NOVEL NEXT Chapter 302: Secured and Departure_2
In front of the stairwell on the first floor, two security guards armed with rifles were chatting.
At that moment, they saw someone approaching.
When their flashlight beam revealed the person was dressed in one of their own uniforms, they didn't think much of it.
"Hey, buddy, stop wandering around. While the big bosses aren't looking, come have a puff of this top-shelf leaf."
"Sounds great. I've got to try some!"
Even as Xia Liang spoke, he had already drawn the longsword from his back. He surged forward, accelerating like a leopard in the night.
As he swept past the two men, a red line appeared on each of their necks, and blood sprayed into the air.
Second floor, third floor, fourth floor...
Xia Liang disposed of more than a dozen security guards this way.
Until he reached the fifth floor.
"Who's there! The power is out, no one is to move around! The Director just gave the order for everyone to stay on the floor they were on before the blackout!" someone shouted from a short distance away, just as Xia Liang stepped onto the landing.
Xia Liang didn't bother with words; he simply raised his M27 and opened fire.
Since their director was already on alert, there was no longer any need to hide.
From that moment on, any living person he saw, died.
「Meanwhile, in a certain manor.」
In a castle with over three hundred years of history, Hades had been growing restless.
Not only had Gold Mountain City lost power and internet access, but even the cell towers had stopped working. With such a large-scale anomaly, he didn't need to think twice to know it was a hacker attack.
I have a real treasure on my hands. In the eyes of any power, that blueprint is the ultimate prize. There's no doubt this attack is for the blueprint.
Helpless, with both the phones and internet down, his only option was to dispatch a large number of bodyguards to the research institute to protect his treasure.
The butler reminded him softly from the side, "Mr. Hades, your distinguished guest has arrived."
"No need for an announcement. I've been here a few times; I know my way around."
The luxurious, classical wooden door was pushed open, and a tall white man strode in. With deep blue pupils, chiseled features, and shoulder-length golden curls, he was like a majestic lion.
"Lionheart King, what wind blew you here?" Hades's tone was distant.
Even though they both belonged to the Sanctuary, their internal struggles were just as intense. The Sanctuary sought to control the world, while its members sought to control the Sanctuary.
The Lionheart King was one of the strongest among them, possessing endless wealth, a vast network of contacts, ruthless methods, and a cunning mind.
"I heard you were robbed at your own hotel," the Lionheart King laughed heartily, as if he were the master of the castle. "As a friend, I just had to come and console you."
"We may have known each other for decades, but I wouldn't say we're good friends," Hades said, gesturing to the side of the long table. "Sit."
The Lionheart King ignored him. Instead, he grabbed a chair and sat down right beside Hades, his eyes on the laptop. It was playing video footage from the Keldon Hotel Rooftop.
Hades had been puzzled ever since he lost his USB drive. After much thought, he quickly pinned the blame on Xia Liang. Sure enough, he had to slow the video down several times before he could clearly see Xia Liang's movements.
Fast. Precise. Steady. And utterly imperceptible.
"Is he the one who stole your things? Old friend, I must say you were careless. It must have been because of that woman—"
The words caught in his throat. The Lionheart King's gaze was fixed on Xiao Qianxi on the screen.
"So, it's her."
Then he looked back at Xia Liang with an expression that said, 'I knew it.'
"I knew he had to be connected to Luan Long. I just never expected an organization with such impossibly high standards to recruit a new member so quickly."
Hades's heart skipped a beat.
They really came!
The Lionheart King laughed and patted his shoulder. "There are countless special organizations in this world, but the only one the Sanctuary needs to be wary of is Luan Long. Or rather, the Dragon King."
Hades nodded vigorously.
Those who hadn't experienced it firsthand could never imagine how terrifying that man was. More than thirty years ago, when they were all still young, the Dragon King had become enraged on behalf of a beloved woman. Wielding his sword, he cut a path from Shangjing straight to Jinhan Palace in the west. He defeated the Sanctuary's twelve knights of that era one by one. Finally, inside Jinhan Palace itself, he shattered the Scepter of Authority—a six-hundred-year-old symbol of supreme dignity and power—before striding away.
Ever since that day, the memory had been a lingering nightmare, impossible to shake off.
"What happened to you after that sword strike?"
At the question, the smile on the Lionheart King's face froze instantly. His right hand snapped off the corner of the table.
"I was left unable to ever have children. So, what do you think?"
Hades knew he had misspoken. "Still, you are the strongest man the Sanctuary has seen in a hundred years. You fought the Dragon King to a standstill, and after your battle, he could never again walk on his own. I'd call that a victory."
The Lionheart King didn't reply.
Every time he thought of that sword, every cell in his body screamed for blood. Many times, he felt the urge to go to the Imperial Capital and end his enemy's life for good. But he always held back, deciding it was better to make the man suffer a fate worse than death.
The smile returned to the Lionheart King's face.
"Old friend, I'm certain you're about to lose that little treasure of yours. If you ask me, just let it go. That thing is a hot potato. It's not just outsiders, either. As far as I know, plenty of people within the Sanctuary are starting to target you."
"Hmph! As if there's ever been a shortage of people who want to kill me."
Though Hades's words were tough, a flicker of uncertainty showed in his eyes.
Since it's a hot potato that has to be dropped sooner or later, I might as well maximize my gain and sell it for a good price.
Hades took out his phone.
"My apologies for disturbing your rest, Mr. Minister. I need you to order the troops stationed outside Gold Mountain City to my R&D center immediately. Yes, at top speed."
"Difficulties? Heh. My esteemed Minister, if you don't want to spend your retirement staring at the walls of a prison cell, I suggest you get moving."