"Is there danger? Then... Teacher, how can I help you?" Wen Hui asked.
"I've already called for help, you don't need to do anything, just pretend I don't exist, understand?"
Wen Hui nodded repeatedly. "Then... Teacher, shall I go down first?"
"Go ahead."
"Teacher, do you want me to bring you that food and water?" Wen Hui asked again, and I waved my hand.
Wen Hui went downstairs and gently closed the door. Young college students these days are so easy to fool.
Everything returned to normal, and I continued to observe Yao Yao's movements. Yao Yao's breathing was steady. Of the three powerful blue-aura demons in the room, one had left, leaving only two to guard Yao Yao.
I extended my chi-sensing vision, attempting to capture other high-level Shanhai demons, but to no avail. I didn't know where Long Yue was at the moment.
After waiting for about fifteen minutes, there was still no sign of Lin Xi and her group from Shabia. However, at the inn, Yao Yao's aura began to move, descending from upstairs. I couldn't contact her directly and had to wait for her to connect with me.
As expected, a few seconds later, Yao Yao's voice appeared in my mind: "They're going to move me."
"Move where?" I quickly asked.
"Still don't know. You can try to find a car and follow," Yao Yao transmitted.
That makes sense.
After another dozen seconds, Yao Yao's figure appeared at the entrance of the inn, followed by all the Shanhai demons from the inn. It seemed they were preparing for a collective transfer.
Two minivans were parked at the entrance. After everyone got in, they drove off towards the west.
I immediately left the attic and went down to the first floor. Wen Hui quickly explained to her family that I was her teacher and whatnot. I hadn't seen any vehicles available for requisition nearby when I was upstairs, so I had to continue the lie to Wen Hui's father, saying, "Brother, my companion teacher was captured by bad guys, and I need to track them. Can I borrow your... car for a ride?"
I glanced at the electric tricycle in the yard and felt I wouldn't be able to drive it. It was too narrow, and the roads here were rugged. If my skills weren't good, I'd likely overturn.
"Is the situation that serious?" Wen Hui said. "Teacher, should we call the police?"
I said I had already called the police and was in constant contact with the officers, but now I needed to track them first. I promised, "If you help me with this, I can consider your child for the outstanding graduate spot for Wen Hui's year!"
Wen Hui's father was also a man of character. Hearing about such exciting events, and with his daughter's future involved, he immediately pledged to help completely!
"No need for complete help," I said with a smile. "Just drive me to follow. If I find a suitable car on the way, I'll transfer immediately, so as not to trouble you too much."
Wen Hui's father immediately unloaded the cargo from the car to reduce the weight. Wen Hui also wanted to go, but I prevented her, citing the danger.
We drove out and chased westward. I contacted Lin Xi again, informing her that the enemy had transferred with Yao Yao. Judging by the direction, they should be heading towards Hanzhong City, which is about thirty kilometers from Sanyang Town. There are no other towns between them, so I guessed the destination was Hanzhong. I told them not to come over and to use the helicopter's speed advantage to block the intersection where Sanyang Town enters Hanzhong, preparing for an interception.
Lin Xi said okay and that she would notify Bai Qingcheng immediately.
"You weren't together?" I asked.
"No, we were investigating the chessboard separately. Haven't you found Daji and Ya Nan yet?" Lin Xi asked.
"I was about to ask you. I just came from the underworld and didn't see them. Yao Yao said the three of them got separated."
"Separated?" Lin Xi pondered for a moment. "Our people also got separated after entering the core area of the chessboard. Fortunately, we had satellite phones to stay in touch, but even so, many people couldn't clearly state their locations."
"...Could it be that the chessboard is a迷魂阵 (maze of illusions)?" I asked.
"We can't confirm that yet. Let's save your Yao Yao first. She can't be harmed!" Lin Xi said the last sentence emphatically, clearly having learned some secrets.
Wen Hui's father listened to me on the phone, looking bewildered, and couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, what exactly are you guys doing in Zhongnan Mountain?"
"This matter involves state secrets. Although I am a teacher, I was seconded by my superiors and joined the investigation team. It's best not to ask what you shouldn't, so as not to make things difficult for me, brother," I said with a smile.