Chapter 108: Beginning to Gather Intelligence

Lin Feng had already arrived in the island nation, but back home, the situation was far from quiet. Especially after the news of Xia Ruoxi’s attack spread, more and more people in the circle were paying close attention. Today, someone dared to assault a member of the Lin family, one of the four great families of Yanjing; next time, who knew if they would target members of other families? Everyone was deeply concerned about who had the audacity to provoke such a powerful figure.

Secrets hardly existed in Yanjing’s inner circles. It wasn’t long before the assailant’s identity was uncovered by other families through special means. Yet, what puzzled everyone was when did the Lin family come into conflict with the Iga clan from the island nation?

While members of other families felt frustrated, the Wang family’s reaction was somewhat different. At this moment, the elderly Mr. Wang sat worried in his study, speaking to his two other sons about the visit from Iga Tengxiang of the Iga clan.

“Tell me, don’t you think the Wang family is being blamed unfairly here?” Wang Boyi sighed after hearing the old man’s complaints, speaking to the others with a hint of helplessness.

Wang Boyi’s brothers, Wang Boyi and Wang Boyi’s son, nodded in agreement. “Although this has nothing to do with us, the Iga clan came all the way to Yanjing and only visited the Wang family. If we don’t clarify things publicly, the other families in Yanjing will surely hate us, thinking we invited the island nation’s clan to cause trouble here!” Wang Boyi analyzed again.

“You don’t need to say that. The moment I learned about this, I immediately informed the national authorities and the Lin family,” the old man said irritably, cutting in as soon as his eldest son finished speaking. “I explained in detail the relationship between the Iga clan and our Wang family to clear our name. They won’t blame us because of the Iga clan’s actions!”

Wang Boyi knew his father was troubled and nodded silently, choosing not to argue further.

However, Wang Man was curious about how the situation would unfold. Looking at the elders in the study, he asked, “So how is the Lin family handling it? After all, the attack was aimed at Xia Ruoxi. Can Lin Feng really stay calm?”

“Of course not. According to unofficial sources, Lin Feng already took a flight tonight to the island nation. It seems the Iga clan is in trouble!” The old man paced the study anxiously but still patiently explained to Wang Man and the others.

Upon hearing this, Wang Man’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Haha, isn’t this our chance? Lin Feng has flown to the island nation; we can warn the Iga clan in advance. If we can eliminate Lin Feng, the Lin family’s hope of reviving alongside the old families will be shattered!” Such a suggestion revealed the deep hatred Wang Man harbored toward Lin Feng. Whenever an opportunity arose, he wanted nothing more than to see Lin Feng dead.

Wang Boyi’s expression darkened, growing colder by the second.

Yet Wang Boyi’s father, Wang Boyi, surprisingly considered the idea seriously for a moment and then enthusiastically agreed, “Old master, Wang Man’s suggestion is worth trying.”

This outlook chilled Wang Boyi to the bone.

Unable to hold back any longer, Wang Boyi stood up and shouted at the old man and Wang Boyi’s father, “Are you all mad? Isn’t it enough to have provoked the Lin family and Lin Feng? How could you come up with such a rotten idea? And you, old master, seriously considering this? Have you thought about the consequences? If this leaks out, how can the Wang family survive in Yanjing? And do you really think the Iga clan can kill Lin Feng? With his personality, if he survives, he’ll be the first to turn his blade against us!” This was the first time Wang Boyi had ever spoken so loudly to the old man, a testament to his profound disappointment in the family.

“Enough, Boyi. They’re only thinking about the family’s interests. Don’t get so worked up. This is just an internal discussion, not a real plan!” The old man was taken aback by his eldest son’s outburst and softened his tone, no longer speaking with confidence.

“Hmph, just talk, huh? Do you really think I’m a fool? When have you ever listened to me all these years? If you want to deal with Lin Feng, fine—I won’t get involved. But if you do, I’m leaving the Wang family to start my own path! I refuse to be dragged down by your stupidity.” Wang Boyi was dissatisfied with the old man’s response. Perhaps past stubborn and mistaken decisions had worn down his faith. Resolute, he said this before storming out of the study, leaving behind the stunned faces of the Wang family elders.

