After watching Ye Cangtian leave, Dugu Ling walked over, gave a thumbs-up, and said, "Sister Dongfang, you're still the厲害 one, you've got him completely under control. I wish I had that ability."
Hmm?
Hearing the first half of the sentence, Dongfang Mingyue showed a proud smile, but upon hearing the latter half, her brows immediately furrowed.
Could this be a veiled statement?
Did this little girl Dugu Ling have feelings for that brat?
Thinking this, Dongfang Mingyue slowly shook her head. The two had only just completed a mission together, how could things have progressed so quickly…
…
Dragon City, a very inconspicuous courtyard.
In a small room, three men were seated.
If Ye Cangtian and Dugu Ling were here, they would definitely recognize the identities of the three men. They were former team members and also members of the Black Wind Sect.
At this moment, the three led by Guan Liao had exceptionally gloomy expressions.
The reason was that they had personally witnessed Dugu Ling and Ye Cangtian fall into that strange lake.
By all rights, they should have been certain to die, which was why they had returned and reported the mission status.
But now, Dugu Ling had returned alive and kicking!
Not only Dugu Ling, but even the teammates who had fallen into the water had returned, and it was said they had reaped considerable rewards!
"Captain Guan, you can't blame us for all this. I believe the higher-ups will understand."
"Who could have imagined that after being dragged down by the mud at the bottom of the lake, they wouldn't suffocate but would instead find a secret realm…"
The tall subordinate's voice grew smaller and smaller, finally disappearing entirely, as he felt Guan Liao's gaze.
"Hmph!"
Guan Liao let out a cold snort and said, "Will the higher-ups listen to your explanations? In their eyes, there is only success and failure!"
In Guan Liao's opinion, the mission failure could perhaps be excused, as the Intelligence Group had sent experts to protect Dugu Ling.
The problem was that he hadn't even determined Dugu Ling's life or death, which showed incompetence. He feared his tenure as captain was coming to an end.
"Captain Guan, we still have a chance to mend our mistakes."
Just then, the shorter subordinate spoke. The headquarters' commendations hadn't arrived yet, so they likely didn't know about the situation in Dragon City.
Therefore, if they eliminated Dugu Ling before the headquarters found out, everything would be resolved.
Even if the headquarters found out, they wouldn't be penalized, as they would have completed the mission.
Hearing this, Guan Liao's expression softened considerably. He said, "You're right. Do this: closely monitor Dugu Ling's movements. As soon as she leaves Dragon City, we'll find an opportunity to strike."
"Alright."
The two immediately agreed to Guan Liao's decision and then left the room to make arrangements.
…
After a day and night of rest, as the sun rose again, a carriage had appeared in front of the villa.
Dongfang Mingyue had prepared ample food and water for Ye Cangtian and the two of them, and had also allocated the fastest and most comfortable carriage within the Intelligence Group to Ye Cangtian.
Ye Cangtian was quite satisfied with this, muttering to himself that Dongfang Mingyue had finally shown some conscience this time.
"Miss Dugu, we're about to set off. Can you tell me your home's location now, so we can set the pace!"
As soon as he got into the carriage, Ye Cangtian asked impatiently.
Honestly, he truly didn't want to accept this escort mission, but he couldn't refuse it, so he could only hope that this mission would end soon.
"Hmph! What kind of expression is that?"
"Do you think just anyone can come to my home, the Miss Dugu?"
Seeing Ye Cangtian's attitude, Dugu Ling snorted coldly, feeling very displeased. She said indignantly.
"I'm just asking about the route so I have an idea and can make good time. I didn't say anything else!"
Ye Cangtian said helplessly.
He knew Dugu Ling's temper and didn't want to provoke her.
After all, he still had to escort her home! If the journey became too tense, it would be uncomfortable for both of them.
Therefore, as a gentleman, he took a step back.
"Hmph!"
Hearing this, Dugu Ling's expression softened a bit, and she said, "Head south all the way. When you reach Wucheng, that's my home."
