Embers Ad Infinitum

The figure was wearing a loose gray robe, and his khaki hair was quite sparse, but both in terms of aura and appearance, he looked like a majestic lion.

General Phocas!

This person turned out to be General Phocas, who the "old tune team" had worked with before.

He was also a senator of the Senate, one of the commanders of the city defense army, and a centrist representative.

This made it difficult for Jiang Baimian to conceal his surprise.

Boss Ugo’s friend is actually General Phocas?

In terms of identity, status and experience, these two people have nothing in common!

The world is so wonderful, and many things are always beyond your reasoning... When Jiang Baimian was calming down, Shang Jianyao had already said hello with a smile:

"General, you still owe us a celebration banquet."

Phocas moved his eyebrows:

"Aren't you surprised why it was me?"

"If the person sitting in your seat is a real lion, then I might be surprised." Shang Jianyao, who didn't know which one of the nine people it was, looked calm.

At this time, Jiang Baimian also returned to normal, smiled and said:

“It’s not who’s saying it, it’s what’s being said.”

She was very curious about what General Phocas would ask her and others about, and it was through Boss Ugo.

Phocas sat upright, showing an old-fashioned demeanor from the war years.

He said calmly:

"I wonder what you got from Marcus."

This... Jiang Baimian expected multiple answers, but none of them were close.

How did he identify us in such a short period of time? When Shang Jianyao obtained information from Marcus, the general was not even there! Although Jiang Baimian was mentally prepared for his identity to be exposed, he thought it would not be so soon, at least two or three days.

Moreover, judging from the news that the "Old Tune Team" received when they returned to the Ugo Hotel once, General Phocas wanted to see them several days ago. At that time, they had just escaped from the highest arena and obtained Key information in Marcus' memory.

As soon as it happened, General Phocas was sure it was us? Jiang Baimian controlled himself and did not let his brows furrow.

Shang Jianyao made no secret of it and asked curiously:

"How did you recognize us?"

General Phocas smiled:

"You are still too young and do not have enough understanding of the complexity of this world. Moreover, you should have been lucky enough to lose your sense of awe in certain things."

After explaining the truth in an old-fashioned tone, he added:

"There are too many strange abilities in the dust, and there are all kinds of advanced technologies from the old world. Disguise does not mean absolute safety, at least for me, it is ineffective.

"The first time you entered the Supreme Arena, I recognized you when I observed Marcus and confirmed the environment. I just felt that there was no need to expose you. I could see what you could do. As a result, your performance was better than mine. It’s better to imagine.”

Hearing this, Jiang Baimian couldn't help but look at Shang Jianyao.

She never imagined that such a thing would happen.

Although it is said that the main mistake is insufficient intelligence, what General Phocas just said is indeed correct - the "Old Tune Team" lacks sufficient understanding of the complexity of the world, and certain choices are really Too risky.

Ability, or technology, that can render disguise useless? The technology was not very similar. There were no other electrical signals on his body at that time. Biological results? Suddenly, Jiang Baimian had many thoughts.

She did not ask General Phocas where he identified herself and others, because this obviously involved the other party's secret.

Shang Jianyao had no scruples about this and raised his hand to touch his chin:

"Some kind of ability?

"Dog nose? Remember our smell?"

This is possible... remember to use irritating perfume next time... Jiang Baimian was focused on the problem and did not correct Shang Jianyao's impolite words.

General Phocas nodded calmly:

"I have seen this type of ability, and it can indeed see through your disguise, unless you have sprayed, um, some research results in the biological field in advance."

Pheromone perfume? Jiang Baimian is no stranger to this.

She could hear what General Phocas meant:

"I'm using other abilities."

Seeing that the other party was obviously unwilling to answer, Jiang Baimian returned to the topic and said with a smile:

"After Ole's death, you played a vital role in the changes in the political situation of 'Prime City', and you don't even know what secrets Marcus has."

Phocas maintained a majestic attitude, but his tone was very calm:

“I did make a small contribution, but not as crucial as you might think.

"During that time, many people who lived through the chaotic years are still alive."

"That's it." Shang Jianyao said directly.

Jiang Baimian turned to ask:

"As the veteran of the 'First City' and the most senior general, what do you know about this?"

"You don't need to know." Pokas was as direct as Shang Jianyao.

The experienced Jiang Baimian was not choked, and raised his eyebrows and said:

"What we have gained is very important information. Give me a reason to sell it to you."

