In the capital of Rong Kingdom, sunlight streamed onto the bluestone pavement, casting a warm glow. The streets and alleys were bustling with people, and amidst this prosperity, two figures shone like bright stars: Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er.

Xiao Yichen, a renowned general of Rong Kingdom. His figure was as upright as a pine tree, a black, fitted outfit perfectly outlining his muscular and powerful physique. His sword-like eyebrows slanted sharply towards his temples, his eyes deep and unfathomable, like the brightest stars in the night sky. Whenever his gaze swept across, it seemed to carry a power that could pierce the heart, inspiring awe in those who beheld him. Beneath his high, straight nose, his lips were always tightly pressed together, exuding a cold and aloof aura, as if nothing in the world could touch his heartstrings. His aura was as powerful as the eye of a storm; whenever he appeared, the surrounding air seemed to grow heavy.

Speaking of Xiao Yichen's martial arts skills, no one in the army could match him. He had practiced martial arts since childhood and was proficient in all kinds of weapons. His swordsmanship was as sharp as lightning; when he drew his sword, the shadows flashed, so fast that it was dazzling, and all that could be heard was the "whoosh" sound of the sword cutting through the air. Once, a martial arts competition was held in the army, and a soldier who was confident in his martial arts skills challenged him. The soldier wielded a long spear and charged at Xiao Yichen aggressively. However, Xiao Yichen's expression did not change. Just as the spear was about to pierce the soldier's chest, he flashed and appeared behind the soldier like a ghost. His sword was lightly pressed against the back of the soldier's neck. The whole process took only a blink of an eye, and everyone present was amazed.

Lin Wan'er was a renowned and extraordinary woman in the capital. She possessed bright eyes and white teeth, skin as white as snow, and when she smiled, two shallow dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth, as sweet and captivating as spring flowers in full bloom. Her long, glossy black hair was always styled into two playful braids that swayed gently in front of her chest with her movements. Lin Wan'er's most remarkable feature was her ability to read minds, which allowed her to always discern people's thoughts when interacting with them, leading to many humorous situations.

Once, Lin Wan'er went to the market to buy things. She saw a beautiful hairpin and was about to pay for it when a woman next to her also took a liking to it, thinking she must buy it before the young girl. Lin Wan'er immediately heard the woman's thoughts. Her eyes darted around, and she deliberately picked and chose the hairpin, muttering, "This hairpin doesn't look very pretty, and the color isn't bright enough." The woman was secretly pleased, thinking that the young girl didn't want it, and hurriedly took out her money to buy it. But the moment the woman took out her money, Lin Wan'er quickly grabbed the hairpin and said to the woman with a grin, "Auntie, I suddenly think this hairpin is quite pretty, I'll buy it!" The woman was dumbfounded, and everyone around burst into laughter at Lin Wan'er's quirky behavior.

Lin Wan'er was not only clever and quick-witted, but also possessed a heart as warm as the winter sun. She often visited the orphanage in the city to see the homeless children, bringing them clothes and food. Once, a little beggar was being bullied by several thugs on the street, cowering in a corner in fear. Lin Wan'er happened to pass by and saw this, her sense of justice overflowing. She stepped forward and rebuked the thugs: "What kind of skill is it for you grown men to bully a little child!" The thugs, seeing that she was just a little girl, didn't take her seriously at all and even spoke rudely to her. Lin Wan'er remained calm and used her mind-reading ability to discover the thugs' weaknesses. With just a few words, she made them slink away.

The encounter between Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen was like a wondrous drama orchestrated by fate. It took place at a banquet in the palace, where court officials and their families gathered. Lin Wan'er attended with her father, dressed in a pink silk gown, looking like a fairy descended from heaven. Feeling bored at the banquet, she secretly slipped away to stroll in the garden. Xiao Yichen, the general in charge of palace security, was patrolling the garden.

