Chapter 1423: Chapter 1423: The Man Whose Authority Cannot Be Challenged
Zhang Lu and the others lay in wait, setting up numerous traps to ensure the security of the auction site.
It can be said that they took advantage of the time, place, and people, undoubtedly increasing the security factor of the auction site.
Without exaggeration, the auction site is like a dragon’s lair and a tiger’s den; no one can easily infiltrate it.
Moreover, the whereabouts of the crucial Ancient Painting is a secret, and Ye Fan has not tried to find out where it is hidden. Among the guardians, only Zhang Lu and Yang Shu know where the Ancient Painting is hidden; the others are completely unaware.
Considering various factors together, it is clear that the security of the Ancient Painting is absolutely not a problem.
Judging from five infiltration attempts by enemies, it’s evident that the place where the disguised Ancient Painting is stored is unknown to them; repeated probes have yielded nothing. Let alone the real hidden location of the Ancient Painting, which remains a secret.
Ye Fan is at ease knowing there won’t be any theft incidents concerning the Ancient Painting, and he shifts his focus elsewhere.
Anyway, since Zhang Lu and Yang Shu can ensure the security of the Ancient Painting, there is no need to worry excessively.
Monitoring enemy movements and the map fragments in Japan’s possession is the urgent priority.
"The auction site’s defenses are stringent; we can put it aside for now," Mengyao said softly. "Seizing the other two map fragments from Japan seems particularly important. Of course, we also need to pay special attention to any movements from major enemies that may be encountered."
The dynamics of these two directions are paramount.
"Finding the hidden enemies requires time and effort; there’s no rush; we can only proceed step by step." Ye Fan looked at Mengyao, seeking her opinion, "In any case, the Ancient Painting must not fall into Japan’s hands; that’s a certainty. If any other faction obtains the painting, it will surely lead to endless troubles and transactions with Japan, and by then, it’ll be too late."
Ye Fan looked at Mengyao with deep meaning, "In your opinion, what should we do?"
"Find out the possible whereabouts of the two map fragments, then forcefully capture them. Take action if there’s a chance, and create opportunities if there isn’t," Mengyao chuckled. "Japan’s group is led by Xigu Xiu, right? So let’s target Xigu Xiu. Even if we ultimately fail, it can still shock the enemy, or at least achieve the effect of drawing the snake out of its hole."
"It seems we’re on the same page," Ye Fan said. "However, Xigu Xiu’s situation still needs further investigation, and it’s not too late to strike afterward."
"Then let’s wait for more information." Mengyao nodded.
Du Xueqi returned with promising results in tracking Hua Diao.
Qiu Wen continued to secretly monitor the whereabouts of Peng Bird’s group, and Du Xueqi came to report the situation.
"Benefactor, according to your instructions, we’ve found the hiding place of Peng Bird’s group. Qiu Wen is lurking in the dark, waiting for further instructions." Du Xueqi concisely explained the situation.
"Looks like it’s time to visit Peng Bird’s enemies. If we can turn enemies into friends and eliminate a group of enemies, that’s good. If Peng Bird’s group remains stubborn, we have no choice but to strike decisively," Ye Fan said calmly.
The immediate priority is to minimize the threat from hidden enemies and eliminate a faction.
Given previous dealings with Peng Bird’s group, some conflicts can be disregarded. The current situation calls for eliminating this enemy group at the budding stage. It would be best not to remain enemies; if Peng Bird’s group insists on being adversaries, Ye Fan won’t be merciful, and Peng Bird’s group can experience his killing intent.
"You guys rest; I’m heading out. Wait for my good news," Ye Fan said indifferently.
"Benefactor, I’ll go with you; I can help out," Du Xueqi eagerly offered.
"No need. Handling Peng Bird and others requires discretion, no need to cause too much commotion. You stay with Mengyao, and don’t worry too much about other things," Ye Fan replied.
Du Xueqi nodded and didn’t insist on going.
"Be careful," Mengyao said with concern.
"Hmm!" Ye Fan nodded.
Ye Fan left the Lu Family’s private residence quietly, departing on his own without attracting anyone’s attention.
After taking a taxi to the destination, Qiu Wen came out to meet Ye Fan.
"Master, Peng Bird’s group is in the room on the left side of the third floor. So far, we’ve identified four targets: Peng Bird, Flower Snake, Hua Diao, and Mountain Ghost, just as you pointed out," Qiu Wen reported as they walked.
At this moment, the four of Peng Bird’s group were also discussing their action plan.
Matter concerning treasures and substantial benefits naturally stirred their greed.
"We’ve been discreetly monitoring Lu Binwang’s actions and haven’t detected any suspicious movements. It’s very difficult to use Lu Binwang to learn the auction’s Ancient Painting’s whereabouts; once he acts up, the entire situation could be triggered. If we can’t steal the Ancient Painting within a certain time frame, the leverage to threaten Lu Binwang would be lost," Mountain Ghost said with a solemn expression. "So before deciding how to act, it must be carefully planned without any negligence."
"Lu Binwang is one of the auction’s shareholders, but he has already announced that he won’t manage auction affairs temporarily, and this information seems to be true," Flower Snake said. "Tracking Lu Binwang’s movements shows he hasn’t visited the auction site. To say the auction site is fully under the control of Ji Jie wouldn’t be an exaggeration; others can’t understand the site’s specific security details."
"If we want to capture someone influential to force the release of the Ancient Painting as ransom, besides Qi Sixue, Lu Qianqian is also a good choice. If we capture one or both of these women, Qi Haomin and Lu Binwang would certainly go mad. One is the owner of the painting, and the other is the auctioneer. These two would spare no expense to offer the painting for their daughters. This is a good target approach."
"Capturing Qi Sixue and Lu Qianqian is extremely difficult, perhaps even harder than breaking into the auction site," Peng Bird said with a solemn face. "Lu Binwang has brought Huaxia’s top woman into the Lu Family’s private residence, and Qi Sixue and Lu Qianqian live with Chu Mengyao. Trying to abduct the two women under Chu Mengyao’s watch is highly challenging; breaking through layers of security is akin to climbing to heaven."
"Yes, throughout Huaxia and even Asia, who doesn’t know that the Chu Group is a forbidden existence?"
"Especially that man named Ye Fan, whose power is intimidating and deterring."
Mountain Ghost, Flower Snake, and Hua Diao all felt a genuine dread at the thought of possibly facing that formidable man.
Just then, a knock was heard on the door.
Knock knock knock!!!
Peng Bird’s group immediately became alert.
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