Chapter 169 Dangerous Person, Wang Mingling
"Director Lu, you wanted to see me?"
On a Sunday morning, Wang Qianfeng was on duty when a call from Lu Zhao summoned him to the office. A new year had begun. While the intelligence department had achieved many victories and honors, those were now history. Wang Qianfeng was adept at maintaining his composure and perspective. The calmer things seemed, the more vigilant one needed to be.
"Feng, this case was sent over by the Suzhou City Security Department. Take a look and see if there are any issues."
Wang Qianfeng received the documents with both hands. Upon first glance, his eyes landed on the name Wang Lan. He let out an involuntary snort of laughter.
"Wang Lan just can't sit still, can he? School just started, and in the very first week, he's already off helping the police catch robbers."
"That's not the point," Lu Zhao said, his voice low.
Seeing Lu Zhao's expression, Wang Qianfeng's own face immediately became solemn, and he read through the case report in detail. When he finally read that the bank robber known as 'Six Serpent Fury' had been dead for over twenty-four hours, his pupils contracted sharply.
Instantly, Wang Qianfeng looked up, his gaze fixed on Lu Zhao's eyes, as if searching for an answer there.
"It seems you've guessed it too…" Lu Zhao sighed, his voice heavy.
"The Xiangnan Wang Family?" Wang Qianfeng asked tentatively. "It must be them. The Xiangnan Wang Family, famous for their Soul-Forming Sword, with Sword Qi that could span three hundred li and a single strike that could chill the seven provinces. Yet, thirty years ago, they were suddenly exterminated."
"This matter has been classified as top-secret, but thirty years have passed, and the confidentiality period is about to expire. In fact, the truth behind the Wang Family's annihilation had already been thoroughly investigated," Lu Zhao propped his chin on his hand, his voice low as he continued.
"It's been thoroughly investigated?"
"Correct! The one who exterminated the Xiangnan Wang Family was none other than Wang Mingling, hailed as the once-in-a-millennium prodigy of the Wang Family. The Wang Family possessed an extraordinary talent for soul cultivation. Over thousands of years, their descendants branched out, forming the Qinghe Wang Clan, the Langya Wang Clan, and the Xiangnan Wang Family.
The Xiangnan Wang Family's application of soul power was the most esoteric and versatile. However, the methods of the Xiangxi Wang Clan were truly insignificant compared to this prodigy from thirty years ago. Wang Mingling, born with the innate Soul Out of Body ability, could furthermore have his soul inhabit others' bodies to access their memories.
As his power grew, his abilities became increasingly sinister. The attitude of the Xiangnan Wang Family towards him gradually shifted. From a universally admired and beloved family genius, he slowly became an outcast—feared, and eventually, even seen as an enemy by his own kin.
Wang Mingling wasn't content with the family's secret techniques; he even delved into their Family Forbidden Skills. Family Forbidden Skills were Star Martial Skills reserved for desperate times, cultivated only under extreme duress. Any technique designated as forbidden was so either because its cultivation was exceedingly perilous, its effects were devastatingly vicious, or it was deemed heretical.
Yet, Wang Mingling not only disregarded the elders' counsel but became irrevocably engrossed in these forbidden skills. Finally, thirty years ago, the Xiangnan Wang Family made the agonizing decision to eliminate their own kin—to eradicate Wang Mingling.
However, the Wang Family was unaware that their Third Elder, Wang Mingling's own paternal grandfather, had long been under Wang Mingling's control. Thus, Wang Mingling was already privy to the family's secret plot.
Before the family could make their move, Wang Mingling struck first. He conspired with the Cloud Sea heretical organization, initially poisoning all the Wang Family experts. Then, alongside these heretics, he slaughtered three hundred and seventy-two members of the Wang Family.
Initially, the blame was placed solely on the Cloud Sea heretical organization. However, after a year-long investigation, Jade Country finally uncovered the full truth. By that time, Wang Mingling had already absconded overseas. For the past thirty years, Wang Mingling has been active in the war-torn nations of the Middle East, where he established his own mercenary and assassin syndicate—Hellfire.
