After regaining her senses, Madam Mingzhu looked at the man before her, conflict and hesitation crossing her face. Then she prostrated herself before Ye Uchiha and called out, "Master."
A flicker of panic crossed Yan Lingji's lovely face at the sight. She feared Ye Uchiha might get the wicked idea of turning her into someone like Madam Mingzhu, utterly at his mercy without even realizing it.
Ye Uchiha said, "Go back and await my orders."
Madam Mingzhu's expression remained unchanged. The three tomoe in her vacant, lifeless eyes gradually faded away. She bowed to Ye Uchiha, then withdrew from the room and left.
Ye Uchiha told Yan Lingji, "Stay here. Don't wander around. I'll be back soon."
Before Yan Lingji could reply, Ye Uchiha had already pushed open the door and disappeared from her sight.
Snow-Clothed Castle.
Built atop a towering mountain not far outside Xinzheng City, it was covered in frost and snow all year round, presenting a stark contrast to the scorching summer heat elsewhere.
Standing on a mountain cliff, Ye Uchiha gazed down at the fortress below. Two watchtower-like structures each flew red-and-white flags embroidered with bat motifs, with an elevated corridor connecting them. A pair of enormous bat wings flanked the towers, and the open gateway resembled the gaping maw of a monstrous beast, devouring the lives of its visitors. The sight was chillingly sinister.
Well-equipped soldiers of the White Armor Army patrolled the grounds. Guards were stationed even on the beams and tiled roofs of the exquisite pavilions. Not even a fly or a rat could approach unnoticed; the entire place was under tight security.
Earth Release: Rock Concealment Technique.
Using Earth Release to slip into the rock and soil, Ye Uchiha relied on his chakra perception to enter Snow-Clothed Castle from underground without alerting