Just as the Great Qing was pouring its full heart and soul into a frantic, intensive effort to strengthen its military defenses and prepare for potential external threats, the domestic crackdown on the Mysterious Organization reached a critical and highly tense juncture.
Under the uncompromising and stern orders of Su Ran, local government offices functioned like precision machinery with tightened springs, escalating their investigation into the cult with ruthless efficiency. Following the leads they had painstakingly gathered, they launched a comprehensive, carpet-style investigation into local power brokers linked to the cult. No potential clue went unexamined, and no associated location was left unchecked, as they sought to uproot the cult's influence entirely.
In the initial stages, progress appeared smooth, as if everything were well within control. In many regions, branches of the cult were treated like malignant tumors hidden in dark corners, decisively and successfully excised by the authorities. Numerous core members were captured, and under the crushing pressure of interrogation, their psychological defenses crumbled, forcing them to divulge vital intelligence regarding the cult’s organizational structure and operational plans. These revelations acted as precious keys, providing the government with the momentum needed to peel back the layers of the cult's mysteries.
Chapter 106