The three beaten members of Tian Wai Tian watched as Jinchoel Park and Hansu Seong taunted each other.
The leader stood and approached Manager Kim. He bowed ninety degrees. "We were very rude earlier. I, Xin Qu Tao, ask for your forgiveness. We came here on Master Zu's orders to escort the successor. Before that, we wanted to test him."
Hansu Seong asked, "How did Master Zu die? Or is he even truly dead? He was in good health not long ago."
Xin shook his head. "We can't disclose everything. But Master Zu was murdered—that much is confirmed."
Minji raised her hand. "Um... my dad is clearly unwell right now. How are you going to escort him?"
Xin smiled. "We have a Tian Wai Tian private plane with top-tier medical support."
Hansu Seong shook his head. "Even so, how can we trust that you can keep him safe?"
Xin contemplated for a moment. "If you're that worried, you can come with Mr. Kim."
At this, everyone began discussing among themselves.
---
After some deliberation, everyone decided to accompany Manager Kim, including the members of White Tiger Job Center.
The Tian Wai Tian group had sent members to bring Hansu Seong's son and Jinchoel Park's daughter as well, but the plan backfired. Hansu's son beat them up and refused to come, while Jinchoel Park's daughter also called and declined to go.
Baki yawned as he listened. He took out his phone and dialed Seongji's number. "Seongji, I'll be leaving the country on a mission."
On the other end, Seongji replied, "When will you return?"
Baki answered, "I don't know. It's an escort mission. Probably won't be long."
Seongji nodded. "Okay. Stay safe out there."
---
The Next Day
Baki stared at the massive shrine—or whatever this place was. "It's endless... How big is this place?"
Dozens of people were climbing the stairs. An old man approached their group. "It's a private funeral. If the world found out, it would cause great confusion. The company's stock would be affected. To maintain security, we released fake news about the funeral date. I hope you understand... successor."
The old man was Director Shijin Qiyan. He led everyone to Zu Pengguan's remains.
Baki watched as Manager Kim, Jinchoel Park, and Hansu Seong bowed before Zu Pengguan's remains. The funeral was being held according to Korean customs.
Shijin Qiyan approached Manager Kim. "Follow me. It's time for the successor handover. There's much yet to be done."
Manager Kim walked over and placed a hand on Shijin Qiyan's shoulder. "Where's the original successor?"
At this, Shijin Qiyan grew nervous.
Manager Kim pressed on. "There should be more than one successor. Where are his sons?"
Before Shijin Qiyan could answer, a bullet pierced his head.
A hail of bullets rained down on them. Baki had moved even before the first shot was fired—he'd sensed the large group approaching beforehand. Everyone dove behind cover.
Tom Lee called someone and checked on the status of Zu Pengguan's first son. He was already dead. After a moment, Tom Lee announced, "White Tiger Job Center, from this moment forward, our job is to find and protect the second successor. Section Chief Shin is already locating him."
The White Tiger Job Center and others—including Jinchoel and Hansu—began their counterattack.
Baki rolled from his position to another piece of cover. When the gunfire paused, he lunged out and executed a hook kick, snapping one enemy's neck on impact. He vanished from his spot and reappeared in front of another enemy, landing a rear hook that shattered the man's jaw. Baki kept moving.
Three men approached from the left. The first raised his gun. Baki closed the distance and threw a jab that struck his nose, followed by a straight right to his chin. The man fell. Baki pivoted and delivered a roundhouse kick to the second man's head. His neck twisted and he dropped.
The third man grabbed Baki from behind. Baki bent his knees, gripped the man's sleeve with both hands, and threw him over his shoulder. The man slammed hard into a pillar.
Four more enemies advanced, firing from behind cover. Baki waited behind a column. When they paused to reload, he burst out.
He threw an uppercut under the first man's chin, lifting him off his feet. The second man swung his rifle at Baki's head. Baki slipped to the side and drove a left hook into the man's ribs. His legs buckled.
"Grenade!" Jinchoel Park shouted.
Two more men rushed out. The first wielded a knife and slashed at Baki. Baki weaved, dodging the blade. When the man stabbed forward, Baki caught his wrist, pivoted, and threw him with a hip toss. The man's back slammed against the stairs.
The second man attempted a tackle. Baki braced his weight, wrapped his arm around the man's neck, and took him down with a wraparound throw while maintaining the choke. The man stopped struggling after a few seconds.
Baki rose to his feet. Bodies littered the ground.
Mid-fight, Baki noticed everyone else had already fled. He was dumbfounded at this. He immediately broke away and ran after them. "Why are we running?!"
Manager Kim replied, "Our priority now is saving the second successor. We can't waste time on meaningless fights."