After repeated assurances, Ye Fan finally convinced Zhang Lu and the other two that he was telling the truth.

In truth, his assurances were meant to make the three believe him; he didn't want them involved in the operation. He understood Fire Phoenix's character—she wouldn't act without certainty. Since she had made such a bold move, there was no other option but for him to go alone. Honestly, Zhang Lu's trio was quite capable, but compared to the Shadow Guard, they were on a different level. Hence, he didn't want them taking risks.

Going alone was the best and only feasible option for now.

Because Ye Fan wasn't sure if Deceitful Fox was lurking behind Fire Phoenix, he had to consider carefully.

"I'm telling you, if I find out you kept me out of this to protect me from danger, I'll never forgive you. We'll be done," Zhang Lu said decisively.

She and Ye Fan had risked their lives together, been through a lot. If Ye Fan was avoiding involving her because he feared she'd get hurt, she wouldn't forgive him.

If he treated her like an outsider or a burden, it would be an insult to her.

Zhang Lu had received a secret order from Old Fu to provide help at any cost. Despite the formidable enemy, she had her own abilities and could offer unimaginable assistance.

"No such thing, you're overthinking," Ye Fan said calmly.

"Alright then, I'll trust you this time," Zhang Lu finally gave a sigh of relief, entirely convinced by Ye Fan.

This was because Ye Fan's mental fortitude and micro-expressions showed no flaw whatsoever. Otherwise, Zhang Lu and the others would have sensed something wrong long ago and wouldn't have believed Ye Fan so easily.

"Master, I believe in you, but don't lie to me. If something goes wrong, I won't let it go," Qiu Wen exclaimed openly.

"Don't worry, just keep it calm," Ye Fan reassured.

"You're my idol's close friend, I believe in your abilities. No difficulty is too great for you, but you've promised there won't be danger, so I won't say more. I'll just patiently wait," Shen Yaqing said softly.

"I'm glad you think that way," Ye Fan replied faintly.

Zhang Lu interjected, "Do you need any equipment? Just in case, it's better to be prepared. Whatever assistance you need, I'll do my best to provide."

"No need, I'll handle it alone. I said there wouldn't be any combat, thus no danger either," Ye Fan said with a wry smile.

"Alright then," Zhang Lu responded briskly. "In that case, let's all head back and take care. "

"Get some rest. I'll inform you all once I get Mengyao back safely," Ye Fan said.

With that, Zhang Lu and the others left in confusion. Although Ye Fan had unsaid reasons and didn't provide specifics, the trio trusted him already, so they didn't interfere and patiently awaited news.

Ye Gang's subordinates, after receiving orders from Qiu Wen during the extensive search effort, suddenly quieted down.

Meanwhile, outside the underground entertainment venue where Fire Phoenix was located, in a dimly lit street, a man in his forties stood on a rooftop and dialed a phone number.

This man was the famous Scaled Dragon, one of Huaxia's three great Human Body Limit warriors, and in charge of the Hidden Dragon Base.

If Qian Weiguo and Shen Tingting were present, they'd surely be surprised to see their captain taking action because Scaled Dragon seldom acted, and when he did, it was aimed at significant targets—this time was no exception.

Because the underground entertainment venue before Scaled Dragon was Fire Phoenix's hiding place.

"Old Fu, I'm at Fire Phoenix's location, any further instructions?" Scaled Dragon asked over the satellite phone.

"Terminator's identity is no longer a secret to us," Old Fu hesitated briefly before speaking in his aged voice, "But discovering Terminator's flaw or confirming their allegiance is crucial. Getting Terminator to work with us or offer assistance is especially important. Maybe using Fire Phoenix to glean more information about Terminator's secret—that would be unknown to outsiders. Fire Phoenix is the best choice now, remember, do not clash with Fire Phoenix. If she's not our enemy, don't deliberately make things difficult."

Fire Phoenix drew much attention, prompting Scaled Dragon to investigate personally.

Someone like Fire Phoenix, who reached the Human Body Limit and infiltrated Huaxia, naturally attracted significant attention from Huaxia.

That's why Old Fu could learn of Fire Phoenix's trace promptly.

This enabled him to send directives to Zhang Lu.

Old Fu didn't leak information to Ye Fan, as he guessed the matter between Ye Fan and Fire Phoenix was only resolvable by the two of them. Over-interference might undermine the desired effect and could backfire.

But without exaggeration, Fire Phoenix, besides the Butcher, was one of the two people closest to Terminator. Acquiring intel from Fire Phoenix that outsiders couldn't obtain would be crucial in winning Terminator over.

"Old Fu, I know what to do. I won't clash with Fire Phoenix. Presumably, Fire Phoenix has no hostility towards me. Though so far we don't understand Fire Phoenix's intentions, it's clear there's conflict with Ye Fan," Scaled Dragon calmly analyzed.

Old Fu spoke with authority, "Don't rush to conclusions. Two former life-and-death partners becoming mortal enemies is indeed tragic. However, the progression isn't something we can intervene in directly. Try to gather useful intel from Fire Phoenix. Ye Fan, at times, seems too simple and ordinary, yet one can't help but feel he's profoundly unpredictable. How could Terminator be ordinary? Understanding his thoughts is crucial. Fire Phoenix might provide some pertinent insights."

After pausing briefly, Old Fu continued, "Regardless of Fire Phoenix's intel value, time isn't on your side. Ye Fan will soon know everything. Before that, meet Fire Phoenix first. If Fire Phoenix and Ye Fan indeed reach a relentless confrontation, discreetly assist Ye Fan while keeping your identity hidden. Point your guns at Fire Phoenix, but don't deal a fatal blow—just let her sense a threat and voluntarily withdraw. It's wise not to casually enrage this formidable adversary."

"Understood," Scaled Dragon responded firmly, "Any other special instructions?"

"No, leave everything else to you, act according to circumstances," Old Fu replied placidly.

Concluding the call, Scaled Dragon's hawk-like eyes revealed sharp gleams.

Then, he leaped, taking advantage of darkness to infiltrate the underground entertainment venue.

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