Blazing Armor

That stuff looked just like mercury—a silver-white, viscous liquid metal. Ren Yi had no idea why someone would pour mercury onto a gas pipeline, but it was certainly malicious and ominous in intent. Grabbing a rag from the counter, he yelled, “Check if all the gas valves are shut off, extinguish any open flames, and call 119, now!”XfijtFUrIHdbrAkBVhUIoAsffSZaBG

ItSpPdGNSBYKZQO

They could already smell a faint whiff of gas in the air. Whether it was always like this in the back kitchen or there was a leak, no one knew for sure, but everyone’s nerves were on edge. Even with the valves closed, gas lingering in the pipes posed an explosion risk if exposed to an open flame.XNvxasXMzDpOIZAWgUnWDfnUBVTpRQ

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The chefs scattered, each taking action.AaWYDJuYOLiFkJjInLUIHPGdvBXnzt

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Yan Jue slipped on his chef’s gloves, carefully wiping away a patch of mercury. Noticing that a section of the pipe’s color was distinctly different from the surrounding area and showed cracks, he said gravely, “It looks corroded. Lucky we caught this early.”kmbFYVxRctCkpPRfxeMPLtoODVkWjt

STqwYQKZVqrAEIe

The two of them felt chills down their spines, an immense terror gripping their hearts as if by an invisible hand. If Gong Yingxian hadn’t come, if they hadn’t noticed that suspicious man, if there had indeed been a gas leak, with open flames constantly burning in the kitchen… if…sBXyYiWToRHYqbJGFIKlNTloizjUDQ

uBPBdUScPwFlvdB

If not for these “ifs,” even the thought of the consequences sent shivers down their spines.oVpQupWAPduxVPVXpPCEICsGeLaIaF

ACJPRryvYOUEIzv

Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, Ren Yi gritted his teeth, “There must be more than just these spots. Check everything.”ItJIogPOkgcdTKjPOQFpOhKrUbxXeP

yPOdImckWhaZQGQ

A few squad leaders rushed into the kitchen. Ren Yi briefly explained the situation, directing them to inspect every inch of the gas lines.YTDbDDJphpVOIFiVrXJGFajiLCbFTx

duSkvmxwpmgGzVl

In the end, they found four spots doused in mercury, with a couple more places where mercury had been hastily splashed on the floor. Two sections of the pipeline had started to crack. Yan Jue didn’t even dare touch them directly, wrapping the pipes layer by layer with a cloth. When they ran out of rags, they wound dampened tissue paper around several times.vnzQJocHkZWKTuoirRNQJtoYBmBNrw

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The squad leaders meticulously checked every corner of the kitchen.lJPMhMmdpjhZlhnwibPNCpSeTObiiO

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Soon, the sounds of sirens and ambulances echoed from outside.ZZIEohzHulRDscsmDhhZVzRcEzLZHS

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Confirming that the kitchen was temporarily safe, Ren Yi and Yan Jue exchanged a glance, still shaken.JGeYnefCDvloBHVackFCHotlGAEBfb

EfragAvnNAMqLpb

Yan Jue wiped the sweat from his brow, keeping a tense expression. “Could this be… the work of that X cult you mentioned?”ICiQzufDmtkcMUxpdUUgmyzFHTUExE

XpycBAUODdUqmCx

“Judging by the method and the target, it’s very likely.”iHfTSsMZTrpZiZQCKNuAsUgUyolXmH

CWQbmRnUGapcqkg

Yan Jue spat out, “If it really had blown up just now… shit, that would’ve been so damn…”lciYZPmWdgiwqtCDRPvnvZyutLgCIx

JrbClJtqilPHNuQ

For the sake of secrecy, Ren Yi couldn’t tell Yan Jue about the concert incident. Having gone through that experience, he wasn’t shocked by the crazed actions of these people anymore—he was simply afraid. What scared him even more was that these people had the capability, the intent, and a clear target to carry out even more horrifying deeds.XqKeolmcrjXgdUPBKJshPMWWedeMUj

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As long as they remained free, no one could truly rest easy.pJRSnqtInDyxedKNfIVaQppSmKxqxi

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“I think I understand now why you can’t act alone,” Yan Jue said gravely. “This is far more serious than I imagined.”IMDTrpnbViimQwZqOguwTPWVVvboLX

