As usual, Lin Wan'er strolled through the garden of the General's Mansion. Sunlight filtered through the dappled leaves, dappling her figure and highlighting her delicate beauty. She would occasionally pause to admire the blooming flowers, or gently inhale their delicate fragrance. Little did she know that this seemingly ordinary day was about to be transformed by a wondrous discovery.
Xiao Yichen was currently handling military affairs in his study. His brows were slightly furrowed as he intently read the letter in his hand, its contents causing him to fall into deep thought. The General's Mansion seemed to be shrouded in an undercurrent recently; some subtle anomalies had alerted him, but he currently lacked concrete clues to determine who was responsible and what their purpose was.
As Lin Wan'er walked, she unknowingly arrived at the side of the garden closest to the study. She intended to quietly peek at what Xiao Yichen was busy with, but as she approached the study window, strange thoughts suddenly flooded her mind. These thoughts were chaotic yet incredibly clear, as if someone were whispering in her ear. At first, she thought it was her imagination, but when she focused her attention, she realized that these thoughts were Xiao Yichen's.
"The recent strange occurrences in the manor must be suspicious. We absolutely cannot let the General's Mansion fall into danger." Lin Wan'er clearly "heard" Xiao Yichen's thoughts. Her eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief. She covered her head, trying to shake off this sudden information, but the thoughts kept flooding in.
"Is it that mysterious visitor? Or a traitor within the household?" Xiao Yichen paced back and forth in the study, his every thought transmitted unreservedly into Lin Wan'er's mind. Lin Wan'er's heart began to pound. She had never experienced anything like this before; this feeling of being able to see into other people's hearts filled her with both excitement and fear.
She leaned against the wall, trying to calm herself down. She began to recall everything that had just happened, trying to find the reason. Was it because she had gotten close to Xiao Yichen? Or was it because of some other special factor? She looked at her hands, as if these ordinary hands had suddenly possessed magical power.
Xiao Yichen stopped in the study, sensing something amiss. He looked towards the window, and although he didn't see Lin Wan'er, the feeling of being watched lingered in his mind. A slight unease stirred within him; he felt something was beyond his control.
Lin Wan'er took a deep breath and decided to try again. She cautiously moved closer to the window and concentrated. This time, Xiao Yichen's thoughts entered her mind more clearly.
"To ensure the safety of the General's Mansion, we must begin by screening all personnel within the mansion and not overlook any suspicious individuals." Lin Wan'er was startled. She knew Xiao Yichen was always cautious, but she hadn't expected him to be considering an internal investigation. A complex mix of emotions welled up within her; on one hand, she was pleased with Xiao Yichen's foresight, but on the other hand, she was worried about her own strange ability.
What would Xiao Yichen think if he knew she could read his mind? Lin Wan'er bit her lip, lost in thought. She didn't want Xiao Yichen to think she was a monster, but this ability seemed to be beyond her control. She decided to keep this a secret for now and see how things went.
Xiao Yichen sat down in the study, rubbing his temples. Recent events had put him under immense pressure; the safety of the General's Mansion weighed heavily on his mind. Unbeknownst to him, not far from the window, Lin Wan'er was struggling with his thoughts.
Lin Wan'er slowly left the window, her emotions still unsettled. She returned to her room, sat on the edge of the bed, and the scene replayed in her mind. She tried to understand what this ability meant—was it a special power bestowed upon her by heaven to protect the General's Mansion, or a curse that would bring her trouble?
She closed her eyes, trying to gather her thoughts, but Xiao Yichen's ideas kept popping up. She realized that this ability might not be something she could easily get rid of. She needed time to adapt, and more importantly, she needed to figure out the source and method of using this ability.
In the following days, Lin Wan'er tried to avoid close contact with Xiao Yichen, afraid that she would once again involuntarily read his mind. However, fate always seems to like playing tricks on people; the more you try to avoid someone, the easier it is to run into them.
Once, in the main hall of the general's mansion, everyone was discussing some matters, and Lin Wan'er and Xiao Yichen were both present. Lin Wan'er tried her best to appear normal, but when Xiao Yichen spoke, his thoughts clearly entered Lin Wan'er's mind.