Our intelligence indicates that Wang Mingling can control corpses, frequently using them to execute suicidal terrorist attacks. However, the precise method he uses to control them remains unknown."
"If it's Wang Mingling, why would he control Six Serpent Fury to rob a bank? Does he lack funds? What's his motive for doing this?" Wang Qianfeng wondered aloud.
"I can think of two reasons. First, Wang Mingling entered Jade Country through illegal channels and couldn't bring money with him, so he needs funds to support himself.
Second, he's announcing his return; he's declaring war on us."
"Declaring war!" Wang Qianfeng's complexion instantly turned grim. "Does he really think Suzhou City is defenseless? If he wants a war, then a war he shall have! If he dares to come to Suzhou City, he won't leave it alive."
"Feng, I'm assigning you to investigate Wang Mingling's whereabouts. You are authorized to mobilize any and all necessary resources from the Tianjian Bureau. However… once you confirm his location, you must not act rashly."
Lu Zhao slowly stood up, his expression stern as he looked at Wang Qianfeng. "He is mine to deal with."
"Understood!" Wang Qianfeng nodded gravely.
For Lu Zhao to make such a solemn decision to personally intervene indicated that Wang Mingling's strength was undoubtedly extraordinary. When he defected thirty years ago, he was already at the peak of the Galaxy Stage. Now, three decades later, he has likely reached the pinnacle of the Star Sea Stage.
While the Tianjian Bureau was on high alert, Wang Lan, having changed his clothes, stepped out of his house just as dusk began to settle.
Today, Xie Sisi was treating him to dinner. She had sent Wang Lan the location that morning. It was a seafood hotpot restaurant situated in the Ancient City District. This establishment was renowned in the culinary world for its exceptional service, a less-traveled path in the industry.
While most other eateries promoted their specialty dishes and gourmet cuisine, this hotpot restaurant carved out its own niche by prioritizing service excellence.
Their philosophy was 'The customer is king,' with servers trained to the standards of airline flight attendants, making diners genuinely feel like VIPs. Initially, competitors scoffed, viewing this focus on service as an unorthodox gimmick. Diners come for the food's taste, not for pampering, they thought. However, experience proved that customers sought not only culinary satisfaction but also fulfillment of their emotional and experiential desires.
Your watermelon is delicious! If a customer said this, the restaurant would give them a whole watermelon to take home.
Your hotpot base is excellent! The restaurant would promptly package some of their hotpot base for the customer to take home.
Today is my birthday! The restaurant would immediately present a cake, a birthday gift, and their best wishes.
Thanks to its stellar word-of-mouth reputation, securing a table at Undersea Hotpot at the desired time required booking a day in advance.
By the time Wang Lan arrived, Xie Sisi and Jiang Xinyu were already there. Xie Sisi was wearing a long woolen coat, her makeup exquisitely done. As she rose, her nearly six-foot-tall, model-like stature instantly drew the attention of many in the restaurant.
As Wang Lan walked over, he even noticed several people surreptitiously taking photos of Xie Sisi with their phones. Of course, some considered approaching her to strike up a conversation. However, Jiang Xinyu, seated beside her, periodically exuded an icy 'keep your distance' aura. Many were tempted, but none dared to act on it.
"Just the two of you? Xiangwen and Feiyu aren't here yet?" Wang Lan sat down across from the two women.
"Traffic," Jiang Xinyu said flatly, glancing up from her phone before looking at Wang Lan with disdain. "So drab."
Drab? Wang Lan looked down. It's a perfectly standard outfit, isn't it?
"Fifty-buck jeans, an eighty-buck T-shirt, and a hundred-twenty-buck jacket. This is Sisi's first time treating us; couldn't you put in a little more effort?"