Phocas had thought about this problem for a long time and said in a slow and slow tone:

"Money and materials should not be of much value to you."

Who said that? We were not so short of money until recently, but even so, we are still short of Terence's six thousand Ore and three fifths of Little Red... Jiang Baimian cursed in his heart.

Of course, the "Old Tune Group" is essentially a team that pursues ideals, because its leader Jiang Baimian and important member Shang Jianyao are both idealists.

Phocas continued:

"I can offer two kinds of compensation:

"One, you should do some things next, and I can give you the necessary help. I know that in your eyes, this is just a non-binding promise, but as long as you understand my past, you should know , all the promises I made were fulfilled, and not once was I violated.

"Two, I will give you two information, information related to your future safety."

Jiang Baimian listened quietly and smiled noncommittally:

"Aren't you afraid that we will give you false information?"

"I choose to talk to you through face-to-face communication. This is not the only way." Phocas raised his chin slightly and said, "I have enough ability to ensure the authenticity of the information. Believe me, you can still treat each other as equals." Talk to me because I don’t want to make things bigger.”

"Yes, it is indeed a big deal for a general to die suddenly and go to his grave." Shang Jianyao was never weak in his words.

This is similar to "hang yourself and make big things happen".

While Phocas narrowed his eyes slightly, Jiang Baimian suddenly smiled and said:

"make a deal."

She agreed so readily that Phocas didn't even react.

Immediately afterwards, Jiang Baimian added:

"But we have to add another condition, six thousand Orei."

Six thousand ores? When Phocas heard the first half of the sentence, he had already concentrated his energy and prepared to evaluate the other party's request. However, the condition only made him feel absurd.

This is like when trading strategic weapons such as nuclear warheads. In addition to a large amount of arms, oil, batteries, food, etc., the seller also made an additional request for a "set of novels", or he successfully obtained it through bargaining. 10 Ole discount.

"Okay, I'll put it at Ugo's place." The sense of absurdity did not affect Phocas's judgment, and he quickly agreed.

Jiang Baimian did not hide anything. He told all the information he got from Marcus, including the popular password "Messiah".

"Very good." Phocas nodded with satisfaction, "My two pieces of information are: first, the 'Hand of Order' has almost locked your identity; second, in addition to the 'Hand of Order', there are also some forces that are looking for you. Among you, there are some who even I feel are in danger. I suggest you go out less recently and see fewer people."

So fast... Jiang Baimian nodded gently and asked another question:

"Why don't you, the Prime City, kill Marcus and Avia and bury those secrets completely?"

"That would lead to worse outcomes." Phocas answered rather vaguely.

After speaking, he stood up slowly and said:

"When you need help, you know where to find me."

…………

After getting back the computer and heading to the safe house, Long Yuehong blurted out in shock after listening to the team leader's story:

"You, did you really sell the information?

"Aren't you going to ask for the company's opinion?"

This information is important enough to go to the board of directors.

Jiang Baimian chuckled:

"The company doesn't prohibit us from selling this information."

Then, she put away her smile and said seriously:

"When working outside, the situation changes rapidly. How can we ask the company for instructions on everything? And it's too late.

“As long as the company doesn’t explain in advance what it can’t do, we don’t have to be too shy about it.

"Besides, we are in a dangerous place and the follow-up situation is unpredictable, so it would be great to have a helper."

Bai Chen nodded:

"Whether it's Avia or the secret laboratory in the ruins of Wasteland 13, they are both very dangerous. Let them take the lead and go through the mines, which is not necessarily a bad thing."

"Did you hear that? That's not what I said. It's Xiaobai who is evil." The smile on Jiang Baimian's face showed that she actually thought so too.

It was a joke and she said "hmm":

"When I get back, I'll go over all the details to see if there are any hidden dangers that might reveal our current safe house."

…………

Red Wolf District, No. 19 Rosta Street, "Hand of Order" headquarters.

Things progressed beyond the expectations of Wall, Theodore, Constance and others - not long after, the target's "true" identity was revealed in front of them.

"Grey people."

"Xue Shiyue, Zhang Qubing, Qian Bai, Gu Zhiyong..."

"Except for Qian Bai, the earliest mission records of the others were in Wild Grass City, last year... This shows that they should come from a certain big force."

While communicating with each other, Wall's eyes suddenly solidified:

The team of Xue Shiyue and Zhang Qubing actually took on the task of arresting themselves!

PS: Today is Saturday