Chapter 642: Chapter 394: Out of the Wolf’s Den, Into the Tiger’s Mouth!

Shen Wuxiang felt humiliated.

Young man, no matter what you do, you must pour your heart into it, let alone something as complicated as deceiving people.

Seven from the Security Bureau died, and three hundred twenty-one were injured, with many losing arms and legs. Dozens more would have to leave front-line combat and transition to civilian roles.

Even Director Guo Nu of the Security Bureau had been severely beaten—his face swollen blue and green, and one of his arms broken.

It was clear that the Lu Clan had taken out all their anger on them.

What about the Monitoring Bureau?

The Inspectors did indeed get hurt, but in Shen Wuxiang’s view, that was just to make the situation look more ‘convincing.’

After all, it wouldn’t be acceptable if not a single person from Tang Fei and those he brought with him was unmoved.

So, sacrificing a few scapegoats while Tang Fei remained completely unharmed also left him with an excuse to retort: “Our people got hurt too.”

What kind of tactic was this?

This was shamelessness!

This was hooliganism!

How could Shen Wuxiang accept this?

Tang Fei bowed his head, adopting a cautious demeanor as if overwhelmed by Shen Wuxiang’s aura and afraid to look up.

“Lord Military Minister, please calm your anger. Even if I had a hundred guts, I wouldn’t dare to deceive you. Every word I say is the absolute truth, without any falsehood.”

Tang Fei glanced at Guo Nu standing beside him and spoke out, “When they tried to forcibly take me away, I fought back desperately… I said I would support Director Guo through thick and thin, in life and death…”

“Unfortunately, they didn’t listen to me at all and dragged me away using brutal and violent means… On this point, Director Guo can vouch for me.”

“Director Guo, isn’t it true? Didn’t I say those words?”

Guo Nu glared fiercely at Tang Fei and shouted angrily, “Tang Fei, don’t try to wriggle out of this, you’re in cahoots with them…”

Guo Nu originally had a doughy face, which had gotten even puffier after the beating.

It turned into a steamed bun face.

At first glance, he resembled a giant and ugly SpongeBob SquarePants.

Of course, that’s only referring to his head.

His body was still bulky, like a log that had swollen in water.

He truly detested Tang Fei.

When he was opposing Lu Dongsheng, Tang Fei hid behind him and said nothing.

When he was being ground into the floor by Lu Dongsheng, Tang Fei was tucked away in the backyard without spending a penny to help.

The Military Minister sent him to assist and support himself—was this his aid? His support?

Looking perplexed, Tang Fei turned to Guo Nu and said, “Director Guo, how can you slander people? You say I’m in league with them; what evidence do you have?”

“Evidence? We’ve all been beaten up like this, and you’re unscathed—isn’t that proof enough?”

“Those who seek to frame others will always find excuses. I could also claim that you are in cahoots with the Lu Clan, and that they beat you up like this… because you had agreed to perform a self-harming ruse to deceive the Military Minister…”

“Nonsense. I am utterly loyal to the Military Minister; how could I possibly be in league with the Lu Clan? You’re spitting blood…”

“I believe you.” Tang Fei interrupted Guo Nu, speaking sincerely, “I could say that but I won’t… because I have no evidence of you colluding with the Lu Clan.”

“…” Guo Nu stared wide-eyed at Tang Fei.

What kind of devil was this?

Why had he never encountered one before?

He wanted to retort, to say something.

But he found he couldn’t say anything.

Because Tang Fei was ‘considering’ his position.

I could besmirch you, but I didn’t.

Because I have no evidence, I choose to believe you.

And what had he done?

Claimed that Tang Fei was with the Lu Clan without any proof…

How to deal with such despicable character?

After rendering Guo Nu speechless, Tang Fei finally raised his head to look at Shen Wuxiang and said, “Lord Military Minister, I’m not a wise man, but I’m not as foolish as Director Guo thinks… You should know what I’ve been through with the Lu Clan.”

“Gongshu Wuyu was captured by me, Lu Yunhang was captured by me, and I’ve arrested hundreds from the Lu Clan’s direct lineage and affiliate officials… All these crippling blows to the Lu Clan were my doing.”

“I don’t know if the Lu Clan wants to flay and dismember me, but they most certainly loathe me to the bone…”

Phoenix’s expression was gloomy as he asked, “If that’s the case, why didn’t they give you a hard time?”

