“Whatever the reason that caused the Tiger Guard commander to leave Zhang Xianzhong’s side, that iron box was certainly of great importance. Otherwise, the commander wouldn't have protected it with his life, nor would he have bothered creating a treasure map,” Yu Feibai’s eyes gleamed with eagerness. “I really want to open the box right now and see what’s inside.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go now,” Wang Guan said, equally enthusiastic. Who would want to stay lying down when they’ve recovered their health?

“But you just got better; you need rest…” Yu Feibai sounded worried.

“It’s fine. We’ll just be out for a short while, find a quiet place, and see what’s in the box,” Wang Guan chuckled. “It won’t be too late to come back after we look. Besides, I’ve been lying in bed these past few days and my lower back feels sore and uncomfortable. I could use a walk to stretch my limbs.”

“Alright, then let’s go.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Yu Feibai immediately picked up the iron box and led the way.

Wang Guan followed behind. This was actually his first time walking out of the building since he was admitted to the recuperation center. As he strolled down the tree-lined avenue once he reached the ground floor, he truly felt the deep tranquility and elegance of the place.

Rows of towering trees lined both sides, their foliage thick and luxuriant, obscuring Wang Guan’s view. The crisp, pleasing chirping of birds reached his ears; the interplay of sight and sound gave him the sensation of being deep within a dense forest.

Passing through the avenue of trees, Wang Guan looked around and noticed that the expansive recuperation center was divided into many distinct zones, each with a different architectural environment, suggesting they catered to different types of residents.

“Up here…”

At that moment, Yu Feibai smoothly brought out a rugged SUV from beneath a garage structure. The vehicle’s sharp, angular body lines exuded an air of bold dominance.

Wang Guan opened the door and got in, casually asking, “Where are we going?”

“You’ll know when we get there,” Yu Feibai replied, starting the engine and slowly driving out.

A few minutes later, as they neared the main gate of the recuperation center, Wang Guan realized the security measures here were extremely tight. He kept spotting squads of burly, fit-looking security personnel patrolling the perimeter.

Electric wire netting was installed on the walls and iron fences, and fierce guard dogs were kept in every corner, ensuring that not even a fly could slip in.

Moreover, it wasn't just hard to get in; leaving wasn't easy either. Before the SUV reached the gate, it had already passed several checkpoints. Only after Yu Feibai handed over a pass did they finally receive clearance to depart.

Once past the massive iron gates and after driving for a stretch, Yu Feibai sighed, “It’s such a hassle. That’s why I hate staying in a place like this.”

Wang Guan understood what he meant. This recuperation center clearly had military backing, and the security detail was likely arranged according to army protocols—perhaps even more rigorous than standard barracks life. A life pre-planned and filled with rigid rules was indeed ill-suited for someone with Yu Feibai’s unrestrained and flamboyant nature.

“To each his own,” Wang Guan consoled him. “Since your father allowed you to follow Elder Qian and learn from him, it means he has tacitly approved of your choice. You don’t need to worry about him forcing you into military service anymore.”

“That’s true, but it puts even more pressure on me.”

Yu Feibai forced a wry smile. “In his words, I chose this path myself. If I don't make something of myself, I shouldn’t bother setting foot in the family home again.”

“Hey, blood is thicker than water. When he says that, he just wants to motivate you to strive harder,” Wang Guan remarked.

“I certainly know that,” Yu Feibai shook his head and sighed. “But you don’t understand my old man’s temperament. He values appearances above all else, and he’s stubborn. If I fail to satisfy him, he might genuinely cut ties with me.”

“Then, how do you satisfy him? What standard did he set for you?” Wang Guan asked, curious.

“He never said. I don’t dare ask,” Yu Feibai looked uncertain, guessing, “I imagine I need to achieve something comparable to Elder Qian, or Uncle De, before I meet his requirements.”

“Heh, you truly are blinded by the situation,” Wang Guan laughed. “The fact that he didn’t set any specific goal for you tells you everything. Otherwise, if he handed you an impossible task, you’d be truly finished.”

“Oh, that actually makes sense.” Yu Feibai’s eyes lit up with sudden understanding. He was overjoyed, his face splitting into a wide grin. “Wang Guan, thank you. You’ve truly woken me up from a dream with just a few words.”

As they spoke, the SUV drove into an area dotted with sprawling buildings. Wang Guan didn’t have time to examine the exact location, but the guards stationed at the entrance were all heroic soldiers carrying loaded firearms.

Once the SUV entered, the inspection process was several times more complicated than leaving the recuperation center. They not only had to present ID cards and register but also pass a scanning device waved over both of them.

After a considerable delay, the vehicle was finally permitted to proceed inside.

At this point, Wang Guan whispered, “This isn’t… the military dependents’ compound, is it?”

“That’s right,” Yu Feibai nodded. “I’ve been living here these past few days. The checks every time I come and go are a massive pain.”

