Xuan Tian and Lin Qian brought the young girl, her father, and the middle-aged woman back to the inn. To ensure privacy and security, they rented an entire courtyard with six rooms, assigning two of them to the trio.
Without wasting time, Xuan Tian placed a barrier around the courtyard—strong enough to keep unwanted guests out and prevent the victims from wandering off. Lin Qian remained behind to continue monitoring their conditions, her gaze steady with resolve.
With the immediate situation secured, Xuan Tian left the inn and headed to the Luo Residence. The streets of Baishan bustled with the usual morning activities, unaware of the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
"How's A-He?" Xuan Tian asked without preamble, as he appeared near to Lei Wen.
Lei Wen sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "The boy's core is still forming. He's still in pain." His expression darkened. "His parents are terrified, but I've managed to keep them calm—for now."
Xuan Tian nodded, processing the update. "Good work. I've secured the victims from the slums at the inn. It'll be easier to monitor them all in one place." He paused. "Find time to bring A-He and his parents there. Keeping them under the same roof will make things more manageable—and safer."
Lei Wen glanced toward the room where A-He lay and nodded. "Understood. I'll make the arrangements."
Xuan Tian's gaze lingered on the residence for a moment longer, his senses brushing over the surrounding area as if expecting something to shift. When nothing did, he vanished without another word.
Zhang Family Clinic, Xuan Tian's next destination, appeared ordinary at first glance. People came and went, the atmosphere bustling with the usual activity expected of a medical facility. Hidden from view, Xuan Tian observed the entrance, sharp eyes scanning every detail. The expressions of those entering and leaving seemed normal—patients showing typical ailments, family members showing concern. No one displayed any behavior that raised alarms in his mind.
After a while, with nothing out of the ordinary, Xuan Tian shifted his approach. Silently, he slipped into the clinic, moving through the shadows with practiced ease.
Inside, the layout was simple and efficient. The clinic wasn't large—just a spacious hall divided into several sections. On the left side, a small area served as the pharmacy, featuring wooden shelves lined with rows of small drawers, each labeled with delicate calligraphy indicating various medicinal herbs and ingredients. A faint scent of dried roots and crushed leaves lingered in the air, blending with the subtle bitterness of ground powders. Occasionally, an attendant would slide open a drawer with a soft clack to retrieve herbs, weighing them with practiced ease.
To the right, a designated area handled preliminary examinations. This section was modest, furnished with only two tables, each attended by a doctor. Folding screen dividers stood between them—intricately painted with delicate landscapes, their panels providing a semblance of privacy while still allowing the sounds of quiet conversation to drift beyond. Patients waited in neat rows, murmuring quietly while family members hovered nearby, exchanging concerned glances.
Xuan Tian took note of the patient flow, the employees' routines, and the subtle nuances in their interactions. He scrutinized every face, every gesture, waiting for something—anything—that stood out.
Nothing did.
Frowning, he ventured deeper into the building. Turning down a corridor, he paused as familiar energy brushed against his senses. Peering around the corner, he spotted Zhao Zhi seated at a table, calm and composed. Across from him sat a male patient, arm stretched out as Zhao Zhi checked his pulse with practiced fingers, his expression a mask of professional focus.
Xuan Tian remained hidden, observing quietly. He noticed a brief flicker of hesitation cross Zhao Zhi's face—a subtle tightening of his jaw and a fleeting glance toward the patient, as if bracing for what he knew would happen next. After a moment, Zhao Zhi leaned back and said, "Congratulations. You are perfectly healthy."
The patient's face lit up. "Really, doctor? Really?" He stood up and bowed deeply to Zhao Zhi. "Thank you! Thank you very much, doctor!"
An employee who had been standing silently at the side stepped forward. "Please, this way," he instructed.
Xuan Tian immediately moved to follow them, keeping to the shadows. The employee led the patient toward a courtyard not far from the examination area. The entrance stood inconspicuous—unremarkable enough that anyone not paying close attention would easily miss it.
Xuan Tian's gaze sharpened as he noted the faint shimmer in the air. A barrier covered the entire courtyard, subtle but effective. When he tried to extend his senses past it, the energy field repelled him, preventing any insight into what lay beyond. With his current power, he could easily pass through without triggering an alarm—but charging in blindly, without knowing what awaited him, was reckless.
The employee paused at the barrier, producing a token from his robes. Holding the patient's hand, he stepped forward. The barrier rippled, parted just enough to admit them, then sealed shut again. In the next moment, both figures vanished from Xuan Tian's view.
Xuan Tian was about to break through the barrier when movement caught his attention. Another young man approached the courtyard, guiding a male patient beside him. Xuan Tian's gaze narrowed. It's him. He immediately recognized the newcomer—the same man who had spoken with Zhang De the previous day.
That confirms it, Xuan Tian thought. He and his companions are connected to some of the missing people. His urgency sharpened. I need to get inside that courtyard.
Glancing back toward the clinic, a plan began to form. Sneaking in has its risks. But posing as a patient... that might be the best way to reach the source without raising suspicion.
Decision made, Xuan Tian turned on his heel and retraced his steps toward the examination area. He slipped into the shadows until he reached the small examination room where Zhao Zhi sat alone, jotting notes on a medical scroll. Without warning, Xuan Tian stepped into the room, remaining partially concealed.
"Dr. Zhao," he murmured, voice low. "It's me."
Zhao Zhi startled slightly, his hand pausing mid-sentence. His eyes darted toward the shadowed corner. "General?" he whispered back, masking his reaction.
"I just confirmed the restricted area is connected to the missing people," Xuan Tian said, his gaze sharp. "I'm going in."
Zhao Zhi opened his mouth to respond but froze as Xuan Tian added, "As a patient."
The doctor blinked, processing the statement before his eyes widened. "It's a good idea, General, but... are you sure? We don't know what happens inside that courtyard."
"That's exactly why I need to go this route." Xuan Tian's tone was calm but resolute. "It'll lead me directly to the source. Following from the shadows has its advantages, but with the secrecy and heightened security, I'm certain they've prepared countermeasures against intrusions. If I try to force my way in, I risk exposing myself. This way is cleaner—and less bothersome."
Zhao Zhi exhaled through his nose, tension in his shoulders evident. "Understood. Tell the attendant at the front you're here for a physical exam. Just... be careful in there."
Xuan Tian gave a curt nod, already turning toward the entrance of the examination area. Time to play the part.