Lin Wan'er was walking when she suddenly saw a tall figure ahead. She was startled and almost cried out. After recognizing Xiao Yichen, she patted her chest and said, "Oh, it's General Xiao! You scared me to death!" Xiao Yichen frowned, looking at the impetuous woman, but said nothing. Lin Wan'er, however, developed a strong interest in this aloof general. She circled around Xiao Yichen, examining him like a rare treasure, muttering, "Everyone says General Xiao is aloof, and seeing you today, it's certainly true. But you have a really handsome face; it would be even better if you smiled more." Xiao Yichen was somewhat taken aback by her words. He had never seen such a bold woman before. His face flushed slightly, and he coughed lightly, saying, "Miss, please have some self-respect." Lin Wan'er, however, didn't seem to care, smiling broadly as she said, "General Xiao, my name is Lin Wan'er. From now on, we're friends!" Without waiting for Xiao Yichen's reply, she skipped away.

From then on, Lin Wan'er frequently appeared around Xiao Yichen. She always found various reasons to get close to him, either by bringing him homemade pastries or by telling him interesting stories about the capital. At first, Xiao Yichen found this chattering girl quite annoying, but for some reason, as time went on, he got used to her presence.

Once, Lin Wan'er brought some pastries to Xiao Yichen again. She handed them to him, blinking her big eyes, and said, "General Xiao, these are some new pastries I made. Please try them." Xiao Yichen hesitated, looking at the oddly shaped pastries. Seeing this, Lin Wan'er grabbed his hand, placed the pastries in his palm, and said, "Just try them! I put in so much effort!" Xiao Yichen reluctantly took a bite, only to find the pastries were both sweet and cloying, with a truly strange taste. Lin Wan'er, seeing his expression, couldn't help but laugh, "Haha, General Xiao, your expression is so funny! It seems my attempt wasn't very successful this time." Xiao Yichen looked at her helplessly, yet a strange warmth welled up inside him.

On another occasion, Lin Wan'er heard that Xiao Yichen was going to train soldiers in the suburbs, so she secretly followed him. When they arrived, the soldiers were engaged in intense training, with Xiao Yichen providing attentive guidance. Lin Wan'er found it interesting and wanted to try it too. She ran over to Xiao Yichen and said, "General Xiao, I want to train with the soldiers too." Xiao Yichen's eyes widened, and he said, "How can a woman like you participate in this kind of training? What if you get injured?" Lin Wan'er persisted, "I'm not afraid, I'm very strong!" Unable to persuade her otherwise, Xiao Yichen had no choice but to let her try some simpler exercises. However, while practicing archery, Lin Wan'er failed to release the arrow and was instead struck by the bowstring, wincing in pain. Xiao Yichen rushed over to check on her, scolding, "I told you not to be so reckless! Look, you're injured!" Lin Wan'er smiled and said, "It's alright, General Xiao, I'm just trying to experience your hardships." Xiao Yichen shook his head helplessly, his eyes full of concern.

Through their interactions, Lin Wan'er's curiosity about Xiao Yichen grew stronger. She wanted to know what stories this aloof general harbored deep within his heart, and why he was always so serious. Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen, unknowingly, was moved by Lin Wan'er's warmth and kindness, and a different kind of feeling began to stir within him. Their story, like a vibrant painting, slowly unfolded under the sky of Rong Kingdom.

The morning sun, as usual, streamed into the courtyard of General Rong's mansion, dappling the bluestone slabs with light and shadow. Xiao Yichen, as always, rose early to practice martial arts. His movements were as agile as a cheetah, his sword flashing in the morning breeze, creating sharp sword energy. The whistling sound of the blade cutting through the air echoed in the quiet courtyard. However, today, an unusual solemnity lingered between his brows, which even his fierce swordplay could not conceal.

Just as Xiao Yichen sheathed his sword, a messenger dressed in black rushed over. The messenger knelt on one knee, presenting a sealed letter with a special seal, saying, "General, this is a secret order personally issued by His Majesty." Xiao Yichen took the letter, his eyes instantly sharpening. His deep eyes were like icy pools, seemingly able to see through the secrets hidden behind the letter. His expression grew increasingly serious, his cold face as if covered in frost, and the surrounding air seemed to tense because of his emotions.

Back in his study, Xiao Yichen carefully opened the sealed letter. Its contents caused him to frown deeply. It was an extremely secretive mission concerning the national security of Rong Kingdom, yet specific details were scarce, only mentioning some vague clues and a dangerous signal. The mission required him to depart immediately, conduct a secret investigation, and not divulge anything to anyone, not even his closest confidants. Xiao Yichen was acutely aware of the gravity of this mission. He sat quietly at his desk for a long time, constantly analyzing possible scenarios and countermeasures in his mind.

