The Zhou family, a deeply rooted entity in Chang'an, boasted a history spanning eighty years, signifying their presence almost from the inception of the New Daxia era.
Although Zhou Tao publicly declared it an eighty-year anniversary, who truly knew or could ascertain its veracity?
It was merely a gimmick, after all.
The ultimate objective remained them.
Zhou Tao circulated the room, deliberately refraining from toasting the Xia family. His intent was clear: he wished to ignore them, a sentiment shared by everyone present.
This also conveyed a message to the Xia family, making them feel utterly disregarded. They were left to their own devices, yet their table was never without wine.
According to Ye Longlin, everyone's clothes were stained with alcohol, emitting the scent of drink upon approach, creating the illusion that they were heavily intoxicated. Their faces were flushed, entirely from their own rubbing.
"Zhou Tao's move is indeed skillful. If one were to truly believe him, they wouldn't even know they were being sold out."
Ye Longlin scoffed, remarking on the tactics of scholars. Had he not been a martial artist, he would have undoubtedly fallen for the deception today.
After all, as the most professional warriors, their stealth capabilities were undoubtedly top-tier. The Dark Hall would not deign to take on third-rate mercenary teams.
After several rounds of drinks, the effects of the medicine began to manifest. One by one, they slumped onto the tables. The Xia family members also began to collapse onto the tables, their eyes unfocused, observing the situation in the hall.
Upon seeing everyone on the tables, Zhou Tao set down his wine glass and sneered, "You really thought it was an eighty-year anniversary? These people have no brains."
"Go, notify them to come and collect their people."
Zhou Tao instructed the butler.
"Understood."
Soon, the sound of footsteps approached. Within the Xia family's view, men dressed in foreign military uniforms appeared in the hall. Each held a rifle, a pistol at their waist, and what's more, one man had even set up a heavy machine gun at the main gate of the Zhou residence, effectively blocking the exit!
"Well done, Zhou. The higher-ups will be very pleased."
A foreigner with blonde hair and blue eyes clapped Zhou Tao on the shoulder, smiling, a cigar dangling from his lips.
Zhou Tao bowed his head in agreement, "It is all according to the organization's orders."
"Where are the Xia family members? Have none been missed?"
Mike glanced at the Xia family, nodded slightly, and walked over to inspect them. As he approached, a gust of wine fumes instantly assailed his nostrils. They found themselves unable to stomach or drink Daxia's white liquor.
When his gaze fell upon Ye Longlin, his eyes widened instantly. Scenes flashed through his mind, and a primal fear engulfed his entire being!
"Alert!"
Mike suddenly roared. Everyone instantly drew their weapons, turning their muzzles towards Mike.
"The Dragon Pavilion's Chief, it's him, it's him!"
How could overseas mercenary groups not recognize this overseas underground overlord? He was the nightmare of all!
Seeing this figure here sent a bad omen through his heart.
His combat record was so astonishing that they dared not harbor any thought of resistance against him.
Even though he appeared to be asleep, he was like a slumbering lion.
A lion remains a lion, as no one dares approach it even in its sleep, for it might awaken at any moment.
"Chief Dragon, since you are here, I don't believe you would lose your life over a drink. You must have discovered us long ago, right?"
Mike swallowed, cautiously speaking. He wanted to know if Ye Longlin was truly asleep.
Zhou Tao, not understanding his words, explained, "General Mike, please rest assured. I administered a large amount of Mandragora. Even dozens more people would be incapacitated by this dosage. Regardless of the other party's identity, even if he were the Daxia Commander, he would surely fall here?"
Mike retreated, daring to turn and speak gravely to Zhou Tao, "Zhou, can you take responsibility for your words? He is a lion. Are you sure your medicine can incapacitate a lion?"
Zhou Tao scoffed, "General Mike, my medicine is very potent. Let alone a lion, even an elephant would have to leave two tusks behind."
"I hope you speak the truth. May God bless us. I swear I'm retiring after this job."
When he accepted the mission, he had no idea who the target was. It was only now that he learned the target was the Dragon Chief, feared throughout the overseas underground world!
Had he known the nature of the mission, not even God appearing before him would have made him accept it.
"The Executive Director of the Dark Hall will be arriving soon. I hope nothing goes wrong during this period."
Mike harbored a persistent sense of unease, unsure if this feeling would lead to the dreaded outcome.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
The Black and White Impermanence, along with assassins from the King of Hell's Hall, were concealed behind the Zhou family. Behind the Zhou family lay a cliff.
The Zhou family was built on a mountain, making it difficult to attack and easy to defend. If a battle were to erupt here, the Zhou family could be considered invincible. Of course, they lacked any air superiority. With missiles, this entire mountaintop could be leveled.
However, within Daxia's borders, such large-scale weaponry could not be employed.
"Has the Hall Master sent word to act yet?"
A killer impatiently inquired of White Impermanence.
White Impermanence cast a deep glance at the inquirer, his tone cold, "If you cannot wait, you may leave. Naturally, you will bear the consequences."
The King of Hell's Hall, a purely assassin organization, had undertaken numerous missions over the past two years. However, each mission targeted heinous individuals, and the issuing authority was the Daxia Security and Defense Department.
When official channels were inconvenient, civilian forces could step in.
The cooperation between the King of Hell's Hall and official bodies was considered a commendable tale in the industry. After all, in Daxia, the emergence of any assassin organization would invariably be met by Daxia's official forces.
Assassin organizations could easily disrupt social stability; in essence, they were people without morals, willing to do anything for money.
But the King of Hell's Hall was different.
"Report! Foreigners in foreign attire have surrounded the Zhou residence, and the Boss is still inside!"
Black Impermanence slowly opened his eyes, then closed them again.
White Impermanence understood his meaning, nodded, and said, "Await orders. Anyone who dares to act without the Boss's command will be expelled from the King of Hell's Hall, and a kill order will be issued."