“Now that the unpleasant distraction is gone, shall we continue?” Jing Pei spoke up again, smoothly taking control of the room as though she were the host of this fateful banquet. “Since you all insist on speaking to me as the Information Broker, I suppose I ought to treat you in the manner of an Information Broker. I trust no one has an objection?”
Treat them in the manner of an Information Broker?
The room froze. Sudden recollections flooded their minds—the former Head of the Feng family being dragged away by his hair moments ago, the raid on a dozen strongholds belonging to the Atavist Serum Organization after information was handed to the Tribunal Division…
That incident alone had forced everyone to show proper deference to the Information Broker. Then came Miss Hong’s attempt to use mercenaries to bait the broker, only for her entire faction to be wiped clean in retaliation.
A collective shiver ran down their spines. The aggressive accusations died in their throats. Their hot-headed fury chilled instantly.
“Are… are you threatening us?” a man stammered, trying to sound tough while clutching his drawn weapon so tightly his knuckles turned white.
Jing Pei smiled back. “Why don’t you guess which happens faster? You taking me down, or my people broadcasting every dark secret you and your family have ever committed to the entire world?”
The raw dread of the Information Broker returned with vengeance. Cold sweat beaded on the man’s forehead. Trembling, he slowly holstered his weapon. “My… my apologies. I spoke out of turn.”
Holding a powerful person’s secret was dangerous, but holding the secrets of every powerful person made everyone else live in fear.
Naturally, Jing Pei didn’t possess dirt on every single noble in the hall—minor figures weren’t worth Mo Weiwei and Tao Ze’s time. But every soul in the room believed she did.
Puzzle Intelligence Agency: If you can name it, we can find it. The motto was etched into public consciousness, proven time and again through blood and ruined legacies.
Those shouting loudest tonight were the displaced elders who had lost their privileges after the 8.20 Conference reform. None of these Atavists possessed clean hands, and the law no longer shielded their crimes.
The power dynamic flipped entirely. Though a crowd surrounded the young woman sitting on the armchair, they were the ones standing exposed and cornered.
“Family Head Long, you know the gravity of the current situation. We only wish to clarify whether you stand as friend or foe,” an elder spoke up, his tone softening considerably into negotiation. He carefully dropped the term ‘Information Broker,’ terrified of provoking her wrath.
“If I sit here as Long Jin, I am naturally your friend,” Jing Pei replied with a soft laugh, her eyes sweeping over the crowd. “If I sit here as the Information Broker, I am merely a merchant. Whoever pays the price gets the information. I take my side business seriously and observe professional ethics. Otherwise, I would have already sold off the sensitive intelligence that certain people among you paid to lock away, wouldn’t you agree?”
The “certain people” in question felt their hearts leap into their throats before letting out silent gasps of relief.
“How do you gather your intelligence then? Have you planted spies inside our households?” someone blurted out.
“Of course not. I gather information without planting a single spy, meaning I haven’t broken any laws,” Jing Pei answered smoothly.
Even if she admitted to being the Information Broker, no authority could arrest her. She hadn’t installed hidden cameras or hired private detectives to stalk anyone. If gathering secrets constituted a crime, half the investigative journalists and online whistleblowers in Hualan belonged behind bars.
“Was the incident involving Liu Yin part of your scheme?” a stern voice interrupted from the Tao family’s corner. It was Tao Ying’s father, bringing up the sole issue her clan truly cared about.
Jing Pei tilted her head. “If memory serves, the attack on Liu Yin was carried out by members of your own families, driven by greed and seduced by the illegal organization. Just because Jiang Qing spouted baseless claims in a video, do you expect to scrub your own hands clean?”
She had nudged events along behind the scenes, but she had no intention of accepting their scapegoating. As a clever broker, she handled rhetoric with ease.
“And Master Wu? Did he die because of your scheming? Long Jin, if you possess a shred of Dragon pride left, do not lie to us!” Wu Qiang stepped forward, eyes burning with unresolved anger over Master Wu’s death.
Jing Pei ignored him, keeping her eyes fixed on Wu Ying as she stated without a beat: “No.”
Master Wu was currently resting safely in the morgue, so she wasn’t lying at all.
Wu Ying stiffened. Slowly, her clenched fists relaxed, and the suffocating weight pressing on her chest dissipated. Though Jing Pei hadn’t explained why Jiang Qing called her during that critical moment, this single denial was enough.
“Everyone, I have received the answer I came for tonight. I shall take my leave,” Wu Ying announced to the hall.
