boyutpedia Chapter 144 Northeast
Chapter 144 Northeast
On the high-speed train from Beijing to Harbin, Nie Lingfeng leaned against the window, watching the rapidly receding fields gradually turn white with frost. In October, the Northeast already smelled of winter. The fields had been harvested, revealing the dark earth, and the distant mountains were covered with a thin layer of snow. The sky was that unique, high, and clear blue of the North.
Chen Duo sat opposite him, clutching a panda plush toy in her arms—this toy had become her signature accessory, carried everywhere she went. Today she wore a white down jacket with a fluffy brim on the hood, which made her face appear even whiter. Her emerald green eyes reflected the snow scene outside the window, like two emeralds immersed in icy water.
"Are you cold?" Nie Lingfeng asked.
Chen Duo shook her head, breathed on the car window, and watched the white mist slowly dissipate. She whispered, "It's colder here... than in Beijing."
"This is nothing," Nie Lingfeng laughed. "Wait until we get to Harbin, that's when it really gets cold. The wind is like a knife, stinging your face. But there are advantages too. The candied hawthorns are frozen solid, crunchy and delicious. There are also frozen pears, frozen persimmons, Madier popsicles..."
Chen Duo's eyes lit up: "Popsicles? For winter?"
"Yes, the colder it is, the more you eat, and the more enjoyable it is." Nie Lingfeng said, even he was getting a little hungry. "Once we get there and settle in, I'll take you to Central Street and we'll try all the famous old restaurants there."
Chen Duo nodded vigorously, a small smile curving her lips.
Just then, the black cell phone on the table vibrated. Nie Lingfeng picked it up; it was an encrypted file sent by Chairman Zhao, with only two words in the title: Hirumaru.
He opened the file, which contained dense text, images, and several blurry videos.
The document begins with a brief introduction:
"Hiruma, a cursed sword from Japan's Edo period, is said to have been forged with the ferocious energy of a 'thousand-man slayer.' On the day the sword was completed, thirteen people, including the swordsmith and those who tested it, went mad and committed suicide. This sword is bloodthirsty; it must drink human blood before it is drawn, or it will turn on its master. During World War II, the Japanese cult 'Hiwayama Ninja Clan' invaded Northeast China with this sword, committing numerous bloody crimes. After Japan's defeat in 1945, Hiruma disappeared near Harbin. For the next seventy years, there were occasional sporadic sightings, all of which could not be confirmed. Until this month, there were simultaneous sightings of Hiruma in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning provinces, suggesting its authenticity."
Next are several blurry video screenshots. One shows a person near Tianchi Lake in Changbai Mountain, wearing a black kimono and a demon mask, with a strangely shaped katana hanging at their waist; the scabbard is dark red, like congealed blood. Another shows the same figure flashing by in the Shenyang Imperial Palace. A third shows a person in surveillance footage on Central Street in Harbin, sitting by the window of a café, slowly wiping a sword; the blade reflects an eerie purple light in the sunlight.
"The ninja of Mount Hira..." Nie Lingfeng frowned.
He knew something about this organization. It was one of Japan's oldest and most mysterious supernatural organizations, skilled in ninjutsu, illusion, and various bizarre and insidious secret techniques. During World War II, they served as a "special force" of the invading Japanese army, committing countless crimes in Northeast China, using living people to test their weapons, concoct medicines, and set up formations—their methods were utterly cruel. After the war, most members were wiped out, but it was said that a few remnants remained, continuing their clandestine activities.
If Hirumaru really appears in the world, it means that the Hiaiyama ninja... are about to do something big.
Scrolling down the document reveals another piece of intelligence.
"The Fish Dragon Society, an official Japanese organization for supernatural beings, is nominally responsible for managing domestic affairs related to supernatural beings, but in reality, it has intricate connections with the Hieiyama Ninja Clan. Under the guise of 'cultural exchange' and 'cultural relic protection,' they dispatched an inspection team that arrived in Harbin three days ago. The team leader, Yagyu Jubei, is the vice-chairman of the Fish Dragon Society and a master of swordsmanship; he is suspected of having prior connections with the Hieiyama Ninja Clan. Their true purpose is unclear, but the timing highly coincides with Hirumaru's reappearance in the world, requiring close monitoring."
