After entering the library, he rummaged through the shelves. However, he could not find what he was
looking for.
“Where is it?” He murmured.
Standing in the middle of the library, he scanned his surroundings. Then, he noticed a straw mat.
He walked over to the mat apd sat down on it. Focusing his gaze in front of him, he looked straight
ahead.
As if he had suddenly realized something, he immediately sprang to his feet and walked toward the
shelf in front of him. Once he stood in front of the shelf, he 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, he found an ancient scroll within.
A painting of a bamboo grove was revealed when he 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, he made an uneventful exit from the place.
Once Thea returned to the hotel, she peeled off the human mask on her face and changed out of her
clothes. Just as she was about to leave, Thomas walked into the room.
“Sir Caden.”
She hurriedly gave him a respectful bow.
“Mhm."
Thomas gave her a slight nod of acknowledgment and said impassionately, “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 her hands anxiously.
Thomas waved her concerns away. “Don't worry, we’ve sent him to the Cadens. They won't let him die
in vain.”
Thea gave him 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 her doubts.
She drew her 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 he felt.
Just then, a knock came on the door.
After stashing away the scroll, he 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 him in front of the front door.”
“l 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.”
62fb1bb41dcb31934bd49bda