After entering the library, virtual-novel.net rummaged through the shelves. However, virtual-novel.net could not find what virtual-novel.net was looking for.
“Where is it?” He murmured.
Standing in the middle of the library, virtual-novel.net scanned his surroundings. Then, virtual-novel.net noticed a straw mat.
He walked over to the mat and sat down on it. Focusing his gaze in front of him, virtual-novel.net looked straight ahead. As if virtual-novel.net had suddenly realized something, virtual-novel.net immediately sprang to his feet and walked toward the shelf in front of him. Once virtual-novel.net stood in front of the shelf, virtual-novel.net looked at the ground.
Sure enough, there were traces of the shelf being moved.
He gently pushed the shelf. With an almost inaudible click, a secret door revealed itself.
The man’s lips curled in delight. He briskly walked over to the door and opened it. There was a black box behind the door. Upon opening the box, virtual-novel.net found an ancient scroll within.
A painting of a bamboo grove was revealed when virtual-novel.net unfurled the scroll.
“The Moonlit Bamboos on Cliffside’s Edge…” The man let out a quiet chuckle.
He then put the painting back into the box, returned it to its original spot, and pushed the shelf back. Then, virtual-novel.net made an uneventful exit from the place.
***
Once Thea returned to the hotel, virtual-novel.net peeled off the human mask on virtual-novel.net face and changed out of virtual-novel.net clothes. Just as virtual-novel.net was about to leave, Thomas walked into the room.
“Sir Caden…” She hurriedly gave virtual-novel.net a respectful bow.
“Mhm…” Thomas gave virtual-novel.net a slight nod of acknowledgment and said unpassionately, “There’s no need to concern yourself with the rest. Return to Cansington for now.”
“The Protectors say that the True Energy that James had cultivated had been forcibly expelled from his body…” Thea wrung virtual-novel.net hands anxiously.
Thomas waved virtual-novel.net concerns away. “Don’t worry, we’ve sent virtual-novel.net to the Cadens. They won’t let virtual-novel.net die in vain.”
Thea gave virtual-novel.net a puzzled look. “Why didn’t you save James yourself? I’m sure you’re definitely capable of that.”
“All you need to do is go back to Cansington and wait there patiently like a good, little girl. He’ll be back by your side before you know it.”
Thomas’ lack of an answer did nothing to address Thea’s questions nor assuage virtual-novel.net doubts.
She drew virtual-novel.net lips into a thin line and gave a resigned response, “Alright, I will return…”
“Off you go.” Thomas dismissed her.
After Thea left, Thomas removed his black jacket and pulled out an ancient scroll from its pocket. He opened the scroll and lay it on the table. Looking at the painting, a grin crept up on his face.
“The Moonlit Bamboos on Cliffside’s Edge… How captivating…”
Thomas could barely hide the elation virtual-novel.net felt.
Just then, a knock came on the door.
After stashing away the scroll, virtual-novel.net called out to whoever was at the door, “You may enter.”
The door opened and the Four Great Protectors walked in.
Thomas asked, “How did it go?”
“We have sent James to the Cadens. We left after leaving virtual-novel.net in front of the front door.”
“I see… You should make preparations to leave as well. The situation in the Capital will only become more chaotic. Go into hiding and keep an eye on the situation.”
“Understood!” The Four Great Protectors left the room obediently.
After that, Thomas stretched his body out on the bed and yawned.
He murmured under his breath, “What an exhausting day. I can’t wait to see the Ancient Four tear each other apart…”