“I found it strange before too. Although I was university classmates with Lu Siyu, and we did have a good relationship… yet, ever since my conflict with the Lu Family began, we haven’t had any contact for a long time.”

“The Military Minister should also be aware that in the face of family interests, those little feelings between young men and women really aren’t worth mentioning…”

“However, Lu Dongsheng let me go for this reason. He not only did not harm me, but he also dragged me to the back yard to be served with good tea and fruit…”

“To tell the truth, I’m not sure what they really want to do… But one thing I do understand, they don’t have good intentions.”

Phoenix’s gaze seemed thoughtful as he scrutinized Tang Fei, as if evaluating the truthfulness of his words.

Tang Fei hung his head low, sensing Phoenix’s gaze upon the crown of his head as if it were a tangible weight.

There was a fiery heat on his scalp.

He didn’t know the level of Phoenix’s cultivation realm, but, to be firmly seated as the Military Minister, one needed substantial strength.

And, the Shen Family was originally the storehouse of the richest collection of secret books of cultivation.

The Shen Family had also produced many young talents, geniuses in the martial arts.

Shen Xinglan was the youngest Grandmaster, and the other young members of the Shen Family were not far behind.

This was also the reason why the Shen Family was so deeply dreaded.

After a long while, Phoenix spoke, “Perhaps, this is their counter-intelligence strategy?”

“Very likely.” Tang Fei raised his head, nodded seriously, and said, “If they could cause strife between the Security Bureau and the Monitoring Bureau, even to the extent of mutual suspicion and hostility… who would stand to benefit?”

“That’s enough, I understand now.” Phoenix looked at Tang Fei and said, “Your people are injured too, take them to get treated quickly.”

“That’s it?” Tang Fei asked, his face filled with unwillingness.

Phoenix looked at Tang Fei and asked, “What would you like to do?”

“The Security Bureau and the Monitoring Bureau enforce the law, yet we faced unjust and brutal resistance from the Lu Family, causing us heavy losses… Shouldn’t we seek justice from them?”

Phoenix looked at Tang Fei and said, “The Lu Family has committed crimes against the law by killing and injuring law enforcement officers. The Empire will certainly seek justice for you.”

“However, given the gravity of the matter, the Military Committee needs to discuss this… And we need the support and stance of the Phoenix Palace…”

“I understand.” Tang Fei nodded, respectfully saying, “Then I will leave it to the Military Minister.”

“Mhm, go ahead.”

Tang Fei looked at Director Guo with concern and said, “Director Guo, take good care of your injury, we need you as our mainstay…”

“…” Director Guo.

After Tang Fei left, Director Guo, with a look of surprise, said, “Military Minister, you’re just letting this kid go?”

“What, should I have him chopped into pieces?”

“I mean… does the Military Minister really believe Tang Fei’s words? That this is the Lu Family’s scheme to sow discord?”

Phoenix cast a profound glance at Director Guo and said, “What do you think?”

Director Guo did not dare to answer.

“Go and rest as well.” Phoenix said.

“Yes, Military Minister.”

After Director Guo had also left, Sun Shehu, who had been silent in the corner, walked over with a smile and said, “Congratulations, Military Minister, everything is within your control.”

“Lu Dongsheng really did it.” A mocking smile emerged on the corners of Phoenix’s mouth as he said, “Are they ready to tear off all pretense?”

“His impulsive action has pushed the Lu Clan to the brink. Now, Military Minister, you can brandish the sword of justice to strike down those who’ve fallen… There’s no need to mention the Military Committee, as the Royal Family too can only stand by your side…”

Phoenix shook his head slightly and said, “Things are not that simple.”

“Is the Military Minister worried about further complications?”

“The Phoenix Palace surely understands my intentions,” said Phoenix. “Do they truly wish to see the Lu Family destroyed by me or used by me?”

“That depends on what reasons they will use to refute the Military Committee’s decision.”

“Have a carriage prepared, I’m off to the Phoenix Palace.”

——

Monitoring Bureau.

Yan Wenli walked around Tang Fei twice, then reached out to touch his arm and patted his shoulder, asking, “Are you unharmed?”

Tang Fei wore a bitter smile and said, “Director, if you want to know something, just ask directly… Can we not beat around the bush? I’m scared.”

He had just emerged from a wolf’s den and entered a tiger’s lair.

Tang Fei knew that Yan Wenli would definitely have suspicions about his identity.

He thought so, having wished that Lu Dongsheng could have given him a few punches to the face…