Free Web NovelChapter 1665: Chapter 966: Sanatorium
Ku Daoist and One-eyed Monk naturally knew what Yang Xiao was thinking. They were aware that Yang Xiao didn’t trust them, but they had nothing to say, nor did they dare to offend Ming Emperor Ye Xiao.
After delegating the tasks, Yang Xiao left, as he had many things to arrange. He needed to confirm the details of the operation with Captain Zheng of the Nanzhe Province Office and report to his superior Wu Qingcang.
This mission was of utmost importance; any mistake could spell trouble for the Jiangbei Province Office and might even affect the relationship between the Jiangbei Public Office and Nanze Public Office. Yang Xiao couldn’t afford such a huge responsibility.
Yang Xiao found Wu Qingcang and reported the task arrangements in detail. Wu Qingcang, being the captain of the Provincial Bureau’s Law Enforcement Team, offered Yang Xiao several valuable suggestions from a professional standpoint, benefiting Yang Xiao greatly.
However, Yang Xiao was very meticulous. He keenly sensed from Wu Qingcang’s narrative that the latter must have participated in similar missions before.
Yang Xiao brought up the matter of being followed. Although this wasn’t a big deal initially, it was a critical time now, as he was about to lead these Evil Cultivators across provinces for the mission. If there was a leak, it would cause devastating damage to the reputation of Jiangbei Province Office.
Yang Xiao understood that everyone was maintaining harmony because nothing had gone wrong. If people discovered the association between the Evil Cultivators and the Provincial Office, it would be unbelievable if Hong Anguo and Wu Qingcang stood up for him.
Execution wasn’t likely, but Yang Xiao feared he would have to take the blame alone, with nowhere to justify himself.
If it truly came to that, he might as well join the Esoteric Sect, Yi Sect, or Yiling Academy. Upon reflection, Yang Xiao realized he had plenty of avenues, thanks to his many friendships and kindness toward others. Even the Black Buddha Mother favored him greatly.
Three days swiftly passed, and Yang Xiao believed he had laid out a very meticulous plan. This was the first action of their Ming Emperor Squad, and it had to be impressive.
To be safe, Yang Xiao invited Wu Qingcang to oversee the operation. Wu Qingcang would make an appearance before these Evil Cultivators and then escort them out of Qinglan City.
If anyone was indeed following, Wu Qingcang would deal with the tail and apprehend the mastermind for punishment.
In the evening, Yang Xiao arrived at the experimental base, where the notified Ku Daoist, Chen Nang, and others were ready.
The operation was codenamed "Utopia", consisting of only five members, including Captain Yang Xiao. The other four were Ku Daoist, Trickster, Butterfly Lady, and Chen Nang, whom Yang Xiao dispatched to infiltrate them.
With such a lineup to deal with a protector from Withered Bone Pavilion, Yang Xiao felt confident.
Before departing, Yang Xiao distributed a red poison to each member, ensuring they consumed it. This was his guarantee of controlling these individuals.
When night fell, Yang Xiao and his team set off, with everything going smoothly. Following behind, Wu Qingcang informed Yang Xiao that no one had been detected tracking them. Having been discovered the last time, the follower dared not make any moves again, which was good news for them.
After a day and night of traveling, Yang Xiao and his team finally arrived at the designated meeting point—Mopan Town.
The town is located within Nanzhe Province, with a small area and relatively remote location. However, it boasted beautiful scenery surrounded by mountains and water, with a small river running through the town. Its economy primarily relied on tourism, with numerous resorts and rehabilitation centers nearby. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
The Withered Bone Pavilion outpost they intended to dismantle was located in a hot spring retreat center, not in the town but halfway up a hill. Walking there from the town would take over an hour through mountain trails. freewebnσvel.cѳm
Originally, they could have driven up, but unfortunately, recent rains had washed away the only road suitable for vehicles, leaving them no choice but to ascend on foot.
Gazing at the marked route on the map, Yang Xiao nodded, "It’s not a bad thing; this way, the number of customers in the retreat is likely limited, minimizing our losses."
In the room, Captain Zheng stood shoulder to shoulder with Yang Xiao before a map, explaining the current situation. "Captain Yang, as you said, to avoid alerting the enemy, our people haven’t infiltrated for reconnaissance. Based on various intelligence analyses, the number of actual people in the retreat center, including accompanying family members, won’t exceed 80. Most Withered Bone Pavilion members disguise as long-term residents with chronic diseases or partially disabled individuals, blending with ordinary people."
"Ingenious..." Yang Xiao remarked, while staring at the map, aware that the Withered Bone Pavilion members were rendered skeletal due to the Secret Realm’s influence. Such individuals were easily exposed in a normal environment, but when hidden among places like nursing homes or retreat centers, they were quite inconspicuous.
"Captain Zheng, roughly how many are they, do you have an exact count?" Yang Xiao queried, eyes fixed on the map.
"No exact numbers, but our comprehensive intelligence suggests a significant presence inside. Some retreat staff and medical personnel are also part of them. However, these are peripheral members, not showing such distinctive appearances. There’s also a portion who aren’t even Angel Envoys; they’re just ordinary people."
Captain Zheng thought for a moment before continuing, "Initial estimates suggest over 30 Angel Envoys, with peripheral members exceeding 50. As for the strength of the Angel Envoys, it remains unclear."
"Captain Zheng, the situation inside is rather complex. These individuals are using the innocent people as shields. Once action begins, I can’t guarantee the safety of the ordinary folks." Yang Xiao candidly stated the harsh truths upfront, since this was the territory of the Nanzhe Province Public Office and it was prudent to clarify some matters in advance.