"This matter must not frighten the women in the household, especially Wan'er." Lin Wan'er felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing this, but at the same time, she was also a little nervous. She secretly glanced at Xiao Yichen and found him looking at her with concern in his eyes. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to be thinking, but her heart was pounding like a deer.
Xiao Yichen noticed Lin Wan'er's unusual behavior; he felt she hadn't been acting quite right these past few days. The usually lively Lin Wan'er now seemed preoccupied. He wondered if she had encountered some trouble.
After the meeting, Xiao Yichen found Lin Wan'er and asked with concern, "Wan'er, has something been on your mind lately? You can tell me, maybe I can help you." Lin Wan'er looked up at Xiao Yichen's handsome yet worried face, and her heart skipped a beat. She quickly said, "No, I'm fine, I'm just a little tired lately." Xiao Yichen looked at her, a hint of suspicion in his eyes, but he didn't press further.
Lin Wan'er breathed a sigh of relief; she knew she couldn't keep running away like this. She needed to find a way to control this ability, and at the same time, figure out if it was related to the recent crisis at the General's Mansion. She decided to investigate secretly; perhaps she could find the answer in the process.
So, Lin Wan'er began to pay attention to every detail and every person in the General's Mansion. Using her ability to read people's minds, she tried to find the secrets hidden beneath the surface. She discovered that some of the servants in the mansion seemed to have an unusual tension, their minds filled with fear and unease.
Lin Wan'er realized that the crisis at the General's Mansion might be more serious than she had imagined. And her ability might be the key to unraveling the mystery. She was no longer afraid of this ability; instead, she resolved to use it wisely to protect the General's Mansion and Xiao Yichen.
By chance, Lin Wan'er overheard two servants talking in a secluded corner of the mansion. She focused her attention and deduced their thoughts.
"We must be careful with this operation; we can't let the people from the General's Mansion discover our purpose," a servant thought to himself.
“Don’t worry, as long as we follow the plan, we’ll leave once we get the treasure map,” another servant replied.
Lin Wan'er was shocked. A treasure map? Could the crisis at the General's Mansion be related to a treasure map? She decided to tell Xiao Yichen the news, but she was worried that he would question how she knew it. She was caught in a dilemma, but in the end, she felt that the safety of the General's Mansion was more important.
She found Xiao Yichen and told him what she had heard. Xiao Yichen looked at her, his eyes filled with surprise. He asked, "Wan'er, where did you learn this?" Lin Wan'er hesitated for a moment, then said, "I... I overheard it by chance, and I felt it was important, so I came to tell you." Xiao Yichen looked at her, seemingly trying to see through her lie, but in the end he didn't press further.
He knew that dealing with the crisis at the General's Mansion was now the most important thing. He began investigating the treasure map, with Lin Wan'er assisting him. In this process, Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability played an increasingly important role, and her relationship with Xiao Yichen was also subtly changing.
Together they faced various difficulties and dangers. Lin Wan'er gradually learned to control her abilities, while Xiao Yichen gained a deeper understanding of her. They supported each other through the crisis, moving step by step toward unraveling the mystery of the General's Mansion's crisis.
However, as the investigation deepened, they discovered that things were far more complex than they had imagined. A vast conspiracy seemed to be at play, and they were merely pawns in it. But they did not back down, for they knew that the safety of the General's Mansion and everything they cherished were in this struggle.
Lin Wan'er's sudden realization not only changed her own destiny but also set the stage for the defense of the General's Mansion. In this dangerous and mysterious world of martial arts, their story has only just begun.
The atmosphere in the General's Mansion became even more tense because of the clues from the treasure map. However, Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability was like a mysterious vortex, drawing Xiao Yichen and herself into another mystery.
That day, after handling some urgent military affairs, Xiao Yichen summoned Lin Wan'er to his study. The study was filled with the faint scent of ink, and the bookshelves were filled with various ancient books and military treatises. Sunlight streamed through the carved windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor.
