Chapter 19: The Pursuit

Long Fei’s words left Cheng Anfu utterly bewildered, but Cheng Anfu did not press for answers. After so many years in law enforcement, he knew that when someone didn’t wish to speak of certain matters, it was best not to ask. The more time Cheng Anfu spent with the two military dogs, Heavenly General and Rifle, the more he realized they were extraordinary. He knew all military dogs possessed high intelligence and were clever, but these two seemed almost too smart.

Most trainers, when issuing commands to their dogs, accompanied them with gestures to ensure the dogs understood precisely. Yet, Cheng Anfu observed that the handlers of these two never used any gestures—orders were delivered verbally, as if speaking to humans.

“Are these really just two dogs found on the roadside?” Cheng Anfu shook his head slightly, pondering.

Gu Jianfeng noticed Heavenly General and Rifle were moving ever more cautiously, and knew the criminals must be close. “Stay alert, everyone. The suspects should be nearby—be careful!” Gu Jianfeng turned to warn his companions.

Upon hearing Gu Jianfeng’s words, some soldiers grew visibly tense. A few SWAT officers scoffed, making rude noises.

Suddenly, Heavenly General crouched low, eyes flashing fiercely in a certain direction. Gu Jianfeng understood—they must have caught up with the criminals, though confirmation was needed. If Heavenly General had picked up the scent of other blood, a mistake could occur.

…

Not far ahead of Gu Jianfeng’s group, a crowd of armed, bloodied men rushed through the forest. They were nearly sixty in number.

“Boss, once we cross this mountain, we’ll be close to the border. Once we’re across, the Chinese authorities can’t touch us!”

“Yeah, then we can feast and drink every day again!”

“Haha, following you is always the best!”

The henchmen flattered the middle-aged man at the center of the group.

This man was named Bie Jingye, raised drinking the waters of Angry Mountain, intimately familiar with the region.

“Keep quiet, save your strength. We still have a ways to go—I suspect the police aren’t far behind. Pick up the pace!” Bie Jingye commanded gravely.

“As long as we reach Angry Mountain, those police will have a hard time finding us. Boss, don’t worry too much!” answered a young man with glasses.

This young man was Ge Junxiong, who had joined Bie Jingye two years ago. Quick-witted and resourceful, he became Bie Jingye’s strategist.

In this gang, apart from Bie Jingye, Ge Junxiong held the most sway.

“Let’s hope so,” Bie Jingye sighed. For some reason, his eyelids kept twitching.

…

After a hasty pursuit, Gu Jianfeng and his team finally caught up to Bie Jingye at the foot of Angry Mountain. Bie Jingye’s group seemed unprepared, apparently believing they had left their pursuers far behind.

“The middle-aged man they’re guarding in the center is Bie Jingye, their leader. Make sure not to kill him—we have a pile of cases and questions to ask him,” Cheng Anfu instructed Long Fei and Gu Jianfeng.

“Don’t worry,” Long Fei replied calmly.

Having remained silent for years, Long Fei felt a hint of resignation at being distrusted. Over the past few months, with Gu Jianfeng’s help, his abilities had advanced to the sixth tier of Soul Soldier—a vast improvement from before.

The SWAT team spread out in a fan shape, encircling the criminals.

“Captain, I’m a bit nervous,” admitted a soldier from Squad One.

“Remember your training—everyone is nervous the first time. Stay safe here; Jianfeng and I will assist. Xiong Xiong, Xue Meng, you’ve seen combat before. You two are in charge—protect everyone’s safety,” Long Fei ordered.

“Yes, sir!”

Xiong Xiong and Xue Meng nodded in response.

Xue Meng had repeatedly insisted on joining the fight, only to be deterred by Gu Jianfeng’s gaze.

“Heavenly General, Rifle—the middle-aged man is yours. Remember, we need him alive!” Gu Jianfeng said.

“Woof!”

“Woof!”

The two responded eagerly, their excitement palpable.

Guo Yudong was at a loss. Though these were his own military dogs, Gu Jianfeng’s commands often proved more effective.

“Madman, let’s go!” Long Fei shouted, then shot forward like lightning.

“Haha, Captain, let’s see who does better this time!” Gu Jianfeng laughed, charging after the criminals.

Hearing Gu Jianfeng’s words, a rare smile appeared on Long Fei’s face—a feeling long forgotten, so distant he could barely recall it. He understood Gu Jianfeng was intentionally provoking him, hoping to help him release his inner negativity.

Heavenly General and Rifle followed, heading toward the battlefield. Instead of rushing into the firefight, they crept into the grass at the edge, observing motionlessly, waiting for the perfect moment. Their posture resembled hunting wolves.

The battle ahead erupted.

Bullets flew everywhere, the crackling sound ringing across the area, as if composing a fierce war anthem.

Though the SWAT team fought bravely, their numbers were few. The ruthless gangsters, leveraging their numerical advantage, gradually suppressed the SWAT team’s assault.

“Captain, their firepower is overwhelming—we need backup!” a SWAT officer shouted to Cheng Anfu.

“I know. I’ve already reported to headquarters, but reinforcements take time. Hold your ground!” Cheng Anfu reassured.

Suddenly, two figures as swift as leopards appeared before the SWAT team. With each shot, a criminal fell. Their speed was nearly impossible for the eye to follow—astonishing.

“Four!”

“Six!”

“Ten!”

Criminals fell one after another at Long Fei’s hands, and gradually, their expressions toward him changed.

If Long Fei’s performance stunned them, Gu Jianfeng’s was nothing short of miraculous. In moments, he shattered the criminals’ morale completely.