Chapter 965: Clearing Their Names

Chu Tian also agreed: "We must find out the function of this crystal ball to truly uncover the secret of the ancient city."

They began to study the crystal ball, trying to find its purpose.

In a corner of the stone chamber, they discovered an ancient book.

The book recorded many legends about the crystal ball and its magical power.

Chen Zihao flipped through the book and said: "This book says that this crystal ball can see through the past and the future; it can allow people to see the truth hidden in time."

Chu Tian and Ding Xiaoyu were astonished to hear this news.

They thought, if they could use the power of this crystal ball, perhaps they could find the truth of the ancient city.

Ding Xiaoyu stood nervously in front of the crystal ball and began to manipulate it according to the methods in the book.

She tried to see the mastermind behind everything through the crystal ball.

Chu Tian and Chen Zihao watched nervously from the side, worried that Ding Xiaoyu would be frightened by the scenes in the crystal ball.

Ding Xiaoyu did not seem to be affected; her gaze became increasingly focused, as if she had seen some important information in the crystal ball.

After a while, Ding Xiaoyu suddenly opened her eyes wide, revealing an expression of surprise.

She pointed at the crystal ball and said tremblingly: "I saw the mastermind; look quickly!"

Chu Tian and Chen Zihao immediately leaned in and looked at the crystal ball.

They saw a person they had never imagined—it was actually the guardian of the ancient city, the old man who had once guided them into the ancient city.

Chen Zihao's face turned pale, and the corners of his mouth trembled as he said: "How could it be him? Why would he want to manipulate everything?"

Chu Tian frowned, recalling every conversation with the old man, trying to find an answer.

He said: "We had always treated him as a friend, but we never truly understood him. Perhaps we should return to the ancient city and ask him for an explanation."

Ding Xiaoyu also agreed: "Yes, we must find the answer. The secret of this ancient city must be related to him."

Thus, they decided to leave the stone chamber and return to the ancient city to find the old man. Carrying the key and the secret of the crystal ball, they embarked on the return journey.

The ancient city was still quiet and peaceful, as if nothing had happened.

They arrived at the old man's residence and knocked on the door.

The door opened in response, and the old man was still standing at the door with a smile on his face. He said: "You have returned; it seems you have already discovered the secret of the ancient city."

Chu Tian asked bluntly: "Why is it you? Why do you want to manipulate everything?"

The old man sighed and said: "I know you have already discovered my secret. Yes, I am the mastermind. But I have no malicious intent; I just wanted to let this ancient city regain its vitality."

They sat together, and the old man began to tell his story.

After the old man's story ended, Ding Xiaoyu looked at him, a flash of determination in her eyes.

She said: "Since you have admitted everything, then please clear our names. We have been wrongly accused as murderers, which has burdened us with a heavy crime."

Chu Tian and Chen Zihao also echoed: "We were originally just looking for the truth, but we were drawn into this dispute. Now we hope to clear our names and restart our lives."

The old man sighed, looking at their eyes, feeling their determination.

He said: "I understand how you feel. I will do my best to help you get rid of the charges, but I need your help." ===== CHAPTER 966 =====