Xiao Yichen looked at Lin Wan'er, his eyes filled with curiosity and inquiry: "Wan'er, I know the information you told me last time was important, but I still want to know, how did you happen to overhear the servants' conversation? I've felt that you've been acting strangely these past few days." Lin Wan'er's heart tightened. She knew that Xiao Yichen was an extremely intelligent person, and it wouldn't be easy to hide anything from him. She bit her lip, thought for a moment, and then said, "Yichen, actually, there's something I've been keeping from you. I... I don't know how it happened, but recently I've discovered that I can know what other people are thinking."
Xiao Yichen's eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief: "Mind reading? How is that possible?" Lin Wan'er shrugged helplessly: "I also find it unbelievable, but it's true. Just like last time, when I approached the study window, I heard your thoughts." Xiao Yichen frowned, pacing back and forth in the room, trying to understand what Lin Wan'er was saying.
"You mean, you can read anyone's thoughts at will?" Xiao Yichen stopped and stared at Lin Wan'er. Lin Wan'er shook her head: "It's not at will. I don't know under what circumstances it's triggered. It seems that sometimes when I'm close to someone, or when I focus my attention on someone, I can hear their thoughts." Xiao Yichen fell into deep thought. If this magical ability was real, it would be an incredibly powerful force, but it could also bring enormous trouble.
"Have you tried to control it?" Xiao Yichen asked. Lin Wan'er smiled bitterly and said, "I have, but it's very difficult. Sometimes those thoughts flood my mind uncontrollably." Xiao Yichen walked to Lin Wan'er's side and gently held her shoulders: "Wan'er, don't be afraid, we'll think of a way together. Perhaps this is a special ability bestowed upon us by heaven to deal with the crisis in the General's Mansion." Looking at Xiao Yichen's determined eyes, Lin Wan'er felt a warm current surge in her heart, and she nodded.
To further understand Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability, Xiao Yichen decided to conduct some experiments with her. He first had Lin Wan'er try to read his thoughts to see if there were any patterns. Lin Wan'er took a deep breath and focused her attention on Xiao Yichen.
At first, she only felt a chaotic jumble of thoughts, as if countless voices were echoing in her mind. But as she calmed down, Xiao Yichen's thoughts gradually became clearer: "Hopefully, this time we can find some clues to help Wan'er control this ability, and also hopefully we can use this to resolve the crisis in the General's Mansion." Lin Wan'er told Xiao Yichen his thoughts, and Xiao Yichen nodded slightly. It seemed that this ability did indeed exist, and it was easier to work when Lin Wan'er was focused.
Next, Xiao Yichen summoned a servant from the manor and asked Lin Wan'er to try and read his thoughts. Lin Wan'er was a little nervous; she had never used this ability in front of so many people before. She looked at the servant and tried to concentrate. After a while, she slowly said, "He's thinking... the food today is a bit salty, and he hopes the kitchen can improve it." Xiao Yichen smiled; it seemed Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability not only worked on him but also on others.
However, some problems arose during the experiment. Sometimes Lin Wan'er needed a long time to read thoughts, and some thoughts seemed vague and difficult to understand. Xiao Yichen realized that this ability might be affected by many factors, such as the other person's emotions and mental state.
Over the next few days, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er spent all their free time studying mind-reading techniques. They discovered that Lin Wan'er was more likely to read a person's thoughts when their emotions were fluctuating significantly. For example, once, a guard was interrogated on suspicion of colluding with the man in black. He was filled with fear and anger, and Lin Wan'er easily realized that he was innocent. He had only seen a suspicious shadowy figure while on patrol but had been misunderstood.
Lin Wan'er relayed this information to Xiao Yichen, who, after reinvestigating, confirmed the guard's innocence. This made Xiao Yichen even more aware of the value of mind-reading, but also made him more curious about its origins.
"Wan'er, have you ever wondered why this ability suddenly appeared in you? Was there some special trigger?" Xiao Yichen asked during a research session. Lin Wan'er shook her head: "I don't know. I've always been normal. It's just that one day I suddenly discovered I had this ability." Xiao Yichen flipped through various ancient books, hoping to find some records about mind reading.
