He changed Tiwat

Chapter 238 The Company Disappears into the Deep Rocks

Although he possesses the "Rubik's Cube," Han Fulai has no intention of opening this door yet.

With their skills and Ye Lan's expertise, they had a high chance of remaining undetected by conducting covert reconnaissance. But opening the door and going in directly would be tantamount to openly ringing the doorbell to announce someone's arrival…

They have no idea what lies behind that door, how many enemies are there, and the consequences of recklessly barging in could very well repeat the tragedy of the 9th Company of the Fools.

“I think this door… is related to the combination of the ‘Wishing Stone’ and the ‘Main Fragment’, and is probably some kind of defense mechanism… Hmm, I agree with Miss Yelan’s judgment,” Han Fulai said. “In addition, I think it is necessary to return to the camp to rest. The ‘Lumen Stone’ catalyst has a restraining effect on those black muds, and there is also the ‘Pulshina Light Nail’ that Haidifu mentioned… It would be more advantageous for us to be fully equipped.”

Ye Lan interjected, "It's best to send a message back first about what's going on down there, so that Yujingtai can be on guard... Also, the matter of the Fools needs to be dealt with."

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing the complex meaning in each other's eyes.

Han Fulai and Ye Lan simultaneously realized one thing—the other party was hiding something, and he/she must know some crucial information that they were unaware of.

However, their "cooperation" was based on this very foundation, so there's nothing to complain about.

Han Fulai had actually considered this very deeply.

First, the fact that this gate appeared after the Fatui retreated indicates that it wasn't created by either the Abyss Order or the Black Serpent Knights. The reasoning is simple: their pursuit of the Fatui suggests their presence was a distraction. If they could erect such a difficult-to-break gate, wouldn't they have closed it long ago to prevent the Fatui from entering the space containing the "Primary Fragment"?

Secondly, the Abyss Order clearly anticipated the appearance of a large gate here; otherwise, the Abyss Chanters wouldn't have prepared "keys." This indicates that the Abyss Order had also made arrangements here, and there is likely a large defensive force present.

Combining these two points, he concluded, as he had just stated, that this gate was a product of the "Wishing Stone" arriving here, and was likely... a defensive mechanism inherent to the Sky Island. Furthermore, the "Abyss Order," in order to carry out their schemes, must have heavily guarded this place. Opening the gate and alerting them would likely result in a fierce battle.

Finally... Han Fulai also believed that now was not the time to confront the other side head-on.

Ye Mingxiang knew about the deaths of the two Abyss Singers; in other words, he also knew that the "Rubik's Cube" was now in the hands of Han Fulai and Jiang Xue. At the same time, Han Fulai also knew that Ye Mingxiang was not on the same page as the "Abyss Cult"... If the other side wanted to use him and Jiang Xue as "guns" to stir up trouble, then as a "troublemaker," "timing" would be very important.

Put yourself in Ye Mingxiang's shoes. How would he best utilize Han Fulai and Jiang Xue, these two outsiders?

With this in mind, Han Fulai had to carefully choose the most appropriate "time" to enter the battle.

He needed to choose an opportunity to turn the tables.

Moreover, Han Fulai was actually quite certain about this "timing".

Han Fulai has not yet told Jiang Xue and Ye Lan about his conversation with the "wishing stone incarnation" or the countdown he heard the "wishing stone" playing in his consciousness space.

Jiang Xue and Zhiqiong were both present at the time, but he was the only one who heard the countdown... This means that the countdown was the message that the "system" from Sky Island wanted to convey to him.

The "system" told him that in seven days... no, there should be four days left now, and in four days, something important would happen to the "Wishing Stone".

And four days later should be his "opportunity"!

He holds the "key" and can enter at any time... So why not choose the most advantageous time for him?

Seeing that Han Fulai and Ye Lan had reached a consensus so quickly, Jiang Xue naturally did not object.

The three concluded their less-than-successful reconnaissance mission and returned the way they came.

The following day, the group of five set off back to the camp of the Fools.

On the way, Katarina seemed to develop a strong interest in Han Fulai, always finding excuses to strike up a conversation with him, from his hobbies and favorite foods to where he should send letters if he wanted to write to him in the future—to which Han Fulai could only reply, "Secretariat of the Yuehaiting Office," after all, he was still staying in Gan Yu's lounge...

"It seems Vice Minister Han is quite popular. Don't worry, I won't tell Miss Shen He about that." Seeing this, Ye Lan touched her face meaningfully, it was hard to tell whether she meant it sincerely or not.

Han Fulai could only shake his head and smile wryly: "Then we still have to ask Miss Yelan to be lenient."

Yelan raised an eyebrow and changed the subject: "Are you sure you want to do this regarding the plan to deal with the Fools?"

"I'm sure," Han Fulai answered without hesitation.

“Why turn from a ‘benefactor’ to a ‘villain’?” Ye Lan continued to ask.