Meanwhile, Lin Wan'er arrived at the General's Mansion to find Xiao Yichen, as usual. Today, she wore a light blue dress with a white ribbon tied around her waist, making her appear exceptionally fresh and refined. Humming a little tune, she skipped and hopped into the mansion, only to find the atmosphere somewhat strange. The familiar soldiers were all serious, and their patrols were more hurried than usual. A surge of curiosity welled up in Lin Wan'er's heart; she keenly sensed that something must have happened.

When she arrived outside Xiao Yichen's study, she found that the number of guards at the door had increased considerably, and their eyes were filled with vigilance. Lin Wan'er frowned, wanting to go in and find out what was going on, but was stopped by the guards. She pouted in dissatisfaction and said, "Why are you stopping me? I need to see General Xiao." The guards looked troubled, but still stood firm at their posts, saying, "Miss Lin, the General has ordered that no one is to disturb him." Lin Wan'er became even more curious. She thought to herself, "What's so mysterious that even I can't see him?"

Despite Lin Wan'er's persistent pleading, the guards still wouldn't let her through. Frustrated, she paced outside the study, her eyes frequently glancing at the closed door, trying to find some clues. Suddenly, the study door opened, and Xiao Yichen emerged. He had changed into a set of easy-to-move black night clothes, exuding a cold and mysterious aura. Lin Wan'er's eyes lit up, and she was about to speak when she was startled by Xiao Yichen's serious expression.

Xiao Yichen looked at Lin Wan'er, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—a mixture of worry and helplessness—but it quickly returned to its cold composure. He said, "Wan'er, why are you here? I have important business to attend to today; you should go back first." Lin Wan'er blinked her large eyes, staring at Xiao Yichen, and said, "General Xiao, I sensed something was off in the manor. Are you going on some dangerous mission? I can help you." Xiao Yichen frowned slightly, his tone firm, and said, "No need. This mission is too dangerous for you to participate in."

Lin Wan'er was unwilling to give up. She took a step forward, grabbed Xiao Yichen's arm, and pleaded, "General Xiao, please take me with you. You know my abilities; I might be of great help. Besides, I'll worry if you encounter any danger." Xiao Yichen gently shook off Lin Wan'er's hand and said seriously, "Wan'er, don't be silly. This is not a joke. I can't let you get into danger." After saying that, he turned and walked out of the mansion without looking back.

Lin Wan'er watched Xiao Yichen's departing figure, her heart filled with doubt and worry. She was determined to find out what mission Xiao Yichen was going to carry out and why he was so nervous. So, she quietly followed behind Xiao Yichen, using her small and agile body to avoid the soldiers' sight.

After leaving the general's mansion, Xiao Yichen went straight to the stables and led out his beloved horse—a magnificent steed with jet-black fur and snow-white hooves. He mounted the horse, spurred it on with his legs, and the steed neighed loudly before galloping off like an arrow. Seeing this, Lin Wan'er quickly found a horse and gave chase.

Along the way, Xiao Yichen rode at full speed, completely unaware that Lin Wan'er was following him. His mind was filled with the mission details in the secret letter, pondering how to unravel the mystery in the shortest amount of time. He traversed the streets and alleys of the capital, heading towards the city gate. Upon seeing Xiao Yichen, the guards immediately opened the city gate, but Xiao Yichen did not hesitate and rushed straight out.

Lin Wan'er chased closely behind, her hair flying in the wind, her face flushed from the journey. As she chased, she thought to herself, "General Xiao, don't even think about shaking me off. I'm going to find out your secret." After leaving the city, the road became rugged, but this didn't slow Xiao Yichen down; his horse galloped through the mountains and forests, kicking up clouds of dust.

Before he knew it, darkness had fallen. Xiao Yichen arrived at the foot of a secluded valley. He reined in his horse, dismounted, and carefully observed his surroundings. The valley was eerie and terrifying, filled with a mysterious aura. The surrounding trees grew exceptionally dense, almost blocking out the sky, with only a few rays of moonlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on the ground. Xiao Yichen knew that this place might hold clues related to his mission, but it was also fraught with unknown dangers.

