Rescue Plan

The next morning, after breakfast, Fang Lingtian addressed the team with a stoic expression. "Yesterday's mission was barely completed with no casualties. X is satisfied and expects Team B to proceed with follow-up operations."

His gaze shifted to Huo Xuan. "Though Huo Xuan isn't officially part of the Violent Squad, his performance has earned him full member privileges starting today."

"Member privileges" meant being treated as one of their own—no more withheld intel, no more reservations.

Huo Xuan smiled faintly. "Thank you. I won't let you down."

Rose shot him a sidelong glance. "Huo Xuan, we're treating you as a teammate. Will you do the same?"

The subtext was clear: Teammates don't keep secrets. So—what's your story?

Huo Xuan caught her drift. After a pause, he said, "I'm just Huo Xuan. An ordinary guy with a good shifu. Some call him... Divine Physician Hua Buyi."

At that name, Ancient Rock's expression shifted. After a long silence, he exhaled. "No wonder you've mastered so many methods. Hua the Miracle Doctor's disciple!"

Not everyone recognized the title. Leafblade scoffed. "Woodblock, why the drama? What's so special about this 'Miracle Doctor'? Sounds like a scam."

Ancient Rock, usually unflappable, snapped sternly, "Leafblade, never judge what you don't understand."

Leafblade bristled. "Then enlighten me with facts."

Ancient Rock's voice turned icy. "Ignorance isn't proof. There's a ranking—the Underground List—that catalogs the world's most formidable forces. Hua ranks in the top ten."

Rose's eyes widened at Huo Xuan. "I've heard of it. Eastern Divine Dragon, Southern Bodhisattva, Central Plains King, Divine Physician Hua, Northern Titans, Southwest Fiend, Northeast Tiger, Northwest Wolf, Capital's Buddha, Jiangzhou's Money God. Fourth place... impressive."

"Beyond impressive," Ancient Rock added, studying Huo Xuan. "Of the top ten, nine are named by region. Only Hua's title spans the entire land—Divine Physician Hua Buyi. Know why?"

Leafblade bit. "Why?"

"Hua's connections span every corner of society—politics, business, martial arts, the underworld. There's a saying: Better provoke the Eastern Dragon than offend Hua Buyi."

Leafblade shut his mouth.

Huo Xuan neither confirmed nor denied. "Shifu sent me here to learn through life-and-death trials. Seems his method works."

Rose nodded. "Environment matters, but so does talent. Yours is why you broke through."

Seeing the focus shift entirely to Huo Xuan, Fang Lingtian coughed lightly and said, "Regardless of Huo Xuan's background, he is now our teammate. No further questions are necessary." His expression then turned grave as he scanned the group. "Tonight, we must find a way to rescue Shangguan Meixue."

Huo Xuan asked, "Shangguan Meixue—the kidnapped official? What's her background?"

Yuan Xin, who knew the most about this, explained, "Shangguan Meixue is a second-tier investment officer at China Investment Corporation, wielding significant authority. She has the power to approve projects under $10 billion, equivalent to a department-level official."

Huo Xuan, unfamiliar with China Investment Corporation, frowned slightly in confusion.

Yuan Xin continued, "China Investment Corporation primarily manages foreign exchange reserves. As you know, our country holds trillions in foreign reserves. Simply holding onto them would lead to devaluation. Hence, the corporation was established to invest these reserves, ensuring stable growth."

"Investment officers like her decide where these funds go, granting them immense influence. Shangguan Meixue's background is no less impressive—her father is the head of a state-owned enterprise, and her mother works in the State Council's General Office. Both are influential figures."

Leafblade interjected, "Yuan Xin, how old is Shangguan Meixue? Is she pretty?"

Yuan Xin shot him a glare. "She's 31 but looks no older than 24 or 25. Beautiful, yes, but with a haughty personality. Don't get your hopes up, Leafblade."

Leafblade shrugged. "Never mind, then. I prefer gentle women."

Surprisingly, Fang Lingtian tolerated the interruptions before patiently continuing, "Shangguan Meixue is being held at an American military base—heavily guarded and nearly impenetrable."

Thunderstorm clenched his fists. "Then we storm in and wipe out those Americans!"

His suggestion earned unanimous eye rolls—clearly, no one agreed.

Zhu Hong shook his head. "A direct assault is out of the question. That would be tantamount to declaring war on the U.S. Our superiors would never allow it."

Fang Lingtian said, "After careful consideration, our only option is a covert rescue."

"Covert? Impossible," Leafblade retorted. "You just said the place is a fortress. We'd never get in."

"Not necessarily." Fang Lingtian's gaze settled on Huo Xuan. "Huo Xuan, your performance the other day impressed me. If possible, you'll be the key to this mission."

Huo Xuan blinked, then chuckled dryly. "You overestimate me."

Fang Lingtian's voice hardened. "I don't. You're the best fit. Surviving that helicopter pursuit proved your potential and willpower."

Huo Xuan sighed. "Fine. Just give the orders. I can't guarantee success, but I'll give it everything."

Fang Lingtian laid out the plan: "Tonight, the seven of us will divert the Americans' attention. Meanwhile, you, Huo Xuan, will infiltrate the base and extract Shangguan Meixue." He produced an intricately detailed map.

"This is the base's blueprint. Follow it to locate Shangguan Meixue. Once she's secure, four escape vehicles will be stationed at different exits—choose any to flee."

Huo Xuan understood—they were the ones taking the real risk. While they engaged the enemy head-on, he'd slip in from the rear, avoiding the brunt of the opposition.