"Patriarch Lin." Inspector Zhao interrupted, his voice suddenly very soft, yet carrying a pressure that made the spine crawl. "The Cangyun Sect is not here to negotiate. We must find this object. If you know anything, speak now. It will be better for everyone."
"And if I don't know?"
Inspector Zhao looked at him, his gaze like a snake watching a frog.
"Then I'm afraid the patriarch will have to cooperate with us in searching the Lin family grounds."
Lin Canghai's face went white.
Search the Lin family grounds—this was tantamount to trampling the family's dignity underfoot.
"Inspector Zhao," Lin Tianhe suddenly spoke, his voice steady, "the Lin family's property and residences have always been managed by the Lin family themselves. Surely the Cangyun Sect needs some justification to search them?"
Inspector Zhao's gaze shifted to Lin Tianhe, sizing him up.
"So you're Lin Tianhe. Heavenly Spirit Root, Foundation Establishment mid-stage. Not bad." He nodded, a trace of appreciation in his tone. "It's good for young men to have courage. But you must understand—the Cangyun Sect does not need to justify its actions to anyone."
Lin Tianhe's expression shifted, but he said nothing more.
Inspector Zhao stood, brushing invisible dust from his robes.
"That's settled, then. Starting tomorrow, Cangyun Sect disciples will stay on the Lin family grounds and conduct a thorough search." He walked to the doorway, then paused and looked back. "Ah, yes—Patriarch Lin. The object in question is a bronze mirror. If you or any of your family knows anything, now is the time to speak."
A bronze mirror.
The two words struck Lin Canghai's heart like lightning.
He remembered something.
Eight years ago, after Lin Yuanshan's death, his belongings had been returned to the Lin family. Among them was an old bronze mirror, dull and clouded, completely unremarkable. The person who had inventoried the possessions had thought it worthless and had given it to Lin Yuanshan's son—that waste boy called Lin Chen.
A bronze mirror.
Lin Canghai's heart skipped a beat.
But he said nothing.
"I know nothing of any bronze mirror," he said calmly.
Inspector Zhao looked at him, the corner of his mouth curling slightly, and turned to leave.
In the main hall, only the Lin family remained.
Silence stretched on.
"Father…" Lin Tianhe began.
"Say nothing more." Lin Canghai cut him off, his voice weary. "All of you, go back. The Cangyun Sect will search tomorrow. Keep your people in line. Don't cause trouble."
The others dispersed.
Lin Canghai sat alone in the empty hall, eyes closed, fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.
After a long time, he opened his eyes and gestured.
A black-clad guard emerged from the shadows.
"Go to the back courtyard," Lin Canghai said quietly. "Bring that boy Lin Chen to see me. Quietly. Don't let anyone see."
The guard nodded and vanished into the darkness without a sound.
Lin Canghai stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the black night.
"Lin Yuanshan," he murmured, "what exactly did you leave for your son…"
Outside the window, no moon, no stars. Only darkness.