Chapter 110: Zhao Ze’s Failed Reconnaissance

Observing the murderous intent radiating from Lin Feng within the suite, Zhao Ze felt a pang of regret for the negligence that had led to their current predicament. He hurried forward to console him. "Young Master Lin, what is done is done. Regret is useless. We must look ahead; isn't that why we came here—to make amends?"

Lin Feng, hearing Zhao Ze’s words, snapped out of his trance. He offered a sheepish smile and replied, "Heh, forgive my lack of composure. I was being too sensitive. Let's get some rest; there is much to be done tomorrow, and we need to keep our strength up."

With that, he stood up and retreated into one of the vacant rooms in the suite. Seeing this, Zhao Ze walked into another empty room, closed the door, and prepared to rest. After a long, busy night, both men were exhausted. With tomorrow’s circumstances remaining unknown, getting enough sleep to face the unpredictability ahead was the most prudent course of action.

Back in his room, Lin Feng did not lie down. Spending his first night alone in a foreign land, he suddenly found himself missing Xia Ruoxi. He wondered what she was doing at this very moment. He had never expected that a simple, ordinary girl like her would be dragged into such bizarre and perilous events just by being with him.

Thinking of this, Lin Feng felt a deep sense of guilt. As his thoughts lingered, the sleepiness vanished. He sat up, crossed his legs, and began to practice his cultivation technique. Having just broken through to the first level of the Human Emperor Canon, he wanted to take this opportunity to consolidate his progress. In a place where he was a stranger, only by increasing his personal strength could he ensure his survival.

Across the hall, the scene in Zhao Ze's room was identical. Zhao Ze sat cross-legged on his bed, training. It was no wonder he had made such rapid progress; he was incredibly diligent. Knowing he had started training late and missed the prime age for development, Zhao Ze always compensated with time. Where others spent four hours, he spent eight or more. While many in this world possess talent, few possess the persistence to keep working; Zhao Ze was clearly the latter.

The night passed in silent cultivation.

The next day, just as the first light of dawn touched the sky, Lin Feng emerged from his room, having completed his morning session. After a night of consolidation, he felt his body in a state of unprecedented vigor. If his internal energy had felt like a small stream before the breakthrough, it now felt like a rushing river—a transformative change.

After a quick wash, Lin Feng practiced a set of boxing techniques in the suite’s living area as a morning exercise. The sound of his movements stirred Zhao Ze, who soon stepped out of his room.

The previous night, Zhao Ze had not only been training; he had also received a call from the members of their organization. They informed him that the entire group had successfully infiltrated the island nation using special methods and were waiting at a hidden location for his orders.

"Good morning, Young Master Lin!" Zhao Ze greeted him as soon as he appeared.

"I couldn't sleep, so I got up early. Did I disturb you?" Lin Feng asked.

"Young Master, I have good news. All one hundred members have arrived in the island nation without a single loss. They are waiting at a secure, hidden location for our next instructions," Zhao Ze reported, recalling the information he had received.

Lin Feng stopped his exercises and looked at Zhao Ze in surprise. He found it hard to believe that every single member had been willing to come, especially after he had warned them that this mission was no game and would likely cost lives.

"Young Master Lin, I am certain—all one hundred members have arrived," Zhao Ze reaffirmed, seeing Lin Feng’s stunned expression.

"Excellent! Then we shall play a grand game this time. Let the Iga clan see that my people are not to be trifled with, and that those who cross us will pay a heavy price!" Lin Feng said solemnly, looking at Zhao Ze with satisfaction.

Anxious to meet the group, Lin Feng urged Zhao Ze to lead the way. After a quick wash and a change of their disguises, the two left the hotel.

After traveling through various modes of transportation, Zhao Ze led Lin Feng to an abandoned warehouse in the suburbs. In such a desolate place, even animals were scarce; it was a mystery how Zhao Ze had found it.

The scouts outside the warehouse noticed them immediately. As they approached, the guards hurried forward to report to Zhao Ze, who patted their shoulders in encouragement before leading Lin Feng inside.

The members inside had heard the commotion and greeted them with excitement as they entered.

"Assemble!" Zhao Ze commanded, his brow furrowing at the chaotic crowd.

These men, having been strictly trained by Zhao Ze, reacted instantly. Within two minutes, all one hundred members stood in perfect formation before Lin Feng and Zhao Ze.

Nodding in approval, Zhao Ze addressed them: "Welcome to the island nation. Let me introduce you to the man you call the God of War—Young Master Lin!" He gestured toward Lin Feng.

Lin Feng, surprised at this title, stepped forward. While he was confused, the hundred members were not. Ever since Lin Feng had taken control of the Longteng Gang, Zhao Ze had instilled in them the belief that Lin Feng was a peerless master. In their hearts, he was an invincible god.

"I am grateful for your presence. Knowing the life-threatening danger this mission entails, your willingness to come moves me deeply. I believe that if you survive this battle, you will never regret this choice; you will emerge as warriors," Lin Feng said, releasing his aura. The internal energy of the first level of the Human Emperor Canon radiated from him, making him appear as majestic as an emperor.

The members were electrified, looking at Lin Feng with intense fervor. If he had ordered them to charge into a sea of fire, they would have done so without hesitation.

After dismissing them, Lin Feng learned that several members were fluent in the local language—a testament to the wealth of talent within the Longteng Gang.

"Young Master, I intend to take these men to gather intelligence and locate the Iga Tengka and the Falcon Assault Team. Once we pinpoint their position, we will plan our next move," Zhao Ze suggested. Lin Feng nodded in agreement; he was a novice at such strategic operations compared to Zhao Ze.

With the plan set, Zhao Ze departed with the scouts. Left behind, the remaining members swarmed Lin Feng, bombarding him with questions. Lin Feng, finding their youthful curiosity disarming, shared stories and chatted openly, quickly bonding with them.

However, things did not go as smoothly as he had hoped. By late afternoon, Zhao Ze returned alone, battered and nursing light injuries.

Lin Feng rushed to him as the scouts helped him into the warehouse. "Zhao Ze, what happened? How could you be in this state? Where are the others?" he asked urgently.

"I’m fine, just exhausted," Zhao Ze replied, gasping for air. "We were ambushed by the local organization. I was the only one who escaped; the others were captured." Having not yet mastered internal energy, the flight had drained him completely.

"Captured? Did you expose yourselves?" Lin Feng asked, shocked.

"We underestimated the Iga clan's influence," Zhao Ze explained after catching his breath. "The sudden influx of strangers drew their attention. We were lured into a trap. But it wasn't a total loss—they are so overconfident that they have locked our people in their headquarters, never imagining we would attempt a rescue."