Chapter Thirty-Five: The Undercover Operation

The lively atmosphere in the room froze instantly. Ye Dong’s expression changed as he glanced at Xiao Wang and Xiao Yang, whose lips were pressed tightly together. In that moment, he understood everything. “Xiao Wang, Xiao Yang, so you’re feeling guilty and don’t dare speak up? As expected, ‘it’s hard to refuse a hand that feeds you.’ Officer Li is an old fox—how could he be so kind as to cook for us? His real intentions are finally showing!”

Testing the waters, Ye Dong asked, “Officer Li, what do you mean by that?”

Officer Li pulled the Qinggang from the wooden pillar and handed it to Ye Dong. “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to ask you to go undercover.”

“Undercover?!”

Everyone present was shocked. Nian Xue was the first to raise her hand in protest, “No way, it’s too dangerous! As his senior and friend, I absolutely oppose this!”

Liang Lingzhi and the others quickly raised their hands as well. “I object too! He’s not even a police officer—going undercover is much too risky!”

Seeing Ye Dong’s silence, Xiao Yang waved his hand. “Let’s hear the boss out first.”

Huiyan took Ye Dong by the arm. “Everyone, let’s sit down and talk.”

Officer Li surveyed the group before finally speaking. “You’ve probably heard from Wan Tianze that this case is no ordinary one. It involves cultural relics, murder, smuggling, kidnapping, and more. Relying on the police alone makes it nearly impossible to wipe out the whole gang, and that’s why we need your help.”

Liang Lingzhi questioned sharply, “We’re happy to help, but with so many undercover officers in the force, why must you choose Ye Dong? Xiao Wang and Xiao Yang could also do it!”

Xiao Wang seemed a bit downhearted. “You think we don’t want to go undercover? We’re always with the boss, in and out—the police bulletins even have our profiles. How can we possibly go undercover?”

Da Chun retorted, “Doesn’t the police academy train people specifically for undercover work? Why not send them?”

Officer Li shook his head. “They’ve received scientific and systematic training, but facing a case like this, they still lack one crucial skill.”

He looked at Ye Dong, as if waiting for him to answer.

The room fell silent. Ye Dong ventured a guess. “Is it training in Daoist arts?”

Officer Li smirked. “I knew you were clever. That’s right—it’s Daoist arts.”

Now, everyone was beginning to grasp Officer Li’s intentions.

He continued, “To be honest, about a month ago, a major relic trafficking syndicate came under our scrutiny. After tireless investigation, we’ve uncovered parts of their operation. In order to infiltrate and expose the entire tomb-raiding gang, we sent in three elite undercover officers. But…”

As Officer Li’s words trailed off, Ye Dong pressed, “But what happened?”

Wang Huiyan’s brows drew together, her face full of grief. “Of the three elite undercover agents, two have been confirmed dead, and the third has lost contact with us. Before communications broke, we received intelligence that the first two died at the hands of a criminal skilled in sorcery. That’s why we want you… to go undercover.”

Seeing Huiyan’s pain was like swallowing a mouthful of bitterness for Ye Dong. His heart ached with uncertainty. “Huiyan seems to have such high hopes for me. But if even their ‘elite undercover officers’ couldn’t handle this, wouldn’t I, a mere novice, be in even greater danger? Even if I know a little Daoist magic, do I really have what it takes? Isn’t this a dead end for me? What should I do? What should I do!?”

For a moment, the familiar tick of the clock grew louder. As Ye Dong wrestled internally, the others remained silent.

Deep down, Ye Dong understood that with Officer Li’s intelligence and experience, there were sound reasons for picking him, and that “knowing Daoist arts” was only part of it.

“Officer Li, I’m not sure I’m the right choice. There may not be many who know Daoist arts, but if you look hard, you’ll find someone. I…”

Officer Li patted Ye Dong’s shoulder. “From the Xiaoting case, it’s clear that you’re intelligent and courageous, careful and bold, never overlooking a crucial detail. Your deductive skills surpass those of many elite officers, and your adaptability in crisis is outstanding. That was clear when Nian Xue fell to the man-serpent’s spell. This quality is as important as your Daoist skills.”

