Chapter 71: War Begins?
Su Xiao stopped on the first floor of the headquarters. The scene before him was a mess, bloodstains everywhere. Twelve of his own had been killed, and eight from the Eclipse Organization had died. In a melee of this scale, it was impossible to avoid casualties—that would be a naive thought. This was the price of using S-001, and Su Xiao and Kingsley had long been prepared for it.
Dealing with the Supreme Insect wasn't child's play. If you weren't ruthless enough, you wouldn't even qualify to find it, let alone exterminate it. Waiting for the Supreme Insect to show itself willingly? First, who knew how long that would take; second, once it chose to appear, it meant it had already recovered. By then, within a month, there would be no living creatures left in the Alliance World—everything in sight would be overrun by thread insect hosts.
"Xili..."
Su Xiao started to speak but then remembered that Xili had been kidnapped. Xili indeed didn't know how to flatter, was roguish, and often shouted loudly, but his work efficiency was truly high. As long as Su Xiao gave orders, he would see results before long, and he wouldn't have to worry about anything in between.
"Belloc."
"Here."
Vice Officer Belloc quickly stepped forward.
"I'm leaving this to you."
Leaving these words, Su Xiao walked upstairs. S-001 had already been moved out. Next, he needed to calm the situation and establish a surface-level cooperative relationship with the Eclipse Organization.
This was necessary. After Kingsley used S-001 to alter the future, both the Mechanism and the Eclipse Organization had to mobilize all their intelligence resources, leveraging the altered future to locate the Supreme Insect.
To achieve this, the secretly assembled intelligence personnel were far from sufficient. They had to mobilize the full strength of both the Mechanism and the Eclipse Organization, even bringing in the Containment Institution's asylums, financial departments, and the Eclipse Organization's monasteries and merchant alliances—all available forces.
The Supreme Insect might be on the Southern Continent, the Eastern Continent, or even a desolate island out at sea. The difficulty of finding it was unimaginable.
The Eclipse Organization had just attacked the Mechanism headquarters. Reaching a surface-level cooperative relationship was difficult, but not impossible. Friction of this degree was common between the two sides. Last time, during the fight over the mermaid, the casualties were dozens of times higher than this. Yet, during the Western Continent War, they still cooperated.
The Mechanism and the Eclipse Organization were like twin brothers who couldn't stand each other, often brawling. But if a third party came to attack either one, they would temporarily stop fighting, beat the third party to death, scatter their ashes, shake hands, and make peace. However, they might start fighting again over whether to shake with the left or right hand.
Su Xiao returned to his office on the seventh floor. Before long, Vice Officer Belloc walked in.
"Sir, our follow-up with the Eclipse Organization..."
"Declare war on them. Set the battlefield in Gaman City. Recall our members from the surrounding seventeen cities. They must return before dawn tomorrow."
"Sir, p-p-please calm down, sir!"
Vice Officer Belloc's blood nearly ran cold. A full-scale war, and in Gaman City of all places? If this broke out, the sky would fall. The two big shots governing the supernatural beings of the Southern Continent were not only fighting but also turning Gaman City into a battlefield. Belloc felt dizzy just thinking about it.
"..."
Su Xiao looked at his vice officer. Belloc let out a silent wail in his heart but could only pick up the official document on the desk.
With a heavy heart, Vice Officer Belloc went downstairs. Reaching the first floor of the headquarters, he heard a screech from outside the main door as a car came to a sudden halt, nearly skidding sideways.
Dean Victor and Lady Xiumin got out of the car. Just as they were about to hurry inside, another car pulled up with a screech.
One of the two highest authorities on the Southern Continent, the old man with the hooked nose, Alexander, stepped out. Seeing Dean Victor and Lady Xiumin, a hint of joy appeared in his eyes. It went without saying why they had come to the Mechanism headquarters.
"How's the situation?"
Alexander leaned on his cane, thought for a moment, then tossed it into the car. At a time like this, there was no need to put on an air of importance. He was here to mediate.
"Not many died, but that's not the issue. The key is that the Eclipse launched a surprise attack on the Mechanism headquarters. Knowing Bai Ye, he'll retaliate in kind."
"So?"
Alexander's expression turned grim.
"So he'll go to war with Kingsley in Gaman City. Remember how many supernaturals went to the Western Continent? That many, or even more, will gather in Gaman City this time."
Hearing this, Alexander's beard nearly stood on end.
