Chapter 329: Evil Witch

335. Chapter 335 Evil Witch

Heh...

Lin Ke couldn't help but let out a cold laugh upon hearing that.

Heretical Dao, indeed it is heretical Dao.

What is needed, what is always thought of is not self-cultivation, but external plunder.

Through fluctuations in mental power, Lin Ke could confirm that Yun Xinying was not lying, and even determine whether she was hiding anything crucial.

Thus it can be affirmed that everything Yun Xinying just said is true and not false.

Having confirmed the purpose of her and the organization behind her, Lin Ke continued the interrogation: "What is your organization called? What strongholds do you have in the provincial capital? What cultivation method do you practice? Spill it all."

"These I can confess, but I have a condition."

Yun Xinying turned her head, locked eyes with Lin Ke, and her eyes showed an extremely resolute expression.

"Speak."

Lin Ke smiled, finding it quite interesting.

Yun Xinying earnestly said: "I don't beg you to release me; I only ask for a swift death, not to suffer torture."

"Okay."

Lin Ke immediately gave an affirmative reply.

"Good, I hope you keep your word."

Yun Xinying took a deep breath and said: "Our organization is called the Enchanting Witch; we practice the Ancient Witch Dao, acting like ghostly enchantments. In the provincial capital we have only three strongholds: one is the manor where I reside, one is the Lucky Gambling House, and one is the Lotus Heart Pavilion. As for cultivation methods, we do not practice Human Immortal Martial Dao, nor Mechanical Martial Dao, but the Witch Dao. The Witch Dao specializes in 'spirits', taking as its core principle that all things in the world possess spirit, cultivating through spirit and casting spells through spirit."

After a pause, Yun Xinying said with a hint of hope: "If you want, I can tell you the complete cultivation method. I can even tell you how to cultivate and how to cast spells."

"Speak."

Lin Ke nodded.

Yun Xinying then recited a cultivation method of just over four hundred obscure and awkward ancient witch characters, and also explained a few easy-to-learn techniques.

After listening attentively, Lin Ke instantly grasped the essence, yet did not actually practice it.

Even though his sea of consciousness was sealed and knowledge blocked, Lin Ke could still discern that this ancient witch cultivation method was extremely inferior.

Following this method in cultivation, the ultimate result would be to make oneself neither human nor ghost, becoming a hybrid.

However, the few techniques Yun Xinying explained did arouse Lin Ke's interest.

Especially the technique named by Lin Ke as the "Monitoring Eye".

"Tsk, you guys really are something!"

After hearing the detailed explanation of the cultivation method for the technique named "Ghost Eye" by the Enchanting Witch Organization, Lin Ke couldn't help but let out a sigh.

This "Ghost Eye" technique requires first taking the eyes of a pregnant female goat seven days along, crushing them, mixing with water, and refining into a base liquid;

then taking the eyes of seven pairs of girls born on yin year, yin month, yin day, and yin hour, crushing them, mixing with water, and refining into a base liquid;

then taking the eyes of seven pairs of boys born on yang year, yang month, yang day, and yang hour, crushing them, mixing with water, and refining into a base liquid;

Finally, the three base liquids are mixed together at the moment of zi hour on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, three drops of heart's blood are added, stirred evenly, used as ink to draw a vertical eye on the left palm, and a spell is chanted for seven days.

When the technique is completed, during the Ghost Festival when the spell is cast and ghostly qi is thick, it is thus called the "Ghost Eye".

What interests Lin Ke is not the "Ghost Eye" technique itself.

but rather the process of drawing it.

Just as seeing the "Ghost Eye" monitoring him last night let him realize a remote, multifunctional monitoring method.

Drawing this process also gave Lin Ke a great stir.

A concept named "Construct" broke through the blockade and sprang into his mind.

Then came the complete separation from witchcraft-related knowledge, the pure content of the "Construct" system.

For a moment, the flood of complex information struck, causing Lin Ke to lose focus somewhat, standing frozen in place.