"Not at all!" Xie Sisi interjected. "Wang Lan's attire is very approachable, so down-to-earth. Wang Lan, let me tell you something hilarious. A moment ago, some handsome guy came over, dangling his car keys, clearly intending to hit on Xinyu. He hadn't even gotten close when Xinyu casually tossed her own car keys onto the table. The guy immediately veered left and headed for the restroom. I'm dying of laughter…"
"What's so funny?" Jiang Xinyu retorted. "I can tell what guys like that are after with a single glance. Dangle keys to a two-million-yuan car, pretending to be some rich heir on the prowl. They look presentable on the outside, but their minds are filled with filth. Sisi, you'll encounter plenty of these types in the future. I was just giving you a demonstration."
"Wait… someone with a two-million-yuan car isn't considered a rich heir?" Wang Lan asked curiously.
"Assuming an eight percent ratio of car value to total assets, his net worth would be thirty million at most—not even enough for my yearly pocket money. Besides, guys who use fancy cars to pick up women rarely fit that ratio. That car probably accounts for half his assets. The more they show off, the poorer they usually are. He likely has seven or eight million in assets, tops. What's that supposed to be?"
Xinyu might have a skewed definition of 'poor,' Wang Lan thought.
"The traffic was insane!" Xu Xiangwen, dressed to the nines, rushed in as he spoke.
"Where's Feiyu?"
"He and his girlfriend are still on their way. They should be here soon, ten minutes at most. Have you ordered yet?"
"Not yet. Wait, Gong Feiyu brought his girlfriend?"
"Yeah, that 'Golden Flower' from sophomore year. Apparently, she's distantly related to Feiyu's maternal grandmother. They've known each other since childhood, practically childhood sweethearts… Ugh, it infuriates me just talking about it! Why do you all get childhood sweethearts, and I don't? I want one too!"
We all do? Wang Lan thought. "Don't spread rumors."
"Still denying it? Feiyu's got Hu Ling, you've got Xinyu. What about me? It's always you three who have these connections, and I'm just here, your brother."
"Perhaps your parents' love story is so enviable that the heavens grew jealous, hence your lack of such good fortune," Jiang Xinyu remarked, surprisingly pleased by Xu Xiangwen's lament and even cracking a rare joke.
"Enough talk, let's order! Menu, please! I shall channel my grief and indignation into my appetite!"
Xu Xiangwen was a seasoned pro at ordering, knowing everyone's preferences perfectly. He rattled off the dishes, skillfully catering to each person's taste while keeping a precise rein on the cost. His flurry of expert moves looked so impressive that the smiling server nearby thought they'd landed a tycoon. In reality, the final bill would definitely not exceed one thousand yuan.
The server departed with the order just as Gong Feiyu arrived with his girlfriend.
Hu Ling was one of the 'Four Golden Flowers' of the Star Martial Arts Campus. Wang Lan had heard her name mentioned multiple times but had never actually met her. Living up to her title, Hu Ling possessed a stunning beauty that was by no means inferior to Jiang Xinyu's. She was not tall and had a petite frame, exuding the delicate air of a clinging vine.
Wang Lan had only heard of Hu Ling's renowned beauty, not of any particular talent or strength. Perhaps her abilities are unremarkable, he mused. Given the significant height difference between her and Gong Feiyu, even if Hu Ling harbored the ambitions of a soaring Dapeng Roc, she probably lacked the wingspan to achieve them.
"Sister Xinyu, Brother Xiangwen, and you must be the legendary top scholar, Brother Lan, right?" Hu Ling greeted the three enthusiastically as soon as she arrived.
Then, she turned to Xie Sisi. "You must be Sister Sisi? I've come uninvited; please forgive my impertinence…"
"Not at all, not at all! Server, please add another set of utensils for us," Xie Sisi responded quickly.
"Thank you, Sister Sisi. Happy birthday!" As she spoke, Hu Ling took a gift box from her bag and presented it to Xie Sisi with both hands.
Xie Sisi looked utterly astonished. "You… how did you know?" Then, her gaze swept questioningly over Wang Lan and the others. "You all knew?"
"Sisi, what kind of question is that? As if you could keep it from us!" Xu Xiangwen chimed in, pulling a gift box from his bag. "Happy birthday."
"Sisi, happy birthday."
"Sisi, happy birthday—"
Instantly, Xie Sisi's eyes brimmed with tears.