"If Xiao Jin really joins forces with Black Phantom, that would be terrible. It would mean he has a powerful weapon in his hands, and he could even seize power by force," someone said.
Todd shook his head. "They wouldn't dare. If a sudden change occurs at headquarters and the high-ranking officials of each faction are massacred, the forces outside will retaliate relentlessly against the enemy. Xiao Jin isn't stupid, and Black Phantom is an outsider. According to the rules, outsiders cannot interfere in our internal changes."
Lagos sneered, his words carrying a deeper meaning, "Foolish! How do you know Xiao Jin hasn't found a better place to go? Doesn't he have other forces backing him? His heart may have long since left Overmela!"
Xiao Jin, with his eyes closed, asked calmly, "What actions have the Main Family Faction taken?"
"Lagos is in charge of everything. They're investigating Delo's death, but unfortunately, there's been little progress. Oh, and Delo's mansion was destroyed by the Black Phantom during the battle; the clues are lost."
Xiao Jin paused, "Who ordered Black Phantom to be brought to the scene?"
"The squad leader who went to control the Black Phantom was named Miri. He died in the chaos of battle that day, killed by a stray bullet."
"Stray bullets... Ha." Xiao Jin shook his head. "What is Black Phantom doing?"
He took no action.
"A wise choice." Xiao Jin nodded and said, "Before the truth about Delo's assassination comes to light, no faction is willing to contact him; once they do, they'll become the target of everyone's attacks."
Xiao Hai, "Those Inhuman are working for him, but I still can't figure out why he can so easily command Inhuman."
"Ignore him, he couldn't be the True Culprit."
After a pause, Xiao Jin asked, "What are the movements of the Red Isle Faction and the Northern Faction?"
"Everyone is cooperating with our Main Family Faction in investigating the leads."
Xiao Jin rubbed his temples and sighed, "Sigh, a barking dog doesn't bite..."
Saqi sat in his office, drew all the curtains, dialed a phone, and said in a low voice:
"Major General, what should we do now?"
What are your thoughts?
"Delo is dead, and the position of head of the family is vacant. A successor must be elected, and I will be running for the position. I hope you will support me."
"Yes, I'll use my connections to help you garner votes from the higher-ups. Once you control Overmela, remember how you got there, and don't forget your agreement with us."
"Must."
After hanging up the phone, Saqi breathed a sigh of relief and revealed a ferocious smile, his Shanu skin wrinkling up.
Han Xiao was very patient. He stayed in his room every day, with the people from the Bamboo Rain Guild acting as his eyes and ears to gather information. Although the information was limited, it kept him from becoming blind.
In return, Han Xiao was generous in assigning quests to the players of the Bamboo Rain Guild... and then opening the skill shop to earn their experience. In this way, he was guaranteed to make a profit.
As mentioned before, as long as Han Xiao's skill level is higher than the player's, repeatedly learning that skill will upgrade the skill. Master Han's skills are all at max level now, so he naturally meets the requirement. Players from the Bamboo Rain Guild keep spending experience on his skill shop, a mutually agreeable arrangement.
"My Basic Combat is maxed out!" Bamboo Rain Little Fei cheered, and the guild members around him eagerly gathered around to check his stats.
Bamboo Rain Xuanxuan said dejectedly, "I'm only level seven."
Bamboo Rain Drifting Fragrance Xiang chuckled, "Who told you to sleep in so late every day and be online so infrequently?"
The players chatted without any restraint, and Han Xiao overheard everything. He discovered something strange: when the players discussed things unrelated to the game, the system would normally mute them, but he could hear them. Without a doubt, it was thanks to the control panel again.
Tap tap tap--
Steady footsteps approached.
Bang! The door was pushed open, revealing a large group of soldiers standing outside. Lagos stood with his hands behind his back in the crowd, coldly saying, "Black Phantom, I suspect you colluded with Xiao Jin to assassinate my father. Now, get up and come with me!"
"Where do you get your confidence?" Han Xiao raised an eyebrow. Lagos had kept a low profile for so many days, but suddenly launched an attack. He must have found some help.
As expected, Lagos scoffed and took a step back. Two people stepped forward from the crowd, a man and a woman.
"I see." Han Xiao patted his pants, stood up, and said calmly, "Looks like you spent a lot of money."
The man and woman were a married couple, Lune and Vanessa, legends in the mercenary world, with a status similar to Han Xiao's in the assassin world. Their strength was also at the peak of the third level on Planet Aquamarine, and they lived until version 2.0.
Lagos secretly contacted powerful individuals, but many refused when they heard about dealing with Black Phantom, unwilling to oppose Han Xiao. Those who dared to come must have absolute confidence. He had investigated their strength and knew that these two were at the same level as Han Xiao; it was safest for them to come together. Black Phantom would be no match for him in a direct confrontation.
Lagos sneered, "Once I catch you, I'll make you obediently spit out everything you know."
Han Xiao shook his head, "Isn't it good to be alive?"
