Longteng Group's temporary office in Modu.
The air was filled with lingering smoke and a suffocating dullness.
Xiao Zhan sat in the large boss chair, his face grim, not saying a word.
On the desk in front of him was the "peerless treasure" he had spent 120 million yuan to acquire: a Song Dynasty celadon tripod vase.
At this moment, this "peerless treasure," which he had once regarded as a symbol of his "victory" over Lu Cheng and a means to "show off" to Mu Wanrou, was like a huge, mocking slap, burning hot on his face!
The conclusion reached after a detailed appraisal and evaluation by the professional appraisal team he hired was, surprisingly, acceptable.
This thing... it was indeed genuine!
Moreover, with its exquisite craftsmanship and perfect condition, it was undoubtedly a rare treasure from the Song Dynasty Ru kiln!
Its estimated market value, "if" handled properly and with the "right" buyer, could potentially reach around 100 million yuan!
In other words, although he had overpaid significantly, it wasn't a completely disastrous loss.
However!
The problem lay in those "if" and "right" conditions!
Now, in the entire upper echelon of Modu society, who didn't know that Xiao Zhan had played the role of a super sucker, spending 120 million to buy a broken pot that many couldn't even understand?
Even among experts who understood its value, who would be willing to step in and take over at such a sensitive time?
Wouldn't that be openly telling everyone, "I'm also an idiot"?
Want to sell this thing for cash?
Difficult! Harder than ascending to heaven!
Unless... he was willing to lower his price, take a massive loss, and sell it off at a discount!
But if he did that, where would Xiao Zhan's face go? And how would he recoup the money he spent?
But if he didn't sell it?
Then that huge sum of over 100 million yuan would be completely tied up!
This money almost entirely consumed Longteng Group's recent planned liquid budget!
Although Dragon Hall was a large organization and didn't lack this amount of money.
However, temporarily raising such a large sum of liquid capital again would mean various tedious steps and a huge time cost.
And Longteng Group's business operations, and even Dragon Hall's mercenary team's supplies, would be temporarily affected by the lack of liquid funds.
Damn it!
Lu Cheng, that bastard!
He had been tricked again!
Just as Xiao Zhan grew increasingly furious, the coldness in his eyes almost freezing the entire office.
"Ding—ding—ding"
The computer on the desk suddenly emitted an urgent alert sound.
On the screen, a communication request from Dragon Hall's overseas headquarters was displayed.
It's here!
What was meant to come, had finally arrived!
Xiao Zhan took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the irritation and unease in his heart, and pressed the answer button.
The next second.
On the screen appeared the figures of several stern-faced, authoritative old men.
They were the true controllers of Dragon Hall, the highest decision-making body behind the scenes—the Dragon Hall Council of Elders!
Xiao Zhan, who appeared formidable and held ultimate power to outsiders, was, in essence, merely an "agent" carefully selected and pushed to the forefront by the Council of Elders, a sharp "blade."
Although he possessed the supreme authority to mobilize and command all combat members of Dragon Hall.
However, Dragon Hall's true core resources, lifeline, and future direction remained firmly in the hands of these cunning old foxes!
The behind-the-scenes manipulation by the Council of Elders was the true foundation that allowed Dragon Hall, this vast and mysterious multinational organization, to stand strong for decades!
"Xiao Zhan."
In the center of the screen, an old man with white hair and beard, but eyes as sharp as an eagle's, spoke slowly, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable authority.
He was the Grand Elder of the Council of Elders, possessing almost absolute authority within the organization.
"We have all reviewed the detailed report on this Modu operation."
The Grand Elder's gaze, like an invisible sharp sword, pierced through the screen, directly into Xiao Zhan's heart.
"Elite forces were almost entirely wiped out, secret strongholds were uprooted, and the intelligence network the organization had established in Longguo over many years was paralyzed."
"And..."
His tone suddenly shifted, carrying a clear hint of sarcasm and dissatisfaction.
"What about that art investment of up to 120 million yuan?"
"Xiao Zhan, shouldn't you give us a reasonable explanation?"
Facing the crushing interrogation and censure, and the undisguised gazes of dissatisfaction and doubt from the other elders.
Xiao Zhan, to everyone's surprise, did not argue or try to defend himself as he usually would.
He simply rose slowly from his seat and bowed deeply to the old men on the screen.
Then, in a low, hoarse voice, yet filled with resolve, he said solemnly:
"Grand Elder, esteemed Elders."
"The complete failure of this Modu operation, all responsibility lies with me, Xiao Zhan, alone!"
"It was I who underestimated the enemy and advanced rashly, failing to accurately assess the potential threat of the target mission, which led to the organization suffering such immense and irreparable losses!"
"I, Xiao Zhan, have nothing to say! I am willing to accept all punishment from the organization! Without a single word of complaint!"
His frank admission of guilt, like a "self-condemning edict," somewhat surprised the old men on the other end of the screen.
They had originally expected Xiao Zhan, with his unruly and obstinate personality, to argue with them or find various excuses to shirk responsibility.
They hadn't expected him to so readily and decisively take all the responsibility upon himself?
This left them, for a moment, unable to utter the scolding and reprimanding words they had prepared.
On the screen, the Grand Elder's sharp eyes lingered on Xiao Zhan for a long time.
He seemed to be trying to discern something from his face, which was slightly pale from exhaustion.
Finally, he slowly nodded, his tone still calm.
"Xiao Zhan, it is good that you take responsibility voluntarily."
"But the losses are also a fact. You, more than us, understand the effort and resources required to train a member; their sacrifice cannot be left unexplained."
"Regarding the final outcome of this incident, and... whether you can continue to hold your position as Dragon King, the Council of Elders will conduct a careful evaluation before making a final decision."
"Until then... take care of yourself."
With that, the Grand Elder said no more and directly cut off the video communication.
The screen instantly went dark.
Xiao Zhan's eyes instantly became even more sinister and cold, as he secretly plotted in his heart.
"Council of Elders? Just a bunch of old foxes who only know how to grab power and are afraid of death!"
"Once I deal with Lu Cheng and welcome back Wanrou and Tao Tao!"
"The next step will be to completely purge you internal parasites..."