Chapter 20: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole

After trailing for a while longer, the stalker made another call to the person on the other end of the line. On the other end was a middle-aged man, impeccably dressed in a fine suit. A cigar, exuding a rich aroma, was clasped between his fingers. He sat in a room that, despite its luxurious decor, held an air of subtle mystery. The room was dimly lit, with only a few struggling rays of sunlight piercing through the gaps in the heavy curtains, casting faint streaks upon the expensive carpet below.

“Oh? Is that so? Are you certain she has no bodyguards with her today?” The middle-aged man narrowed his eyes slightly, took a deep drag from his cigar, and slowly exhaled rings of smoke, his voice laced with inquiry.

The smoke ascended and dispersed leisurely into the air, casting a veil of uncertainty over the unfolding situation.

Upon hearing the middle-aged man’s question over the phone, the stalker pondered for a moment before offering his reply.

“Boss, she only has a secretary with her. The secretary is unfamiliar, likely new; I haven’t seen them before. None of her usual bodyguards are present. I’m not sure what’s going on, it could be a trap, so please consider your decision carefully.”

The stalker’s voice was hushed, imbued with caution, yet his eyes never strayed from the target vehicle.

After hearing the report, the middle-aged man once again fell into deep thought.

Leaning back against the plush sofa, his fingers tapped a rhythmic ‘thump-thump’ against the armrest.

A moment later, he slowly straightened, a flicker of resolve glinting in his eyes.

“Whatever the reason, this opportunity must be seized. That wretched girl Zi Yanran is usually so cautious, never giving us a chance to act. Since she’s presented this opening herself, if I don’t take it, wouldn’t it seem as if I fear their Zijing Group?”

The middle-aged man’s tone carried a mix of indignation and ruthlessness.

Upon receiving the order, the stalker’s spirits immediately lifted. He quickly composed himself, then unhesitatingly dialed another number.

The moment the call connected, he uttered just two short, forceful words: “Execute.” Then, he hung up.

****

Meanwhile, in the passenger seat of the luxurious sedan, Bai Mengqi cast a sidelong glance at Zi Yanran, who was in the driver’s seat.

Zi Yanran’s long, lustrous black hair cascaded casually over her shoulders. Her delicate features were set in concentration as she drove, yet the slight furrow in her brows betrayed the unease she felt within.

“I think we should deal with those lurking in the shadows first,” Bai Mengqi murmured. “Having them watch us constantly might just expose my identity.”

A chill permeated her gaze, revealing her absolute confidence in handling these hidden stalkers.

Seeing Bai Mengqi’s insistence, Zi Yanran immediately checked the time.

The delicate wristwatch on her wrist gleamed faintly in the sunlight. It was already nearing dusk, and the sky was slowly darkening.

“Are you confident? If we truly make a move, I’ll have to act as bait.”

Zi Yanran turned her head slightly to look at Bai Mengqi, a faint smile playing on her lips. Though her words held a hint of playful teasing, she was earnestly inquiring about Bai Mengqi’s capabilities.

Bai Mengqi smiled confidently, a spark of self-assurance shining in her bright eyes.

“Haven’t you witnessed my abilities before? Four years have passed; I’ve only grown stronger.”

Bai Mengqi’s tone was light yet imbued with undeniable confidence.

Hearing her words, a surge of daring spirit rose within Zi Yanran.

Over the years, countless individuals had sought to assassinate her family. Navigating the perilous and challenging world of business required a certain adventurous spirit. Without it, there was truly no point in remaining within its circles.

“Alright then, let’s lure the snake out of its hole.”

Zi Yanran chuckled, then pressed harder on the accelerator. The car’s engine rumbled deeply. The vehicle shot forward like an arrow released from a bow, heading towards an older district of Jiangcheng.

This old district was the largest in Jiangcheng. Most of the buildings lining its streets were aged, exuding a profound sense of historical wear.

It was a bustling place, teeming with diverse crowds. All manner of people traversed its streets and alleys: hawkers calling out their wares, hurried pedestrians, and idlers chatting by the roadside. Indeed, it was the most vibrant area in all of Jiangcheng.

