"Bob, have you mentioned this matter to Mr Hum?" Night Orchid continued after a brief pause.
"I mentioned it briefly," Bob Stokes nodded. "But it seems that the old man isn't interested. I told him as much as I knew, but he didn't ask any further questions. I suspect he knows something but is unwilling to tell me."
"Most likely," Soul Chaser agreed, tapping his lips. "I wonder what they're hiding."
"By the way, Bob, does Mr Hum know that Ink Pavilion is targeting this place? Isn't he concerned about the situation here?"
"I asked him, and he just told me to mind my own business and not to worry about it."
"Alright." Soul Chaser shrugged.
"It's about time. Let's follow them and see what's happening." Ian Blade suggested.
"Agreed," Bob Stokes nodded and then turned to a man from Central Sky Office behind him. "Notify everyone to stay put here and wait for my call."
"Understood!" the man nodded.
Subsequently, Bob Stokes and his group headed in the direction of the village.
Meanwhile, the three groups sent by Ink Pavilion had already arrived at a large grassy area outside the village. The leader of these groups was none other than the head of Ink Pavilion, Quillan Inkwell. He still wore a black-and-white mask on his face.
Shortly after, the sound of footsteps echoed, and Arthur and Bessie led a hundred men and women out of the village. The men and women were all dressed in martial attire, with serious expressions and no hint of emotion on their faces.
"Everyone, why have you come to this remote village with such a large force? What brings you here?" Arthur scanned the group before him and began speaking.
"Mr Fowler, it's been many years since we last met. You look more spirited than ever!" Quillan said with a faint smile.
"My apologies, but I'm not familiar with our guest from Ink Pavilion." Arthur replied.
"Quillan Inkwell." Quillan introduced himself.
"Oh?" Arthur's pupils constricted slightly. "So, it's the head of Ink Pavilion in person. Forgive my poor eyesight, I didn't recognize you. My apologies for the oversight."
Next to him, Bessie's expression also changed slightly. Neither of them had expected that Quillan Inkwell would personally lead the group.
"Never mind, Mr Fowler." Quillan replied. "And this lady must be Mrs Charleston, right?"
"Twenty years ago, rumors in the martial world claimed that Mrs Charleston had suffered a severe blow, losing all her cultivation. Now, looking back, it seems those rumors were indeed unreliable!"
"I wonder, why has the esteemed Master of Ink Pavilion graced us with your presence?" Bessie Charleston inquired.
"Both of you have been living in obscurity here for two decades. If I'm not mistaken, you must be guarding some precious treasure for Glavale, am I right?" continued Quillan. "Ink Pavilion is quite curious about this, and I'd like to see it for myself. I hope you both can accommodate my request."
"You must be joking, Mr Inkwell." Arthur said with a smile. "My old lady and I are simply tired of the martial world and decided to find a place to retire. We've been living here for so long, there's nothing of value here, let alone any treasure."
"Haha, Mr Fowler, are you insulting my intelligence?" Quillan chuckled coldly. As he spoke, he took out a jade pendant from his pocket. "You two should recognize this jade pendant, right?"
"I'm sorry, please forgive my ignorance," Arthur replied with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. He continued, "I wonder what's special about this jade pendant, Mr Inkwell?"
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