Unless they had a reason they had to stay hidden. Unless they weren't even at the base.
Then everything made sense.
The last question was why Master had gotten involved. A mission involving this many people couldn't possibly be simple.
Master could be stubborn about certain things, sure, but he wouldn't fake his death just to fool them, then run off to lead a team of suckers on some mission.
He had clearly gone prepared to die, with no intention of coming back.
Seeing the understanding in Bai Yaoyao's eyes, Taoist Feng Qing let out a gratified sigh.
Old Dragon Head's twelve disciples really were something.
"All right. If you want to know, I'll tell you."
Taoist Feng Qing tipped his head back for a long drink, then suddenly sank into his memories.
Bai Yaoyao thought he was gathering his emotions, but after a long wait, he just kept shaking his head without saying a word...
She couldn't help prompting him. "Well, spit it out."
"Did you know you have an Eldest Senior Brother?" Taoist Feng Qing glanced around at them before finally resting his gaze on Stone.
Stone frowned slightly. They did, but that Eldest Senior Brother had been horrible.
He had always bullied the younger ones and fought them for everything.
The details were already hazy in Stone's memory. He just remembered disliking him.
Bai Yaoyao had no idea who this Eldest Senior Brother was, but judging by Stone's expression, he really did exist.
Master had taken in plenty of orphans, far more than the Twelve Members who remained now.
Some had found their families while he was raising them, and Master had sent them home. Others had grown up, fallen in love, and started families of their own, leaving the organization.
Still others had become capable adults