Years turn into wind

Chapter 117 Undercurrents and True Feelings

The next morning, the mansion had returned to its usual tranquility, but a shadow hung over everyone's heart. Ling Xiaotian gathered all the guard captains and secret sentry captains in the hall to lay out a new defense strategy. Cheng Yuwei stood beside him, her gaze piercing with determination. She knew this was a protracted battle, and any slack could be fatal.

"From tonight onwards, patrols will be stepped up in every corner of the mansion. Any suspicious individuals must be strictly questioned." Ling Xiaotian's voice was deep and powerful, carrying a convincing authority. Everyone responded and left, each preparing to complete their new mission.

After the meeting, Ling Xiaotian turned to look at Cheng Yuwei, his eyes showing a hint of tenderness. "Did I scare you last night?"

Cheng Yuwei smiled, trying to ease the tension. "With you by my side, I'm not afraid." Her voice was soft, but the light in her eyes was firm, and Ling Xiaotian felt a warmth in his heart. He reached out and took her hand, whispering, "Wei'er, we've been through so much together. I swear I won't let you get hurt."

The two looked at each other for a moment, as if they could read the deep affection in each other's eyes. Cheng Yuwei leaned in his arms, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat, and felt a sense of peace in her heart.

As the two savored this moment of tenderness, someone outside the mansion secretly observed the entire situation. Liu Meiqiu stood in a secluded corner, her eyes gleaming with jealousy and coldness. "Your happiness is but a temporary illusion," she whispered to herself, a hint of a sneer curling her lips.

She quickly turned and walked away, heading towards a hidden path. Waiting for her was a tall, mysterious man in a robe, his face hidden under the cloak, only his eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

"The action plan can begin. They are no longer on guard." Liu Meiqiu said in a low voice.

The man nodded slightly, his voice as deep as the night. "Very good, prepare for the next step. We must make Ling Xiaotian taste the bitterness of failure, and let that woman know the consequences of meddling in matters she shouldn't be involved in."

Night fell once again. The mansion was heavily guarded, yet an almost imperceptible murderous aura hung in the air. Cheng Yuwei sorted through intelligence materials in her study, feeling a vague sense of unease. She knew last night's attack wouldn't be the last; the Moying Society's plot was closing in.

"Wei'er." Ling Xiaotian's voice came from outside the door, interrupting her thoughts.

She looked up and saw him holding a letter, his brow furrowed. "Someone has delivered a secret letter. It's unsigned, but it reveals the whereabouts of the Ink Shadow Society."

Cheng Yuwei took the letter and quickly read it, her expression becoming serious. "They are planning to gather at an abandoned temple outside the city. This might be where they are planning their next move."

A hint of determination flashed in Ling Xiaotian's eyes: "This is our chance to fight back."

The night was thick, and the moonlight cast a hazy glow across the sky, shrouding the entire town like a veil. Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei, accompanied by elite scouts, quietly infiltrated the abandoned temple outside the city under cover of darkness. They moved with caution and swiftness, taking in every blade of grass and tree, fearing to miss even the slightest clue.

The temple was empty and cold, a few abandoned candlesticks standing beside the stone statues creating a particularly eerie atmosphere. Cheng Yuwei gently pushed open the half-closed temple door, which creaked open with a creak, breaking the night's silence. Ling Xiaotian walked beside her, his eyes scanning the surroundings like an eagle.

"There are signs of a fight here." A secret sentry discovered bloodstains and sword marks on the ground.

Cheng Yuwei squatted down to check, and reached out to touch the bloodstain gently. It was still warm. She raised her head and frowned slightly: "They just left not long ago."

Ling Xiaotian narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "It seems we are not too late. They may have discovered that we are already taking action, so they evacuated."

As the two were lost in thought, a subtle noise suddenly emanated from the corner of the temple. The sentry quickly stepped forward and dragged a ragged young man from the shadows. His face was filled with terror, his eyes gleaming with fear.

"Who are you? Why are you here?" Ling Xiaotian asked sternly, with the sword pointing directly at the man's throat.

The man trembled, his voice hoarse: "Don't... don't kill me! I'm just a pawn forced to deliver a message. They... they will be back soon. They have discovered your whereabouts!"

Cheng Yuwei's heart trembled. She turned to look at Ling Xiaotian, her eyes more alert. Ling Xiaotian made a quick decision and waved to the sentry behind him, "Retreat immediately! No lingering battle!"

Everyone quickly retreated back into the forest, lurking among the shadows. Sure enough, within moments, several dark figures quietly emerged from around the temple, led by none other than Liu Meiqiu and the mysterious man. Cheng Yuwei could clearly see through the gaps between the leaves: Liu Meiqiu was holding a short blade, her expression cold and indifferent.

"Tonight is a good opportunity. Since they haven't set up an ambush, let's take our plan one step further." Liu Meiqiu said coldly, looking around the temple.

The mysterious man's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he whispered, "Continue with the plan and force them to completely expose themselves."

Cheng Yuwei held her breath, and a bold guess emerged in her mind: they wanted to lure out the traitor in the mansion!

After returning to the mansion, Cheng Yuwei and Ling Xiaotian didn't relax for a moment. They quickly sorted out the intelligence, trying to find the weak points in the "Moying Society" plan. Ling Xiaotian stood at the desk, his brows furrowed, "There really is a mole in our mansion."

Cheng Yuwei nodded, her voice filled with uneasiness: "Besides, this person is right next to us, monitoring every move."

A little suspense: Who is the traitor in the mansion? Can they gain the upper hand in the enemy's conspiracy? Will Liu Meiqiu and the mysterious man's next move put Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei in greater danger?