Meanwhile, at the island nation, Lin Feng and Zhao Ze were dropped off by a taxi. Lin Feng looked at Zhao Ze in astonishment, surprised that Zhao Ze was fluent in the island nation’s language.

Seeing Lin Feng’s amazed expression, Zhao Ze sheepishly scratched his head and explained, “I know several foreign languages. I learned them back in the military when we often had overseas missions.”

Lin Feng was somewhat taken aback by Zhao Ze’s skills. He said nothing but patted Zhao Ze on the shoulder and led the way into the hotel.

Uncertain of Lin Feng’s intention, Zhao Ze followed closely. This hotel was one Zhao Ze often stayed at during his previous missions in the island nation. Its unique feature was that guests didn’t need to register their identification—just pay and stay. This led to a mix of all sorts of people residing there, but for people like Lin Feng and Zhao Ze with a purpose, it provided cover.

Though the registration was lax, the hotel’s facilities and decor rivaled the five-star hotels Lin Feng knew. He thought to himself that this could only happen in the island nation. In their homeland, a hotel that failed to check guests’ identities would have long been shut down by the authorities.

Soon, Lin Feng and Zhao Ze booked a suite. After entering and thoroughly checking for any listening devices, Lin Feng turned to Zhao Ze, “You seem to know the island nation quite well. It’s impressive that you know about a place like this.”

“Thank you, Young Master Lin. Back in the military, our seniors brought us here. After getting familiar, I came on my own. You should get settled; later, I’ll take you somewhere. That place is the gathering spot for the island nation’s underground forces. Many pieces of information can be obtained there,” Zhao Ze explained when Lin Feng showed interest.

Lin Feng, unfamiliar with the island nation, had no choice but to follow Zhao Ze. Hearing this promising place, Lin Feng nodded in agreement.

As night fell over the island nation, lights glittered everywhere. The streets bustled with people: men dressed sharply as businessmen, clutching briefcases as they hurried along; many women were dressed provocatively, wearing cheap perfume that was so strong it made Lin Feng cover his nose as he passed by. From their attire, Lin Feng knew their profession well. It was no surprise—the island nation was the most developed place in their world for such specialized industries.

Soon, Zhao Ze hailed a taxi and, speaking in the island language, gave the driver the destination. The driver immediately recognized the place, prompting Zhao Ze to wave Lin Feng over to get in.

The destination was likely not far from their hotel. The ride was about twenty minutes, with stops here and there. The taxi stopped at an intersection, and after paying, Zhao Ze got out with Lin Feng.

“This is a nightclub. Although the Iga clan wields great power in the island nation, they can’t control all the underground forces. Many small gangs still exist, and their members love to gather here. So this is the most information-rich spot in the island nation,” Zhao Ze explained as they got out.

But Lin Feng scanned the surroundings and saw no nightclub, not even a decent building—just a dilapidated slum. Curious, he asked, “Nightclub? There isn’t a single tall building here. Where is the nightclub?”

“Heh, Young Master Lin, you don’t know. This nightclub isn’t above ground—it’s underground!” Zhao Ze smiled and stomped a few times on the ground.

“Of course, it’s the favorite haunt of the underground forces—hidden well indeed!” Lin Feng chuckled and eagerly urged Zhao Ze to lead the way. He was eager to see this mysterious underground nightclub.

But Zhao Ze first gave a warning, “Young Master Lin, this nightclub has a strange rule—they’re very exclusive. If they detect you don’t speak authentic island language, it could be dangerous.”

“Alright, I get it! I won’t say a word tonight anyway—I don’t understand their language. You handle all the communication, okay? Now lead the way; you’re so talkative,” Lin Feng said impatiently.

Seeing Lin Feng’s eagerness, Zhao Ze shook his head with a wry smile. Knowing Lin Feng understood the situation, he said no more and led the way to a peculiar entrance that looked like a junkyard. Several flamboyantly dressed men stood guard, clearly members of the underground forces. They stopped Zhao Ze and Lin Feng and thoroughly searched them, ensuring they carried no weapons before reluctantly letting them in.

Following damp sewer stairs, winding and descending deep underground, Lin Feng felt they were far beneath the surface. Just as his patience wore thin, Zhao Ze stopped and said, “We’ve arrived!”