With Master Wu newly departed, no one dared object to the Wu family leaving early. Yet Wu Ying’s declaration signaled her belief and backing of Jing Pei.
Turning to Jing Pei, Wu Ying added, “I’m heading back first. Head home early as well.”
“I will. Take care, Sister Ying.”
The Wu clan departed under the silent gazes of the room, their solitary figures heavy with grief. With the Wu family gone, the remaining hostility collapsed entirely. No one else dared step forward to challenge Jing Pei.
They had lost this confrontation completely.
Watching the livestream feed, Jiang Qing saw Wu Ying’s lonely figure leave, and a sharp pain gripped his heart.
He closed his eyes tight. When he opened them again, cold malice targeted Jing Pei. You caused all of this. You will pay for what you did! Denying it so shamelessly, playing with her feelings—you are even more shameless than I am!
Coming prepared and admitting to being the Information Broker silenced their doubts better than any excuse, but if you think that resolves your crisis, you are mistaken.
Tonight’s victor has not yet been decided.
The tense confrontation dissolved into a standard banquet.
The elders who had planned the ambush wore bright smiles and chatted as if nothing had happened. It was just like when they had raised their blades against Liu Yin, then switched to polite smiles the moment they realized they had lost.
Tang Qiaoqiao scowled in disgust. “Despicable hypocrites.”
“Completely fake,” Chen Mo added, shaking his head.
“There will always be people like that,” Feng Yilian murmured, taking a slow sip of champagne with weary eyes.
Large clans bred endless parasites. The former leaders hadn’t surrendered power willingly, and some refused to let go. Over time, those with sense would adapt; those beyond saving would eventually hand over their own rope.
The three perked up as Jing Pei strolled over.
Tang Qiaoqiao’s heart pounded against her ribs. She stared at the ceiling, then the floor, avoiding Jing Pei’s eyes. Watching Jing Pei tear apart the entire room on her own had left her in awe. Jing Pei was just too cool! Now that her idol had walked right up to her, Tang Qiaoqiao felt nervous.
Chen Mo, on the other hand, scrambled forward enthusiastically. “Jin! No—Sister! From today on, you’re my Big Sister Long! Command me however you wish, and I will jump through fire for you!”
“Thank you for standing up for me before I arrived,” Jing Pei said softly.
“Those old fools crossed the line. Sister, would you like champagne or juice?” Chen Mo snatched a tray from a passing server, displaying total devotion.
“She hates pointed-beak creatures,” Feng Yilian drawled, rolling his eyes. “Watch it, chicken, or she’ll deduct points.”
“Wait, really?” Chen Mo whined, looking ready to cry. It’s not like I chose to be a chicken Atavist!
“Ah Jin! Ah Jin!” Tao Ying ran over happily, dragging Liu Yin along.
“Little Tao,” Jing Pei caught the girl as she bounded into her arms, then glanced at Liu Yin.
Liu Yin remained stoic. “Regarding the online public opinion, I can only resolve it once the higher-ups reach a decision.”
Public concern centered on Liu Yin. A single statement from him would clear her name, but his status as a founding minister required official clearance before public disclosure. Since the government hadn’t denied the rumor, they would likely confirm his historical identity soon, allowing him to step forward on her behalf. Silence remained Jing Pei’s best shield in the meantime.
“Thank you,” Jing Pei said with ease.
“Hey, are you truly the Information Broker?” Tang Qiaoqiao squeezed into the conversation.
“Yes.”
Jing Pei stated it so casually, as if running an underground intelligence network were a routine hobby, leaving Tang Qiaoqiao temporarily speechless. After a pause, Tang Qiaoqiao blurted out, “Then… shouldn’t you give us a discount?”
Jing Pei fished a card from her pocket and handed it over.
Tang Qiaoqiao stared at it. “A ten percent off coupon for Puzzle Intelligence Agency?! Could you be any cheaper?” How much did ten percent save anyway?
“Information is power, and information symmetry wins wars,” Jing Pei teased warmly. “Intelligence is naturally expensive. Offering ten percent off any purchase is a privilege reserved exclusively for true friends.”
Her mood was exceptionally light, her heart warmed by their presence. “Besides, if intelligence ever threatened your safety, would I ever charge you for it?”
Those gathered around Jing Pei had backed her faithfully before stepping into this hall. Hearing her words, even the lethargic Feng Yilian straightened up, his eyes widening. Instantly, envious stares from across the room locked onto their group.
Her words carried a subtle threat.
They were personal friends of the Information Broker who held every secret under the sun. If anyone dared target them, their plots would collapse before execution, earning the vengeance of the broker.
