Shi Jingye's expression darkened as he said dejectedly, "Judging from what happened to Flying Dragon back then, there's no way such a sudden catastrophe could have struck without someone leaking information. It's just... after so many years, I'm afraid it will be difficult to uncover who was responsible."
"Even if we find out, that person likely already died in the chaotic fighting back then."
"As for that cultivation method..." Shi Jingye looked expectantly at Lin Xuxu. "Is the Dragon-Patterned Jade Pendant your mother left you still with you?"
Lin Xuxu's face stiffened.
Wu Zilong frowned. "Could it be that powerful cultivation method is hidden inside the jade pendant?"
Shi Jingye nodded. "Back then, the captain and the others had originally intended to leave it to you, Little Wu, as the eldest. But you were too impetuous at the time, and they feared you would not be able to keep the pendant safe."
"Thus, after discussing it, the captain and the others entrusted the jade pendant to Little Xuxu."
"They thought that with her mother handing it over to her, and with that longing for her mother preserved in her heart, Xuxu would never cast it aside no matter what."
"And not telling you that the jade pendant concerned a peerless cultivation method was also a form of protection for you."
As Lin Xuxu listened, her face grew increasingly unsightly. Veins faintly bulged on her forehead—the sign of anger pushed to its utmost limit.
"Xuxu, what's wrong?" Shi Xiaojiang noticed Lin Xuxu's expression and patted her arm concernedly.
Lin Xuxu suddenly dropped to her knees before Shi Jingye, choking back sobs as she said, "Uncle Shi, I... I lost the jade pendant..."
The moment those words fell, everyone froze in shock.
Even Lu Feng and the others standing not far away