Upon hearing this, Shijing Ye couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. With the aid of the omnipresent intelligence agency, things would beco much easier. Nonetheless, he nodded respectfully and said, "Yes." Rising to his feet, he glanced at the tightly shut-eyed Shijing Kong, an odd sense of fortune swelling within him. Fortune that Shijing Kong had died for the nation, as otherwise, how could he have risen to prominence so soon? But he quickly concealed his ambition, aware of the capable figures in the eting room, and hurriedly left.
Howard bound upon hearing the dreadful news, Shijing Ye was consud by fury and thoughts of revenge. He hadn't expected to be given a pivotal role, yet surprisingly beca Shijing Kong's successor. Enraged, his desire for vengeance grew stronger; however, he cald down significantly, knowing clearly that failure to capture the culprit ant he'd struggle to keep the power he had painstakingly grasped. For power's sake, he resolved to take a bold gamble, indifferent to the potential carnage.
For a general to achieve greatness, countless bones must wither; an eternal path!
Eager to take the elevator from the basent, Shijing Ye swiftly boarded his personal vehicle and personally sped away from the military base. Racing through the streets, the traffic police dared not stop him upon seeing the license plate. A journey intended for half an hour was completed in just ten minutes. Ahead appeared a grand villa, guarded by alert bodyguards who, upon recognizing the person inside the vehicle, dispersed quickly.
Shijing Ye leaped out of the car; a middle-aged man approached, opening the door with a warm greeting. Shijing Ye acknowledged with a nod, then coldly muttered under his breath, "Where is the family head?"
"In the study," the middle-aged man quickly replied.
Shijing Ye dashed into the villa. Seeing him approach, the people in the living room were montarily stunned, rising to greet him. However, Shijing Ye ignored them and directly rushed to the second floor, arriving at the door of the study, gently knocking. An authoritative voice inside impatiently shouted, "I told you not to disturb , do you wish to die?"
"Dad, it's ," Shijing Ye respectfully responded.
"Xiaoye, co in," the surprised voice inside called.
Shijing Ye acknowledged, pushed the door open, entered, and slid the door shut, respectfully kneeling at the entrance. In front of him, a middle-aged man also knelt on a cushion, ticulously cleaning a Japanese sword with a focused expression and cold gaze. Shijing Ye dared not interrupt, waiting respectfully.
The room was suffused with an oppressive atmosphere; the middle-aged man wore a kimono, a warrior's band bound around his head, with a bright red "Ninja" character on his forehead, exuding a chilling aura. He ticulously cleaned the sword before tossing the cleaning cloth aside, sheathing the sword, then placed it back on the rack, contentedly turning to Shijing Ye, "You've matured after this journey."
"Thank you for your praise, Father," Shijing Ye respectfully replied.
The middle-aged man, none other than Shijing Tian, the head of the Shijing family, elder brother of Shijing Kong, and Shijing Ye's father, a master-level mber of the Chrysanthemum Group. Shijing Tian's expression turned stern as he asked Shijing Ye, "Coming from the Chrysanthemum Group? Has your uncle's position been given to you?"
"Yes," Shijing Ye respectfully replied, with no concealnt.
"They have so conscience left. How do you see it?" Shijing Tian sat down, his face dignified, scrutinizing Shijing Ye with a testing intent.
"They are putting to the test on a trial by fire. If I succeed, the credit becos the Chrysanthemum Group's; if I fail, I am the best scapegoat. Furthermore, my presence serves to quell the family's anger and consu the family's strength. And rejecting this appointnt would an disloyalty to the Chrysanthemum Group and unfilial piety to the family," Shijing Ye solemnly analyzed, profoundly concealing his longing for power and ambition.
"You're keen to notice that; it's excellent! The Shijing family has a future." Shijing Tian said with satisfaction, a loving smile gracing his face, signaling Shijing Ye to sit down, then continued, "As far as I know, there are currently no leads. How do you plan to handle this?"
"I've sought permission from the president to have the intelligence agency search for leads," Shijing Ye quickly answered.
"Hmm?" Shijing Tian looked at Shijing Ye in surprise, then laughed, saying, "Great, that's an ingenious move. The intelligence agency falls under the president's authority. If insufficient intelligence hampers progress, he will bear so responsibility. Of course, success will bring great rit. You've learned to form alliances and share benefits; truly, you've matured. Mobilize all family resources; revenge must be achieved. I will speak with them."
"Yes." Shijing Ye's heart rejoiced wildly; he quickly agreed, subtly sensing Shijing Tian's intent to groom him as the next heir of the family headship. With the family's resources, matters beco more manageable.
"Your uncle's death is tied to family honor and dignity. Those daring to challenge the family must be slain. The older generation of the family perished in flas, causing alienation with families closely allied with us. If this matter isn't handled well, the family could face a catastrophic blow, potentially losing its stature as the first ninja family. Are you aware of this?" Shijing Tian's deanor suddenly turned stern as he gravely warned.
"Understood," Shijing Ye promptly replied, aware it concerned family honor and his future, silently vowing to resolve the matter no matter the difficulty, his restrained gaze gaining a shiver of icy determination.
Luo Zheng and Yuanfei Zuo remained unaware of Shijing Ye's ascension and role as the event's chief handler, standing in the plaza before the building, contemplating the distant night sky, the soft moonlight tenderly bathing them. The others had already entered the building, while Yuanfei Zuo pondered Luo Zheng's proposal—direct assault on the royal palace or hostage-taking?
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, Yuanfei Zuo weighed them for a mont, reaching a decision, gazing at the moon hanging high like a jade disk, many thoughts suddenly erupting. He abruptly turned to Luo Zheng and asked, "If it were you, what would you choose? I'd like to hear your opinion first."
"You know I'm a soldier; soldiers favor offense—simple, direct. If I were in your shoes, I'd waste no ti launching an attack on the royal palace—eliminate the Iga ninja forces and intimidate the palace, instilling dissatisfaction with the Iga ninjas within the Emperor's heart. Naturally, this process is complex, requiring ticulous planning," Luo Zheng smiled.
"Good, let's do as you say. But how exactly should we proceed? I need your advice on the attack, retreat, possible unforeseen circumstances, backup plans, etc. I need a detailed strategy; please assist ." Yuanfei Zuo decisively stated, a resolute expression of betting everything on this gamble flashing across his face.
Striking the palace would stress and unsettle the Emperor more than any other target, thereby fostering displeasure with the opposing Iga ninjas. However, the key will be maintaining anonymity. Once exposed, even defeating the Iga family won't earn the Emperor's favor—a wasted effort. This Yuanfei Zuo understood clearly, looking at Luo Zheng, hoping he would devise a thorough plan.
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