The Atavist families maintained a facade of unity, but internal warfare never ceased—plundering assets, retainers, and genetic lineages, as the Qiu family massacre had proven. Though these young leaders brought new life to their clans, scheming elders waited to prune them.
Jing Pei’s statement cast an invisible armor over her allies. Anyone plotting against them would have to consider whether the Information Broker already held their plans in her hand.
“I… I didn’t ask for a favor,” Tang Qiaoqiao stammered into the silence, her face flushing crimson.
“I’m giving it because we are friends,” Jing Pei smiled. Real friends this time.
A rush of safety washed over Tang Qiaoqiao. Having a powerful backer felt incredible!
Feng Yilian felt the exhaustion of family leadership lift from his shoulders. He nearly wanted to toast Jing Pei—this protection promised countless saved headaches and extra hours of sleep.
Though Feng Yilian maintained his Phoenix pride, Chen Mo held no such reservations. The chicken Atavist needed no pride! He raised a glass, bowing respectfully. “Big Boss, a toast to you! Command me anytime!”
As they chatted, no one else dared approach. Liu Kuang stood at a distance, watching with bitter regret. He could have belonged to that inner circle had he not wavered over Jiang Qing’s video. Turning around, he realized his companions had abandoned him, glaring with resentment for his instigation.
Yet amidst the envy and frustration, subtle, predatory glints of greed lurked within a few hidden gazes.
“She admitted it?” Madam President paused upon receiving the news report. “So it really is her.”
The government possessed its own intelligence channels and monitored the Atavist clans closely, including tonight’s ambush.
The Secretary-General nodded. “It caught everyone off guard. I assumed she would defend herself, but she admitted it without hesitation and defused the crisis with sharp retorts. The family heads failed to gain any leverage over her. It must have been quite a spectacle.”
Madam President smiled. “Jiang Qing shifted the narrative, and the crowd jumped at the chance to target a visible scapegoat for their frustration. What stands out is that she refused to fall into their trap or waste breath defending herself.”
“Her mental fortitude is remarkable. I wonder whether she is truly Long Jin, and how she acquired such nerve.”
Madam President replied, “DNA and Atavist frequency signatures do not lie. Physically, she is Long Jin.”
“Then…”
Madam President raised a hand to cut off the question. “We will have our answer in time. Since she handled it, we need not meddle. How are things on Qiu Fa’s end?”
“The battle just concluded in our victory,” the Secretary-General reported. “However, the foreign Prime Minister insists on hosting a state banquet for Director Qiu, asking him to stay an extra night.”
It was standard diplomatic courtesy, though Qiu Fa had no appetite for it.
The battle had dragged on for two days and a night—far longer than anticipated—because the allied nation’s young Atavists lacked combat experience. When the youths reached their limit, their armed forces stepped in, forcing Qiu Fa to direct operations like a tactical exercise. Had Qiu Fa fought solo, the battle would have ended in hours.
“Director, bear with them,” An Yan advised. “They finally caught hold of you, and knowing marriage alliance options are off the table, they want to extract maximum value. It’s just one dinner for diplomatic goodwill.”
Qiu Fa obliged. Riding toward the foreign state house as they left the battlefield, signal restored on his phone. Yet his inbox remained empty—not a single message from Jing Pei.
Feeling a flicker of disappointment, Qiu Fa pulled up her number. Just as he tapped to dial, the bushy-mustached Prime Minister leaned in. “Director Qiu, you’ve worked hard! Eat and drink your fill tonight, and stay a few more days.”
Qiu Fa frowned, brushing aside the man’s arm. “I need to make a call.”
The Prime Minister’s smile stiffened. “What call is so urgent? We can talk after filling our stomachs. Everyone is waiting.”
Most people would give in after a head of state urged them several times, if only to show respect. But Qiu Fa was different.
“If we must wait, then wait through one call,” Qiu Fa stated, stepping back.
Anxiety flickered in the Prime Minister’s eyes. He shot a swift look at his Secretary-General—the illegal organization had instructed them to detain Qiu Fa overnight, preventing him from discovering events back in Hualan.
Catching the signal, the Secretary-General feigned a stumble, lunging toward Qiu Fa to knock the phone from his grip.
Qiu Fa sidestepped smoothly, his amber eyes sharpening into a dangerous glint. “What is the meaning of this? Are you trying to block me?”
The banquet ended quickly as guests lost interest in lingering. When Jing Pei announced her departure, the crowd dispersed.
“Family Head,” Chu Xusheng greeted her at the exit, then opened the car door for her with ease.
