Chapter 271: Counterplan

“First, we must gather as much power as possible, including the unaffiliated awakeners.”

Qilin turned to Dragon and Surnamed Li. “In particular, we should seek out strong ones like Alcoholic and X and explain what is at stake, doing our best to get them on our side.”

“Agreed.” Surnamed Li nodded.

“Same for me.” Dragon was for it as well.

“Second, we continue our investigation into the Godbearer Cult. That will decide if we can gather more information that will further help us fight the Crimson Tide.”

“Originally, the Qilin Guild had planned to conduct the investigation on our own. Since the Cult is our common enemy, however, you may send your people too. The Guild will remain the one in charge of the investigation. Is that acceptable for you?”

Surnamed Li nodded.

Dragon thought for a moment. “Okay.”

“Well then. We’ve tracked the Cult to the Snow Nation. The operation requires speed and discretion, or we may end up kicking the hornet nest.”

Qilin took a moment to think. “Each organization will select one dependable and competent member to form a team of three, setting out tonight on a one-week investigation. After one week, the team is to return to Li City no matter the findings, or the lack thereof. The last three days before the Crimson Tide, we must all gather here for preparations.”

“Agreed.” Surnamed Li glanced to the side at the first team leader. “Colorless, you should go. You’ve stayed in the Snow Nation for half a year.”

“As you wish, ma’am.” Colorless nodded without hesitation.

“War Tiger, go to the Snow Nation.” Dragon shook the cup of coffee in his hand. He didn’t even glance at the man.

“Of course.” War Tiger was quick to agree.

Qilin turned to his left to look at Elder Azure Dragon.

“I’ll leave it to you, Azure Dragon.”

“I won’t disappoint you, Guildmaster.” Azure Dragon accepted the mission seriously. “I’ll book the plane ticket at once.”

Qilin turned to Surnamed Li. “If my memory serves me right, Alcoholic is a friend of yours, isn’t he, Madam Li?”

“Yes, but he’s a stubborn one. I’m not certain that I can convince him to join us.”

“Pick a time, and I’ll meet him with you. If you’re fine with it, that is.”

“Yes. I’ll make the arrangement.” Surnamed Li nodded. “He should be willing to have a meal with us, at the very least.”

“Are you coming with, Dragon?” asked Qilin.

Dragon said coolly, “That’s not my forte.”

“Alright, that’s decided then.”

Qilin turned to Gao Yang and Vermilion Bird. “I’ll leave X to you, Seven Shadow, Vermilion Bird.”

“Yes, sir.” Gao Yang and Vermilion Bird answered at the same time.

Gao Yang stifled a sigh.

As expected, I’ve got a mission. It seems that I’m not going to Naldives.

“Dragon, Madam Li.” Qilin turned back to the two leaders. “We don’t know yet if X will be friendly or hostile to us. I suggest you each send three people to go with mine.”

“Isn’t there a risk of getting exposed if we have too many humans together?” War Tiger was concerned.

“That won’t be a concern.” Surnamed Li smiled. “Joker has level 5 Shapeshifter.”

Shapeshifter, serial number 30, Life-type.

Ability one: conceal one as any individual, and if the user had physical contact with the target, they could not only conceal themselves as the target, but also temporarily acquired 50% of the target’s ability. Thus, the Talent was also known as Replicate-lite.

Ability two: leave the impression of a particular creature on oneself and others for a period of time.

It seemed that Joker could even make them appear like wanderers.

Surnamed Li turned to Chen Ying, Green Tea, and Joker. “I’ll entrust the three of you with the task. Chen Ying, Green Tea, disguise as a couple going on a vacation. Joker, do as you wish.”

“Understood.”

Awkwardness flashed through Chen Ying’s and Green Tea’s faces, while Joker nodded numbly without a word.

Dragon turned to White Rabbit. “Pick two people and go with them, White Rabbit.”

“None of us need to play a fake couple, do we?”

Dragon smiled. “I’ll leave you to make the decision.”

White Rabbit sighed in relief. “Okay, I’ll make the arrangement.”

While the three leaders were giving out orders, Vermilion Bird poked Gao Yang in the arm and whispered, “Congrats. You can go to Naldives with your family.”

“Huh?” Gao Yang hadn’t come to the realization yet.

“Oh, don’t you know?” Vermilion Bird smiled. “X lives in Naldives.”

Gao Yang paused. He wasn’t pleased with the coincidence. He might have been thankful to Lucky for making this happen in the past, but not now, not this time.

If he went on the family trip with a mission, it would be impossible for him to enjoy his time with his family fully, and worse yet, he could put his family in danger.

Once the conversation was over, Gao Yang sought out Qilin. “Guildmaster.”

Qilin glanced sideways at him.

Gao Yang said in a low voice, “I'll secretly go to Naldives with Vermilion Bird. I can deal with my family.”

“No, you’re going with your family,” Qilin said gently yet firmly.

“But...”

Qilin interrupted him with a valid argument. “You had plans to go on a vacation with your family. It’d be unwise and suspicious to do otherwise. Moreover, the active area in Naldives is small. What if you run into your family? You can’t possibly go around a vacation hotspot with a mask on.”

Gao Yang didn’t argue. He admitted Qilin was right.

“Do as you and your family have planned, Seven Shadow.” Qilin turned to Vermilion Bird. “Take another member with you, Vermilion Bird. Meet up with Seven Shadow secretly for the mission once you arrive at Naldives.”

Vermilion Bird nodded. “Roger that.”

Qilin shifted his attention back to the agenda of the meeting. “I suggest everyone stays together during this Crimson Tide.”

𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

“Although it may allow the enemies to attack us in one fell swoop, we have nothing to lose based on Madam Li’s prophecy. To change fate, the only way is to band together and make our stand.”

“I concur,” said Surnamed Li.

“I, too.” Dragon nodded.

“That’s me. Anything the two of you would like to add?” Qilin leaned back into the chair.

Surnamed Li thought for a moment. “If I foresee anything else before the Crimson Tide comes, I’ll make sure to tell you gentlemen immediately.”

“There’s something I’d like to add.” Dragon turned to Qilin. “The Guild is still storing the corpses of many of your members. Please do keep them well-hidden, or some of them may become enemies when the Tide hits.”

“Appreciate the reminder.” Qilin nodded. “I’ll take the appropriate measures to prevent that from happening.”

Dragon closed his mouth, his eyes unfocused. There was no telling if he was tired or distracted.

“We’ll end today’s meeting here.” Qilin stood up with his cane. “Let’s get on with our respective missions.”