"Let's go see Bai Ye. I refuse to believe he has no rationality left. Him and Kingsley going to war in Gaman City? Ridiculous!"
Alexander, Dean Victor, and Lady Xiumin entered the main door together. Vice Officer Belloc looked at them as if seeing a savior, but he said nothing. No matter how urgent the situation, he wouldn't leak the Legion Commander's mobilization order.
Seeing the official document in Belloc's hand, the three immediately understood what was happening without needing any explanation.
They quickly went upstairs and, after a moment, entered Su Xiao's office.
"Three of you have business? I'm very busy right now."
Su Xiao signed a document and handed it to Tide Hunter. Dean Victor glanced at it, catching a few keywords: 'Apollo, Enemy Rear Sabotage, Guidance, Evacuation...'
Dean Victor's heart sank. This was really going to be a war in Gaman City. They were even preparing to use supernatural forces to evacuate civilians.
"Bai Ye, there's something you need to know."
Dean Victor sat down across from the desk. Lady Xiumin and Alexander also took seats, their expressions grave.
"What is it?"
Su Xiao picked up the porcelain cup on the table. Seeing it was coffee, he glanced at Tide Hunter. A moment later, a cup of clear tea was placed before him.
"Kingsley's attack on our headquarters... actually, it's somewhat understandable, considering you kidnapped his wife last night."
"Oh."
Su Xiao took a sip of tea, his expression calm. Seeing this, Dean Victor continued:
"I know you suspect Kingsley of hiding the Three Knights. But after Lady Xiumin's investigation, Kingsley secretly disposed of the Three Knights a few days ago. Surely you trust Lady Xiumin's intelligence network?"
"..."
Su Xiao said nothing, just looked at Lady Xiumin. Of course, he and Kingsley wouldn't actually go to war. They were waiting for someone to mediate. If no one came to persuade them, how could they make peace on the surface and cooperate? If they suddenly cooperated, others wouldn't be fools. Then, Su Xiao's position would become very passive, and Kingsley would also be mired in trouble.
"So, we're in the wrong here. See, since Kingsley had already dealt with the Three Knights, you kidnapped his wife. He must have been furious. Under these circumstances, it's understandable that he launched a surprise attack on the Mechanism headquarters, took S-001, and used it as leverage to exchange for his wife.
I know, I know, S-001 means a lot to us, but... Kingsley's attack didn't aim to kill. According to my information, tonight's dinner at the headquarters was tampered with. All Mechanism members here were suppressed by drugs. If Kingsley truly wanted a complete break, there might not be any survivors in the headquarters now."
After Dean Victor finished, Lady Xiumin immediately added:
"Of course, this time the Mechanism was caught off guard. But I heard the Eclipse's first wave of attacks couldn't even breach the containment vault? Bai Ye, weren't you all suppressed by drugs? Yet you still held them off."
Lady Xiumin was offering a way out. But that wasn't the end. Alexander followed up:
"Bai Ye, there are many negative rumors about the Mechanism outside. But I know what you're doing all this for. You've sacrificed too much for the Eastern and Southern Continents, even bearing the blame. I've spent my whole life in power struggles. Compared to you, I, this old man, am truly..."
Alexander shook his head and sighed, putting on an air of inadequacy. He was starting to flatter.
"Actually, Bai Ye, from your perspective, this matter isn't wrong. You were the wartime commander of the Western Continent. You know better than anyone how dangerous those vile things on the Western Continent are, and how dangerous the Three Knights are. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. That's understandable."
After Dean Victor said this, Alexander immediately played a trump card.
"Ah~, this old man feels guilty. Bai Ye, the artillery costs from the Western Continent War—the Southern Alliance won't bill you. As for the Eastern Alliance, I'll pressure an old immortal over there to help get it waived."
"Oh?"
Su Xiao set down his teacup, his expression still showing some 'hesitation.'
"What about Kingsley..."
Su Xiao's words were cut off by Dean Victor, who said:
"The monasteries and merchant alliances have already gone to find Kingsley."
Dean Victor looked at Alexander, who nodded, indicating that the old immortal sharing power with him had already gone to Kingsley's side. They were mediating there too.
"Bai Ye, how about this: we exchange Kingsley's wife for S-001, and then this matter is over. As for the heroes who died in battle, Lady Xiumin and I will each contribute. I guarantee their families' futures for three generations. Lady Xiumin guarantees their families a life of wealth. If their families wish to join the Alliance, Alexander."
