Chapter 44: The Hunt Begins

Jiang Qin, have your people keep a constant watch for any foreigners appearing in Phoenix City, especially those from Sakura Country. If any are spotted, tell them not to act rashly—these are not people your subordinates can handle,” Xiao Yu instructed coolly, not bothering to look back.

“Yes, sir!” Jiang Qin responded at once, turning on his heel to leave.

After Jiang Qin departed, Tai Sui slowly approached, his face brimming with murderous intent. “Big brother, leave these small fry to me. What you should do right now is spend time with your wife.”

“The Ninja King isn’t someone you can handle,” Xiao Yu replied with a faint smile and a shake of his head.

Tai Sui’s strength was more than enough to deal with those upper-ranked ninjas, but the leader—the so-called Ninja King—was not someone Tai Sui could match.

“Don’t worry, big brother. I’ve already informed Liu He and Li Ge. With their speed, they’ll be in Phoenix City by tonight. A dark night is the perfect time for killing. Once they arrive, we’ll hunt down this group together,” Tai Sui grinned.

Xiao Yu simply nodded, and the two left the rooftop, returning to the office they’d just left.

The three chatted idly for a while longer before Xiao Yu rose to take his leave. It was already late, and he needed to check on Ye Shihan’s recovery at the hospital. Tai Sui, meanwhile, stayed behind to wait for Liu He and Li Ge.

Back at the hospital, Xiao Yu found Yao Bugui administering acupuncture to Ye Shihan and quietly took a seat to wait. Since Ye Shihan’s condition had greatly improved, this session didn’t last long before Yao Bugui finished.

“Boy, your wife is well on her way to recovery now. I’ve been out and about for quite a while, so it’s about time for this old man to head back,” Yao Bugui said, putting away his silver needles and turning to Xiao Yu.

Xiao Yu was taken aback, then forced a bitter smile. “Old man, I’m afraid you’ll have to stay in Phoenix City a bit longer.”

Yao Bugui snorted in displeasure. “I came all this way just to help your wife, which I’d say is more than enough. What, are you thinking of tying me up so I can’t leave?”

With a rueful shake of his head, Xiao Yu drew Yao Bugui aside and recounted the day’s events.

“Is that true? Those bastards came that quickly?” Yao Bugui was genuinely surprised.

“I only found out today. It seems there are at least three foreign factions in Phoenix City now, all after me. For the foreseeable future, this city will be a dangerous place, which is why I’m asking you to stay—to help protect Shi Han for me,” Xiao Yu explained.

“Sigh, who would’ve thought I’d end up as your enforcer on this trip? These old bones of mine can’t take too much tossing about,” Yao Bugui grumbled.

“All right. If you promise me this, I’ll risk everything to find the item you want and deliver it to you myself,” Xiao Yu said seriously.

“Agreed! It’s settled, then. Go on, leave Shi Han’s safety to this old man. As long as no godlike master appears, the rest of these minnows are nothing to worry about,” Yao Bugui replied, his demeanor instantly shifting into a broad smile. He even patted his chest to assure Xiao Yu.

Meanwhile, in the office at Pearl KTV, which just moments ago held only Tai Sui and Jiang Qin, two more slender men had joined.

One was dressed in black casualwear, cradling something wrapped in black cloth. He was Li Ge, one of the Twelve Celestials. The other wore a somber military uniform, gripping his own bundle tightly—this was Liu He, also of the Twelve Celestials.

“Tai Sui, look at you, getting a bit soft around the edges. I should have come back with the boss instead of wasting away in that boring place. Nothing fun happens there,” Li Ge laughed, lounging back on the sofa.

From the moment he entered, Liu He’s piercing gaze had been fixed on Jiang Qin. Despite Jiang Qin’s own status as a local kingpin, he felt a cold sweat under that stare.

“All right, Liu He, this is Jiang Qin, a retired soldier. Don’t scare him too much,” Tai Sui chuckled, sensing Jiang Qin’s discomfort.

Only then did Liu He withdraw his gaze, and Jiang Qin breathed a sigh of relief.

“Who’s trying to harm the boss?” Liu He asked. He seemed a man of few words, having spoken only this since entering—evidently eager to get started.

“So far, all we know is Sakura Country, but we can’t rule out other foreign infiltrators,” Tai Sui replied, face darkening.

“Where are they?” Liu He asked bluntly.

“We’re still investigating.”

Just then, an urgent knock sounded at the door. Jiang Qin strode over and opened it to find a breathless young subordinate, the very one tasked with gathering information.

“Boss, we have news!” the young man blurted out, seeing Jiang Qin.

“Come in and report,” Jiang Qin said, returning to his seat, while the young man entered nervously.

“Bosses, our people found that two days ago, a group from Sakura Country arrived in Phoenix City under the guise of investors and have since established themselves here. Strangely, they haven’t all settled in one place, but instead split into three groups, each buying property in different parts of the city—southeast, southwest, and northwest.”

“Are you sure these are our targets?” Jiang Qin asked.

“I’m not sure. We didn’t dare check too obviously,” the subordinate replied, head bowed.

“In that case, let’s go see for ourselves. Waiting around won’t help—give us the three addresses you found,” Li Ge said, stretching lazily and rising, his tone fearless.

The young man hurried to jot down the three locations on a slip of paper and handed it to Li Ge.

Li Ge glanced at the addresses, picked up his black-wrapped bundle, and his expression turned sharp. “Let’s go. No need to keep them waiting,” he said coldly.

With that, he strode out, Liu He following silently with his own bundle.

“Have your people pull back. Leave the rest to me,” Tai Sui told Jiang Qin, his gaze turning icy cold as a murderous aura began to emanate from him.

“The hunt is about to begin.”