A Divine Farmer

Chapter 272 - You Lunatics!

“Director, what should we do? Should we release him?” Chang Tian asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Liu Zhongjun had been speaking in hushed tones when he mentioned the name, so Chang Tian was unaware that the person in question was Zhang Xiaolong. Had he known, his anxiety would have undoubtedly been greater.

Zheng Ming's expression was grim, and internally, he berated Chang Tian. If Chang Tian hadn't recklessly arrested someone, they wouldn't be in this mess.

But on reflection, the situation was also tied to Huang Zhigang or even Zheng Ming himself. Otherwise, Chang Tian wouldn't have even considered such an action.

Who could have predicted that a bit of flattery would lead to such chaos? Yet, Zheng Ming was irked. Had it not been for these people showing up, he might have already released Xiaolong.

But now, being coerced into releasing a prisoner, what was left of the police station's dignity? They needed to find a way to disperse the garrison troops before they could think about releasing anyone.

Zheng Ming was decisive by nature. He was convinced that the opposition wouldn't dare to escalate the situation; if they did, they would be no better than bandits.

“Call the armed police for backup,” he commanded, slamming his hand on the table. “I refuse to believe they can run amok here!”

Ten minutes later, a fleet of cars sped to the vicinity of the police station, facing off against the earlier arrivals.

A man emerged from the opposing vehicles, exuding the same intimidating presence as Liu Zhongjun. “What's this? Are you bandits or what? Storming a police station to abduct someone, have you no sense of discipline?”

His tone was brusque, though he kept his voice low. Both parties were aware that escalating the situation would reflect poorly on them and could easily incite panic.

If it came to that, nobody would escape the fallout unscathed.

“We're not bandits; otherwise, we would have taken him by force already,” Qu Moyao retorted sharply before Liu Zhongjun could speak. “Do you really think we'd wait for you to be called in? Or are you questioning our capabilities?”

The man was taken aback by the striking female officer's biting words but quickly regained his composure. “I'm Jiang Tao from the Qingyuan Armed Police Squadron. Which garrison do you belong to? Regardless, surrounding a police station is unacceptable—it could cause public panic.”

“Enough, we're not interested in hearing any more about this. If that's all you came to say, then save your breath,” Qu Moyao stood her ground firmly. “We're here, and we have no intention of leaving. Your options are simple: either fight us or withdraw on your own. And if you choose to stay and surround us, I have no objections to that either.”

Jiang Tao felt a knot in his stomach from the confrontation, but he knew she was right. They wouldn't have come all this way just to leave without a fuss. And standing here, surrounding them, didn't it seem like he was aiding their assault on the police station rather than preventing it?

“Apologies for Dr. Qu's bluntness; please don't be offended,” Liu Zhongjun intervened, attempting to defuse the tension. “But the fact remains, we won't be leaving until we retrieve our person. It would be best if you withdrew.”

Jiang Tao's frustration was mounting. That woman's words were sharp, and while Liu's tone was somewhat softer, the message hadn't changed one bit.

“Do you not fear the repercussions from your superiors for such actions? Who gave you the authority to act so rashly?” Jiang Tao's voice grew more severe.

Qu Moyao's temper flared. “Whether we face consequences or act on our own accord is not for you, a mere squadron leader, to dictate.”

“What are you implying?” Jiang Tao's anger matched hers. They were being completely irrational. Didn't they understand the concept of discipline?

“Let's not be hasty,” Liu Zhongjun quickly interjected, standing between them. “How about you two settle this with a duel? Whoever wins calls the shots. What do you say?”

Jiang Tao's face twitched at the suggestion. This didn't sound like the workings of a regular military unit; it was more akin to outlaw behavior.

He didn't respond, but Qu Moyao had already stepped forward, disarming herself of her handgun and other gear, and flexed her wrists. “Are you up for it?”

Jiang Tao was inwardly exasperated. He was itching for a fight.

After all, he was the captain. Being challenged by a woman, if he didn't even dare to engage, how would he ever look his men in the eye again?

But on second thought, if Liu Zhongjun had the audacity to make such a suggestion, and this woman was bold enough to provoke him, it clearly indicated there were issues at play. She was certainly not one to be underestimated.

Jiang Tao wasn't intimidated, but he knew that a misstep could cost him his reputation.

“We're here to prevent bandits from attacking the police station,” Jiang Tao stated, his face darkening. “If you persist, then we'll have to give it our all, instead of engaging in a one-on-one fight with you. If you back down now, there will surely be an opportunity to test your mettle in the future.”

“Haha…” Qu Moyao's laughter rang out, starkly contrasting her demure demeanor. “Do you really think you can stop us with so few? If it comes to a fight, not one of you will make it back alive.”

“Really?” Jiang Tao scoffed, well aware of his team's capabilities.

He was confident that even if their numbers were greater, he could still leave them in disarray.

Of course, this assumed a true life-or-death struggle. Although they were not from the same faction, a direct conflict was still unlikely.

“Do you think you're in a strong position because two snipers are targeting us?” Liu Zhongjun suddenly interjected, casually pointing in two directions. “Here, and here, are indeed prime sniping spots.”

Jiang Tao's face betrayed a flicker of concern; those were indeed his snipers' locations. He was baffled as to how they had been detected.

“Dr. Qu's comments may be a bit harsh,” Liu Zhongjun laughed, “but she's speaking the truth. With your numbers, a real fight would leave none of you standing. At least two guns are trained on your snipers right now, capable of taking them out before they even pull the trigger. And as for you, if Dr. Qu were to act, there's a seventy percent chance she could take you down in one move.”

“It's eighty percent,” Qu Moyao interjected, correcting him.

Jiang Tao's facial muscles twitched more intensely. Who were these people? Yet, he couldn't deny their confidence, which was unsettling enough to sow a seed of doubt.

Their arrogance stemmed from either genuine strength or sheer madness.

Though they appeared to be madly besieging the police station, Jiang Tao didn't see it that way.

He had always considered his men to be elite soldiers, but now he sensed that their opponents were not to be underestimated. His own troops seemed even more formidable than theirs.

“Hold your men back. Let me show you how it's done,” Liu Zhongjun said, raising his hand slowly. “First and Second Squads, take control of sniper points one and two.”

Click…

The sound of guns being raised was orderly and swift. With no time to aim, bullets were already flying, leaving a neat row of holes where the two sniper points had been.

“You're all insane!” Jiang Tao exclaimed in frustration.