Wizards begin with Occlumency.

Chapter 336 Secrets

Link decides to delve deeper into the ancient witchcraft system of this world.

Although Yun Xinying and the "Ghost Eye" sorcery did not leave a good impression on Link, he could not generalize and completely deny the ancient witchcraft system without a full understanding of it.

Those who engage in academic research should not blindly believe or be arrogant.

Wizards are really just a group of academic research enthusiasts.

To study the ancient shamanistic system, a starting point is needed.

This angle is perfect for Yun Xinying and the "Witch" organization behind her.

It should be noted that in the first ten years of his life, Link only had contact with human immortal martial arts and mechanical martial arts.

Despite extensive reading, I found no record whatsoever of ancient shamanistic systems or societies such as "shamans" or "spirits."

Perhaps it was because Lin Ke had read a wide range of books, which had been selected by his master, Li Shuwen;

Perhaps it's because those in power have strictly prohibited written materials on this subject;

There may be other reasons.

None of that matters.

The important thing is...

Through the marks he left behind, Link discovered that Yun Xinying had already run off to the Lotus Heart Pavilion on the Mianliu River, her mind filled with melancholy.

There's definitely more that can be extracted from Yun Xinying, but her value lies in drawing out more members of the "Witchcraft" organization.

If we could follow the trail and capture a few elders or similar figures who had passed on their skills, the information we could extract from them would surely be quite substantial.

Just as I was thinking this, Senior Brother Shi arrived after dealing with the traitor within the martial arts school.

"Senior brother, is something the matter?"

Link snapped out of his reverie and got up to walk toward Senior Brother Shi, who was standing outside.

"Wei Hanshan has arrived. He says he has something very important to discuss with us and specifically requests to see you."

Senior Brother Shi was in a bad mood, and his tone of voice was slightly low.

Anyone would react like this if there was a traitor in their own household.

You're a traitor in the family!

How heartbroken, how indignant!

"Oh?"

Link let out a surprised "Eh," a hint of curiosity in his voice.

How long has Yun Xinying been gone before Wei Hanshan came knocking on her door?

This person has a very strong sense of smell and decisiveness.

He truly deserves to be called a capable and ruthless person who built a top-ten industrial group in the province from scratch.

"Let's go, senior brother, let's go see him together."

Link put his mind at ease and walked towards the front yard of the martial arts school.

Soon, the two brothers arrived at the reception room and met Wei Hanshan, who was leisurely enjoying tea.

However, Link's attention was not on Wei Hanshan, but fixed on the middle-aged butler Achen, who stood behind Wei Hanshan with a very low presence.

"Oh……"

Link grinned, then immediately composed himself and said indifferently, "Mr. Wei, are you here to have a talk or to show off? You've even brought out the previous senior disciple of the Southern Jianghu Mechanical Martial Arts School."

The power of the Human Immortal Martial Arts exists in the form of sects, gangs, and martial arts schools.

The forces of mechanical martial arts exist in the form of schools and sects.

Each school of thought adheres to its own philosophy.

The philosophy of the American-style mech school is that appearance equals combat power; beautiful machines are powerful machines; and beautiful moves are powerful moves.

In the martial arts world, martial artists of the American weaponry school are also called dancers.

Because the martial artists of the American Mechanical School, whether in training or in battle, have extremely graceful figures and postures, as if they are dancing.

"No, no! Young Master Lin has misunderstood."

Upon hearing this, Wei Hanshan quickly put down his teacup, stood up, and said sincerely, "I've come here for two reasons: first, to negotiate peace between our two families; and second, to share some important information with Master Shi and Young Hero Lin. I dare not mention any demonstrations or anything like that. Besides, Ah Chen left the American-made weaponry faction twenty years ago; he's a free man, not some senior brother anymore."

"Yeah?"

Link squeezed out a sound from his nose, seemingly doubtful.

He actually knew that Wei Hanshan was telling the truth, but he still wanted to use this attitude to give the other party a warning.

This guy actually dared to sit and leisurely drink tea when the two brothers entered the reception room, instead of getting up immediately; his intentions are despicable.

"Yes, yes, yes!"

Wei Hanshan responded repeatedly, cold sweat dripping down his forehead.

He seemed to have been reprimanded and was extremely apprehensive, fearing that Link might not give him a chance to speak in his anger.

In reality, he was quite satisfied with his performance.

Often, the effect of deliberately showing weakness is better than being reprimanded and then adopting an extremely humble attitude.

"Please have a seat, Mr. Wei."

Link glanced at Wei Hanshan, who was full of scheming thoughts, first invited his senior brother to sit in the main seat on the left, and then sat on the right. He then pointed and asked Wei Hanshan to sit back down.

"Thank you, Master Shi. Thank you, Young Master Lin."

Wei Hanshan bowed and scraped, sitting down as if he had been granted a pardon.

He even exaggeratedly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, appearing extremely frightened.

