Xu Keming and the other Military Statistics Bureau agents were gathered in the camp, discussing the next steps for clearing out the local Japanese intelligence networks. Suddenly, a commotion of shouting and heavy footsteps broke out, shattering their meeting. Xu Keming frowned, set down the document in his hand, and exchanged a look with his team members. They all stood up in unison and strode toward the main gate to see what was happening.
At the gate, the situation was tense. Lu Shaotang sat on his horse, his face illuminated a deep red by the torches held by his soldiers. He was shouting threats at the local militia. Most of the security corps soldiers beside him held torches, the flickering flames making the area as bright as day. Wang Dali, the militia captain, stood his ground, pointing his homemade C96 pistol directly at Lu Shaotang.
Xu Keming pushed through the crowd and stepped to the front. With a sharp, piercing gaze, he took in the confrontational scene and immediately grasped the situation. His expression turned stern. Clearing his throat, he bellowed with a voice like a booming bell, "Which unit are you with? Put your weapons down, all of you! Send your leader out to speak! To dare surround a militia camp in broad daylight—do you have no respect for the law? Do you have no regard for the Military Statistics Bureau?"
Chapter 335