Dean Victor nudged Alexander with his elbow. Alexander immediately promised: "Of course. The Southern Alliance will give the best treatment to the families and descendants of the heroes."
"Well..."
"Don't hesitate, Bai Ye. Think of your subordinates. Do they really want to fight other supernaturals?"
Dean Victor's words were problematic. Given the personalities of Su Xiao's subordinates, about a third of them did want to. These watchmen who walked in the dark, facing the high pressure of dealing with dangerous objects year-round, some were extremely bloodthirsty.
Just as Su Xiao was 'hesitating,' a man with an ordinary face quickly walked into the office and whispered something in Dean Victor's ear.
"Mm, you may go."
Dean Victor's expression visibly relaxed.
"Bai Ye, Kingsley has agreed. Exchange S-001 for his wife. Tonight."
"This is the best outcome."
Alexander immediately chimed in.
"Yes, this is the best way to handle it."
Lady Xiumin also spoke. All three had expressed their stance. No matter what, the Mechanism's supernaturals were under Su Xiao's management. If he didn't nod, there was no deal. Just as he never interfered in external negotiations or finances.
"Then, I'll give you three face. Too bad I didn't kill Kingsley last time, and I won't get the chance this time."
As soon as Su Xiao said this, Dean Victor, Lady Xiumin, and Alexander all showed smiles. Belloc, waiting outside the door, leaned against the wall. He now wanted to eat the official document in his hand, making it disappear forever. It was too damn terrifying!
An hour later, on the street in front of the 'Saint Loco Grand Hotel,' several cars stopped.
In the second car of the convoy, Su Xiao sat in the passenger seat. Kingsley's wife and Bubu Wang were in the back.
Su Xiao had kidnapped Kingsley's wife near the 'Saint Loco Grand Hotel.' The negotiation location was also here, the implication clear.
Su Xiao got out of the car and entered the hotel. Behind him followed Mechanism members in black long coats, looking imposing.
Passing through the lobby, Su Xiao entered the banquet hall. There were many people inside. Ring 2, Ring 8 Waltz, and others were present, standing behind Kingsley.
Kingsley sat at a round table. On the table was the dangerous object S-001. Behind Kingsley stood the four members of the Fierce Dog Squad.
Su Xiao took a seat. Only he and Kingsley sat at the round table; everyone else stood. He looked at Kingsley across from him, his eyes filled with cold killing intent.
The atmosphere was almost frozen. No one spoke in the vast banquet hall. Su Xiao broke the silence first.
"Too bad I couldn't kill you last time during the fight over the mermaid in the Western Continent."
"Our thoughts are remarkably similar. Your lightning-attracting constitution truly impresses me."
Kingsley smiled and raised his hand. His subordinates removed the energy chains from the four Fierce Dog Squad members.
Su Xiao tossed an earring back to Kingsley. It was 'J615-Queen.'
"Gentlemen, how about a handshake?"
A discordant voice sounded. Su Xiao and Kingsley turned their gazes to a male reporter. He was from the Thorn Flower Daily. That made sense—the Flathead Brother Newspaper Company was no ordinary outfit.
Noticing the unfriendly looks from Su Xiao and Kingsley, the male reporter shrank back. But he still raised his camera. Click—he took a photo of Su Xiao and Kingsley sitting across the table. He could lose his life, but this historically significant moment had to be recorded.
Su Xiao stood up and walked out. Skinny Monkey Xili used a metal frame to secure S-001, taking it away without touching it.
As the Mechanism members withdrew, the Eclipse Organization also retreated. Everyone went home.
There was no moon tonight. Two hours later, at the 'Deer Flower Manor,' where Kingsley's wife had been imprisoned.
In the small dining room on the second floor of the castle, Su Xiao and Kingsley sat across from each other. Kingsley picked up the wine bottle beside him and tilted the mouth. Su Xiao picked up his glass, and Kingsley poured him a drink.
"Bai Ye, how's my cooking?"
"Barely edible."
Su Xiao chewed the meat steak in his mouth. Hearing this, Kingsley just smiled.
The late-night meal ended a few minutes later. Kingsley set down his napkin, his smile gradually fading. His eyes revealed a captivating gleam. He said:
"So, it's time to kill that crawling insect."
"Mm."
Su Xiao tossed his napkin onto the table.
At this moment, the Supreme Insect had no idea it had been targeted by a Law Destroyer and an old schemer.
PS: (Two chapters today, though the word count is more than the usual three combined. Happy Dragon Boat Festival to all the readers.)