The torrential rain obscured the heavens and earth in darkness.
Lin Fan returned from gathering information, and Bai Xiaosa also closed his eyes, having already scanned the entire city in a rough outline.
Inside the pavilion, the three of them took their seats and ate snacks.
Lin Yu spoke first, "Lin Fan, you go first!"
Lin Fan took a bite of cheese, his eyes narrowed contentedly. Hearing Lin Yu's question, he finally put down the cheese.
"Big brother, the structure of this small city is very simple. The highest-level power organ is the City Lord's Mansion, followed by the two major power organs for finance and military."
"The army is responsible for guarding the city and is entirely under the jurisdiction of the City Lord, while the finance is handled by the patriarchs of the major families within the city. The two sides mutually restrain each other, forming a dynamic balance."
"In addition, due to the severe flooding caused by the heavy rain, countless refugees have converged here, causing the city's security to deteriorate, with arson, murder, and robbery occurring frequently."
"Furthermore, I've detected that the City Lord's Mansion intends to gather the army, and the members of the major families are also collecting wealth. They seem to be planning to move out of this place, indicating that the heavy rain will not stop anytime soon."
Lin Yu nodded. He was not concerned with the city's political structure, but rather with the movements of the City Lord and the major families he mentioned.
This secret realm was vast, but the State of Chuyun remained the sole political entity. The secrets of this world were very likely to reside in Yundu.
And the secret of the heavy rain might only be known to the people of Yundu. These people must also know some secrets, which is why they are preparing in advance to leave this place.
He looked up, and from here, he could vaguely see the tall buildings on the mountain peak. That was Yundu.
It seemed necessary to go to Yundu for a look, Lin Yu thought to himself.
"Brother Bai, did you find anything?"
Bai Xiaosa shook his head slightly and said, "Brother Lin, it's very likely that there is no Soul Suppressing Stele in this city!"
His words caused Lin Yu to pause slightly.
He had witnessed the function of the Soul Suppressing Stele firsthand. If this city did not have a Soul Suppressing Stele, how did they resist the anomalies?
"Is there really none? Could it be hidden in a secret place?" Lin Yu pressed.
The Soul Suppressing Stele was of great importance to the city. Lin Yu speculated that it might be hidden in a secret location.
Bai Xiaosa continued to shake his head, "There shouldn't be a Soul Suppressing Stele. This city is very small. Although my eyes are not particularly strong, now that I have broken through to fifth-tier combat strength, I can see more. I wouldn't be mistaken!"
Lin Yu did not doubt him and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Alright, I understand. Thank you for your hard work!"
After that, they chatted for a while longer. When it grew dark, they each returned to their rooms to rest.
Upon returning to his room, Lin Yu set his sights on Yundu. He immediately ordered a clone to go out of the city and head to Yundu, while he himself would remain here.
This city was chaotic, and the city gates had long been a mere formality. This was also why he had settled here.
At this moment, two hundred clones, clad in full armor, passed through the city walls and walked outwards.
Outside the city, many refugees could be seen hiding beneath the cliff faces. They were drenched, their faces pale, their bodies gaunt from hunger and weakness, appearing on the verge of death.
Alas!
Lin Yu sighed, not interfering further, and ordered the clones to continue towards Yundu.
This city was located halfway up the mountain, a thousand meters away from Yundu. Lin Yu could currently control an area within ten thousand meters, so he did not have to worry about the clones dispersing on their own for exceeding the range.
After leaving the city, Lin Yu discovered that there were no anomalous figures at all.
"Could it be that there are no anomalies in the State of Chuyun?"
"Or, is there a Soul Suppressing Stele that can cover the entire mountain in the State of Chuyun?"
"If it is the latter, then the divine artifact might be related to the Soul Suppressing Stele of the State of Chuyun."
Lin Yu's mind was filled with many speculations, but they had not been confirmed yet, so he could only suppress them in his heart.
The night was as cool as water, and the rain poured down like a waterfall, making the mountain path slippery.
Faint lights emerged beneath the clones' feet as they walked on the mountain path, as if treading on flat ground.
A thousand meters, even climbing a mountain in the rain, was no challenge for the clones.
They walked quickly along the mountain path.
On the other side.
Yundu.
The Prime Minister's Mansion.
The Great General entered the Prime Minister's Mansion with a troubled expression.
As soon as he arrived, someone came to greet him at the gate and announced loudly, "Welcome, Great General!"
As soon as the words fell, the Prime Minister, with a smile, came to greet him.
"Prime Minister, I have arrived!"
"Great General, please come in!"
The two walked side-by-side towards the house, with someone holding an umbrella over their heads.
Rainwater flowed slowly along the ground, and melodious music drifted from somewhere, bringing a sense of peace.
Inside the house.
The Prime Minister and the Great General sat facing each other. Musicians played their instruments, dancers performed, and maids poured tea, creating a harmonious scene that was deeply relaxing.
At this moment, the Prime Minister took a sip of tea and said softly, "I wonder if Her Majesty the Empress has eaten yet?"
As soon as the words fell, the Great General felt a surge of anger in his heart. "You old fox, the Prime Minister, you're eyeing the Empress!"
Today, I must get rid of you! he gritted his teeth and thought.
However, the next moment, he was stunned because he saw the Prime Minister winking at him.
What did that mean?
Seeing his stunned expression, the Prime Minister said with disappointment, "Have some tea!"
The Great General looked bewildered. His relationship with the Prime Minister was acceptable, but far from being close friends. Moreover, he was a coarse man, completely clueless about micro-expressions and hints.
Unable to understand the meaning of the Prime Minister's expression, the Great General felt a sense of hesitation.
He numbly picked up the teacup, took a sip, and fell into thought.
He recalled his predicament.
Three days ago, a group of intelligent mutated beasts had invaded his mansion.
He had intended to resist, but his fists were no match for their claws. He had killed a few of the beasts, but was also injured by the remaining ones.
Especially that little flood dragon, it was incredibly powerful. Despite its small size, a casual strike could injure him.
He had been almost killed before he could even unleash his soul techniques.
Now, he was concealing that little flood dragon in his sleeve.
Behind the house.
Seven youths, led by a young man in black.
They were waiting for an opportunity. As soon as the Prime Minister shattered his cup, they would rush in and kill the Great General.
Once the Great General was dead, the Empress would lose an arm. The Prime Minister could then rally support, rebel against the Empress, and usurp the throne. Their goal would then be achieved.
And the divine artifact would eventually fall into their hands.
However, after waiting for a long time, there was no sound of a shattered cup. The group was filled with doubt.
Among the seven, a young man in red had a dark expression.
"It seems he has betrayed our promise. I'll go and kill him!"
The young man in black stopped him and shook his head, "Don't act rashly!"
"Hmph, I think this guy is just stringing us along."
Everyone's faces were grim. They were waiting, yet after a long wait, nothing happened.
Ye Ling'er chuckled, "Don't worry. If he dares to break his promise, he will surely die. Don't forget my poison."
Hearing her voice, the group shivered slightly and instinctively moved away from her.
The young man in black glanced at her and said, "You all stay here. I'll go and check."