Chapter 19: Rampaging Brother Dragon

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The F City Public Camping Park was a rare ecological project in the south, spanning nearly 5,000 hectares and capable of accommodating twenty thousand visitors at once.

Yet at this moment, the park was packed with one hundred thousand people. Except for the military’s strictly controlled zones, everywhere was teeming with crowds.

On the northern edge of the park stood a cluster of tall buildings, strictly off-limits to civilians and reserved as military offices, barracks, and storage.

On the top floor of the central building, a middle-aged man in uniform, hair streaked with gray, sat on the desk, his brows knotted as he smoked.

In front of him were various reports filled with data: Military rations—XX tons, can last 20 days; ammunition—XXX units; civilian food supplies—XXX tons, enough for 7 days...

Suddenly, the silence outside the office was broken by the urgent stomp of boots. A graceful woman strode in, having pushed the door open without hesitation.

She was over 1.7 meters tall, her skin flawless and features delicate, her tall figure in uniform accentuating the power in her long legs—though her prominent chest seemed at odds with a soldier’s image.

She walked straight in, her willowy brows furrowed, a scolding expression on her face. “Uncle Chen! Did you stay up all night again? And smoking?” As she spoke, she snuffed out his cigarette and moved to open the curtains and window.

The sudden sunlight made the man feel faint, and he pressed his brow, saying, “Hanya, your uncle is under a lot of pressure. One hundred thousand mouths to feed, and I never imagined that Chief Zhao would be killed on our way here. Now the shelter base is locked down without authorization.”

“It’s a pity, and we no longer have the strength to seek help at the main military base. Sigh... Hanya, are you here about Cao Muhua?”

Hanya walked behind Chen Yukai with a heart full of concern and began to gently massage his head to ease his fatigue.

“Yes, Cao Muhua is up to no good, secretly selling weapons. I just received word that he’s meeting with a militia leader called Brother Long. What’s even worse, he’s trafficking women!” Hanya said, her nose crinkling with anger.

Chen Yukai sighed. “How did Liu Tao react?”

“Liu Tao is still holding to his duty as a soldier, but if this drags on, I’m afraid...” Hanya’s voice trailed off.

Chen Yukai patted her hand affectionately and sat up straighter. “I’m sorry you have to suffer with me, Hanya. I wonder if the people we sent out will be able to get our message to Beidu Military District.”

“Don’t worry, I believe in Sheng and the others. When my father sends reinforcements, your troubles will be over, Uncle Chen,” Hanya replied, feigning lightness.

Chen Yukai smiled, sensing her good intentions. “I’m aware of Cao Muhua’s situation. You needn’t interfere too much. By the way, how is your research on the crystal cores progressing?”

At the mention of her research, Lin Hanya’s eyes brightened. “Uncle Chen, we’ve reached a critical stage. I never imagined such small things could hold so much energy. In a little while, I think we can put them to use, at least in military applications.”

Uncle and niece delved into discussion, the progress of the crystal core research filling them with hope for the days ahead.

Meanwhile, Wang Ji exited his X System space, satisfied, striding back to the tents. He needed more crystal cores and energy points, both to prepare for his meeting with Cao Muhua and to acquire supplies.

As he set out to hunt with his team, confidence in his step, Brother Long and Zhang Shiming also headed excitedly to a hidden warehouse to collect supplies, unaware that death was drawing near.

“Sir!” Brother Long smacked his lips as if savoring something. “Did you see those legs? That chest!”

Zhang Shiming slapped him on the head. “Keep it down!” Then he flashed a knowing smile.

“She’s the boss’s woman. Watch your eyes if you don’t want trouble.”

“Yes, sir. You’re right,” Brother Long replied, then sidled up again. “Captain Cao likes her type. Should I get some quality girls for him?”

Zhang Shiming looked at him in surprise, not expecting such cunning.

“That’s enough! Let’s deal with your goods first.”

They reached a small warehouse. The two soldiers guarding it nodded at Zhang Shiming and stepped aside, clearly expecting them.

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Inside, under dim lights, stood four large crates, the place deserted.

At Zhang Shiming’s signal, Brother Long brought in a lackey and began inspecting the goods.

“With these weapons, I’ll be the most powerful militia leader in the base!” Brother Long exclaimed, clutching a Type 97 assault rifle, a mad glint in his eyes.

The heavy stomp of boots suddenly echoed from outside. Zhang Shiming and the two soldiers hastily tossed away their cigarettes and snapped to attention.

“Good evening, Captain!”

