"I've thought about it for a long time and reached this conclusion." Hua Qingyi leaned against the door, lighting a cigarette. "You all have created so much chaos, merely to lure Xiao Lin to the Middle East. You know that Xiao Lin wouldn't leave the Military Advisor comfortless. This is just one part. The second part is understanding why you're using the Military Advisor as bait to go to the Middle East. If I'm not mistaken, this is your true intention. Letting Xiao Lin rescue the Military Advisor was just a small point; whether he can be saved or not is not within your consideration. Your real purpose is to involve Xiao Lin in the internal affairs of the Middle East, specifically in the network of the Fourth Master, isn't it?"

Hua Qingyi didn't give the three people in front of him any chance to speak. After scanning them, he saw different expressions on each of their faces.

"When we rescued the Military Advisor, there was another person, wearing a mask. I think he is the real subject of this mission. You deceived Xiao Lin, and likewise, you didn't expect the Military Advisor to come back alive. So, to pacify us, you surveilled the Military Advisor's escape. As for why it later became protection, that was Elder Xiao's order, right or wrong, Boss Long!" Hua Qingyi deliberately mentioned Lao Long's name because, among the three, only Lao Long's expression was twitching, while the others showed surprise, confusion, and Shen Qizhen's anger.

Among the four sitting there, only Lotus had her head lowered. Hua Qingyi comfortingly stroked her hair. In fact, he hadn't intended to say this; it was a bit of a blow for Lotus. Fortunately, Xiao Lin rescued her, leaving no more regrets.

"Lao Long, did I leave Lotus with your Dragon Soul just to become a sacrificial goat?" Shen Qizhen's sternness cast a bomb among the four, or it could be said the original intention of the meeting had undergone a dramatic change, now irrelevant to Xiao Lin himself but raised a question-point. Hua Qingyi continued to observe each of them.

Lao Long rubbed his forehead. He underestimated Hua Qingyi. Hua Muyun had already told him not to underestimate this treasure of their family and not to be deceived by its surface appearance, yet he still overlooked this point.

"Boss Long, what exactly is the hidden story of the trip to the Middle East, and what's its connection with this time my brother being set up?"

"These are two different matters." Lao Long felt sweat in his palms. A person who is good at using their brains is scarier than one skilled with a knife.

"Alright! In that case, let's talk about another thing."

"Qingyi, let me speak!" Lotus timely stopped Hua Qingyi. She remained kind-hearted; Hua Qingyi's method was too pressing. Though it's not an official occasion, it still would make the three General-level figures feel humiliated. Lotus's kindness eased the tension in the air.

"The three uncles, should not be unfamiliar with the 'Underground City.' As a special organization, according to my understanding, Dragon Soul only observes and doesn't interfere in any form, having an unspoken rule between each other. However, this time, a large number of assassins surfaced, targeting Xiao Lin. I believe you all are aware of this. Recently, even top-level personnel appeared around Xiao Lin. What Lotus can't understand is, why are those who claim to uphold Dragon Soul just watching from afar at this moment?"

"Dragon Soul has always not interfered with external disputes." Lao Long regained some composure, feeling there was no need to bring up 'Underground City' openly.

"I initially thought it was the Wang Family paying for assassins, but until recently, I learned the entire 'Underground City' was relocating. I then wondered, does this have anything to do with you?

Breaking the rules easily wouldn't be a unilateral decision by the 'Underground City,' so it's an action under your acquiescence, which led me to another question. With the Wang Family's financial prowess, hiring capable assassins isn't impossible, but hiring top-level assassins around 'Black Crow' is a bit difficult, not just a matter of money.

So, I began to wonder if there are other people involved. Until Xiao Mu appeared, I finally realized why you would allow 'Black Crow's blatant actions, but I think I was wrong again."

Lotus sighed, blaming herself for not realizing the problem earlier until now, when she realized she had oversimplified it.

"'Black Crow' works for Xiao Mu. Initially, I thought Xiao Mu wanted to kill Xiao Lin to claim the heir position, but now I don't think so. Given Xiao Mu's understanding of Xiao Lin, and those assassins aren't his match, he's merely pushing Xiao Lin down a dead-end alley. His intention isn't to kill him but to coerce him."

"Therefore, I had to consider this trip to the Middle East in this context. Although seemingly unrelated, the direction aligns. Why does Xiao Mu want to coerce Xiao Lin?

You let me enter the Fourth Master's circle in the Middle East because you knew the Fourth Master wanted to use me as bait to draw out Xiao Lin. What happens to me doesn't matter, but you all know that Xiao Lin is destined to inherit the Xiao Family. I think the only purpose for doing so is to force Xiao Lin to return.

