Chapter 1521: Chapter 915: Secret Realm (2)
He didn’t know whether Chen Nang was this guy’s real name, but from observing his demeanor, Yang Xiao felt that the other person didn’t seem to be deceiving him.
In addition, he had mentioned a number, 072134. Yang Xiao remembered it clearly; it should be his identity number in prison.
Yang Xiao wasn’t sure what crime he had committed to be incarcerated, but it was certainly a serious one, like life imprisonment or awaiting execution after autumn. Chen Nang had mentioned that his situation was severe, and knowing it wouldn’t do him any good.
However, through this period of contact, Yang Xiao felt that this guy didn’t seem to be a heinous criminal, but rather smart, bold, meticulous, decisive, and reliable, with a sense of responsibility. He never shirked responsibility when it fell on him, although he sometimes acted like he didn’t care about the consequences. But there’s nothing wrong with him as a person; he’s someone you could befriend.
One thing he didn’t know was how strong this person was. If he was strong enough, he could be a potential ally in the future.
This time, being able to leave with Jiang Qingluan alive, this person’s contribution was indispensable. Yang Xiao planned to inquire about this Chen Nang, and if possible, he would give him a helping hand.
After all, he was about to be transferred to work at the Provincial Office, as the Deputy Captain of the Provincial Bureau’s Law Enforcement Team, with a second-level full-time rank. In the Patrol Defense Office system, he now had some clout, and an act that was a grave offense in the eyes of outsiders might be a mere word to the insiders.
But Yang Xiao also had his limits; if Chen Nang had really committed something heinous and outrageous, there was no need to rescue him. Let him stay in prison and atone for his crimes.
Pulling back his thoughts, Yang Xiao picked up the tablet on the table, began reviewing the surveillance footage, and after confirming there was nothing amiss, he deleted the footage and cut off the five surveillance cameras working in the room.
After resting for a while and recovering his energy, Yang Xiao flipped his hand, summoning the Ghost Lantern, checking the room once again for anything unusual.
It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his colleagues at the Patrol Defense Office, but his experiences over the years made him cautious.
Now that the Withered Bone Pavilion’s base had been removed, staying here no longer held any purpose. Yang Xiao decided to leave; he stepped out of the room, finding Director Sun and Director Hong Qiang in another room in the courtyard.
Upon meeting, the trio engaged in some customary exchanges. Yang Xiao clearly understood what these two were interested in hearing, so he proactively suggested that he shouldn’t be mentioned in the report regarding the clearance of the Withered Bone Pavilion base.
Seeing Yang Xiao not vying for credit, both Director Sun and Director Hong Qiang felt relieved. The Withered Bone Pavilion was known as a prominent evil cultivator organization, and this time, the base they annihilated had a significant status within the pavilion, marking a solid achievement.
"Younger Brother Yang, it was thanks to your intelligence that Director Sun and I were able to eradicate this threat to the people. Your contribution to encircling and annihilating the evil cultivators in the base was invaluable," Hong Qiang sincerely expressed.
"Brother Hong, you’re too kind. This success is due to yours and Director Sun’s precise planning and swift action. Canglan Province truly deserves to be our department’s leading province, full of elite forces. This time, you both have surely opened my eyes," Yang Xiao replied with a smile.
After a few more words, the relationship among the three drew closer, with both Director Sun and Director Hong Qiang looking at Yang Xiao with admiration.
Hong Qiang even patted his chest, straightforwardly declaring they were all brothers working on the same side, stressing that Canglan Province was their territory, and Yang Xiao should not hesitate to call on them if need be.
"Brother Hong, actually, there’s indeed something I’d like to ask for your help with," Yang Xiao said.
"Go ahead," Hong Qiang replied graciously.
"Here’s the thing, I’d like to ask you to look into someone named Chen Nang. I estimate he was captured by our Patrol Defense Office colleagues and is being held in some prison. He also has an identity number, 072134."
"Also, he’s from Canglan Province," Yang Xiao added, as this was mentioned by Chen Nang during his first introduction.
"Is he a friend of yours?" Director Sun, sitting nearby, suddenly asked.
"Sort of. I hope you both can do me this favor," Yang Xiao said, giving a polite hand gesture.
The way he phrased it was quite strategic; Yang Xiao wasn’t directly asking for their help in releasing him but merely for some face, which allowed room for maneuver. The urgent priority was to confirm where Chen Nang was detained and what exactly were his crimes.
Facing Yang Xiao’s request, Director Sun and Director Hong Qiang agreed, stating they would promptly investigate, "With a name and a number, it shouldn’t be hard to look up someone. Younger Brother Yang, just wait for our news." Hong Qiang nodded.
"Many thanks to both of you, brothers."
With the Withered Bone Pavilion affair almost settled, Yang Xiao prepared to leave. This place, after all, belonged to Director Sun’s jurisdiction, who needed to remain and handle related matters. Yang Xiao, however, got into a car arranged by Director Hong Qiang to return to Luoshui City, still having Jiang Qingluan on his mind.
Back in the final moments of the mission, Jiang Qingluan was in extremely poor condition. If it weren’t for Zhou Hai carrying her, she would’ve perished within. Ultimately, Chen Nang carried her out from the Nightmare World.
The exit of the Nightmare World had a limited duration, and missing it would mean being trapped forever. In this regard, Zhou Hai’s actions were indeed commendable.
Though indirectly, Zhou Hai also managed to save himself. If Yang Xiao had seen Zhou Hai arrive alone and had abandoned Jiang Qingluan, then Zhou Hai wouldn’t have been allowed to leave either.
Upon returning to Luoshui City, Yang Xiao reached the territory of the Yi Sect, an excellently located building. After delivering Yang Xiao, Director Hong Qiang wisely excused himself.
Yang Xiao was escorted inside the building by members of the Yi Sect, where he temporarily rested in a room.
