Chapter 1859 - 2051: Punishment for Betrayal

After more than ten minutes had passed, upon Zhu Hong’s signal, the researcher picked up a syringe and injected a drug into Qi Yong’s body. Soon, the anesthetized Qi Yong slowly awakened. He opened his eyes, looked at the terrified researcher beside him, and asked, "Is it all done?"

The latter opened his mouth but didn’t know what to say, so he simply looked at Zhu Hong. Seeing the unusual expression on the other’s face, Qi Yong couldn’t help but follow his gaze. At the moment Zhu Hong appeared in his sight, his face suddenly changed, and he exclaimed, "Zh... Mr. Zhu, how... how come..."

Zhu Hong spoke with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, "You want to ask me why I’m here, don’t you?" He rose slowly, walked to the bedside, and looked at Qi Yong’s fearful face, saying, "Did you think I was easy to deceive? I asked you to handle those two Soul Stones to test you, to see what you would do. Unfortunately, your actions disappointed me greatly. If you had been faithful to me, once I rise above others, your future would have been bright, but you single-handedly buried your future."

"No, it’s not like that," Qi Yong hurriedly explained, "I was just..."

"Just what?" Zhu Hong sneered, "Are you telling me you wanted to help me test the effects of the Soul Stone? Qi Yong, having ambition is normal, I understand that, but if a person’s ability doesn’t match their ambition, then you are digging your own grave."

"I..." Qi Yong tried to sit up, but he quickly realized his limbs wouldn’t obey him. Looking closely, his pupils contracted, face full of horror, "How... how did I become like this?"

"I had someone do it, consider it a lesson for you." After speaking, Zhu Hong pointed at the researcher, "Take out the Soul Stone from his body."

"Yes!" The researcher dared not delay, quickly picked up a scalpel, reopened Qi Yong’s abdomen, took out the bleeding Soul Stone, and respectfully handed it to Zhu Hong.

"No! No!" Qi Yong shouted loudly, eyes filled with despair. After knowing the stone’s miraculous properties, he had exhausted every effort to fuse with the Soul Stone, hoping to rise swiftly. In doing so, he thought he’d have enough strength to replace Zhu Hong. But not until this moment did he realize all his actions were watched by Zhu Hong.

"Rest assured." Zhu Hong patted Qi Yong’s shoulder, smiling, "I won’t kill you. You’ll continue to stay by my side. I want everyone to know what happens when someone betrays me."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding subordinates felt chills all over. This was too cruel. Even though Zhu Hong was smiling, the expression on his face felt more terrifying than a demon.

...

In the blink of an eye, Ling Chen had been at the base for over a week. During this time, after careful recuperation, his body had almost fully recovered. At the moment, in the base’s control room, Ling Chen, Tong Zhentian, Hu Fei, and Tang Guoxiong gathered to discuss the reconstruction of the Dragon Tiger Hall. The hall was initially designed and built by Tang Guoxiong, and his involvement was crucial for its reconstruction. Lately, Tang Guoxiong had been semi-retired, and with Ling Chen’s help, he settled down in East Sea City, seldom involving himself with base affairs.

Just then, Hu Fei received a phone call. After hearing its contents, his eyes brightened instantly, and he grinned, "Well done. Once you’re back, I’ll certainly reward you heavily."

Seeing him hang up, Ling Chen asked, "What happened that’s got you so happy?"

"Persistence pays off. We’ve finally found Su Cheng’en’s whereabouts."

"Really?" Ling Chen’s face lit up, quickly asking, "Where are they?"

"They’re still in Beijing, but not at the Su Family’s place," Hu Fei said, "They are cunning, hiding in a rental apartment. It’s no wonder I couldn’t find them for so long. Apparently, Su He’s injury hasn’t healed yet, so Su Cheng’en went to buy medicine at a pharmacy and was caught by a street surveillance camera."

"Su He lost an arm; it’s difficult to recover swiftly, which gives us a good opportunity," Ling Chen said, getting up and heading straight out.

"Hey! Where are you going?"

"I’m going to inform the old brother about this news. Oh, call the people in Beijing to keep an eye on Su Cheng’en. Don’t let him slip away. Also, get us plane tickets and gather everyone to rendezvous in Beijing."

"Rest assured, this small task is on me," Hu Fei patted his chest with confidence.

After some preparation, the group finally arrived in Beijing at Falcon Private Security Company after hours of travel. Knowing they were coming, Jiang Yunkai awaited them at the door early on.

"Chen!"

"Kai," Ling Chen quickly stepped forward, giving him a big hug, smiling, "Long time no see. How’ve you been lately?"

"Thanks to you, I am now part of the upper class," Jiang Yunkai laughed.

Recently, Ling Chen seldom had time to reunite with Jiang Yunkai, Jiang Hao, and Zhao Zhengxiong. However, they’re all doing well. Jiang Hao and Zhao Zhengxiong continue managing East Sea City’s underground forces while Jiang Yunkai stays in Beijing managing Falcon Company and underground affairs. Compared to when they first met, these three are no longer small-time thugs; each has carved out their own space and career, which greatly pleases Ling Chen.

Now their lives are stable, so Ling Chen doesn’t want to involve them in these conflicts.

"Chen, I’ve arranged everyone’s accommodations. Let’s rest first and then have a meal later."

"There’s no need for the meal; we still have other matters to attend to."

"Chen, do you need my help?"

Ling Chen shook his head, "No, just focus on your duties."

While resting at Falcon Company, Ling Chen made time to visit Dong Ying. Dong Ying is considered a veteran member of Falcon Company, and she has greatly contributed to its growth. As Ling Chen promised earlier, Dong Ying is now not just an assistant to the chairman but the general manager, helping Jiang Yunkai run the company.

"Ling Chen, I just got word that Su Cheng’en and Su He are still at the rental apartment without any movement. If we’re going to act, it’s best to do it early to prevent them from relocating."

"That place is crowded and inconvenient for action now. It could create unnecessary chaos. Let’s wait until nighttime," Ling Chen replied.