Yun Xinying, who had not given up escaping but merely cooperated and told the truth to buy time and reduce torment, seeing this, didn't bother to consider whether it was a trap; she hurriedly exerted the hard-won recovered mental strength and forcibly pulled out the silver needles that had been stabbed into several major acupoints in her body.

The process of forcing out the silver needles was extremely painful.

Yun Xinying clenched her teeth and didn't make a single sound.

When her mental power, though still sluggish, could barely be used, she hypnotized herself, ignored the bodily pain, and forcibly realigned her limb joints with clicks, restoring her ability to move.

She gave Lin Ke, whose eyes were dull and who stood there dazed with no reaction or movement, a hateful glare; Yun Xinying, who had not yet recovered much strength, could only retreat with regret.

She did not unleash a killing move on Lin Ke.

"You wait for me!"

After fleeing the basement of the haunted house, Yun Xinying dared not stop or look back; she only gritted her teeth, spat out harsh words, and stumbled away.

In the basement.

Lin Ke quickly regained consciousness.

Originally, he had planned to find an opportunity to release Yun Xinying, thus following the vine to catch a bigger fish.

Coincidentally, taking advantage of the moment of pure "Construct" system knowledge, he implemented a catch-and-release scheme.

"Can you get away?"

After sensing the mental imprint he had planted in Yun Xinying's body, Lin Ke was not at all worried that she would truly escape from his grasp.

Lin Ke rose, looked around the basement, confirmed there was nothing needing investigation, then extinguished the torch, left the haunted house, and returned to the martial hall.

At this moment, Li Sis's early romance, Yun Xinying, the ghost inside the martial hall, and the schemes of the Enchanting Witch Organization—none of it mattered anymore.

What mattered most was the pure "Construct" system knowledge unlocked in his mind.

After stripping away witchcraft-related content, the "Construct" system could be considered an independent academic system, or called a superpower system.

Even though his sea of consciousness was sealed and knowledge blocked, Lin Ke's academic intuition remained.

He had a strong premonition that if he could perfect the "Construct" system on its own, free of witchcraft-related content, then return to the witch world and recombine it with witchcraft knowledge, he would truly create a brand-new Construct Witch school with a high ceiling!

At this moment, Lin Ke felt great joy, yet at the same time great fear.

Translation: At this moment, Lin Ke felt great joy in his heart, and at the same time great fear.

Make sure to keep "Lin Ke". Use "felt". Could be "Lin Ke's heart gave rise to great joy, and simultaneously great fear." We'll produce concise.

Lin Ke himself couldn't explain why, although it was a tremendous blessing, he felt so anxious and terrified.

Translation: Lin Ke himself could not explain why, though it was clearly a tremendous good thing, he felt so panicked, so terrified.

Perhaps it was because entering this world was arranged by the High Council.

Translation: Perhaps it was because entering this world was arranged by the Supreme Council.

The High Council of the wizard world currently has five saints.

Translation: The Wizard World's Supreme Council currently has five Saints.

With the Construct system's content unlocked, Lin Ke, whose partial memories have been unsealed, is uncertain whether abandoning the real "small world" can truly cut off the hand of the resurrected Saint Nostradamus that Dean Freest deduced was on him.

And with the Construct system's content unlocked, Lin Ke, whose partial memories have been unsealed, is uncertain whether abandoning the real "small world" can truly sever the hand of the resurrected Saint Nostradamus that Dean Freest deduced was on him.

We need to keep quotes around "Construct" and "small world". Use same quotes.

The saint's rank is too lofty for Lin Ke to gauge.

Translation: The Saints' rank is too lofty for Lin Ke to gauge.

If the prophecy-adept mystic-system Saint Nostradamus also foresaw this, what about Lin Ke's present moment?

Translation: If the mystic-system Saint Nostradamus, who excels at prophecy, also foresaw this very moment of Lin Ke's, what then?

If the prophecy-adept mystic-system Saint Nostradamus also foresaw this, what about Lin Ke's present moment?

Lin Ke shivered and decided not to think about these matters for now.

Translation: Lin Ke shivered and decided not to think about these matters for now.

Better to focus on what's at hand.

Translation: Better to focus on the task at hand.