Lin Wan'er arrived near the valley. Seeing Xiao Yichen stop in front of it, she quietly hid behind a large tree, clutching her chest and panting. Her eyes were fixed on Xiao Yichen, her heart filled with both excitement and nervousness. She was excited that she had finally caught up with him, but nervous because she didn't know what awaited them in the valley.

Xiao Yichen took a bundle from his horse, containing some essential equipment. He took out a dagger, gripped it tightly, and cautiously headed towards the valley. Lin Wan'er watched Xiao Yichen enter the valley, gritted her teeth, and prepared to follow. Just then, a hand suddenly landed on her shoulder. Lin Wan'er jumped in fright, almost screaming. She turned sharply and saw a mysterious man in black. The man gestured for silence and whispered, "Little girl, don't move. It's dangerous here." Lin Wan'er's eyes widened, filled with questions. Who was this man in black? Why was he here? And why was he preventing her from entering the valley? What dangers would Xiao Yichen encounter in the valley? All these mysteries shrouded this enigmatic valley like a thick fog.

Xiao Yichen moved slowly through the valley, each step extremely cautious. His ears were acutely aware of any movement around him, and his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's in the darkness. Suddenly, he heard a faint rustling sound, like someone moving in the grass. He immediately stopped, gripped his dagger tightly, and tensed, preparing for battle. The mysterious rustling sound grew closer, as if an invisible eye was watching him from the darkness. Xiao Yichen's heart pounded slightly; he knew the real challenge was about to begin.

Meanwhile, outside the valley, Lin Wan'er was locked in a stalemate with the mysterious man in black. The man in black whispered, "You shouldn't have come here. You'd better not interfere in this general's affairs, or you'll be killed." Lin Wan'er stubbornly replied, "I'm not afraid. I must stay with General Xiao. I can't ignore his danger." The man in black shook his head helplessly, seemingly exasperated by Lin Wan'er's obstinacy. Just then, a low roar echoed from the valley, like the cry of a ferocious beast. Lin Wan'er's expression changed, her heart filled with even greater worry for Xiao Yichen's safety. Ignoring the man in black's attempts to stop her, she ran towards the valley. The man in black cursed under his breath and gave chase.

Xiao Yichen looked in the direction of the sound and saw pairs of green eyes gleaming in the darkness, like the eyes of a wolf pack. A chill ran through him; he realized he had encountered a pack of wolves. These wolves were enormous, with dark gray fur that revealed sharp fangs in the moonlight, and they growled incessantly. Xiao Yichen took a deep breath; he knew a fierce battle was inevitable. He gripped his dagger tighter, spread his feet slightly, and assumed a defensive stance, his eyes showing no fear, only a resolute fighting spirit. The wolves seemed to sense Xiao Yichen's hostility; they began to slowly close in, the encirclement growing smaller and smaller until Xiao Yichen was surrounded, his situation extremely precarious.

Lin Wan'er rushed into the valley and saw Xiao Yichen surrounded by wolves. She was frantic with worry. Just as she was about to rush over to help, the mysterious man in black grabbed her, saying, "Rushing in like this is just suicide. We need to think of something." Lin Wan'er anxiously said, "Then what do we do? General Xiao will be eaten by the wolves!" The man in black frowned, his gaze sweeping across the valley as if searching for something. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he pointed to a huge rock on the side of the valley, saying, "We'll push that rock down, causing chaos among the wolves, and then we can use that opportunity to rescue him." Lin Wan'er nodded, and the two immediately ran towards the rock.

At this moment, the wolf pack began its attack on Xiao Yichen. One wolf pounced, but Xiao Yichen dodged to the side, his dagger slicing across the wolf's belly, blood splattering out. But this wolf's attack was only the beginning; other wolves pounced, and Xiao Yichen was caught in a fierce battle. He weaved through the pack, his dagger flashing, each swing repelling a wolf. However, the sheer number of wolves took its toll, and wounds began to appear on his body, staining his black night clothes crimson. Yet, he stubbornly resisted, driven by a single belief: he could not fall here; a mission awaited him.

