Chapter Thirty-one: Fortress Assault

The night over Shadow Island was deep and ominous. The ocean waves crashed against the jagged rocks below, their rhythmic sound barely audible over the howling wind. The fortress loomed ahead, its stone walls bathed in the dim glow of scattered torches. Lin Feng stood outside a door on the second floor, his sharp gaze peering through the narrow crack. Inside, a group of masked men gathered around a central figure cloaked in black. Their leader, a man known only as "The Phantom," spoke in a low, altered voice, discussing a plan to eliminate Lin Feng once and for all.

Lin Feng smirked, tightening his grip on a dagger he had taken from one of the guards. Without turning his head, he whispered to the elite team behind him, "Get ready. We move in ten minutes."

The team members nodded silently and dispersed into position. Lin Feng took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. This wasn't just another mission—it was personal. Three years ago, his family had been slaughtered, and tonight, he would finally face the one responsible. Every memory of that night burned vividly in his mind—the smell of smoke, the helpless cries of his loved ones, the ruthless laughter of their killers. The agony he had endured had transformed into an unyielding determination.

Without hesitation, he pushed the door open.

The masked men turned instantly at the sound. Their expressions, though hidden behind their masks, betrayed their shock. The Phantom's voice cut through the tension, cold and sharp. "Lin Feng? How did you find this place?"

Lin Feng stepped forward, one hand casually resting in his pocket. "You think you can hide from me?" He chuckled darkly. "Tonight, we settle the score from three years ago."

The Phantom's hand flicked sharply, a silent command. "Kill him!"

In an instant, seven or eight assassins unsheathed their weapons and lunged. But Lin Feng did not retreat. Instead, he advanced like a phantom himself, his movements swift as lightning. His dagger flashed—one attacker clutched his throat, blood spilling between his fingers as he collapsed.

Another assassin swung a blade towards Lin Feng's neck. With a quick sidestep, Lin Feng caught the man's wrist and twisted hard. A sickening crack echoed through the room as the assassin crumpled to the floor, howling in agony. He barely had time to react before another opponent lunged at him with a dagger. Lin Feng ducked, the blade slicing just above his shoulder. With a swift counter, he slammed his elbow into the attacker's ribs, feeling the bone give way under the force.

Despite the chaos, Lin Feng's mind was razor-sharp. His training, honed over years of hardship, took over as he moved fluidly from one opponent to the next. Every strike was precise, every dodge calculated. He wasn't just fighting—he was delivering justice.

The Phantom's eyes narrowed. He drew a throwing knife from his sleeve and hurled it toward Lin Feng. But Lin Feng anticipated the move—he dodged effortlessly, then retaliated with a fierce kick to The Phantom's knee. The cloaked figure stumbled, his legs giving out beneath him. Before he could recover, Lin Feng was upon him, pinning him to the ground with a firm foot pressed against his chest.

Lin Feng's voice was low and lethal. "Tell me, Phantom, who gave the order three years ago?"

The Phantom coughed, blood speckling his lips, but he still managed a twisted grin. "It was me. The Lin family stood in my way. I had to erase them."

A cold fury flickered in Lin Feng's eyes. Without warning, he struck The Phantom's shoulder with his palm, sending a jolt of pain through the man's body. The Phantom groaned and then slumped into unconsciousness.

Suddenly, gunfire erupted outside the fortress. Lin Feng's elite forces had engaged the remaining guards. The battle outside intensified, but Lin Feng remained composed. He waved his hand, signaling his team to move in.

Within seconds, several of his men stormed into the room. They quickly secured The Phantom, binding him tightly with industrial-grade restraints.

Jack, one of Lin Feng's most trusted men, rushed in and spoke in a low voice. "Boss, we've neutralized the guards. The island is ours. Do we extract now?"

Lin Feng smirked. "Yes. Take him. We're heading back to the ship."

His men hoisted The Phantom onto their shoulders and swiftly withdrew from the fortress. Lin Feng was the last to leave, pausing at the doorway to take one final look at the burning structure. Flames licked the walls, and smoke curled into the night sky. The scent of fire and blood mixed in the air, marking the end of another battlefield.

"Phantom," he murmured to himself, "your days of running are over."

On the speedboat, Lin Xue'er rushed forward as soon as she saw Lin Feng. "Brother! Did you get him?"

Lin Feng nodded, his expression unreadable. "We got him. The mastermind behind everything."

Her eyes welled up with tears as she turned to look at the bound figure lying unconscious on the deck. "So... does this mean we've avenged Father and Mother?"

Lin Feng exhaled, gazing at the vast sea ahead. "Not yet," he said softly. "There are still debts to be settled."

The speedboat sped away from Shadow Island, the fiery glow of the fortress still visible in the distance. This battle had been a major victory, but it was not the end.

Back on the ship, Lin Feng took out his phone and dialed a number. "Prepare the plane. We're taking The Phantom back to Jiang City."

A smooth, efficient voice responded, "Understood, Boss."

Lin Feng leaned against the railing, lighting a cigarette. The cool ocean wind tousled his hair as he took a slow drag, his mind already calculating the next steps. His body was exhausted, but his spirit remained relentless. The Phantom was just the first piece of a larger puzzle.

His grip on the cigarette tightened slightly. Three years of planning, hunting, waiting—all leading to this moment. But it wasn't over. The Phantom was just the first domino to fall.

"Phantom, three years ago, you took everything from me. Now, it's your turn to lose everything."

As the ship sliced through the dark waters, Lin Feng's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. He knew that this night was only the beginning. Vengeance was a slow, methodical game, and he intended to play it until every last debt was repaid in full.