With mixed feelings, Lin Ke returned to the provincial city, changed back into his original outfit, and went back to the martial hall.

Translation: With mixed feelings, Lin Ke returned to the provincial city, changed back into his outfit before leaving, and went back to the martial hall.

"Junior brother, did you gain anything?"

Translation: "Junior Brother, any gains?"

Shi Shixiong was actually guarding outside Lin Ke's bedroom door, and upon seeing him, he directly asked.

Translation: Senior Brother Shi was actually guarding outside Lin Ke's bedroom door; upon seeing Lin Ke, he directly asked.

"Yes!"

Translation: "Yes!"

Lin Ke wasn't surprised by Shi Shixiong's action.

Translation: Lin Ke was not surprised by Senior Brother Shi's action.

After all, his junior brother, a living person, had vanished after leaving the martial hall, so Shi Shixiong naturally needed to pay attention.

Translation: After all, his junior brother, a living person, had vanished without a trace after leaving the martial hall, so Senior Brother Shi naturally had to pay attention.

Given his understanding and trust in Lin Ke, Shi Shixiong certainly wouldn't think Lin Ke had met with an accident.

Translation: Based on his understanding and trust of Lin Ke, Senior Brother Shi would certainly not think Lin Ke had met with an accident.

Then, thinking about it, it was natural to consider going undercover to investigate further. "Tell me in detail."

Translation: Then, upon reflection, it was natural to think of disguising himself and conducting covert investigation as part of it. "Tell me in detail."

Shi Shixiong opened the door, entered the bedroom with Lin Ke, and poured him a cup of tea.

Translation: Senior Brother Shi pushed open the door, entered the bedroom together with Lin Ke, and poured him a cup of tea.

"Thank you, senior brother."

Translation: "Thank you, Senior Brother."

Lin Ke first gave thanks, but without drinking the water, he went straight to the point: "Senior brother, there is a spy in the martial hall—that's one thing; second, there's an organization called 'Witch Allure' that is likely behind this incident, targeting the master."

Translation: Lin Ke first expressed thanks, but without drinking the water, he went straight to saying, "Senior Brother, there is a mole in the martial hall; that's one point. Second, there is an organization called the 'Witch Allure' that is likely behind this incident, targeting the master."

Note: We will translate 'Witch Mei' as 'Witch Allure' and keep the quotation marks.

After a pause, Lin Ke asked, "Senior brother, you surely know some of the master's past, right?"

Translation: After a pause, Lin Ke asked, "Senior Brother, you certainly know some of the master's past, right?"

Upon hearing the name "Witch Allure" in this battle, Shi Shixiong's expression grew extremely grave; when he learned that the organization's target was the master, it turned icy.

Translation: Upon hearing the name "Witch Allure" in this battle, Senior Brother Shi's expression became extremely grave; when he heard that the organization's target was the master, it turned icy.

His whole body exuded killing intent.

Translation: His whole body exuded killing intent.

After hearing Lin Ke's question clearly, Shi Shixiong nodded.

Translation: After hearing Lin Ke's question clearly, Senior Brother Shi nodded.

As the senior disciple of the founding master, how could Shi Shixiong not know the master's real name, Li Shuwen, or his heroic deeds from back then?

Translation: As the founding master's senior disciple, how could Senior Brother Shi not know the master's real name, Li Shuwen, nor his heroic deeds back then?

After a moment, Shi Shixiong regained his composure and coldly said, "This matter, junior brother, will be your responsibility; I'll assist. But first, the spy in the martial hall must be eliminated."

Translation: After a moment, Senior Brother Shi regained his composure and coldly said, "This matter, Junior Brother, should be handled by you; I'll assist. But before that, the mole in the martial hall must be eliminated first."

"Sure."

Translation: "Sure."

Lin Ke agreed with Shi Shixiong's opinion.

Translation: Lin Ke agreed with Senior Brother Shi's opinion.

Even if Yun Xinying disguised herself and changed her appearance, how could she possibly deceive Lin Ke?

Translation: Even if Yun Xinying wore makeup and changed her appearance, how could she possibly deceive Lin Ke?

