Hooking the String

"What was that girl's name just now?"

"My lord, her name was... Wei Ning."

In the dungeon, candlelight flickered. Geng Ba clutched his burning cheek, bent at the waist, and answered in a trembling voice.

That father and daughter had already been "released without charge."

Geng Ba vaguely guessed what Lord Nalan intended to do.

This father and daughter were certainly connected to Buddhism... Now that they had been released, they would most likely contact their superiors on the hidden line. But they had just endured torture and escaped death by a hair's breadth—how could they be so naive? In his view, they would most likely leave Xuanbei Pass and flee south without looking back.

"Keep watch on Wei Ning."

Nalan Qiutong did not care about the "father" at all. She said calmly, "Wait until she returns to Xuanbei Pass alone, then seize the Buddhist hidden line that contacts her."

"My lord, what do you mean?"

Geng Ba was bewildered.

It seemed that Lord Nalan also believed this father and daughter would flee south at once.

But... someone who had finally escaped Xuanbei Pass and regained freedom—why would she willingly return?

"..."

Nalan Qiutong said nothing more, merely gazing coldly at Geng Ba.

Geng Ba hurriedly lowered his head, knowing he had overstepped. Lord Nalan only needed to give orders; what right did he have to ask questions?

Not long afterward.

Xuanbei Pass's southern gate swung wide open.

The armored cavalry under Han Li took over the gate inspections, while the Buddha-Illuminating Mirror that had hung high above the walls was also taken down.

The danger appeared to have passed.

Yet in truth... the Hook and Pincers Masters silently spread out like a great net.

In a secluded corner beneath the city wall's talisman array, Nalan Qiutong and the Flower