Hearing Officer Li’s candid praise, Ye Dong rubbed his head in embarrassment. “I had no idea I had so many virtues! If you hadn’t said so, I wouldn’t have known.”

He looked up at Huiyan, who nodded encouragingly at him. For a moment, a trace of pride flickered in his heart. “From Huiyan’s gaze, is she… is she expressing her feelings for me? Am I really the chosen one?”

Seeing Ye Dong’s attitude softening, Officer Li quietly rejoiced. “The beauty’s persuasion really works.” He pressed on, “Not only that—compared to Liang Lingzhi’s frivolity, you are steady and responsible. Compared to Xiaobao and Dachun, you are more modest and pragmatic. That’s another reason I chose you and not them. But most importantly, you possess a righteousness and determination that few have, and within you burns the true fire of Samadhi. Don’t you remember what you said at the station?”

Liang Lingzhi murmured, “Listening to you, it does sound true. Still, I don’t like being thrown under the bus—so I’m a flirt? I’m just a bit smooth-tongued, that’s all.”

Nian Xue punched him on the thigh. “Enough, don’t interrupt.”

Li’s earnest words stirred a sense of righteous spirit in Ye Dong. “What did I say at the station? To uphold justice and protect the people?”

Those who had objected most fiercely at first finally let out long sighs of relief, their furrowed brows slowly easing as they turned their worried gazes toward Ye Dong.

Though Ye Dong’s sense of justice was ignited, he still lacked confidence. “Officer Li, aside from knowing a bit of Daoist magic and being physically fit, I really don’t know how to fight, flirt, wield knives, shoot, throw blades, or jump off cliffs! My heart is willing, but my skills are lacking!”

Officer Li ignored his protest, focusing on the point. “So, you agree to go undercover?”

Ye Dong looked at Nian Xue and the others, then at Officer Li, and finally at Huiyan, who gazed at him with hope. Though he wanted to say yes, the words stuck in his throat. “The responsibility and risk are too great. If something goes wrong, what about my parents? I’m their only child…”

“I want to call my master.” Without waiting for Officer Li’s permission, Ye Dong pulled out his phone and dialed Chen Yao’s number.

“My good disciple, what’s going on?” Chen Yao answered amid background noise.

Ye Dong frowned. “Master, it’s noisy on your end. I need your advice.”

The noise subsided. “Go ahead, I’ll answer whatever you ask.”

“Thank you, Master. Nian Xue probably told you about what happened today?”

“She explained everything. Continue.”

“It’s like this. Officer Li wants me to go undercover and infiltrate the tomb robbers’ gang.”

“Oh? That’s interesting. Have you agreed?”

“Master, I…”

“You’re afraid, aren’t you? That’s only natural. If you don’t want to go, just say so.”

“I’m really hesitating. You know, the responsibility and risk are huge…”

Before Ye Dong could finish, Chen Yao interrupted, “You’re worried that if something happens to you, your parents will have no one to look after them, right?”

Ye Dong sighed. “I can’t hide anything from you, Master.”

“My disciple, let me ask you this: if your parents objected to you going undercover, would you really refuse?”

“That…” Ye Dong was at a loss for words.

A laugh came from the other end. “If you believe it’s the right thing to do, go for it. Some tasks and responsibilities are meant for people like us to bear.”

Ye Dong fell silent.

“I understand. Thank you, Master.”

“Take care.”

As the call ended, Ye Dong smiled faintly and extended his right hand to Officer Li. “Please guide me well, Officer Li.”

Officer Li’s eyes reddened as he gripped Ye Dong’s hand tightly.

Seeing Ye Dong’s resolve, Huiyan threw her arms around their hands and shouted, “Wonderful! Wonderful!”

Watching Huiyan, tears streaming down her face, Ye Dong’s heart stirred. “If Yayi were here, I’m sure she’d support me too.”

Nian Xue and the others exchanged bittersweet smiles, their feelings mixed.

Officer Li smiled. “Alright, let me explain my plan in detail.”

Just then, his phone rang. He opened WeChat and saw a message: a single question mark.

Feigning nonchalance, Officer Li replied, “It’s done. Thank you very much.”

The recipient was clearly labeled: “Daoist Priest Chen Yao.”