Chapter 396: The Mysterious Hidden World Village (1)_1
Chapter 396: The Mysterious Hidden World Village (1)_1
"I’ve never heard of an old man like that, one who could actually obtain the Four Spiritual Pearls. From now on, whatever you do, be more careful." Shangguan Zhi’s brows furrowed. He, too, found Elder Meihua perplexing. But even if such an old man truly clashed with their Shangguan Family, they would be helpless.That was another reason he had agreed to let Shangguan You go out—with such a formidable enemy around, it wasn’t suitable for her to remain at home.
"Understood, Dad. Do you want us to investigate Elder Meihua’s identity?" Shangguan Yu and Shangguan Hao asked in low voices.
"There’s no need. Even if we investigate, we won’t find anything. The Fang Family has already suffered losses. Let’s just observe and wait," Shangguan Zhi said solemnly. "Once the girl’s college entrance exam results are out, find an overseas university and send her abroad to study."
"Daddy, it seems the girl applied to the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She said she wants to study Chinese medicine." Shangguan Hao’s lips curled. "She once said she wants to become a divine healer like her master."
"Regardless of what she wants to study, she cannot stay here. Qing has been admitted to a military school. If she remains here, she won’t be able to study Chinese medicine. If she is to study anything, it can only be at the military school."
"Dad, if she likes it, just let her be," one of the sons interjected. "We won’t be able to accompany her for much longer anyway. It’s too pitiful to make her go abroad all alone."
"No! You should all be very clear about the current situation of the Shangguan Family. So, she either goes to a military academy or goes abroad. When she returns, she can re-submit her application preferences," Shangguan Zhi stated firmly, allowing no dissent.
"But—"
"There are no buts!" Shangguan Zhi’s voice was stern. "As for the Lin Family and the Yu Family, you are to maintain a suitable distance. Do not get too close to their leadership."
"Understood, Dad. Then, what about Mom? Should we bring her over?"
"Bring her over for what? After decades of marriage, her heart still leans towards outsiders. Don’t bother with her. Let her cool off alone for a while; we’ll see then. At such a critical juncture for the Shangguan Family, she still insists on stirring up trouble. She has deeply disappointed me."
Shangguan Zhi’s face hardened, a tightness forming in his chest whenever he thought of what his wife had done.
"Alright, all of you, leave. Go and do what you need to do," Shangguan Zhi dismissed them curtly. Watching his two sons depart, he couldn’t help but sigh. Once the door was locked, he moved the pen holder on his desk.
THUD! The bookshelf parted down the middle, revealing a secret chamber within the room. Shangguan Zhi strode briskly into it. As his figure vanished, the bookshelf slid back into its original position.
Inside the chamber, Shangguan Zhi followed a narrow path downwards, stopping before another stone door. He knocked but didn’t push it open.
"Come in," a deep, aged voice sounded. The door creaked open, and Shangguan Zhi entered respectfully, greeting the person inside with reverence, "Grandfather."
At that moment, another knock came. When a different figure walked in, Shangguan Zhi and the newcomer stared at each other, dumbfounded.
"Grandfather," the newcomer greeted the man in the center respectfully before standing beside Shangguan Zhi. Though both were filled with questions, they remained silent before the elder.
"That girl, she left with Ye Second Young Master, didn’t she?"
"Yes. She left an hour ago and is already on the plane to B City," Shangguan Zhi replied respectfully.
"Hmph. You may leave. Don’t come again unless necessary." The elder’s aged voice spoke, and the two were ushered out from either side of the room, denied even a chance to speak another word.
The secret chamber returned to silence.
"Follow that girl. See what she’s really up to." The elder, whose eyes had been closed, snapped them open, a sharp glint flashing within.
"Yes." As the word fell, a dark figure quickly flashed out of the secret chamber.
「Meanwhile, Shangguan You and Ye Second Young Master were driving towards the airport.」
Inside the car, neither spoke. Shangguan You’s brows were knitted tightly as she was lost in thought, while Ye Second Young Master had reverted to his usual stoic, zombie-like demeanor.
"Go to the airport first to throw off anyone following us. We’ll depart tonight," Ye Second Young Master’s cold voice broke the silence.
"Mm," Shangguan You responded, closing her eyes to rest. Anyway, with that eccentric from the Ye Family around, she wasn’t worried at all that anyone following them would discover her whereabouts.
The two circled the airport. Shangguan You’s eyes widened as she saw two individuals, identical to her and Ye Second Young Master, pass through the security checkpoint and enter the airport proper. Seeing that those secretly tailing them also quickly followed the doppelgangers inside, her curiosity about the Ye Family intensified; they had actually managed to find perfect look-alikes. Feeling Shangguan You’s intense gaze, Ye Second Young Master felt a surge of pride. "Those are just body doubles. Once they reach B City, they’ll follow our plan and travel around until we return. No one following us will discover any issues," he said smugly.
"And here I thought it was some kind of spell. Turns out they’re just body doubles, that’s all," Shangguan You said, a hint of disappointment in her voice, and then fell silent.
"Hmph, if you think it’s so easy, try finding two identical people yourself," Ye Second Young Master retorted disdainfully, speeding the car towards his villa.
"Where is Hidden World Village? That map Fang Qingrong gave me—is it useful?" Shangguan You recalled the device Fang Qingrong had given her, which looked like a mobile phone, and wondered aloud. I should find some time to enter the space, turn on that ’phone,’ and see what’s on it.
"Of course, it’s useful. But the moment you open that map, your whereabouts will be in their hands. Then, no matter what you do, your every move will be under their surveillance," Ye Second Young Master said coldly. The car swiftly entered his villa complex.
"Get out. We leave again tonight," Ye Second Young Master said coolly, leaving Shangguan You with his cold, retreating back.
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