I don't know if my hypothesis is correct, Boss Long, but I think you should tell us what we don't know, so we have a way to save Xiao Lin."

"I'll say it again, don't interfere with this matter anymore." Lao Long's sudden decisiveness made Hua Qingyi and Lotus both sense the gravity of the situation, as Lao Long neither denied nor agreed. "As of today, you are not allowed to leave Dragon Soul by a single step." Lao Long pointed at Lotus, and after speaking, strode out of the meeting room door.

"What?" Lotus defiantly protested from behind.

"We believe Boss Long's decision is not wrong. You'll stay with Dragon Soul during this period." Shen Qizhen fully agreed with Boss Long's decision, letting her out would only invite danger.

"Master!" Lotus looked pleadingly at Chu Yun, who, together with Shen Qizhen, walked out of the meeting room. Following them were two guardians, clearly indicating not to attempt escaping by force.

"Just listen to them. I actually think their decision isn't wrong." Hua Qingyi considered further, waving a guard inside. "I'll take you to your room." He grabbed Lian's hand and began to lead her out.

"What do you mean!" Lian was vexed, glaring at Hua Qingyi. She hadn't accomplished any of her goals today and instead ended up being detained.

"Why are you acting so clueless following me around!" Hua Qingyi faced her helplessly. "Their intent is obvious, yet you can't see it. What kind of Military Advisor are you being?"

"Are you saying they've already made concessions?"

"It's not concessions! I just feel there's more to this matter, especially when you mentioned Xiao Mu. The three of them visibly tensed up. Xiao Mu wasn't here to kill anyone or to claim the Xiao Family's position, so what is his objective? People always have motivations for their actions, right? Those three old men must know something that we don't. I suspect it relates to the person who took Fourth Master away."

At this point, Hua Qingyi couldn't help but reveal a look of regret. He had never met such an innocent Angel before. If he hadn't known he was Fourth Master, he might have just forcibly taken him home.

"The masked person is the mastermind behind Fourth Master. Their goal is Xiao Lin's blood. What does Xiao Mu want?"

Hua Qingyi shrugged at Lian, indicating he didn't know. "You stay here; I'll handle the outside matters."

Lian knew she couldn't leave and obediently sat on the bed. "Staying here isn't bad. You can check some materials, do some research. You know what I mean, right?"

"Stay in touch with me at all times."

After saying goodbye to Lian, Hua Qingyi drove straight to the City Police Department. When Wu Shuang saw him, she didn't say much, directly leading him to the detention center. Xiao Lin was leisurely sitting there with two small porcelain cups, a pot of wine, and a few small dishes on the table, living more comfortably than outside.

"Drinking without inviting me." Hua Qingyi opened the door and walked in. "Two cups of wine, who else is here?"

Xiao Lin glanced up at him, retrieving a bag filled with several small porcelain cups. "There are many here. Do you want to pick one?"

"Still in the mood for jokes, suggests nothing's wrong with you." Hua Qingyi unabashedly poured himself a drink and started eating.

"Met the old guys?"

"How did you know?"

"The smell of smoke on you. Only Boss Long likes that kind of smoke." The beef Wu Shuang bought was quite tasty, though the wine was lacking a bit.

"Let's not talk about me, how about you?" Hua Qingyi frowned.

"I'm alright."

"Are you hiding something from me too?" Hua Qingyi couldn't find any flaws in Xiao Lin's calm demeanor.

"Let's talk about what you found from the old men." Xiao Lin diverted the conversation; since the target was clearly stated, the fewer unrelated people involved, the better.

"Things happened as we anticipated, except they never considered Lian's safety—or as you'd put it, a sacrifice. Shen Qizhen is unaware of this." Hua Qingyi recounted what happened at the Dragon Soul today. "I'm certain there's an inside story with the Middle East journey. You were just one step in a setup. I think they're using you to verify something, closely linked to the masked man who took Fourth Master away."

Although Lao Long didn't give any explicit explanation or comment on this, his expression revealed many hidden details.

"Masked man?" Xiao Lin sunk into contemplation. The old men were eager to have him return and take over, not without reason. What does he want? The Middle East trip has just one aim: to lure someone out. And this person could be a significant obstacle on his path to succession. Do they want to eliminate him before his succession? If so, could this Mu Rongyun be connected to the masked man, their objectives instinctively feel aligned? (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian [qidian.com] to vote for recommendations, votes, your support is my greatest motivation.)

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