Finally, Chairman Zhao gave the following instructions:
"Nie Lingfeng, this mission is S-level, exceeding 'Dawn's' usual authority. However, the incident is sudden and involves diplomacy, so the company cannot openly intervene. You are hereby specially ordered to go to the Northeast as the leader of 'Dawn Zero Group' to investigate. If necessary, you may mobilize local branch forces to assist, but you must not reveal the existence of 'Dawn'. Primary objectives: Determine the authenticity and whereabouts of Hirumaru, ascertain the purpose of the Hieiyama ninja, and monitor the movements of the Fish Dragon Society. If the situation is urgent, you may handle it as appropriate, but you must control the impact and avoid escalating it into an international incident."
"Task time limit: one month."
"Task reward: 1000 points, 500 million funds."
"Note: Gao Lian, the head of the Northeast branch, is waiting in Harbin. He will fully cooperate with you. Gao Lian is trustworthy, but you don't need to tell him the details of 'Dawn'. Just contact him as a company special envoy."
After reading it, Nie Lingfeng put down his phone and rubbed his temples.
An S-rank mission involving two major Japanese supernatural organizations and that legendary demon sword... This job is going to be tough.
Moreover, Chairman Zhao specifically emphasized "avoiding escalation into an international incident," clearly indicating that he was required to not only solve the problem but also clean up the mess and leave no room for criticism.
"Troublesome..." he muttered to himself.
"Is it very troublesome?" Chen Duo asked.
"A little," Nie Lingfeng nodded, "but it's not unsolvable. We'll deal with whatever comes our way."
He paused, then looked at Chen Duo: "This mission might be more dangerous than the previous ones. The ninjas of Bihe Mountain are ruthless and unruly. Although the Fish-Dragon Society is an official organization, none of those who reach the position of vice president are kind-hearted. If you're afraid, you can go back to Beijing first, or go to Longhu Mountain..."
"I'm not afraid," Chen Duo interrupted him, her eyes serious. "I'll go with you."
Seeing her earnest expression, Nie Lingfeng felt a warmth in his heart and smiled, "Okay, then let's go together. But you have to promise me that if we encounter danger, don't be reckless, run if you need to, and don't worry about me."
"If you run, I'll run," Chen Duo said.
"Okay, it's settled then."
Five hours later, the high-speed train slowly pulled into Harbin West Station.
As soon as they got out of the car, a biting chill hit them. Nie Lingfeng was fine; with his internal energy protecting him, he didn't feel cold. Chen Duo, however, shivered and instinctively moved closer to Nie Lingfeng.
"Are you cold?" Nie Lingfeng smiled and pulled up the hood of her down jacket, then wrapped a scarf around her neck—it was bought in Beijing yesterday, bright red with little bears embroidered on it, making her face look even whiter and more delicate.
"It's alright," Chen Duo said, but her hands were already tucked into her sleeves.
The two followed the flow of people out of the station. As soon as they exited the station, they saw a tall, middle-aged man with a buzz cut and a scar on his face, wearing a black overcoat, holding a sign that read "Pick up Mr. Nie".
The man appeared to be in his forties, with dark skin and sharp, eagle-like eyes. He stood there like an iron tower, and people around him instinctively avoided him. His "qi" aura was very strong, like a dormant volcano; although restrained, one could sense the power that could erupt at any moment.
Gao Lian, a temporary worker from Northeast China.
Nie Lingfeng walked over and nodded to him: "Brother Gao?"
Gao Lian glanced at him, then at Chen Duo beside him, grinned, revealing a set of teeth that were slightly yellowed from smoking:
"Nie Lingfeng? I've heard so much about you. And this must be... Miss Chen Duo? Come, come, the car's outside. We can't park here for long; the traffic police will be here soon."
He spoke with a heavy Northeastern accent, very fast-paced and forthright, taking Nie Lingfeng's luggage as he spoke—actually just a backpack, with most of the items in his Qiankun bag.
The three got into a black SUV. The vehicle was modified, with a high chassis and wide tires, clearly designed for the icy and snowy roads of Northeast China. Gao Lian drove aggressively, weaving through traffic with ease, explaining as he drove:
"The accommodations are all arranged. It's a guesthouse converted from an old Western-style house near Central Street. It's quiet, safe, and close to everything. All the food and supplies are provided. Just let me know if you need anything. As for the mission, don't rush. Take a day off and adjust to the time difference—although Harbin and Beijing don't have a time difference, the climate is quite different, so you'll need to get used to it."
