Liu Ming stepped forward, his expression serious but steady. "Wang Yan… since you've been away for three years, you may not know the current situation of the Iron Guard. Over this time, the organization has grown steadily. We now have 300 members."
Wang Yan's eyes widened slightly, a hint of surprise crossing his features. "Three hundred?"
Liu Ming nodded. "Yes. And we have organized the structure efficiently, just as we did back in Green Pearl City. The Combat Division consists of 120 of our strongest members, responsible for protection, enforcement, and high-risk operations. The Mercenary Division has 180 members, trained in missions, logistics, intelligence, and support. Selection standards are strict in both divisions, ensuring every member is capable and reliable."
Wang Yan's presence tightened, aura sharpening as he absorbed the news. "So the Iron Guard has grown far beyond what I imagined," he said, his voice calm but edged with approval.
He looked at his friends, outlining the deployment. "For the branch in Tiandou City, I will operate there alongside Zhao Qing. Liu Ming and Chen Yu will remain in Lingyun City to manage the main branch. The 50 members accompanying me will be 20 from the Combat Division and 30 from the Mercenary Division — enough to establish the branch efficiently while remaining discreet."
He paused, letting the plan settle. "When the branch in Tiandou City grows strong enough, you and Chen Yu can transfer there. We will make it the main branch. What do you say?"
Liu Ming's eyes brightened, a small smile forming. "That makes sense. Lingyun City remains secure under our watch, while the Tiandou branch expands. When the time comes, Chen Yu and I will transfer and lead there."
Zhao Qing gave a firm nod. "Exactly. This allows us to expand carefully, strengthen our influence, and stay under the radar until we are ready."
Wang Yan's gaze swept over them, sharp and steady. "Good. Discipline, patience, and strategy will guide us. Iron Guard will thrive — quietly, but powerfully."
Wang Yan's gaze swept over the Iron Guard headquarter.
He turned to Liu Ming and Chen Yu. "Staying here won't achieve much at this stage. Tomorrow, I'll be heading to Tiandou City. Liu Ming, you can let Commander Shuo Tian know that I'm safe — no one else needs to know I've returned. Only you three are aware."
Liu Ming nodded.
Wang Yan then looked at Zhao Qing. "Zhao Qing, you will be the visible authority figure of the Tiandou City branch. You'll oversee the 50 members of Iron Guards from Lingyun city— 20 from the Combat Division and 30 from the Mercenary Division — as they establish the base."
Zhao Qing's expression was steady. "I understand. I will manage the branch and ensure operations run smoothly."
Wang Yan's tone was calm, controlled. "I will also be present, but in the shadows. No one should know I'm there. I'll help you quietly — finding the informations, observing situations, and offering guidance when needed. You will be the branch's public face, and I will support you silently. Everything will remain discreet and efficient."
Chen Yu let out a soft laugh. "So the shadow commander is everywhere, guiding things quietly, while Zhao Qing manages everything openly. That actually sounds perfect."
Zhao Qing gave a small nod. "I will manage carefully. With your support, even from the shadows, we can make the branch strong and secure."
Wang Yan allowed a faint smile. "Good. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, the work begins. The Tiandou branch will be our foothold in the capital — quietly, steadily, but firmly."
Liu Ming and Chen Yu exchanged glances, understanding the weight of responsibility.
With everything settled, the four stopped talking. One by one, they went to their rooms and rested, allowing the long night to finally pass in silence.
Before dawn the next day, Wang Yan slipped away.
There was no farewell, no disturbance. He left Lingyun City the same way he had arrived—unnoticed, unrecorded, known only to Liu Ming, Chen Yu, and Zhao Qing. His figure vanished into the early light, heading toward Tiandou City, already thinking several steps ahead.
Before leaving, he had given Zhao Qing clear instructions.
"Wait three days," Wang Yan had said calmly. "After I reach Tiandou City, I'll quietly arrange a suitable base. Once that's settled, you can bring the fifty members over. Until then, keep everything normal here—no unusual movements."
Zhao Qing had nodded.
.....
After one full day and night of travel, resting briefly along the way, Wang Yan finally arrived at Tian Dou City early in the morning.
He did not waste any time.
Keeping a low profile, Wang Yan immediately began searching for a suitable base. He moved through different districts of Tian Dou City, avoiding places that were too conspicuous or heavily guarded.
After a few hours of careful searching, he finally found one.
The house was located in a small corner not far from the main crowded market—close enough for convenience, yet far enough to avoid attention. From the outside, it looked old and ordinary, easily overlooked among surrounding buildings.
Behind the house, however, was a large courtyard and an expansive garden. The space was far larger than expected, easily able to accommodate around one hundred and fifty people. The main structure itself was old, but solid, and could be reconstructed according to their needs.
Hidden, spacious, and well-placed, it was exactly what Wang Yan was looking for.
After finalizing the base, Wang Yan headed toward the market area. By the time he arrived, it was already noon.
He wanted to meet Tang Yuehua, but before that, he felt he should prepare a gift.
He wandered through the busy market streets for a while, letting the noise and movement blend around him, until a refined jewelry shop caught his eye. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.
After a few minutes of careful searching, he found what he was looking for.
It was a pair of hair clips—silver flowers intertwined with delicate leaves, carrying a faint light-blue shine. They were simple yet elegant, gentle but refined, perfectly suited to her temperament.
Wang Yan paid for them, put them away carefully, and left the shop.
With the gift prepared, he finally set off to meet her.
End of chapter.