That evening, after Si Jinyan received intelligence from the Zhao Corporation's intelligence department, he mobilized the Zhao family forces in Qianzhou under Yun Shao's authorization.
Since Zhao Yunhai's arrival in Qianzhou, all the hidden Zhao family strength in the region had come under his control.
These individuals would never comprehend the terrifying extent of the Zhao family's methods for embedding spies.
A top tycoon in Qianzhou was comfortably asleep at home, his wife nestled in his arms.
The villa also housed his promising son, who had recently come of age and was the recipient of his father's hopes.
This tycoon cherished his wife and son above all else.
At this moment, a shadowy figure, utilizing qinggong, silently infiltrated the villa.
The villa's security system and personnel detected no anomalies whatsoever.
This was because someone nearby was manipulating advanced technology, using a laptop to directly breach the entire security system.
The security personnel were now akin to blind men staring at their monitors.
"It's time to act," a voice stated into an earpiece.
"Understood."
The masked assailant immediately entered the tycoon's son's room and silently ended the young man's eighteen years of life.
"Someone like him dares to be an enemy of my Zhao family," the masked assailant scoffed coldly, their icy gaze filled with killing intent.
After years of lurking, someone from the family had finally arrived, and it was the young master. This time, the family was truly serious.
(Naturally, the titles by which people referred to Zhao Yunhai varied.)
When the masked assailant stood beside the Qianzhou tycoon, the latter was still sound asleep, unaware that the person in his embrace was growing progressively colder.
Simultaneously, those who had secretly opposed the Zhao family found that their trusted associates, regardless of their location, whether out for fun or asleep in their beds, all met their demise that night without exception.
Since you are willing to oppose the Zhao family, we might as well give you a hand, ensuring you have no lingering concerns as you confront us.
The Zhao family will gladly play the role of the benevolent benefactor.
You're welcome.
...
As the sun dispelled the darkness and its rays illuminated Qianzhou, those with power and influence were met with grim visages.
"I want to overturn the Zhao family, destroy them, and quench the hatred in my heart. I can't bear it any longer. My wife and children are all dead."
"There's nothing left to care about. All my wealth will become a sharp blade piercing the Zhao family."
"Ah! I've always been patient, patient, patient. Heh heh, now it's good, everyone is alone."
Gu Xiaolai, a top tycoon in Qianzhou, slammed the table with rage, his laughter, bordering on grief, filled with desolation.
The influential figures present all felt a shared sense of sorrow, their eyes red and swollen from crying.
Some grieved genuinely, while others were willing to make any sacrifice for a greater cause.
Lost a wife?
Remarry.
Lost a son?
Have another.
Under the persuasion of these individuals, those consumed by grief gradually regained a temporary semblance of calm.
Further sorrow was futile.
The dead could not be resurrected.
If they wished for revenge, they had to bring down the Zhao family.
These individuals had previously schemed against each other, but now they would cooperate with even greater thoroughness.
However, this was precisely the outcome Zhao Yunhai desired, as it would allow him to ensnare them all in one fell swoop.
"Zhao Yunhai, that arrogant young man, does he truly believe his status makes him omnipotent?"
"His success is merely a result of his position as the future heir of the Zhao family."
"Let him be arrogant. Let him be completely buried in Qianzhou, causing chaos within the Zhao family."
"Exactly. Since he has come to Qianzhou, he must seek our permission if he wishes to leave."
"I suggest we strike at the very foundation of their company. Zhao Yunhai's entourage likely includes at least a few Zongshi-level experts."
"Agreed. However, the assassinations must continue. What use is being a Zongshi if you can't withstand firearms?"
"Hmm? Are you suggesting...?"
"Precisely. Since the gloves are off, let's be even more thorough. However, it's best not to leave any evidence for the Zhao family."
"Indeed, caution is advised. The use of firearms is no minor matter."
"You're right. If this leads back to us, we'll all be finished."
Finally, Gu Xiaolai, the Qianzhou tycoon, proposed, "However, for the martial arts aspect, we can have those reclusive masters make a move. I will find them."
"I have ample funds. A thousand days to guard against a thief, I refuse to believe Zongshi experts don't need to sleep."
"Good." The others unanimously agreed.
With preparations on both fronts, these individuals believed Zhao Yunhai was trapped and had no escape. Targeting Zhao Yunhai, the weak link in the massive Zhao family structure, was deemed the optimal strategy.
These people meticulously laid their plans, entirely unaware that Zhao Yunhai paid them no mind.
Naturally, the funerals for the deceased relatives of these individuals were grand affairs, and people would come to offer condolences.
The sycophantic figures in Qianzhou discovered that the influential families they sought to curry favor with were all holding funerals.
What a coincidence?
They were stunned.
Which household should they visit?
That was not a problem.
They sent their family members to represent them, paying their respects at each one.
However, they were shrewd individuals and recognized the eerie nature of such a confluence of events, understanding that such coincidences were highly improbable.
"So what if it's a coincidence? There are still sensible people in Qianzhou who wouldn't dare to reveal certain things," Si Jinyan said, watching Yang Hui take photos by the waterfall.
The waterfall was spectacular, drawing exclamations of surprise from Yang Hui.
The cascading water resembled a galaxy plunging three thousand feet, incredibly majestic. In the refracted sunlight, one could vaguely discern a golden crow poised to spread its wings and soar across the heavens.
Zhao Yunhai had no interest in delving into the specifics of such phenomena, knowing that some things were best understood implicitly.
"Yunhai, hurry over! Let's take a photo together," Yang Hui called out, waving to him.
Zhao Yunhai replied loudly, "Coming right away."
Then, Zhao Yunhai quietly said to Si Jinyan, "Those people probably want to kill me by now."
"Therefore, my company will likely face significant obstacles. This is to inform Yu Manlou so he can prepare himself."
"Concurrently, contact the local powers in Qianzhou who can be swayed. Qianzhou cannot possibly be a monolithic entity."
Si Jinyan meticulously noted down Yun Shao's instructions, nodding quickly. "Understood, Yun Shao. I will attend to it immediately."
"Recently, be wary of them using firearms. A cornered dog will resort to desperate measures; they are capable of anything."
Zhao Yunhai had great faith in Si Jinyan's capabilities and patted his shoulder, "Be careful yourself."
"Rest assured, Yun Shao. Your subordinate will protect both you and Miss Yang's safety."
Yun Shao's concern stirred a warmth within Si Jinyan, bringing tears to his eyes.
A figure of such importance as Yun Shao actually cared about the safety of a minor individual like himself.
Even a single sentence was enough to engrave itself in Si Jinyan's memory for a lifetime.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed Zhao Yunhai's eyes as he turned and walked towards Yang Hui.
Simple acts of winning people over came effortlessly to Zhao Yunhai.