Lin Wan'er and the mysterious man in black arrived at the boulder, and the two used all their strength to push it. The boulder slowly moved, making a rumbling sound. The wolves, hearing the loud noise, became somewhat panicked, their attention diverted. Xiao Yichen seized the opportunity to drive back a few more wolves. He saw Lin Wan'er and the man in black, feeling both surprised and moved. Taking advantage of the wolves' confusion, Xiao Yichen broke through towards Lin Wan'er and the man in black.

Just as Xiao Yichen was about to escape the wolf pack's encirclement, the largest wolf suddenly pounced from the side, its speed and strength astonishing. Xiao Yichen couldn't dodge in time and was knocked to the ground, its sharp fangs aimed at his throat. In this critical moment, Lin Wan'er cried out, "No!" Her eyes were filled with fear and despair. Seeing this, the mysterious man in black swiftly drew a short knife from his waist and hurled it at the wolf. The knife flashed through the air, striking the wolf precisely in the back. The wolf, in pain, released Xiao Yichen and turned to pounce on the man in black. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xiao Yichen scrambled to his feet and pulled Lin Wan'er towards the edge of the valley. The man in black then engaged the wolf in combat, his agility allowing him to outmaneuver it.

After escaping the valley, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er stopped. Xiao Yichen looked at Lin Wan'er, his eyes filled with both reproach and gratitude. He said, "Wan'er, you shouldn't have come. This was too dangerous." Lin Wan'er cried, "I thought you were going to die. I couldn't just watch you be in danger." Xiao Yichen felt a warmth in his heart. He gently wiped away Lin Wan'er's tears and said, "Alright, don't cry. This time, we owe you a lot to you and that mysterious man. However, we need to leave here quickly. This mission is more complicated than I imagined." With that, he led Lin Wan'er in another direction. Meanwhile, the mysterious man in black in the valley was still fighting the wolf king. What would become of him? What astonishing secrets would this mysterious mission uncover? Everything remained unknown.

Night fell, and moonlight bathed Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er. The thrill of escaping the wolf pack still lingered in their minds. Tears still clung to Lin Wan'er's face, her eyes fixed on Xiao Yichen, a hint of stubbornness and determination in them.

Xiao Yichen looked at Lin Wan'er, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew this girl had followed him despite the danger out of concern for him, but the peril of this mission far exceeded her expectations. He sighed softly and said, "Wan'er, you must go back this time. I can't let you risk your life again; this is no joke."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan'er immediately became anxious. She grabbed Xiao Yichen's arm and said urgently, "General Xiao, I know you mean well, but I really don't want to leave you. Look, if it weren't for me and that mysterious person today, you might have been eaten by the wolves. I have mind-reading abilities, so I can help you anticipate the enemy's thoughts, which will definitely be helpful for the mission."

Xiao Yichen frowned. He knew Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability was a remarkable skill, but that couldn't be a reason for her to participate in the mission. He looked into Lin Wan'er's eyes and said seriously, "Wan'er, today was just an accident. There's a huge conspiracy behind this mission, and the enemy's strength is unfathomable. We could encounter dangers more terrifying than a pack of wolves at any moment. I can't put you in such danger because of your momentary impulse."

Lin Wan'er's eyes reddened again, and her voice trembled slightly as she said, "General Xiao, I'm not afraid of danger. My father taught me to be brave since I was a child, and I'm not the kind of weak woman who just hides behind others. You always treat me like a child, but I really have the ability to help you."

Xiao Yichen's heart skipped a beat. He knew Lin Wan'er was a brave girl, but that bravery made him even more worried at this moment. He gently patted Lin Wan'er's shoulder, trying to comfort her: "Wan'er, I know you are very brave and capable. But this mission is a secret order personally issued by His Majesty, and there is no room for the slightest mistake. I cannot let you be in danger because of my personal feelings; it is my responsibility."

Lin Wan'er bit her lip. She knew that once Xiao Yichen made a decision, it was difficult to change it, but she still didn't want to give up. She released Xiao Yichen's arm and paced back and forth in front of him, as if she was thinking about something. Suddenly, she stopped, her eyes lighting up, as if she had thought of a good idea.