"Thank you, Brother Gao," Nie Lingfeng said.
"No need to thank me, we're all on the same side." Gao Lian waved his hand. "A task personally assigned by Chairman Zhao is of paramount importance. I, Gao Lian, may not be able to say much about other things, but I do have some influence in this small area of Northeast China. If you want to investigate anything or target anyone, just say the word, and I'll arrange it."
He paused, glanced at Nie Lingfeng in the rearview mirror, and his tone became more serious:
"But brother, I have to warn you. This matter... is not simple. Hirumaru is a very evil thing. Seventy years ago, my master's generation fought with the scum of Mount Hiei, and there were many deaths and injuries. My master was slashed by Hirumaru. Although he didn't die, the wound didn't heal for decades. He couldn't sleep every night because of the pain. In the end... he didn't make it."
He gripped the steering wheel tighter, and the veins on the back of his hands bulged.
"Hiruma has resurfaced this time, and those bastards from Hieiyama are definitely here too. And that Fish Dragon Society's inspection team—ostensibly for cultural exchange, but who knows what kind of dirty tricks they're up to. If you want to investigate, if you want to take action, I support you. But be careful... those Japanese are incredibly ruthless."
Nie Lingfeng nodded: "Understood. Brother Gao, do you have more detailed information?"
"Yes, everything is ready at the accommodation," Gao Lian said. "But before that, I need to take you somewhere first."
"where?"
"Let's eat." Gao Lian smiled. "If you come to Harbin and don't have a proper meal of authentic Northeastern cuisine first, wouldn't that be a wasted trip? I know a restaurant that makes incredibly authentic dishes like sweet and sour pork, stewed pork with potatoes, stir-fried potatoes, green peppers, and braised pork slices. You must be hungry after traveling for half a day, so let's eat first."
Nie Lingfeng smiled and said, "Okay, I'll listen to Brother Gao."
After driving for more than twenty minutes, the car finally stopped in front of a restaurant that looked quite old. The storefront was small, with a sign that read "Lao Liu's Home-Style Dishes." The glass windows were covered with a layer of fog, and inside, people were moving about, and the air was steaming.
The three got out of the car and pushed open the door to go inside. A wave of heat, a mixture of the aroma of food, the smell of cooking, and the noise of people, hit them, creating a stark contrast to the cold outside. The restaurant was almost full, mostly with locals dressed casually, drinking, playing drinking games, and laughing loudly, creating an atmosphere so lively it seemed like the roof was about to be lifted.
"Brother Gao is here!" A plump middle-aged woman wearing an apron greeted him with a broad smile. "We've saved your usual spot, three of you?"
"The three of you." Gao Lian walked in familiarly, through the hall, and into a small private room. The room was small but very clean, with Northeastern-style paper-cuttings hanging on the walls and steaming barley tea on the table.
"The usual: sweet and sour pork, stewed pork with vegetables, stir-fried potatoes, eggplant, and green peppers, stir-fried pork slices, plus blood sausage, pickled cabbage with glass noodles, and chicken stew with mushrooms." Gao Lian ordered in one go, then looked at Nie Lingfeng and Chen Duo, "What else would you like to eat?"
Nie Lingfeng looked at Chen Duo: "Is there anything you want to eat?"
Chen Duo stared at the handwritten menu on the wall for a long time before whispering, "Sweet and sour pork... what's that?"
"It's just sweet and sour fried pork slices, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Little girls will definitely love it," the proprietress said with a smile. "Our Guo Bao Rou (sweet and sour pork) is the best in all of Harbin!" She gave a thumbs up.
"Then let's have one." Chen Duo nodded.
"Okay, add another sweet and sour pork," Gao Lian said to the proprietress. "No alcohol, just a bottle of Da Bai Li soda, the young lady can drink it."
"Alright!" The proprietress rushed out.
Soon, the dishes arrived one after another. Large plates and bowls, the portions were surprisingly generous. The sweet and sour pork was golden and crispy, coated with a glistening sweet and sour sauce; the stewed pork belly, blood sausage, and sauerkraut were tender and flavorful; the stir-fried eggplant, potatoes, and green peppers were glistening and fragrant; the braised pork slices were savory and tender; the blood sausage dipped in minced garlic, the sauerkraut and glass noodles were refreshing; the chicken and mushroom soup was fresh and tender... The table was full of food, a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate, making one's mouth water.