He searched the entire general's mansion's library but found nothing. Therefore, he decided to send people to the martial arts world to find knowledgeable elders or hermits to inquire if they knew anything about mind-reading. At the same time, he instructed Lin Wan'er not to easily reveal this ability to others before fully mastering it, lest it bring unnecessary danger.
Lin Wan'er understood Xiao Yichen's worries, and she had always used her mind-reading ability with extreme caution. However, fate always seems to be full of drama. During a trip to purchase supplies, Lin Wan'er accidentally used her mind-reading ability at the market.
At that moment, she saw a stall owner and a customer arguing, surrounded by a crowd. Lin Wan'er initially intended to walk around the crowd, but as she passed by, she inadvertently focused her attention and read the stall owner's thoughts: "This customer is too difficult. He clearly broke the item himself, yet he wants me to pay for it." Lin Wan'er subconsciously voiced the stall owner's thoughts, stunning everyone around her. They stared at Lin Wan'er, their eyes filled with surprise and disbelief.
Lin Wan'er then realized her mistake and quickly squeezed through the crowd back to the General's Mansion. She told Xiao Yichen about it, and Xiao Yichen frowned: "Wan'er, you were too careless. Now everyone in the market knows about your special ability, and the news is likely to spread. We must be prepared."
Sure enough, a few days later, some suspicious strangers appeared around the General's Mansion. Xiao Yichen strengthened the defenses of the mansion and also pondered countermeasures. He knew that once some people in the martial arts world with ulterior motives learned of Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability, they would definitely try every means to use or deal with her.
While strengthening defenses, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er continued their research into mind-reading. They discovered that Lin Wan'er could improve the accuracy and speed of reading thoughts through practice. Therefore, Lin Wan'er would set aside time each day for training. In the garden of the mansion, she would practice concentrating on the flowers and trees, attempting to read the thoughts of those around her in the shortest possible time.
As her training progressed, Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability improved significantly. She could not only read thoughts faster but also filter out some irrelevant ideas to a certain extent. However, the origin of her mind-reading ability remained a mystery.
The people sent out to search for clues returned one after another, but none of them found any useful information about mind reading. The senior figures in the martial arts world had either never heard of this ability or only knew some vague legends. Xiao Yichen didn't give up; he decided to expand the search area and even inquired with some mysterious sects and organizations.
Meanwhile, the crisis at the General's Mansion continues to escalate. The men in black seem to have discovered Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability; they've changed their tactics and are operating with greater secrecy. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er, while dealing with external threats to the General's Mansion, must also strive to unravel the mystery of the mind-reading ability, facing immense pressure.
But they were not defeated by the difficulties; instead, their resolve strengthened. Lin Wan'er knew that only by mastering mind-reading could they better protect the General's Mansion and her loved ones. Xiao Yichen also believed that they would definitely find the secret of mind-reading and resolve the crisis facing the General's Mansion.
In a small-scale skirmish with the men in black, Lin Wan'er used her mind-reading ability to anticipate the enemy's attack direction, helping the guards of the General's Mansion successfully repel the men. This victory gave everyone in the General's Mansion a new understanding of Lin Wan'er's mind-reading ability and also gave them hope.
However, just as everyone breathed a sigh of relief, a mysterious letter arrived at the General's Mansion. The letter was unsigned, containing only one sentence: "The secret of mind-reading lies in the ancient tomb." Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er looked at the letter, their hearts filled with doubt and anticipation. An ancient tomb? That was a place full of unknowns and dangers, but in order to unravel the mystery of mind-reading, they decided to risk everything and explore it.
In preparation for their journey to the ancient tomb, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er carefully considered all possible scenarios. They selected a group of agile and loyal subordinates to accompany them. Lin Wan'er felt somewhat apprehensive; she didn't know what awaited them in the tomb, but she knew this was a crucial step in unraveling the mystery of mind-reading, and she couldn't back down.
As they approached the ancient tomb, a mysterious atmosphere enveloped them. The surrounding trees thinned, and a sinister aura permeated the air. The entrance to the tomb was hidden beneath a weed-covered hillside, seemingly untouched for a long time. Xiao Yichen, sword in hand, led the way, with Lin Wan'er close behind. Their eyes were filled with determination as they ventured deeper into the tomb to uncover the secrets behind the mind-reading technique.