"General Xiao, how about this?" Lin Wan'er looked at Xiao Yichen expectantly. "I won't participate in the operation directly. I'll just follow behind you and keep a distance. If there's any danger, I can sense it in advance using my mind-reading ability and then notify you. This way, it won't affect your mission, and I can help you at crucial moments."

Xiao Yichen shook his head helplessly. He knew Lin Wan'er was making excuses to stay. He said seriously, "Wan'er, this won't work. If we encounter danger, I won't be able to spare any attention to protect you. Moreover, if the enemy discovers your presence, they will use you to threaten me, which will only make the situation worse."

Lin Wan'er's shoulders slumped; she knew Xiao Yichen was telling the truth. But she was still unwilling to give up. She looked up at Xiao Yichen, tears welling in her eyes: "General Xiao, do you really not want to go on this mission with me? Do you really not trust my abilities?"

Xiao Yichen felt a pang of pain in his heart. Looking at Lin Wan'er's aggrieved expression, he wavered for a moment. But he quickly suppressed this emotion; he couldn't let his soft heart put Lin Wan'er in danger. He took a deep breath and said, "Wan'er, it's not that I don't trust you, but this mission is just too dangerous. I can't let you get hurt in any way; that's my bottom line."

Lin Wan'er silently lowered her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. She knew that no matter how much she tried to persuade him, Xiao Yichen wouldn't change his mind. She felt a deep sense of powerlessness. All she wanted was to be with the person she loved, to face difficulties together, but why was it so difficult?

Seeing Lin Wan'er's heartbroken state, Xiao Yichen felt a pang of sadness. He gently pulled her into his arms and whispered, "Wan'er, don't be sad. We'll talk properly when I return from my mission. You must believe me, I will definitely come back safely."

Lin Wan'er sobbed in Xiao Yichen's arms, clutching his clothes tightly as if he would disappear if she let go. After a while, she looked up at Xiao Yichen, her eyes filled with determination: "General Xiao, I can promise you I'll go back, but you must promise me you'll take good care of yourself. If you encounter any difficulties you can't overcome, you must find a way to let me know. I'll always be here waiting for you."

Xiao Yichen nodded, looked into Lin Wan'er's eyes, and said solemnly, "Wan'er, don't worry. I will definitely come back safely. Wait for me at home."

Lin Wan'er wiped away her tears, took out a talisman from her bosom, and handed it to Xiao Yichen: "This is a talisman I've worn since I was a child, and it has always protected me. Now I'm giving it to you, hoping it will also help you complete your mission smoothly."

Xiao Yichen accepted the amulet, feeling Lin Wan'er's deep love and concern for him. He carefully put the amulet away and said, "Wan'er, thank you. I will carry it with me, just as if you were by my side."

Lin Wan'er watched as Xiao Yichen carefully put away the talisman, feeling a slight sense of comfort. She knew this was the only thing she could do for Xiao Yichen now. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and said, "General Xiao, when will you depart?"

Xiao Yichen glanced at the sky and said, "I have to go now. Time is of the essence, I can't delay any longer."

Lin Wan'er nodded, knowing she couldn't stop Xiao Yichen from leaving. She looked at him, her eyes filled with reluctance: "General Xiao, please be careful. I'll wait for you to come back."

Xiao Yichen hugged Lin Wan'er tightly again, then released her and turned to walk into the darkness. Lin Wan'er stood there, watching Xiao Yichen's figure gradually disappear into the night, and tears streamed down her face again.

Xiao Yichen walked alone on the quiet road, his heart filled with reluctance and worry. He knew Lin Wan'er was a kind and brave girl, but the danger of this mission forced him to harden his heart and refuse her. He clenched his fists and secretly vowed to complete the mission and return safely to Lin Wan'er's side.

However, Lin Wan'er did not give up. Looking in the direction Xiao Yichen had left, she thought to herself, "General Xiao, I won't just stand by and watch you go on this adventure alone. I will definitely find a way to help you, even if you disagree."

Back home, Lin Wan'er sat in her room, lost in thought. She knew that Xiao Yichen's mission must involve a significant secret, and judging from the wolf pack and the mysterious man in black they had encountered that day, the enemy's power was not to be underestimated. She began to recall everything that had happened that day, trying to find some clues in the details.