"Hmph, quite arrogant." Lune, a burly black man, cracked his knuckles and scoffed, "I heard you're a good Sniping, but I'm right here three meters away. I won't even give you a chance to fire a shot. And how many punches can you take from me? Hand over your weapon obediently, or I'll smear your brains all over the floor."
In an open space, a third voice suddenly rang out, "Long time no see, Mr. Black."
This voice sounds familiar.
Han Xiao raised an eyebrow, "Hidden Demon? You're here too."
The Hidden Demon did not answer, and the air was filled with killing intent.
So it wasn't two formidable enemies, but three. Han Xiao shook his head and smiled. No wonder Lagos seemed so confident; they really went all out to deal with him.
Sensing the hostility locked onto him by the three powerful figures, Han Xiao smiled. The variable he had been waiting for had finally arrived; this was his chance to demonstrate his overwhelming martial prowess.
The players of the Bamboo Rain Guild were at a loss; they couldn't afford to mess with any of these "extremely dangerous" NPCs.
call--
A sharp gust of wind brushed past him, but Han Xiao activated his Magnetically Controlled Armor in time. He was grazed by Hidden Demon's fingernails, leaving a trail of sparks. In the few months since they last met, Hidden Demon had risen two levels higher and was stronger than when they last fought.
At that time, Han Xiao was unable to Hidden Demon, and the battle ended in a draw.
Now, in terms of the speed of progress, the two are worlds apart!
With a wave of his hand, the Magnetic Chain Split Blade formed a whirlwind, moving at incredible speed, cutting through the air. A series of damage numbers jumped out into the air, and wounds opened up, dripping blood. The wounds then disappeared in the next second, as the Hidden Demon could tighten its skin to conceal them.
The Hidden Demon was startled by the Magnetic Chain Split Blade and hurriedly retreated.
Before Han Xiao could give chase, a suffocating pressure hit him. Vanessa pounced, her fist slamming down. Han Xiao raised his hands to parry, but his hands went numb and ached, his strength falling behind. Vanessa and Lune were both martial artists close to level sixty, their strength, agility, and endurance far exceeding his, a mechanic.
Suddenly, Lune quickly caught up, his fists coming together as one, transforming into a black meteor, its flames blazing, and struck Han Xiao's chest armor with Heavy Strike.
A sharp pain shot through his chest, and a high damage number popped up on the panel. This was an advanced Pugilist Class technique—a powerful shockwave that ignored a portion of physical armor. Players in the previous life used to call it "Strike the Ox Across the Mountain."
Martial artists who have mastered advanced techniques are difficult to deal with and put considerable pressure on him. Han Xiao remained calm, stepped back, and fired large-caliber bullets with both pistols in hand. After his shooting skills reached the maximum level, the power of his firearms was further enhanced.
Vanessa swept her hands together, creating a circular energy shield that deflected the bullets before disappearing.
"External Wave." Han Xiao frowned. It was another advanced technique. Pugilist Class always had a place in any era, and the moves were both stylish and comprehensive.
At this moment, the members of the Bamboo Rain Guild opened fire. Although they knew they couldn't defeat the invading enemy, having chosen the Black Phantom's side, they knew they had to help now!
"Pay attention to your positioning, don't get too close. Xiaofei, Kuku, keep attacking. Xuanxuan, don't get too far forward..." Bamboo Rain Drifting Fragrance shouted the orders. She had experience leading teams in dungeons and arranged the troops according to the method of fighting bosses.
"Inhuman?" Lune was annoyed. He shielded his eyes with his arm, and the bullets were deflected by the protective aura, unable to penetrate his skin.
Vanessa lashed out with her leg, unleashing a sweeping energy blade like a whip that cleaved all the Bamboo Rain Guild players in half at the waist before they vanished in a flash of white light.
The Bamboo Rain Guild was completely wiped out; the difference in strength was too great.
In that brief moment, Han Xiao grabbed his equipment bag full of machinery and rushed into the room.
Lune was about to follow when Vanessa stopped him. "Be careful, he's a mechanic, there might be a trap."
Lune nodded, then slammed his fist into the floor. Cracks spread rapidly from the spot where he punched, and the entire house teetered on the brink of collapse. Destroying the house would turn the battlefield into an open area, rendering any traps set by the Black Phantom useless.
Lagos hurriedly led his soldiers away.
Boom--
The house collapsed with a roar, and the encroaching dust obstructed the view.
Lune squinted and vaguely saw a figure leap out of the ruins. He immediately rushed forward like a warhorse charging, his fists like swinging meteor hammers, leaving dazzling trails as he aimed straight for the figure's head.
"Fall down!" Lune roared.
However, the next moment, he heard the hum of energy and a cold, mechanical voice.
"Power Mode!"
Bang! Lune felt his fist strike a steel wall... No, even steel would be torn apart by this punch, but his punch only made this indestructible "wall" retreat a dozen centimeters, and then the steely sensation enveloped his fist.