The matter was settled.
Chen Yingyin called for backup and explained everything in detail.
Although the detention room had been severely damaged, Xiao Lin was still kept there. This time, several additional officers were stationed outside to guard him around the clock.
He sat in the corner, eyes vacant, as if his soul had been hollowed out.
No matter who spoke to him, he showed no reaction at all.
---
Outside the police station.
Chen Yingyin glanced at Gu Yan, a hint of reproach in her eyes.
"Didn't I tell you to wait in the duty room? What if something dangerous happened?"
Gu Yan shook his head, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed smile.
"But you're my sister," he said softly. "I was worried you might be in danger too."
This kid…
Chen Yingyin felt a warmth in her chest. The trace of unease she had earlier completely disappeared.
The rumors outside really were just rumors after all.
The boy she'd watched grow up might be a little mischievous, but his heart was still kind.
She smiled faintly and reached out to rub his head.
"I know. It's already late—go back quickly."
"Okay, Sister Yingyin. You should be careful too."
Soon, Gu Yan got into the car that had come to pick him up and left.
Only after watching the car disappear into the distance did Chen Yingyin finally turn back into the police station, her heart at ease.
As she walked, Gu Yan's sincere, gentle expression replayed in her mind.
He's really not as bad as people say…
---
Inside the moving car.
The smell of blood filled the enclosed space.
"Hiss… here… take it… this is what you want… cough…"
Mei Xue's vision was blurry. Gritting her teeth against the pain, she covered her wound and slowly opened her palm.
Half of a dragon-shaped jade pendant lay there, stained faintly with blood.
Gu Yan's lips curled upward the moment he saw it.
The jade was crystal clear. Even though it was only half, a hidden power still pulsed within it.
He held it in his hand.
Instantly, his spirit felt lighter, clearer. A pure stream of energy quietly flowed through his body.
"Very good."
Gu Yan smiled in satisfaction.
A sharp glint flashed through his eyes.
This half of the jade pendant was known as the Dragon King Jade—the greatest secret treasure of the Dragon King Palace.
It was said to greatly enhance comprehension and cultivation speed, while also resisting all forms of mental interference and seduction.
Once someone obtained the complete Dragon King Jade, they would have the authority to command the entire Dragon King Palace.
But during a great war long ago, the jade had been split into two halves.
One half remained with the old master of the Dragon King Palace.
The other was in the hands of the Bai family.
Gu Yan recalled the original plot clearly.
According to it, Xiao Lin would be bailed out by the Bai family the very next day. He would then be introduced to their eldest daughter, Bai Qingxue.
The first goal was simple—let the two meet, and ideally, form a marriage alliance.
The second goal was more crucial.
By the rules of the Dragon King Palace, if Xiao Lin wanted to obtain the other half of the jade pendant, he needed the consent of the person holding it.
And that half—the one capable of purifying the mind—was currently in Bai Qingxue's possession.
Gu Yan toyed with the jade pendant in his fingers, amusement flickering in his eyes.
The Dragon King Palace didn't recognize people.
It only recognized the jade.
From the moment the two halves merged into one—
The Dragon King Palace would acknowledge its master.
Isn't this just stealing the protagonist's greatest opportunity?
The Dragon King Jade was far too important to Xiao Lin.
He had to take it.
With that thought, Gu Yan looked toward the front and asked casually,
"Lao Gao, what do you think of Xiao Lin's strength?"
Lao Gao—the driver—had actually arrived at the police station long ago. He was the man in black who had attacked Xiao Lin earlier.
After a brief silence, a rare solemn expression appeared in his eyes.
"Very strong," he said in a deep voice. "That young man is stronger than me."
If Gu Yan hadn't instructed him through the earpiece to throw the jade pendant toward the woman named Mei Xue…
Lao Gao didn't even want to imagine what it would feel like to take Xiao Lin's punch at close range.
After a moment, he spoke again, his tone heavier.
"Master… do you know about warriors?"
During the operation, Lao Gao had already noticed something.
His young master seemed to know far more than he should.
Gu Yan shrugged casually.
"As the eldest son of Jianghai City, why wouldn't I know?"
Lao Gao laughed.
"You're right, Master. But you should take a look at her."
He glanced at the back seat through the mirror.
"The woman coughing up blood… she doesn't look like she'll last much longer."
"..."
Gu Yan turned his head.
Mei Xue's eyes were closed, her face deathly pale. Even her breathing had become faint and uneven.
He sighed softly.
Troublesome.
If she'd followed his plan properly, she wouldn't be injured this badly.
"Go to the hospital—"
He had just opened his mouth when Mei Xue suddenly grabbed his arm.
She struggled to open her eyes and spoke weakly,
"You can't… go…"
"True qi… entered the body… secular methods… won't work…"
In battles between warriors, ordinary medicine could only treat surface wounds. Damage caused by true qi required special means.
Gu Yan frowned.
Where was she planning to go?
Leng Qingqiu?
That wouldn't do. Going there would be no different from dying on the spot.
The next second, Mei Xue forced out the words through clenched teeth:
"Go… tea restaurant…"
Ah. There.
Gu Yan's expression relaxed slightly.
He said calmly to Lao Gao,
"Drive to Jianghai Road."
"Yes, young master."
Before long, the car slowed to a stop on a deserted street.
Gu Yan pursed his lips.
"Get out. You can crawl the rest of the way."
He didn't want his relationship with Mei Xue exposed this early.
He wasn't confident the rest of the Night Organization would keep his secret.
Mei Xue bit her lip, pushed open the door, and staggered out of the car, every step trembling with pain.
As the door shut, the window rolled down.
"The first task is considered complete," Gu Yan said lightly.
Before Mei Xue could respond, the window rolled back up.
The car drove off without hesitation.
Mei Xue watched it disappear, then shook her head faintly, forcing herself to stay conscious.
There are still four things left to do…
Little brother… wait for me.
Your sister will definitely find you.