Using the "Ghost Eye" for reverse reconnaissance, Lin Ke had already figured out her connection to the Wei family.

Translation: By using the Ghost Eye for reverse reconnaissance, Lin Ke had already figured out her relationship with the Wei family.

This spy is now useless.

Translation: This mole is now useless.

Afterwards, Lin Ke described the spy's appearance in detail.

Translation: Afterwards, Lin Ke described the mole's appearance in detail.

"Is it him?"

Translation: "Is it him?"

After hearing that, Shi Shixiong was greatly shocked and saddened, remarking, "His mother was almost starving to death; I gave them a meal, which kept them alive. I never expected..."

Translation: After hearing that, Senior Brother Shi was greatly shocked and saddened, sighing, "His mother was almost starving to death back then; it was I who gave them a meal, allowing them to survive. I never expected……"

Saying that, Shi Shixiong stopped speaking, stood up, and left, giving Lin Ke some private space.

Translation: Speaking, Senior Brother Shi stopped his words, rose and left, giving Lin Ke some private space.

Between them, there was no need for excessive politeness, so they didn't bother with farewells.

Translation: Between them as fellow disciples, there was no need for excessive politeness, so they did not bid farewell.

After seeing Shi Shixiong off, Lin Ke sat at his desk and pondered deeply.

Translation: After seeing Senior Brother Shi off, Lin Ke sat at his desk and pondered deeply.

Before coming to the provincial city this time, Lin Ke thought the key to passing the trial was winning first place in the martial arts tournament.

Translation: Before this trip to the provincial city, Lin Ke thought the key to passing the trial was to win first place under heaven in the Martial Arts Tournament.

After discovering traces of ancient witchcraft and exposing the "Witch Allure" organization, Lin Ke's thoughts changed somewhat.

Translation: After discovering traces of ancient witchcraft heresy and ferreting out the organization called the "Witch Allure," Lin Ke's thoughts changed somewhat.

Perhaps passing this trial won't be so simple.

Translation: Perhaps passing this trial is not so simple.

"After dealing with the Witch Allure organization, I need to go to Tianshui Commandery right away."

Translation: "After dealing with the Witch Allure organization, I must quickly make a trip to Heavenly Water Commandery."

Thinking this way, Lin Ke moved up his plan to travel the world by a large margin.

Translation: Thinking thus, Lin Ke advanced his plan to travel the world by a large margin.

Originally, he planned to travel the world under the banner of "making friends through martial arts" after reaching the Dongxu realm.

Translation: Originally, he planned to, after advancing to the Cavity Void Realm, travel the world under the banner of "making friends through martial arts."

Now, an inexplicable sense of urgency has caused Lin Ke to advance his plans.

Translation: Now, an inexplicable sense of urgency has caused Lin Ke to move up his plans.

But before that...

Translation: But before that……

Lin Ke pulled out a sheet of paper and neatly wrote the two characters "Construct".

Translation: Lin Ke pulled over a sheet of paper and wrote upright the two words "Construct".

This is the real business!

Translation: This is the real business!

Elsewhere.

Translation: On the other side.

The fleeing Yun Xinying quietly returned to her family estate without alerting anyone.

Translation: The fleeing Yun Xinying quietly returned to her family manor, not alarming anyone.

Living in this estate, besides the Yun family's servants, are some members of the Witch Allure organization.

Translation: Living in this manor were, besides the Yun family's servants, some members of the Witch Allure organization.

If the organization found out that Yun Xinying had acted on her own, she would not only be captured but would also betray the organization's information—definitely no good outcome.

Translation: If the organization found out that Yun Xinying had acted on her own, she would not only be captured but also spill the organization's secrets—she would certainly come to no good end.

After returning to her bedroom, changing her attire, treating her wounds, and fully recovering her strength, Yun Xinying suddenly realized she had no good way to take revenge on the guy named Lin Ke.

Translation: Thus, returning to her bedroom, changing her attire, treating her wounds, and fully recovering her strength, Yun Xinying suddenly realized she had no good way to take revenge on the fellow named Lin Ke.

