Chapter 329: The Undercover I Became
On a dark night with a high wind, the gentle breeze rustled through the bamboo groves.
Lin Nuo discovered that the pitch-black bamboo forest was indeed hard to navigate, so he decided to ride a tiger instead.
I must say, even in the dim and steep bamboo forest, riding the white tiger was fast and incredibly smooth. The key was that it knew the way, and in no time, they arrived at Master Zhao’s residence.
The white tiger stopped at the courtyard entrance, and Lin Nuo elegantly jumped down from its back.
Like a professional bodyguard, the white tiger patiently waited outside, ready to escort Lin Nuo away once his talk with Master Zhao was over.
Seeing Lin Nuo approach, Master Zhao set down his porcelain cup and smiled warmly.
“Lin Nuo, you’ve come.”
“Mm, I’m here.”
As Lin Nuo stepped into the courtyard, he noticed it had brightened up inside.
This small room was simple, but it was surrounded by a magic array. This array created an illusion; from the outside, it looked like there were only a few flickering candles providing faint light, but upon entering, it was a whole other bright world.
Inside and outside the array were two different realms, similar to the Dao Fu Lin Nuo had used when guarding against Lin Fei’s accusations back at the Lin family.
The old guy really had some skills.
“This inside and outside really are two different places,” Lin Nuo remarked as he looked around.
“It’s just a minor magic array, you should know that, Lin Nuo.”
“I wouldn’t know; I’m just a low-level disciple. How would I know about such arrays?”
“You’re being modest, Lin Nuo. For you, it shouldn’t be a difficult matter. Please sit.”
Master Zhao respectfully invited Lin Nuo to sit down and poured him a cup of fragrant tea.
Despite the fact that it was tea served by an elder or the leader of Xuanyun Sect, Lin Nuo didn’t drink it.
While he enjoyed getting things for free, he wouldn’t drink tea offered by Master Zhao.
“Lin Nuo, you’ve returned from the Lin family gathering and accomplished great things. Truly commendable!”
“Just luck.”
“With only the two of us here, there’s no need for you to be modest. You are a talented and virtuous disciple. Your previous achievements were impressive; this new feat is hardly surprising.”
What’s with this modesty nonsense? It’s just luck; do you think I planned it?
Lin Nuo cleared his throat and said, “Master Zhao, let’s talk about serious matters. I’d like to know why you summoned me.”
Master Zhao stroked his beard, and his warm smile faded, revealing a serious expression.
With a long sigh, Master Zhao spoke, “Lin Nuo, there’s an important matter I need your help with. Do you remember the alchemy furnace incident?”
“I remember.”
Lin Nuo nodded, recalling how he had accidentally saved the disciples by throwing in a black-scaled stone.
Again with the same old story, these people never get tired of digging up the past.
“Why bring that up now?”
“That incident indicates that there is a mole within Xuanyun Sect. If there’s a mole, it’s not just about destroying the disciples; we didn’t intend to bring this up, but we currently have no other way. We have no choice but to adopt this strategy.”
“So, what is it?”
For heaven’s sake, just get to the point! Why all the chatter?
“Xuanyun Sect has lost some treasures, among which the most important are the ‘Heavenly Rainbow Secret Method’ and the ‘Secret Realm Map.'”
“No way! Those two things went missing?”
Lin Nuo feigned surprise, but he already knew.
This was the information a reincarnator ought to have.
Both these items were extremely valuable. First, the ‘Heavenly Rainbow Secret Method’ is a profound method within Xuanyun Sect, primarily focusing on array techniques.
No personal technique, no matter how great, can compare to a well-crafted array. Arrays provide a macro layout that can truly turn the tide and serve as formidable defenses against countless enemies.
Of course, some unbelievably strong individuals can break intricate arrays with their personal techniques.
Like him, the big bad, and the protagonist, Su Kexin.
According to the storyline, the underworld organization Helong Hall would start expanding their power after acquiring the ‘Heavenly Rainbow Secret Method.’ They understood Xuanyun Sect’s advanced arrays and would blend their wicked methods, developing other twisted formations and establishing themselves as a dominant force.
As for the ‘Secret Realm Map,’ it’s a map of hidden realms.
In the world of Puhan, there are many sealed realms containing many slumbering fierce beasts and spiritual creatures—a hideout for rare and terrifying god-level fierce beasts.
The ‘Secret Realm Map’ contains information on how to unlock these realms and pathways related to these secret places, though it’s only superficial information; the depths of the realms remain unknown.
In his past life, Lin Nuo never ventured into the depths of these realms; after all, the unknown holds many dangers. Ever the cautious one, he wouldn’t step in without adequate intel.
Many sought to explore the realms and uncover their secrets, but once inside, they rarely returned.
Unlocking the seals of these realms is no easy task. As far as he remembered, several mysterious realms in this world still remained sealed.
What would happen if they were unlocked?
He didn’t know either, maybe it would lead to the apocalypse.
So, Master Zhao’s concerns were certainly valid.
After all, the loss of these two items posed great risks.
Helong Hall is a group of ruthless outlaws gathering various wicked methods; no one knows what they would do with the ‘Heavenly Rainbow Secret Method’ and the ‘Secret Realm Map’ once they obtain them.
At this moment, Master Zhao sighed again, “Ah, yes, they were lost. Based on our intelligence, they have likely fallen into the hands of Helong Hall. However, we can’t just forcefully retrieve them; firstly, we lack sufficient evidence, and secondly, this could lead to a conflict among factions—acting recklessly might spark a war.”
“So, what do you plan to do?”
Hearing Master Zhao’s words, Lin Nuo began to piece things together.
If you can’t act overtly, it means you’ll have to work covertly.
“In this situation, using the enemy’s tactics against them is our best bet. Since we lost two precious books due to a mole, we plan to use the same method to retrieve them and investigate Helong Hall’s future plans.”
“Got it, an undercover agent, right?”
Lin Nuo asked, realizing this was going to be an exhilarating affair.
“Exactly. Actually, some sects have tried similar tactics but failed because they lacked the capability to deal with emergencies.
Based on my observations of you over the past few months, combined with your merits and the fact you can conceal your cultivation, you are perfectly suited for this task.”
Master Zhao sighed again, continuing, “Of course, I only hope you will consider it. In the end, it’s your personal choice. If you’re reluctant, I won’t push you.”
“I can do it.”
Lin Nuo immediately agreed, seeing it as a golden opportunity—getting involved in the underworld and black market. Even if he got exposed someday, he would have people clearing his name, sparing him from being hunted down by various righteous sects.
Moreover, as an undercover, he could pass on false information to Master Zhao, allowing him to reap the benefits from the chaos.
Now that’s what you call making a profit from the middleman!
How marvelous!