<h4>Chapter 1216: Chapter 1223: Operation in the Dark</h4>


    "Every day, there are five police cars patrolling around the area two blocks away from the Hong Family. I estimate it’s because of the attack that night, that Hong Wei used his connections to get the police’s help. If the Hong Family is attacked, those patrolling officers will arrive at the scene within five minutes. If the police get involved, it will be a big problem for our operation."


    "Don’t worry about that, I’ll handle it," Ling Chen said.


    After a pause, Ling Chen turned to Zhu Qing and said, "Lady Zhu, to ensure this operation goes off without a hitch, I’ll apany you. At that time, I’ll stay outside, secretly assisting until your operation is confirmed sessful. If anything unexpected happens, I’ll provide help."


    "Okay." Zhu Qing nodded. Previously, she would have certainly refused Ling Chen’s proposal. As a member of the Zhu Family, they have their pride, and are confident in their abilities. But this time is different; they are facing the Skyhawk Pavilion, a formidable opponent from the same roots as the Zhu Family, so Zhu Qing doesn’t dare to be careless.


    "Alright! Everything that needed to be exined has been exined. If there are no other questions, everyone stay put, adjust your state, and we move in four hours."


    ...


    Late at night.


    Three Land Rover SUVs slowly drove into a chilly alley. The car door opened, and Ling Chen jumped out from the driver’s seat first. Once Zhu Qing and the others got out, Ling Chen led the group quietly toward Hong Wei’s residence.


    At this moment, even though it’s past midnight, Hong Wei’s vi is still brightly lit, with high-powered spotlights set up around, leaving almost no dead corners.


    "You stay here to support us." With that, Zhu Qing gestured to the people behind her. Soon, more than a dozen Zhu Family elites in ck dispersed quickly, disappearing into the thick of the night.


    Ling Chen felt a bit worried. Hong Wei... or to be more precise, the Skyhawk Pavilion, had clearly made full preparations this time. Otherwise, they wouldn’t use so much lighting. The Zhu Family members are assassins, and an assassin’s greatest skill is hiding in the dark. Without the cover of darkness, their abilities are reduced by at least half.


    Cut the power! Ling Chen’s mind sparkled with a thought; perhaps this could help Zhu Qing. But as soon as this idea arose, Ling Chen dismissed it. If he could think of it, there’s no way the Skyhawk Pavilion wouldn’t have anticipated it. Chances are, the Skyhawk Pavilion is already prepared.


    Boom!


    While pondering, a loud bang suddenly erupted from the vi not far away, as if something had exploded.


    Ling Chen looked over and vaguely saw white smoke drifting out from a window on the top floor.


    Are they making a move?


    Just as he was thinking, he saw the security personnel responsible for patrolling around the vi quickly gathered, all heading towards the vi. In no time, dozens of security guards surrounded the vi, forming wall-likeyers.


    Watching the activity in the vi, Ling Chen took a deep breath to remain calm. At the same time, he focused on listening to his earpiece. Before the operation, he had agreed with Zhu Qing that if she needed his help, she would contact him through the earpiece. Until then, Ling Chen must remain silent to avoid affecting their operation.


    Time ticked by second by second.


    Meanwhile, a few police cars patrolling two blocks away received a notification and immediately drove toward Hong Wei’s vi. However, at this moment, a beam of intense light suddenly shone, forcing the police cars to stop.


    A policeman swiftly climbed out from the passenger seat and yelled at the intense light ahead, "Who are you? Get out of my way, don’t block my path."


    "Who do you want to get out?" a cold voice replied. Then, two fully armed soldiers in military uniforms appeared in the policeman’s view.


    The moment the scolding officer saw their attire and equipment, he started in fright, breaking out in a cold sweat.


    "Which unit are you from? Why are you here sote?" The officer tried to keep his tone even and asked.


    "We’re conducting military exercises, and this section of the road is sealed off. You need to take a detour."


    "That won’t work! We received a call and need to get there immediately. Please make an exception for us."


    One soldier coldly barked, "Don’t you understand my words? I said this ce is sealed off. I don’t care who you are; if you cross the line, I’ll shoot you."


    "You..." The officer opened his mouth and wanted to argue further, but when he saw the other party load their weapon, he shrank back and swallowed his words.


    The military is the nation’s war machine, iron-blooded and ruthless. Reasoning with these soldiers is a waste of time. Moreover, if he dared to make any drastic moves, the other side would definitely shoot him dead. If that happened, the other side would be fine, and he would still face charges for disobeying military orders; if he died, he would have deserved it.


    Helpless, the officer had to return to the police car, "Let’s go, fall back."


    At this moment, Ling Chen stood at the alley entrance, looking up at the vi not far away, waiting for Zhu Qing’s message. His phone in his pocket vibrated. Ling Chen took it out and nced at the message, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly; Pang Jiulin’s people truly are reliable.


    While they executed the operation, Pang Jiulin had deployed many soldiers to guard each road leading to Hong Wei’s home, preventing anyone from getting close. This way, even if Hong Wei called the police, the officers wouldn’t arrive immediately.


    "Ling Chen!"


    Suddenly, Zhu Qing’s voice came through Ling Chen’s earpiece. Through the device, Ling Chen could clearly hear Zhu Qing’s heavy breathing.


    "Lady Zhu, how’s the situation inside?"


    "No sign of the target, we’ve all been tied up and can’t get free just yet."


    "Hang on, I’lle in to support you."


    "No! You don’t need to; we can manage. The target should be hiding in the basement, and the Skyhawk Pavilion’s people are engaging us, so they don’t have time to look after the target. This is your chance; take it."


    Upon hearing this, Ling Chen immediately understood Zhu Qing’s intent for him to go and assassinate Hong Wei.


    "Okay, I’ll go find him right away. Be careful yourselves." With that, Ling Chen dashed toward the vi. At this time, those security guards were all around the vi, paying no attention to the situation outside.


    It wasn’t long before Ling Chen easily vaulted over the wall, hiding in the greenery. Looking at the security personnel standing in rows not far off, Ling Chen hesitated briefly, contemting strategies in his mind.


    With so many security personnel, it’s impossible to charge straight in. While he wasn’t afraid of them given his skills, breaking in directly would be too time-consuming. A quick, decisive strike was necessary.


    Suddenly, Ling Chen’s eyes lit up; a n formed in his mind.