Chapter 145

With so many high-quality magic knights, Lin Cheng naturally came over to rack up emotion points; according to his previous income standards, even if every magic knight here were squeezed dry, seventeen episodes would yield at least three million emotion points as a baseline.

Five million emotion points aren't out of the question.

"Mr. Lin Cheng."

"This is a very solemn matter."

Seeing Lin Cheng's casual demeanor, Xiang's gaze quietly flickered with a hint of anger.

Know that nearly all core magic knights from the top Magic Knight Guilds are gathered here—of the Ten Saint Magic Knights, except the two strongest and the two deceased or expelled, all are present.

If this were an ordinary, unimportant matter, it might be overlooked, but now we're investigating spies; Lin Cheng's uncooperative attitude is simply unacceptable.

Thinking this, Xiang spoke to Lin Cheng in a tone he'd never used before: "If Mr. Lin Cheng is truly concerned, or lacks confidence in his appearance, you may come with me to another room for verification."

"I will make no judgment whatsoever on Mr. Lin Cheng's appearance."

As he spoke, Xiang extended a gesture of invitation toward Lin Cheng.

Simultaneously, as he made the gesture, Xiang transmitted a secret signal through the Blue Pegasus Magic Knight Guild's coded channels, informing his own Guild Master and Captain Yiyi of his suspicions.

There was no record of Lin Cheng in any official information database.

Although this allied gathering appeared massive, because it was privately summoned by Macao, no outsiders even knew about this meeting.

Thus, Xiang strongly suspected Lin Cheng was someone with ulterior motives.

Even if he isn't a member of the Akatsuki Organization, he likely has significant ties to it.

"Men~"

"Sir, if it's inconvenient, please come with us to an empty spot to remove your mask."

At this moment, Yiyi also walked over with a serious expression.

As the core among the core of the Blue Pegasus Guild, Yiyi's strength and status were comparable to Jura's position as the weakest of the Ten Saint Magic Knights within the Lamia Scale.

In the original story, the Gemini Celestial Spirit, after copying Yiyi's magic, effortlessly defeated Jura.

Undoubtedly, though Yiyi was the comic relief in the original story—with almost no standout moments and never having fought seriously—he was undeniably extremely powerful.

He definitely possessed the power of the weakest of the Ten Saint Magic Knights.

Similarly, the consecutive remarks from Yiyi and Xiang subtly alerted the other magic knights around them.

Among them, Ulfheim and Volodzhenkin, two of the Four Heavenly Kings of Ishgar, furrowed their brows slightly, directing more attention toward Lin Cheng.

As if ready to strike with overwhelming force at the slightest sign of trouble from Lin Cheng.

"Big Brother Lin Cheng…"

As the atmosphere grew solemn, Wendy watched Lin Cheng from a distance, worried.

Though Wendy didn't know what had happened, it didn't prevent her from sensing Lin Cheng's precarious situation; as a Dragon Slayer, her senses were extremely sharp.

Or rather, all Dragon Slayers possessed exceptionally keen senses.

She could clearly feel that because of Lin Cheng, the air had become thick with tension, as if about to explode.

Yet, just before the tension was about to ignite, Lin Cheng's laughter reached everyone's ears, slightly easing the powder keg atmosphere and solemnity.

"Hahaha, forget it, forget it."

"I can't deal with you guys—knowing someone's identity doesn't require seeing their face."

Looking at the several stares around him that nearly turned tangible, Lin Cheng smiled lightly and said to Xiang and Yiyi: "Mr. Xiang, Mr. Yiyi—if I can prove my identity through other means…"

"Then there should be no issue; I won't need to remove my mask, right?"

"After all, I'm plain-looking—this mask provides just enough mystery to win the girls' favor."

As he spoke, Lin Cheng reached into his chest, as if preparing to pull out something to verify his identity.

Lin Cheng's confident expression once again reduced the tension in the air.

Because Lin Cheng was so relaxed and confident, Xiang even began to doubt himself.

'Have I overthought this?'

'Mr. Lin Cheng really doesn't seem like a bad person.'

Watching Lin Cheng rummage through his chest for proof of identity, Xiang's previously solemn and serious expression softened slightly.

After brief contact with Lin Cheng, Xiang also felt he wasn't a bad person—just a very odd one.

But Xiang's expression, thoughts, and guilt didn't last long.

Then, under Xiang's stunned gaze, Lin Cheng slowly pulled from his chest a black cloak with red clouds, and leisurely put it on right before everyone's eyes.

"Let me formally introduce myself."

"I am Lin Cheng, an intern member of the Akatsuki Organization; please give me your guidance in the future!"

After changing clothes, Lin Cheng made a very gentlemanly introduction to everyone present.