Fighting—she would definitely lose!

Translation: Fighting—she would definitely not be able to beat him!

She wouldn't even dare think about using magic to harm him secretly.

Translation: Using sorcery to harm him covertly—she didn't even dare to think about it.

The trap laid in the cellar of the haunted house, though a simplified version, is still a secret art created by the combined wisdom of the organization's senior members, specifically designed to target human immortal martial artists.

Translation: The trap laid in the haunted house cellar, although a simplified version, was also a secret art created by the combined wisdom of the organization's many high-ranking members, specifically targeting human immortal martial artists.

Even this secret art is useless against Lin Ke, so Yun Xinying can't be sure that her own ancient witchcraft can harm him.

Translation: Even this secret art is useless against Lin Ke; Yun Xinying cannot be certain that the ancient witchcraft she commands can harm him.

Moreover, judging by Lin Ke's response, it's clear he had already detected her.

Translation: Moreover, judging by Lin Ke's response, it is obvious he had detected her long ago.

Either her ambush wasn't well concealed, or... the "Ghost Eye" was exposed.

Translation: Either she did not conceal her ambush well, or…… the Ghost Eye was exposed.

Realizing this, Yun Xinying quickly dispelled the Ghost Eye technique, cutting off her connection with him.

Translation: Thinking this, Yun Xinying hastily dispelled the Ghost Eye technique, cutting off her connection with him.

After doing these, Yun Xinying still felt it wasn't safe enough.

If the other party, using a means she cannot detect, leaves a hidden tracking method on her and comes to her door, what should we do?

Yun Xinying hastily packed a few clothes and some valuables, then left the bedroom.

She brought only the four maids who attended her personally, and Yun Xinying drove straight to the Lotus Heart Pavilion.

When giving her testimony, Yun Xinying neither lied nor concealed anything.

The Lotus Heart Pavilion is indeed merely a stronghold that the 'Wu Mei' organization has set up in the provincial capital, with nothing particularly special about it.

However, the Lotus Heart Pavilion is actually a painted boat, located on the Mianliu River, with convenient transportation, suitable for escape.

Yun Xinying left without saying goodbye, causing the worried Wei Bowen, who had come to the estate looking for her, to find nothing.

Wei Bowen asked the servants left at the estate, but no one knew where Yun Xinying had gone.

This made Wei Bowen even more panicked, and he returned to his own estate, lost and dispirited.

"Didn't find anyone?"

Coldly watching Wei Bowen answer a phone call, he disregarded advice and ran to the neighboring estate's Wei Hanshan; seeing Wei Bowen's state, he immediately guessed the gist.

Wei Bowen said nothing, merely shaking his head.

"Now you know fear?"

Wei Hanshan coldly barked.

Wei Bowen still did not speak, his eyes full of panic and despair.

"Hmph!"

Wei Hanshan could not help but feel even more disappointed, even despairing.

Such a good-for-nothing, how could he inherit the great enterprise that he built from scratch?

Could it be that we really have to bring back the illegitimate child raised outside for sixteen years?

Forget it; let's wait a bit longer.

After a moment's thought, Wei Hanshan shouted, "A Chen, prepare the gifts, prepare the carriage."

Like a hidden person, the middle-aged steward A Chen stood not far from Wei Hanshan, yet presence-less, and respectfully asked, "Sir, what rank of gifts should be prepared?"

"Highest rank!"

Having said those three words, Wei Hanshan rose and went upstairs.

He needed to tidy his appearance and mindset; only then could he avoid showing weakness first in the upcoming talk.

Could the Wei family survive this sudden crisis unscathed, and even seize the opportunity to elevate its momentum to another level?

It all depends on the upcoming negotiation.

"Sir, the gifts and carriage are all ready."

Soon after, the middle-aged steward A Chen entered the second-floor wardrobe silently and respectfully reminded.

Wei Hanshan thought for a moment, removed his tie, messed up some of his shirt collars, switched his glasses to black frames, and walked out.

"No one else is coming; you drive, take me to the Eight Extremes Martial Hall."

"Yes, sir."