Office.
Yang He hung up the phone, his expression grim as iron.
Since the recent terrorist attack, a chain reaction of unfavorable events had unfolded.
First, the international situation.
The operation had revealed that numerous foreign powers and organizations coveted Xia Kingdom, and they had quietly formed an implicit alliance.
Though Xia Kingdom boasted a vast number of superhumans and formidable strength, earning it high international prestige, facing so many hostile forces at once still left them stretched thin.
Then, the domestic situation.
As spiritual energy continued to surge, the number of superhumans and supernatural organizations exploded. Many criminal groups and dark factions, empowered by their newfound abilities, wreaked havoc on society, posing a severe threat to civilians.
Despite the Beidou Organization’s efforts to tighten control, reality outpaced their plans. Toxic elements like the Hundred Immortals Cult and the Gray Wolf Gang still roamed free, oppressing ordinary people and even colluding with foreign forces to undermine national sovereignty.
Investigations showed that over 10 domestic organizations and 300 individuals had directly or indirectly participated in the terrorist attack.
Yang He massaged his throbbing temples, his mind overloaded with problems.
He glanced at his phone—99+ unread messages.
For fuck’s sake…
He suddenly had the urge to smash it.
Though Yang He was only the Beijing commander, Elder Nanxuan Xuan had arranged for him to join the Council of Elders, making him the youngest elder and burdening him with endless responsibilities.
Before Nanxuan Xuan went into seclusion, he had proposed this move, but the council had rejected it. Now, after breaking through to A-rank, his words carried more weight—somehow, the motion passed.
As the newest elder, Yang He was swamped with tasks, including overseeing the aftermath of the terrorist attack.
Exhausting? Yes. But he was determined.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Come in,” Yang He said without looking up, still scrolling through messages.
The visitor was Su Mo, who cautiously peeked in. “Commander Yang, are you busy?”
Recognizing his voice, Yang He set his work aside and looked up. “Oh, it’s you. What do you need?”
Su Mo could clearly see the bloodshot fatigue in his eyes.
“Well, Elder Nanxuan mentioned I performed well this time, so I came to check…”
“You’re here for your reward,” Yang He saw right through him, smiling. “It’s already prepared.”
He handed over a document—a promotion notice.
“You’ve had captain-level authority without an official title. Given your outstanding performance, the organization has decided to formally appoint you as a major captain, with a military rank of major. You’re to report to your assigned post within three days.”
Su Mo hesitated.
Truthfully, he had no interest in “climbing the ranks.” Of the phrase “rise in position and get rich”, he only cared about the latter.
Yang He seemed to expect this. He picked up another file. “Or you can choose this.”
The mere option was a reward in itself.
“I’ll take the second one,” Su Mo said without hesitation after skimming it.
Major rank, plus an opportunity to train in a relic site.
Objectively better.
(At least in his opinion.)
“The expedition team will assemble in Tianyu City, Longzhou Province, in one month. Check the Beidou app for specifics.”
Longzhou? Tianyu City?!
Su Mo’s heart leapt. He hadn’t been home in ages—this was the perfect chance to visit.
Too bad he couldn’t go as himself…
“Thank you, Commander Yang,” Su Mo said sincerely.
“Don’t thank me. You earned it. Without you, Old Han’s team wouldn’t have made it.”
(“Old Han” was the patrol captain who’d fought alongside him.)
“One more thing.” Yang He’s tone turned serious. “Don’t tell anyone you killed a C-rank. It could put a target on your back. Not every organization is like Beidou—willing to protect your secrets.”
Su Mo had prepared excuses, but this wasn’t the response he expected.
Maybe it was out of respect for Ye Zhongwen’s influence. Or maybe Beidou truly valued discretion.
He hoped it was the latter.
After another round of gratitude (and dramatic vows of loyalty), Su Mo left Beidou headquarters.
Suddenly, he realized he had no reason to stay in Beijing.
The city thrived around him, but none of its glamour was his.
Before leaving, he decided to buy gifts and visit Xiao He’s family—a small thank-you for their past help.
Since it was lunchtime, he stopped at a humble-looking noodle shop.
“Take It or Leave It” Zhajiang Noodles.
Heh. Interesting.
He took a seat and ordered the house special.
The owner, a cheerful man, called out from the kitchen, “You’re not from around here, are ya, miss?”
Su Mo chuckled. “Sharp eye, boss.”
The man grinned proudly. “Been in business here for years. Seen all kinds. Gets easy to tell.”
“Oh, stop bragging,” his wife teased, rolling her eyes.
“I’m just being friendly! Making customers feel at home!”
“Yeah, yeah. Just keep flappin’ those lips.” The wife brought out the noodles.
When she got a clear look at Su Mo, her eyes lit up. She wiped her hands on her apron and beamed.
“Sweetheart, how old are you? Got a boyfriend? We’re locals—own three apartments downtown…”
Before she could finish, her husband cut in, “Give it up. With our son’s sorry self? Dream on.”
The wife shot him a glare, then turned back to Su Mo with a sugary smile. “Don’t listen to him. My son’s wonderful. Really good at making money…”
Wait, so their son isn’t the same person?
Su Mo forced a smile.
“Auntie, I’m… not even an adult yet,” he mumbled, dying inside.
“Oh! That’s fine!” She waved it off. “My son’s only twenty-three! They say ‘three years older, a mountain of gold’—the bigger the gap, the closer the bond!”
She rambled on, practically ready to chain Su Mo to the shop.
At one point, he wondered—what if she knew the “girl” in front of her was actually a guy?
That’d be a sight to see.