Chapter Sixty-Five: Peace is Hard to Attain

Misfortune never comes singly.

Just as the peak of the supernatural outbreak approached, unseen enemies continued to lurk in the shadows. The incidents at the Grand Music Hall, the Confession Guillotine, and the Eastern Warehouse all bore clear signs of human involvement.

It had been a long, long time since such a malignant event occurred, affecting nearly a thousand people in one fell swoop like the Grand Music Hall. The grand piano, the origin of the supernatural chaos, could now be confirmed as a weapon of uncanny power, smuggled from outside the city, much like the Confession Guillotine.

"Those bastards..." Even the good-natured Qi Chen could no longer restrain himself, wishing to drag these culprits out and beat them until they couldn’t fend for themselves.

Old Lord, standing nearby, glanced at Qi Chen upon hearing his words, then turned his head away, as if something had crossed his mind.

On the stage, Fu Ying continued, "Facing double threats, as the strongest shield of City No. 3, we must ensure absolute security!

"Starting today, all personnel must maintain the highest state of alert, ready to receive departmental intelligence at a moment's notice and act immediately!"

Bang!

A heavy slap on the table sent a ripple through the room. The members of the Supernatural Affairs Division, their faces solemn, straightened with resolve.

This was a matter of utmost seriousness—a matter of life and death for themselves, for the hundreds of thousands of citizens of City No. 3, for the city's very survival.

"Meeting adjourned! Those in the Special Task Force, stay behind."

A rustle followed as, except for the members Fu Ying designated to remain, the rest of the division rose and left the conference room in orderly fashion. Qi Chen noticed their faces carried a weight far heavier than usual.

Those who remained in the division mostly had at least a year or two of experience; few newcomers were present, but even they had heard enough stories of the past from veterans. Everyone understood the gravity of what Fu Ying had just said.

They would have to lay everything on the line.

...

...

In the blink of an eye, only the Special Task Force and members of the Supervision Division remained in the conference room. The atmosphere, far from relaxing due to fewer numbers, grew even more tense and oppressive.

The burden on the Special Task Force was heavier, and their role more critical.

"Regarding the upcoming supernatural surge, the main responsibility will fall to the other action teams and supernatural agents in the division.

"We’ve weathered similar crises before in City No. 3, and we've made it through to today," Fu Ying set down her pointer, gazing at everyone, especially Qi Chen and the supernatural agents in the front row.

"I trust the rest of the division to handle it.

"But you—your task is singular: fulfill the mission for which the Special Task Force was established!"

Qi Chen unconsciously sat up straight. Did Fu Ying finally have intelligence on the traitors and the Vertical Eye Society? Was it time... to act?

Indeed, it was, though not entirely as he expected.

"According to the Analysis Division’s data, we've now identified most of the Vertical Eye Society members who have infiltrated the city, along with their addresses," Fu Ying’s eyes narrowed, cold murderous intent flashing.

"Old Lord, you’ll lead the team. Eliminate every last one of these rats. I’ve assigned two Special Operations squads to you, and the Analysis Division has formed a dedicated liaison group to fully support your actions."

Old Lord’s head shot up, excitement blazing across his handsome face.

"Understood!"

"Gentle Soul, Mask—you two follow me. There are separate tasks for you."

With that, Fu Ying swiftly assigned tasks to the Special Task Force squad representatives and other department leaders, completing all arrangements at remarkable speed.

Qi Chen once again witnessed the true power of the Supernatural Affairs Division. Without traitors, the Vertical Eye Society might never realize their hideouts and personnel had been completely exposed.

Yet... betrayal existed within their ranks.

He immediately cast his gaze to Fu Ying. Was she not worried that the mission assignments would soon be leaked? Was the safety of operatives not paramount?

Now was not the time to ask. Director Qiu of the Supervision Division, smiling, walked slowly to Fu Ying’s side and spoke:

"Captain Fu, you truly are thorough. But I hope you understand our position—we must assign supervisors to accompany every action, as per our mandate."

"No problem, it’s your duty indeed," Fu Ying replied calmly, circumventing Director Qiu and beckoning Qi Chen and Gentle Soul, "You two, come with me."

They stood at once, following Fu Ying, with Director Qiu’s smile fading as he trailed behind.

...

...

"Captain Fu, do you have something specific for us?" Gentle Soul asked eagerly as they left the conference room.

"Just follow me." When Fu Ying was unwilling to elaborate, none could force her—Qi Chen knew this well by now.

They walked in silence, with little exchange between Qi Chen and Gentle Soul, following Fu Ying all the way to the underground garage of the Supernatural Affairs Division.

This was their destination.

"Too many people upstairs—it's safer to talk here," Fu Ying’s expression seemed more relaxed, though her eyes remained grave. "The reason I summoned you both is simple.

"My sources indicate that the traitor lurking within our ranks is at a higher level than we previously suspected.

"And the number of turncoats is not small. In fact, this isn’t simply a matter of betrayal—it’s tied to a deeper struggle."

"Struggle?" Gentle Soul, more attuned to the internal dynamics of City No. 3 than Qi Chen, immediately questioned. In his experience, the city had always been united.

The various departments under the Administration Hall had long cooperated well, including the Supervision Division; few truly opposed them.

"High-level matters are never as simple as they appear," Fu Ying shook her head lightly. "Old Lord is the visible force I’ve deployed.

"You two will act as my mobile unit. I have a strong feeling that very soon, many things will erupt within City No. 3."

Qi Chen pondered, recalling the urgent matter both Fu Ying and Gentle Soul had mentioned before: Chief Administrator Li, the city’s top official, was due to depart within a day or two.

With his absence, all those foul elements would surely crawl out from the sewers, eager for a chance.

Connecting this with the intelligence he’d overheard at the Grand Music Hall, the mastermind had planted numerous supernatural weapons in City No. 3!

That was precisely what Fu Ying intended to address.

"I’ve obtained intelligence from Refraction. It contains the locations of all those supernatural weapons!"

...