Guangling City.
Fang Yao was watering the flowers on his balcony when he heard the doorbell ring.
"Coming."
Fang Yao set down the watering can, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the droplets from his hands, and went to open the door.
When the door opened, he saw a soldier wearing a Strategic Affairs Department uniform. The soldier saluted Fang Yao, then respectfully took out a phone and said,
"Mister Fang, it's Deputy Commander Bai's call. Please take it."
Fang Yao's expression tightened, and he took the phone.
"This is Fang Yao," he said in a low voice.
A young voice came from the phone. The person on the other end coughed twice, then spoke in a respectful tone.
"Mister Fang, sorry for the trouble."
"This is Bai Shaotang."
"The Ember Plan has been activated."
"We need you to return and take charge of the overall situation."
Fang Yao fell silent for a moment before answering decisively, "All right."
He exchanged a few more words with Bai Shaotang, then handed the phone back to the officer outside.
After taking the phone, the officer saluted again and shouted, "The Strategic Affairs Department and humanity will forever remember your contributions!"
Fang Yao smiled, nodded, and gently pulled the door shut.
He returned to his room and opened the wardrobe, taking out a suitcase.
After opening the suitcase, Fang Yao took out a black military coat, a set of battered armor, and a dust-covered blade.
"Old friend, we meet again."
Fang Yao gently brushed the dust from the blade's sheath, then began changing. A moment later, wearing the black military coat over his battered armor and carrying the long blade, he walked out of his home.
He locked the door, put the key into a document bag, and went downstairs.
Fang Yao drove