"It's the Black Wind Sect, isn't it!"
Seeing Lu Changhai remain silent, Ye Cangtian asked directly.
From the predicaments the Hidden Group faced everywhere, it wasn't hard to guess that a powerful force was opposing the Hidden Group, causing everyone to avoid them like the plague.
Earlier, Dongfang Mingyue had received news that the Hidden Group's downfall was related to the Black Wind Sect.
However, Ye Cangtian found it hard to believe that the Black Wind Sect possessed such strength, and thus dared not assert it.
Now, with Lu Changhai hesitant to speak, he had to resort to a bold move to test the waters.
"You..."
His words caused Lu Changhai's eyes to widen in surprise.
Perhaps sensing his expression had betrayed him, Lu Changhai deflated like a pricked balloon, his imposing aura immediately diminishing.
He glanced at Ye Cangtian and said with a wry smile, "Since you already know the mastermind, why did you still seek out the Lu family! Aren't you pushing the Lu family into a fire pit?"
Is it really the Black Wind Sect?
Even after receiving confirmation, Ye Cangtian still found it hard to believe, muttering to himself that the Black Wind Sect must have encountered some great fortune.
Otherwise, how could they dare to offend the Hidden Group?
With that thought, he looked at Lu Changhai and said, "Patriarch Lu, please rest assured. Since I came quietly, I will also leave quietly..."
*Hoo!*
Lu Changhai breathed a sigh of relief. Since the other party had come here avoiding all eyes and ears, he should be able to depart unnoticed.
Perhaps the people from the Black Wind Sect wouldn't notice.
"Since I've already guessed it's the Black Wind Sect, you can tell me the specifics."
Ye Cangtian's voice echoed, and Lu Changhai could only force a wry smile.
He pondered for a moment before opening his mouth, "The teams executing missions were intercepted and killed by the Black Wind Sect halfway..."
Not only that, Lu Changhai stated that the Black Wind Sect had issued a warning.
Anyone who dared to accept missions from the Hidden Group or report to the Hidden Group would face certain death.
"With just this single sentence, you were all scared off?" Ye Cangtian asked, puzzled.
Lu Changhai gave Ye Cangtian a deep look and said, "The Hidden Group's branch was annihilated, and most of the mission teams were beaten back. Who would dare to resist anymore? They were already scared out of their wits..."
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian nodded.
What the other party said had some logic. After all, even the Hidden Group's branch was not weak; it was considered one of the foremost powers in Tingfeng City.
The destruction of such a force would indeed cause a significant stir.
Coupled with the incidents involving the mission teams, it was natural for people to fear the Black Wind Sect.
After all, those who undertook missions possessed a certain level of strength and were not few in number.
This Black Wind Sect has truly given me a surprise!
With that thought, Ye Cangtian sighed inwardly and then said, "Patriarch Lu, thank you for the information. I shall take my leave now."
"That..."
"Could you please ask the Hidden Group to protect us in secret?"
Lu Changhai quickly stopped Ye Cangtian, hesitating for a long time before shamelessly making his request.
He was truly afraid!
If the news of Ye Cangtian's visit today were to leak out, the Black Wind Sect would surely come seeking revenge, and the Lu family could not withstand it!
"Don't worry, we're not far from the Hidden Group's branch. Nothing will happen!"
Ye Cangtian glanced at Lu Changhai, saying with a hint of helplessness.
He didn't understand how a family patriarch could be so timid.
Being in the central area of Tingfeng City and so close to the Hidden Group's branch, any disturbance would surely be noticed by the Hidden Group. Why was he so terrified?
To be honest, he had previously considered using the Lu family as bait.
But seeing the patriarch's current demeanor, he decided against it. If the patriarch were scared to death, he couldn't bear the responsibility.
...
Returning to the Hidden Group.
Ye Cangtian headed straight for the mission hall. The mission hall was still deserted.
He directly approached a staff member and said, "Just give me a simple mission."
Didn't the Black Wind Sect claim to have annihilated all mission teams?
Ye Cangtian wanted to see how they had done it!
The staff member, seeing it was Ye Cangtian, didn't hesitate and quickly found a mission for him to register.
"Mr. Ye, please return to your room and rest. I will recommend this mission when someone accepts it," the staff member said smoothly.
Damn it! How could I forget this!
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian suddenly remembered that most Hidden Group missions required at least three people to execute.
Of course, there were a few exceptions.
However, those exceptional missions were not suitable for him now, as he intended to use himself as bait.
The Black Wind Sect, seeing him alone, might not be interested.
With that in mind, Ye Cangtian immediately turned and left the hall.
...
A moment later.
Arriving at Bai Ying's door, Ye Cangtian hesitated for a moment before knocking.
There was no other way. With no one in the city willing to accept missions, he didn't know how long he would have to wait for teammates.
Therefore, to avoid wasting time, he could only seek out Bai Ying and Chen Wu.
Since the two of them were here for the same reason as him, he couldn't let them idly wait.
"It's you? What are you doing here?"
The next moment, the door opened, and Bai Ying was stunned to see Ye Cangtian.
He never expected Ye Cangtian to come looking for him!
"Chen Wu is here too, right? Let's go inside and talk."
Ye Cangtian said and moved to enter, but Bai Ying stopped him.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, esteemed Mr. Ye, we're not that familiar, are we?"
"There's no reason for me to invite you into my room, is there?"
"If you have something to say, it can be said at the door! If you're looking for Chen Wu, please go to his room!"
Bai Ying said indifferently.
The other party had disgraced the Bai family, and he hadn't taken revenge yet. Now, he wanted to enter his room? No way.
"Heh, are you hiding a mistress?"
"Besides, you're on a mission. If this sort of thing gets out, it won't be good for the Bai family's reputation!"
"Letting me in can also help prove your innocence."
Seeing Bai Ying's attitude, Ye Cangtian's eyes flickered as he spoke teasingly.
"Nonsense!"
Bai Ying was instantly enraged. Men were indeed lustful, but he was already middle-aged and long past the age of impulsivity.
He still knew what he should and shouldn't do.
However, despite his words, he still moved to the side, making half the doorway accessible.
After all, since it had come to this, if he still refused entry and rumors of something untoward arose, his reputation would be ruined.
Soon, Ye Cangtian entered the room smoothly, looking at Bai Ying playfully.
"Hmm? Isn't that Chen Wu? Bai Ying, you're blocking me from entering. Do you two have something going on?"
Ye Cangtian's eyes were filled with amusement, as if to say, is the mistress you're hiding Chen Wu?
Chen Wu instantly felt a chill. Before he could speak, Bai Ying roared.
"Nonsense!"
"Ye, if you have something to say, say it. Don't disgust me here!"
Bai Ying instantly understood the implication of Ye Cangtian's words and could no longer restrain himself.
He would rather engage in a life-and-death battle with Ye Cangtian than accept such suspicion and insult!
"Haha, just kidding, why get so angry?"
Ye Cangtian laughed it off and then sat down, becoming serious. "You two have been resting in the guesthouse for quite some time. It's time for you two to make a move!"
"Ah?"
"Did I hear you correctly? There are things Mr. Ye cannot handle?"
Bai Ying paused for a moment, then immediately began to sneer.
Needless to say, if the other party could handle it himself, he definitely wouldn't have come. It was obvious he was asking for their help, which amused Bai Ying.