This took an entire morning again. A large portion of the content, including the investigations, is from the victims’ perspective. A common trait among these people is their dislike for socializing. Apart from those impossible to investigate in the Underground City, the others with fixed lifestyles mostly appeared less than a year ago, with one exception: the master at the carpenter’s workshop, who has been mentoring two apprentices for two to three years. Perhaps some useful information can be gathered from the apprentices.

Tang Chendan entered the archives room; she too had some tasks in the morning and arrived early. When she first came, intending to grab some files, she saw Li Xin, so she left. When she returned around noon, she found he was still there, seemingly engrossed in his work.

Li Xin noticed Tang Chendan, "Silver Owl, good...good afternoon."

Tang Chendan gave Li Xin a cold glance, nodded slightly, and then went inside to search for the files.

Li Xin didn’t mind; he had set his direction and planned to first return to the Canon Law School for lunch and then head to the carpenter’s workshop after.

At this time, the atmosphere in the Divine Revelation Canon Law School cafeteria was also slightly different.

Hong Ban, Isaiah, Feili, and Patir sat together at one table, while other students conscientiously ate elsewhere. Nalan either revolves around Ji Mingyue or practices with Yan Tianguang, paying no attention to others.

Isaiah was quite interested in Feili, though he still wanted to save face, unlike Hong Ban, whose affection was well-known.

"Hong Ban, circling around Patir all day, it seems the position of president is drifting away from you." Isaiah teased.

"What’s the rush? The results aren’t out yet." Hong Ban grabbed some fresh fruit for Patir and then deftly peeled a grape with a knife, his rough appearance contrasting with his delicate technique, revealing the grape’s flesh perfectly.

Patir ate with a smile, "Our prince has been quite close with Nalan recently; it looks like good things are on the horizon. Isn’t your family anxious?"

Not only about the rivalry for leadership between Hong Ban and Nalan but more importantly, it’s a battle within the Council between Nalan Jingguo and Hong Yan for the Grand Governor’s position.

"I don’t really get those matters. However, Nalan and the prince’s situation may not be as solid." Hong Ban replied.

"Oh, our prince only gets close to Nalan, and they are senior and junior within the Deep Waters, which carries significant weight. Besides, there aren’t many people in Dragon Capital; I can’t think of anyone else." Isaiah laughed.

"Who says there’s no one else."

"Who else..." Isaiah paused, "You wouldn’t be referring to that person, would you?"

Hong Ban expertly picked the strawberry seeds with his knife, his fingers extremely nimble, "Exactly."

"He came to Dragon Capital?" Isaiah’s face changed slightly.

"Who are you talking about?" Patir just liked how Hong Ban disregarded others but was patient with her, making even his jealousy adorable.

"An interesting fellow, a man who beat Nalan. Do you think he was always this low-key?" Hong Ban chuckled.

Patir and Feili’s eyes lit up instantly, "Tell us quickly."

Isaiah was speechless; it was a matter from a long time ago, and Nalan now was not the Nalan of the past.

"Xiao Lanzi was once cold and liked to show off, a master of causing trouble. He was taught a hard lesson, which transformed him into what he is now. If it weren’t for the fact he was a Beijing native, Nalan might not even exist now." Hong Ban laughed, never showing mercy when belittling Nalan.

"Exaggerated, isn’t it?" Feili didn’t believe it at all.

"If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I’m straightforward. Ask Isaiah, he’s also involved; otherwise, it might seem like I’m slandering." Hong Ban pointed to Isaiah.

Feili and Patir looked at Isaiah, who shrugged, "Though a bit exaggerated, it’s generally true."

"Who is this person?" Patir tapped Hong Ban’s hand and asked.

"Met in the Secret Castle, disappeared for many years, recently appeared in Dragon Capital, somehow entered the Mysterious Canon Law School, getting involved with Bai Peng." Hong Ban explained.

"How do you know?"

"Come on, you don’t know Bai Peng’s personality? This guy announced he would take on our Divine Revelation; as if! The school recruited someone, named Li Xin." Hong Ban said.

"Is he from the Li family?" Feili asked curiously.

"Doesn’t seem like it; it’s unclear, but he looks to have Beijing roots." Hong Ban replied.

"Can he beat Nalan?"

"Before, easily. Now it’s hard to say, but he has enough strength for a fight. Generally, he’s around the same level as us." Isaiah said.

