These photos were leaked by Xu Hanchen through some means, intended to deter hidden adversaries.
At the same time, the Jiangnan Provincial Military Command launched a three-pronged, point-to-point strike on Black Blood's three bases in Jiangnan overnight, even deploying advanced drones for decapitation strikes.
Under the cover of night, almost no civilians were aware of these events, and the night remained as peaceful and serene as any other.
The three bases were purged by an iron fist, leaving no survivors.
Dealing with such scoundrels required an iron-fisted approach to instill deterrence, a consistent modus operandi for Xu Hanchen.
Photos of the scene were also quietly posted on the dark web, sparking further discussion among many.
In the photos, members of the Black Blood organization were decapitated and arranged neatly, creating a highly impactful visual.
Everyone on the dark web understood that this was retaliation from the Chinese military! Some couldn't help but lament, "Black Blood is a top global organization, yet they've repeatedly hit walls in China. This is truly interesting."
"Edward is dead, and Black Blood's bases in Jiangnan have been uprooted. The Chinese military has truly impressive methods."
"By the way, who do you think killed Edward?"
"Judging by the combat traces, Edward would have been powerless against that individual. Therefore, I surmise it could be one of China's seven S-class operatives, or perhaps even an A-class. Given the incident occurred in Jiangnan Province, I suspect it was Xuanwu of Jiangning. However, it's strange; I heard that despite Xuanwu's great power, it's unlikely he would have tortured Edward to such an extent."
"Heh heh, have you all forgotten someone?"
Someone said this.
Upon this reminder, everyone on the dark web felt a jolt and held their breath.
Indeed! How could they forget that person?
The Jade-Faced Asura! The living King of Hell!
That individual had always been ruthless in dealing with enemies, and Edward's death state was very much in line with his style.
"It's most likely him..."
"But isn't he retired? Why would he act again?"
"That's the Eye of the Candle Dragon!"
"I need to have my people be careful and try not to approach Jiangnan in the future. It's a forbidden zone for those of us who walk the edge of darkness!"
"..."
Besides this, many were waiting to see Black Blood's reaction. After all, with the Chinese military directly confronting them, it was unlikely the overbearing Black Blood organization would swallow such an insult.
As expected.
An hour after the incident escalated, a spokesperson for the Black Blood organization issued a declaration on the dark web, vowing to impose the severest sanctions on everyone involved in this matter!
This excited the onlookers on the dark web. On one side was the rapidly rising China, and on the other, one of the world's most powerful unofficial organizations. The clash between the two would undoubtedly be as intense as the collision of stars. Who would win?
On this topic, many engaged in debates. Some believed China would win, as Black Blood operated in the shadows and was weaker compared to the might of a nation.
Of course, many others believed Black Blood would win. China adhered to a conservative route and was unlikely to openly dispatch troops overseas to annihilate Black Blood. Moreover, there were suspicions that a superpower's shadow loomed behind the Black Blood organization. Neither side could convince the other.
China, Jiangnan.
In an unknown location, three masked individuals sat in a dimly lit living room. Their ages and appearances were unknown, and only by their voices could it be discerned that two were male and one was female. The woman sat in the center, indicating her higher status.
The man on the left said, "Nightingale, all three of our bases in Jiangnan were precisely targeted and struck point-to-point, with no survivors. In vast Jiangnan, only our headquarters remains isolated, and I doubt we can hold out for long."
"If the Chinese military finds out..."
Needless to say, the consequences would be dire.
The man on the right also stated, "We cannot just sit here and wait to be annihilated. We should take the initiative and launch an equivalent decapitation strike against them!"
Nightingale had remained silent. The two gradually fell quiet, both looking at Nightingale.
Nightingale said gravely, "My opinion is to suspend all operations! Even Edward is dead, what capabilities do you have to hunt the other party?"
The two were dumbfounded. Edward's strength was no less than theirs, yet he died so tragically.
The man on the left hesitated, "I saw on the dark web that the Eye of the Candle Dragon made the move? If it really was him, then our trouble is immense. That fellow is China's strongest individual operative."
Nightingale nodded, "There's a high probability it was him."
"However, the higher-ups haven't finished their investigation. We don't know what identity the Eye of the Candle Dragon is currently living in the city. From today onwards, the three of us will sever all contact with each other and enter a complete silent period. If there are any major directives, I will notify you individually."
The two had no objections.
Another man chuckled humorously, "I really want to see what Nightingale looks like under that mask. I guess she must be a beauty that could topple cities and nations, right?"
Nightingale's gaze turned cold, and she said chillingly, "You can try. I guarantee I'll kill you."
This was the rule! The elites of Black Blood operating in China hid their identities and blended into various industries. They normally appeared no different from ordinary people and avoided direct contact with other elites, as the capture of one could implicate many. Anyone who violated the rules would be executed!
The man flinched, waving his hands repeatedly, "Don't misunderstand me, I was just making a joke. Please don't kill me."
Nightingale snorted and continued speaking.
"If there's nothing else, everyone should disperse on their own."
The two nodded and got up to leave one after another.
Only after they were far away did Nightingale leave the place. Passing by a bar, Nightingale entered. No one knew when she took off her mask, who her true identity was, or when she left the bar.
The next day, the sun rose as usual. Ordinary citizens had no idea that many events had transpired in Jiangnan Province last night. Only some influential figures with considerable power were vaguely aware of them.
Yu Mengzhi hadn't slept all night. Chen Jin'zhao's phone had been unreachable the previous night. The shooting occurred at Ninghai University, and coupled with the police report of four deaths, Yu Mengzhi couldn't help but worry about Chen Jin'zhao. What concerned her even more was that even Tao Qiyue was evasive when asked about the case.
Therefore, as soon as she woke up, Yu Mengzhi drove to Ninghai University. Before she could even park the car, Yu Mengzhi spotted Chen Jin'zhao on guard duty at the school entrance, which finally put her worried heart at ease. This guy was indeed fine!