......

The violent movement tore open his already bandaged wounds, causing spots of blood to seep through.

However unwilling Dong Minglong felt, he didn't dare talk back to his father now.

He could only suppress his emotions: "I'll go, I'll go, alright?"

"But I can't swallow this anger! What does that Lu Ding think he is? Just some Third Circle arriviste who only knows how to bully others with his position. He'd better pray hard that he doesn't run into me!!!"

With that, Dong Minglong strode out of the room, packing his things while stewing in his emotions.

Meanwhile.

On the other side.

New City.

Within the chaotic environment, an atmosphere full of pleasurable excitement permeated everywhere.

As an escalator approached its peak, a boot-clad foot lifted just before reaching the top.

At the exact moment it reached the summit.

It descended!

Tap.

This was Lu Ding's first step into this place he had long anticipated.

Fu Xinghe, carrying his briefcase, handed over the prepared plan along with a map that included his personal interpretations.

He spoke from the side.

"Leader, please wait a moment. I'll immediately arrange transportation to the Luo Family."

What he learned in school was now being fully applied and put into practice.

Understanding the situation, conducting reconnaissance visits...

A series of steps were clearly marked on the plan.

Very straightforward, yet very formulaic.

But this wasn't what Lu Ding wanted.

Still, it was fine—he could be tolerant. After all, the two had just met recently, and Fu Xinghe wasn't yet familiar with his operational style.

A few more experiences would help refresh his worldview.

Returning the plan, Lu Ding said, "No need. Let's go directly to the Thousand Gold Hotel."

If there's a monster, of course you kill the monster first. Perfect chance to test the quality of Second Circle monsters.

Fu Xinghe paused briefly, his brain clearly accelerating its processing speed.

"Leader, the Thousand Gold Hotel is currently sealed off. Based on available information, the monster might still be inside."

"Although Chen Feichen and Zhang Ying's cultivation levels weren't extremely high, they weren't low either. A monster capable of killing them might be somewhat troublesome."

"Moreover, sealing the area without killing the monster or letting it escape suggests they're preparing for two scenarios. If the higher-ups at 749 Bureau investigate, they can push this monster out to take the blame."

"If the higher-ups don't pursue it, then the locals will probably handle the monster themselves after things cool down."

"So if we go directly now, we're very likely to run into the local personnel."

Rational, data-driven, and thoroughly reasoned.

Lu Ding was quite satisfied.

Only someone like this could better share some of the miscellaneous tasks after getting used to his methods.

So Lu Ding was willing to offer him an explanation.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried immense impact.

"That's exactly what I want—to run into them. If people block us, kill the people. If monsters block us, kill the monsters."

Fu Xinghe was stunned by these words.

Such a direct, no-frills approach to missions...

He was truly...

Bowing his head, he quickly stuffed the plan into his briefcase: "Understood!"

"I'll arrange transportation immediately!"

The two walked outward, having just exited the station.

A self-driving ride-hailing car pulled up in front of them.

They got in, speeding all the way without the slightest hesitation, heading straight for the Thousand Gold Hotel in White Ridge.

Meanwhile, outside the Thousand Gold Hotel.

Luo Family 'volunteers' were patrolling the perimeter of the hotel under the leadership of White Ridge 749 investigators.

Reaching a corner.

Two White Ridge 749 investigators had just stopped.

A Luo Family Qi Refiner immediately pulled out cigarettes and lit one for Assistant Investigator He Yuhao.

He took a deep drag, exhaling clouds of smoke.

Smoke rings drifted upward.

He Yuhao leaned against a utility pole, speaking casually: "Ah, it's only Wednesday today. We won't change shifts until next week. So annoying."

Primary Investigator Nie Yi stood with arms crossed, watching him: "What can we do? We drew the short straw. This Friday my best friend is getting married—we agreed I'd be her bridesmaid. Now there's absolutely no time..."

Hearing this.

The Luo Family volunteer who had lit the cigarette earlier.

Immediately had an idea and picked up his phone.

While transferring money to Nie Yi, he said: "Ah, Investigator Nie's best friend is getting married? Such an important event, and we didn't even know."

"And now because of our matters, we're delaying your personal affairs. Our apologies, truly our apologies."

"This is just a small token of my feelings. Please help pass it along to the sister who's getting married."

Hearing this, Nie Yi smiled and took out her phone.

Seeing the transfer amount on her screen, she clicked accept without any qualms.

Then she said: "Alright then, I'll explain the situation to her. What can I do? I'm a 749 investigator after all."

The other Luo Family volunteers quickly followed suit with their own transfers.

Not feeling any heartache over it.

After all, when they reported the reason later, the family would reimburse them.

The first young man who transferred money took out a bottle of water, unscrewed it, and handed it to Nie Yi, flattering her: "You're serving the people—it's truly hard work."

"During our break tonight, let me make a call to reserve a spot for a simple meal?"

Nie Yi accepted the water: "No hardship. Like you said, it's serving the people."

Then she added the finishing touch: "I don't eat ginger."

Only then did she raise her head to drink.

As she lowered her head after drinking, a ride-hailing car slowly approached and came to a stop.

Everyone's attention was instantly captured. After all, since that incident at the Thousand Gold Hotel, hardly anyone came to this area.

They watched as the car door opened.

Fu Xinghe, wearing his administrative jacket, quickly stepped out and ran around to open the other door, protecting the occupant's head.

Lu Ding emerged from the vehicle.

Looking up at the Thousand Gold Hotel where battle scars still remained, he commented.

"They're not even bothering to pretend anymore."

He Yuhao found both faces unfamiliar but their aura extraordinary. Tossing his cigarette butt, he asked: "Which unit are you from?"

With his question.

Several Luo Family volunteers stepped forward.

Just as Fu Xinghe reached for his credentials, saying: "We are from..."

Lu Ding stepped forward.

The sound of his footfall was crisp, as if heaven and earth contained only this single sound.

Tap.

Squelch!!!

Several Luo Family volunteers instantly turned into minced flesh and blood, splattering back in the direction they came from, dead beyond any possible reconstruction.

This mission was very clear: eliminate the bandits, kill the monster. Evidence wasn't necessary—having the list was enough.

Lu Ding had no time to waste explaining things to these people.

"Why waste words with them."

Fu Xinghe froze in place.

School... didn't teach it this way...

Lu Ding advanced.

Nie Yi and He Yuhao instantly felt as if facing a great enemy, all the hairs on their backs standing up.

The intensity of the person before them was completely beyond anything they could hope to challenge.

Therefore, they could only raise the banner of White Ridge 749, attempting to intimidate Lu Ding: "We are investigators from White Ridge 749! They are from White Ridge 749's..."

"Silence."

Lu Ding's voice seemed to carry reverb, exploding beside Nie Yi's ears, making her feel mountainous pressure forcing her body involuntarily to kneel.

Her vision shifted, seeing the ground coming closer and closer.

Her eyes rolled upward, only to see that Lu Ding had somehow already arrived before her.

Lifting his leg, delivering a kick.

From top to bottom.

BAM!!!!!