That night, dusk had barely fallen outside when a disciple came to report that the cultivator taken captive earlier had been sent back.
Luo Jingwei happened to be in the abode, reporting on his patrols of the various areas. At the news, he could not help saying, "Elder Li, beware of a trap."
Li Ling smiled. "You certainly have a meticulous mind. But with a fellow Daoist returning, everyone's spirits are high. There is no need for such ill-omened talk. Just welcome him back. As for the rest, I know what I'm doing."
Luo Jingwei gave a slight nod at that.
Soon, the traitor was brought before them.
"Greetings, Elder Li. We were ordered to patrol, but never expected to be captured by the enemy. We've caused trouble for everyone."
Li Ling regarded the man below with considerable interest. He smelled the sourness and rotten stench wafting from him, interspersed with a strange odor like spoiled dried bamboo shoots, and smiled warmly. "Don't say that. It is enough that you have returned, fellow Daoist."
"Elder Li, you truly are benevolent and righteous. We all came here together, yet Elder Chang and the others met with tragedy. Fortunately, we have you to oversee matters..."
Everyone praised him in unison, feeling that they had chosen the right man to follow.
Li Ling had the traitor taken away and settled in, but secretly instructed Shu Changsheng, "Take a few disciples from the sect and keep a close watch on this man. There is definitely something wrong with him."
Shu Changsheng's expression shifted slightly, and he answered through voice transmission, "Yes!"
Lin Ji, Master Jin, and the others worked through the night to repair the grand array. As time passed, their progress was encouraging.
Everything was being restored, step by step.
Meanwhile, Jian