Cao Muhua entered, his face dark as water, barely contained fury simmering beneath his calm.

“Where are they?” he asked, turning to Zhang Shiming.

“They’re—inside, checking the weapons!”

With a cold snort, Cao Muhua strode in with his men, while Zhang Shiming, realizing trouble was brewing, followed nervously.

“So you’re Brother Long? Who gave you the guts to cross me?” Cao Muhua’s voice rang out, startling Brother Long and his lackey.

“Who the hell do you think you’re talking to?” the lackey blustered, but turned pale at the sight before him.

Without a word, Cao Muhua kicked the lackey in the stomach, then slapped Brother Long hard enough to make him see stars.

“Slap him! Keep going until I say stop!”

The lackey, a gun pressed to his head by Cao Muhua’s bodyguard, dared not resist. He stopped his wailing, trembling as he looked to Brother Long for help.

Brother Long, clutching his stinging cheek, turned and slapped the lackey hard. “Didn’t you hear the captain? Keep going!”

Slap! Slap! The lackey obeyed, his face twisted in misery.

“Captain Cao, what is this about?” Brother Long hunkered low, speaking quietly.

“Did you really think I was a fool?” Cao Muhua hurled a bag of crystal cores at Brother Long’s head. “You think you can pass off fake crystal cores on me?”

Brother Long didn’t dare dodge; the bag hit the floor. He stared in shock. “Fake? That’s impossible!”

A gunshot rang out, echoing through the warehouse. Cao Muhua, face twisted with rage, aimed his pistol at Brother Long while the lackey collapsed, a bullet in his chest, dead.

“So you’re saying I’m the one cheating you?”

Brother Long paled in terror at the murderous glint in Cao Muhua’s eyes. His knees buckled and he fell to the floor, sobbing in panic. “Captain Cao! Please, don’t kill me! It’s my fault!”

Cao Muhua pressed the gun to Brother Long’s head.

“No, no! I can pay you back! I’ll give you four hundred crystal cores at cost!”

Cao Muhua was unmoved, still staring him down.

“Double! I’ll give you eight hundred!”

At this, Cao Muhua’s expression eased a fraction, and he tapped Brother Long’s face with the gun.

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“Two days. You have only two days. Otherwise, you’ll regret crossing me.”

The sound of boots faded away, and only after some time did Brother Long come to his senses.

“Officer Zhang, you have to help me! Please!” He grabbed Zhang Shiming at the door.

Zhang Shiming looked at him with disgust. “Get lost! You jinx. If you want to survive, get those crystal cores. Otherwise, pray you die outside instead of in here.” He hadn’t expected the side hustle would turn into such a mess.

Brother Long fled from the military zone, stumbling and desperate. Standing outside, he was dazed for a long while.

Eight hundred crystal cores—he couldn’t pay it even with his life.

“It’s all Wang Ji’s fault!” Desperate, his mind began to concoct a mad plan.

But let us leave Brother Long to his fate. That evening, Wang Ji shared a meal with his companions to celebrate, assigning teams to gather as many crystal cores as possible to cover the costs of his upcoming meeting with Cao Muhua.

But the next morning, Wang Ji received unexpected news.

Brother Long had sent word, asking Wang Ji to meet him by a small river ten miles away, to resolve their issues once and for all.

At this, Haozi, Li Chengming, and the other core members crowded around Wang Ji, urging him anxiously.

“Boss, you can’t go! If you must, we’ll go with you.”

“That’s right! That bastard Long is up to something. You can’t walk into a trap alone!”

Warmed by their concern, Wang Ji smiled. “I know you’re worried. But I worry about you too. No matter what tricks Brother Long has, I can handle a few men myself.”

“Boss!” Haozi was beside himself.

“Enough. My decision is final. No one can change it. Wait for me at the crossroads, and no one is to follow without my order!” A commanding aura radiated from Wang Ji, silencing any further protest.

Only Xiaoyin, head bowed, came over and took Wang Ji’s hand. She knew he was about to risk himself once more.

Wang Ji embraced her, playfully pinched her nose, and smiled.

“Be good, Xiaoyin. Wait for your brother at home.”

Xiaoyin nodded obediently, but clung to his clothes, worry evident on her face. After a moment, she looked up and said seriously, “Pinky promise! No backing out!”

Wang Ji extended his little finger solemnly. “I promise—I’ll come back!”

At dawn, Wang Ji set out alone, driving away from the camp, while Haozi and Li Chengming led their teams to follow.

At the crossroads, as Wang Ji had instructed, they stopped and watched his car disappear into the distance.