Did Lin Ming Turn from Darkness to Light?

In the air, the faint smell of blood concealed by spices and cleaning agents, along with the deeper evil aura that seemed to rise from underground, became even clearer.

He suddenly stopped, his gaze falling on Lin Ya's face again. His tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable certainty.

"Lin Ya."

"What exactly happened in East Forest Base City?"

"This city may have covered it up well, but at least ten thousand people have died."

"That smell of blood can't fool me."

The smile on Lin Ya's face froze instantly.

The air around them seemed to solidify at that moment. The guards standing some distance away instinctively gripped the weapons at their waists, their gazes turning sharp.

Lin Ya fell silent for several seconds. The smile on his face slowly vanished, replaced by a cold and complicated expression that carried a trace of cruelty and... helplessness.

He sighed as though lamenting Lin Ming's "failure to appreciate the times."

"Lin Ming, oh Lin Ming..."

He raised his head and looked at Lin Ming. There was no longer the slightest attempt at concealment in his eyes, only cold amusement and a trace of... lofty pity.

"Can't you just pretend you didn't see anything?"

"Why do you have to be so clever..."

"Being too clever can get you killed."

His voice carried a peculiar chill, as though he had become an entirely different person.

Lin Ming's expression did not change. He merely looked at him quietly and waited for him to continue.

Lin Ya seemed to have abandoned all pretense as well. A cruel smile revealing sharp teeth curled across his lips. Spreading his hands, he spoke in an almost aria-like tone.

"Since you asked, I'll graciously tell you."

"East Forest Base City is no longer the East Forest you know."

"This place