Hello, is this a letter addressed to Demon Fortress?

From the moment they entered the Red Earth Territory, the way people looked at them was very strange.

It wasn't pure curiosity, nor was it simple wariness.

Rather, it is a deeper and more complex examination.

It was as if they were sizing up two people who shouldn't be there.

After being reminded by Lin Gui, Lillian also discovered this strange phenomenon.

Those gazes clung to their backs, as light as spider silk, yet impossible to shake off.

During the subsequent procurement of supplies, pedestrians and residents on the street would invariably scrutinize them.

His gaze was wary and hostile.

Every shop owner frowned slightly when they first saw them.

Those eyes held an instinctive wariness towards strangers.

When Lin Gui said it was his first time in Red Earth Territory, his guard would relax a little.

This is very strange.

Lillian didn't understand why this was happening.

It seems that only the person in front of him, who is clearly the captain of the transport team and has no shortage of money, but pretends to be heartbroken over spending a few thousand gold coins, knows the real reason.

The fact that he led the way so skillfully made her realize that this wasn't his first time here.

The other party lied.

He is very familiar with this place.

Why would he lie?

Since leaving the tent, Lillian has been filled with questions.

Now, even more questions arise.

The gazes of those around her felt like needles pricking her back, making her increasingly uneasy.

Even when she was risking her life to eavesdrop on intelligence in Qianta, she never felt this kind of oppressive atmosphere.

She was a sensitive girl to begin with.

This unknown filled her with fear.

Finally, after turning into a small alley and temporarily having their view blocked by a wall, they found themselves in a safe place.

She reached out and gently grasped the hem of Lin Gui's robe.

Lin Gui stopped and looked back at her.

Lillian's face was covered in cold sweat.

His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but it was as if something was blocking his throat.

She hesitated for a long time, organizing her thoughts, but ultimately, she was afraid of something and couldn't bring herself to say it.

Lin Gui did not urge him.

He took out his oak staff and began to chant softly.

The incantation, transmitted through the soul, flowed between the lips and teeth.

An invisible thread connected to Lillian's mind.

His voice echoed in her mind, steady and clear.

What do you want to say?

Lillian was stunned.

She opened her mouth but made no sound, then tried to respond in her mind.

[A spirit... a telepathic connection?!]

Are you a soul mage?

Lin Gui didn't reply, but just looked at her calmly, as if waiting for her to finish speaking.

Lillian remained silent for a long time before speaking in a low voice.

"Um...aren't you curious why Miss Fox asked me to wait for you at the Thousand Towers?"

Lin Gui's expression remained unchanged.

Lillian continued speaking, her voice growing softer and softer.

Since Lillian told the other party that Miss Fox had approached her 3 years ago.

For some reason, the other party didn't ask any further questions.

And so I left.

Lin Gui did not answer immediately.

He turned around and continued walking forward at a moderate pace.

He led her through the alley to the end, where they rejoined the sparse crowd on the street.

The connection via telepathy remains.

Did she say, "Why did she ask you to wait for me here?"

Lillian lowered her head, her voice muffled.

No... Miss Fox didn't say that.

Lin Gui's steps did not falter at all, as if he had already anticipated this answer.

As for that fox, it wouldn't reveal any useful information unless it was absolutely necessary.

She really enjoys knowing things that others don't.

They don't talk about it themselves, but they insist on letting others know about their strange fetishes.

The Riddler.

An annoying fox.

It's as if I'm the manipulator of fate, arranging everything perfectly.

Lillian was silent for a moment, then looked around.

People on the street were still subtly observing them.

She hesitated for a moment, then finally mustered the courage to ask in her mind.

"Um... Miss Fox didn't seem to have told me what to do."

"Then, could you... let me go home?"

Lin Gui paused for a moment.

Then he turned his head and looked at her with certainty.

That won't do.

You know too many things you shouldn't know; I must take you with me when I leave.

Lillian shrugged and lowered her voice.

[I'm just a high-level mage, my strength is weak... I can't help you much.]

Lin Gui's gaze lingered on her face for a moment.

I could see the unease in her eyes.