The ancient tomb was dark and damp, with eerie lights flickering on the walls. They moved cautiously, constantly on guard against any potential danger. Lin Wan'er concentrated, trying to read her surroundings for signs of danger, but a mysterious force seemed to interfere with her mind-reading abilities, preventing her from accurately sensing anything.
Suddenly, a low roar came from ahead, as if some ferocious beast awaited them. Xiao Yichen signaled everyone to stop and prepare for the impending challenge. Little did they know, this journey to the ancient tomb would be a tremendous test of courage and wisdom, and a crucial trip to unveil the mysteries of mind-reading.
In this ancient tomb full of unknowns, Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er's fates are intertwined, and their story with mind-reading will continue to unfold, developing in an even more mysterious and thrilling direction.
The General's Mansion, this magnificent residence standing tall in the city, is like a sturdy fortress, bearing witness to countless glories and stories. The morning sunlight shines on the vermilion gates, reflecting a majestic light. Inside, the servants, as usual, begin their busy day.
In the kitchen, wisps of smoke rose as the cooks meticulously prepared breakfast. The roaring flames in the stoves illuminated their focused faces. Freshly baked buns emitted bursts of heat, their aroma filling the entire kitchen. Servants bustled about fetching water, the buckets sloshing with each step, occasionally spilling a few drops that left damp marks on the stone pavement. Inside the laundry room, women chatted and laughed as they washed clothes, the soap suds shimmering in the sunlight.
In the garden, gardeners carefully trimmed the flowers and trees. The shears slid through the branches and leaves, making a crisp "snip" sound. The blooming flowers swayed gently in the breeze, seemingly displaying their beauty. Bees busily flew among the flowers, collecting nectar, adding a touch of life to the tranquil scene.
Meanwhile, in the training grounds of the mansion, soldiers were practicing their morning exercises. The resounding shouts of disciplined commands echoed throughout, and the weapons in their hands gleamed coldly in the sunlight. Swords flashed, spears swung, and every movement was powerful and vigorous, showcasing the majesty of the general's mansion and the soldiers' well-trained discipline.
In the study, Xiao Yichen was reviewing documents. His brows were slightly furrowed, his gaze focused intently on the papers, sometimes lost in thought, sometimes making annotations. On the desk beside him lay an unfinished cup of tea, its aroma mingling with the scent of ink, filling the air. Lin Wan'er, in her own room, was dressing in front of the mirror. She picked up a comb and gently smoothed her long, glossy black hair, but a hint of worry flickered in her eyes. Although the General's Mansion appeared outwardly peaceful, she knew in her heart that the unknown danger lurked like a venomous snake, ready to strike at any moment.
In the general's stables, grooms were brushing and feeding the horses. The horses ate their fodder happily, occasionally neighing. In a corner of the stables, piles of fresh hay emitted a faint scent of grass. However, in a secluded corner next to the stables, a black cat crouched quietly, its eyes gleaming with an eerie light, as if it had sensed something unusual.
Meanwhile, in a small alley outside the General's Mansion, several furtive figures lurked in the shadows. They were dressed in black, their faces covered by black cloth, revealing only pairs of wary eyes. One of the men in black whispered, "The General's Mansion appears calm, but it's heavily guarded. We can't act rashly." Another man in black nodded. "That's right. The failure of the last operation has made them even more vigilant. This time, we must ensure absolute success." The last operation they referred to was a probing attack on the General's Mansion, which had been easily repelled by the guards.
In another corner of the city, inside a dilapidated temple, the leader of the men in black was meeting with a mysterious figure. The temple reeked of decay, and the murals on the walls were peeling and crumbling. The leader of the men in black knelt on one knee and respectfully said to the mysterious figure, "My lord, we have been observing the area near the General's Mansion for several days, but we have not yet found a suitable opportunity." The mysterious figure, with his back to him, spoke in a low, hoarse voice, "Hmph, a bunch of useless trash. That treasure map must be obtained, no matter the cost." A slight sweat beaded on the leader of the men in black's forehead. "Yes, my lord. We have a new plan, and this time it will surely succeed." The mysterious figure nodded slightly. "That had better, otherwise none of you will need to return."