Suddenly, she remembered what the mysterious man in black had told her. The man in black seemed to know something about this mission, and why was he in that valley? Lin Wan'er felt the man in black was key, and she decided to start with him to see if she could find more information about Xiao Yichen's mission.

Early the next morning, Lin Wan'er began inquiring about the mysterious man in black. She first went to some underground intelligence organizations in the capital, which usually collected all kinds of intelligence; perhaps they would know some clues about the man in black.

Lin Wan'er arrived at an intelligence organization called "Shadow Pavilion." The organization's headquarters was hidden in a remote corner of the capital, appearing from the outside to be just an ordinary residence, but inside were various intelligence agents. Lin Wan'er entered "Shadow Pavilion," where a mysterious atmosphere permeated the air. A masked man approached, looked at Lin Wan'er, and said in a low voice, "Miss Lin, what brings you here? Is there some intelligence to trade, or are you looking for some information?"

Lin Wan'er looked at the masked man and said directly, "I want to inquire about a mysterious man in black. I met him in the valley outside the city yesterday. He seemed to know a lot about some things, and I want to know who he is."

The masked man frowned slightly. He sized up Lin Wan'er and said, "Mysterious man in black? Miss Lin, you know that our intelligence comes at a price. What are you prepared to exchange?"

Lin Wan'er thought for a moment, then took out a precious gem from her bosom. This gem was an heirloom left to her by her mother, priceless. She handed the gem to the masked person and said, "Is this gem enough?"

The masked man accepted the gemstone, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He nodded and said, "Miss Lin is indeed very generous. However, we don't know much about the mysterious men in black. We only know that a group of mysterious men in black have recently appeared in the capital. They seem to be plotting something in secret, and their actions are very covert, making it difficult for us to track them down."

Lin Wan'er frowned; she felt this news wasn't very helpful. She looked at the masked person and said, "Is that all? Is there any other more detailed information?"

The masked man shook his head and said, "That's all for now. However, Miss Lin, I advise you not to get too involved with these mysterious men in black; they are not good people."

After thanking the masked man, Lin Wan'er left the "Shadow Pavilion." Undeterred by the news, she decided to continue searching for other clues. She went to some taverns and inns frequented by martial arts figures in the capital, hoping to glean some useful information from them.

In a tavern called "Drunken Immortal Pavilion," Lin Wan'er overheard some interesting rumors. A drunken江湖人 (jianghu person, a person who travels the martial arts world) was loudly proclaiming, "Did you know? Things aren't peaceful in the capital lately! I heard there's a group of mysterious men in black moving around everywhere. They seem to be looking for something, and there are even rumors that they're connected to the imperial court!"

Lin Wan'er's heart stirred. She walked over, bought a cup of wine for the man from the martial arts world, and said with a smile, "Brother, what's the deal with this mysterious man in black you mentioned? Could you tell me more about it?"

The man from the martial arts world glanced at Lin Wan'er, chuckled, and said, "Little girl, why are you interested in this? But since you bought me wine, I'll tell you. I heard that these men in black are looking for something very important, something like a treasure, and this treasure is related to a big secret of the imperial court. Moreover, it seems they're colluding with some court officials!"

Lin Wan'er was startled; she felt this news might be closely related to Xiao Yichen's mission. She continued, "Then, brother, do you know which court officials they're colluding with? And what is that treasure?"

The man scratched his head and said, "I don't know. I only heard it from others, and I don't know the specifics."

After thanking the martial arts figures, Lin Wan'er left "Drunken Immortal Pavilion." She was now even more certain that Xiao Yichen's mission was related to these mysterious men in black and the treasure they were searching for. She decided to continue her investigation, determined to find more clues before Xiao Yichen encountered any danger, and help him complete his mission.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yichen had arrived in an unfamiliar town. The town seemed peaceful, but Xiao Yichen sensed something unusual. He walked cautiously through the town's streets, observing his surroundings, preparing to search for the next clue and unveil the mystery of this mission.

