880: Chapter 869: Umbrella Headquarters – Bering Strait 880: Chapter 869: Umbrella Headquarters – Bering Strait Ning Fan’s response made Tulip very uneasy.
She had already picked up on something.
Ning Fan suddenly seeking her out, combined with his subtle hints over the past few days, could only mean that he had already made contact with Teng Yun Geshang.
Back when she was still with Umbrella, Tulip had witnessed the overt and covert power struggles among the higher-ups.
Unless absolutely necessary, she would never get involved.
Even as a pawn, entering such a vortex of conflict would almost certainly lead to a quick death.
“Heh, there’s no need to be nervous.
I don’t need to deal with you right now.
After all, you’re part of the Shadow Team now, not just an Intermediate Member of Umbrella!”
Ning Fan enunciated every word heavily, sending a clear message to Tulip, reminding her of her current allegiance and identity.
Tulip naturally understood what Ning Fan meant.
She nodded slightly at this point, not daring to speak recklessly anymore.
Since injecting the Genetic Potion, Tulip had gained many benefits, including the potential to break through to the True Origin Realm.
This was another instance of Ning Fan’s carrot-and-stick approach.
She had tasted some rewards, but with Ning Fan’s shadow looming over her, she didn’t dare have any other thoughts.
However, Ning Fan’s sudden mention of Konstantin this time made Tulip particularly tense.
She realized that the token of allegiance from the “Thousand Faces” was far from enough; she needed to accomplish much more to earn Ning Fan’s complete trust.
“Konstantin’s power is at the Intermediate Stage of the True Origin Realm.
I’m also at the True Origin Realm.
Do you think I don’t stand a chance?”
Ning Fan spoke confidently, but deep down, he was feeling a bit heavy-hearted—not because of Konstantin’s formidable strength, but because of Tulip’s reminder.
Teng Yun Geshang, that schemer, was hiding deeper than anyone else.
Tulip’s words even made Ning Fan curious about what had truly transpired between Teng Yun Geshang and Konstantin.
Why didn’t Umbrella’s strongest fighter ultimately claim the Number One position?
Why was it Konstantin instead?
Tulip, upon hearing this, nodded again.
She saw some similarities between Ning Fan and both Teng Yun Geshang and Konstantin, and was deeply shocked at how quickly Ning Fan’s strength had grown.
At the same time, she seemed to read Ning Fan’s curiosity and decisively began to explain: “Before the Number One of the previous generation of Umbrella passed away, Konstantin and Teng Yun Geshang were inseparable allies.
It’s said that their relationship changed during a highly critical mission.
The rumor goes that Teng Yun Geshang was gravely injured while covering for Konstantin.
Although he survived,
his strength severely diminished.
And now, Konstantin is Number One, while Teng Yun Geshang was relegated to Number Two.
Everyone believes that mission was the turning point…”
“I see…”
No wonder.
Teng Yun Geshang’s resentment towards Konstantin was understandable, especially given the nature of the situation.
To cover for a close ally during a retreat, only to end up gravely injured, losing his strength.
Then afterward, the same ally becomes Number One while he’s left as Number Two.
Who wouldn’t be unwilling in such circumstances?
The tension between Teng Yun Geshang and Konstantin was extremely intricate, built upon over a decade of history.
“You must have guessed that I’m working with Teng Yun Geshang this time, haven’t you?”
Ning Fan said, starting to reveal this operation’s plan to Tulip.
Though she had mentally prepared herself, Tulip couldn’t help but gasp when she heard that Ning Fan was indeed teaming up with Teng Yun Geshang.
Were they planning to make a move against Konstantin?
As this thought crossed her mind, Tulip lowered her head, remaining silent and waiting for Ning Fan to continue.
“This time, when I return to Umbrella, I’ll bring you with me.
The mission has only one goal: Konstantin’s life!”
Ning Fan’s cold words echoed in Tulip’s ears, and she widened her eyes, her breathing quickening uncontrollably.
So it was true—they were going after Konstantin, the invincible Number One of Umbrella!
Unable to hide the turmoil inside, Tulip felt a bit shaken.
While the shadow Ning Fan cast over her was immense, Konstantin had always been an untouchable, unreachable figure to her.
To assassinate someone like that—did they truly have a chance?
Ning Fan couldn’t fathom the complexity of Tulip’s inner thoughts at this moment, but he could tell from her expression that she was struggling deeply.
At this moment, Ning Fan said no more, giving her the time she needed to think.
Of course, her final decision would determine her ultimate fate.
Approximately ten minutes later, Tulip slowly raised her head.
Her eyes carried a mix of emotions, but after a brief hesitation, she finally spoke with conviction: “I await your orders!”
What other choice did she have?
For now, Ning Fan was her superior.
Umbrella was already in her past, and perhaps she could seize this opportunity to sever all ties with her old life altogether.
The Tulip of today was no longer the Tulip of Umbrella but a member of the Shadow Team, her identity now entirely different.
Seeing Tulip finally come to terms, Ning Fan’s lips curled into a smile.
This time, it was a genuine smile from the heart.
With Tulip now approaching Half-step True Origin strength, it was only a matter of time before she became another True Origin powerhouse.
For the Shadow Team, she was a significant trump card.
In the future, there might be even stronger members joining, but for now, Tulip was undeniably the strongest operative in Ning Fan’s Shadow Team, far surpassing Di Baitian and the others.
However, the auxiliary members selected so far, despite their decent potential, weren’t yet ready for significant tasks.
While the Shadow Team boasted advantages other organizations lacked, its fatal flaw was a lack of time to build a solid foundation—their heritage remained too weak.
Compared to an established force like Umbrella, the Shadow Team was still not on the same level.
It could only rely on Ning Fan to hold things together…
“By the way, do you know where Umbrella’s headquarters is?”
Out of the blue, Ning Fan asked.
Teng Yun Geshang hadn’t disclosed Umbrella’s headquarters to him, but Ning Fan wasn’t worried—he still had Tulip here.
She should know!
After all, Tulip was once an Intermediate Member of Umbrella, qualifying her for access to their headquarters.
So knowledge of Umbrella’s headquarters location wasn’t a secret to her.
Having already decided to sever ties with Umbrella completely, what harm would there be in telling Ning Fan?
“The Bering Strait.”
“The Bering Strait?!”
Ning Fan repeated in astonishment.
Umbrella’s base was actually located in the Bering Strait—a rather impressive choice…
“More precisely, both above and below it!”