Chapter 350: Snatching the Bamboo Shoots from Wild Bamboo Mountain

At the tenth hidden site, two experts had been examining the katana for two hours straight—using professional instruments, magnifying glasses, and even a mini microscope.

Finally, they reached a conclusion.

“Its name is Aoi-mon Echizen Yasutsugu. Crafted by the renowned Edo-period swordsmith Echizen Yasutsugu. As a sacred blade, it was enshrined at the Atsuta Shrine in Owari Province. They call it Aoi-mon Echizen Yasutsugu because it was said to have received the Tokugawa family crest—the Aoi-mon—personally bestowed by Tokugawa Ieyasu. But if this katana is clearly the real deal, then what about the one in Atsuta Shrine? Could that one be a fake?”

One of the appraisal experts looked completely dumbfounded, his face full of confusion.

And he wasn’t alone.

Zhou Lie and Shen Mei were also having a full-on existential crisis as they stared at Xiao Yu like he was some kind of walking miracle.

Because it was actually a divine artifact.

Can you believe it?

A sacred blade enshrined in a foreign nation’s sacred temple. In their eyes, calling it a divine artifact wasn’t even an exaggeration.

How could they be so sure it was real?

First, those foreign forces had been desperate enough to mobilize intelligence agents to find it—clearly, they believed it was legit. And second, the appraisal experts had just confirmed its authenticity. The conclusion couldn’t be clearer.

But one question still haunted everyone’s minds.

This was a national treasure, a sacred blade symbolizing that country’s pride and heritage.

So why did it show up here, within their borders, decades ago?

An item like this wasn’t just a weapon, it was a symbol of a nation’s face.

What if someone got their hands on their national treasure, like the legendary Heirloom Seal of the Realm?

How would they feel?

Wouldn’t it feel like someone was slapping their country’s face—over and over again?

That’s why they wanted this sword so badly. That’s why they had to get it back.

Xiao Yu’s lips curled into a smirk as countless wild ideas popped into his head.

This was about to get interesting.

“What if I took this Aoi-mon Echizen Yasutsugu and tossed it into a septic tank? Then snapped some photos and uploaded them online? Nah. I can’t go stealing the bamboo shoots from Wild Bamboo Mountain.¹ I’m a pure, kind-hearted, model citizen of society, after all. That’s not my style.”

Snapping back to reality, Xiao Yu glanced over at his two senior teammates.

Shen Mei and Zhou Lie were buzzing with excitement, circling the experts and urging them to confirm the katana’s authenticity one more time.

Why were they so pumped?

Back in the day, during a foreign invasion, a soldier captured an enemy general’s saber. For that one saber, he was awarded a military merit citation.

One blade—a whole medal of honor.

And now, what they had in front of them wasn’t just any blade. This was a national treasure, a symbol of a country’s pride, and more than that. It was undeniable, ironclad proof of historical wrongdoing.

Outside the tenth hidden site, Zhou Lie was carefully preparing to box up the Aoi-mon Echizen Yasutsugu when Shen Mei’s phone rang.

Xiao Yu glanced over. And instantly noticed her face darken.

“Wu Hanran,” Shen Mei’s voice turned ice-cold, “Do you think you have the qualifications to negotiate with me?”

Xiao Yu and Zhou Lie immediately turned to look at her.

That guy actually had the nerve to call?

“You…” Shen Mei’s expression was ashen.

“What’s going on?” Zhou Lie asked.

“Wu Hanran’s in X City,” Shen Mei’s voice dropped into a frigid tone. “He wants us to hand over the Yushin-to.”

“So, it was all about the sword.” Zhou Lie sneered. “Is he dreaming?”

Xiao Yu quietly listened to their exchange.

Was he dreaming?

No. If Wu Hanran dared to call, he must be holding something over their heads.

Shen Mei let out a sigh. 

“He’s planted a bomb somewhere in a crowded area of X City.”

Zhou Lie’s face instantly darkened.

‘Just as expected.’ Xiao Yu’s expression turned cold.

For someone like Wu Hanran, that was basic stuff. Even using everyday household items, a special agent could whip up something with devastating power.

“Where’s the meeting point?” Xiao Yu asked, his face serious as he stared at Shen Mei.

“He didn’t say.” Shen Mei shook her head. “Only that he’d call again.”

None of them even bothered to mention tracing the call.

Track a trained special agent like that? Come on. Who were they kidding?

“What’s your take?” Zhou Lie asked, his face still cold.

“Give him what he wants,” Xiao Yu replied calmly. “This foreign object isn’t worth even a single life from our people.”

Zhou Lie and Shen Mei exchanged a look and nodded.

Protecting the country. Protecting the people. That was their job. Without that belief, they wouldn’t be fit to wear the title of National Security Group leaders.

“What’s the next move?” Shen Mei asked, turning to Xiao Yu.

Zhou Lie was also looking at him now.

At some point, without anyone noticing, Xiao Yu had become the one leading this operation.

Zhou Lie had experienced something like this once before. That time, it was a mercenary infiltration.

Xiao Yu commanded the Ninth and Second Groups, along with the special forces unit. His tactics wiped out the mercenaries and captured their leader. But the moment the dust settled, the little rascal disappeared without a trace.

Back when the big boss personally visited Bincheng, Xiao Yu didn’t even bother to show up. Instead, the boss had to go meet Xiao Yu and his wife.

When the other group leaders heard about it, they all gave a thumbs-up: Legendary… This guy’s got a death wish.

But you had to admit—Xiao Yu could back it up.

After all, his real identity was the Leader of the Tenth Group.

Strictly speaking, the leaders of all nine special operations groups were technically his subordinates. Because when it came down to it, Xiao Yu had the authority to command all nine groups.

That authority came directly from the big boss.

Xiao Yu frowned, considering his next move.

The answer was obvious.

It was time to meet Wu Hanran.

Suddenly, Shen Mei’s phone rang again.

“I’ll take it.” Xiao Yu extended his hand.

Shen Mei handed over the phone without hesitation.

“Wu Hanran?” Xiao Yu answered, his voice cold.

“Who are you?” A cold, middle-aged voice came from the speaker.

“Leader of the Tenth Group, Xiao Yu.” His tone was icy.

A brief silence on the other end.

“Tenth Group?”

The confusion was understandable.

Wu Hanran didn’t doubt Xiao Yu’s identity because not just anyone could get their hands on the Fifth Group leader’s phone. But he’d never heard of a Tenth Group in the National Security Bureau.

At least—when he retired—there was no Tenth Group.

“That’s right.” Xiao Yu’s voice was steady. “Why are you doing this?”

“I have no choice. My daughter… cannot die.” Wu Hanran’s voice was emotionless. “Bring the item and meet me. That way, everyone gets what they want.”

“Where?” Xiao Yu pressed.

“Come alone, with the item. Keep the phone with you. Do exactly as I say, when I say it.”

“Got it.” Xiao Yu’s tone remained flat.

“Head to S City, XX District, XX Mall. You have ten minutes.” Wu Hanran’s voice turned sharp. “If you’re late… or if I see anyone suspicious… You know the consequences.”

The call ended.