Years turn into wind

Chapter 119 The Truth in the Mist

The morning sun streamed through the windows of the Marshal's Mansion, dispelling the night's gloom. Cheng Yuwei had risen early and was about to head to the study to continue investigating the "Night Owl" clues when she heard hurried footsteps outside the door. It was Li Mo, his face grim, holding a piece of intelligence in his hand.

"Marshal, Miss Cheng, a granary in the city was suddenly set on fire last night. Our people found the symbol of the night owl at the scene - a black feather." Li Mo's voice was low and nervous.

Ling Xiaotian frowned and took the black feather. A hint of coldness flashed in his eyes. "It seems that Night Owl is demonstrating to us. This battle has just begun."

Cheng Yuwei took the feather and examined it carefully. Her mind flashed back to the various chemicals and traces she had studied in the laboratory years ago, and she suddenly had an idea: "There are residues of a special paint on this feather. If we can analyze its composition, we might be able to find its source."

Ling Xiaotian nodded: "Wei'er, I'll leave it to you. I will arrange for people to protect you and ensure your safety."

Cheng Yuwei brought the feather and several trusted guards to the mansion's laboratory. It had been converted into a simple chemical analysis room, filled with familiar bottles, jars, and equipment. She quickly began analyzing the substance on the feather, time slipping away as she stared intently.

The guards on the side watched Cheng Yuwei concentrate on her work, and secretly admired this woman who traveled through time and space. Not only was she extremely talented, but she could also help the Marshal deal with numerous crises in this chaotic world.

A few hours later, Cheng Yuwei finally looked up, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Found it! This kind of paint is only used in a workshop on the outskirts of the city. That might be where the Night Owl is hiding."

In the evening, Ling Xiaotian led a team of elite soldiers and quietly set off for the workshop on the outskirts of the city. Cheng Yuwei insisted on accompanying them. Her reason was simple: "Only I can identify the traces there and find the real clues."

As the night deepened, an eerie silence enveloped the workshop. Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei walked in front, followed by alert soldiers. Cheng Yuwei spotted fresh wheel tracks on the ground, pointing deeper into the workshop.

Suddenly, a sneer came from the darkness: "Ha, Marshal Ling and Miss Cheng are really brave."

A tall figure slowly stepped out of the shadows. It was Liu Meiqiu. There was a hint of sarcasm on her lips, but a murderous look flashed in her eyes.

Ling Xiaotian said coldly, "Liu Meiqiu, your trick is over. Surrender."

Liu Meiqiu's laughter became even more piercing. She clapped her hands lightly, and a group of masked men in black quickly appeared and surrounded everyone. She looked at Cheng Yuwei and said coldly, "Ms. Cheng, do you think you are very smart? Unfortunately, you are not smart enough."

Cheng Yuwei frowned and was about to speak when she felt a chill on her back. A dagger was pressed against her neck. The person holding the knife was a familiar face—Lin Chuan. His eyes were filled with pain and helplessness, and he whispered, "I'm sorry, Miss Cheng."

Lin Chuan's blade trembled slightly, its cold edge pressing against Cheng Yuwei's skin, sending a stinging chill down her neck. The surrounding soldiers' gazes froze, their spears pointed at Lin Chuan, Liu Meiqiu, and their group. The air was thick with tension, as if on the verge of exploding.

"Lin Chuan, are you really going to go this far?" Ling Xiaotian's voice was low, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes. He had always considered Lin Chuan a brother, and even with the evidence of treason before his eyes, deep down he still had a glimmer of hope that he wouldn't believe it.

Lin Chuan's face was pale, cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and his lips trembled slightly: "Marshal, I... I have no choice." There was conflict and pain in his eyes, as if he was struggling between life and death in his heart.

Liu Meiqiu sneered, walked forward, and leaned against a dilapidated pillar with a leisurely and contented expression: "Alas, such touching brotherly love. Unfortunately, at this point, friendship is unnecessary. Miss Cheng, if you don't want to die, tell your soldiers to lay down their weapons."

A cold glint flashed in Cheng Yuwei's eyes as she pondered how to escape her predicament. She spoke softly, her tone calm yet provocative, "Liu Meiqiu, you dare to threaten us, which means you're afraid. Your Night Owl master isn't as invincible as the rumors say, otherwise you wouldn't be so eager to trade me for him."

The coldness in Liu Meiqiu's eyes grew stronger, and her smile gradually faded. "Ms. Cheng, don't try to provoke me. You're smart, but you're using your intelligence in the wrong place today."

At this moment, Lin Chuan's grip began to loosen, and Cheng Yuwei felt the blade leave her neck. She quickly stepped back, breaking free from his grip. At that moment, Ling Xiaotian, swift-eyed and quick-handed, drew his gun and accurately knocked down the two men in black who stood in his way.

"Kill!" Ling Xiaotian shouted, and the soldiers sprang into action, engaging the men in black in a fierce clash. Cheng Yuwei took advantage of the chaos and dove for cover, her eyes searching for a breakthrough. The sounds of battle rang out, the glow of fire and the cries of killing intertwined in the darkness, creating a chaotic scene.

Lin Chuan stood there, his face full of pain. He looked at Ling Xiaotian, his lips slightly opening and closing: "Marshal, I'm sorry..." Then, he turned around and faced the attack of a black-clad assassin, struggling to repel the assassin.

Seeing Lin Chuan's desperate defense, the coldness in Ling Xiaotian's eyes wavered slightly, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. The battle had already entered a fierce stage. Liu Meiqiu saw that the situation was not good, gritted her teeth, and shouted loudly: "Retreat!"

The men in black quickly retreated, leaving behind only a few fallen bodies and scattered debris. The air was filled with the smell of blood and gunpowder, and the earth seemed to tremble under the night sky.

After the battle, Ling Xiaotian walked up to Lin Chuan with a deep gaze: "Lin Chuan, do you have anything else to say?"

Lin Chuan raised his head, a trace of blood oozing from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with pain: "Marshal, I... I did this for my family. Night Owl caught them..."

Cheng Yuwei stepped forward with a complex emotion in her eyes: "Lin Chuan, we will save your family, but now, you must tell us where the Night Owl is hiding."

Lin Chuan nodded, his voice weak but firm: "He...he is..." Before he finished speaking, he fell to the ground exhausted.

A little suspense: Lin Chuan's final words are interrupted, and Night Owl's hiding place remains a mystery. How will Ling Xiaotian and Cheng Yuwei uncover the deeper conspiracy behind this? Is there another conspiracy behind Liu Meiqiu's retreat? What challenges will they face?