West Mountain, afternoon.
The mountain path winds, flanked by ancient sturdy pines.
The continuous canopy filters sunlight into fragmented spots, scattered on the bluestone-paved steps.
The air carries a refreshing scent of pine needles mixed with damp earth.
The higher one climbs, the quieter it becomes.
Only the rustling of the wind passing through the treetops and occasional bird calls remain.
Halfway up the mountain, an ancient temple is hidden among the trees.
The moss-covered green tiles and flying eaves reveal an isolated serenity steeped in the passage of time.
Three figures quickly ascend the stone steps, finally stopping before the tightly closed vermillion temple gate.
The leading man is tall and sturdy, though his face is somewhat pale, with one arm wrapped in a bandage and slung across his chest.
The young man behind him wears a sullen expression, his brows furrowed with lingering irritation.
The skinny man trailing behind keeps his head lowered, appearing timid and shy.
They did not push the door open but stood quietly outside, as if waiting for some form of permission.
Inside the temple, wisps of incense rise from a brass beast-head censer, spiraling upward before dissipating beneath a ceiling painted with constellation diagrams.
Several rows of ancestral tablets silently observe the figure seated on a futon.
Xiao Linye has been sitting here in silence for several days.
Ever since the "Master" left, he frequently comes to this family forbidden area on West Mountain to cultivate with a concentrated mind.
It serves both to enhance his strength and refine his mindset, while also pondering the profound message within the Master’s words.
He had long since detected the presence of the three outside.
Only when the last inch of incense burned out did he slowly open his eyes and speak calmly:
The voice was not loud, yet like a gentle breeze, it effortlessly traveled across dozens of meters, penetrating the heavy door.
With a creak, the door was pushed open.
Three figures filed in, passed through the front hall, and entered the ancestral hall, where they respectfully knelt on the ground.
"Family Head, we failed in conducting the Noah Pharmaceutical task."
The tall man spoke first, his voice hushed, tinged with a hint of shame.
Xiao Linye’s eyes flashed with a stern light as he scanned the three kneeling figures pleading for forgiveness. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel⟡fire.net
They were the clan members previously tasked with executing the mission, Xiao Yuanwang, Xiao Chenghuan, and Xiao Ming.
Feeling the cold and tangible gaze of the Family Head, a chill swept over their hearts, causing their heads to lower even further.
Xiao Linye furrowed his brows slightly, his gaze resting on Xiao Yuanwang’s right arm, which was secured by a splint.
"Explain it clearly."
Xiao Yuanwang immediately gathered his Spirit, enduring the sharp pain from his right arm, and began his report:
"Last night, word came from Noah Building that the East Capital Branch held an internal meeting attempting to capture an insider, but for some reason, the entire building was dragged into the Inner World."
"As soon as we heard the news, we rushed to the vicinity of the building to observe the situation."
"Until the Inner World dissipated, and communications were restored, we learned the insider info from Ma Biao, confirming that the East Capital Branch was in utter chaos, so we intended to seize the opportunity to infiltrate the experimental area."
"The operation went smoothly, and guided by intelligence data, we quickly found the Deep Red Eye, prepared to open the Teleportation Gate."
"However, during our retreat, we encountered a man wearing a white Evil Ghost Mask."
Xiao Yuanwang recalled the scene at that time, a hint of dread flashing in his eyes.
"That man had just defeated Minister Luo Lie, chased into the laboratory, and without a word, began to fight us."
"According to Ma Biao’s information, this person is called ’White Owl,’ a murderer whom the East Capital Branch has recently been tracking, having wiped out an entire Pursuer Special Team and consecutively killed several senior officials."
"This person’s actions are extremely brutal, hardly using any Special Ability, relying solely on muscles and fists, with speed and Strength reaching the level comparable to an S-Class Expert."
He clenched his intact left fist, his tone revealing strong unwillingness:
"I underestimated him at that time, allowing him to get too close without dodging."
"Moreover, the explosive power of his punch far exceeded my expectations, resulting in this injury."
"If I had been prepared earlier with my Domain Ability, I could have worn down this brute in a battle of attrition, and he would have been the one ultimately defeated..."
As an Elder of the Xiao Family, a dignified S-Class Expert, he was shamefully defeated in one move by an unknown fellow, prompting a few extra words of explanation.
"Second Uncle is right."
The young man beside him, Xiao Chenghuan, immediately agreed:
"That White Owl is a madman! I heard from Ma Biao that he kills indiscriminately, his personality is psychotic, not only are his methods extremely cruel, but he also likes stripping naked and engaging in close combat."
"Second Uncle was just caught by surprise; if there were another fight, he would surely be able to slay him!"
Xiao Chenghuan, a standout among the third generation of the Xiao Family, has always prided himself on being extraordinary.
Last night, however, he was ignored from beginning to end by the opponent, leaving him simmering with discontent.
One after the other, they embellished and defended their failure.
Xiao Linye listened quietly, saying nothing.
His fingers lightly tapped on his knee, while his mind raced.
First defeating Luo Lie, then heavily injuring Xiao Yuanwang with a single punch, scaring away the three skilled clan warriors he sent.
This level of capability is considered top-notch throughout the East Capital and Xia Country.
Aside from the few monstrous Elders and prodigies of the noble families, it seems only those individuals in the Special Search Team relying on special equipment could match him.
What is this person’s background?