Chapter 1341: Chapter 1341: General Hawan’s Betrayal
Peng Bird and Flower Snake had a brief video exchange. Considering the current situation, they needed to think comprehensively; it’s impossible to stay out of it. The only choice left is to try and control the flames of the situation.
Without confirming the next plan, Peng Bird didn’t want to take any drastic actions.
To deal with the impersonator Peng Bird and the unexpected troubles that proactively emerged, a thorough consideration of the pros and cons was necessary, so Peng Bird dared not make any hasty decisions. A detailed plan was required.
At General Hawan’s residence, Ye Fan, Zhang Lu, Shen Tingting, and Yang Shu became esteemed guests of General Hawan.
Under unavoidable circumstances, General Hawan had no choice but to follow Ye Fan’s instructions and bring the four to his residence.
His guards were on alert around the perimeter of the residence. After repeated orders from General Hawan and believing Ye Fan carried no malice, these guards were somewhat relieved. As long as the General was safe, they felt completely at ease.
Although the four newcomers were unsettling, as long as the General’s personal safety was intact, that was their main concern.
Perhaps, the four approaching General Hawan in this manner to discuss matters was their way of comforting themselves.
Apart from General Hawan’s four personal bodyguards observing Ye Fan and the others from a distance, there was no extra security force around him. General Hawan understood that having more people wouldn’t be of any use, so after recognizing the current situation, he accepted his predicament and ceased unnecessary struggles.
"Please, state your intentions," General Hawan looked at Ye Fan and the others, speaking with a hint of helplessness.
"To call us friends shows you have some distinct qualities and that you know your situation well," Ye Fan casually replied while staring at General Hawan. "I don’t need to say much; I trust you know our purpose, and it’s just a matter of whether you cooperate or not."
There’s no need to beat around the bush when talking to smart people; speaking directly is sufficient.
As they say, a loud drum doesn’t need a heavy mallet.
"You guys are quite bold, not the least bit reserved, truly like fearless newborn calves," General Hawan clearly understood their strenuous efforts in taking him hostage for their plot. Yet, as they left the choice to him, it created immense pressure and dismay. He could only passively accept the situation with no real initiative.
"I know, you’re holding me to lure out Black Shark," General Hawan said with a bitter smile. "However, I have dealings with the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps, and I must ensure Black Shark’s safety. If I can’t protect Black Shark and become an accomplice, I will be a thorn in the side of the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps. I understand these adverse consequences, and I won’t take risks that endanger my life and welfare."
"You improperly intervened in our enmity with the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps. Since you’re aiding Black Shark, you’re opposing us. If you’re fearing the might of the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps, do you really think it’s easy to provoke us?" Zhang Lu coldly reprimanded. "Without your interference, Black Shark would already be dead. Now you wish to distance yourself; do you think that’s possible?"
"Honestly, when I intervened, I didn’t really see you as a threat," General Hawan chuckled dryly. Then said, "But after my men suffered significant losses at your hands, I realized I had angered dangerous people, especially you daring to take such risks in holding me hostage. It was quite unexpected and heightened my regard for you."
Ye Fan impatiently stated, "You’ve fallen into our hands, and if you don’t consent to our instructions, your fate doesn’t need more explanation, does it? Now it’s time to test your friendship with Black Shark or with the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps. Will you preserve yourself, or hand over Black Shark? It’s all up to you."
"Do you really dare to kill me and thereby provoke a formidable enemy?" General Hawan asked in amazement.
"You’re mistaken; your survival is the real threat. We won’t kill you because you’re invaluable; if someone offered money for your life, you’d already be dead, and we wouldn’t waste words. Of course, if we’re displeased, there’s no harm in killing you, bringing eternal ease without any further trouble," Ye Fan replied bluntly. "Surely, killing you could be a one-and-done solution without future issues."
Presently, Ye Fan is posing as the assassin Peng Bird, naturally acting according to the rules.
It’s an imperative choice to not violate the killer’s principles, aiming not to indiscriminately kill the innocent within operational guidelines.
However, General Hawan wouldn’t be considered innocent; if truly killed, it’d be well-deserved.
General Hawan understood that if he died, it was unlikely anyone would avenge him; naturally, someone would replace him as the new General. Being alive provided him the opportunity to enjoy all conveniences brought by wielding power.
He had no choice; faced with life and death, he could only opt for life. The dignity of being a General had entirely vanished, leaving no room for pride after becoming a prisoner—truly nothing worthy of pride anymore.
Initially, he held great resentment toward Ye Fan and the others, pledging to obliterate them to defend his dignity, letting them pay a painful price for offending him.
But after becoming a hostage, such thoughts abandoned him.
Survival became his sole aim; everything else truly wasn’t as crucial.
"If I betray Black Shark, I’ll be in great danger too. Escaping from your grasp to then fall into the hands of the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps equates to inevitable death. Why should I make a toil for trouble, indulging in self-destruction?" General Hawan spoke, undoubtedly exaggerating.
Even if he betrayed Black Shark, displeasing the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps, he indeed had the means to protect himself.
Saying this was merely to seek more conveniences.
He was convinced that Ye Fan and co. threatened him to lure Black Shark, only possible through him. If delayed, the arrival of the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps would render the task extremely challenging.
Hence, with this conviction, he dared to negotiate with Ye Fan.
"It seems you’re not aware of your situation; we don’t have time for idle chatter," Ye Fan said chillingly. "Lure out Black Shark, and you live. If the lure fails, or you have other intentions, we’ll kill you and then deal with Black Shark. Listen, I don’t want to hear your nonsense. Do not harbor delusions of challenging my patience; I’ll leave you without any chance to regret."
A chill swept over General Hawan’s heart, as he couldn’t help trembling in fear.
He truly dared not defy Ye Fan’s wishes, nor did he dare question Ye Fan’s resolve and murderous intent.
"How could my friendship with Black Shark outweigh my own life and death? Comparatively, it’s truly insignificant," General Hawan shuddered, saying decisively. "I’ll call Black Shark immediately."
