Chapter 401: Beneath The Glory, Shrouded in Shadow
Flower Skirt Island.
Shuang Tu established his medical clinic here. The clinic occupied a large area, comprising four small buildings and a central garden featuring a fountain.
He rarely attended to patients personally. Under his command are numerous druid apprentices who serve as physicians, pharmacists, and other medical professionals. These individuals form the core of the treatment team.
Among the four buildings, the largest served as the main treatment wing.
Two buildings housed patients. The final structure contained Shuang Tu's private residence, research laboratory, and personal greenhouse.
The silver level human ringleader now lay in a superior hospital room.
As he slowly opened his eyes, Shuang Tu's voice reached him: “You're awake?”
The human ringleader's pupils contracted slightly. Regaining his bearings, he began discreetly surveying his surroundings.
The ward was simply furnished with basic amenities, bathed in bright light. An open window offered a view of the hillside beyond. Bathed in brilliant sunlight, the hillside was carpeted in lush green grass, dotted with countless wildflowers swaying in the breeze, a dazzling tapestry of vibrant colors.
This was indeed an ideal place for recuperation; the natural scenery alone was enough to lift one's spirits.
Shuang Tu stood by the window, leaning against the wall, a smile on his face as he watched the human ringleader.
He introduced himself: “This is Flower Skirt Island. I am Shuang Tu, a snow elf druid.”
The human ringleader looked at Shuang Tu and saw that he indeed bore the features of a snow elf - tall and slender, with striking good looks, and hair and eyebrows as white as snow.
Information about Flower Skirt Island flashed through the human ringleader's mind.
Flower Skirt Island was not large, merely a small island.
Originally an uninhabited wasteland, it had been transformed after a legendary druid settled there.
Even though the legendary druid was long gone, her influence persisted, preserving Flower Skirt Island's unique status.
Flower Skirt Island was a neutral island. Its environment, altered by the legendary druid, remained spring-like year-round. The frigid winds from beyond could not bring the bitter cold characteristic of the iceberg sea. Year-round, the island is covered in lush green grass and blooming flowers, brimming with vibrant life.
The inhabitants of Flower Skirt Island were a diverse mix. There were mercenaries, pirates, and many races, but the largest group was the druids.
The primary reason druids were drawn to settle here was, of course, that legendary druid. She reshaped the natural environment here, which had a profound impact on those seeking druid cultivation.
Rumors also suggest this legendary druid left behind a legacy, hidden somewhere on Flower Skirt Island, awaiting those destined to find it.
The human ringleader looked at Shuang Tu and voiced his confusion: "I should be on a sea vessel. How did I end up on Flower Skirt Island? Lord Shuang Tu, can you enlighten me?"
The human ringleader's mind was filled with confusion, yet he remained composed.
He sensed he had received excellent healing and detected clear goodwill emanating from Shuang Tu.
“Where are my companions?” the human ringleader pressed further. Bing Xiao and Spring Boxer were crucial to his secret mission.
Shuang Tu shrugged slightly, “Actually, Snowflake, I am your companion.”
The human ringleader's heart jolted upon hearing his own codename, yet he feigned confusion, as if he hadn't caught it clearly: “What?”
His expression was perfectly measured, bewildered yet tinged with doubt, utterly unmoved by the word “Snowflake.” He found Shuang Tu's address baffling, while simultaneously questioning whether he'd misheard.
A deeper smile spread across Shuang Tu's face.
Next, he revealed his identity through action.
The human ringleader watched as Shuang Tu extended the back of his right hand toward him.
Gradually, a tattoo emerged on the once-smooth skin.
It was a black sun. Within the sun, a dagger's outline was traced in white lines.
The human ringleader froze for a moment, the bewilderment and confusion on his face quickly vanishing, replaced by solemn seriousness.
He stared intently at Shuang Tu, then slowly extended the back of his hand.
A matching tattoo gradually emerged on his own hand.
In a deep voice, the human ringleader declared, “Beneath the glory.”
Shuang Tu immediately responded, completing the phrase: “Shrouded in shadow.”
The human ringleader exhaled a faint breath.
Shuang Tu continued, “Snowflake, my codename is Physician. I'm in charge of the base here on Flower Skirt Island.”
"Flower Skirt Island is one of the most renowned neutral islands in the seas surrounding the Ice Sculpture Kingdom. Every year, numerous mercenaries, pirates, and others come here for medical treatment."
“The organization assigned me to this location.”
“Not long ago, I received orders from above to stand ready to assist you.”
"Unexpectedly, early this morning, we detected your life signals. It was Bing Xiao who brought you here for treatment."
The human ringleader relaxed.
The tattoos served as their organization's insignia and also functioned as a powerful means of identity verification.
This was a remarkable feat of human alchemy, standing at the forefront of the world's alchemy advancements.
The tattoos could indicate identity, enable short-range covert communication, and transmit vital signs over long distances.
It was precisely this latter capability that allowed the Li Jian Clan to pinpoint the Divine Wind Pirates' exact coordinates, enabling them to orchestrate two ambushes.
No matter how thoroughly Feng Lian and his men investigated, they found no traces of alchemy within the human ringleader's body.
Thus, the greatest advantage of this alchemy lay in its concealment!
At least, the human ringleader had never encountered anyone who could expose his identity through his tattoo.
The reason the human ringleader trusted Shuang Tu so quickly was also due to the secret training he had received.
In critical moments, during unseen operatives, one had to instantly gain an ally's trust to relay intelligence.
