South. Near Guangcheng of the original world. A human settlement roughly half the size of Xinbei City.
Inside a traditional courtyard mansion, an elderly man with graying temples sipped tea while seated in an ornate armchair. Before him, two men in black suits knelt on one knee.
“So you’re confirming the young master’s death?” The old man’s voice carried quiet authority—deep, resonant.
“Yes. By the time we arrived, the three mangled remains were severely decomposed, reeking foully. Impossible to identify directly—but fragments of clothing matched the young master’s attire.”
The old man took a slow sip of tea, paused, then asked, “And what does the Saint Paul Kingdom say?”
Behind him, a tall red-haired woman replied, “They openly admitted the operation and released details. Claimed their target was a naturally formed White Bloodsource—meant for the young master’s squad, but intercepted mid-mission by the Liberation Syndicate, who then brutally murdered him and his team.”
*Hmph.* “The Kingdom practically *wants* the Li family to clash with the Syndicate,” the old man snorted. “Too cowardly to face them themselves, yet too prideful to let it go. Hiding in shadows, stirring trouble, sowing discord.”
He sighed. “But it’s an open scheme—we have no choice. To them, it’s just a dead dog. To us… we lost our most precious heir—”
“—my own grandson.” A trace of grief flickered in his eyes.
Just then, a stranger’s voice drifted from the hall entrance: “Seems even Elder Li is hesitating.”
Elder Li narrowed his eyes. A man in a dark gray trench coat and sunglasses strolled in, hands in pockets, moving with casual swagger.
“And who are *you*?” Elder Li’s tone sharpened. “Since when do outsiders meddle in Li family affairs?”
“No need to flare up. I’m just a messenger,” the man said with a relaxed smile, spreading his hands. “Let me finish my introduction—”
His expression turned serious. “Kasheer, Captain of the Third Battalion, Free Army. Here to convey the Warlord’s message.”
“The *Free Army*?” Elder Li’s brow furrowed, expression shifting. “This matter grows livelier than I thought. Even you elusive ‘terrorists’ take interest?”
Kasheer gave a wry chuckle. “Don’t phrase it so harshly. ‘Terrorists’? Merely a difference in perspective.”
“Speak plainly. What does your Warlord want?” Elder Li set his teacup down.
“Our Warlord knows you burn for vengeance. But the Liberation Syndicate is a colossal force—not easily moved.”
“So toppling them may be impossible… but eliminating the very hands that killed your grandson? Entirely feasible.”
Elder Li’s eyes flickered. He stayed silent. He knew the real offer was coming.
“The Free Army will provide the opportunity and aid to secure your revenge. In return—”
“We require your help to obtain the White Bloodsource.”
Elder Li frowned slightly. “I don’t follow.”
“The squad that clashed with your grandson over the White Bloodsource was Loki Squad of the East Asia Branch—a top-tier Class S unit. Even the Li family would bleed heavily trying to take them alone, no?”
“But we have confirmed intelligence: the White Bloodsource is now under research in a lab near East Asia Academy. Loki Squad guards the entire building.”
Elder Li raised an eyebrow. “Hmph. Your Free Army truly has far-reaching reach—to know Syndicate secrets so clearly.”
“Don’t concern yourself with how. Without skill, one doesn’t survive this world.” Kasheer smiled warmly. “The intel is solid. You may trust it.”
“So your Warlord proposes: Li family and Free Army strike the lab together. You retrieve the item. We handle the killings.”
“Precisely.”
Elder Li stroked his beard, silent.
Unhurried, Kasheer bowed with a smile. “Weighty matters need time. When you decide, I’ll return.” He turned and left without delay.
Only Elder Li and the red-haired woman remained. He narrowed his eyes slightly. “Huo’er, you’ve moved widely abroad these years. What do you know of the Free Army?”
She nodded. “An intensely secretive organization. Rarely surfaces. Only faint traces link them to major Western power clashes.”
“Their strength remains unknown. But to hide so completely—leaving zero traces—they’re clearly not to be underestimated.”
“As for this ‘Warlord’… perhaps my knowledge is lacking. I’ve heard nothing of him.”
Elder Li gave a faint “Mm,” then fell into thought.
“Go yourself to the Liberation Syndicate. Demand an explanation for my grandson’s death. Gauge their stance.”
“Yes, sir.” Her figure silently melted into the shadows.
Alone, Elder Li murmured too softly for anyone else to hear: “The White Bloodsource… What allure does this thing hold, to entangle so many powers?”
—
—
Two days later. Miriam’s office.
“*Hah?* An explanation? *From us?*” Petite Miriam slammed the desk, face flushed with rage. “Has that Li old man gone senile? His grandson crossed the wrong people and died—now he blames *our* Liberation Syndicate?”
“What a joke! Do they think we’re pushovers?!”
The red-haired woman stood calmly before her, though tension tightened her jaw. “Your Excellency Miriam… under those conditions, only Loki Squad could have killed the young master.”
“Are you calling my people liars?” Miriam’s eyes flashed dangerously.
“I dare not. But the situation is… highly suspicious.”
“Enough!” Miriam cut her off impatiently. “Tell that old man this has *nothing* to do with us. Stop slandering our name. If the Li family dares challenge the Liberation Syndicate—they’d better weigh if they’re worthy!”
The woman clenched her teeth, forcing calm. “Understood. I’ll report back.”
Only after she left did Miriam sink into her chair, frown deepening. A hint of worry shadowed her brow.
“What *is* the Li family really after…”
—
—
“Hmph! That ungrateful little brat!” Elder Li roared, sweeping a teacup to the floor.
“Tell Kasheer—I accept the cooperation.” A sharp glint ignited in his eyes. “Since you scorn the Li family… we’ll show you our teeth.”
“Huo’er. Personally select our sharpest fighters. Coordinate with the Free Army. Reduce Loki Squad to dust.”
“Yes, sir.” A cold ruthlessness gleamed in her eyes.
Liberation Syndicate… We’ll see.
