Their "living presence" and psionic energy fluctuations became almost imperceptible in this resentful and chaotic passage, as if they had turned into two lifeless rocks.

Immediate results!

Those ghosts that might have originally affected them, having lost their clear "living" target, immediately unleashed all their malice and aggression on the "Blood Wolf Gang" who were desperately resisting and whose aura was "dazzling"!
"go!"

Xu Yan gave a low shout, grabbed Chen Zhiwei, and took advantage of the golden opportunity when the "Blood Wolf Gang" was completely overwhelmed by the sea of ​​ghosts and had no time to spare. He increased his speed to the maximum and sped along the passage towards the final rendezvous point agreed upon with the Lynx Squad.

Behind them, only the furious roars of the "Blood Wolf Gang" and the greedy shrieks of ghosts echoed repeatedly in the cold passage.

In this round, they not only successfully covered the rear and preserved their core gains, but also used the enemy's strength against them, taking advantage of the original danger in the warehouse to severely humiliate the "Blood Wolf Gang".

The exit of the backup passage is hidden beneath the filter pool of an abandoned sewage treatment plant on the edge of Liuquanji.

When Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei lifted the heavy grille and breathed in the air of the market, which was filled with all sorts of smells, they found that Captain Lynx and his team were already waiting anxiously there.

"Mr. Xu! Ms. Chen!" Lynx visibly relaxed upon seeing the two unharmed, quickly approaching them. His usually stern face was now filled with undisguised gratitude and admiration. "Thank you! If it weren't for you covering our retreat, we and this shipment would have..."

He didn't say anything else, but the meaning was self-evident.

The team members behind him also cast respectful glances at him, the previous subtle scrutiny completely gone.

"It's my duty." Xu Yan waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the several boxes piled up beside him, confirming that the most important T5 crystal boxes and weapon boxes were safe and sound. "Were there any casualties?"

"Three minor injuries, all treated and will not affect the operation," Lynx quickly reported. "According to the plan, the pick-up vehicle arrived at the designated location three minutes ago, and we can withdraw at any time."

Just then, Xu Yan's encrypted communicator vibrated; it was Han Wenshan.

"Mr. Xu, how is the situation?" Han Wenshan's voice remained steady, but upon closer listening, one could detect a subtle tension.

He was clearly keeping a close eye on every aspect of the operation.

Xu Yan spoke concisely and calmly: "The core target at point three has been captured, but we were intercepted by the 'Blood Wolf Gang.' They used the ghosts sealed in the warehouse to create chaos. Our entire team has escaped, with only minor injuries. The 'Blood Wolf Gang' is trapped, and their fate is unknown."

He didn't take credit; he simply stated the facts, but every word contained a wealth of information and risk.

There was a two-second silence on the other end of the communication, clearly Han Wenshan was quickly processing the thrilling experience.

“…Well done, Mr. Xu.”

There was a hint of genuine appreciation in his voice, not just for the result, but also for the ability to adapt to the situation.

"The pick-up vehicle will go directly to Safe House No. 3. After the supplies are inventoried, they will be divided immediately. Your share will be transferred to your designated account within two hours."

“President Han’s efficiency is admirable,” Xu Yan responded, then changed the subject, like the most shrewd businessman confirming contract details, “Regarding the agreement on sustainable revenue, and… the previously mentioned ‘limited support’ that may be needed in the future…”

Han Wenshan immediately understood and gave a watertight answer, demonstrating both sincerity and drawing a clear line:
"My legal team is already drafting the agreement, which will fully reflect Mr. Xu's contributions. As for support, Mr. Han's commitment remains valid, provided that... it aligns with Mr. Han's overall interests and risk assessment."

I believe that our future cooperation will continuously enhance the value of this support. This is a dynamic alliance based on strength and value.

"Looking forward to the next collaboration, Mr. Han." Xu Yan hung up the call.

Both he and Han Wenshan understood that, through this successful operation and crisis management, their partnership had transcended a simple transaction and entered a new, more promising phase.

Under "Lynx's" command, the team members quickly loaded the supplies onto a pickup vehicle disguised as a municipal engineering vehicle.

Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei also got into an inconspicuous black car.

The vehicle slowly started, drove away from the waste disposal station, and merged into the sparse traffic at the edge of Liuquan Village.