"Mr. Wei, just say what you need to say. There's no need to put on such an act in front of us fellow disciples. Our time is precious. Mr. Wei has a large business to manage, and we also have important matters to attend to."

Seeing that Senior Brother Shi had no intention of speaking, Link naturally took the lead in the conversation.

Hearing Lin Ke's blunt words, Wei Hanshan put aside his ulterior motives, straightened his posture, and said seriously, "Although the Bajiquan Martial Arts School hasn't officially announced any intention to target my businesses, rumors are rampant and have already affected their normal operation. I'm here not to accuse them, but to implore the Bajiquan Martial Arts School to understand and negotiate a settlement. I'm very sincere and have decided to offer the shipping business on the Mianjiang River as a token of my gratitude. I ask Master Shi to express his opinion."

After a pause, Wei Hanshan saw that neither his senior brother Shi nor Lin Ke seemed to care much about this important matter to him, and he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Despite the fact that Bajiquan Martial Arts School has started to vigorously develop its business and expand its commercial territory in recent years, at its core, it is still a martial artist, not a businessman who makes money through harmony.

When wronged or schemed against, one is more inclined to retaliate than to temporarily compromise for personal gain.

Wei Hanshan then revealed the strongest point he had used to seek peace, saying:

"There is something I think I must tell Master Shi and Young Master Lin."

This matter concerns what Young Master Lin is currently investigating, and it is extremely important.

One hundred and sixty-eight years ago, at the height of the Human Immortal Martial Arts, a group of eccentric individuals wreaked havoc on the martial arts world and stirred up trouble across the land.

This group calls themselves "shamans," and their movements are elusive and their methods are bizarre.

Martial arts practitioners from the martial arts world, in cooperation with the imperial army, fought several major battles before finally annihilating this group of strange people.

After a joint assessment by several grandmasters, it was determined that the cultivation methods of this group of "shamans" had fallen into heresy. Therefore, their scriptures were burned, their lineage was severed, and any written records of this group of "shamans" were strictly prohibited from being circulated.

Thirty years ago, the "witchcraft" resurfaced and returned to the world, but it had changed its appearance and become even more sinister, evil, and bloody.

Tragically, when Wei was a child, his older sister was abducted.

Three years ago, my elder sister found Wei, but they had become complete strangers. She even tried to control Wei with evil magic and make him a henchman of the organization behind her.

Wei was barely able to protect himself, and dared not offend them, so he did not report them to the imperial court.

Miss Sisi's experience is actually what this group of resurrected "witches" are all about.

My son is utterly unwise; he's just a pawn in the hands of these 'shamans.'

Lin Ke listened quietly to Wei Hanshan's long speech, completely unconcerned about the other party's wording in which he completely distanced himself from the matter. He simply said coldly, "'Witches' are nothing but rats in the gutter. Does Mr. Wei really think we don't know them? Tell us something we don't know, otherwise, we are afraid we are powerless to fulfill Mr. Wei's request."

Wei Hanshan was extremely shocked.

The Bajiquan Martial Arts Academy has actually discovered a "witch spirit"?

It seems that Yun Xinying's escape without notice must be closely related to this young hero Lin.

No wonder Young Master Lin had to avoid all eyes and ears and act in secret today.

It turns out they've found the tail of the "Witch" organization and are trying to catch those rats.

Yun Xinying most likely suffered a great loss at the hands of Young Master Lin.

Thinking of this, Wei Hanshan said solemnly, "I have some influence in the provincial capital, and I have already found out three strongholds and one liaison office of the 'Witch' organization in the provincial capital."

This is one of the last two bombshell revelations about Wei Hanshan.

If that still doesn't move Young Master Lin, we might have to resort to our most powerful, life-saving secret.

"Ruyi Casino, Lianxin Pavilion, and the manor next door to your house?"

Link asked in return.

Wei Hanshan opened his mouth, then nodded dejectedly: "It's these three strongholds. As for the liaison office..."

As he spoke, Wei Hanshan cautiously observed Link's expression, trying to discern some clues.

Link grinned, a smile that held a deeper meaning.

Wei Hanshan quickly abandoned his probing intentions and honestly confessed: "The liaison office is located within the provincial capital's newspaper office. The newspaper's editor-in-chief is also a member of the 'Witch' organization. Even my older sister's daughter, Yun Xinying, who is the culprit who assassinated Miss Sisi, doesn't know her identity. The two belong to different lines and are not under each other's command."

"Mr. Wei is indeed Mr. Wei. He was able to find out such confidential information. I admire him."

After Link finished speaking, he actually clasped his hands in a salute.

This is not sarcasm, but a sincere expression of my feelings.

Although Link had very little time to deal with the "Witch" and only fought her once, he could still deduce how troublesome the "Witch" was.

The threat of "shamans" lies not in their direct lethality, but in their stealthy and insidious attacks, making them impossible to defend against.

