Secret Codex

Just as I expected.

Nia closed the book in her hand.

Although Nia had already guessed this outcome when she arrived in the Dark Elf city, it was still a very bold assumption, and even Nia wouldn't easily voice such a guess. Moreover, it concerned her master, and the Eternal Library, which always prioritized accuracy, would never hand over unfiltered rumors to her master.

That's why Nia seized the moment to ask the Dark Elf to examine their library. In the past, the Dark Elf would likely have resolutely refused such a request. But now—things change, and with their superiors giving the order, the Dark Elf had no choice but to obey.

The Dark Elf 'Dark Elf archives are mostly historical records of their escape to the underground. Initially, they maintained a cautious elven style, but after they turned to worship the Spider Goddess, the historical records began to skew. Stories unfavorable to the goddess and the Dark Elf's failures were all erased, leaving only those unverifiable histories described in ornate language.

For Nia, such things naturally held no value. However, previous historical records did mention some useful information.

Further comparisons are necessary.

As Nia thought this, she gently brushed the dust off the book cover in her hand. She always cherished books, perhaps out of a sense of shared experience. Then, Nia stopped what she was doing and looked to her side.

"Miss Angela? What happened?"

"Nothing's wrong."

The Vampire Species had somehow appeared in the library, idly swung her legs, her black, ruffled dress swaying gently with her movements. Her long, silvery-white hair cascaded down like a waterfall. Her beautiful, delicate face was filled with a cute discontent, making her seem nothing like the cruel and terrifying Vampire Species she was supposed to be. When Nia asked her a question, Angela frowned slightly, but even this gesture didn't make her appear the slightest bit tyrannical.

"It's just a little boring."

"So, it seems those Dark Elf are quite obedient?"

Nia smiled slightly, then put the book back in her hands. During her time with Angela, Nia had discovered that although the little one was often outspoken, she would seriously adhere to any goals and rules once set. In fact, if she really wanted to enjoy the pleasure of torturing those Dark Elf, she only needed to force them to rebel. This would give Angela ample reason to abuse these fallen ones. However, after Li Lin left, the little one's behavior became very serious, even more so than when she was with Li Lin.

That's why I'm bored.

Angela pouted, looking very dissatisfied.

"These guys are so cunning, there's no opening at all. If I'd known, I should have gone with my master to that city of the Duergar; maybe something even more interesting would have happened."

"What a pity, now you just have to endure it."

Nia chuckled softly. She had completely understood the little one's thought process. No wonder Li Lin could control her so well... or rather, if it weren't for Li Lin, it probably wouldn't have been possible.

"Sister Nia, you've locked yourself in here reading for five days straight! Let's play!"

"I'm sorry, I have very important things to do."

Nia shook her head. While playing with Angela wasn't a big deal, they couldn't afford to waste time now that they'd finally found a clue. "This is related to Li Lin's recovery, so I need to consult more materials to confirm my judgment."

"Restore the master's power?"

Angela's eyes lit up immediately.

"So, Nia, you've found that guy from the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys again?"

"That's possible, but there's no concrete evidence to prove it yet."

Like Li Lin, Nia belongs to the type who "never draws conclusions about things that cannot be confirmed or grasped."

"Then, I'll lend a hand."

Angela suddenly perked up and skipped over to Nia and sat down in front of her.

"Sister Nia, which book should we start with?"

"..."

"Sister Nia?"

"Miss Angela, can you read the Dark Elf script?"

"... This kind of scribbles is no problem at all for me!"

"... Then, I'll leave it to you, okay?"

"..."

The noble Vampire Species was thus completely defeated by the Weapon Spirit.

"Pass?"

Li Lin raised his eyebrows slightly, gazing at the man sitting opposite him, still completely covered up. Although nine times out of ten, someone doing this underground wasn't a good person, it certainly aroused curiosity.

"That's right."

The man answered uneasily in a low voice, nervously glancing around. Every time the tavern door opened, he would instinctively stop talking. Li Lin seriously doubted whether he could even finish a sentence. In fact, Li Lin hadn't originally intended to pay any attention to him. Although human interaction was a normal phenomenon in the city of Dark Elf, he had no time to waste on it. However, after noticing that the disguised Dark Elf beside him had changed since seeing this man, Li Lin thought that killing time for now might not be so bad.

However, he did not expect that the other party would make such a strange request.

This man actually wanted his help to get through the Black Road to Lalia?

This is no easy task.

But what intrigued Li Lin even more was why they were doing this.

"I think you should be well aware that this Black Road is under the control of the Dark Elf."

"Of course I understand that..."

The tavern door opened again, and the man stopped talking.

"... However, if possible, I still hope to receive your assistance. I have lived in this city for quite some time now, and although the Dark Elf here are not as hostile to humans as in other places, you are the first human they have ever respected. For our sake, we are both human, could you please help us? Of course, we will give you ample reward and will certainly not disappoint you."

"What you're saying really surprises me, sir."

Li Lin shrugged slightly.

"Since you've lived here for so long, you should know quite a bit about what kind of people Dark Elf are. To be respected by them and even wield a certain amount of power, do you really think I'm that kind of pushover?"

"..."

It was obvious that Li Lin was right.

Human beings are inherently complex; there are noble people and despicable people, intelligent people and foolish people. Naturally, the possibility that there are humans even more insidious and vicious than Dark Elf cannot be ruled out. The other party couldn't have been unaware of this; even in desperation, one should at least address the root cause. For them to come knocking on their door like this, if Li Lin is indeed more cunning and terrifying than Dark Elf, it would be tantamount to foolishly saying, "Sell me out."

"And there's something I'm curious about."

At this point, Li Lin narrowed his eyes.

How did you get into the Black Road?

"..."

Upon hearing Li Lin's question, the man's eyes widened immediately; he finally realized where he had gone wrong.

Indeed, there are quite a few humans in City of Ten Thousand Stones, but lately, for some unknown reason, Kudel has only allowed merchant caravans with close business ties to the Dark Elf to enter the Black Road and trade with the Dark Elf and Duergar in City of Ten Thousand Stones. Adventurers who were previously ignored, as well as suspicious caravans, are completely barred from entering the Black Road. This is why City of Ten Thousand Stones is somewhat deserted right now, and even taverns like this aren't very lively.

"We have our own methods."

The man forced himself to calm down. Although he had repeatedly warned himself before entering the city, it seemed that he still couldn't help but feel nervous at this crucial moment.

"Furthermore, we will pay you sufficient compensation."

Could it be... that these guys can offer something in return that would both sway Li Lin and protect their lives?

As Li Lin pondered, he kept an eye on the man before him. He also noticed that behind him, the thief disguised as a Dark Elf seemed to be struggling to contain something. He clenched his fists, appearing extremely angry, yet trying to suppress something. The man before him, however, was completely focused on Li Lin and didn't notice the unusual behavior of the "Dark Elf" behind him. Clearly, this thief, skilled in disguise, seemed to know the man before him, and their relationship appeared to be more than just casual.

It's fun chatting with you.

Li Lin stood up, indicating that the conversation was over, and then, before the man could stop him, he turned and walked towards the bar's entrance.

The man hadn't expected Li Lin to leave so readily, so decisively, seemingly completely unconcerned about the substance of the deal. This surprised and astonished him. Although he had indeed made several unfavorable guesses, including that the other party was taking advantage of his eagerness or directly exploiting the Dark Elf's malicious schemes, he hadn't anticipated that this person would abandon the deal so readily.

"Please wait a moment, sir..."

He stood up, seemingly about to say something, but Li Lin had already left.