Chapter 2256 Ning Xiangtong's Orders

"So, you're asking for my opinion?"

Ning Yunxiang glanced at Ning Luo silently, a hint of surprise on his face. He muttered to himself, "Is this something he can just casually comment on?"

This is a matter of great importance, a matter that could have far-reaching consequences! A slight misstep could lead to total defeat. However, facing Ning Luo's direct gaze and undisguised questioning tone, he felt somewhat at a loss, but still forced himself to remain calm and answered.

"Nonsense! I've called you over here for so long, do you think I just wanted you to vent your emotions?"

Ning Luo glared at Ning Yunxiang with annoyance, then rolled her eyes dramatically to show that she was speechless with anger. Seeing this, Ning Yunxiang knew he couldn't stay silent any longer or he might really anger his superior. So he quickly coughed and cleared the foreign object from his throat before mustering the courage to speak in a slightly stiff but extremely serious tone.

"Well... in my opinion, the current situation is indeed quite complicated, unpredictable, and difficult to understand. Therefore, we must not take any rash or reckless actions."

"After all, this incident has far-reaching implications, involving not only thrilling clashes and power struggles among many high-ranking individuals, but also directly related to the crucial terms of the performance-based agreement. If we act rashly and recklessly without fully considering the pros and cons and weighing the pros and cons, it is highly likely that we will completely disrupt the original carefully planned overall strategy and arrangements, and throw everything into disarray."

When he got to this point, Ning Yunxiang paused for a moment to give the other person enough time to digest and understand what he had just said.

"Moreover, even if we have the capability to rescue people, who can guarantee that it won't attract the attention of the Chinese leadership? If they discover our involvement and that we've broken the betting agreement, the consequences could be unimaginable. Not only will we face pressure and anger from the higher-ups, but it could also further escalate the conflict between our families and the Chinese leadership, and we might even be seen as deliberately causing trouble!"

"It's easy for us to save people, but the price we face is something we absolutely cannot afford!"

Ning Yunxiang frowned. Compared to Ning Luo, because he wasn't primarily responsible for this operation, his anxiety was clearly less. He was currently examining this thorny issue with a relatively calm and rational attitude.

"Hmm... I feel the same way."

Ning Luo nodded slightly, indicating that she agreed with Ning Yunxiang's view, but then changed the subject.

"However, before that, I still need to inform my family first."

After all, this is no small matter and must be treated with utmost care. Ultimately, whether or not action can be taken depends on the family's consent.

Although he had endured countless hardships and completed seemingly impossible missions time and again, earning the full recognition and praise of the Ning family's high-ranking members, Ning Luo still couldn't help but feel uneasy when faced with what was happening before him: an inexplicable and strange atmosphere seemed to linger around him like a shadow. After all, such a large and well-equipped fleet, almost flawlessly perfect, was only used to protect a single member of his own family!

This is just unbelievable no matter how you look at it!

Judging from Ning Luo's consistently rigorous and meticulous way of thinking, Ning Dan was clearly not the object this mysterious fleet truly wanted to protect. If one had to define him, he could only be considered an "incidental" figure who was accidentally caught up in the situation. So who exactly was the most deeply hidden protagonist behind this turmoil? The answer was obvious—it was undoubtedly that guy named Ye Ye.

Just as Ye Ye caused a huge uproar in the Ning family, Ning Luo happened to be away from home, carrying out a crucial mission. Therefore, he knew very little about Ye Ye, only some scattered fragments and rumors he heard from his family members after returning home.

At this moment, Ning Luo's mind was a tangled mess, countless questions surging within him, plunging him into deep thought. He kept pondering: Where did this mysterious Ye Ye come from? What was his true identity? Could he really be the illegitimate son of some key figure in the Ning family? Or perhaps, he was actually related to a powerful official by blood, their illegitimate son? If not, he couldn't find any other reasonable explanation for this series of bizarre events!

"I'd better let my family know first, because this is no longer a decision that you or I can make."

Seeing Ning Luo's unique and profound insights, Ning Yunxiang couldn't help but admire him, nodding repeatedly to indicate his complete agreement. After all, when faced with such a complex and extremely difficult problem, the slightest carelessness could lead to utter ruin. Therefore, one must always remain vigilant and sharp, never letting one's guard down or showing the slightest negligence. As the saying goes, "Caution catches the cicada for a thousand autumns, and careful navigation ensures a long and safe journey," only by acting cautiously and as if walking on thin ice can one minimize mistakes and avoid potential risks.

Getting back to the point, Ning Luo didn't waste any more time talking. Instead, he quickly grabbed the personal computer beside him and opened the address book without hesitation to begin searching. After a long and arduous search and repeated weighing of the pros and cons, something unexpected happened: he resolutely dialed that special phone number—a contact number exclusively for Ning Xiangtong! And this Ms. Ning Xiangtong happens to be one of the most dazzling figures in the entire Ning family, not only possessing an extremely prestigious and distinguished status, but also currently the de facto head of the Ning Group.

Just then, Ning Yunxiang inadvertently saw the name that appeared on Ning Luo's computer screen. He couldn't help but tremble, an expression of disbelief on his face, his eyes fixed on Ning Luo.

Could it be that Ning Luo is actually planning to establish contact with that legendary young lady? How could that be! After all, as far as he knows, the Ning family's young lady hates nothing more than having clansmen contact her without permission. But the situation is urgent now; perhaps she can't care about such taboos anymore…

Sure enough, the call went through successfully in no time. As a renowned and formidable general under the Ning family, Ning Xiangtong had naturally kept Ning Luo's contact information carefully.