Xiao Yichen settled into an inn in the small town. He sat in his room, took out the secret letter, and carefully studied its contents once more. He knew the enemy was definitely watching him from the shadows; he had to be even more cautious and not let them discover his whereabouts. At the same time, he was also worried about Lin Wan'er, hoping she wouldn't do anything foolish because of her stubbornness.

Meanwhile, Lin Wan'er continued her search for clues in the capital. She found several more people who had seen the mysterious men in black and gathered some scattered information from them. Although this information wasn't enough to piece together a complete picture, she was gradually getting a lead. She discovered that these mysterious men in black had appeared in various corners of the capital, and they seemed to be searching for ancient documents and maps. These documents and maps were related to a mysterious place, and this mysterious place might hold the key to unlocking the mystery of Xiao Yichen's mission.

Lin Wan'er decided to organize this information and then find a way to pass it on to Xiao Yichen. She knew that what Xiao Yichen needed most right now was clues, and she couldn't let him grope in the dark alone. Although Xiao Yichen had refused to go on the mission with her, she still wanted to help him in her own way, even if it meant facing countless difficulties and dangers.

She began writing down the information she had gathered on a piece of paper, then pondered how to deliver it to Xiao Yichen. She knew that going directly to Xiao Yichen wouldn't work; that would expose his whereabouts. She needed to find a reliable person to help her, but who could she turn to? Lin Wan'er fell into deep thought, searching her mind for a suitable candidate. Suddenly, she thought of someone—her good friend, a renowned master of light-body skills in the martial arts world. Perhaps he could help her.

Lin Wan'er immediately went to her friend and explained the situation. Her friend hesitated, knowing the danger of the mission, but seeing the determination in Lin Wan'er's eyes, he finally agreed. Lin Wan'er handed her friend the paper with the clues written on it, instructing him to deliver it safely to Xiao Yichen.

His friend nodded, then used his light-footed skill to fly towards Xiao Yichen's location. Lin Wan'er stood there, watching her friend's departing figure, silently praying: she hoped these clues would help Xiao Yichen, and that he would be safe and sound. She herself would continue searching for more clues in the capital to aid Xiao Yichen's mission.

At this time, Xiao Yichen was still investigating in the small town. He discovered that some of the residents seemed to be hiding something. Whenever he asked them about the strange phenomena, the residents would stammer and their eyes would dart around. Xiao Yichen felt that there must be something wrong, so he decided to investigate further to see if he could find a breakthrough by talking to these residents.

He began wandering around the town, trying to build trust with some residents and gather more information. During this time, he encountered an old man. The old man looked kind, but there was a hint of mystery in his eyes. Xiao Yichen felt that the old man might know something, so he went up to him and started talking.

The old man looked at Xiao Yichen, smiled slightly, and said, "Young man, you're not from around here, are you? What are you looking for here?"

Xiao Yichen looked at the old man, a thought flashing through his mind. He felt this was an opportunity. He smiled and said, "Grandpa, I'm just passing by. I'm looking for something, and I think this place might hold the clues I'm looking for. You've lived here for so long, have you seen anything strange?"

A barely perceptible glint flashed in the old man's eyes. He looked at Xiao Yichen and said slowly, "Strange things? Strange things happen here every day. It just depends on whether you have the eyes to notice them. Young man, knowing some things won't do you any good. You should leave this place."

Xiao Yichen became even more certain that the old man knew something, and he continued to press, "Grandpa, I'm not afraid. I must find what I'm looking for; it's very important to me. If you know anything, please tell me."

The old man was silent for a moment, then sighed and said, "Since you're so persistent, I'll tell you something. Recently, some strangers have been appearing in this town. They behave strangely and always seem to be around the old ancestral hall in the middle of the night. I don't know what they're doing, but I have a feeling they're up to no good. If you want to know more, you can go and check out the old ancestral hall, but be careful, it's dangerous there."

After thanking the old man, Xiao Yichen headed towards the old ancestral hall. He knew this might be a crucial clue, and he couldn't let any opportunity slip by. Meanwhile, Lin Wan'er's friend was also rushing towards the town. Would he be able to deliver the clue to Xiao Yichen in time? What would Xiao Yichen discover in the old ancestral hall? Everything remained uncertain; this mysterious mission was like a giant net, enveloping them all.