125: Chapter 125 Investigating the Truth

Just as Chen Zilong and the others were about to leave, Lin Yue suddenly called out to him:

"Fellow Daoist Chen, please wait."

Chen Zilong turned around, meeting Lin Yue's complicated gaze.

For some reason, he always felt there was a deeper meaning in the way Lin Yue looked at him.

It wasn't admiration or affection, but a scrutinizing gaze with a purpose.

"What advice does Fellow Daoist Lin have?" Chen Zilong asked calmly.

Lin Yue took a few steps forward. Today, she wore a plain white dress that accentuated her slender figure.

She pursed her lips slightly, revealing a strained smile:

"Fellow Daoist Chen, are you planning to fight Village Chief next?"

"That is the most direct way to leave this accursed place," Chen Zilong replied plainly.

Lin Yue's brows furrowed slightly, a flash of worry appearing in her eyes:

"Fellow Daoist Chen, the enemy is in the shadows while we are in the light. This battle will likely not be easy."

Chen Zilong sensed there was more to her words and raised an eyebrow, asking:

"Does Fellow Daoist Lin have any brilliant suggestions?"

"I plan to take a few people to Village Chief's place first to investigate the situation."

Lin Yue's voice was soft but carried an unwavering determination. "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles."

Chen Zilong shook his head, his expression serious:

"No. Village Chief's cultivation is unfathomably deep. You are only at the Golden Core stage; it's far too dangerous."

Lin Yue smiled bitterly and shook her head, deep self-blame surfacing in her eyes:

"It's not to confront her directly, just to gather information. Because of my foolishness, too many people have already died... I want to make amends, even if it costs my life."

Chen Zilong narrowed his eyes, carefully studying her, his tone softening slightly:

"Fellow Daoist Lin, to err is human. You don't need to be so hard on yourself."

He tried to persuade her a few more times, but Lin Yue's attitude remained resolute.

Perhaps she had already emerged from the shadow of guilt, but she still wanted to do something to make up for her mistakes.

Chen Zilong took Ye Xishui and the others back to the sixth floor.

In his own room, the four of them began discussing plans to deal with Village Chief.

However, just as they were deep in discussion, the door was knocked on again.

Ye Xishui went to open the door. Standing outside was still Lin Yue.

The two spoke in low voices at the doorway for a moment before Lin Yue turned and left.

"Did she propose going to investigate again?" Chen Zilong asked immediately when Ye Xishui returned.

Ye Xishui nodded gently. As she walked back to her seat, her skirt swayed lightly, her posture as elegant as a painting:

"Yes, but this time I agreed."

"What? Why?" Chen Zilong suddenly stood up, his face full of disbelief.

Ye Xishui looked up at him, a gentle smile in her eyes:

"She's right. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. Moreover, you are the main force in this battle. If she can bring back useful information, it would greatly benefit us."

"It's too dangerous!" Chen Zilong frowned.

"Don't worry, this time she plans to go alone."

Ye Xishui paused, a sly curve appearing on her red lips. "However, I'm going with her."

"What?!" Chen Zilong looked at her in shock, and even Tu Shan Xiaoxiao beside him couldn't help but furrow her delicate brows.

Lu Bingyun shook her head gently, disapproval in her voice:

"Junior Sister Ye, what's gotten into you? Lin Yue is emotionally unstable right now. Why are you acting recklessly too?"

Ye Xishui turned to Chen Zilong, her gaze soft as water yet carrying an unshakeable firmness:

"Young Master, I just want you to leave this place safely."

She smiled slightly, a charming allure in the corners of her eyes and brows. "It's just gathering information, not a suicide mission. If we can't win, can't we at least run away?"

She gave Chen Zilong a reassuring smile, her bright phoenix eyes sparkling with determination:

"I will definitely come back. I haven't made you fall in love with me yet; how could I bear to die?"

Chen Zilong took a deep breath, knowing he could no longer change her decision.

He gazed at Ye Xishui's beautiful face and said solemnly:

"Then promise me you will return safely."

Ye Xishui didn't answer, only tilting her head playfully, a reassuring curve lifting the corner of her lips.

The gesture made her appear both innocent and alluring, stirring one's heart.

According to the plan, Ye Xishui and Lin Yue would first go to the villagers to gather information at noon, then proceed to Village Chief's residence.

They agreed to return before sunset.

After watching Ye Xishui and Lin Yue leave, Chen Zilong decided to find Long Xiang to inquire in detail about the specifics of Long Tianjiao's cooperation with Village Chief.

If Long Xiang refused to cooperate, he wouldn't mind using a soul-searching technique.

Strangely, however, Chen Zilong searched all over Yingxian Pavilion but couldn't find any trace of Long Xiang.

When he asked Wei Guodong and Jin Mei, both said they hadn't seen him either.

Since he couldn't be found, Chen Zilong simply stopped bothering.

He returned to the sixth floor and began focusing on preparing for the battle with Village Chief.

Time passed minute by minute, and the sun gradually sank in the west.

Chen Zilong stood at the entrance of Yingxian Pavilion, pacing back and forth uneasily.

He regretted more and more agreeing to let Ye Xishui and Lin Yue go investigate, and even more regretted not going with them.

The agreed time was before sunset, but now the sun was almost completely hidden below the horizon.

After waiting for about another half an hour, the sky had completely darkened, the surroundings shrouded in an eerie silence.

Chen Zilong could finally sit still no longer. He decided to go alone to Village Chief's residence to look for Ye Xishui.

Just as he was about to step out of Yingxian Pavilion's main gate, a familiar figure slowly emerged from the darkness in the distance.

It was Ye Xishui. She walked alone from the night, her steps slightly weary.

Yet behind her, there was no one else.

Lin Yue was gone.