At that very moment, high in the sky atop the dazzling morning star, Ning Xiangtong was engrossed in a conversation with Wu Yuan. Suddenly, she received a call invitation from Ning Luo. Without hesitation, she stopped what she was doing, her brow furrowing as she quickly clicked the answer button. In an instant, an indescribable tension welled up in Ning Xiangtong's heart—she knew Ning Luo too well; he would never have contacted her so rashly unless something extremely important was about to happen.

"Hello? Ning Luo? What happened?"

Ning Xiangtong's slightly anxious voice came from the other end of the phone, as if an invisible force was tightly gripping her heartstrings, making it impossible for her to calm down. Ning Luo's heart tightened, but he tried his best to control his emotions and answered calmly:

"Young Miss, please don't panic..."

The words had barely left his mouth when Ning Xiangtong interrupted him without any politeness.

"Enough with the nonsense! Let's get down to business!"

Her tone was unusually serious, leaving no room for negotiation. Ning Luo inwardly groaned, wondering if this young lady had taken the wrong medicine today? Why was she so impatient and irritable? But now was not the time to think about such things; she had to deal with the situation at hand as soon as possible.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and then, in the simplest, most direct, and clearest way, told Ning Xiangtong in detail the plan that he had just discussed with Ning Yunxiang.

Throughout this process, he could sense that the person on the other end remained silent, and apart from the occasional extremely faint breathing sound, he could not hear any other noise.

Although she couldn't see Ning Xiangtong's expression, Ning Luo could tell from her faint, intermittent breathing that her heart must be churning like a vast, turbulent sea, unable to find peace.

When Ning Luo finally finished explaining the entire meticulous plan, Ning Xiangtong suddenly fell into a deathly silence. Was there really no need to rush?

Should we wait and see, and wait for the right opportunity?

Or perhaps it would be better not to touch that crucial, life-or-death betting agreement at all? These suggestions seem to be flawless at first glance. Under normal circumstances, Ning Xiangtong would probably make a decisive and unwavering choice on this safe and sure-fire path.

Unfortunately, the situation has changed drastically. Since Ye Ye disappeared, not a single piece of news about him has been sent back. He has been completely cut off from all contact and has vanished without a trace! As for whether he is safe or has encountered any misfortune, that is completely unknown.

Faced with such a difficult and complex situation, how could Ning Xiangtong possibly remain as calm and composed as before?

Her heart was filled with anxiety and worry.

"Without violating the fundamental principles of the betting agreement we signed earlier, we must do everything in our power to ensure their personal safety is not harmed in any way; however, protecting their lives must be our top priority. If we detect even the slightest sign of danger to Ning Dan or Ye Ye's survival, we must decisively abandon that damn betting agreement! Save them! As for the trouble that follows, let Li Tiandao handle it himself!"

Ning Xiangtong's eyes were resolute, her lips parted slightly, and her tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

"That is my order!"

Before she finished speaking, she did not immediately hang up the quantum communication device she was holding tightly as usual. Instead, she stood still and unmoved, like a statue, as if time had frozen.

At this moment, Ning Xiangtong appeared remarkably calm and composed, as if everything was under her control. She silently awaited Ning Luo's reply, her face expressionless, only her eyes gleaming with a light that revealed an undeniable determination and strength.

Upon hearing Ning Xiangtong's resolute words, Ning Luo seemed frozen in place, completely losing his ability to react. Several seconds later, he snapped out of his daze, letting out a dry swallowing sound.

"Okay... alright, I understand."

Ning Luo took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice from trembling and to remain calm. However, despite his best efforts to conceal his fear and unease, the slight tremor in his voice betrayed his true emotional state. After a brief silence, Ning Luo finally mustered the courage to speak again, but this time his voice was lower and deeper, as if each word required tremendous effort.

Upon hearing this answer, Ning Xiangtong, who had been gripping the communicator tightly and looking tense, finally breathed a sigh of relief. Her previously tense expression gradually relaxed, and she responded softly.

"Okay." Then, without hesitation, he pressed the hang-up button, ending the call with Ning Luo.

As the communicator emitted a busy beeping sound, the entire room fell into a deathly silence. Ning Yunxiang and Ning Luo exchanged glances, their eyes revealing an indescribable expression—a mixture of bewilderment about the future and a sense of absurdity.

After a while, Ning Yunxiang broke the deadlock, took a deep breath, and composed himself before speaking.

"Alright, stop thinking about it. Immediately notify everyone to change course and head southeast. Remember, be sure to avoid that so-called 'no man's land' area and take a detour. The specific route can be through the Chestnut Clan system first, and then directly reach the border of the Xuan Bird system."

Then, he paused briefly before continuing to give instructions.

"At the same time, immediately dispatch the Spirit Kite, without considering any energy consumption. Head to the sea area surrounding Xuan Niao Star with all our might, and closely monitor the surrounding area. In particular, pinpoint the possible hiding places of Ye Ye and Ning Dan. If any abnormalities or unforeseen events are discovered, we must act immediately and do everything in our power to rescue them. No matter the cost, we must not allow them to suffer any harm!"

"As ordered!"

After Ning Yunxiang answered Ning Luo's instructions firmly, he turned and left in a hurry, quickly walking out of the conference room to arrange and carry out the various tasks assigned by Ning Luo.