A small interlude.
Ye Cangtian and Tang Xinwan returned to the villa.
As soon as they got back, Ye Cangtian saw the two women, Gu Qin and Gu Yue, approaching.
While Ye Cangtian was away, the two women had stayed by Tang Xinwan's side. One reason was that they had nowhere else to go, and the other was to protect Tang Xinwan's safety.
They all knew that Tang Xinwan was Ye Cangtian's greatest concern, and they also knew that when Ye Cangtian returned, he would surely come back for her.
The group caught up in the room.
Knowing that Ye Cangtian and Tang Xinwan had much to talk about after their long separation, the two women left not long after.
However, as Gu Yue left, she subtly gave Ye Cangtian a meaningful look.
...
Night.
After seeing Tang Xinwan into her room, Ye Cangtian went alone to the rooftop on the second floor.
Gu Yue was already waiting there. Seeing Ye Cangtian arrive, she quickly walked up and said, "Huang San came looking for you several times earlier, but you weren't here, so he left."
Huang San?
Ye Cangtian frowned. It was obvious that Huang San's visit meant someone from the Dark Association was looking for him. Could it be that the Dark Association had a mission?
Thinking of this, he looked at Gu Yue and asked, "Did you know what he wanted?"
Gu Yue shook her head slowly and replied, "He didn't say what it was specifically, only to tell you to contact him upon your return."
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian didn't hesitate. He took out his phone and dialed Huang San's number.
...
Receiving Ye Cangtian's call that night, Huang San seemed a little surprised. After calming down slightly, Huang San agreed to come immediately.
Many things had happened recently, and it would be more convenient to discuss them in person.
Not long after.
A figure passed through the villa's courtyard and stood before Ye Cangtian. This person was Huang San.
Seeing Huang San, Ye Cangtian glanced at him, tossed him a cigarette, lit one himself, and then said, "No rush, take your time."
Huang San nodded, organized his thoughts, and then began to speak slowly.
The Dark Association, through some unknown channel, had learned of Shangguan Yanran's whereabouts.
Initially, the task of eliminating Shangguan Yanran and seizing the scepter artifact was intended for Ye Cangtian. However, they could never find him.
With no other choice, Qing Dao had to take action himself.
After all, he did not have any trustworthy experts under his command, and if this mission failed, it would be even more difficult to find Shangguan Yanran again.
It was also because Qing Dao took action that Shangguan Yanran's Dragon Group guards seemed insignificant, all being eliminated.
"What!"
"You're saying Shangguan Yanran's disappearance was Qing Dao's doing?"
"But how is it that there's no news at all, and how did you find out?"
Ye Cangtian was instantly shocked upon hearing this and quickly pressed for details.
Logically, if the Dark Association was behind it, there should have been some traces.
After all, the Dragon Group had informants within the Dark Association. For example, Shangguan Yun was a Yellow-level member of the Dark Association.
And Shangguan Ruxue was even a Xuan-level deacon.
But why was this information so tightly sealed?
"Yes, I am sure it was Qing Dao's doing."
"The Dark Association took this mission very seriously, and carefully selected the operatives before the mission to ensure no leaks."
"The reason I know is that Qing Dao wanted to contact you through me, so I learned some details."
"Similarly, if I hadn't been one of your people, Qing Dao might have killed me to silence me..."
Huang San said with lingering fear, glancing at Ye Cangtian.
Qing Dao had already harbored murderous intent towards him that day. If he hadn't presented himself as Xuan Qi's confidant, he might have been silenced.
At this moment, he was also sweating profusely.
"There's another question. Why did Qing Dao only abduct Shangguan Yanran and not kill her?"
Ye Cangtian, having a general understanding of the situation, then asked.
He knew that as long as the owner of the Heart of the Ruins was killed, the Heart of the Ruins would choose a new master.
And Shangguan Yanran was just an ordinary researcher; she should have had no chance to fight back in Qing Dao's hands.
In that case, killing Shangguan Yanran and letting the scepter artifact choose a new master would have been the best option!
"I don't know."
Huang San slowly shook his head. He also found this matter strange, but the information related to it was completely blocked. At his level, he had no right to know.
Ye Cangtian expressed his understanding and continued, "Last question, where was Shangguan Yanran taken?"
"I don't know."
Huang San still shook his head and continued, "But I think she must have been taken back to the Dark Association headquarters. After all, for them, the Dark Association headquarters is the safest place."
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian's expression turned grim.
What Huang San said was not unreasonable. If Shangguan Yanran was taken, China would definitely investigate thoroughly.
And with the capabilities of the Dragon Group and the Hidden Group, the Dark Association headquarters would be the safest.
After all, it was the third largest ruin in the world. It was almost impossible for people from the Dragon Group and Hidden Group to infiltrate it.
Many of the Dragon Group's experts had backups within the Dark Association, and any infiltration into the ruins could lead to their discovery.
Moreover, those with insufficient strength who ventured into the ruins might be wiped out by various dangers before even reaching the headquarters.
Because of this, Ye Cangtian's brows furrowed even more.
It would not be easy to rescue Shangguan Yanran.
Thinking of this, Ye Cangtian glanced at Huang San and said, "By the way, I heard from Gu Yue that you've been here several times. Was it all about this matter?"
"More than just this matter."
Huang San shook his head and continued, "Besides Qing Dao, Zi Long has also asked me to contact you recently. He didn't say what it was about, though. Do you want me to contact Zi Long..."
Zi Long?
Ye Cangtian was stunned for a moment. Hadn't Qing Dao already taken Shangguan Yanran away?
Then why was Zi Long looking for him?
While thinking, he nodded to Huang San.
Perhaps this matter was related to Shangguan Yanran. It was better to contact Zi Long first.
On the other side, Huang San quickly contacted Zi Long, and they agreed on a meeting time before ending the call.
After hanging up the phone, Huang San turned to Ye Cangtian and said, "Sir, Master Zi Long said he will be coming to Kyoto tomorrow and has arranged to meet you tomorrow afternoon at the Seddon Hotel..."
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian nodded and then patted Huang San on the shoulder, saying, "You've worked hard while I was away. This is for you."
Ye Cangtian took out some crystals from his Qiankun Bag and handed them over. He would naturally not treat his brother poorly.
"This..."
Huang San's eyes widened in surprise. Although the crystals in Ye Cangtian's hand were small white ones, there were too many of them.
He knew that Yellow-level deacons only received one or two crystals as mission rewards when executing missions, and most ordinary missions didn't even offer that.
Huang San had only conveyed some messages, and receiving so many crystals made him feel guilty.
"Take it. We are brothers, and any amount of crystals given to you is deserved."
Ye Cangtian said softly.
This made Huang San's heart warm, and he nodded heavily, accepting the crystals.
...