Chapter Fourteen: A Sharp Intake of Breath

Three hours after Shen Ye executed Zuo Leng, the "Left-Handed Swordsman" and head of the organ-trafficking syndicate, he found himself in Guangzhou, stuck in gridlock on a densely packed thoroughfare.

Shen Ye’s new Ford and Lu Yi’s Audi A4 were completely immobilized. Both men wore headsets for communication.

"Mr. Shen, you killed ten people and injured fourteen this time. The injuries are one thing, but killing over a dozen people is quite a headache. Every single death requires a mountain of paperwork. In the future, if possible, please try not to kill so many people," Lu Yi said with a bitter smile.

Having an exceptionally powerful superior was a good thing, but his bloodthirsty nature was not. After all, the nation was a stable and harmonious environment.

"Understood," Shen Ye replied dismissively, not giving the words a second thought. Whether he was in the Special Operations Group or not, his principles would never change.

Seeing that his superior hadn't truly listened, Lu Yi couldn't help but smile wryly.

Soon, the road cleared, and the pair arrived at the Youquan Villa, the Guangzhou headquarters of their organization. Shen Ye originally had no interest in visiting, but since Lu Yi insisted he had to file reports for the ten kills, he had no choice but to comply.

He hadn't paid much attention to the place when he first arrived in a rush to save someone. Now, he took a closer look: there were ten buildings in total. The other nine were only about six stories high, while the one in the center stood ten stories tall.

Just then, his phone rang. He checked the screen: "Grandpa Shen."

He answered, and the roar of Elder Shen erupted from the other end: "You brat, get over here immediately!"

Shen Ye picked at his ear. This old man was the older brother of his own grandfather. Even if his own grandfather were still alive, he would be over seventy; this old man was surely even older. To possess such lung power at his age was truly admirable. Still, next time, he would have to hold the phone further from his ear to avoid being deafened.

"Grandpa, what is it?" Shen Ye asked calmly.

"Get over here right now! I have something important to discuss with you," the elder’s voice bellowed through the phone.

"Understood," Shen Ye replied helplessly.

Observing the exchange, Lu Yi couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. Commander Shen was notorious for his explosive temper; other agents acted like mice encountering a cat whenever they faced him. That Shen Ye could speak to him so calmly was truly impressive.

"Lu Yi, where is Commander Shen’s office?"

Lu Yi pointed to the central building. "That one has ten floors. The old man works on the top floor. It’s easy to find."

"Thanks." Shen Ye nodded and strode toward the building.

The building had security, but after Shen Ye presented his identification, he gained entry without issue. There were no elevators; anyone needing to go up had to take the stairs. However, since all official members of the Special Operations Group were martial artists, and many informal members were as well, the lack of an elevator was of little consequence.

It took Shen Ye only about twenty seconds to reach the tenth floor. The floor housed several rooms marked as offices, conference rooms, training halls, and a liquor cellar.

Shen Ye knocked on the office door. "Grandpa, it's me."

"Shen Ye? Come on in," the elder’s voice came from within.

When Shen Ye pushed the door open, he found Elder Shen holding a bottle of liquor in one hand and a pig’s trotter in the other. The office was filled with the savory scent of the meat. After a brief moment of surprise, Shen Ye shrugged. "Hey, Grandpa, this is an office. Couldn't you at least pretend to be working?"

"Why would I bother pretending in front of you?" The old man, still wearing his signature combat boots and sharp military-green attire, grunted. "I just received the report your deputy compiled on this case. Zuo Leng, that 'Left-Handed Swordsman,' couldn't have been a match for you, but you were far too ruthless. You cut down ten people in one go."

Elder Shen slammed the table. "Even if you are in the Special Operations Group and have a license to kill, there are regulations. You cannot kill more than twenty-five people a year. You can kill more abroad, but even then, it shouldn't exceed one hundred. Besides, every kill requires endless paperwork. What are you trying to do? Break your annual quota in three strikes?"

"From now on, kill fewer people."

Shen Ye looked at him. "I recall stating clearly when I joined the Special Operations Group that I would act according to my own nature. If it’s that big of a problem, just kick me out."

Elder Shen sighed. "It seems your hatred for evil is as deep as they say. It’s a headache. A blade too rigid is easily broken. Fine, take this." He tossed a manual over.

Shen Ye caught it and read the title: *The Bone-Dissolving Palm*. "What is this?"

"An ancient martial art. If you strike someone with this, they won't die immediately. The force lingers within, and they will perish after a few days."

"Of course, it only works on those with a significant gap in strength compared to you. For instance, you are currently at the 'Five-Bag' level; this would only be effective on 'One-Bag' level fighters or ordinary people. It would be useless against a 'Two-Bag' fighter. If you reach the 'Nine-Bag' level later, it would work on 'Five-Bag' fighters." The elder frowned. "This was a secret technique of a dear friend of mine. I only got it because I know your bloodlust is too high and I'm afraid you'll exceed your quota and cause a massive mess."

"Remember, your annual limit is twenty-five, and one hundred for foreigners. Do not exceed it. For ordinary people, just use the Bone-Dissolving Palm. They’ll die naturally in a few days. It will look like a sudden death; it won't be counted against you." The elder rubbed his temples. "I used to be a lone wolf, free and unfettered, and then I met you, the grandson who causes me nothing but grief."

"Thank you, Grandpa." Shen Ye offered a sincere expression of gratitude. He truly felt the care this sharp old man had for him.

***

Su Lingxi from the Intelligence Center was sitting in the department. Li Da, also known as "Broadsword," and Deng Xiaozi, both official members of the Eighth Squad, were standing by the window.

Deng Xiaozi asked, "Lingxi, are there any 'Three-Bag' level martial artists in Guangzhou without any connections? Li Da and I want to get some practice in before the squad leader competition after the New Year."

No one wanted to mess with people who had powerful backing. You beat the small fry, and the elders come running—what then? Li Da was a 'Four-Bag' and Deng Xiaozi a 'Three-Bag.' Targeting a 'Three-Bag' was safer; fighting another 'Four-Bag' carried too much risk.

Su Lingxi thought for a moment. "Let me check. Oh, right—not long ago, Commander Shen’s grandson went to settle a score with Zuo Leng, the Left-Handed Swordsman. He couldn't possibly be a match for Zuo Leng."

"Zuo Leng should still be around. You two could go look for him. Just be careful; although he is only a 'Three-Bag,' he is a strong one, and his sword style is quite bizarre. Even you, Li Da, should be cautious, or you might find yourself in trouble," Su Lingxi warned. Li Da was her reserve, and she didn't want him killed.

"I understand. The 'Left-Handed Swordsman' is not to be underestimated."

Just then, Lu Yi walked in to file the summary of his mission.

"Oh? Isn't that the deputy to Commander Shen’s grandson?" Deng Xiaozi asked. "Hey, how is your boss? A hot-headed youth, actually trying to provoke the 'Left-Handed Swordsman.' Zuo Leng isn't someone to trifled with. Even an old hand like me might not be able to defeat him."

Li Da, carrying his broadsword, chuckled. "It must be a headache being a deputy to such a greenhorn. They don't know the immensity of heaven and earth, getting into trouble everywhere while lacking the strength to win. Zuo Leng probably gave the Commander some face; the kid is likely lying in a hospital bed for months, right?"

"A second-generation rich kid who should have just stayed quiet and avoided missions," Su Lingxi added, shaking her head.

Lu Yi looked up and smiled. It was a smile filled with immense pride. He raised the summary report he was about to file.

"My boss... killed the 'Left-Handed Swordsman'."

In the room, three sharp gasps echoed simultaneously.