"Come on, pick up your chopsticks, don't be shy." Gao Lian called out, picking up a piece of sweet and sour pork for himself first, stuffing it into his mouth, chewing it with a crunching sound, and looking very satisfied.
Nie Lingfeng placed a piece of sweet and sour pork on Chen Duo's plate: "Try it."
Chen Duo took a small bite, and her eyes immediately lit up: "Delicious!"
"Eat more if you like it." Nie Lingfeng smiled and started eating as well.
It has to be said that Northeastern cuisine is truly hearty. The flavors are strong, the portions are generous, and it's a satisfying meal. Nie Lingfeng was alright, but Chen Duo's face turned red and she was sweating profusely, but her chopsticks never stopped. She especially loved the sweet and sour pork and the stir-fried eggplant, potatoes, and green peppers, eating most of the plate.
While eating, Gao Lian began to get down to business.
"I've been investigating the Hirumaru incident for half a month." He lowered his voice. "The first eyewitness report came from the Changbai Mountains. An old hunter went up the mountain to collect ginseng and saw a person wearing a kimono and a demon mask near Tianchi Lake, with a knife hanging at his waist. The old hunter had served in the army when he was young and had fought against the Japanese, so he recognized it as a Japanese sword at a glance, and it was a very old style. He thought it was a movie shoot and didn't pay attention. But after returning home, he developed a high fever that night and could not speak, saying something like 'blood... a lot of blood... the knife is crying...'"
He paused, took a sip of his soda, and said, "I sent people to check. The old hunter had residual 'qi' on him—cold, violent, and with a bloody smell. It was definitely the scent of Hiruzen. Moreover, we found this near Tianchi Lake."
He took out a small cloth bag from his pocket, opened it, and inside was a small pinch of dark red, rust-like powder.
"This is..." Nie Lingfeng frowned.
"Blood rust." Gao Lian's expression was solemn. "After Hirumaru kills someone, the blood on the blade will congeal into this special rust. My master left a small amount of this stuff; I've seen it before, it's exactly the same."
Nie Lingfeng picked up a small amount and smelled it. Sure enough, there was a strong smell of blood, mixed with rust and some kind of... resentment.
"After that, there were eyewitness reports of sightings at Shenyang Imperial Palace and Central Street in Harbin," Gao Lian continued. "I sent someone to follow him, but the person was very vigilant, only making a fleeting glimpse each time before disappearing. However, I discovered a pattern."
"What pattern?"
"Wherever he appears, it's...where the Hieiyama ninja committed their bloody crimes back then." Gao Lian's eyes were icy. "Changbai Mountain Tianchi Lake, in 1942, the Hieiyama ninja used a hundred living people as a sacrifice for their swords, staining the lake with blood. Shenyang Imperial Palace, in 1943, they broke into the palace, stole a batch of cultural relics, and killed seventeen night watchmen. Harbin Central Street, in 1944, they openly 'tested their swords' on the street, killing more than thirty innocent civilians..."
With each word he spoke, Nie Lingfeng's expression darkened further.
"Is he... paying respects? Or... reliving the past?" Nie Lingfeng asked slowly.
"I don't know." Gao Lian shook his head. "But he definitely wasn't holding back. Besides, the itinerary of that Fish-Dragon Society's expedition team was quite interesting. Their first stop was Harbin, the second was Shenyang, and the third was Changbai Mountain—exactly the same order as Hirumaru's sightings."
Nie Lingfeng's eyes narrowed: "Are they... leading the way?"
"Or maybe it's a rendezvous," Gao Lian said. "I investigated that Yagyu Jubei. On the surface, this guy is the vice president of the Fish Dragon Society and a grandmaster of swordsmanship, but secretly, he has deep ties with the Hieiyama Ninja Clan. His grandfather, Yagyu Muneyoshi, was a key member of the Hieiyama Ninja Clan and died in the Tohoku region. He came here this time ostensibly for cultural exchange, but I think... he's here for revenge or to find treasure."
Seeking revenge is to avenge my grandfather.
The treasure hunt is for Hirumaru.
Or... both.
Nie Lingfeng put down his chopsticks, leaned back in his chair, and quickly processed the information in his mind.