This area also held a more unique identity: it was a stronghold for Jiangcheng’s awakened individuals.

Here, these awakened individuals were like hidden undercurrents, capable of stirring at any moment and sparking unforeseen events.

“Hm? This direction leads to the old district, doesn’t it?”

Bai Mengqi knew exactly where Zi Yanran was heading with just a distant glance through the car window.

Zi Yanran chuckled, her eyes still fixed on the road ahead. The car, under her skillful control, weaved nimbly through the traffic.

“Where else? Jiangcheng’s Bureau of Awakened Affairs is located here, and this area is also designated by the authorities as a ‘lawless zone’ for awakened individuals,” Zi Yanran explained as she drove.

Indeed, while the proportion of awakened individuals in this world was small, their power was not to be underestimated.

Any single awakened individual, once they decided to act, could effortlessly kill numerous ordinary people.

Their power was like a double-edged sword: it could play a crucial role in critical moments, yet could also bring immense harm to society if it spiraled out of control.

To maintain social stability, nearly every city had such a ‘lawless zone’ – a place where awakened individuals were permitted to engage in combat, provided they did not harm ordinary citizens.

Jiangcheng’s old district perfectly met these conditions.

Furthermore, being directly under the watchful eye of the Bureau of Awakened Affairs, awakened individuals could unleash their full power freely, as long as they avoided attacking ordinary people.

Of course, they couldn’t simply run wild in the streets. They had to try their best to avoid ordinary people, for even though this was an activity zone for the awakened, normal civilian life continued here.

“You know quite a lot, don’t you?” Bai Mengqi remarked, utterly surprised.

She had always assumed Zi Yanran was merely an ordinary businesswoman, never imagining she would possess such extensive knowledge about awakened individuals.

Zi Yanran chuckled, then turned to look at Bai Mengqi once more. This time, however, a strange red glow abruptly illuminated her eyes.

The red light shone eerily in the dim car interior, startling Bai Mengqi.

“You—?”

Bai Mengqi’s eyes widened in astonishment, watching the unsettling red glow in Zi Yanran’s eyes. A powerful surge of doubt welled up within her.

Zi Yanran knew what Bai Mengqi was about to say, so she spoke first.

“Don’t be so surprised. Ever since that incident four years ago, I’ve noticed I’ve become… different. I don’t know if it’s the fox demon’s influence, but do you know why?”

Zi Yanran’s tone held a hint of helplessness and confusion, as she herself was deeply perplexed by the matter.

Bai Mengqi’s brows furrowed. She scrutinized Zi Yanran carefully, attempting to uncover clues to explain this strange phenomenon.

Yet, she couldn’t quite grasp what was happening. She had just realized that Zi Yanran was emitting fluctuations of awakened energy, meaning Zi Yanran was also an awakened individual.

What was truly puzzling was that she hadn’t detected this before.

‘Great Immortaless, what’s going on? This energy fluctuation seems to be the power of that fox demon from back then, doesn’t it?’ Bai Mengqi silently questioned the Great Immortaless within her.

A special connection existed between her and the Great Immortaless, allowing them to communicate telepathically.

The Great Immortaless, too, was somewhat surprised.

From within Bai Mengqi’s body, she had been quietly observing the situation outside. Now, sensing the awakened energy fluctuations emanating from Zi Yanran, she paused in slight astonishment.

“I hadn’t paid much attention to this young girl’s specific condition before. But now, upon closer inspection, I see that the fox demon we eliminated back then wasn’t entirely dead. Before its demise, it injected all of its power and a remnant soul into this girl’s body.”

The Great Immortaless’s voice echoed in Bai Mengqi’s mind, a note of surprise in her tone.

“Furthermore, this fox demon’s power will make her extraordinary. She must have noticed something, but she likely doesn’t know how to wield it. That is, after all, the remnant soul of a fox demon with several centuries of cultivation.”

After her careful observation, the Great Immortaless fully understood Zi Yanran’s situation.

Bai Mengqi nodded, her understanding of Zi Yanran’s predicament now much clearer.