As Nie Li led Yang Xin away, Nie Wei, Nie En, and others wore different expressions.
They all understood that from this moment on, Nie Li's status within the Heavenly Mark Family had changed completely.
Nie Xiaofeng and Nie Xiaori exchanged glances, their faces blank with shock.
It seemed they would have to keep their heads down from now on in the Heavenly Mark Family.
In a private courtyard, Yang Xin took off her outerwear and stretched lazily, fully revealing her graceful figure.
"Are the three members of the Dark Guild here for you?" Yang Xin leaned slightly to look at Nie Li as she asked.
Nie Li looked up at Yang Xin.
"Yes," he nodded slightly in reply.
Yang Xin frowned slightly.
"Since the Dark Guild has targeted you, the Heavenly Mark Family is no longer safe. Why not move to the Alchemists' Association instead?" She was puzzled about why Nie Li had attracted the Dark Guild's attention.
Was it possible he leaked the news of sharing those pill formulas with the Association? Only she and the president knew about it.
Nie Li shook his head.
"There's another reason. Do you think the Dark Guild would have just sent three Silver-ranked members to assassinate me if they knew the formulas were given by me? They would probably try to kidnap me at all costs."
Hearing this, Yang Xin nodded.
It made sense.
Nie Li was thoughtful, not like a typical thirteen-year-old.
Considering his extraordinary talent, Yang Xin felt more at ease.
Strange happenings around Nie Li were to be expected.
"Do you have a grudge against them?" she asked, relaxing and sitting down.
If it were just a normal grudge, she wouldn't have to worry too much.
Typically, the Dark Guild wouldn’t risk sending Gold-ranked experts into Glory City.
If it were just Silver-ranked members causing trouble, a couple of Gold-ranked martial artists or demon spirit masters could easily ensure Nie Li's safety.
"I have no grievance with the Dark Guild," Nie Li replied, shaking his head.
He hadn't seen Deacon Yunhua’s face during that incident in Ancient Orchid City, and Yunhua likely didn't recognize him either.
There wouldn't be a need for such a significant risk just to assassinate him.
The only possibility was that the Divine Sacred Family was behind it.
"If I’ve offended anyone, it would be the Divine Sacred Family. They are the only ones with a motive!"
Upon hearing Nie Li’s words, Yang Xin's beautiful eyes flashed with coldness.
If this were true, it would mean the Divine Sacred Family had secretly colluded with the Dark Guild.
The Dark Guild was an enemy of the entire Glory City, and any collusion with them would be utterly intolerable.
"I'll have someone look into it. If the Divine Sacred Family does have ties with the Dark Guild, the City Lord won’t let them off the hook!" Yang Xin spoke decisively, her words laced with a touch of coldness.
Betraying Glory City was something that could never be forgiven.
"One of them got away. They called him Deacon Yunhua, so let me draw a portrait for you!" Nie Li said as he pulled out a piece of paper from a nearby shelf and quickly sketched the figure of Yunhua.
The skill in his drawing was astonishing.
What kind of prodigious talent was this boy? Yang Xin was inwardly amazed.
Such proficiency in drawing couldn't be achieved without years of dedication.
Drawing brought peace to the heart and had great benefits for cultivation, so in his past life, Nie Li had immersed himself in this art for decades, mastering the technique to an exceptional level.
"Done!" Nie Li handed the finished portrait to Yang Xin.
"Mm," Yang Xin accepted the portrait and examined it closely, awe-struck by Nie Li's adept brushwork.
She was filled with curiosity about this mysterious boy.
What else did he keep hidden from her?
Yang Xin pondered for a moment.
"In that case, I’ll pursue this person as soon as I return."
"Mm, take your time. It's getting late, so you should rest early, Sister Yang Xin," Nie Li said in a childish tone, flashing an innocent smile before stepping out of her room.
Watching Nie Li leave, Yang Xin was left in a daze for quite a while.
He was sometimes so mature it was hard to believe he was just a child, and other times he seemed as innocent as a little kid, making her feel utterly perplexed.
(End of this chapter)