Akashi had told him before that he had asked Sun Dewang to purchase a batch of magic props and materials from the Teaching Country in Yunhai City.
After experiencing so many events during this period, he had nearly forgotten about it.
"Sun Dewang? Are they the people you scared last time at sea?"
Deutschland tilted her head, recalling the incident as well.
"Yes, that unlucky fellow we rescued. According to the timeline, he should have arrived in Lihu County two days ago. By now, he should have already delivered the goods to Akashi."
Lin Lan calculated the time. Sun Dewang didn't need to personally seek approval from the boss of Tianou Group; he could have done it remotely from Yalang City using his mobile phone.
Thus, Sun Dewang being able to deliver the goods at this time indicated that the unfortunate man had done his best to complete the delivery without any delays.
"In that case, Hu Teng, have the fleet dock, and instruct everyone else to stay away from the dock for now."
Lin Lan stroked his chin, contemplating the arrangements.
"Akashi, Nimi, Deutschland—you three will come with me and Ulrich to the dock."
Even though the other party was delivering goods as a sign of goodwill, Lin Lan had no intention of allowing them into his port area.
If any problems arose, they would be dealt with at the dock. Lin Lan would not permit outsiders to enter his port.
At present, perhaps only Li, the little girl from Liao Continent whom he had rescued, had the privilege of entering his port, though she had not visited in some time.
Just as he was considering how to deal with Sun Dewang and his men, Deutschland suddenly approached him with a mischievous grin.
"Commander, since you're meeting outsiders, don't forget these."
As Deutschland spoke, the iron-blooded little princess held out a cold black-and-red mask and a neatly folded black military uniform.
The sight of the outfit instantly reminded Lin Lan that this was the same attire he had worn the last time he confronted the other party.
"If you hadn't reminded me, I would have almost forgotten. I suppose it's time to put this on again, hehehe."
There was a time when Lin Lan thought that this imposing iron-blooded military uniform and black-and-red mask were somewhat childish.
But now that he had truly mastered supernatural powers, he felt that this outfit suited his status perfectly.
After all, a man remains young until the day he dies.
…
Unlike Lin Lan and his relaxed group, on the deck of the lead ship of a fleet consisting of eight medium-sized cargo vessels, the poor, portly Sun Dewang wore an expression filled with worry and confusion.
He wasn't just troubled by the terrifying, mysterious camp he was about to visit—
"Wow, I can't believe they set up a base in such a remote location."
Behind him, a handsome middle-aged man in a white trench coat observed the riverbank in astonishment.
This distinguished-looking man had a cynical air about him, with a scraggly white beard on his chin.
However, his deep and calm eyes seemed as if they could see through all the world's secrets.
"Here, here we are."
Noticing that the river ahead was nearing the estuary and that docks and buildings had come into view, Sun Dewang cautiously stepped forward and addressed the middle-aged man.
"Hmm... If I'm not mistaken, what just flew over the sky seemed to be an unmanned reconnaissance drone."
"There are also numerous facilities on the sea that I've never seen before…"
The middle-aged man gazed into the distance, seemingly ignoring Sun Dewang's words.
"Interesting. Xiaosun, you didn't disappoint me. When the time comes, do exactly as I instructed."
He turned around, smiling brightly as he patted Sun Dewang on the shoulder.
His tone carried the unmistakable authority of a superior speaking to a subordinate.
"Y-Yes, sir."
As the fleet gradually slowed and approached the dock, Sun Dewang spotted a group of people standing onshore.
Among them, the masked man in a black military uniform—whom he had encountered before—was staring at him intently, making Sun Dewang swallow nervously as sweat broke out on his back.
Lin Lan, now clad in his iron-blooded black military uniform, a black-red military coat, a black iron-cross military cap, and a black-red mask, stood motionless at the dock, silently watching the approaching cargo ships bearing the Tianou logo.
Behind him, Ulrich, Deutschland, Nimi, and the adorable little profiteer—all now in their combat uniforms—stood at attention.
"Your Excellency! Your Excellency! Sun Dewang is honored to see you again!"
As the cargo ship came to a complete stop, Sun Dewang hurriedly climbed down the gangway, forcing a fawning smile as he approached Lin Lan.
Trailing closely behind him was the middle-aged man in the trench coat, whom Lin Lan had never seen before.
Lin Lan said nothing. Through the mask, he first glanced at Sun Dewang before shifting his gaze to the unfamiliar man.
The man, however, showed no fear, calmly appraising Lin Lan in return.
His eyes, strangely enough, exuded an air of harmlessness, as though possessing some kind of subtle magic.
"Your Excellency, this is the agent representing this fleet—Jian... Jian Qianou."
Seeing that Lin Lan's gaze had settled on the man behind him, Sun Dewang quickly introduced him with an ingratiating smile.
"Oh."
Lin Lan slowly withdrew his gaze, sneering as he spoke in the disguised voice he had used previously:
"Did you bring the goods? Have them unloaded. You can return to Lihu County now."
Sun Dewang wiped the sweat from his forehead. "Your Excellency, I have brought the goods, but, but—"
"Meow?"
A familiar, adorable meow interrupted Sun Dewang's words.
The little chibi with long green hair and cat ears twitched her furry ears, an expression of displeasure on her face.
Sun Dewang immediately recognized the girl—she was the one he had spoken to before.
He had initially thought she merely liked imitating a cat's meow, but he now realized she was, in fact, a genuine cat-eared girl from Liao Continent.
And beside this cute little feline girl stood a cold-faced brown-haired chibi and a long-haired black-haired girl with a cruel smile—both of whom made the air feel suffocating.
"Go on. What is it?"
Lin Lan narrowed his eyes, gesturing for Sun Dewang to continue.
He had already vaguely guessed the issue.
"B-But our boss said that he would only allow me to hand over the goods to you if he saw your sincerity..."
Sun Dewang's voice trailed off into an incoherent mumble.
"Oh? Very well."
As expected, Lin Lan knew the Tianou Group wouldn't cooperate so easily.
"Sincerity? You'd better think carefully about how to survive my cannon!"
Deutschland flashed a sinister smile, and in an instant, a black-and-red shark-mouthed shotgun materialized in her hands, its barrel aimed directly at Sun Dewang's head.
"My Lord, please don't! I'm just following orders! Please spare my life!"
Sun Dewang, nearly paralyzed with fear, trembled as the overwhelming killing intent washed over him.
Lin Lan remained impassive. Just as Deutschland was about to pull the trigger, he raised his hand, signaling her to lower the weapon.
"Tell me, do you think you have enough dignity in front of me?"
The unchanging smile on Jian Qianou's face was finally replaced by an expression of deep shock.
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50 advanced chapters on p@t re on (.) com/SenatusTheta
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