Chapter 237: I've Already Reached B-Rank |
Guan Shan's ruthlessness and decisiveness left White Night and the others stunned. Naturally, the woman from "The Church of Unity" couldn't hold out for long and quickly confessed everything she knew.
As Guan Shan had suspected, after he saved Zhao Keji from Qin Deguang, "The Church of Unity" set their sights on the survivor.
"The Church of Unity" particularly "favored" survivors of Esper incidents. On one hand, these survivors had seen Esper abilities and understood their dangers. On the other hand, they had experienced trauma, leaving psychological shadows.
Where there were shadows, there were opportunities for exploitation.
While survivors were under the protection of the Special Security Group for a time, this protection was temporary. The Special Security Group had limited manpower and couldn't assign an Esper to guard one ordinary person indefinitely. Once the Esper left, the "indoctrinators" of "The Church of Unity" could move in. Ordinary people couldn't detect these "indoctrinators."
With gradual contact and subtle influence, over time, a person's mindset could be changed.
Qin Deguang was gradually brainwashed in this manner.
"The Church of Unity" members were far more patient than ordinary people. Their entire lives were dedicated to one goal: "unifying all things." Everything else was irrelevant.
To achieve "unification," according to their doctrine, it was like defeating a world boss that required everyone's contribution to progress. When someone and something "unified," their death would advance the progress bar of "unification."
This meant that if they wished, they could spend their entire lives lurking around someone until they turned them into a new "reborn." This was their mission and their faith.
Because of this, the cult was extremely dangerous.
Someone you know might be a hidden member of "The Church of Unity," waiting for the right moment to turn you into one of them.
The woman had been following Zhao Keji for some time, cautiously staying hidden.
Finally, she waited until the Special Security Group's Esper finished their duties and left, preparing to approach Zhao Keji... only to encounter Guan Shan and White Night.
White Night shook his head. "This guy has really bad luck! The 'indoctrinators' I've seen were hidden for a long time before being exposed. This one was caught before she even started..."
The woman had only recently become a cult member, and her faith wasn't deeply rooted. She spilled everything she knew, including information about several "The Church of Unity" members and their hideouts.
Guan Shan called Lin Shuman, informing her of the situation and cautioning them to be careful, as it might be a trap.
Lin Shuman replied seriously, "Understood. When dealing with 'The Church of Unity' in the past, once we confirmed a hideout's location, the first thing we did was demolish the building and then conduct heavy fire sweeps, leaving no traps."
Guan Shan: "...Got it."
The Special Security Group was much more experienced in handling "The Church of Unity."
Guan Shan knocked out the woman with a severed arm and handed her to the medics. The logistics team immediately injected her with a muscle relaxant and fitted her with the Self-Destruct collar that had once saved Guan Shan on the bus.
The woman was already terrified, offering no resistance, making the process easier.
While the logistics team cleaned up, Guan Shan and the others moved to another table in the corner, continuing their previous conversation.
Kou Ruonan and Lu Hai felt like they were dreaming. Just moments ago, they were at a "murder scene," and now they were back to chatting peacefully. It was hard to adjust.
Guan Shan looked at White Night, then at Kou Ruonan and Lu Hai, and decided to text White Night: "I need detailed information on 'Venom.'"
White Night was surprised and replied, "I already told you. He'll be at the auction, probably selling the damaged Ksitigarbha statue..."
Guan Shan shook his head. "Not enough."
White Night suddenly felt a chill, realizing something. "What are you planning?"
Guan Shan texted, "It's not about what I'm planning. 'Venom' operates in the gray areas. He wouldn't simply sell that half-statue. He's waiting for the other half to appear."
"That half-damaged statue isn't worth much. If he finds someone bidding aggressively, he can easily figure out who desperately wants it."
"And whoever wants it likely has the other half," White Night frowned. "'Venom' might indeed make a move. He's familiar with shady dealings and has connections with the black market forces in the city."
He looked at Guan Shan, continuing to text: "If you're worried about him coming after you later, I can arrange for someone to help you escape. It won't be difficult."
Guan Shan shook his head again. "I said, it's not enough."
He looked at White Night, who suddenly had a bad feeling, stood up, and blurted out, "You're not planning to assassinate him, are you?!"
Kou Ruonan and Lu Hai were shocked and confused, feeling like they had stumbled into some conspiracy.
Was the president and this ruthless guy discussing assassinating someone?! Kou Ruonan was stunned. She had always misunderstood the president. Despite his odd behavior, he was involved in such thrilling activities.
Guan Shan raised an eyebrow, calmly looking at White Night.
White Night realized his voice was too loud, sat back down awkwardly, and coughed. "That's not possible! 'Venom' is B2-rank, not a non-combatant like me. His position was earned through countless lives. I know you're strong, but you almost died fighting 'Room.' 'Venom' is at least twice as strong. Don't do something rash."
Guan Shan chuckled. "I thought you knew. Your information network is quite extensive. It seems the Special Security Group's confidentiality is good."
White Night was puzzled. "What confidentiality..."
Guan Shan said, "I've already reached B-rank."
White Night said, "I know... Wait, B-rank?!"
He looked at Guan Shan in disbelief, speechless.
Guan Shan explained, "The Central Investigation Team formally evaluated my rank a few days ago. I'm now officially B5-rank. We're equals now."
White Night was still in shock.
In just a month or two, from C-rank to B-rank, what kind of concept was this?