He recalled that on his journey to find Lillian in the Heart of Elements, he had obtained information about her.

She is a very sensitive and timid girl.

In contrast, Elvia and he were too neglected along the way, which made her feel uneasy.

What unsettled the girl most was that she knew nothing.

They were brought to this dangerous desert, far from their homeland.

Lin Gui sighed.

I'm sorry, I may have neglected you lately.

This place brings back very bad memories for me.

He paused for a moment, then continued.

I will tell you about us and answer your questions.

Although your Miss Fox didn't explain why she made you wait, I can roughly guess her intentions.

The truth is, whether she says it or not, we will take you away and tie you to our ship.

It's not just because you overheard things you shouldn't have.

[Furthermore, it's because you possess the Night-Shining Veil.]

That is a magic that must never be revealed.

So, her goal is to get you to come with us.

Lillian was stunned.

Her fingers unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes, her knuckles turning white.

But I don't know what I can do.

Lin Gui looked at her, his tone softening slightly.

You just need to follow us.

Don't worry, I won't hurt you, I swear.

Besides, don't you want to actually learn that magic?

[A truly ethereal nightgown.]

Lillian's eyes lit up.

Her lips moved, her voice carrying a hint of cautious probing.

Will you... teach me?

Lin Gui nodded.

"As long as you stay with us, I will."

Since the girl had already learned it, Lin Gui didn't mind letting her learn it even more thoroughly.

Perhaps this is what Sivir wanted.

Lillian's eyes burned with passion.

Those moments of timidity seemed like an illusion.

A near-fanatical light surged in those amber eyes, as if a long-suppressed thirst for knowledge had finally found an outlet.

She took half a step forward, her voice carrying an urgency she herself was unaware of.

"Then...can I call you teacher?"

Looking into her eyes, Lin Gui suddenly felt a wave of fear.

He recalled the comments made about Lillian.

Especially the magic professor from the Heart of Elements, who seemed hesitant and on the verge of collapse when asked about Lillian.

He suddenly felt like he had dug a hole for himself.

But Lillian was clutching his collar, staring at him expectantly.

The eyes behind those round-framed glasses shone with an astonishing brightness, like a small animal that had found food.

That pitiful look finally made Lin Gui relent.

Yes...yes.

If you don't mind that I'm just a high-ranking official...

Lillian jumped up and down excitedly.

The timidity in his voice vanished, replaced by an irrepressible excitement.

【I don't mind! I don't mind!】

And actually, I've been looking forward to your arrival!

[The creator of the Night-Shimmering Gauze Robe, I... my true teacher!]

You opened the door to a whole new world for me!

[So, the combination of those seemingly useless spells can unleash such a powerful, even legendary, effect!]

Her speech became faster and faster, and her eyes became brighter and brighter.

Lin Gui's lips began to twitch.

It's no wonder Lillian is so obsessed with these bizarre beginner and intermediate spells.

The reason why a bunch of useless magic was created was because of the Night Veil?

Because of him?

He remained silent for a long time before speaking.

【Niord.】

Lillian responded with great enthusiasm.

Just call me Lillian, Master!

Master...

Only those who are personally trained in the art would address someone in this way.

However, the name "Ghostly Night Gauze Robe" was created by Lin Gui, and the name Lillian seems to be correct as well.

Lin Gui tacitly accepted the title, then looked at Lillian's face, which was flushed with excitement, and sighed.

Since you've already called me "Master," as is tradition, I won't accept the traditional apprenticeship gift.

I only have one request for you.

Lillian tilted her head, looking at him curiously.

Stop creating those eye-searing magic tricks.

Lillian tilted her head.

Why?

Lin Gui raised his hand and gently delivered a chop to her head.

The force wasn't heavy, but it carried an unwavering certainty that left no room for negotiation.

Don't ask why.

Promise me, Lillian.

Stop creating those eye-searing magical effects.

Lillian rubbed the top of her head where she had been hit, looking somewhat puzzled and aggrieved.

But under Lin Gui's unwavering gaze, she shrank back and muttered softly.

【All right……】

Once I've created one section of undressing magic, I will no longer research creating basic magic.

