Chapter 22: Counterattack from the Shadows

The fallout from the Black Dragon scandal spread like wildfire. Regulatory agencies launched investigations, shareholders pulled back, and public trust in Lu Zhenhua plummeted. On the surface, it seemed like Skyward Technologies had dealt a decisive blow.

But Zhao Feng knew better.

A man like Lu Zhenhua wouldn't go down quietly. The Shadow Emperor was wounded, but a wounded beast was often the most dangerous.

Seated in his penthouse office, Zhao Feng stared at the gleaming cityscape. A glass of red wine rested in his hand as the lights of countless skyscrapers twinkled like stars.

The system interface hovered before him.

[Current Mission Status: Black Dragon Corporation's Acquisition Disrupted]

[Threat Level: Reduced — But Retaliation Expected]

Just as Zhao Feng predicted.

"System," Zhao Feng commanded, "track Lu Zhenhua's movements. I want a full report on his next steps."

Ding!

[Tracking in Progress…]

The system's data feeds pulled in information from news outlets, financial reports, and internal communications. After a moment, the screen flashed with the latest updates.

[Lu Zhenhua: Relocating Operations to Offshore Accounts]

[Increased Activity Detected in Black Dragon Subsidiaries]

[Rumored Partnerships with Underworld Entities: Confirmed]

A cold gleam flickered in Zhao Feng's eyes.

"Underworld entities, huh? Desperate moves for a desperate man."

But the report wasn't finished.

[Warning: Lu Zhenhua Has Activated a Strategic Counterattack — Objective: Skyward Technologies Market Destabilization]

"Here we go."

The next morning, the storm began.

Skyward Technologies' servers faced a sudden and relentless cyberattack. Systems flickered, internal networks slowed, and critical data faced threats of corruption. Employees rushed in panic, the IT department scrambling to mitigate the damage.

"Boss, we've detected a Level 5 DDoS attack!" Xiao Ling reported, her voice tense. "It's targeting our client database and AI servers!"

Zhao Feng's eyes narrowed. "Black Dragon is making its move."

"Can we block it?"

"The firewall is holding, but we're under severe pressure," she explained. "They're using sophisticated methods. It's no ordinary hacker — this is professional."

Zhao Feng's voice was calm, though the weight of the moment was undeniable.

"Then we respond in kind."

"System, allocate 500 million Simp Coins to initiate Emergency Cyber Defense Protocols."

Ding!

[Deploying Next-Gen AI Firewall. Counterattack Mode Engaged.]

Within seconds, Skyward's AI defense surged. The firewall adapted, identifying patterns in the malicious data streams. The attackers' algorithms were swiftly blocked, and false data packets were sent back in retaliation.

Ding!

[Cyberattack Neutralized.]

[Trace Back Initiated — Identifying Source.]

The system displayed the origin of the attack — a private server in the South Pacific, masked behind multiple layers of encryption. But Zhao Feng smirked.

"No one hides forever."

While the cyberattack had failed, the second wave hit just as Zhao Feng predicted.

"Mr. Zhao Feng!" Xiao Ling burst into the office. "Black Dragon is launching a market manipulation scheme. They're using media outlets to spread false rumors about Skyward's AI project!"

Screens in the office displayed the headlines:

"Skyward AI Data Breach Allegations Surface."

"Whistleblower Claims Skyward Technologies Uses Unethical AI Practices."

"Investors Pull Back Amidst Skyward's Scandal."

A fabricated crisis — classic Black Dragon tactics. The stock price dipped, and uncertainty spread like wildfire.

"System," Zhao Feng commanded coldly. "Engage Reputation Control Mode. Initiate media outreach and release counter-statements."

Ding!

[Allocating 300 Million Simp Coins to Reputation Control.]

[Skyward PR Team Mobilized.]

Soon, Skyward's official channels pushed out a series of statements backed by hard evidence, denying the allegations. Independent auditors confirmed the integrity of Skyward's AI systems.

Prominent investors quickly issued statements of continued confidence. The media narrative shifted, and the fabricated rumors crumbled under the weight of truth.

Ding!

[Market Confidence Restored. Skyward Technologies Stock Rebounds.]

But Zhao Feng wasn't satisfied with merely defending. It was time to strike back.

"System, compile all evidence gathered on Black Dragon's illegal activities. Deliver it to the financial regulatory board and major news outlets."

Ding!

[Compiling Data…]

[Delivering Report to Authorities and Media Networks.]

Within hours, the headlines shifted once more.

"Black Dragon Corporation Faces Criminal Investigation."

"Lu Zhenhua Accused of Corporate Sabotage and Cybercrimes."

"Skyward Technologies Emerges Victorious Amidst Market Turmoil."

Lu Zhenhua's empire crumbled as swiftly as it had attacked.

Ding!

[Mission Complete: Counterattack from the Shadows.]

[Reward: +100 Million Simp Coins, Business Influence +1500]

[Current Simp Coins: 99 Trillion 456 Million]

That evening, Zhao Feng stood alone on the balcony of his penthouse. The city below him buzzed with life, unaware of the corporate war that had just raged and ended.

His phone buzzed. A message from Lu Zhenhua.

"You've won this time. But the shadows always return."

Zhao Feng chuckled.

"And when they do, I'll be ready."

The Shadow Emperor had fallen. But Zhao Feng was no longer just a businessman — he was a force that even the most powerful couldn't ignore.

And this was only the beginning.