Chapter 489: The Ghosts Disband

Arriving at Qiao Zhen’s office, Ling Chen saw Qiao Zhen standing with his back to the desk, staring at a calligraphy painting on the wall. The painting bore four vigorous and bold brush strokes that read, "A heavy responsibility and a long way to go!"

Through the brush techniques, Ling Chen realized that the characters were identical to those he had seen outside Qingyun Martial Arts Hall, undoubtedly written by He Ziyun.

Hearing the noise from behind, Qiao Zhen slowly turned around, facing Tang Yuan and Ling Chen walking toward him, and sat down with a solemn expression.

"Have you seen them?"

Ling Chen knew the question was directed at him and immediately nodded.

Qiao Zhen sighed deeply and said sorrowfully, "Old Mu and Chen have been the pillars of the Ghost Organization, dedicating their lives to it. Yet, they were betrayed by their own people, and I fear they rest uneasily even in death."

"General, rest assured, I will not let the murderer of Uncle Mu and Mrs. Chen get away," Ling Chen promised earnestly.

"I believe you will," Qiao Zhen said, visibly relieved.

"General, how is the investigation into Wu Jun’s matter going?"

Qiao Zhen pointed at the documents on the desk, saying, "I’ve reviewed all the missions Wu Jun has undertaken, and indeed, there are significant problems. According to records, Wu Jun conducted ten missions related to the God Organization. During the initial missions, he was missing for a day and returned with severe injuries. We assumed it was due to the dangerous nature of the missions and didn’t think deeper. The Ghost Organization always adheres to the principle of trusting our people without doubt and would not suspect our members easily. However, based on this incident, I believe that Wu Jun was unfortunately exposed during his initial contact with the God Organization and captured by them. Moreover, he must have reached an agreement with the God Organization to return alive. After that incident, every mission related to the God Organization conducted by Wu Jun was completed without errors, accumulating much merit. Due to his merits, his authority within the Ghost Organization has been increasing."

"Just take last night’s incident, for instance; less than ten people have the clearance to enter the central control room of the base; Wu Jun was one of them. If it wasn’t for him sabotaging the defense system of the base, external enemies couldn’t have possibly breached the Ghost Base. This shows that the God Organization has been secretly assisting Wu Jun, enhancing his position within the Ghost Organization."

At this point, Qiao Zhen looked at Ling Chen and said, "Honestly, this crisis is indeed a major blow to the Ghost Organization, but I am actually very relieved."

"Relieved?" Ling Chen asked in confusion, "General, why do you say this?"

"You know that I am already of age. Although I wish to continue serving the country, my energy is limited, and I can’t do as much. I originally wanted to groom you as my successor, but you insisted on leaving, so I had to look for others. After I step down, Han Bing will take over my position, but his position will need someone else to fill. With Wu Jun’s merits, capabilities, and experience, there’s no one in the Ghost Organization more outstanding than him, naturally making him our consideration. Imagine, if Wu Jun became second in command of the Ghost Organization, how much disaster would it bring in the future? Honestly, I can’t imagine, so I am relieved that this crisis has surfaced all the traitors within the Ghost."

Ling Chen silently nodded. Qiao Zhen’s concerns were valid; indeed, if that were the case, the Ghost Organization would likely face destruction.

"General, how do you plan to handle this situation?"

"I’m still waiting for news. Han Bing is currently in Beijing reporting to the higher-ups. However, from what I know, this incident might bring great trouble to the Ghost."

Ling Chen asked worriedly, "How severe?"

"The Ghost... might be facing the risk of dissolution."

Hearing this, the expressions on Ling Chen and Tang Yuan’s faces changed abruptly. Puzzled, they asked, "Why? The Ghost has achieved so much, has given so much blood and sweat for the country, why would it be disbanded?"

"Because the higher-ups don’t trust the Ghost," Qiao Zhen replied helplessly. "Only two traitors were found this time, which has deeply shocked the senior executives. They think, what if there are still traitors within the Ghost? They can’t bear the loss and responsibility."

Tang Yuan frowned and said displeasedly, "The Ghost has been established for so many years, we’ve only encountered a crisis once, why wouldn’t they trust us?"

"It’s simple," Ling Chen chimed in. "The Ghost has always been the most mysterious organization in the world, even less understood by the public than the God Organization. A problem within such an organization is not just severe but also deadly."

"You’re absolutely right," Qiao Zhen nodded. "That’s the main reason for the higher-ups’ concern. Actually, they’ve already had a private phone call with me discussing the disbandment of the Ghost Organization. However, they will preserve the existence of Lonely Wolf. After all, those who join Lonely Wolf have all been personally vetted by me, and are totally trustworthy, with no issues in loyalty." He paused, then continued, "You two are insiders, so I might as well be frank with you, the higher-ups are giving Lonely Wolf a chance, considering my many years of service to the country. If Lonely Wolf encounters problems too, it will face the same fate as the Ghost."

Ling Chen silently sighed; no one wanted to see such an outcome.

"General, after the Ghost is disbanded, how will the members of the Ghost be handled?"

"There’s still no conclusion; it will be known after consultations. However, they are all talents nurtured by the nation; even if the Ghost is disbanded, they won’t be discharged. My guess is, they will probably be sent back to the military to act as instructors."

Instructors?

Ling Chen and Tang Yuan gave a wry smile. Instructors, that sounds respectable, but in reality, it meant sidelining them, not planning to use them actively.

After serving the country for so many years, shedding blood and sweat, fighting to death, to meet such an end, it is truly not worth it for them.

Seeing the thoughts of the two, Qiao Zhen said, "I know it’s hard for you to accept, but we can’t help it; our organization values trust; without trust, we have nothing. If you must blame someone, all the responsibility should be on Wu Jun; he single-handedly destroyed the Ghost."

Ling Chen furrowed his brow and spoke, "General, please help find Wu Jun. I will make sure he pays dearly."

"He left with the people from the God Organization, and he probably won’t show up for a while. I will have the Lonely Wolf keep an eye out for him and will inform you immediately once there is any discovery."

"Thanks!" Having said that, Ling Chen turned the conversation and looked at Tang Yuan, asking, "Didn’t you just say Mr. Yun had an accident? How is he? Is it serious?"