Chapter 1422: Chapter 1422: Perilous Situation
Zhang Lu, Yang Shu, and Ji Jie briefly explained the security system of the auction house.
Besides technical support, everyone was tasked with patrolling and vigilance duties.
The security on the first layer is relatively weak, but the deeper you go, the higher the security level.
Judging by the enemy’s total failure in five infiltration attempts, a lot can be inferred.
This serves as a great deterrent for the enemy.
Whether the enemy is probing or acting with intent, their repeated failures should alert them to the auction house’s dangers.
"What do we know about the detailed situation of the various enemies?" Ye Fan asked, "Who are they? And where are they hiding?"
"Based on the intelligence gathered from various sources, the Peng Bird along with Boss Zuo and others are lying low in the shadows. The Black Cat Team is also hiding. We know they’re in the shadows, but their exact hiding places remain unknown," Zhang Lu said. "Japan, led by Xigu Xiu, and E Country, led by Clive and Charles, are openly revealed, and their arrays should not be underestimated."
"Given the current situation, is it safe to say that only the forces from Japan and E Country are openly visible, with their personnel distribution clear?" Ye Fan said calmly.
"Yes, we have solid evidence, and there are people watching the actions of these two forces," Zhang Lu confirmed.
"The forces exposed might not represent the full strength of these two factions. Especially Japan, having mastered two treasure map fragments of the Ancient Painting, would be thoroughly prepared since the third Ancient Painting is crucial and a must-have," Ye Fan analyzed, "The visible forces must be watched, but the unseen forces hidden in the shadows are what require special attention and are crucial to the entire battle strategy."
"This is something we need to pay special attention to," Yang Shu said. "We also don’t believe this is the full strength of E Country and Japan. The hidden strengths and their positions are the real concerns."
"We have mobilized all available forces, with various departments cooperating to win this war. Whether in overt battles or covert struggles, we have fully prepared," Ji Jie said seriously. "Based on current information, it’s the forces hidden from our surveillance that pose the greatest threat."
If all enemy forces are monitored, strategic preparations can be coordinated and responses ready.
However, not knowing the enemy’s location or when they might emerge to disrupt things is the real killer.
We must pay heed to the unknown enemy’s actions, beyond the known one’s timing.
"Currently, the enemy’s only way to obtain the Ancient Painting is theft," Zhang Lu interjected. "After five failed infiltration attempts, the enemy will be more cautious. Before the auction begins, our defensive strategies against enemy infiltration will not change much. Once the auction starts, the combat methods will change, turning into a financial showdown to outbid others for the Ancient Painting. All forces plan and strategize to avoid financial clashes because the third map fragment’s value is tremendous and all seek it."
Japan holds two map fragments; if someone else gets the third, the situation could drastically change, offering incredible profits.
The hidden treasures have attracted enormous attention and scrutiny.
At this point, the focus is on acquiring the third Ancient Painting at any cost.
"Since the visible enemies are under our watch, they’re intentionally exposing themselves for surveillance, while hidden forces in the shadows need guarding," Ye Fan said loudly. "The goal is identifying and monitoring these covert forces."
"We will strive to uncover as many hidden enemies as possible, reclaim the initiative," Zhang Lu vowed. "Toward this aim, we will mobilize all possible forces to assist."
Through the briefing, Ye Fan gained a fundamental grasp of the situation.
Currently, the auction house’s internal situation isn’t well-known by the enemy, especially the location of the third Ancient Painting which remains a well-guarded secret.
This provides significant strategic room as the enemy is temporarily at a loss, making the Ancient Painting currently secure.
Pre-auction, all forces will vie for the Ancient Paintings within the auction house and Japan’s two map fragments, which are primary focuses for other forces too.
Not only is the auction house under scrutiny, but Japan’s delegation is also targeted by E Country, the Peng Bird, and others.
"I’m not overly worried about the auction house’s security, with your guardianship I feel assured. Even if unforeseen events occur, I’ll rush to assist immediately," Ye Fan stated. "Currently, Japan’s map fragments are our focus, these aren’t just essential to us, they are targets for others looking to exploit opportunities."
Ye Fan paused, his eyes sharp, "So, finding out where the two map fragments are, who holds them and where they are hidden, is our next task, to protect the third Ancient Painting while securing the other two fragments."
"We’ve been infiltrating regarding these matters," Zhang Lu said, "But achieved very little, I’m afraid future results won’t be significant either."
"That’s understandable, given the enemy’s vigilance, any uncertainty is suspect," Ji Jie said.
"As far as we know, Xigu Xiu and his team faced several attacks, but without gaining ground, the attackers fled," Yang Shu recounted past events.
"Everyone, go and remain diligent. Contact me anytime if there’s a situation," Ye Fan instructed Zhang Lu, "When necessary, we’ll strike decisively, intimidating the enemies and waiting for the opportune moment."
Zhang Lu and the others bid farewell to Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao, then departed.
Qiu Wen and Du Xueqi’s operations yielded significant results; the Peng Bird team was unaware they’ve been exposed.
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