UnFnaujZyLGfISq

“I shouldn’t have come to this gathering—I almost got everyone involved.” Ren Yi wiped his face, looking ashen and weary, his eyes dim.SkVvejbVyUUwvbcFeMmVHFuqkEVDCf

iSEHcdKWEmfLECV

In the past, he was aware he might be a target for Purple Flame , but it was only a conjecture based on their threats. Though they took preventive measures, his life hadn’t changed much. But this was the first time—truly the first time—that threat became a reality; he was indeed Purple Flame’s target.ikHSmSIwmywXcZqbRDQsMbwZhwMqQJ

ojsYgGExAjREPNM

The realization that “someone wants to kill me and has already taken action” is a huge mental blow to anyone, and the psychological pressure is overwhelming. For Ren Yi, whose work was already high-risk, it only provided criminals with more opportunities.qbpEXSOFDTCuTMzjZpcdaaioeFXqWb

rhkAlofEQKaIuII

Yan Jue said seriously, “You’re not allowed to think like that. This is the criminals’ fault, not yours. If it weren’t for your continuous assistance to the police, they might not have targeted you. You’re simply doing what a firefighter should do.”qrVYecJsLLQIULPUcwxKsOGEcEipbu

ekPwGUFbLuDphRN

Ren Yi forced a smile. “Let’s trust the police—they’ll catch them sooner or later, and I won’t be scared off by this.”KykuetIZkVIGfnBOmmniXnShVBqIDl

AXNnstWZuaWsVdp

Yan Jue patted Ren Yi’s shoulder. “I wonder if that cop caught anyone yet. Let’s go check it out.”yObSaOdFjTuwblPBaxQiiFatiFxugw

CLQUaijBlSpaECP

“They definitely did.”QmEURhYKSHOviwRBLEPDdxhDRoIliA

PwVdjUuNRcShsXp

“You’re so confident in him,” Yan Jue raised an eyebrow, “so, was he here specifically to protect you?”DfJMHxvXcJDAXcRCSHUeBLsngTuRmN

tieTtHclxYQHuwx

“In a way, yes. The initial incident related to the case was the one I responded to, and he came to investigate. We’ve collaborated many times since then, and I’ve done everything I can to help them crack the case.”tRxvFrEMGtVpigWfwOHelrxKrDUIky

KikKjmeNpBMbcQW

The entire street was drawn to the unusual activity at the barbecue restaurant, with police cars and ambulances outside, and passersby were asking each other what was going on, though no one had answers.rOwWgRhtwpmiJEFlOxhWNlEoWWnfSW

iHkWwyJvHpYXsjJ

The two of them walked onto the street, seeing private cars clogging up the road while police and ambulance lights flashed an intense red glow in the night, heightening everyone’s anxiety. Ren Yi grew worried and ran in the direction of the police car.zTJBKXxIjZCvvBSdtkvQOoPiJeWmXS

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From a distance, he spotted Gong Yingxian standing conspicuously among the crowd, unharmed, which allowed him to finally relax.sESQPZlUwCatuRmoHRhbeismyuXZkS

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Gong Yingxian noticed Ren Yi as well, quickly approaching and looking him over. “Are you alright?”lnrgoDWRrspUwkSOiGuJCBBHJIrHXV

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“I’m fine.” Ren Yi asked, “Did you catch them?”zxceEFsMdTaHSwxDxNgvIFwSsCdsCm

AqtvUvZecllbVxZ

Gong Yingxian’s eyes were bloodshot as he gritted his teeth, “He ran into the street and got hit by a car. Died on the spot.”HVOCiIiJVhtAArGabgxAlXoZZYqItA

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Ren Yi gasped.mXFaQtIcsgkZeCHENYUJdTbLoyzRBc

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“Was there anything suspicious in the barbecue shop? More explosives?”MFGeCbCCWXFMRfVEZqORVqhRMcFloW

wDpYoiGJotLXYqq

Ren Yi replied, “Come take a look.”BlbuaAZQvyxJVKPnyllmgCnxRANxoS

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Gong Yingxian led a few officers back inside to collect evidence, heading with Ren Yi and Yan Jue to the kitchen.leQGmuYWpKzvBYURrFmlOQrLuzaquz

qlcugKlIPgUDLoU

Seeing the marks on the gas pipes and the metallic liquid on the rag, Gong Yingxian’s expression grew darker.vmRSSvKzjLnFEevlyeQQgqUTspXxaS

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“Can mercury corrode metal?”luZVvSUxFBPHjuuitXgGSgikADWWBN

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“This isn’t mercury,” Gong Yingxian explained. “Mercury can corrode metals like aluminum, copper, and gold—soft metals. But it doesn’t do much to steel. This is liquid gallium, which looks very similar to mercury.”uBmwSDePVpJCzjYuePgJbPvIlgRWWH

snxFwqypnVzDFkf

“Gallium…”dMquxEQvhkAMidwTEIRKeQcboTVrUq

KFQBpDARvRsdLKU

“Gallium can alloy with metals.” Gong Yingxian pressed a finger against the corroded section of the pipe, and the supposedly sturdy steel crumbled like tofu under his touch!NcZdCHgRDZVfNtChiOMadhodDsKfZc