Han Fulai was silent for a few seconds before replying, "It's just returning to the original position; we were 'enemies' to begin with."

In the evening, they finally returned to the cave where the Fools' camp was located, just within the three-day deadline that Han Fulai had agreed upon with Sergeant Anton.

Seeing Katarina and Nikolai supporting each other, even this tough man couldn't help but choke up. After giving his two teammates, who were the last to return to the unit, a tight hug, he gave the order for the entire Ninth Company to evacuate from the Laminar Abyss.

Including Corporal Mashkov's team, the entire 9th Special Forces Company of the Fools stood in neat formation and saluted Han Fulai—to thank this benefactor who had found their missing team member and helped them escape the Abyss of Layered Rocks.

Han Fulai's decision on how to deal with the fools was simple—the Ninth Company was to quietly leave the Layered Rock Abyss.

Of course, it was very difficult to leave the Abyss of Layered Rocks without alerting anyone. What Han Fulai told them before was indeed the truth: the surface exit of the Abyss of Layered Rocks was guarded by the Thousand Rock Army soldiers led by Zheng Mao. If the Fools took the same path they came down from, they would definitely be captured on the spot by the Thousand Rock Army.

But the good news is that Han Fulai knows another way—the group of treasure hunters who made the deal with the Fools have dug out a secret passage leading to "Gathering Wood Valley".

Since the Fools' soldiers didn't know the location of the secret passage, Han Fulai decided to personally escort them.

Chapter 239 The Despicable Han Fulai

A few hours later, Han Fulai and Ye Lan led the group of fools to the exit of the secret passage dug by the treasure-hunting team.

Beyond the secret passage lies the bright moonlight and starry sky of Caiqiao Valley.

This place used to be the camp where the "Mingyun Class" treasure-hunting gang lived, but now it is deserted.

The treasure-hunting group's camp was certainly not a scenic spot, but for the Fools' Ninth Special Company, it was a welcome return to the human world after a year's absence.

Compared to the darkness and damp cold of the towering cliffs, the cool night breeze here is like the gentle caress of a lover.

Stepping out of this secret passage is like embarking on the road home.

"We'll stop here," Han Fulai said. "Let's leave quickly while the night is still on our side. If we wait until daytime, we might run into the patrolling Thousand Rock Army."

Only Han Fulai and Ye Lan came to see them off. Jiang Xue returned to the exploration team's camp first for some reason and did not travel with them.

"Thank you! Boss Han, the Ninth Company will always remember your kindness!" Sergeant Anton held Han Fulai's hand tightly and shook it vigorously.

"Company Commander Anton is too kind... Take care, everyone." Han Fulai simply nodded and said goodbye to everyone.

Katarina fiddled with the curls at her temples, hesitantly taking a step forward, as if she still had something to say. Unfortunately, the oblivious Anton turned around and shouted, "The entire Ninth Company, move out!"

"Yes, platoon leader!" the soldiers of the Fools responded in unison.

A sense of relief and acceptance shone on their faces. Even though they had joined the Fools and were prepared to sacrifice themselves for Her Majesty the Queen, they were still human beings with flesh and blood.

For this company of fools, who became victims of the struggle between the two countries and were ruthlessly abandoned by their superiors, being able to breathe fresh air from the outside world and return to their hometown to enjoy the warmth of a fireplace was already the greatest happiness.

They are willing to die for their ideals, but they don't want to die in vain.

Sixty-four people came, but only nine left.

Nine figures, supporting each other, slowly disappeared into the night.

Ye Lan stood behind Han Fulai, coldly observing the scene without saying a word or moving.

Anyone else who witnessed this scene might have sighed with emotion or seen it as a touching farewell, but Ye Lan would not.

Because she knew what was going to happen next.

Suddenly, birds took flight from the surrounding woods, followed by a cacophony of footsteps and the clanging of armor, growing louder as they approached. A sudden burst of firelight pierced the night, the scattered flames forming a wall of fire.

A company of Thousand Rock Army soldiers suddenly appeared in the treasure-hunting camp that should have been deserted!

The soldiers of the 9th Company of the Fools, who should have escaped silently, were surrounded by gleaming white-tasseled spears.

"This, this is...?" Even the usually composed Sergeant Anton was taken aback by this sudden change.

Timor, standing beside him, gripped the weapon in his arms tightly.

"Company commander, we're surrounded!...Should we break out?"

The remaining Fools soldiers also assumed fighting stances.

"Put down your weapons! You have been arrested!" a Thousand Rock Army sergeant shouted, his voice commanding.

“You are… Yanbo!” Anton recognized the familiar face in the firelight.

Yanbo paused, his expressionless hand holding the spear.

“I’ll repeat myself: put down your weapons, you’re under arrest.”

"Antoha, what should we do?" Radomir looked nervous. As a veteran, he knew that the wounded soldiers of the Ninth Company were no match for the Thousand Rock Army, but they had finally managed to get out of the Abyss of Layered Rocks. He was unwilling to just surrender like this.

