Old Tang looked at Ye Qiu and said, “I called you to the capital to ask you to investigate Uninhabited Island in the East Sea and uncover what’s happening there. What do you say?”
Ye Qiu stood, replying, “Old Tang, a soldier’s duty is to obey orders.”
“As a warrior, I’m duty-bound.”
“Rest assured, I’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Old Tang nodded with a smile. “Excellent.”
“Gentlemen, if war breaks out, all major military regions must be ready to support the East Sea.”
“Operations Department, draft a battle plan immediately.”
“And Logistics, ensure ample supplies and equipment.”
“Alright, let’s take a ten-minute break. Everyone, step out for some air.”
“Ye Qiu, War God, Old Ye, stay behind.”
The old generals left the room.
Old Tang said, “Ye Qiu, I plan to have the Underworld Palace assist you on Uninhabited Island. What do you think?”
Ye Qiu shook his head. “I’d rather go alone.”
Old Tang cautioned, “Going solo is a military taboo. If trouble arises without support, it’s dangerous.”
The War God added, “An extra person means extra help. I’ll have Tang Fei and a team join you.”
“No need,” Ye Qiu declined. “I move better alone.”
“If trouble hits, more people would only distract me.”
“Old Tang, War God, trust me. I can handle this.”
Old Tang asked, “Old Ye, your thoughts?”
Old Ye said, “Let Ye Qiu decide.”
“Fine,” Old Tang told Ye Qiu. “I grant you full authority to act as you see fit during this mission. Whatever happens, you can make decisions on the spot without consulting me.”
“No matter the consequences, we three old men will bear them.”
“I’ll also order Wei Donghai to assist you. Any needs, go to him.”
“That’s all. I wish you smooth sailing and a safe return. Do this well, and I’ll reward you handsomely when you’re back.”
Ye Qiu said gratefully, “Thank you, Old Tang.”
“Old Ye, War God, anything else?” Old Tang asked.
Old Ye looked at Ye Qiu. “Be careful, act cautiously, stay safe, and come back soon.”
Sixteen simple words carried his deep concern.
Ye Qiu nodded. “I understand.”
The War God spoke up, “Old Tang, Old Ye, since you’re both here, I need to bring something up.”
“Normally, with Ye Qiu about to head out, I wouldn’t mention this, but given his special connection to the parties involved, I’ve decided to tell him.”
“Ye Qiu, you haven’t contacted Bai Bing today, have you?”
Sensing the War God’s grave tone, Ye Qiu asked urgently, “Did something happen to her?”
“Yes,” the War God nodded. “Last night, Old General Bai’s guards were killed, and he and Bai Bing were kidnapped.”
“What?” Ye Qiu, Old Tang, and Old Ye were shocked and furious.
“Old General Bai is one of the last founding heroes. Who’d dare kidnap him?”
“Kidnapping him in the capital? Are they courting death?”
Old Ye and Old Tang radiated killing intent.
“Any leads? Who did it?” Ye Qiu asked the War God, his heart burning with suppressed rage.
His loved ones and confidantes were his untouchable line. Whoever took Bai Bing, Ye Qiu vowed, wouldn’t live.
The War God said, “You all know the culprit—Old General Bai’s grandson, Bai Yujing.”
“Bai Yujing?” Old Ye was stunned. “Wasn’t he abroad?”
“He sneaked back last night and took them,” the War God explained. “He evaded our detection, which shows how cunning he is. We underestimated him.”
“And he had a Super Soldier with him during the kidnapping.”
“I suspect the secret Northwest base researching Super Soldiers was tied to him.”
Old Tang and Old Ye were shocked again.
“Bai Yujing, so young, hiding this deep?” Old Tang said, incredulous.
The War God added, “Ye Qiu, you were right. The mastermind behind the Super Soldiers is Bai Yujing.”
Ye Qiu said, “I’ve known for a while.”
“I planned to find the right time to deal with him abroad and then report to you.”
“I didn’t expect that bastard to dare return. I underestimated him.”
The War God said, “I’m telling you this so you don’t lose focus.”
“I’ll have people keep tracking Old General Bai and Bai Bing’s whereabouts.”
“I’ll inform you the moment we have news.”
His subtext was clear: focus on Uninhabited Island first; we’ll handle Bai Bing’s case.
Though deeply worried for Bai Bing, Ye Qiu stayed calm.
He said, “As the saying goes, a nation comes before a family. The family is the smallest unit of a nation, and a nation is millions of families.”
“No matter how urgent family matters are, they pale before state affairs.”
“Old Tang, War God, rest assured. I won’t let Bai Bing’s kidnapping make me lose sight of what’s more important.”
“I’ll handle Uninhabited Island first, then rescue Bai Bing and Old General Bai.”
The War God exhaled in relief. “Good to hear.”
Old Tang added, “Ye Qiu, you’ve matured a lot. Seeing your growth brings me comfort.”
“No time to waste. I’m leaving now.” Ye Qiu saluted Old Tang and the War God, then strode out.
Leaving the August First Building, he called Cao Qingcheng.
“Vermilion Bird, I order you to mobilize all Dragon Gate disciples. Use every means to find Bai Yujing.”
“Old General Bai and Bai Bing are in his hands. Once you locate him, find a way to rescue them.”
“Remember, he has a Super Soldier. Use wits, not force.”
“As for Bai Yujing, don’t touch him. Leave him to me.”
“I’ll kill him myself.”
After giving orders, Ye Qiu boarded a military jet with Wei Donghai.
Wei Donghai piloted the jet, carrying Ye Qiu toward the East Sea.