Lin Gui's movements stopped.

He stared at Lillian, his tone carrying an indescribable confusion.

[A striptease spell... What the heck is this?]

Just as Lillian was about to explain, Lin Gui had already raised his hand.

Forget it, stop talking.

I don't want to hear it.

The confirmation of the teacher-student relationship gave Lillian a sense of identity.

Her unease was also greatly alleviated at that moment.

Because of the existence of telepathic communication, she became unscrupulous.

It's like finally finding a channel where you can speak freely.

As she went back and forth shopping on the street, her questions came at her like a machine gun.

[Master, how was the Night-Shirt Robe created?]

What kind of writing system are those square characters?

Why can airships fly so fast?

What is that magic that can create phantoms?

Why did you choose to learn astigmatism correction?

How exactly does that astigmatism spell work?

One question after another, and often before Lin Gui could even answer, she would have already thrown out the next one.

Lin Gui opened his mouth several times, but was shut down by her barrage of questions.

In the end, he sighed helplessly.

Be quiet.

Lillian's voice paused for a moment.

Then she timidly grabbed the hem of Lin Gui's robe and followed him out of the food shop.

As soon as I stepped out of the store, her voice rang in my mind again.

Lin Gui closed his eyes briefly, then spoke in his mind.

If you continue like this, I'll disconnect the soul communication.

Lillian's body jerked violently.

She quickly responded in her mind, her voice tinged with panic.

[The very last question! Just the last question!]

Master, when do you plan to teach me the true meaning of the Night-Shining Robe?

Lin Gui was silent for a moment, then spoke.

[Wait until we reach our final destination.]

This is not a suitable place to rest.

He looked around, his gaze sweeping over the eyes that were still subtly observing them, over the closed windows and the lowered curtains.

A sense of oppression permeated the entire red clay territory.

Lillian followed his gaze and suddenly remembered her initial fear.

She lowered her voice and asked timidly.

[Um... why are they so wary and resistant?]

[But you said you would relax after your first visit?]

Lin Gui withdrew his gaze, his tone indifferent.

Because they fear that what happened three years ago will implicate them again.

They weren't afraid of strangers who were visiting for the first time.

[It was an acquaintance who had visited three years ago.]

Anyone who has even the slightest connection with them, regardless of whether they are a noble or a commoner, will die.

Lillian paused for a moment, a guess popping into her mind.

Master... has he been here before?

She received no answer.

She looked up at Lin Gui in confusion, only to find that his gaze was not on her.

He was looking across the street.

Lillian followed his gaze.

I spotted Elvia at first glance.

Her long, golden hair stood out strikingly in the morning light.

She was walking towards us from across the street, carrying the mailman's package.

Her expression seemed somewhat unnatural.

Beside her was a tall, slender man.

The man was wearing a well-tailored dark gray robe with a silver badge pinned to the collar.

He had a handsome face, a perfectly timed smile on his lips, and a respectful posture, trailing Elvia by half a step.

They seemed like servants, or perhaps companions.

The two walked through the sparse crowd and stopped directly in front of Lin Gui.

The man's gaze swept across Lin Gui's face; his eyes were bright and held a sharp scrutiny.

Then he bowed slightly and spoke.

"Hello there."

"I am the acting lord of Red Earth Territory, and the branch president of the Red Earth Territory Magic Guild..."

He paused for a moment, and the smile on his lips deepened.

Theodore Black.

He straightened up, his gaze still fixed on Lin Gui's face.

"Nice to meet you, young Captain Lieyang."

"Black-feathered Raven, Lord Forest Demon."

"I have been waiting for you here for a long time."

Black Feather Raven was the popular nickname that Lin Gui received in the capital city of Carter.

It has never been advertised publicly.

How did this man in front of him know that?

Because... besides being the acting city lord of Red Earth Territory, he is also an inspector of the Alliance and one of the founders of the Overturning Fire Society.

He was also one of the people who organized that great purge.

Red Earth Territory was originally a large frontier city-state with a population of 300,000.

But after this person became the city lord...

Of the original 30 people, only 6 remain.