“Let’s head home.”
Inside the vehicle, Jing Pei unlocked her phone to find the Long clan group chat buzzing with anxiety. She typed out a message: The Atavist family situation has been settled.
Messages poured in instantly.
I knew Family Head could handle it!
Awesome!
Now only the online rumors remain. How do we solve those?
Jing Pei replied: That’s easy. (Liu Yin’s upcoming statement would handle it.)
Long Ankang is ungrateful! We let him live comfortably with his allowance, yet he tried to frame you as the Information Broker!
Exactly! How could our Family Head possibly be the Information Broker?
Jing Pei smiled, typing her next line: It wasn’t framing. I really am the Information Broker. I just confessed to the other family heads.
Silence fell over the chat instantly, like ducks choked mid-quack.
Jing Pei chuckled softly.
“Family Head,” Chu Xusheng called out.
Jing Pei looked up to see a car parked by the curb bearing the Black Tortoise emblem of the Wu family.
Lowering her window, she saw Wu Qiang inside.
“Family Head Long, I waited here for you,” Wu Qiang said. “Our Family Head requests a word.”
With Master Wu deceased, Wu Ying held the title. Jing Pei naturally granted her friend respect, instructing her driver to follow Wu’s vehicle to a quiet cafe tucked behind lush foliage.
Wu Qiang led Jing Pei and Chu Xusheng up the stairs. Past business hours, the cafe stood empty and dark, with no staff behind the counter—and no sign of Wu Ying.
Jing Pei scanned the space, her eyes settling on Wu Qiang.
“Forgive me. I lied to get you here,” Wu Qiang admitted.
“Young Master Wu has grown quite famous lately after confronting the traitor Jiang Qing. Hardly a nobody,” Jing Pei remarked.
“Save the sarcasm. My Family Head was too hesitant to ask, but I am not. Family Head Long, as the renowned Information Broker and my leader’s friend, will you sell us the location of the organization’s headquarters?”
“I’m sorry,” Jing Pei declined smoothly. “While Sister Ying is my friend, I observe professional ethics. The organization bought out all intelligence concerning their headquarters.”
Wu Qiang gritted his teeth. “Not a single detail?”
Jing Pei shook her head.
“Then teach me how you gather information so I can search myself,” Wu Qiang pressed, leaning forward with dark, strange eyes. “You don’t rely on human spies, so you must use a special Atavist item.”
Jing Pei narrowed her eyes. “I see where this is going.”
“You claim you don’t have one? Naturally, you’d hide such a treasure. But tonight, we will take it by force.”
We?
Figures lunged from the shadows, surrounding the building as a dome barrier sealed the cafe.
Chu Xusheng stepped in front of Jing Pei, scorpion tail raised for battle.
Outside the wide windows stood two factions—masked figures wearing signal-disrupting armor, alongside unmasked foreign mercenaries.
“Masked assassins carrying frequency disruptors… I recognize quite a few familiar faces,” Jing Pei observed. Likely guests from the banquet earlier.
“Hand over the treasure, Long Jin, and suffer less!” a disguised voice called out.
“I’m curious,” Jing Pei replied softly. “What treasure do you seek, and who tipped you off?”
Wu Qiang grinned sinisterly. “We want what lies inside your body. As for who revealed your secret… you’ll never guess.”
Even Jiang Qing had been surprised by how smoothly this part fell into place.
Exposing Long Jin as the Information Broker was merely his opening move. High anxiety and hatred surrounded the broker’s identity, but public outrage alone couldn’t kill a top Atavist. To guarantee her death, he needed a irresistible bait—something that would push desperate elders into violence despite their fear.
And her biological father, Long Ankang, provided that exact bait.
After listening to Jiang Qing’s video, Long Ankang had cornered disgruntled clan elders in secret. Driven by resentment, Long Ankang claimed Jing Pei’s supernatural intelligence stemmed from the legendary Dragon Pearl inside her body—a rare internal core that could be extracted and implanted into a blood relative to grant them her power.
The promise of inheriting the Information Broker’s all-knowing authority was a prize beyond measure. When Jing Pei revealed her identity at the banquet, she unknowingly made Long Ankang’s lie seem true to their greedy minds.
Under the coordination of the illegal organization’s hidden sleeper agents, bitter elders joined forces with foreign hitmen—including royal mercenaries exiled from the former Kingdom of Punia seeking revenge for Musani’s revolution.
In his lair, Jiang Qing grinned maniacally. “Tonight, you and your retainer die together, Long Jin. No one can save you now!”