VcQVhILvtXEzvck

Everyone looked on in horror.wkfThpyTkLEPLjxXeNIIPYvxfEfdNi

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Gong Yingxian turned to Ren Yi, a hint of fear in his eyes. “Was today’s gathering a last-minute decision?”UfXTkVYEsuxRmzJapnqIKmrdAceFrE

QGbYBdNxphFNaIl

“Yes.”jNvqjlLtjvcdmtDeXftBGrFmWMmpax

ETeNWQRFYMFzmzZ

“That means someone’s been following you. How long were you eating?”OZECueWAsktbUHjKQRgWnaynZSvpDO

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Yan Jue checked his watch. “Almost three hours.”nWPemVLddDTIZHqpFrAlMFCAQcbhhI

cRYhHJuUgzJIsDX

“That wasn’t enough time for them to prepare thoroughly, so they were likely rushed. The person sent may have been inexperienced at this kind of thing—they gave themselves away too easily. This doesn’t align with how Purple Flame and White Flame usually operate. For the concert, they were meticulous, even studying the venue design in detail. It shows they’re careful, calculated, and patient criminals. But this attempt was rough and careless. Barging into the kitchen alone was suspicious, they couldn’t scout the place in advance, and even if they managed to pour gallium on the gas pipes by blending in, their shady behavior could have easily raised suspicion. All of this proves they’re desperate.”VExpHlyavsfFYfgKHMPISQSupADumZ

EtsdnNEfnlECXHQ

“Because you uncovered the amusement park and White Flame’s identity?”skSAQhETMKfikpddDtHmKbqdWvzqAe

GASVCCDdTAwZUYP

“More than that. Before I came over, we froze White Flame’s assets, issued a warrant for his arrest, found his residence, and spotted him on surveillance in several places around the city. He’s here, and with our current traffic lockdown, escaping is almost impossible. His capture is only a matter of time.”ffUTZObnXcRJyWYuNdHPWvFvWukOvy

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“That’s great!” Yan Jue said.wiHupDDSSDtaoCLPngvKognADLKIop

IrBVVEIVwUgOCRa

Gong Yingxian, however, looked worried. “I’m concerned that White Flame, realizing he can’t escape, might resort to more extreme retaliation. This incident is just an example. He’s incredibly dangerous.” He looked at Ren Yi. “I’m going to apply for a personal protection order for you.”jSxhLcoduvlHLFImRhnvtDyfaSfKoD

VooygilJeftDZWz

“This…” Ren Yi hesitated, “Alright.”eAowbEsPIeBGhuYMFmTCiKiXstGRdW

lhcGfNSAUbFCpEP

Gong Yingxian gave a few instructions to his colleagues. “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”FqOzugzYrpKUsBWiTWjEZJlmtNczNm

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“I need to inform the fire department.”eAEMiavxTgHkEXHnOsOCemCxGIxblt

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Yan Jue chimed in, “Go on, I’ll handle it.”KHNvbKpFPwFPlLshpQWScBTWsSHKcF

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Without sparing Yan Jue a glance, Gong Yingxian took Ren Yi by the arm, “Let’s go.”SfBppvIIjRkNUkKWGgZkiqYFtloXVz

ksWVDYPgXrrNeYu

Ren Yi waved his hand, “Thank you for your hard work.”AtwpgmXGFSyHbSabYPMPptvgXIqrsF

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Gong Yingxian quickly pulled Ren Yi away.mmSVrQOSLhZUyQkaKRAbdjkpALLJKv

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Back in the car, the two sat in silence for a long time.kYHyFVQPEeFaqwDtaDcBGTInoiMiQN

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Gong Yingxian leaned forward on the steering wheel, exhausted, his jaw tight, and his long fingers gripping the wheel firmly.xfcpzmqJMFSVjGnKTpUtWQSSirPLUl

UVkvhYQFibqMBEb

Ren Yi gently patted Gong Yingxian’s head, speaking softly, “I know you’re not willing to accept this, but tonight, you’ve already saved many lives.”XBpRitVPWyuAikNxDpdslxyrytDMiF

ttuWLPvkrKmhDtL

“He deliberately ran into the crowd,” Gong Yingxian’s voice was hoarse. “What kind of brainwashing power can make someone do something like that?”WVDNMtNJHDhbiGOSJeshueuSkymBfE

