High-level martial arts: Long spear with black flames to suppress demons.

Old Wang nodded: "That's right, to be precise, I stole it. Please open a passage for me."

The living room quieted down. Bai Chongguang leaned back in his chair, as if he were getting to know this old friend all over again. Then he pointed at him and laughed angrily.

"Wang Shuhan, so that's why you were willing to get out of your hospital bed! Turns out you thought my retirement was too comfortable!"

"Don't rush, let me explain first..."

"Then tell me, what will happen if the stone slab sealed in the capital is lost? Don't you have any idea? In that case, not only me, but everyone involved will be implicated."

Old Wang was silent for a moment, then lowered his voice.

"So we have to keep as few people as possible in knowing about it, and as long as the application is submitted, before the stone tablet is even moved, everyone who is supposed to receive the message will have already received it."

Bai Chongguang understood the meaning behind his words, and his expression gradually became serious.

"What do you mean by that? Is there someone inside... you need to be wary of?"

"There are some things that cannot be said now, but the stone tablet must be taken out first, and no one can know about it in advance."

Bai Chongguang raised his hand and rubbed his temples, not immediately agreeing.

He had known Wang Shuhan for many years and knew that the other man could be ruthless at times, but he wouldn't do something like this without a reason. The more ruthless he was, the more complicated the matter became.

Especially since his injuries hadn't fully healed, a faint crack on his shoulder kept flashing, clearly indicating that he still needed to be careful even to maintain his soul form.

Bai Chongguang's gaze lingered there for a moment, and his tone softened slightly.

How serious is it exactly?

"If something really goes wrong, the consequences might not be any less severe than what happened that night in Shanghai."

Old Wang didn't exaggerate; he just looked at him.

"Old Bai, I know this is a difficult matter. But right now, you're the only one I can discuss this with."

Bai Chongguang looked down at the tea on the table and remained silent for a long time.

The place in the capital where the stone slabs were stored was no ordinary warehouse. Even though he had been the commander-in-chief of the First Army Group, he couldn't just go in whenever he wanted. Moreover, he didn't even know what Old Wang ultimately intended to do with the stone slabs.

After a while, he looked up again.

"What happens after it's taken out?"

"I will handle it myself and won't implicate others."

"What if the investigation leads back to me?"

"I'll share this burden with you."

"Easier said than done. How will you explain it later? Two old men with nothing better to do, seeing a rare stone slab, taking it home to admire for a few days?"

Old Wang did not reply.

Bai Chongguang glared at him for a while, then finally picked up the teacup and drank the tea in one gulp.

"Okay, I'll figure something out first. But let's get this straight: I need to understand the current sealing-off arrangements. I can't just barge in based on my past impressions. Let's discuss how to proceed before we move."

Old Wang nodded: "Of course."

"Have a seat, I'm going to make a few phone calls."

Bai Chongguang got up and went into the study, taking out an old wooden box from deep inside the cabinet. Inside were military insignia, several letters, and a worn-out address book, with the names of some still bearing their original positions and locations.

Old Wang followed him in and sat down beside him without disturbing him.

Bai Chongguang flipped through a few pages, found a name, retrieved the corresponding number from the terminal, and dialed it.

The phone rang a few times, and then a surprised voice came from the other end.

"Old Chief? What made you decide to call me?"

"What, can't I even chat with you if there's nothing wrong?"

"Of course you can, you can call anytime. How have you been feeling lately?"

"I'm fine, just bored."

Bai Chongguang leaned back in his chair and chatted with his former subordinate for a few minutes before casually bringing up his desire to return to the capital.

"I'm planning to go back in a couple of days and have a meal with some old friends. Are you still at headquarters? Ask them for me if they're free."

"Yes, leave this to me. Send me the list of whom you want to see, and I'll contact them."

Bai Chongguang gave a few names and then sent the names of a few people circled in his contacts.

Some of these people have already retired, while others are still serving in the military. They worked together when they were young, had a good relationship, and also had some unpleasant experiences. Later, they were transferred to different positions, and gradually, they only exchanged a few words of greeting during holidays.

Now, saying I want to see him isn't entirely an excuse.

"Don't make it too formal. Let's just find a place to eat and talk. Whoever is available can come. Also, I'd like to take another walk around the headquarters. I wonder if the buildings I used to work in are still there."

"Some of them are still there, but their purpose has changed. I'll make some contact for you and arrange accommodation while I'm at it."

"Don't let it interfere with important business, and you don't need a large group of people with you."

"Understood, please wait for my message."

After hanging up the phone, Bai Chongguang placed the terminal on the table and then flipped through his contact list.

Old Wang looked at him: "Was this person who used to work for you?"

"I served under them for a few years, and then stayed in the military. I was usually too embarrassed to bother them, but this time, they came out with ill intentions as soon as they opened their mouths."

"We didn't ask him to carry anything for us."

"Say less."

Bai Chongguang glared at him, then made phone calls to several of his old colleagues.

Some people were quick to respond, and upon hearing that he was returning to the capital, they immediately agreed to meet him. Others chatted incessantly about his recent situation, and once they started talking, they couldn't stop.

Old Wang sat quietly to the side, occasionally revealing a slight smile when he heard a familiar name.

After making several phone calls, it was already getting dark. Bai Chongguang got up to go to the yard to collect the chessboard, and when he returned, the terminal lit up.

My old subordinates have already sent over the preliminary arrangements.

Most people are willing to attend, and the gathering is tentatively scheduled to be held at the headquarters guesthouse, with accommodations arranged nearby. Applications for a tour have been submitted and are awaiting final confirmation.

Bai Chongguang read through the entire book, his gaze lingering on several names that were temporarily unable to attend.

"Are these old folks busy too?"

Two of them had long since stopped caring about day-to-day affairs; they spent their time tending to their flowers or playing chess with others. In the past, they would often complain on the phone that no one came to visit them. Now, even though I rarely go back, I haven't run into them.

He dialed the numbers, but no one answered.

After the notification tone ended, Bai Chongguang put down the terminal, somewhat puzzled.

"Where did they all go?"

Bai Chongguang didn't think further and replied to his old subordinates that there was no need to rush those who couldn't come; other arrangements would proceed as usual. Not long after, the visit permits were also granted, with the time and accompanying personnel clearly listed.

He sent the itinerary to Old Wang and leaned back in his chair.

"We can go to the capital, and we can also go inside the headquarters for a look. But it's just a tour; we're still far from the sealed area. We'll find another opportunity when we get there."

After reviewing the arrangements, Old Wang nodded.