Jiang Xiaochuan passed through the cordon and walked towards the center of the incident, escorted by the surrounding staff.

As he moved from the periphery towards the center, the level of chaos gradually intensified. Initially, he noticed closed shops along the street with scattered items on the ground. However, as he ventured further in, he encountered broken machetes, shattered floor-to-ceiling windows, and sporadic blood stains on the ground.

The surrounding areas had been cleaned up, with no visible remnants of broken limbs or the like.

Jiang Xiaochuan proceeded under the guidance of on-site personnel, traversing the cleared safety path while still observing the surroundings.

In some areas, objects were covered with white cloth, while several individuals who appeared to be police officers were seen taking notes.

Upon entering deeper into the scene, blood was prevalent everywhere. The shop signs, the pink and white decorative walls, the street flower beds, and the road itself were all tainted with maroon hues, reminiscent of thick oil paint, evoking a sense of melancholy.

The person who met Jiang Xiaochuan was Lu Xiu. The police captain frowned at Jiang Xiaochuan, “Mayor Jiang, we’re still in the process of clearing out idle individuals. It’s too dangerous for you to be here.”

Fu Peng had already been informed but chose not to come himself, instead sending Jiang Xiaochuan. Later, when it was announced that the on-site investigation was complete, if Jiang Xiaochuan were still here, wouldn’t all the cameras focus on him? People tended to pay attention to those in high-ranking positions.

From the perspective of Lu Xiu, Jiang Xiaochuan’s current presence was not a wise decision.

He had witnessed most of the altercation. These gangsters were incredibly ruthless, risking their lives. During the emergency deployment when Lieutenant Colonel Yue and others attempted to regain control, one of the assailants even charged at Yue Qingci with a machete, demonstrating their audacity. What worried Lu Xiu the most was that some of these individuals were armed with guns.

However, Jiang Xiaochuan seemed to understand the situation better than them, it could the reason the man still wanted to come.

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Jiang Xiaochuan inquired, “Is it still dangerous because Lieutenant Colonel Yue and the others haven’t left?”

“Lieutenant Colonel Yue seems to have detected something unusual. The armed police have departed, but Lieutenant Colonel Yue remains.”

This time, Yue Qingci, organized by the military region, arrived with the armed police. Although he wasn’t in charge, he took the lead to prevent the situation from escalating. If there were any signs of escalation, the incident might elevate to a terrorist level, prompting direct control by the military establishment.

Taking things to such an extreme, one wondered if Rong Shaobai truly valued his own life.

As soon as Lu Xiu finished speaking, Yue Qingci, clad in military uniform, approached from the other end of the street. A few individuals accompanied him, diligently jotting down notes in their notebooks. Someone hurried over and whispered into Lu Xiu’s ear before handing him a handwritten note.

After reading the note, Lu Xiu’s brows furrowed deeply. “They discovered some models of military-grade guns at the scene, but the serial numbers were tampered with… and… there is also drugs.”

Guns and drugs.

These were two exceedingly sensitive terms.

What might have begun as a mere skirmish with weapons could now escalate into a grave situation with the inclusion of these elements.

Jiang Xiaochuan began contemplating whether Rong Shaobai stood to gain or lose from this scenario.

Once this matter gained traction, the issues of guns and drugs would take center stage. These were the two pillars behind the Rong family, as Xue Yan had previously hinted to Jiang Xiaochuan.

Engaging in drug-related activities required significant connections, while obtaining firearms was even more crucial. Although illegal guns might not directly flow into China from abroad, Chengzhou and other inland cities were far removed from the border. The closest major river was the Dian River in the southwest corner of China. However, this province neighbored Southeast Asia, where the situation was complex, and underworld forces operated with their own intricate systems. Traditional gang forces like Rong Shaobai’s would find it challenging to penetrate such territories.

Hence, Rong Shaobai’s ally was within the military region.

It was a remarkably audacious concept, one so daring that few could fathom it. Only individuals with comparable courage and the capacity to collaborate within the military region could successfully execute such a plan.

But who else within the military region possesses such audacity?

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Once this incident was uncovered, this clandestine arrangement would face immediate scrutiny. Rong Shaobai might fare relatively well, given his entrenched position within the traditional underworld. Despite posing a threat to public security, his operations maintained a semblance of stability. Consequently, any repercussions he faced would likely be gradual.

However, those involved in illicit arms dealings within the military region would face swift and severe consequences—this, perhaps, was Rong Shaobai’s underlying objective.

Having navigated through murky waters over time, Rong Shaobai discerned the situation. He desired to extricate himself but couldn’t outright refuse, hence he assumed a negative stance. Seizing the opportunity presented by the intense conflict, he brought these matters to light while covertly preserving evidence. This would allow him to decisively punish his “partner.”

Rong Shaobai proved himself quite adept at maneuvering and scheming.

Jiang Xiaochuan couldn’t help but inwardly lament the prevalence of such intrigues.

Yue Qingci uttered a few words before making his way toward them, although he didn’t draw nearer. Instead, he sought to depart via the cleared road nearby. When no one was watching, he adjusted his green military cap, the golden ribbon adorning its brim exuding an air of solemnity.

Yue Qingci subtly acknowledged him with a wry smile before averting his gaze and continuing on his path as if nothing had transpired.