“Heh, that’s just because you’re keeping a low profile. Judging by their reactions, they don’t know who you are,” Wang Guan commented. “Otherwise, they wouldn’t be so meticulous with the inspection; they might have just let you through.”

“A military dependent is just a military dependent. There aren’t many special privileges in this area,” Yu Feibai shook his head. “Unless I came in with my father, I couldn’t benefit from his status and skip the procedure. Otherwise, it’s always a routine check.”

“Mmm,” Wang Guan nodded in understanding.

After all, the military was relatively pure in its dealings. Officers and soldiers considered matters without such petty considerations. Obeying a superior’s orders was their duty, but they were not necessarily bound to follow the directives of a superior’s family member.

Of course, if the superior blurred the lines between public and private life and insisted that subordinates obey their relatives, that would be a different matter entirely.

However, at this moment, Wang Guan wasn't thinking that deeply. Instead, he felt a touch of nervousness. “You should have told me earlier. Showing up at your home unannounced and empty-handed like this…”

“Don’t worry, it’s fine,” Yu Feibai laughed. “My mother is still at her former post, handling a transfer application, so she’s not here yet. As for my father, he’s still in his office at this hour. So, no one is home.”

“That’s good then,” Wang Guan immediately relaxed upon hearing this.

Even visiting an ordinary friend’s house could cause a bit of awkwardness upon meeting family members. Meeting a general who held substantial power would certainly be intensely uncomfortable.

Simultaneously, Yu Feibai expertly navigated the SUV through winding roads and smoothly parked beneath a compound.

The iron gate of the courtyard was automatically controlled. Yu Feibai didn't even get out of the car; he simply took out an elegant remote, casually pressed a sequence of numbers, and the large gate slowly swung open on both sides. Once Yu Feibai drove in, the gate automatically closed and sealed itself.

“Get out.”

After parking the car, Yu Feibai pushed open his door and cheerfully greeted him. “I’ve already prepared tools like aqua regia, a chainsaw, and a liquefied gas flamethrower. Even without a key, I’m certain we can break open this iron box.”

“Good.” Wang Guan got out of the car and quietly surveyed the compound. He noticed the architecture wasn't as luxurious as he might have imagined, but the external environment was refined and elegant enough. In front of the three-story building was a courtyard spanning nearly a hundred meters. Within the courtyard, a path paved with cobblestones wound its way around several flowerbeds.

Although it was winter, the flowers and trees in the beds were still lush and green, with some delicate blossoms unfurling. A light breeze stirred, carrying a fragrant aroma that attracted several vibrantly colored butterflies.

Wang Guan admired the scenery as he walked along the cobblestone path to the steps of the three-story building.

It was only when he reached the steps that Wang Guan realized the building seemed elegant from afar, but up close, it was merely an optical illusion created by the layout. The footprint of this three-story structure was actually quite substantial.

“Stop gawking and come inside quickly.”

By this time, Yu Feibai had already opened the door and was beckoning from within.

Upon entering, they found a spacious living room. The floor was gleaming as if brand new, the walls were clean and plain white, furnished simply with a sofa, a coffee table, a television, and a refrigerator. Except for its generous size, the décor was much like any ordinary home.

“Come on, to my room.” Yu Feibai was impatient, carrying the iron box up to the second floor.

Wang Guan followed him up, and a moment later, they entered a room tucked away at the corner of the second floor. This room was even simpler: just a bed, a wardrobe, and two chairs.

Reaching the room, Yu Feibai set the iron box down, bent over, and pulled a toolbox out from under the bed, saying excitedly, “What you asked for is right here. How do you plan to do this? Sawing it, or just using the torch to burn it…”

As he spoke, Yu Feibai opened the box. Inside, various tools were neatly arranged. Almost every item looked like it should bear a hazardous material warning label.

Meanwhile, Yu Feibai picked up a long, tube-shaped object, lightly pressed a switch, and with a whooshing sound, a jet of high-temperature, pale blue flame shot out.

“No rush. Let’s start with the basics and see if we can pick the lock. We should avoid using brute force lest we damage whatever is inside the iron box,” Wang Guan advised. “If we really can’t manage it, then we’ll have to resort to force.”

“Picking the lock?” Yu Feibai frowned. “We’d have to go all the way into the city to find a locksmith. That’s too much trouble.”

“It’s alright, let me try,” Wang Guan smiled, pulling a piece of wire from the toolbox and gently manipulating it. Then, Wang Guan bent down, inserted the wire into the irregularly shaped keyhole, and began to gently probe.

After a moment, Yu Feibai grew impatient. “Wang Guan, I think you should stop. This lock clearly requires a special key. Just poking at it like this is wasting time. We might as well just pour aqua regia over the lock and corrode it…”

“Click!”

Just then, a faint sound came from the iron box—the lock had opened.

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