It is already quite remarkable that Wei Hanshan was able to protect himself and feign compliance in the face of the "shaman's" coercion.

They even dared to investigate the other party in return and made progress, which is commendable.

"I am ashamed! I am ashamed!"

Wei Hanshan is an extremely shrewd person; how could he not distinguish between sincerity and pretense?

He spoke modestly, but secretly he was delighted to receive Link's praise.

Who is Young Master Lin?

A peerless genius in the martial arts of immortals, and an outstanding operator in managing industries and influence.

To receive a word of "admiration" from Young Master Lin is a very prestigious thing to talk about.

However, Link, who had just been full of "admiration," immediately changed his tone and said calmly, "The information provided by Mr. Wei is very valuable, but not enough."

Upon hearing this, Wei Hanshan gave a bitter smile.

Before leaving home, he knew that he was most likely to lose that crucial piece of information that could save his life in a critical moment.

"Young Master Lin, please confirm that our conversation will not be overheard."

Wei Hanshan's expression suddenly became extremely serious, and he solemnly made his request.

Link waved his hand, sealing off the reception room with a combination of martial arts and spiritual power.

They were shouting and yelling inside, but you couldn't hear a sound outside the reception room.

This seemingly casual move immediately shocked the two martial artists present.

Both Senior Brother Shi and the middle-aged butler, Ah Chen, could block out the sounds in the reception room, but it was by no means something they could do so easily.

Moreover, they only recognized one of the methods, and for a moment they couldn't figure out what the other method was.

They felt that with their early-stage Human Immortal martial arts cultivation and their mechanical martial arts realm with 30% mechanical heart of three cores, they would not be able to break through it within half an hour.

Wei Hanshan was no ordinary merchant; he was also a mechanical martial artist with a cultivation level of 60% at the second core, which was even more astonishing.

Rumors from the martial arts world are indeed unreliable.

Young Master Lin, how could you possibly be a martial artist at the Condensation Realm?

His strength is clearly even greater than that of Master Shi, who is in the early stage of the Unity Realm!

At this moment, Senior Brother Shi couldn't help but take a look at his eighth junior brother, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

As the senior brother, Shi Gandang knew that his eighth junior brother was a deep and thoughtful person who liked to keep his trump cards hidden.

Shi Gandangmei was surprised to learn that his eighth junior brother had such a powerful trump card.

I wonder if Master knows that Eighth Junior Brother is already a martial artist at or above the mid-stage of the Returning to One Realm?

You must know that.

Link ignored the three men's shock and said, "Mr. Wei can speak freely. Say whatever you want. Unless a Void Realm martial artist comes in person, no one else will be able to hear what Mr. Wei says next."

"Um."

Wei Hanshan's throat bobbed a few times as he carefully chose his words before slowly saying, "The 'Witch' organization was actually founded by Hu Suqi, the second daughter of the provincial governor."

"What?"

Senior Brother Shi was so startled that he stood up from his chair. "Are you sure you're talking about Governor Hu's second daughter, Miss Hu Suqi?"

"This is a matter of great importance; how could I dare to speak falsely?"

Wei Hanshan gave a bitter smile. "I found this information by accident. I haven't told anyone else. I'm keeping it as a trump card to save my life."

"To save my life?"

Senior Brother Shi snorted, "I think it's a death sentence!"

Wei Hanshan gave an awkward smile and did not reply.

This news could indeed be fatal, but he was absolutely confident that he could turn it into a life-saving opportunity!

This is something that cannot be explained to outsiders.

Link knew the reason why Senior Brother Shi had lost his composure.

Shi, who has been single since birth, is unwilling to leave the provincial capital, partly to hone his martial arts skills and partly because he has found someone he loves.

This person is none other than Hu Suqi, the second daughter of the provincial military governor!

Once this was revealed, Link immediately understood which secret realm the "Witch" organization wanted to use to turn his master, Li Shuwen, into a puppet and explore.

The Valley of the Dead is said to be inaccessible to anyone who is not at the Void Realm!

Moreover, even martial artists at the Void Realm might not be able to escape unscathed.

The Valley of the Dead happens to be located in this province, near the provincial capital.

Having figured this out, Link didn't say it aloud. He simply told Wei Hanshan, "Mr. Wei, you can rest assured now. My investigation will not involve Wei's Enterprises, as long as Mr. Wei and his family do not get involved in this matter again."

"Thank you, Young Master Lin! I understand! I will immediately confine my son to his quarters and forbid him from going anywhere."

With the promise received, Wei Hanshan finally felt relieved.

As long as Young Master Lin doesn't investigate the Wei family, and Master Shi steps in to say a few good words about them.

Even if the Wei family manages to weather this crisis, they might even benefit from it.

Which big business tycoon wouldn't want to cooperate with Bajiquan Martial Arts School these days?

(End of this chapter)