Chapter 131: Gathering Cold Villa Three Miles Away

I looked at Sister Yu and said, "You—uh, sorry, force of habit—didn't you say you could cover me? So what do I have to be afraid of?"

Sister Yu smiled slightly and replied, "I was talking about this territory, not an assassination organization. So, what exactly are you trying to do with those people?"

I glanced around and whispered, "It’s not convenient to talk here. Can we go somewhere else?"

Sister Yu was taken aback, then adopted a cautious expression. She checked our surroundings, agreed, and we walked toward the exit. We stepped into an alleyway outside where there were few people and it was much quieter. Sister Yu looked at me and said, "Now, you can tell me."

I nodded and said, "We’ve been investigating someone recently—a member of that assassination organization. We suspect he is linked to a case, which is why we came here."

Sister Yu finally understood. "What case? Who is this person?"

"Well... his name is Wei Wujiang." I hesitated for a moment but decided to tell her; after all, she didn’t seem like a bad person. Sister Yu froze, looked at me, and suddenly exclaimed in agitation, "Wei Wujiang? You’re talking about Wei Wujiang?"

I was startled and nodded. Realizing she had lost her composure, Sister Yu reined in her excitement, covered her mouth, and said, "Why are you looking for Wei Wujiang? He’s a ruthless character."

I waved my hand dismissively. "Like I said, it’s for a case. We investigated a branch of the assassination organization, and they said Wei Wujiang had recently accepted a mission. Shortly after, a mass murder occurred in Chongqing—hundreds of people had their throats slit. I was there at the time and was caught in an illusion. You think that’s a coincidence?"

"Caught in an illusion?" Sister Yu asked, puzzled.

I nodded. Sister Yu continued, "That can't be a coincidence. Wei Wujiang is a renowned master of illusions in the circle. Most people can't break his illusions. How did you manage it?"

As she threw another question at me, I smiled and replied, "I have a master."

Before she could respond, I heard someone call my name. I turned around to see my master walking toward us. "Why did you run off here, boy? Didn't I tell you to scout for information? Did you find anything?"

He reached my side, then suddenly paused. He looked at Sister Yu, then back at me. I gave an awkward smile, and my master immediately turned serious. "I sent you out to handle official business, and you’re off chasing girls? What kind of behavior is this?"

No sooner had he said that than his expression shifted again. He looked at Sister Yu with a beaming grin. "Oh, miss, would you like to exchange numbers? To stay in touch, of course."

He pulled out his phone with a smile. I looked at him, speechless, then rubbed my forehead in embarrassment, shaking my head and sighing. Sister Yu looked at me, confused. Watching my master’s grin, I said, "Master, you’re one to talk. You’re not exactly young anymore; can you tone it down a bit?"

My master ignored me and waved his hand, signaling me to step aside. Sister Yu, caught off guard, took out her phone. My master looked even more delighted. After they exchanged numbers, he put his phone away and was about to speak when I suddenly felt a chill down my spine. My master whipped his head around, and a flash of golden light shot from his hand toward the space behind me. I was stunned as the light zipped past my ear. I spun around just as my master blurred and vanished, reappearing in front of a figure that had suddenly emerged. "Who’s there!"

Sister Yu was startled by the sudden outburst. She looked toward the other person standing in the alley. The man, hidden in the shadows, said, "Brother, I mean no harm. There’s no need for such force."

My master paused and asked, "Who are you?"

The man smiled and stepped out of the shadows. In the moonlight, I recognized him, though the name didn't immediately come to mind. He looked at us and said, "Xiang Fang, from the Zhengzhou branch of the Taoist Association."

Upon hearing his credentials, my master lowered his guard. "Xiang Fang, are you the one in charge here?"

Xiang Fang nodded. My master said, "Forgive my abrupt attack. I meant no offense."

Xiang Fang waved a hand. "It’s fine. I know who you are. By seniority, you are my elder; I should be calling you 'Senior'."

My master smiled but said nothing. Sister Yu, standing behind us, was completely stunned. As a local, she knew the landscape of the supernatural circle here. To see the head of the local Taoist Association respectfully address my master as "Senior" turned everything she thought she knew upside down. The lecherous middle-aged man she had just seen, combined with my previous evasiveness regarding his identity, turned my master into a total mystery, further piquing her curiosity.

My master looked at Xiang Fang. "Is Chairman Xiang here to unwind as well?"

Xiang Fang nodded. "The pressure has been too high lately. This is the only time I can grab a drink."

My master nodded. "Then, rather than drinking in this noisy area, why don't we find a place to chat and share a drink?"

My master spoke in a probing tone, and I understood his intent. Xiang Fang didn't refuse, responding readily, "It would be an honor to share a drink with a figure such as yourself. Senior, you choose the place."

My master smiled and shook his head. "You know this area better than I do. You choose."

Xiang Fang nodded. "Three miles away, there is a quiet tavern. Shall we go there?"

My master agreed. He glanced at me, and I remained silent. With his hands behind his back, he followed Xiang Fang with a smile. I didn't move, looking back at Sister Yu, who was staring at me. "Why are you looking at me?"

I shook my head. "Sister Yu, are you coming?"

She hesitated for a second, then said, "Sure, why not? I came here to drink anyway; it doesn't matter where."

I nodded and caught up with my master, and Sister Yu followed. We kept some distance. Sister Yu looked at my master and whispered to me, "Hey, what's your name?"

I looked at her profile and said, "Lin Xuan. Why?"

"Lin Xuan? That’s a nice name. Hey, is that man in front really your master?"

I nodded. Sister Yu continued, "What is his background? That man is the head of the Taoist Association, and by seniority, he seems much older than your master. Why does he call him 'Senior'?"

I smiled slightly. "You wouldn't know."

"I wouldn't know? If I did, I wouldn't be asking you!" She rolled her eyes at me.

I chuckled again. Getting impatient, she urged me to tell her, but I remained tight-lipped. She looked at me, annoyed, then suddenly changed her demeanor. She stepped right in front of me, blocking my path, and leaned in close. She placed a finger on my chest and slid it up to my chin, saying in a seductive tone, "Little brother, just tell me. It’s not like it’s a state secret."

I froze, goosebumps rising all over my skin. I took a step back and swallowed hard. Just as I was about to speak, my master suddenly turned around and shouted, "Can you hurry up?"

To escape Sister Yu’s advances, I hurriedly said, "Coming!" Sister Yu huffed and stomped her foot, walking beside me. Seeing her expression, I said, "Alright, alright, I’ll tell you."

Sister Yu’s face lit up with anticipation. I cleared my throat and said with an air of importance, "My master is a legendary figure of great renown. He is the North..."

Before I could finish, my master interrupted again, looking back impatiently. "I said, can you move any slower?"

Hearing this, I immediately ran to catch up. Sister Yu stood there, stunned, and called out to my retreating back, "Hey! Lin Xuan, finish your sentence! North what? The North? Is your master from the North?"

I stopped and fell in step beside my master. He glanced at me, and we both caught the sound of Sister Yu’s shouting. A faint smile touched our lips, but we said nothing. Sister Yu hurried to catch up, shooting us an annoyed look, while Xiang Fang kept walking ahead in silence, his hands behind his back.