Bai Lin paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Of course I understand what you mean. Clearly, Mr. Chen doesn't quite trust us sisters. You think we're trying to use you to achieve our own goals first, and that we might not even be able to offer you any help, right?"
To be the chief secretary in the Thirteenth District was no simple feat. Those in high positions all possessed hidden depths, and women close to them were even more formidable. Bai Lin, for instance, gave off an unfathomable aura, one that was dangerously unsettling to Chen Fan.
Yet, Bai Lin showed no hint of unease, continuing, "But Mr. Chen should first understand one thing: we have no reason to deceive you. If things go south later and Mr. Chen exposes us, we would be the ones to suffer."
"Although my sister and I both wish to eliminate the Left and Right Divine Halls, we still need to remain in the Thirteenth District. In other words, we sisters need to stay alive."
It was evident Bai Lin wasn't speaking lightly. A single misstep, a single miscalculation, could lead to utter ruin. This was something Bai Lin herself understood all too well.
Chen Fan waved his hand, "I understand what you're saying, but that's not a reason for me to trust you. How about this: if you can find out any news about the Stone Tablet, I'll be willing to help you deal with the Left and Right Divine Halls."
"Heh—"
Bai Lin suddenly narrowed her eyes, looking at Chen Fan. After a long pause, she slowly said, "Then I want to confirm something. Why do you believe you can definitely eliminate the Left and Right Divine Halls? I'm not like my sister, who sees potential in everyone she meets. Do you know how the Left and Right Divine Halls gained their status in the Thirteenth District?"
As she spoke, Bai Lin stood up and walked closer to Chen Fan. Chen Fan remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
After a while, Bai Lin spoke leisurely, "The Left and Right Divine Halls are composed of top-tier experts. The Thirteenth District values skill above all else, not connections. Therefore, their positions prove their capabilities. Over the years, they have rendered immense service to the Thirteenth District, otherwise, they wouldn't hold their current status. But this service was all earned with their lives."
"So you're telling me that the so-called Left and Right Divine Halls are all experts?"
Chen Fan said lightly, "My obsession with the Stone Tablet is profound. This item is of great importance to me, and I will obtain it. Even if your legendary King stands in my way, I won't spare him. So, what do you think two Divine Halls amount to?"
"Clap, clap, clap!"
Bai Lin clapped her hands, then smiled, "Very good. I like your confidence. But I hope you won't sacrifice your life due to blind confidence. After all, I don't want to see that happen. It wouldn't benefit anyone, would it?"
"Stop with the useless nonsense," Chen Fan glanced at Bai Lin, his gaze cold. They weren't friends; if anything, they were more like partners. "Just tell me, how do we get into the main area of the Thirteenth District?"
"You don't think you'll get any information just by entering the main area, do you?" Bai Lin shook her head and smiled. "Even I can't do much. If you go in, you'll be at the lowest level, with no authority to go anywhere, let alone investigate anything in the Thirteenth District."
"Then what do we do now?"
Chen Fan had made many calculations to get here, and he finally saw a glimmer of hope, only to have Bai Lin pour a bucket of cold water on them. This was practically toying with them. Thinking of this, Chen Fan's expression instantly soured. Bai Zhannian, on the other hand, quietly continued eating. Of course, if it came to a fight, he wouldn't even need to act; dealing with Bai Lin would be as simple as crushing an ant for Chen Fan.
Bai Lin continued, "Previously, I did plan for you to enter the main area of the Thirteenth District, at least to put your minds at ease. We could investigate together and perhaps find clues about the Stone Tablet. But just a few hours ago, I suddenly received news that the King has issued an order regarding the whereabouts of a second divine artifact. So, the Stone Tablet should be with the King. Even if you enter the main area, you won't find any clues."
"As for finding the King's whereabouts, or taking something from him, that would be incredibly difficult. So, I advise you to consider another approach. And you should know that the Stone Tablet is the core of the Seven Divine Artifacts. To find the remaining divine artifacts, you'll need the power of the Stone Tablet."
"What exactly are you trying to say?"
Bai Lin had been talking for a long time, but she kept withholding information, making Chen Fan increasingly impatient. After all, he needed to figure out what was going on and what to do next, not listen to Bai Lin's pointless ramblings. His time was limited, and he still needed to obtain the remaining divine artifacts, the duration of which he had no idea.
Bai Lin smiled, "Mr. Chen, don't be impatient. What I mean is, I can help you find the next target location in the Thirteenth District. If you get there in advance and set up an ambush, you might be able to obtain two divine artifacts. Wouldn't that be more worthwhile? You wouldn't have to sneak into the Thirteenth District like headless flies."
"That sounds good," Chen Fan looked at Bai Zhannian, wanting to hear his opinion. After all, if they were to act, it wasn't just his own affair; it required Bai Zhannian's cooperation.
Bai Zhannian smiled, "No problem. I'll do whatever you decide. As long as you're ready to act, I'll be by your side, whether it's through mountains of knives or seas of fire."
"Hehehehe." Bai Lin suddenly covered her mouth and chuckled, looking at Bai Zhannian, "What is your relationship with Chen Fan?"
"Friends, you could also say brothers," Bai Zhannian smiled.
However, Bai Lin shook her head, "But from what you just said, your relationship doesn't seem that simple. It sounds so strange, as if you are..."