The deeds of the bandits eventually spread, not just within the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy but throughout the entire capital, where everyone was talking about the horrific scene.
There were even different versions of the story circulating, some told so vividly that it seemed as if the narrators had witnessed it firsthand.
Many people were too frightened to leave their homes, as the audacity of those who dared to act near the capital of the Sun Moon Empire was evident.
The imperial family could no longer sit idly by. Xu Jing personally ordered Crown Prince Xu Tianran to thoroughly investigate the matter, with Illustrious Virtue Hall's cooperation, to ensure that the culprits, posing as evil soul masters, were brought to justice.
Nearly a month had passed since the incident, and the streets were visibly filled with more guards. Even the areas where nobles and officials resided were not spared, with groups frequently seen coming and going near the imperial palace.
Of course, none of this had much impact on Lin Xiao.
For the past month, he had gone out almost every night. However, since that first night, the group posing as evil soul masters seemed to have vanished completely. He found no trace of them, though he used the opportunity to grow increasingly adept at coordinating with the assassin's soul, even improving his spiritual power slightly.
At the entrance of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, Lin Xiao, for once, was neither cultivating nor researching soul tools. Instead, he was there, heading outside.
The weather was pleasant, and the streets were bustling with people. After turning two street corners, his steps suddenly halted.
By the roadside stood two women who looked identical. Passersby couldn't help but steal glances at them. When they spotted Lin Xiao from afar, they began walking toward him.
Lin Xiao raised a hand in greeting but didn't stay to wait for them to approach. Instead, he turned and entered a nearby restaurant.
Only after they entered the private room and closed the door did Lin Xiao sit at the table, looking at the two women before him.
"Teacher said someone would come to assist me today. I didn't expect it to be you two."
Sitting across from Lin Xiao were the Wu Yun and Wu Yu sisters. Wu Yun, seemingly unaccustomed to the sunlight streaming through the window, shifted slightly to sit in the shade.
"Rest assured, we've grown a lot over the years."
"It's not about your strength. The fact that headquarters sent people shows that the Holy Spirit Cult is taking this matter seriously." Lin Xiao glanced at Wu Yun's movement but subtly looked away. "Why did you come straight to the streets instead of the branch altar? Should I take you there later?"
Wu Yun shook her head, glancing out the window. "We'll head back after this task is done. We won't stay in the capital long, so there's no need to know the branch altar's location. It could risk exposure."
"Fair enough." Lin Xiao noted Wu Yun's expression but didn't press further. "In that case, I'll take you to find a place to stay near the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy. We'll head out together tonight."
"Alright."
The private room fell silent for a moment. After a pause, Lin Xiao seemed to recall something and took a small pouch from his storage soul tool.
"By the way, here are some gold soul coins. It's still some time before nightfall. After we find a place for you to stay, you can explore the city. If you need anything, you can buy it while you're here."
"No need," Wu Yun quickly waved her hand in refusal. "We don't lack anything, and we've saved some gold soul coins from helping the cult with tasks before."
"Take it. This is nothing to me. Tonight's plan might not succeed, and if those people aren't drawn out, you might need to stay here for a while." Lin Xiao tossed the pouch onto the table with a chuckle. "Besides, things in the capital are quite expensive."
"Thank you." Wu Yun stared at the pouch for a moment, glanced out the window again, then carefully picked it up and thanked him.
"No need." Lin Xiao looked at the sisters and sighed softly. "Do you know why headquarters sent you here?"
The Wu Yun and Wu Yu sisters shook their heads in unison. "No, they just told us to follow orders once we arrived."
Lin Xiao's mind filled with more questions.
The incident had caused a huge uproar. If the Holy Spirit Cult didn't take it seriously, why would they send people from headquarters? While Wu Yun and Wu Yu weren't particularly strong, their talent was impressive, and they were sure to become core members of the cult in the future.
But if the cult truly valued this matter, why was it assigned to a disciple like Lin Xiao? Over the past month, he had noticed other Holy Spirit Cult disciples acting as well, but none of the higher-level cultivators were involved. He wondered if there was something else at play.
Seeing Lin Xiao deep in thought, Wu Yun and Wu Yu didn't disturb him, quietly savoring the food on the table.
Lin Xiao glanced at them and decided not to dwell on it further. The Holy Spirit Cult had sent the sisters to assist him, so it definitely wasn't a suicide mission. If the cult's higher-ups had other plans, that wasn't his concern.
Back in his dormitory, Lin Xiao didn't enter meditation as usual. Instead, he rummaged through his storage soul tool and checked the other soul tools he carried.
Acting as a member of the Holy Spirit Cult, he shouldn't reveal too many soul tools, as most of his were crafted by the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy, making it easy for others to notice something amiss.
But in a life-or-death situation, who would care about such details?
As dusk fell, Lin Xiao headed out of the academy. At the entrance, some students were returning at this hour.
"See, I told you the capital is lively. If you don't go out, you'll miss all the good stuff," one student said excitedly to their companion as they walked side by side.
Lin Xiao's gaze lingered on them for a moment before quickly shifting away.
But one of the students had noticed his look and glanced back at him.
"Hey, Ju Zi, are you even listening? Teacher Xuan is already boring enough. If you don't talk, I'll go crazy in this academy," the petite student complained.
"Alright, Ke Ke, I'm listening. But it's better to come back early these days. Haven't you heard about what's been happening outside the capital recently?"
"What's there to fear? I don't believe those evil soul masters would dare come into the capital."
Ju Zi laughed softly and shook her head silently.
"Stay safe."
As Lin Xiao passed by, he thought he heard a soft whisper.
"What did you just say, Ju Zi?" The petite student turned to her.
"Nothing. You must have misheard."
It wasn't a mishearing. Lin Xiao had heard their conversation clearly and knew the voice wasn't an illusion.
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