Mr. Zhongli, we can't slack off anymore!

The truth often comes out in the most unexpected way.

The so-called mysterious stronghold, which was speculated to be near the settlement, was actually much more hidden than "nearby"—it was not near the settlement at all, but was directly hidden inside the settlement, right under everyone's noses!

It is hidden among those seemingly ordinary, huge rocks that have been eroded by wind and sand day and night.

Who would have thought that someone would be so audacious and ingenious as to carve out a fully functional hidden stronghold inside these hard and thick rocks without anyone noticing?

This was by no means a spur-of-the-moment, hastily completed project. Carving out a space from within the rock large enough to accommodate people, conduct secret research, or make transactions was an undertaking of immense scale and time-consuming nature, far beyond what a few individuals could accomplish in a short period.

This must be a long-term project that has been planned for a long time and has a rigorous process. Moreover, the ability to complete a civil engineering renovation of this scale and ensure its concealment involves far more than just the scholars of the "Life Theory" who want to transform people. Scholars from other colleges, especially those of the "Mystic Theory" and "Element Theory" who are proficient in architecture, mechanics, materials, and may even be involved in elemental-assisted transformation, are also very likely to have participated in it, providing the necessary knowledge and technical support.

“I already know the exact location of that stronghold.” The traveler finished his reconnaissance, opened his eyes, and said confidently to Sesos, who was waiting beside him.

……

After the traveler relayed her initial assessment of the exact location of the hidden stronghold inside the rock to Sesos, the experienced disciplinary informant fell into a brief moment of contemplation. His brow furrowed, his fingers tapping unconsciously on his knees, clearly as he rapidly evaluated the value and potential risks of the information.

After a moment, he nodded and made a decision: "The situation is more complicated than expected, but it's also clearer. I'll go ahead and scout out the entrance, find out the specifics of the entrance, the guards, and the general structure inside. I'll leave elemental traces along the way to help you track it later."

He paused, his gaze towards the traveler turning serious: "You stay here, do not act rashly, and wait for Seno to arrive with his men. If, by tomorrow after the sun has completely set, I have not received any news, or have not returned here..." He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

“If you haven’t returned by nightfall tomorrow, and Seno hasn’t arrived either, then I will follow the trail you left behind to go and find you,” the traveler replied.

Upon hearing this, Sysos smiled with a mixture of relief and complexity: "...Alright, with your guarantee, I feel much more at ease." He knew that this seemingly refined but actually incredibly capable "partner" was no ordinary person who made empty promises.

"Take care on your journey," the traveler offered a brief blessing.

“Yes, I will.” Sesos nodded, preparing to get up and leave. However, just as he straightened up, he seemed to remember something, suddenly turned around, and a sly and mysterious smile, completely out of place with the tense atmosphere, appeared on his face. He lowered his voice and said, “Hehe, among the tribes in the desert, there’s a saying… if anyone is about to embark on a dangerous journey with an uncertain return date, they will go to the woman they love and ask for a farewell kiss. It is said that this will bring them good luck and ensure a safe return.”

The air inside the tent seemed to freeze for a moment.

The traveler stared at him expressionlessly for a full three seconds before replying in a completely flat tone, "Really? That sounds interesting. When Seno arrives later, I'll remember to ask him if their disciplinary officers also have this kind of 'tradition' before carrying out dangerous missions."

"Haha..." Sesos was taken aback by her unconventional answer, and chuckled awkwardly a few times, trying to ease the embarrassment. "Just kidding, just kidding. That was just... I was afraid you were too worried about me, so I wanted to lighten the mood."

"No." The traveler remained indifferent, uttering only two words.

Just as the atmosphere was becoming a little awkward, Jin Moli, who had been listening quietly, suddenly took a small step forward, her signature gentle and harmless smile spreading across her face, and softly said, "In that case... how about I give you a farewell kiss on behalf of the Vice Hall Master?"

Her tone was so natural, as if she were offering to pour him a cup of tea, but the content of her words made Sysos freeze.

"...No, no need! Really, no need!" Cethos almost immediately took two steps back tactically, his movements incredibly agile. The sly smile on his face vanished instantly, replaced by an expression that mixed wariness and "I'd rather not have it."

He could even feel that the hairs on the back of his neck stood up slightly the moment Jin Moli said those words, and a strange chill crept up his spine.

Strangely enough, from the first time he met the traveler and Jasmine, Sesos had a vague feeling that the relationship between the two was more than just that of colleagues.

That half-joke, half-serious joke was, in a way, a test. And Jin Moli's reaction almost instantly confirmed some of his suspicions.

It seems... it's best not to wade into some murky waters. Sysos silently drew a line in his mind, deciding to stay as far away as possible from this seemingly beautiful and harmless, yet strangely alluring, "assistant" lady.

*

After Sythos left, the tent returned to silence. The traveler wasn't initially too worried; Sythos's ability to remain hidden in the exile settlement for so long without revealing his presence showed he was an extremely clever person, adept at assessing situations, and skilled at protecting himself.

He should know his limits and act within his capabilities. If he finds the situation too dangerous, he should at least try to send a warning message.

However, time slipped away slowly as they waited. The desert sun, from its blazing noon, slowly slid towards the western horizon, its color gradually turning orange-red, before finally and reluctantly sinking below the horizon, taking with it the last glimmer of magnificent sunset.

As dusk settled, the light of day quickly faded, and the deep blue night began to envelop the desert, causing the temperature to plummet.

As the last rays of dawn faded and the stars began to sparsely adorn the night sky, no word came from Cethos. There were no pre-arranged codes, no hastily left markings, not even the slightest unusual movement.

Something must have happened.

The thought became clearer and clearer, and heavier and heavier.

The traveler sat in the tent, listening to the unique clamor of the settlement at night, a mixture of various rough sounds, but his mood gradually sank.