Through the car window, one could see abnormal psionic glows emanating from certain areas deep within the market, and faint sounds of explosions and shouts drifted on the wind.

That was the fire between the "Black Bone Gang" and the "Blood Raven Gang," which, catalyzed by the "intelligence bomb" dropped by Han Wenshan, was heading towards a point of no return and climax.

This man-made chaos perfectly concealed any trace that their precise looting might have left behind.

Inside the car, Chen Zhiwei leaned back gently in her seat, letting out a long sigh of relief as her tense nerves finally relaxed.

She looked at Xu Yan beside her. He was resting with his eyes closed, but the slight upturn of his lips showed that he was also not at peace.

“It feels like a dream,” she said softly. “All of a sudden… I have so many resources.”

Xu Yan opened his eyes, looking at the bizarre and dazzling market scene rushing past the window, his gaze deep:
"This is just the beginning, Zhiwei. With this capital, we can live better, pursue the truth we want to know, and... take control of our own destiny."

He opened his right hand, and the dark blue Soul-Suppressing Iron brand on his palm was faintly visible in the dim light inside the car.

This time, they not only gained tangible resources, but also gained breathing room and important allies.

Although the road ahead is still fraught with difficulties, the chips in my hand are now completely different.

The undercurrents of Liuquan Village began to subtly shift due to the intervention of this new force and Han Wenshan's precise moves.

A more chaotic era, but also one brimming with more opportunities, seems to be on the horizon.

And they are at the forefront of this wave of change.

The vehicle was traveling smoothly through the relatively sparse alleyways on the outskirts of Liuquanji. Just as it was about to leave this chaotic place completely, the relaxed atmosphere inside the carriage was suddenly broken by a burst of urgent buzzing from an encrypted communicator.

The vehicle drove smoothly through the relatively sparse alleys on the outskirts of Liuquanji, and it looked like it was about to leave this chaotic place completely.

Inside the carriage, Xu Yan had just closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, trying to calm the exhaustion from the previous battle and the subtle agitation of "Yuan," when a rapid buzzing of an encrypted communicator suddenly broke the brief silence.

It's Han Wenshan.

Xu Yan's eyes narrowed, and he quickly pressed the answer button and turned on speakerphone so that Chen Zhiwei could also hear it.

"Mr. Xu, the situation is urgent, so please be brief!" Han Wenshan's voice carried an unprecedented urgency, even a hint of barely perceptible anxiety. "The small-scale ghostly spiritual energy fluctuations that erupted during your final battle at point three were too strong, triggering the highest-level event response from the 'center'!"

Xu Yan's heart tightened, but she remained calm, instead pressing him with a sharp question in her tone:

"Psionic fluctuations? Mr. Han, could this be one of your 'backup plans,' a strategy to ensure we completely sever ties with this shipment?"

The question was extremely direct, even somewhat harsh, instantly placing both parties on the brink of losing trust.

Chen Zhiwei also held her breath and looked at the communicator with sharp eyes.

On the other end of the communication, Han Wenshan seemed momentarily taken aback by the sudden question, then his voice carried a hint of anger at being misunderstood and an even greater urgency:

"Mr. Xu! If I, Han Wenshan, were to do such a thing, why would I bother to inform you? The 'Iron Curtain' scanning system of the Divine Firmament Bureau has already lit up on my monitoring screen! It is estimated that within ten minutes, all exits of Liuquan Village will be locked down by psionic energy for a thorough identity verification!"
My convoy has official backing and multiple layers of disguise, so there's still a slim chance of passing inspection. But you two are Silver-level contractors, carrying residual psionic energy from a recent battle. Once detected, you're doomed!

Xu Yan immediately understood the seriousness of the problem. The "center's" intervention had disrupted all plans. They had become a hot potato; they couldn't afford to implicate the Han family's convoy.

"What does President Han mean?" Xu Yan asked calmly, his voice revealing no panic.

“There is a path that may be feasible, but it is equally uncertain, and may even be more dangerous.” Han Wenshan clearly had a plan in mind. “Based on the intelligence database you provided, combined with my analysis of the more macroscopic urban spiritual vein distribution map, there is a theoretically existing hidden main drainage channel in the southeast corner of Liuquan Village, near the edge of the abandoned ‘subsidence zone’. This channel is extremely ancient, most of it has collapsed and is blocked, and it goes deep underground. The spiritual energy environment is complex and chaotic, and it is very likely not on the first wave of regular blockade lists of the ‘center’.”

