Chapter 1676: Chapter 1978: Jungle Pursuit (Part 1)
"You are not unaware of the connections between the Ling Family and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Su Cheng’en’s wife is the former wife of Ling Gengqiu. Because of these relationships, there have always been some links between the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion and the Ling Family. To be precise, it’s a partnership based on interests. Back when internal strife happened within the Ling Family, causing a split into the Southern Ling Family and the Northern Ling Family, we were part of the Northern Ling Family. The Northern Ling Family was weak. To continue fighting against the Southern Ling Family, we needed to find support. At that time, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion was undoubtedly a good choice. Thus, the Northern Ling Family offered significant interests to win the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion over."
"However, although the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion agreed to cooperate, they clearly stated that they would not deploy any force to assist the Northern Ling Family, at most providing some intelligence and material support, as they didn’t want to get involved in the personal vendetta between the two factions. Later on, the Northern Ling Family established the Secret Society, which was managed by Master. Under Master’s management, the Secret Society became a very secretive intelligence organization with very strong intelligence-gathering capabilities. Because of this, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion reached some more cooperation agreements with the Secret Society. That’s how I got to know Su Mei. To put it this way, I should be considered the intermediary for the communications between the Secret Society and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion."
Upon hearing the porridge girl’s account, Ling Chen finally understood the reason for their acquaintance.
"Since you’ve known each other for so long, what do you think of Su Mei as a person?"
"I find it hard to judge because we were both naive and simple before, without such complex thoughts. But now it’s different, everyone grows, just in different ways. To be honest, I consider myself quite lucky because I’m in a relatively low position, not like her, high up, bearing the expectations of countless people. So, for her to grow, the price she has to pay is much higher than mine."
Ling Chen nodded and said, "That’s indeed the case. Sometimes I find her quite pitiful, having to shoulder so much at such a young age. Ah! Whenever I think of her, I think of myself. In fact, I’m quite pitiful too, don’t you think?"
Hearing this, the porridge girl lightly pushed his shoulder, giving him a disdainful glance as she scolded, "Where are you pitiful? You often act as a hands-off employer, never seen you shoulder any significant burdens, just leaving a trail of affection everywhere."
Ling Chen cleared his throat, quickly changed the topic, "Alright, let’s not talk about that. Well then... I’ll go take a look around and see if the Heavenly Dragon Sect people have caught up." After saying this, he tore off a chicken leg, gnawing on it as he walked into the thick darkness of the night.
Watching Ling Chen disappear into the darkness, the porridge girl shook her head, then turned her gaze to another bonfire. Coincidentally, Su Mei, sitting by that bonfire, happened to also glance over. Their eyes met, and the porridge girl gave a friendly smile, then gestured beside her.
Su Mei understood, said a word to Du Kang beside her, then got up and sat next to the porridge girl.
"These are freshly picked fruits, would you like to try some?"
The porridge girl expressed her thanks, reached out to take a fruit, took a bite, and smiled, "Tastes good."
"Where is Ling Chen? Where did he go?"
"He said he was worried that the Heavenly Dragon Sect people would catch up, so he went around to check."
"He’s really worked hard this time," Su Mei sighed. "If it weren’t for his help, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion would have truly been finished. If I had chosen to trust him earlier, so many things wouldn’t have happened. Ultimately, the biggest responsibility is mine."
"Don’t say that, anyone in your position would consider all aspects. With too many concerns, it’s inevitable to have miscalculations. Earlier, I heard Ling Chen say that the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion has been burned down by the Heavenly Dragon Sect. If we manage to escape this time, what are your plans?"
Su Mei shook her head, "I don’t know yet. I haven’t thought that far ahead. For now, the most important thing is to get through this ordeal and safely get everyone out."
The porridge girl spoke, "There’s something I’ve never quite understood."
"What is it?"
"If I say it, don’t be angry. You can’t possibly be unaware of the establishment of the Beijing Su Family. Although they set up a separate branch, no one can change the relationship between the Beijing Su Family and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Now the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion is in dire straits, why hasn’t anyone from the Beijing Su Family come to help you? Have they really abandoned the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion?"
"The Beijing Su Family..." Su Mei lowered her head, playing with the wild fruit in her hand, a complex expression in her bright eyes.
Seeing her remain silent, the porridge girl continued, "If you don’t want to talk about it, I won’t pressure you."
"It’s not that I can’t talk about it," Su Mei forced a smile. "You’re right, I am aware of the Seattle Su Family’s situation. And this time, with the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion attacked by the Heavenly Dragon Sect, I had great expectations for them because I firmly believed they would come to save the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, and they never showed up after so long. To be honest, there was a moment when I completely gave up on them. Perhaps, in their eyes, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion isn’t that important, not irreplaceable."
In the midst of the conversation, Ling Chen suddenly hurriedly came from behind, urgently saying, "Everyone, extinguish the bonfires!"
"What’s going on?"
"The Heavenly Dragon Sect people have caught up. Those guys are hell-bent on finding us, they chased us for a whole day and night."
Soon, all the bonfires were extinguished, and everyone quietly hid in the dense forest, watching their backs. A few minutes passed, several shadows slowly appeared in everyone’s sight.
Thank goodness! Ling Chen secretly breathed a sigh of relief. There were only a few disciples from the Heavenly Dragon Sect, not the main force. As long as they dealt with these people, they could continue on their way. However, just as this thought emerged, a strong sense of crisis suddenly surged in Ling Chen’s heart.
That feeling... it was as if a beast was lurking in the dark, ready to launch a deadly strike at any moment.
No, there should be more people. Ling Chen silently heightened his vigilance, carefully observing the surroundings, while making a gesture to the porridge girl and Du Kang, signaling them to be cautious of all around. If he guessed correctly, there might be enemies lurking nearby. Those Heavenly Dragon Sect disciples might just be bait to lure them, with the real deadly strike hidden in the dark.
As those Heavenly Dragon Sect disciples slowly approached, closing within less than forty meters, Ling Chen couldn’t help but hesitate. If they rashly attacked those Heavenly Dragon Sect disciples, it might expose their whereabouts, giving those lying in ambush a chance. But if they didn’t attack, those Heavenly Dragon Sect disciples would eventually encounter them.
Where exactly are those people? Ling Chen frowned slightly, slowly shifting his gaze, searching through the surrounding trees and bushes.
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