"Huh?" Chai Xiaoyu turned around, her eyes widening as she saw Jiang Yunhan, flanked by core figures like Jiang Chuxue, Tang Shirou, Dashan, and the Little Monk—people rarely seen in person. She took a step back, her voice trembling. "Vice Leader Jiang!"
Everyone around them froze, exchanging puzzled looks. Why did it take so many powerful figures to deal with this one intruder?
Jiang Yunhan sighed, glancing up at the roof. "You little rascal, you finally decided to come back. Is this your base or mine?" He had been discussing strategy in the meeting room when the intrusion was reported. Upon learning it was Chen Xiao, he was speechless—apparently, the leader of their base had "invaded" his own territory.
The group of core figures was shocked by Jiang Yunhan's nonchalance, especially as they watched him address the situation so casually.
Chai Xiaoyu's mind was racing. Wait, that's Chen Xiao?! The Mad Ghost Butcher?! She had been toying with him, trying to intimidate him, and now the realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She had been playing right into his hands.
Chen Xiao laughed, standing at the edge of the roof, "Dr. Jiang, you're two minutes late. I was just about to hear her finish her story!"
He picked up A Yao and gracefully descended, his Divine Wind talent making the descent look effortless and smooth. The crowd below erupted in cheer, witnessing their boss, the Mad Ghost Butcher, demonstrating his power once again.
Jiang Chuxue, tugging on Tang Shirou's sleeve, smiled, "Sister Tang, looks like you were right again. He brought another one home."
Tang Shirou smiled softly, "It's just his way."
Chen Xiao set A Yao down, and before he could say anything, A Yao's eyes sparkled as she looked around. "Wow! So many beautiful women, Brother Chen Xiao!"
She was particularly drawn to the stunning figures of Tang Shirou and Jiang Chuxue, who wore matching floral dresses, their long hair flowing like waterfalls.
Jiang Chuxue ran up to Chen Xiao, her face glowing with warmth. "Brother Chen Xiao, it's been so long. Did you miss me?"
Chen Xiao smiled faintly, "Of course."
Tang Shirou approached with a gentle smile. "Brother Xiao, don't forget what you promised me."
Chen Xiao remembered the promise he made to her. He had agreed to stay longer in Jiangbei, and with the blood moon approaching in a month, he had a few important tasks to attend to—getting A Yao into the Jiangbei Military District and fulfilling his promise to Liu Ruyan.
"I'll be staying for a while," he said, his tone serious but gentle.
Jiang Yunhan rolled his eyes, clearly irritated. "Do you have any idea how many people are trying to join Jiangbei Base? And do you know why they want to join?"
Chen Xiao smirked, teasing, "They like hot pot?"
Jiang Yunhan sighed, utterly speechless.
Chen Xiao laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "Just kidding, Dr. Jiang. I know. I trust you with this huge base."
Jiang Yunhan brushed off his hand, clearly fed up. "Now that you're back, deal with the troublemakers."
Chen Xiao raised an eyebrow. "Troublemakers? Let's get hot pot first, and you can tell me what's going on."
With that, he led everyone to the meeting room.
Tang Shirou turned to A Yao and greeted her warmly. "Hello, sister. I'm Tang Shirou."
A Yao shook her hand enthusiastically. "I'm A Yao! Hello, beautiful sisters!"
Jiang Chuxue smiled and gestured to A Yao. "A Yao, I envy you." She glanced at A Yao's figure with an appreciative look, which made A Yao blush.
Once everyone was seated, Chen Xiao introduced A Yao.
"Deputy Captain of the Capital Military District's Pioneer Team, second-form animal awakener, and an SSS-level speed talent holder."
The room was silent for a moment as everyone took in the impressive credentials.
Jiang Yunhan, still a little unsettled by the situation, sighed. "You won't believe it. Among those who joined Jiangbei Delta recently, there are three SSS-level talents—all of them arrived one after another."
A Yao's eyes widened. "Three?!"
Chen Xiao was equally surprised but tried to keep his composure. Three SSS-levels? It was almost impossible to believe—SSS-level awakeners were leaders of factions. It was unlikely they would defect together.
He asked casually, "Any women?"
Jiang Yunhan was caught off guard by the question. "One. Why do you ask?"
Chen Xiao shrugged. "Just curious."
Jiang Yunhan paused, then gave a serious look. "These three are the troublemakers?"
"Exactly," Jiang Yunhan replied, leaning back in his chair. "Their talents are perfectly distributed: Strength, Reconnaissance, and Magic. One even has a rule-breaking killing ability—though that's unconfirmed. I suspect they have ulterior motives for joining."
Chen Xiao frowned, a hint of concern crossing his features. Loyalty could become an issue as the base grew. It was something he had to be cautious about.
"Just because their talents are perfectly distributed doesn't mean they're a threat," Chen Xiao said, trying to downplay the situation. "But I understand your concerns."
Tang Shirou added, "Brother Xiao, I've been keeping an eye on them. They frequently ask about your whereabouts."
The Little Monk nodded. "They asked me where you went too."
Jiang Yunhan continued, analyzing the situation. "Ordinary admiration is one thing, but they've never asked for benefits after joining. These SSS-levels are definitely unusual."
Chen Xiao nodded, understanding the situation now. "You mean they joined Jiangbei Delta specifically for me?"
Jiang Yunhan sighed deeply. "That's my guess. But we won't know their true intentions until we handle them."