He emphasized, "However, that is an unknown area of ​​Liuquan Village, with almost no reliable recent exploration records. Intelligence indicates that deep within that passage, there may be intense energy turbulence, unknown mutated creatures, or even... something even more bizarre. Moreover, once you enter, whether you can find the exit, and where the exit leads, are all unknowns."

A brief silence fell over the carriage. In the distance, the faint, sharp sirens of what sounded like official police vehicles could be heard approaching. Time was running out.

"I'm not going to abandon you! There's another option: I've sent you the coordinates. It's an abandoned underground safe house on the edge of the subsidence zone in the southeast corner of Liuquan Village. It's one of my old hideouts, absolutely safe, and has never been used. Go there to hide immediately; the psionic shielding level is very high."

I will use the Han family's connections as soon as possible to create legitimate temporary identities for you, and then send someone to pick you up and help you slip out! This is the safest way right now!

Han Wenshan's explanation is reasonable and offers a seemingly safer hiding plan instead of directly sending them into unknown areas, which greatly increases its credibility.

However, Xu Yan's mind worked even faster.

Go to the safe house provided by Han Wenshan? To completely entrust one's safety to the other party's words and subsequent actions?
Having just experienced such a high-risk operation, he dared not gamble.

Moreover, Han Wenshan's mention of the "Iron Curtain" scan made him suspicious of any fixed, potentially predictable hiding place.

Xu Yan's gaze met Chen Zhiwei's, and they instantly understood the determination in each other's eyes.

They cannot completely entrust their fate to someone else, even if that person is their current partner.

“I appreciate Mr. Han’s kindness.” Xu Yan’s voice remained calm, but carried an undeniable resolve. “However, going to the safe house still carries uncontrollable risks. Send me the coordinates of that hidden drainage main channel you mentioned, along with all the known intelligence.”

Han Wenshan was clearly taken aback that Xu Yan would choose this more dangerous path, and paused for a moment: "Mr. Xu! That path only exists in theory, it's mostly collapsed, the environment is unknown, and it's extremely dangerous! It could very well be a dead end!"

“No matter how dangerous it is, it’s not as dangerous as entrusting your life to someone else’s script.” Xu Yan’s words had a double meaning, referring both to the “center” and also implying other possible considerations of Han Wenshan. “Give me the information, Mr. Han. This is our own choice.”

There was a full three seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, with only heavy breathing heard.

Ultimately, Han Wenshan seemed to compromise, or rather, he respected Xu Yan's choice.

"...Alright. The coordinates and all the missing information about that passage, including possible danger markers, have been sent. Mr. Xu, Ms. Chen, take care! Keep communication silent. I will contact you again if there is any opportunity!"

His voice carried a complex mix of emotions: concern, regret, and perhaps a sense of relief.
Communication ends.

Xu Yan immediately said to the driver, "Stop at the intersection ahead."

The vehicle came to a silent stop at a dimly lit corner.

Without the slightest hesitation, Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei quickly got out of the car, like water droplets merging into the night, and disappeared into the shadows in the corner.

The Han family's vehicle sped away, heading towards another crossroads in their fate.

With their backs to the receding light, the two looked at the coordinates marked on their terminals—a coordinate at the very edge of Liuquan Village, symbolizing the unknown and danger.

"Senior brother, do you suspect him?" Chen Zhiwei asked softly.

“It’s not that I doubt his malice, but that I don’t believe in any ‘absolute security.’” Xu Yan’s sharp gaze swept around the surroundings. The distinctive sirens of official vehicles could be clearly heard in the distance. “Especially after we’ve demonstrated enough value and learned a lot of their secrets. Relying on ourselves is the most reliable thing to do.”

Without saying anything more, he took Chen Zhiwei's hand and activated the Jade Cicada's concealment effect to the extreme. The two of them, like two real ghosts, stealthily headed towards the "sinking zone," which even Han Wenshan considered a forbidden area.

The Liuquan Village behind them was being rapidly surrounded by the power of the "center," and their path ahead led to that unsettling blank space on the map and into a deeper darkness.

(End of this chapter)