Miss Wang Weina, even your cousin won't do!

"I don't lack anything."

"As an envoy of Laterano, you have come to Lungmen not to help Lungmen suppress bandits, have you?"

Snake Scales clearly had informants within the Dragon Gate's upper echelons, and was well aware that the Dragon Gate's internal investigation and evaluation of them amounted to nothing more than "mere bandits," so he spoke up naturally.

"I know you're only helping Lungmen out of respect for Wei Yanwu. I can promise you that Snake Scales will keep a low profile during this period, and the Rattlesnake organization will disappear from the slums. At the same time, I will inform my colleagues to arrange for the credit to be given to you afterward, making you the hero who wiped out the dangerous organization in the Lungmen slums. How about I give Wei Yanwu a big favor?"

Wayne raised an eyebrow.

Disappearing without a trace isn't difficult to do. But then, you'll just give me all the credit afterward?

For someone to say something like that, one of the members of Serpent Scales must be sitting in a very high position in the upper echelons of Lungmen.

Chapter 80: I really want to beat him up.

"Your Highness Wayne, Your Highness Wayne?"

After quickly bypassing a corner of the unfinished building, Wei Yanwu arrived at the building that Wayne had designated and called out to it.

Along the way, he saw many bewildered slum dwellers wandering the streets. They probably didn't know what had happened in Longmen that night, and were still curious and at a loss about the commotion in the slums.

What an innocent bunch of people. If they knew that their lives were inextricably linked to that of a boy, and that if Wayne died, they would all have to go and die with him, I wonder what they would think.

What? Victoria couldn't possibly take such a huge risk, traveling from the Central Valley thousands of miles away to Lungmen, the Great Yan city, to avenge Wayne under the watchful eyes of the true dragon?

Whether they would come or not, Wei Yanwu didn't know. All Wei Yanwu knew was that if Wayne really did get into trouble like this, he would be the first to make a move.

He couldn't die. He still had to avenge Edward, arrange a way out for Wen Yue, and ensure Chen took over his position. For these reasons, any sacrifice was necessary.

We cannot allow anything to threaten Lungmen. Those that can be eliminated should be eliminated at all costs, and those that cannot be eliminated should be appeased to the best of our ability.

Lin Gerui was right. He was no longer the passionate Wei Yanwu of yesteryear. More than a decade of trials and tribulations had smoothed out his rough edges, leaving deep, indelible marks on him.

"I am fine."

Upon hearing Wei Yanwu's voice, Wayne, supported by a pillar of the unfinished building and limped out with Hoshiguma's help.

"Mr. Wei, you're really late."

I've done my best and rushed here as quickly as possible.

Wei Yanwu inwardly complained, but still maintained a humble expression on his face, cupping his hands in apology:

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, it's my fault. I arrived too late and Prince Wayne was injured."

His gaze then shifted slightly from Wayne to Hoshiguma, who was standing beside Wayne, supporting him.

"Hoshiguma, how is Prince Wayne? Is he injured? What should we say?"

Hoshiguma felt a deep, inexplicable sense of loss. From the moment Wei Yanwu arrived, he neither inquired about the situation of the slum dwellers nor cared about his own and Jiu's safety; he simply kept pressing Wayne for answers.

His Highness Wayne is a guest, but does that mean the Royal Guard is unimportant? Aren't they the ones protecting Lungmen? Yet, at this crucial moment, Wei Yanwu isn't even willing to offer a polite greeting. It's truly...disheartening!

Hoshiguma's face was clouded with gloom. It took her a long time to come to her senses. She pursed her lips and answered somewhat reluctantly:

"His Highness Wayne is not injured, but he is very tired."

It's good that you're not injured.

Wei Yanwu breathed a sigh of relief. If it was just fatigue, he had plenty of ways to help Wayne recover, even if it meant bleeding.

"Well done, Hoshiguma."

Thinking of this, Wei Yanwu couldn't help but give Hoshiguma a thumbs up and praise her. However, Hoshiguma only managed a forced smile, paused briefly, and after confirming that Wei Yanwu had nothing more to say, stiffly nodded and said:

"I don't deserve it, it's all what I should do."

What's with that expression on her face?

Wei Yanwu was a perceptive man; how could he not see through Hoshiguma's subtle actions? Seeing how reluctant his expression of thanks was, he couldn't help but feel a little suspicious.

What, is there anyone who doesn't like being praised? Or does he think I'm a bit stingy, just giving verbal praise without any real benefit?

Recalling Hoshiguma's subtle pause just now, Wei Yanwu suddenly realized and said:

"Once we get back, you'll be assisting the Director of the Guard Bureau..."

Before he could finish speaking, Hoshiguma impatiently interrupted:

"Commander Wei, what about Ninth Bureau? How is she doing? Why didn't she come with you?"

"Nine? Nine is safe. There's no danger. I've already arranged for someone to take her home to recuperate."

Wei Yanwu recalled his experience of meeting Jiu when he first arrived in the slums and was given directions, and replied:

"However, although there was no real danger, she did suffer some injuries, and she will probably apply for retirement after this mission is over."

retire?

Hoshiguma was stunned. She had never heard of Kudo having this idea before.

Before infiltrating the slums, they were chatting about where to eat after making the arrests, and, fueled by alcohol, discussing the mysteries of those unsolvable cases. Why did she suddenly retire?

Could it be that she was really seriously injured and could no longer participate in the future work of the Guard Bureau?

Hoshiguma's expression grew increasingly grim, but Wei Yanwu's reasoning was flawless, and she had no way to refute or question him until she found the Ninth Bureau to verify it.

