Chapter 176: Following the Trail
Black robes and a mask. Hidden entirely in the shadows.
Chen Yin was all too familiar with this attire.
…Shen Li.
Lian’er, noticing the sudden chill in Chen Yin’s aura, followed his gaze curiously.
“Brother, do you know that masked person?”
“Who is he?” Chen Yin asked, his eyes fixed on the masked figure.
“He’s from an organization called Shen Li. He’s a guest of the Grand Witch.”
A guest of the Grand Witch? Chen Yin narrowed his eyes. “The Grand Witch has connections with Shen Li?”
“He came a month ago, inviting the Grand Witch to join their organization.”
Lian’er explained, “But she hasn’t given him an answer yet. She said she’ll decide after she comes out of seclusion.”
“So he’s waiting for her, just like you.”
Chen Yin’s eyes flickered.
…It seemed the Grand Witch hadn’t joined Shen Li yet.
If she had, Ye Huang would be in grave danger, and there would be little hope for Ye Ling’er.
The good news was that he had found a Shen Li hideout.
And he had arrived just in time. Perhaps he could stop the Grand Witch from joining them.
“Brother, you seem to dislike that masked person.”
Lian’er bit her finger, her innocent eyes blinking at him.
Chen Yin was silent for a moment, then said softly, “Something like that.”
“Then I must warn you, Brother, don’t fight in the village.”
Lian’er said seriously, “The Grand Witch hates fighting and noise. She’ll kick you out if you cause trouble.”
Chen Yin frowned slightly, then nodded.
The masked figure also noticed them.
He turned his head and froze, his gaze meeting Chen Yin’s.
Since he had been spotted, Chen Yin decided not to hide. He walked towards the masked figure.
“Greetings, friend of Shen Li.” He smiled and bowed slightly.
The masked figure stared at him silently.
Chen Yin was surprised by his calmness.
…This guy was from Shen Li, but he didn’t recognize him?
He had thought that after costing Shen Li so dearly, his face would be well-known within the organization.
“You seem unfamiliar with my face.”
The masked figure remained silent, like a lifeless statue.
Was this guy mute?
Chen Yin thought for a moment, then said, “It’s a pleasure to meet a friend of Shen Li. Why don’t you come to my place for a cup of tea?” He gestured politely.
His meaning was clear.
Now that he had been spotted, there was no escaping this village.
The masked figure didn’t move, his silence unsettling.
Chen Yin was starting to lose his patience, his gaze turning cold, when the masked figure finally spoke:
“Are you… also a guest of the Grand Witch? How do you know about Shen Li?”
His voice was androgynous, difficult to distinguish.
Chen Yin paused.
This guy really didn’t recognize him? There were such naive people in Shen Li?
But this might be his chance.
An idea formed in his mind. He put on a friendly smile.
“Don’t you know? I’m a close friend of the Divine Son.”
“…I’m a new member of Shen Li. I’m still unfamiliar with many things.” The masked figure said softly.
“I see.”
Chen Yin feigned understanding and moved closer, acting like they were old friends. “It’s alright, you’ll get used to it.”
“Come, come, let’s have a drink at my place! Fine wine and good company!”
He reached out a hand, and the masked figure flinched as if he had been electrocuted.
“I apologize,” he said softly, “but the organization has rules.”
“Oh, right, right, my apologies.”
Chen Yin chuckled. “In that case, I won’t disturb you any further. You’re also waiting for the Grand Witch to come out of seclusion, right?”
The masked figure nodded silently.
“Then we’ll be staying in the village for a few days. Feel free to visit me for a drink anytime. I’ll be waiting.”
The masked figure didn’t reply, his face hidden behind the mask, his expression unreadable.
He turned and walked away.
Chen Yin’s smile faded as he watched him go.
Lian’er blinked, her eyes darting back and forth between them.
“Brother, didn’t you say you disliked him?”
Chen Yin thought for a moment and pulled out a cream cake.
“Don’t tell the Grand Witch about this. You can have as much cake and bread as you want if you keep quiet.”
Lian’er’s eyes lit up, and she happily took the cake.
After bribing her into silence, Chen Yin turned his attention to the departing masked figure, his eyes narrowed.
A black figure silently appeared beside him.
“The System detected a Chosen One nearby,” Qingying said, her eyes serious.
“He’s from Shen Li.” Chen Yin said calmly. “Can you follow him?”
“I’ll try.”
She whispered, “But he might have sensed me. The System can detect other Chosen Ones.”
Chen Yin shook his head. “Forget it. Just act normal.”
Qingying couldn’t help but ask, “What are you planning to do?”
“He’s just a small fry, not worth the trouble.”
Chen Yin’s eyes were clear, his voice low. “I want to follow the trail and find the Divine Son.”
…The Divine Son was a cautious man.
The Shen Li members he had encountered before, the Divine Messengers, would rather die than reveal any information. They had clearly been well-trained.
Now that he had encountered a newcomer, he couldn’t afford to alert them.
“It seems Shen Li is trying to recruit the Grand Witch.”
He said slowly, “Perhaps we can use this opportunity to find the Divine Son’s hideout.”
“But to prevent him from escaping, let’s have Luo Luo keep an eye on him.”
Luo Luo was no longer a Chosen One, and with her ability to merge with the void, she was the perfect candidate for the job.
Qingying nodded and disappeared silently.
Lian’er was still happily munching on her cake. Chen Yin stroked his chin thoughtfully.
…Weren’t all Shen Li members supposed to be Chosen Ones?
And Nan Xiaoxiang had said that the Wu Xuan Cave didn’t have a Heavenly Dao Fragment.
If they were trying to recruit the Grand Witch, did that mean she had obtained one?
He would have to wait until she came out of seclusion to find out.
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