Wucheng?
Ye Cangtian couldn't help but be stunned. Having been in the ruins for so long, he had naturally seen some of the maps of the ruins.
Wucheng could be described as a border town, with a rather special location, not too far from the vast sea to the south.
It could be said to be the city closest to the endless sea that humans occupied within the Huaxia ruins.
Ye Cangtian quietly decided that when he arrived at the Dugu family's place, he would have to understand the surrounding situation, as he had promised Nami that he would escort Nami to the southern sea.
Although he wasn't going immediately, it was still good to understand the situation in advance and be prepared.
Thinking this, Ye Cangtian signaled the coachman to start moving.
To minimize trouble, Ye Cangtian chose to take the main road for this journey. The main road, being far from the mountains and forests, would reduce the occurrences of wild beast attacks, making it relatively less troublesome.
However, even so, the scenery on both sides of the road was still quite pleasant.
Coupled with a smooth journey, both Ye Cangtian and Dugu Ling were in good spirits. They could occasionally chat and laugh, and their relationship grew better.
…
Unknowingly, they were halfway through their journey back and arrived at a city.
Seeing the city, Dugu Ling began to plead with Ye Cangtian to stop and rest for the night.
They had been traveling at full speed all the way. Even when passing through cities, they only replenished essential supplies and then continued to rush.
It could be said that they ate and slept in the carriage. For the past few days, they hadn't eaten or slept properly. Even if she could endure more, she couldn't hold on any longer.
Seeing the pitiful Dugu Ling, Ye Cangtian's heart softened, and he finally agreed.
After all, she was a young lady who was not accustomed to hardship. Her enduring for so long was already quite good.
Moreover, they had gotten along relatively well on the way, and he couldn't push her too far.
Entering the city.
They found an inn, ordered some small dishes, and enjoyed them in the room.
"Brother Ye, you said you have a fiancée, but why haven't I seen her?" Dugu Ling asked casually while eating.
When the topic of his fiancée was mentioned, Ye Cangtian smiled and said, "She's in Huaxia, not in the ruins."
"Ah? In Huaxia?"
"Then aren't you separated?"
"You've been in the Intelligence Group for so long, aren't you afraid she'll change her mind?"
Dugu Ling was stunned and asked a series of questions.
"She won't. She's not that kind of person."
Ye Cangtian said. He had great confidence in Tang Xinwan.
However, after not returning for such a long time, she would likely have some complaints about him. He understood all of this and was mentally prepared.
"Uh, you do have confidence in her."
"But does she have confidence in you? Some people say men are all bad, and they're best at finding new loves and discarding old ones."
Hearing Ye Cangtian say this, Dugu Ling's eyes darted around, and she then spoke.
"Little girl, eat your meal properly…"
Ye Cangtian glared at Dugu Ling with annoyance. Before he could finish speaking, his voice suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing Ye Cangtian's expression suddenly turn cold, Dugu Ling hurriedly asked.
"Someone is watching us."
Ye Cangtian said in a low voice.
"What! Who dares to be so audacious? Miss Dugu will go and meet him!"
"Whoever dares to spy on Miss Dugu doesn't want to live!"
Upon hearing this, Dugu Ling instantly exploded, rolling up her sleeves as if to drag the person out.
Ye Cangtian helplessly pulled Dugu Ling down and said calmly, "Don't get agitated. This is an inn, and acting rashly might involve innocent people. We'll leave immediately after we finish eating."
"Damn little thief, you'd better not let Miss Dugu catch you, or you'll regret it!"
Dugu Ling said in a low voice, her voice filled with anger.
She had originally planned to eat and then sleep soundly in the inn, to get a good night's rest. But now that someone had disturbed her, all her plans had gone up in smoke, making her grind her teeth in frustration.
However, she also didn't want to involve innocent people, so she could only grit her teeth and agree to Ye Cangtian's suggestion.
…