"I suggest you obey Squadron Leader Yanbo's orders and lay down your weapons." A voice came from behind them; it was Han Fulai who spoke.

Han Fulai emerged from the secret passage, the firelight illuminating his face—he still wore that business-like smile, just as he had when he first met Anton.

"...Mr. Han, can you explain this?" Anton asked in a deep voice.

"Boss Han?" Yanbo frowned, staring at the young man in the blue Yuehaiting uniform. Although he had never met Han Fulai directly, in his memory there was indeed a big shot named Han in Yuehaiting. Why was this person with the Fools?

Han Fulai ignored Anton's question and took out his ID from his pocket and showed it to Yanbo.

"I am Han Fulai, the executive deputy director of Yuehaiting, and I have been ordered to investigate the Layered Rock Abyss. Hello, Captain Yanbo."

It really is Han Fulai! Rumor has it that he was the one who pushed for the reform of the Qianyan Army!

It is said that the navy and air force currently under construction in Liyue are closely related to this person!

Yanbo's expression turned solemn, and he bowed to Han Fulai: "Greetings, Vice Minister Han!"

"As far as I know, your department was ordered by Lord Ningguang to come here to arrest the thieves from the treasure-stealing gang who were trading with the Fools. Is that true?" Han Fulai asked calmly.

“That’s true.” Yanbo nodded in agreement. “Our unit recently wiped out the entire bandit gang. According to the gang leader, a group of Fools’ advance team soldiers were trading supplies with them. I received orders from my superiors to set up a stakeout here to capture any Fools who escaped.”

"You've worked hard. I've lured these stragglers here, and now we can catch them all in one fell swoop. You can report back to Lady Ningguang and say that I cooperated with Miss Yelan and did her a small favor." Han Fulai's face still had that unchanging smile.

Even if the foolish soldiers were completely confused, they knew they had fallen into a trap after hearing Han Fulai's two sentences.

Danila, enraged, roared, "Damn it! I knew the people of Liyue couldn't be trusted!"

Corporal Mashkov raised his thunder hammer and charged directly at Han Fulai—but he was immediately restrained by several Thousand Rock Army soldiers who pinned him to the ground.

Even as he fell to the ground, he continued to struggle and shout, "Ha! Anton, did you see that? Betrayal! We've been betrayed by the Liyue people once again!"

Anton stared at Han Fulai, who calmly returned his gaze.

After a few seconds of silence, Sergeant Anton lowered the brim of his hat and said in a deep voice, "If we surrender, can the Thousand Rock Army guarantee our personal safety?"

"Of course. As prisoners of the Thousand Rock Army, you will enjoy the proper food and medical care during your detention, I can assure you of that." Han Fulai's smile remained unchanged, as if he were discussing a business deal.

Sergeant Anton sighed, relaxed his guard, and raised his hands.

"Gentlemen, let's not make pointless sacrifices, lay down our weapons... and accept our fate."

The remaining Fools soldiers silently followed Anton's instructions; they all understood that this was the best outcome for the time being.

The soldiers of the Thousand Rock Army escorted the Fools away, while Han Fulai simply stood aside and watched them go.

Katarina stopped in her tracks as she passed Han Fulai.

"I thought we were friends. What you did... is despicable."

Han Fulai simply shrugged. "We've always been enemies. If Miss Katya has any objections, she can write a letter to the Yuehaiting Office to complain."

"Pah!" Katarina spat at the ground and refused to look at him again.

Nikolai glanced at his savior with a complicated expression and followed his sister.

Yanbo personally escorted his old friend Anton, and saluted Han Fulai as he passed by him: "Thank you for your assistance, Vice Minister Han."

Han Fulai simply nodded in silence.

Just as he turned to return to the Abyss of Layered Rocks, Anton called out to him in a very low voice, "Boss Han."

Han Fulai turned to look at Anton, who tugged at his hat brim again.

"I'll remember you. Thank you."

After saying those words, Anton started walking.

Han Fulai nodded slightly.

Chapter 240 I Will Not Allow Heroes to Die Unjustly

Han Fulai entered the secret passage, and Ye Lan leaned against the rock wall with her arms crossed, seemingly waiting for his return. However, even after Han Fulai had passed by her, Ye Lan did not move.

"Miss Yelan, we should head back now," Han Fulai called out to Yelan upon seeing her.

"I have a question for you." A rare smile appeared on Ye Lan's face.

In contrast, Han Fulai showed no smile on his face.

In fact, he looked extremely tired.

"What's the problem?" he asked.

"How are you feeling right now?" Ye Lan replied.

Han Fulai was taken aback. "When did Miss Yelan start caring about my feelings?"

"Did Ningguang ever tell you before, 'Don't answer questions with questions'?" Ye Lan smiled, revealing a faint dimple.

"No," Han Fulai answered honestly.