JrfREiStnWxXSrg

“When you catch Purple Flame, you’ll understand.”HprAtcrrTlikATEqQXDCIiDzvTNHze

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Gong Yingxian turned his head, staring at Ren Yi in the dim light, his voice trembling, “They want to kill you. If I hadn’t been here today, they might have succeeded.”DEexmwnCqQUiGDVvwqlsBKXhYepDzh

zvdRhiSzUVPQiRZ

Ren Yi felt a similar panic within, but he forced himself to calm Gong Yingxian, “That’s why fate brought you here. We both made it through safely. Whether it was the concert or this, it all proves that evil can’t defeat good.”RkkgIaKdfTCnYtLHUOJMgkWtQSZJCm

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“I don’t believe in that sort of thing.”wAWIadxWqPzFEmMhBKiftkcFtcGLjd

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“Then believe in yourself,” Ren Yi said solemnly. “I’ve always believed in you. I know you’ll bring them to justice before they can cause more harm. You’ll save everyone, including yourself.”NhvoaSlougNrLwvBdvWFONepPYEoKU

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Gong Yingxian was taken aback.VeBaIOWmHYUjLLFSBhcnmcKsoZBAPg

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Ren Yi spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, “You will walk out of that fire.”dUZyPrhexxtUpltoBqRyKFzEflwyDQ

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Suddenly, Gong Yingxian leaned over and hugged Ren Yi tightly, his tall frame trembling like a child.fvQuIWvViHskWHAISZAOXPvXguskBB

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Ren Yi felt a pang of emotion, his nose tingling, and he hugged Gong Yingxian back just as firmly, gently stroking his back.qAYhfjlWpmrHPmWCGPbUjZUDlJzwXU

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It was an embrace filled with boundless warmth, where they exchanged care and comfort through their tightly pressed hearts.satfFwvYrbQTskhmJeqVGPWHGKkVfP

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After a long while, Gong Yingxian finally calmed down, awkwardly releasing Ren Yi. “You must have been scared too today,” he murmured.QvkLKXBZrzThMVdQNjxcMpdesJsYco

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Ren Yi rubbed his nose, “In hindsight, yes. If it were just me, it’d be one thing, but with so many captains in that store…if it had exploded, it’d be international news.”lZicMGgMMkhVPODWURUOueLjDLIdGQ

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“The same if Honglin Stadium had been bombed.”ZaKXByAmEShDCDAbffsKgtpxbZafak

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Ren Yi gave a bitter smile, “True.”bbyOUsWaZdEcNhPqrsMGrVrWcZSJIn

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“From now on, there’ll be police protecting you 24/7, patrolling around your unit. For now, don’t leave the team; I’ll do everything I can to catch Bai Yan as soon as possible.”JpeqApHzCiXGPfExVRRaXlQGTdmzXy

kzitIoyOnPQEinG

“But I still have to respond to calls.”GHLmBGAopVLOgiQZpKVhbWORvFDLqG

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Gong Yingxian scolded, “At a time like this, how can you think of going on duty?”JGtauIQwcYWJcGFeQoKwipKAwfkXJM

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“And aren’t you on duty too?”lYQPzvXWTlSIsQCIwFhzAPKGqPOmXj

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Gong Yingxian was left speechless.dIrhxuIUmHWOrlxeteeRlnKhfGJGdx

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“I’m worried about you too,” Ren Yi continued. “Bai Yan probably hates you the most now, but you’re too alert, armed – not easy to take down.” Ren Yi looked at Gong Yingxian. “I’d love to see you stay safe in that multi-layered fortress of yours, never leaving. But I know you won’t. And it’s the same for me – I can’t just hide away while my brothers face danger.”qzErFTWJOHnmBorAtoQXjqunbHdeXj

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Gong Yingxian glared at Ren Yi, “Can’t you just listen for once?”saDmQTHIftopBomBuqzDRKTiTISOEs

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Ren Yi chuckled, “I can listen on other things, but not this. This is my duty.”joxrrSQWRctpbbATODyGtBpVZFGXnP

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Gong Yingxian’s chest rose and fell, clearly frustrated.ftnWBktzAmIJxOPSDJSpCATsLMdFyC

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“Come on, take me back to the unit.”lufhVLQXdPuclluwEpWkrrsOJveRar

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Gong Yingxian didn’t move, obviously fuming.GopGpzAeoGLJXQoubsqqpguIizoJfd

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Suddenly, Ren Yi slumped down onto Gong Yingxian’s shoulder, whining, “With the handsome and mighty Officer Gong protecting me, I feel so safe.”qraOIDYlQkkQtkciUpUjDkzHntoVVc

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Gong Yingxian couldn’t hold back and let out a laugh.eesZMrPNRtiulKMNwdGRhxhvPDvRtG

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