I spread out the map to explain the environment of the waterworks to everyone, pointing to certain areas. "If the map is accurate, the sea is behind the waterworks. We don't have any boats, so a large-scale attack from the back is impossible. However, He Bailing can dive. By the way, are there any officers here with good swimming skills?"
"I am!" a criminal investigator raised his hand.
"Me too!" Including special police and armed police, more than a dozen officers raised their hands. I didn't expect so many to be good swimmers. I instructed them, "When the time comes, you will cooperate with my sister in ambushing in the water. Once you hear our attack signal, you will launch a surprise attack from the rear. Then Gao Mingqiang and Du Wantian will lead another group through the small path on the left side." As I spoke, I marked the map with a red pen and continued, "Additionally, Liu Yuning will dig a tunnel and assault from below, while He Jinghui and I will directly lead the main force to attack from the front, drawing most of the firepower. Finally, Xie Chuchu and Ling Xiaotao, you will be responsible for searching for He Xin and other officers. We must rescue them!"
"Yes, Squad Leader He!"
Everyone's morale was high. We decided to act at night. Only when the organization members were sound asleep did we launch a surprise attack on the waterworks. Some of the criminal investigators under my command were responsible for guerrilla tactics, and they were all equipped with Brownings at this moment.
As soon as our assault began, the divers behind us jumped out of the water and silently assassinated many mercenaries on the spot, dragging them into the water and sending them directly to hell.
After surfacing, He Bailing picked up a weapon and, uncharacterently, used a submachine gun to take down many enemies. Then, she shattered a steel pipe with a palm strike, causing countless water to gush out, immediately flooding the waterworks. Many mercenaries were washed away, marking our second use of a water attack!
Simultaneously, Xie Chuchu and Ling Xiaotao had already brought He Xin out. He Jinghui and I fought side-by-side, leading many officers, with dozens of guns firing desperately. Most of the mercenaries were here, resisting our attack. The others successfully broke through, and the entire waterworks was instantly captured!
Realizing the tide had turned, many mercenaries threw down their weapons and surrendered.
We took out ropes, bound them, and escorted them back to the performance company.
Including Mo Derong and his men, we had now apprehended dozens of criminals. I thought Xue Wang would be the first of Polaris's mid-level lords, and after a few more, it would be over. However, each one had taken so long, so the road ahead was likely to be long and arduous.
After closing the warehouse door, everyone went to replenish their food. He Xin and some of the officers were starving. He Xin, who used to complain about canned fish, was now devouring it ravenously.
I handed her a bottle of mineral water and told her to eat slowly, but she paid me no mind. After a whirlwind meal, she wiped her mouth and said, "Damn it, I really want to pickle those bastards' dicks!"
"Calm down. Do you have any news about Monkey and Su Yaxin?"
"I don't know. They might be held in a more secret location on Zhenshui Island."
I calculated our manpower and found that of the Punishment Squad, I, Liu Yuning, He Xin, Gao Mingqiang, Xie Chuchu, and Ling Xiaotao were all back. That left only Dao Zhiyong, Su Yaxin, Xia Hou, and Xiao Yuande. Of course, there was also the rookie Ma Biao. Although Xia Xiaoling was part of our squad, she had joined only as a psychological consultant and did not come on this mission.
I asked He Bailing and He Jinghui to find their whereabouts. The rescue operation had to continue, as we still had many people in captivity. We rested on the spot and, when there was free time, everyone tried to practice their shooting.
Some were even practicing throwing and evasion techniques in real combat scenarios, because we were now facing tough battles, and forensic investigation skills would have to catch up later. He Bailing returned and confirmed Dao Zhiyong's location: Zhenshui Church.
This was a church located on Xuanyun Mountain on Zhenshui Island. I didn't know why Xue Wang's people would move Zhi Yong there. This area was supposed to be the most remote mountain range on Zhenshui Island, and also the highest in elevation. There was water here, but given the terrain, a water attack was impossible. Besides, this would be the third time, and the mercenaries wouldn't be foolish. They would likely have already reinforced the embankment and stationed guards.
According to the map and He Bailing's reconnaissance, which included photos she had taken like a paparazzi, it was much better than relying solely on the map, in case it was inaccurate.
Based on He Bailing's description, I found the map to be very accurate. It seemed to be a remnant left on the island from the past, not something intentionally left by Xue Wang's people. It was even possible Xue Wang didn't know about this map in the hotel.
We decided to act at night without question. I convened an impromptu meeting with everyone. Considering the terrain and surrounding environment of the mountain, I pointed to the map and said, "This time, we are going to launch a surprise attack on Xuanyun Mountain. We can't split up and attack as we did before. Firstly, there are no mined mountain roads around this area. Climbing would alert the mercenaries, making us vulnerable to attack. Secondly, there is only one path on Xuanyun Mountain, similar to the Ziwu Valley, which is very rugged. Although we can climb up this way, it's not suitable for a large number of people, as it would hinder our mobility. Thirdly, given this situation, this time we can only carry out an assassination operation. We can't all charge in together. I will select suitable individuals from among you to carry out this secret mission."
"Exactly. Given the environment of Xuanyun Mountain, if all of us go at once, we could easily be wiped out. They could even set up ambushes on the mountain, attacking from a superior position with irresistible force, and then we'd be finished," Liu Yuning nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Xuanyun Mountain is vast, and we are short on manpower. It's impossible to surround and cut off their supplies. Moreover, their support extends to the entire island. If they discover Xuanyun Mountain is under siege, reinforcements will arrive quickly."
As Liu Yuning and I were talking, Xie Chuchu said, "This is like going to war. It seems you two have read many military books!"
"It's just a hobby. However, as police officers, we must have sufficient leadership and deployment capabilities. Dealing with criminals is naturally linked to military campaigns."
"Yes, that's right. It's 1 AM now, is it time?"
"He Bailing, He Jinghui, Liu Yuning, you three will come with me this time. Among everyone, you are the most suitable!"
"Understood!"
Everyone had no objections. He Xin, however, added, "You go ahead with your operation, but I have a suggestion: I can provide you with technical support from behind!"