The appearance of Hirumaru, the activities of the remnants of the Hiaiyama ninja clan, and the entry of the Fish Dragon Society's inspection team... these three events are definitely not coincidences.
"Brother Gao, what do you think their ultimate goal is?" he asked.
Gao Lian was silent for a moment, then slowly uttered three words:
"Monument to the Nation's Protection".
Nie Lingfeng was taken aback: "The National Stele? What's that?"
"One of the 'dragon vein nodes' in Northeast China," Gao Lian said in a low voice. "Beneath the Songhua River in Harbin lies a Tang Dynasty national-protecting stele, inscribed with a formation to guard the fortune of Northeast China. When the Japanese occupied Northeast China, they wanted to find this stele, destroy the formation, sever the dragon vein of Northeast China, and forever turn this land into their colony. But they searched for more than ten years without success. After the war, this stele has been secretly guarded by the company and several old families in Northeast China, and its location is known only to a very few people."
He paused, his eyes turning icy: "If Hirumaru is truly 'revisiting' the site of the bloodbath from back then, then the last location... must be the Songhua River. They want to use Hirumaru's ferocious aura to pollute the dragon vein nodes, and then... destroy the National Stele."
Nie Lingfeng gasped.
Damaging a dragon vein node and severing the fortune of a region... this is no small matter. At best, it can cause natural disasters and man-made calamities; at worst, it can lead to earthquakes and landslides, and may even affect the feng shui of the entire Northeast, bringing misfortune to future generations.
"Are they crazy?" Nie Lingfeng couldn't help but ask. "Destroying the dragon vein will affect them themselves..."
"They don't care," Gao Lian sneered. "Those lunatics only want revenge, only want to prove their 'Bushido.' They'd be happy to die as long as they can cause damage to China."
Nie Lingfeng fell silent.
If that's the case, then this matter is far more complex than just a "conflict between supernatural beings."
This is... a national and personal vendetta.
It is a continuation of the blood debt from seventy years ago.
"Brother Gao," he began slowly, "you know the location of the Zhenguo Monument, right?"
Gao Lian nodded: "I know. But I can't tell you, that's the rule. Unless... the situation becomes critical, or there are orders from above."
"I understand." Nie Lingfeng nodded. "Then what we need to do now is keep a close eye on Hirumaru, keep a close eye on the Hieiyama ninja, and keep a close eye on the Fish Dragon Society. Stop them before they find the National Stele."
"Yes," Gao Lian said. "I've already arranged for people to monitor the Songhua River 24/7. I'm personally overseeing things in Harbin. There are also brothers keeping an eye on things in Shenyang and Changbai Mountain. But manpower is limited, and the other side is elusive, making it impossible to defend against."
He looked at Nie Lingfeng: "Chairman Zhao sent you here because he values your abilities. Brother, what are your thoughts?"
Nie Lingfeng thought for a moment and slowly said, "Instead of waiting for them to come to us, we should take the initiative. Don't they like to 'revisit' the scene of the bloodshed? Then let's create an opportunity for them to... relive it."
"What do you mean?"
"Find a place, set a trap, and lure them out." A cold glint flashed in Nie Lingfeng's eyes. "Then... wipe them all out in one fell swoop."
Gao Lian's eyes lit up: "Are you confident?"
"No," Nie Lingfeng said honestly, "but it's better than just waiting around. Besides..."
He paused, looking out the window at the gradually darkening sky and the neon lights that were slowly lighting up on the street:
"Some debts need to be repaid."
Chen Duo sat quietly beside him, her emerald eyes reflecting the lights of the ice city outside the window, as well as the rare, cold killing intent on Nie Lingfeng's profile.
She reached out and gently took his hand.
Nie Lingfeng turned to look at her.
Chen Duo looked at him and said very seriously:
"I'll help you."
Nie Lingfeng was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and grasped her hand in return:
"Okay, together."
Gao Lian looked at the two of them, grinned, and raised his soda bottle:
"Come on, let's have a toast. For the Northeast, for the people who died seventy years ago, and for... our impending victory."
"Let's have one!"
The three clinked glasses, the soda sloshing inside, reflecting the warm light in the private room.
Outside the window, the night in Harbin is just beginning.
And a feud spanning seventy years is about to begin...
(To be continued) (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