After the Mountain Lion Gang's base was wiped out by an unknown force, the Public Security Bureau's investigation trail was completely cut off.
With no other choice, Zhao Anmen ordered a halt to the operation. However, Shi, the rogue ninja he had brought along, wasn't sent back—the man still had his uses.
As for Zhong Yan and Anby, being unofficial operatives to begin with, they naturally returned to their respective homes.
But just because the New Eridu Public Security Bureau ceased their investigation didn't mean Zhong Yan would.
Under his command, the shadow clone dismantled five Mountain Lion Gang relay bases within just a few days. One of those outposts was exceptionally large, yet not a single person knew where the organization's headquarters was located.
Zhong Yan, however, was remarkably patient. Time was the one thing he had in abundance. And once enough outposts were destroyed, the Mountain Lion Gang's leader wouldn't be able to rest easy.
One subordinate after another killed, and no clue who the perpetrator was—facing a powerful enemy hidden in the shadows, how could he not be afraid?
And as it turned out, Zhong Yan's predictions were right on the mark.
...
In a corner of Hollow Zero, the moment he received news that yet another outpost had been completely slaughtered, the Mountain Lion Gang's leader, Razor, clad in custom gear, could no longer hold back and smashed the table before him with a single punch.
"Damn it, what kind of hellspawn is out there trying to wipe out my Mountain Lions?!" Razor cursed furiously. The many elite guards standing nearby didn't dare utter a single word, afraid his rage would be redirected toward them.
Lately, Razor had been living in constant fear, terrified that this mysterious force would eventually come for him. He had even taken countermeasures in preparation.
To defeat a formidable enemy, the first step is to figure out who they are—otherwise, one might die without even knowing why.
Since no messages had ever made it out once a base was attacked, Razor ordered every outpost leader to wear a small recording device, hoping to gather footage if a base was destroyed.
But the attacker seemed almost clairvoyant. After killing everyone at a base, they'd destroy the leader's recording device, rendering Razor's plan completely useless.
Driven to fury, Razor became convinced there was a traitor in the organization. He launched a purge—one entirely without basis.
Many elite guards were executed, and countless ordinary members perished in the process.
Panic spread like wildfire within the Mountain Lion Gang. Under Razor's oppressive rule, actual betrayals began to occur.
Numerous members, even some elite guards, deserted the organization. Some returned to normal civilian life. Others joined rival factions. A few even turned themselves in to the Public Security Bureau, hoping to save their own necks.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that the Mountain Lion Gang were on the brink of collapse—without the Bureau having to lift a finger.
And it was all thanks to Zhong Yan's ruthless methods. Even without obtaining the intel he wanted; He'd inflicted devastating psychological pressure.
Back to the present moment—after Razor's rage had subsided somewhat, one of the elite guards finally dared to speak up.
"Boss, with the number of elite guards dropping, we're barely able to control the men. Maybe it's time we... promote two more?"
The Mountain Lion Gang had a massive roster, several hundred members strong, but fewer than ten elite guards. With recent purges and desertions, only three remained.
Three people couldn't possibly maintain order among hundreds.
Thus, the best move was to promote two new elite guards to ease the strain.
At first, Razor shot a fierce glare at the speaker, but eventually nodded in agreement. "Fine. Then tell me—among the current lot, who's worthy of becoming an elite?"
Elite guards were the nerve center of the organization, second only to Razor himself. They were among the few who knew the location of headquarters.
Razor's standards for selection were notoriously strict. But given the current crisis, he couldn't afford to stick to his old rules.
"What about that new recruit, Jane Doe? She's been outstanding—always completes her missions flawlessly. She even brought back two would-be defectors not long ago."
One of the remaining elite guards recommended Jane. Her performance was well-known, and even Razor couldn't deny her contributions and skill.
However, Jane had only joined the organization less than a month ago. Razor remained wary of her, suspecting she might be an undercover agent from the Bureau or another faction.
Still, one needed prestige to become an elite guard. Without it, how could they command the others? In that sense, Jane was the best candidate.
"Fine, we'll go with your suggestion. But before the promotion, make sure to test her. We can't afford to let a rat slip through." With that, Razor turned and left without another word.
After his departure, the three remaining guards exchanged looks, then nodded silently, smirking as they withdrew.
Soon after, they found Jane waiting at one of the relay stations and delivered the news.
"Big Sis Jane, Razor finally gave the green light. All we need now is the day of your promotion... then we strike and take him out."
One of them said this with a vicious grin.
The Mountain Lions were in complete disarray. Razor had lost all authority after purging so many loyal subordinates without reason.
The three elite guards knew if they didn't act soon, they'd be next on the chopping block.
So, they turned to Jane, whose skills were formidable, and planned to eliminate Razor and seize control.
Jane was, in fact, an undercover agent sent by the New Eridu Public Security Bureau. Naturally, she accepted the proposal.
But she wasn't foolish. Before agreeing, she conducted multiple tests to confirm the three were genuinely plotting against Razor.
Once she was sure, she nodded.
To be honest, she hadn't expected things to spiral this far.
She remained curious about one thing—who exactly was the mysterious person who had so mercilessly massacred the Mountain Lion Gang? Could it really be someone from the Bureau?
Due to her undercover status, she couldn't confirm it with the Bureau herself, so she could only assume so for now.
But even if they were with the Bureau...
Their methods were just...
Too brutal.