It must be someone's sick joke. They even got the passphrase wrong. Illiterate!

When he opened the third email, he paused — it contained a phone number and a message: "The scenery at Weishui Base is beautiful."

Just as he was about to open the fourth email, his phone screen went black. When he powered it back on, his inbox was completely empty.

It seemed that those people weren't just tracking him; they had control over his electronic devices too.

He regretted not reading the emails chronologically. The latest messages had the least amount of information, and he couldn’t discern their importance.

Zhou You saw an incoming call from Zhuo Hao and, glancing at the ceiling, entered the restroom, turning the faucet on full blast.

"Hello, Zhuo Hao."

"Zhou, you’re back? Had dinner? Do you want me to bring some over? By the way, the phone I gave you is new. If you're unfamiliar with it, keep it aside, I'll show you how to use it later."

Zhou You lowered his eyelids. Was there an underlying message? Everyone was well-acquainted with smartphones; there was no case of someone not knowing how to use one.

"Alright, I'm hungry anyway. Come over."

Zhou You stared at his phone screen for a few seconds, mentally repeating a sequence of numbers, then picked up his keys and left, texting Zhuo Hao as he did, "I'd prefer to eat outside. Pick me up downstairs."

Zhuo Hao arrived quickly, accompanied by Situ Han and Li Yan.

After exiting the vehicle, the trio cautiously scanned their surroundings. Two of them had guns holstered, and weapons in hand, evidently prepared for sudden emergencies.

Zhou You arched an eyebrow and got into their car. They circled the area for a bit before settling on a modest eatery.

Inside a private dining room, Situ Han used a device to scan the area, then turned off his phone. Seeing everyone else doing the same, Zhou You switched off his phone as well.

Only then did Li Yan breathe a sigh of relief, saying gravely, "Zhou, someone tampered with the Boss’s office and his accounts today. Some were canceled, others taken over. Even his old email account has been locked out."

"So, you suspect someone is watching us?"

"It’s not a suspicion; it's a certainty. I'm not sure whose move it is, but their objective might be to uncover some military secrets."

"To me, it seems they’re more interested in digging up Shao Qi’s secrets," Zhou You remarked bluntly.

"That's possible. So, be cautious about your comings and goings recently and minimize the use of electronic devices."

Zhou You glanced at the three of them and tapped his new phone, asking Zhuo Hao, "Where did you buy this phone? Is there a chance it's been tampered with?"

Zhuo Hao paled instantly, quickly taking out a tool to dissect Zhou You’s phone. Sure enough, deep inside, he found an extra wire — something that would have gone unnoticed without his expertise.

"I... I just bought it casually at a mall."

"Your offhand choice might have led us straight into their trap," Zhou You sighed, rubbing his forehead. "All my emails have vanished. Are they afraid I'll stumble upon something?"

The group fell into deep thought. These subtle moves were too covert; even if reported, they wouldn't be given priority. Better to uncover the puppet master themselves.

"Any suspects?" Zhou You inquired.

"Mainly those looking to gain from the situation. We suspect Gu Zhuo. He has tripped up our boss on numerous occasions in the past."

Zhou You cracked his knuckles, smirking coldly, "Let's start with him then."

"What are you planning?"

Without answering, Zhou You directed Li Yan to find and borrow a mobile phone from someone; if borrowing was impossible, then buy one.

Understanding, Li Yan swiftly returned holding a phone that was distinctly feminine in design.

Zhou You's first call was to Elder Xuan. The elder's voice sounded years older, "Finally remembered to call, did you?"

"I apologize."

"No need for apologies. Just tell me what you need."

Zhou You chuckled, "Aren't you afraid I might ruin the great legacy of Xuan's sect?"

"Nonsense. Our foundation is built on skill, not other trivial matters. Besides, the word has been spread: you're the next sect leader."

"In that case, I'll accept. I need a list of Xuan Sect disciples in the military, from every base."

Without hesitation, Elder Xuan agreed. Knowing that if Zhou You really intended to claim the position, these disciples would be valuable assets.

Not only did he hand over the list, but he also sent his grandson to the City of Dawn.

"Young Xuan Jue should've arrived. Do pick him up, he's notoriously bad with directions."

"Why's he here?" Zhou You wasn’t in the mood to babysit.

"Naturally to serve you. It's a disciple's duty to serve their master. Don't hold back, put him to work." Elder Xuan's words lightened Zhou You's spirits considerably.

Remembering Xuan Jue's number, he called, instructing him to take a taxi. Then, he dialed Dean He and Daoist Qingfeng, two numbers provided by Zhuo Hao.

Their reception was pleasant on both ends, with arrangements made for meetings.

After those calls, Zhou You hesitated over the keypad, debating whether to dial the number he had memorized earlier.

"What's wrong?" Zhuo Hao asked with concern.

"It's nothing. Fill me in on the situation in the military. Has Secretary Yang raised any concerns?"

"The Yang family... Yang Jinye has been seeking us out in the military these days. But, never mind him. The Yangs are neutral. Yang Yanlei knows the consequences of meddling with the military."

"Neutral is good enough."

In a short while, Xuan Zhuo arrived, carrying a backpack on his shoulders and dragging a suitcase. He stood pitifully at the door, tears streaming down when he saw Zhou You.