"Really? Nalan is called a rare genius by the Deep Waters, possessing extraordinary skills; can he compare?" Patir laughed.

Hong Ban and Isaiah exchanged a glance, clearly disinterested in the notion, yet said no more.

"Hong Ban, don’t say you’re not his match." Patir smiled charmingly, her sexy beauty mark also trembled.

No man would willingly admit defeat in front of a woman they like, especially not Hong Ban. But this time, Hong Ban didn’t boast, "We haven’t fought yet; whether he wins or I do isn’t certain."

Isaiah laughed out loud, and Hong Ban blushed with anger, glaring, "Why are you laughing? It’s not like you could beat him before!"

Isaiah shrugged indifferently, "As long as he’s not from the Li family, he doesn’t count for much."

Not children, not even in the same league; who compares fists?

Feili and Patir are aware of the Secret Castle Association, though they never went during those years. The Marking Clan was represented by Isaiah, and the Potter Family by Nalan. The Secret Castle Association is one of the Five Great Sanctuaries in Dao Yuan, mysterious and ancient, piquing their curiosity.

Patir and Feili exchanged a knowing glance; they understood Isaiah and Hong Ban’s characters. Being able to stir things in the Secret Castle means these men are indeed interesting.

Since when did Beijing produce such figures, why wouldn’t they come to Divine Revelation?

Seeing the interest in Patir’s eyes, Hong Ban immediately sensed trouble, "Ahem, Patir, it was all seven or eight years ago. The Secret Castle is merely about acquiring the Divine Relic; growth requires resources, understanding the Divine Relic demands experience. Perhaps he’s already faded among the masses."

"Hong Ban, you’re uneasy." Feili commented lightly, "You’ve mentioned that the Secret Castle is just about obtaining a Divine Relic, yet you stayed for so long?"

Hong Ban puffed his cheeks, his eyes wide, but a glance at Isaiah next to him stopped him from boasting further.

Isaiah shook his head, "That’s not the case. To get a chance at acquiring a matching Divine Relic requires rounds of testing and selection. Each participant comes from different places across Dao Yuan Continent, from princes to commoners, and not many survive and make it out."

"I think Yan Tianguang should be the happiest; he never emerged, becoming a mental demon on the Knightly Path. But it’s good. Defeating him would definitely bring considerable gains." Hong Ban said.

"It would help everyone somewhat, but we need to see if he’s kept up all these years. Seeing is believing; they’re old friends. Since he’s come to Dragon Capital, let’s meet him instead of guessing aimlessly." Isaiah said calmly, "Using him for our benefit would be best."

"No hurry for us; Nalan is the one who should be anxious." Hong Ban waved his hand, "Right, speaking of Mysterious Canon Law, Feili, doesn’t your cousin happen to be there too? Is he behaving?

"Cousin?" Feili paused, then realized Hong Ban was not referring to Nalan but someone else.

"Oh, you mentioned it, and I forgot; he tried to arrange a meetup for us with the Mysterious Black Rose several times." Feili said quietly.

"No way, this person is that bold. He’s not aware of his standing?" Patir lightly covered her mouth, her expression slightly teasing, "Dumb and a bit cute."

"He carries ambitions like Governor Luthor." Feili replied softly, not commenting further.

Hong Ban and Isaiah couldn’t help bursting into laughter, "Indeed, it’s a bit overreaching. He has ordinary talents and a mediocre level and looks average too. If it weren’t for past connections, he wouldn’t even qualify for the Mysterious Canon Law School; knowing oneself is somewhat sad," Isaiah said, "Feili, better find a chance to clue him in; otherwise, being a complete clown, it’s your family’s reputation on the line."

"Don’t say that; he has the same last name, Luthor. He’s after all my cousin, and he has no bad intentions." Feili smiled subtly, unwilling to be the villain.

"Recognize reality and reduce suffering, freeing oneself from living in a dream where everyone believes they can be a Grand Governor now." Isaiah expressed disdain, looking quite annoyed.

Even these gifted individuals, having endured the hardships of the Secret Castle and with full family support, don’t dare say they will become a Grand Governor. Luthor’s experience truly brings fantasies to many ordinary people.

"A meetup? Maybe find an opportunity to agree; idling is idling anyway, I’ll be the good guy this time." Patir winked, thinking it might be entertaining.

...