Back inside the general's mansion, maids were bustling about the rooms, cleaning and tidying up. Their rags wiped the furniture, making every corner spotless. In the main hall, the steward was organizing the day's affairs, methodically directing the servants to ensure everything in the mansion was in perfect order. However, a sense of unease lingered in his heart. Recently, some small items in the mansion seemed to have been moved; though subtle, his years of experience told him this might be a sign of intrusion.
In the backyard of the general's mansion, an artificial hill stands in the center of a pond. Fish swim freely in the water, creating ripples. The caves in the hill are winding and deep, seemingly hiding endless secrets. At a hidden entrance to one of the caves, there is a fine scratch, as if someone had used a tool there. This is a trace left by the men in black who infiltrated the general's mansion, attempting to find a passage to the treasure's location.
At lunchtime, the general's mansion's dining room was bustling with activity. Families sat together, enjoying a sumptuous meal. Laughter and cheerful conversation echoed through the room, temporarily dispelling the gloom that had hung over the mansion. Xiao Yichen looked at his family and soldiers, silently vowing to protect this peace and tranquility. Lin Wan'er forced a smile and ate with everyone, but her mind was preoccupied with the unknown danger. She frequently glanced at Xiao Yichen, and when their eyes met, they both understood the worry in each other's eyes.
In the afternoon, the sunlight grew even warmer. The elderly basked in the sun in the courtyard, chatting leisurely. Children played and frolicked in the garden, chasing colorful butterflies. Their laughter, as clear as silver bells, added to the warmth of the General's Mansion. However, behind this seemingly idyllic scene, danger was creeping closer.
The patrolling soldiers of the general's mansion dared not slacken their vigilance. They carefully searched the roads and walls of the mansion. Their eyes were sharp, not missing any suspicious signs. On a watchtower within the mansion, a sentry, holding binoculars, closely watched the movements outside. Suddenly, he seemed to see several dark figures flash by in the distance, but when he looked again, he saw nothing. He frowned, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. He immediately reported this to Xiao Yichen.
Upon learning of this, Xiao Yichen immediately increased patrols. He personally inspected the defenses at key locations throughout the manor. He instructed the soldiers to be vigilant and to sound the alarm immediately if any unusual activity was detected. At the same time, he sent someone to inform Lin Wan'er to stay in a safe place. However, Lin Wan'er was unwilling to simply hide; she decided to use her mind-reading abilities to see if she could find any clues.
In a secluded warehouse within the general's mansion, some old supplies were stored. Few people frequented this place, and dust swirled in the sunlight. However, in a corner of the warehouse, a floor tile appeared loose. Upon closer inspection, a small hole could be found beneath the tile, concealing a tattered fragment of a map. This was something the men in black had overlooked while searching for the treasure map, and it might be one of the keys to solving the entire mystery.
As evening fell, the setting sun bathed the General's Mansion in a golden glow. Servants began preparing dinner, the aroma of food filling the air. However, beneath this tranquil surface, the tension intensified. Xiao Yichen and Lin Wan'er discussed their strategy in the study; they knew this night might not be peaceful. The fate of the General's Mansion hung like a rope on a knife's edge; a single misstep could plunge them into utter ruin. And that unknown danger, like the darkness before nightfall, gradually engulfed everything around the mansion.
As night fell completely, lights were lit within the general's mansion. The lamplight flickered in the night breeze, casting dappled shadows on the walls. The guards within gripped their weapons tightly, their figures appearing exceptionally resolute in the lamplight. Meanwhile, in the darkness outside the mansion, men in black were silently gathering, their eyes gleaming with greed and ruthlessness; a great battle was about to unfold.
In a room of the general's mansion, an old servant was telling stories to children. The children listened intently, their eyes filled with curiosity. The old servant's kind voice echoed in the room, as if guarding this last vestige of tranquility. However, in the darkness outside the window, a sense of danger was growing stronger, like the calm before a storm, about to be shattered. The peaceful facade of the general's mansion, like a fragile veil, could crumble at any moment under the impact of darkness.
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