With matching tattoos and codes verified, the human ringleader had no choice but to trust the figure before him.
After confirming his identity, Shuang Tu immediately asked, “What happened after you boarded the Divine Wind pirate ship?”
The human ringleader gave him a concise account of the events that followed: "Two ambushes. The cover was blown, and the decoy was executed."
"During the second ambush, I was wounded and lost consciousness. When I woke up, I found myself here with you."
This answer caught Shuang Tu off guard: “I thought you'd feigned injury and unconsciousness to clear yourself of suspicion.”
The human ringleader offered a wry smile, “This time was perilous. I nearly died during the ambush by Mian Li Cang.”
Shuang Tu offered comfort. "But misfortune brought you fortune. When delivering your group of wounded for treatment, Bing Xiao personally instructed me to prioritize two individuals, one of whom was you."
“You've earned Bing Xiao's trust. Keep it up, and you might uncover Tranquil Hill's exact location.”
The human ringleader shook his head, his tone pessimistic: "If it were that easy, the organization would've found Tranquil Hill long ago. The reason Bing Xiao singled me out is because, within the current Bayonet Gang, I alone truly understand his intentions and can best assist him in rebuilding the organization."
“This kind of assistance is something neither Xiong Ju nor Spring Boxer can provide him.”
The human ringleader possessed a crystal-clear understanding of his position and role.
He confided in Shuang Tu: "Truthfully, I have little confidence in the upcoming operation. I believe there's a high probability Bing Xiao won't take me to Tranquil Hill. To accomplish this mission, I alone won't suffice. I need more reinforcements!"
Shuang Tu nodded slightly, “We already have one reinforcement.”
A flicker of joy crossed the human ringleader's face. "Oh? Who is it? What's their strength?"
But the next moment, his brow furrowed as he analyzed gloomily, “Given the current situation, it's difficult to let anyone else infiltrate the group.”
Shuang Tu smiled as he relayed the information about Lan Zao.
The human ringleader's face darkened like storm clouds. His voice dropped with anger as he snapped, “Are you joking?”
“You expect this newcomer, not even a full member of the organization, to be my reinforcement?”
“This kind of backup will get me killed!”
"Not only will you nearly get me killed, but you will also cause the mission to fail. Who's going to take responsibility for that?"
Shuang Tu sighed. "Didn't you just say it yourself? Given the current situation, we can't deploy any more members. The Bayonet Gang is down to just these few members now. Their numbers are too thin, we can't take advantage of the chaos."
“Calm down, okay?”
“I think having someone is better than having no one at all.”
"The person covering you is already dead, right? Using this new recruit as your cover is just recycling waste."
“Besides, this isn't a discussion, it's an order!”
“I have two video clips you need to review.”
The magic footage Shuang Tu first showed the human ringleader depicted the Bayonet Gang's escape from Snow Bird Harbor's dock.
The focal point, naturally, was Lan Zao.
His consecutive blunders that unexpectedly earned him Bing Xiao's trust were replayed before the human ringleader.
“He's an idiot, and a complete unlucky bastard,” the human ringleader fumed after watching, speechless, “Hard to believe such a man is my reinforcement!”
“I'd call him a lucky bastard!” Shuang Tu shrugged, “Did you know his bloodline has awakened?”
The human ringleader nodded. He was aware of that fact.
Shuang Tu continued, "I've already examined him. His bloodline awakening is progressing exceptionally well. The bloodline concentration is high, and the characteristics are strikingly pronounced."
“He appears to possess the Fish Bladder bloodline. With cultivation, he could reach the silver level.”
The human ringleader froze.
Learning that Lan Zao might attain the same cultivation level as himself caused a subtle shift in his perception of this bronze level individual.
“Seems his luck is indeed favorable... provided he survives until the end.”
Shuang Tu then showed him a second magic projection.
The magic projection showed three figures: the Snow Bird Harbor City Lord, Long Fu, and Magician Yao Ma.
They had signed a contract and issued orders to their subordinates.
The Snow Bird Harbor City Lord's directive was clear: Lan Zao was an unexpected variable. Develop him. Use him. Complete the mission. Ensure his safety whenever possible, provided it didn't conflict with the mission's objectives.
“It seems the leader has other plans for the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps!” After pondering for a moment, the human ringleader looked up at Shuang Tu again. "Have you uncovered any intelligence on the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps? Who exactly is the arms dealer behind them?"
Shuang Tu shook his head slightly. "We've been investigating. Without a doubt, the arms dealer behind them is deeply concealed. We haven't even discovered their communication methods!"
"The timing of that Magician Yao Ma's appearance was highly suspicious. She suddenly materialized aboard the Dragon Lion Mercenary Corps' ship. Her appearance was too timely, proof that the arms dealer behind them possesses real-time intelligence on the mercenaries' situation."
“This lead holds no value,” the human ringleader shook his head, “Our analysis suggests that Magician Yao Ma likely departed with the group all along, merely concealing her presence.”
“If I were the arms dealer, it would be perfectly logical and normal to conceal one or two trump cards like this Magician Yao Ma among the vanguard sent to develop the market!”
At this point, the human ringleader sighed: “...”
“I won't make direct contact with that individual.”
“I must continue concealing my identity.”
“I'll need you to step in and develop him into my cover.”
"And throughout this process, I must observe him covertly. I need to see more of this partner's actions, understand his character and habits."
“Of course.” Shuang Tu agreed without hesitation. "Based on my observations, the awakening of his bloodline has stabilized and is nearing its end. It won't be long before he awakens."