Let them offer their loyalty!

Rao Shou and Tang Wanfeng had extensive "anti-coup" experience. The arsenal was the first thing to be controlled in all states.

Without control of the arsenal, even if there were a few who got away and controlled the army, they wouldn't be able to form effective combat power.

Then, control the army to ensure order. Finally, proceed with the arrests one by one.

With these three strategies, even if there were resistance forces from the "Academic Faction," they couldn't stir up much trouble.

Especially in Beiyun State. Since it was a key defense target, Pei Jing didn't even go to Beiyun State. Some of his subordinates who had already been transferred were directly arrested.

The entire purge operation was incredibly swift; even though it was massive, it hardly affected ordinary people.

So, early the next morning, the people of the Eighth Sanctuary in all states went to work as usual, but they didn't realize that some of the mid to high-level officials in their cities or states had all disappeared overnight.

However, while it's easy to keep such matters from the public, it's challenging to keep them from other factions.

The large-scale operation against the "Academic Faction" by Rao Shou and Tang Wanfeng clearly startled the other three major factions.

Upon receiving the news early on, Wang Guochuan, the head of the "Reformist Faction," Hu Jie of the "Free Democracy Faction," and Third Elder Lei of the "Local Armed Alliance" were all taken aback.

Over the years, it's somewhat exaggerated to say all six factions were "intimately bonded."

However, "sincere cooperation" is aptly put.

Now, with Rao Shou and Tang Wanfeng suddenly acting against Pang Haichen, it obviously touched their sensitive nerves.

After all, if today Rao Shou and Tang Wanfeng dared to strike the "Academic Faction," they might target their factions tomorrow.

Such actions breaking the political unspoken rules closely resemble a massive purge.

Thus, after a brief consultation, the three called the high-ranking officers in charge of military power in their factions, relayed a few instructions, and then joined forces to meet with Rao Shou.

Meanwhile, Rao Shou and Tang Wanfeng were in the courtyard, calmly fishing while patiently waiting for news from Qiu Tu.

Of those they monitored and controlled in recent days, almost all had been captured last night.

Only Qiu Tu, who was on the most critical mission, had yet to report back.

It's possibly because Pang Haichen was too crucial; his presence or absence meant a completely different outcome for the entire operation.

Thus, even the shrewd Rao Shou and Tang Wanfeng showed less of their usual ease while waiting.

As Tang Wanfeng quietly fished, he slowly spoke, "Old Pang is indeed quite alert."

"He must have detected clues early on and saw through our delaying tactics."

"After that, he deliberately incited the 'Academic Faction's' confidants to mutiny while he quietly fled."

At this point, Tang Wanfeng paused and added, "Qiu Tu sent word last night that Pang Haichen has absconded out of guilt and has now fled to the Disaster Zone."

"Judging by the timeline, he should've escaped four or five days ago."

Hearing Tang Wanfeng's words, Rao Shou nodded slightly and uttered a nasal "hmm."

He then said, "Our old friend... still so decisive."

"A clean break, done so decisively."

"He found the only chance of survival."

In response, Tang Wanfeng nodded slightly, then after a brief silence, he began again, "It's a pity he encountered Qiu Tu."

"Qiu Tu's capability is still very strong. In just a few hours, he discovered his hiding place."

Rao Shou nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on the calm water surface...

After a moment, he spoke, "Are you sure the one who stole the nuclear bomb designs was Old Pang?"

This topic seemed too sensitive. Tang Wanfeng furrowed his brows slightly, considering carefully, "I've been investigating for seven years, and all clues pointed to him."

"But to say it was 100% him, I can't guarantee it."

"Everything can only be slowly interrogated and decrypted after capturing Old Pang."

At this point, Tang Wanfeng continued slowly, "However, fortunately... I always feared this day, so I stored the three technologies separately. He only got the least critical part."

The three technologies Tang Wanfeng mentioned clearly refer to the purification technique for nuclear materials (enriched uranium), the nuclear weapon design documents, and the delivery issues of nuclear weapons.

Among these, relatively, the "nuclear weapon design documents" seem the least significant.

After all, merely having design documents is of little use; to create a nuclear weapon, the most crucial aspects are the extraction technology and equipment for "enriched uranium" and the issue of weapon delivery.

So even though the nuclear design documents were leaked seven years ago, it had little effect.

After all, the Evil God knows nothing about refining raw materials or about delivery.

Even if they somehow coincidentally made a "nuclear bomb" by other means, it would just be a large firework.

Hearing Tang Wanfeng's words, Rao Shou nodded slightly and then, with some emotion, said, "Indeed. I just never thought he would be the traitor."

At this point, Rao Shou analyzed, "However, if he could become a traitor, it clearly didn't happen gradually later."

"Our Sanctuary gave him almost everything, whether it be treatment or power."

"The Evil God couldn't offer him more."

"So, I am inclined to believe he might have had contact with the Evil God before establishing the Sanctuary."