Chapter 348: Lose Xing Touch

Chapter 348: Lose Xing Touch

Though I’ve said nothing and have kept playing songs for everyone, Ai and Lin have noticed my change in demeanor. Their eyes glance across the horizon, seeking threats.

Unlike what they are thinking, though, my mind is on the opposite aspect.

How many partnerships and connections have they made? And how will that affect our relationship?

As we get ever closer to the compound, I can see the surrounding buildings turn into villas, and villas into estates. Then, even those turn into vast tracts of land, where we can’t even see the entranceway.

After quite a bit of time, we finally come to a crossroads. One where the path would surely lead to the Xing family compound. And at that same crossroad are two Foundation Establishment experts. Both of which have uniforms displaying the same tortoise symbol I saw on the information runners from earlier.

As we get closer, I slow down the vehicle, since they clearly are waiting for us.

Seeing that we’ve slowed, they give a bow and call out to us.

“Hello Young Master James, were you looking to head to the Xing Clan compound?”

“That’s correct. Am I set to assume that they are expecting me?”

“Yes, milord. As we have been informed that you might want to enter discretely, we can lead you through some of the less observed paths, if you'd like, milord.

With a nod, they move ahead of our carriages and begin sprinting.

Considering the scan is not giving me any warning signals on them, it should be safe to follow.

Taking control of the carts’ systems, I have it keep pace behind them along the same route we were originally going to follow. All up to a random spot along the path, where we slow to a walking pace.

One escort pulls out a long cane from a space ring, before tapping it twice on the random spot, which causes the sound of moving stones. Before they put the cane back away and start picking up speed again.

From a visual standpoint, nothing has changed. However, I can sense that we’ve moved to an adjacent path. One covered by a privacy field and leading to a back entrance of the Xing Compound. Given that this compound has only been recently taken over by them, I speculate what other secrets it may hold.

But if that was surprising, then what I sense next is shocking.

Two core formation experts stand guard at the back gate of the compound. And three more are scattered around their place.

Even though we have two core formation experts in our Foundations of Heaven group, it doesn't mean that this is a common thing. In reality, it is extraordinary.Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com

Core Formation experts are worthy of being the leaders of their own sects, albeit small ones. For less prominent, but larger sects, it guarantees an esteemed elder position.

And she has five of them. Each of whom was on my list that I wouldn’t be able to draw over to my side. That doesn’t mean they were bad or wouldn’t be helpful to have with us... but just weren’t even an option for me to convince.

“Well, no wonder this house has such an innovative design. I’m sure that there are plenty of benefits to it, if she is the one that made it.”

At this praise, I can see both of them beam a bit. Almost no parent doesn’t like to hear their treasured child get praised. Xing Hu steps forward with a little more bound in his step. `

“Yes! Actually, there are a quite a few cultivation benefits when you head deeper inside. Of course, if you are interested, I can show you now.”

As he says that, his wife does an immediate follow-up.

“For the rest of your guests, allow me to serve you tea and show you around.”

Everyone looks to me for guidance on what to do. Even though I've already briefed everyone on most of the information regarding the Xing family, they still don't know them on a personal level.

“You guys relax. We’re safe here.”

At these words, Ai, Lin, Mei Lin, and Shi relax, as they know about my scan. If I say it’s safe, then I’ve already taken everything into account. The others notice this change in them which causes He Wen and Jin Chin to nod, moving behind the others.

However, Yalei isn’t one to fall in line. She confronts me, speaking her mind openly.

“I should stay with you for your safety. No matter where we are.”

She came along to be my bodyguard. If I wanted it or not. In this case, for what we need to talk about, I will need to be alone with Xing Hu.

...I didn’t want to use this, but I need to take care of this.

“Yalei, I understand where you’re coming from. Could you trust me?”

As I say this, I look her in the eyes. Doing my best to convey sincerity to her.

She flinches at this. Though not in disgust. Her face flips through thousands of emotions in seconds before landing on one. Resignation.

“...okay. I do.”

Dang.

That stings to do to her. I’ll make it up to her later.

Turning Xing Hu, I make the motion for him to lead the way.

With that, our two sides split up in this fantastical mansion of a place.