"I know, these hidden targets are all under surveillance, they've been controlled now."
Ji Jue waved his hand: "What about the identities of these guys?"
"Hmm, let me see, this one from the Ruins is a henchman of the Pan Mountain Village leader in the Yin River area. One is a Heart Core, who committed a crime in the city, got on the wanted list, and then fled to the wild trying to escape to the Thousand Islands. And... there's another one, White Deer, who came from Gray Port, a 'Water Ghost'."
The old fisherman's movements didn't stop, repeatedly pulling at thoughts and consciousness, stirring countless memories from the hollow soul to surface, piecing together from fleeting images.
"As for White Deer's background, this Ruins henchman isn't very clear, but from the long cooperation, he has some guesses. Probably a subordinate of a warlord from the Seven Cities Alliance, a scout sent by the pirate group's Blood Cleansing Fleet, likely preparing for this rainy season, running ahead to Hai Province to gather intelligence."
This year, the Great Lord of the Northern Realm just changed hands. The new lord is eager to break out of the Northern Realm and wage another White River battle, causing all trade routes to shut down.
These Water Ghosts are probably driven mad by poverty, traveling thousands of miles hoping to make a big score.
Now it seems they've already reached agreements with many local settlements."
The old fisherman let go, turned back, and said: "Mr. Ji, you'd better prepare early."
"Okay, I got it."
Ji Jue smiled, politely shook his hand. The old fisherman hesitated for a moment, did not dare to neglect, and gently shook hands, then quickly let go.
He then took the initiative to leave.
Just kidding, even if asked to stay for a meal, he wouldn't dare eat it."
Heart Core's perception of emotions is as natural as eating and drinking, no place for error.
In the past, when meeting those smiling collaborators, he indeed felt the disdain or vigilance beneath the pretense, but strangely, these things didn't exist in Ji Jue!
As if completely unaffected by Heart Core, beneath the smile, there was no pretense.
Only a hollow that made him shudder.
Since stepping into the room, he started sweating coldly...
Such gentle eyes always made him feel like there were spikes on his back; at this moment, the warmth and thoughtfulness seemed more like an instinctual respect and cherish for the material rather than mere courtesy.
The longer he stayed, the more frightened he became.
Being watched by those eyes, the longer it took, the more he trembled and felt uneasy!
When turning around, his heart was in his throat, fearing Ji Jue might grab and refine him in an instant. He nearly stumbled when going out, staggered a few steps, walking faster and faster, soon disappearing from sight.
Damn it, this is too damn eerie!
The old fisherman lay in a branch of the Desert Market in Diaomao Town, only recovering after several strong drinks.
A lingering fear.
"Sigh, this old thing, doesn't understand courtesy, doesn't even say goodbye."
Still on the coast, the blonde boy couldn't help but frown, casting an awkward glance at Ji Jue: "Brother Ji, please excuse him. Maybe he's taken the wrong medication. I'll have him come apologize next time."
"No need, maybe he's just feeling unwell." Ji Jue smiled generously, unconcerned.
"It's just that... that..."
The blonde boy scratched his head, earnestly promised: "Although I'm not good at sweet talk, I'm definitely on your side, Brother Ji. Just let me know if there's anything you need."
"Do you want me to go to the city to gather some people?"
"No need, Xinquan is a coastal issue. Just managing the guys from Diaomao Town well is a big help, as long as no one's being a double agent for inside collaboration, that's enough."
Ji Jue patted his shoulder, comforting him with a few words: "I'll handle my own affairs."
At these words, the blonde boy merely nodded.
Whatever Brother Ji said was what it was since the boss didn't speak, and Brother Ji said no need, then he'd just do his job properly without making a fool of himself.
After politely bidding farewell, he left.
"Hey, this time it's a big operation."
Lu Feng grinned, walked out after a shower in big shorts, reclining in a chair with wet hair.
Having engaged in a long-missed surge of activity with no bad news from Isis nor any reckless individuals to warm him up, naturally, he felt very at ease.
However, for Ji Jue, upcoming matters might be a little troublesome.
Hefang, Tianning, Mountain Gate, Yin River...
All the well-known large settlements in Hai Province are likely involved.
These large settlements in the wilderness aren't easy targets at all. If one were to conduct a thorough investigation, the leaders and higher-ups, if pulled out for ten executions each, still wouldn't exhaust their offenses.
Human trafficking or illegal goods production is commonplace. Some work in mines during the day, covered in grime; at night, they mask up and become outlaws roaming the wilderness.
The ambiguity with the Water Ghosts from the sea is expected.
In recent days, everyone kept a surface peace, which was a result of Ji Jue's ruthless actions when cleansing Diaomao Town. This ruthless craftsman, backed by the Security Bureau with support from the Tong family, Lou Family, and even Hai Tide Industries... no one wanted trouble.
But after all, blocking someone's financial path is like killing their parents.
The past trade of tricycles and vans fostered cordial relations, honeyed words, taking advantage of a good deal was no crime, but now, Ji Jue was stepping out, changing the game.
Xinquan and the coast have long been thorns in countless sides.
With such a juicy piece of meat, who wouldn't want a bite?
It's likely that the so-called Blood Cleansing Fleet pirate group is just the vanguard. The Endless Sea is vast, with thousands of islands; how many insane money-hungry pirates are among them?
In other words...
Ji Jue clapped his hands, suddenly realizing: "Finish this wave, and we'll never worry about free cattle and horses again?!"
Not just free labor; better yet, even material could be harvested in abundance... this isn't any foe, it's clearly 'family and friends' he hasn't yet met!
When will such a wonderful opportunity come knocking?
Chin in hand, he was already bursting with anticipation.
Meanwhile, under the same night sky, by the entrance outside Xinquan, a rusty, battered vehicle slowly stopped, and several figures carrying various boxes descended from it.
Under the cold gaze of searchlights, the guards on the post with night vision goggles, guns raised.
"Sorry to bother you, but could you pass a message to Mr. Ji?"
The bearded man in the lead grinned, revealing half a mouthful of gold teeth, and told the person in front of the gate: "The Long Island Chamber of Commerce came specifically to pay a visit."
Soon, Gou Er, who had just taken a quick nap in the guardhouse, was dragged up and stumbled over, squinting at those sincere smiling faces.
He too smiled, but for some reason, his heart was on edge.
Nerves taut.
He glanced at the guards, gave a warning look, then smilingly said: "Sorry, gentlemen, bad timing. With the rainy season approaching, the situation is tight. If you wish to enter the town, you'll need to wait until tomorrow."
The bearded man shook his head, smiling warmly: "We're here to visit Mr. Ji."
Gou Er remained silent, looked at them briefly, then decisively replied: "Sorry, the factory director is busy recently and not accepting outside visitors."
"What are you saying, it takes more than one meeting to know someone well; how can we be outsiders?"
The bearded man leaned closer, grinned, and patted his shoulder: "Besides, although sea and land are far apart, as neighbors who can't truly pay respects, meetings are a must... right?"
In the midst of smiles, a pungent sea stench filled with decay and blood permeates the air!
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