For now, Lin Yun could find no flaws in the few villagers he had met. On the surface, they seemed to have nothing special about them.
Fang Yu'er led Lin Yun to a small courtyard, a bewitching smile on her face. "Big Brother Lin, you can rest here tonight. I live in the main house. If you need anything at all, just let me know."
After thanking her, Lin Yun entered the room.
The entire village was immersed in an exceptionally strange state. Although some of the original villagers remained, they seemed more like hostages.
Lin Yun only stayed in the room for a short while before heading back out.
The Chongqing Bird's voice was filled with doubt. "Something isn't right here, boy. I advise you to investigate this a little more carefully. I have a feeling these people are plotting something."
Although no one was openly following him, Lin Yun could feel that he was constantly being watched, his every move scrutinized. He knew they were likely worried he would stir up trouble. For now, everything in the village was calm. But if he tried to change anything, or if he discovered their secrets, they would surely make a move.
What he was curious about, however, was why they hadn't just attacked him directly.
At that same moment, Fang Wenhe sat in a formal posture, surrounded by several young people.
"Elder, in my opinion, you are being far too cautious this time. He's just a lone cultivator who wandered in. We should just kill him."
"Exactly. Our business here cannot afford any mistakes. What if this boy secretly sabotages us? The consequences would be unimaginable."
As they spoke, all their attention was focused on Fang Wenhe, as if they would raise their weapons against Lin Yun the moment he gave the order.
However, Fang Wenhe did not rush to agree. "This boy is not as simple as you think."
As the one entrusted with this important mission, Fang Wenhe was certainly no fool. At first, he had indeed thought Lin Yun posed no real threat. But after their brief interaction, he had completely changed his mind. The seemingly ordinary Lin Yun was backed by an unfathomable power. No one knew this boy's true identity, let alone what he was capable of. Even Fang Wenhe had to admit, this kid was far more dangerous than they had imagined.
"You have not been in close contact with him, but I spoke with him just now. Even when facing me, that boy remained perfectly calm. You couldn't see a single trace of panic in him."
Taking a deep breath, this was what truly worried Fang Wenhe. To arrive in such a desolate and unfamiliar place, yet to show not the slightest hint of fear… was that normal?
"Hmph, so what if he's a little brave? Are we supposed to be afraid of a boy like him?"
"That's right, Elder! We must prioritize our great cause this time. Otherwise, we won't be able to answer to our superiors!"
The group was filled with disdain. But just then, Fang Yu'er spoke.
"It's not that simple. All of you should know, I have my own unique methods. That man's will is incredibly firm. When I tried to control him, it felt like trying to bend a treasured sword that has been forged a thousand times."
Her words were met with a sudden, dead silence.
Most of them knew of Fang Yu'er's abilities. She was famous within the Crimson Ghost Sect for them. Even the Sect Master wouldn't dare to claim he was completely immune. Yet now, Fang Yu'er was giving Lin Yun such a high evaluation?
"As a woman, my methods have always worked without fail. But this time, I stumbled upon a boy like him. I hope you will all treat this with caution. This matter is far more complex than we think."
No matter how simple they had thought things were before, Fang Yu'er could no longer believe that everything was under their control. Behind this seemingly simple situation, a huge problem was hidden. This young man named Lin Yun clearly had something even more terrifying backing him.
Just then, a middle-aged man rushed in from outside. "Elder, it's bad! Something terrible has happened! We lost him!"
Everyone shot to their feet.
"What? I had several of you tailing him on such an important matter, and you're telling me you lost him?" Fang Wenhe roared in disbelief. He had treated this boy with the highest level of caution, yet he had still managed to shake off their people so easily?
The middle-aged man was embarrassed. "We… we couldn't keep up with his movement technique at all. We don't know how he did it. He just… shook us off before we knew what was happening." To this moment, they still felt as if they had been completely kept in the dark. Lin Yun had done it so effortlessly that they hadn't felt the slightest bit of pressure.
Fang Yu'er snorted. "Elder, we cannot let this matter be delayed. Although it will be some trouble, I suggest we gather a party and find him together, lest he truly ruin our plans."
Fang Wenhe thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
Elsewhere, a young girl was standing before Lin Yun, her eyes filled with terror as she looked at him.
"Miss, you don't need to worry. I am not a bad person."
After confirming through his panel that the girl before him was not a member of the Crimson Ghost Sect, Lin Yun breathed a sigh of relief.
"I am a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect. I came here this time under orders to investigate matters concerning the Crimson Ghost Sect. I never expected such a tragedy to have befallen your village. I am here to save you, but before that, I need to hear some answers from you."
Although Lin Yun spoke with great sincerity, the young girl still took a few steps back, her eyes watching him with extreme vigilance.
"You can't trust me?" Lin Yun sighed. "If there is something you cannot speak of, you must tell me."
The young girl shook her head frantically. "No… there's nothing. Everything here is fine."
It was obvious. The Crimson Ghost Sect had already made preparations for this. Earning their trust would not be easy.
"You should know where the other people from the village went, right?"
The young girl shook her head. "I don't know. I'm sorry, I still have chores to do. I'm sorry."
After saying this, she turned and left without a backward glance.
Watching her retreating figure, Lin Yun sighed. He knew it wouldn't be that simple. But now, it seemed this matter was even more complex than he had imagined.
To be able to make these villagers so terrified… what had the Crimson Ghost Sect done to these people?
Lin Yun clenched his fists. These conscience-less bastards were courting death.