However, Wayne, who was sitting to the side, changed his expression. Nine was injured and could no longer participate in the work of the Guard Bureau; would he retire after this mission?

What illness does she have?

Theoretically speaking, now that I've arrived here, and the Rattlesnake belonging to Serpent Scale and his minions have been wiped out, this disease shouldn't be Oripathy, right?

But Wayne really wasn't sure. What if Nine really did contract Oripathy? Would she, like in the main storyline, be sent by Wei Yanwu to infiltrate those dangerous infected organizations, only to become disillusioned and defect to join them?

No, we need to pay attention to this!

Wayne mentally made a note to himself, but then noticed that Wei Yanwu's tense expression relaxed somewhat, finally confirming that Wayne was alright. He finally had a chance to turn his head and look at Rattlesnake, who was slumped on the ground nearby, chained to a stainless steel pillar by Hoshiguma, and frowned.

Who is this?

"Rattlesnake, the leader of the Rattlesnake, a violent organization of infected people in the slums. Commander Wei, I need to request a change in the definition of the Rattlesnake organization! They have far exceeded the specifications of a typical violent organization of infected people; this is a well-trained paramilitary organization!"

Wei Yanwu narrowed his eyes and looked at Wayne, who was also present, as if he wanted to ask Wayne if he knew anything about the situation.

Wayne's eyes flickered, and he hesitated for a moment before leaning close to Wei Yanwu's ear and whispering:

"Rattlesnakes call themselves 'snake scales,' Mr. Wei, do you have any clues?"

Snake scales!

Sure enough, upon hearing the word, Wei Yanwu opened his mouth and looked the rattlesnake up and down. His mind raced, and after a moment, he shook his head.

"Not approved!"

"Why?!" Hoshiguma exclaimed incredulously.

Changing an evaluation rating is certainly not as simple as changing a title or name. It means that the Guard Bureau will have to allocate more reconnaissance resources to the Rattlesnake organization and deploy more operators and detectives. But all of this is necessary!

This organization has been entrenched in the slums for so long; once the roots are severed, it's not so easy to eradicate. If we don't take this matter seriously now, they will inevitably grow stronger again and wreak havoc in the slums in the future!

How could Commander Wei Yanwu disagree?

Wei Yanwu glanced at her but did not answer.

Not everyone is qualified to know about the snake scales, just as not everyone is qualified to access his secret force—the Black Cloak Shadow Guards.

He didn't want to escalate the situation because he wasn't sure of Koschche's purpose in sending more Serpent Scales to Lungmen, or whether there were any other Serpent Scales present in Lungmen. Raising his evaluation level now might alert them.

This is for the sake of Lungmen, for everyone's good.

Hoshiguma suddenly understood why Chen always argued with Wei Yanwu.

Sometimes, Commander Wei's attitude really makes you want to punch him!

Chapter 81 This radio seems to only be able to connect to Chen's channel.

Hoshiguma looked at Wei Yanwu with a hint of disappointment in her eyes. Wayne could sense this emotion.

Put yourself in his shoes; if Wayne were in that situation, he would also be disappointed. Mission failure, sudden retirement of his superior, and despite knowing the dangers lurking in the city, Wei Yanwu, the ruler, refuses to take them seriously—this situation clearly exceeds what Hoshiguma's simple sense of justice can accept.

After thinking for a moment, Wayne suggested to Wei Yanwu:

"I think you should raise your rating."

Wei Yanwu and Hoshiguma looked over at the same time. Wei Yanwu's eyes revealed doubt, while Hoshiguma's eyes showed more surprise and gratitude.

Wayne continued:

“Mr. Wei, although I don’t know what snake scales are or what they are special about in your eyes, rattlesnakes have indeed seriously threatened the safety of Lungmen. At least in my opinion, this is not a situation that should be ignored.”

"In what capacity did you make these remarks to me?"

Wei Yanwu squinted. Wayne shook his head with a wry smile:

"In Wayne's capacity?"

"I'll consider it," Wei Yanwu said indifferently.

Wayne could only sigh:

"As Wayne Bruce. Is that alright?"

Wei Yanwu smiled and said, "Of course, I will seriously consider it," while extending his hand to shake hands with Wayne.

But Wayne ignored him. Using feeling unwell as an excuse, he leaned against a pillar and sat down on the floor. Seeing Wayne's lack of courtesy, Wei Yanwu could only chuckle awkwardly, withdraw his hand, and look at Hoshiguma, saying:

"After I get back, I will appoint a new Director of the Guard Bureau, and then we can discuss the matter of raising the rating."

He paused, then said earnestly,

"Actually, ratings aren't that necessary, and you don't need to get angry with me, Officer Hoshiguma. After tonight, will an organization called Rattlesnake still exist in Slum 3? Are you doubting my skills, or the capabilities of the Guard Bureau?"

I have doubts about your attitude toward the Guard Bureau and the slums.

Hoshiguma thought to himself.

Before today, she had never imagined the slums to be such a chaotic and dangerous place. This area had always been under the Rat King's control, with the Guard Bureau practically adopting a laissez-faire approach. Over time, cases in the slums were no longer reported to the Guard Bureau, but rather directly reported and adjudicated by the Rat King's "holes" established in various neighborhoods. She had never thought Wei Yanwu's methods were flawed; his fair rewards and punishments, and his skillful methods, made him an excellent ruler.

But after today, she seemed to have a new understanding of the city of Longmen.

She realized how narrow her usual jurisdiction was, how simple the troubles she usually encountered were, and how miserable those people she usually ignored were living.

Her initial approval of Wei Yanwu gradually faded away due to her unwillingness to compromise.