Let them offer their loyalty!

Upon hearing the Black Shadow's words, Lord Muye's "Messenger" said solemnly, "Those treasure-hunting Cataclysmic treasures and Cataclysmic Potions have very strong side effects."

"If they're not used by experts, there's a high chance of losing control. Is it really worth it to treat painstakingly cultivated Cataclysmics as disposable tools?"

Hearing the "Messenger," the Black Shadow replied, "According to that Lord's words, it's worth it."

"Although Lord Muye hasn't openly revealed what kind of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures he discovered."

"But something important enough for him to bring up at the council meeting is definitely not ordinary."

"On top of that, during this time, he has been stirring chaos in Dongye State and sowing discord among its high-ranking officials. This shows his ambitions are significant."

"So, that Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure is certainly extraordinary."

"Even though we don't yet know what it is, a miraculous treasure's emergence will always be accompanied by phenomena."

"Using all kinds of Exploration Relics and Potions to search for it definitely won't go wrong."

Hearing the Black Shadow's words, the Messenger pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "Understood. I will make the arrangements now..."

After he finished speaking, the Messenger paused and added, "But the lead on Qiu Tu must not be abandoned. If there's a chance to rescue Lord Muye, we should still try to rescue him."

"After all, with Lord Muye's capabilities, he would still be very useful to the Organization in the Northwestern Region."

Hearing the Messenger's words, the Black Shadow nodded slightly, "I will relay this to that Lord..."

"But ultimately, it will depend on that Lord's decision..."

The Messenger's expression turned complicated as he replied with a faint "Hmm..."

....

At the same time.

Accompanied by Ai Li, Yanyan, and Xue'er, the envoy group also arrived in Xinjie City and entered the "Xinjie Territory" through Xinjie City to begin an on-the-ground visit to the "Boundless Heart Sea Exploration Plan."

Taking advantage of a moment when there were fewer people watching her, Princess Xi secretly pulled Ai Li aside.

After glancing around to ensure no one else was present, Princess Xi whispered, "Ai Li, did you hand... that thing over to Qiu Tu last night?"

Hearing Princess Xi's question, Ai Li quickly nodded and replied, "Princess, I personally handed that card to Qiu Tu last night."

Hearing Ai Li's response, Princess Xi's arched eyebrows furrowed lightly, and she murmured softly, "That doesn't make sense..."

"Why hasn't he contacted me?"

"Could it be that something delayed him?"

The tone of Princess Xi's voice was perfectly calibrated—neither too loud nor too soft, ensuring Ai Li could hear.

Hearing her words, Ai Li couldn't help but recall the embarrassing events from the night before.

Then she thought about the way Qiu Tu had repaid her kindness with all his might, even leaving the bedsheets soaked. Her face flushed slightly, and she quickly turned her head to the side.

Princess Xi keenly noticed the change in her expression, a trace of quiet contemplation flashing in her eyes, though she said nothing...

And so, the day passed quickly.

After briefly touring the "Xinjie City - Boundless Heart Sea Exploration Plan," Princess Xi's group settled down in Xinjie City.

That evening, Princess Xi retired early.

But once again... spent the night tossing and turning.

Perhaps it was due to lack of sleep over the past couple of days; by the next day, faint dark circles appeared under her eyes.

This surprised her maids, who had never seen the Princess in such a condition, prompting them to quickly think of ways to help with her appearance.

However, the Princess was unusually irritable today. Even though she was technically under semi-house arrest, she directly dismissed the maids without concern.

Meanwhile...

In the "New State - Trade Market," in the low, shabby building there.

The Black Shadow was also deep in conversation with the "Messenger."

The Black Shadow asked, "Have the inquiries yielded any results?"

Hearing the question, the Messenger first shook his head, then nodded.

Noticing the Black Shadow's confusion, the Messenger slowly explained, "We haven't discovered any Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures yet. However... we did come across some anomalies."

Hearing this, the Black Shadow inquired, "What kind of anomalies?"

The Messenger spread a map of Dongye 16 Cities across the table, pointed to one of the cities, and said, "All my subordinates passing through this city have been silenced without exception. None have returned."

Hearing this, the Black Shadow asked in astonishment, "Has the place been sealed off?"

The Messenger gave a slight nod and replied, "Though I'm not sure if it's true, I feel it's highly likely."

He paused before continuing, "Tell me, if it were just an ordinary city, why would it be sealed off?"

The Black Shadow nodded thoughtfully, stroking his chin as he said, "Makes sense."

He paused before asking, "So you believe the Heavenly Material and Earthly Treasure might be in that city?"

The Messenger responded cautiously, "I can't confirm that. But I think there's a probability."

"Of course, this could all just be my speculation."

"After all, due to the long journey and the current lockdown across Dongye State, Lord Muye's believers haven't been able to reach all the cities yet."

Hearing this, the Black Shadow nodded slightly before saying, "Then let's proceed with both plans."

"Send people to continue searching other cities for Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, but also send some to test that city to see if this is just a misunderstanding."

The Messenger nodded slightly in agreement.

Another day passed quickly.

By the next morning, Princess Xi's dark circles had worsened, and her eyes were noticeably duller.

Kou Yu personally came to meet with her briefly; upon confirming her state was indeed poor, he left shortly thereafter.