Published: March 2, 2025
Time returned to the present as Wen Yu faced the intelligent mainframe of Lin Haifeng. He did not bring up the matter they had previously failed to settle a few days ago, but instead shifted the topic to the still unfinished plan.
"So, what should we do next?"
Upon hearing Wen Yu's question, the screen flickered with light and shadow. After a moment, Lin Haifeng finally spoke in a synthesized electronic voice.
"Push Fang Yuqiong to become the commander of Beijing."
"I should support him?"
"No, you don't need to speak up. If you do, it will expose flaws. It's better if you say nothing; someone will step forward to push Fang Yuqiong into the position of commander of Beijing... Furthermore, I've already made the necessary preparations."
"What preparations?"
"Fran, I haven't informed Fran about this matter, but I believe that after Fran arrives on site, he should be able to see the truth and understand my intentions. You can go back and discuss it with Fran. Also, there’s my will with Fran... I notified him to prepare it before you decided to confront the celestial god. My original intention was to prevent any accidents. At that time, Fang Yuqiong was performing quite well and seemed suitable to inherit my position... Now it seems that it has turned out to be fortuitously right..."
("See Chapter 227: Exile!")
"So, what do I need to do?"
"Observe... Observe among the high-ranking officials in Beijing, to see who else is a puppet of the celestial god..."
"That can't be true."
"It will be there. Otherwise, the celestial god wouldn't have the confidence to push Fang Yuqiong into power."
"And after my death, hehe, I imagine many people will also be restless in their hearts, right?"
Wen Yu fell silent, and after speaking a few more words with Lin Haifeng, he turned and left.
...
When Wen Yu returned to the Eighth District Forward Base, everything had come to an end.
The four soul puppets that had attempted to assassinate Lin Haifeng had been killed by the experts from Beijing who arrived shortly afterward. Lin Haifeng's body was covered with a white cloth, being prepared for a grand burial, while Fran stood amidst the ruins of the commander-in-chief's headquarters, eyes closed, lost in thought.
As Wen Yu walked up to Fran, he opened his eyes, looked at Wen Yu, and simply nodded, his face showing evident sorrow.
"My condolences..."
Wen Yu just patted the shoulder of Old Man Fran and spoke those two words, before falling silent again.
Yet deep within his heart, Wen Yu suddenly realized—Old Man Fran had the ability to manipulate time. He could easily reverse time to uncover the truth.
However, up to now, nothing had changed.
It might be that the celestial god had erased all traces related to this, or perhaps Old Man Fran had reached a tacit understanding with Lin Haifeng. But it seemed more likely to be the former.
The celestial god would not leave such obvious flaws.
"Next..."
Wen Yu was just about to say something when Fran waved his hand to interrupt. He gently shook his head and then said,
"You can find a place to rest for now. This evening, I will hold a funeral for Commander Lin. I will have someone notify you when the time comes."
Wen Yu fell silent and nodded before turning to leave.
...
Wen Yu casually found a hotel to stay in, had a light meal, and took a short nap. Soon after, there was a knock on the door. When he opened it, he saw Old Man Fran swiftly dart into the room.
"Who did it?"
Although he hadn't discovered the truth, Fran still keenly sensed that something was amiss.
"Who it is doesn't matter; what's important is that this was hinted at by Lin Haifeng."
"So he really is dead?"
"From my perspective, he is indeed dead, but it seems he doesn't think so."
Wen Yu was about to elaborate further when Old Man Fran waved his hand to cut him off. He sat on a stool, pondered for a moment, and finally sighed.
"That's enough; I understand now."
Then he stood up and gestured for Wen Yu to follow. The two left the hotel one after the other and soon arrived at the largest conference center of the Eighth District Forward Base in Beijing.