Chapter 433: It’s Over

Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter

Because Li Dong hadn't informed the barracks, Ye Mo's helicopter couldn't land directly. They landed farther away and took a taxi to the military zone, but were stopped at the entrance. Ye Mo knew this was due to lack of proper IDs and taxis being barred from the zone. He also saw that Li Dong hadn't relayed his arrival. Though not a saint, Ye Mo believed even the highest-ranking officer wouldn't dare disrespect him. Being stopped confirmed Li Dong's deliberate omission.

Ye Mo sneered. Li Dong's underhanded tactics had backfired.

Ye Mo had told Li Dong to inform them beforehand to avoid escalation. Darkness prevailed, and he wasn't a savior, nor could he eradicate it all; he knew that was impossible. He only wanted to save Lu Lin and cancel the apprehension orders for Fang Wei and Guo Qi.

Ye Mo's exit was uneventful, but Guo Qi and Fang Wei were immediately recognized. Before the guards raised their weapons, Ye Mo displayed his ID. He was there to rescue people, not initiate a massacre. The soldiers' reactions were typical; they didn't know the full situation, but would still follow orders.

The words "Flying Snow Instructor" on his ID practically blinded them. He was a top special forces instructor, a rank just below a general. Though not a field commander, his status was undeniable.

"Director, please come in," the two soldiers bowed, their doubt dissolving. Who would dare fake that identity in a military zone?

…

"Master, you…" Fang Wei was stunned by Ye Mo's smooth entry and his unexpected title.

Ye Mo smiled, "Let me take you inside. I'll speak with your commanding officer."

He was grateful to Han Zaixin for the honorary title; otherwise, he'd have fought his way in. He didn't want to fight these soldiers, but his patience was wearing thin. If it snapped, he would kill mercilessly.

"It's Guo Qi and Fang Wei!" As they entered the special forces area, they were recognized and surrounded.

"Instructor Ye," a Major approached, hurrying over.

"Chen Hongzhe," Ye Mo stated. He knew Chen Hongzhe; he'd saved him in the desert, Li Hu being his teammate. Somehow, he'd ended up a Major in this zone.

Sensing Ye Mo's coolness, Chen Hongzhe laughed awkwardly, "The zone was short-staffed. Thank you for saving my life."

Ye Mo waved, "No problem. I'm here for your leader; where is he?"

Seeing Guo Qi and Fang Wei, Chen Hongzhe grasped the situation. He knew about Guo Qi's case, but didn't expect Guo Qi to involve Ye Mo. This news reaching Beijing would be significant.

He and Li Dong both knew Ye Mo's power. Even Elder Han rarely requested Ye Mo's help, let alone his personal intervention. Tian You was gone—that was Chen Hongzhe's only thought.

"What do you want? A rebellion? Disperse!" Chen Hongzhe yelled at the armed soldiers.

Had they seen Ye Mo speaking with Chen Hongzhe, they might have fired. Chen Hongzhe's shout made them realize something was amiss. But fearing him, they obeyed and retreated.

"Instructor, I'll take you. Regimental Commander Tian is at the training grounds. Instructor Xu's visit necessitated overseeing the soldiers' training," Chen Hongzhe replied cautiously.

Ye Mo nodded, "Take me to this Tian; hard to believe he reached Regimental Commander."

Ye Mo knew Qiu Zhifei's assault on Lu Lin implied powerful backing. If the Regimental Commander was unaware, he was incompetent. If he knew and allowed it, he was complicit.

As if reading Ye Mo's contempt, Chen Hongzhe said, "Commander Tian is Tian Youneng. His wife, Qiu Ping, is reportedly from the Beijing Qiu Family; he's expected to be promoted soon."

Ye Mo understood: Qiu Ping and Qiu Zhifei were related. Chen Hongzhe, however, wasn't simple. While selfish, he was more cunning than Li Hu, hence his rapid promotion. He subtly reminded Ye Mo of Tian Youneng's influence while ingratiating himself.

It seemed casual, securing favor without offending Tian Youneng.

Guo Qi and Fang Wei were awestruck. Even they could sense Ye Mo's status. Chen Hongzhe, a Vice Instructor, was deferential.

…

The Seventh Special Forces Battalion's training ground was vast. Many were shocked to see Guo Qi and Fang Wei, but didn't move with Chen Hongzhe leading the way.

Guo Qi and Fang Wei were infamous.

A fight erupted, prompting applause.

"Instructor Chen," an officer approached, then faltered, seeing Guo Qi and Fang Wei.

"Guo Qi, Fang Wei… You dare… Yu Yang, immediately—" A fat man in his forties turned, saw them, then stopped.

It wasn't Ye Mo's presence. He didn't know Ye Mo, but saw Commander Li running toward the young man with Guo Qi.

This was Commander Tian Youneng. His position stemmed largely from his wife's family. He instinctively sensed Ye Mo's significance.

Commander Li saluted Ye Mo, and even Chen Hongzhe bowed. This was unusual; Chen Hongzhe never treated him thus.

Commander Li's salute to Ye Mo was even more shocking. Tian Youneng rubbed his eyes. A Chief Commander saluting him? That was excessive deference.

Tian Youneng felt dread. He'd allowed Qiu Zhifei's assault believing Lu Lin lacked powerful support. Why was Guo Qi connected to such a figure? Their closeness was evident.

Tian Youneng's final thought was, "It's over."