In no time, the crowded hall had cleared to make a straight, wide path.


    Tap, tap, tap!


    This was the sound of heavy iron-ted boots striking the ground.


    The approaching footsteps were steady and forceful, creating a sense of oppression in the air that felt almost tangible, bearing down upon those present.


    This behavior was undoubtedly extremely arrogant, recklessly releasing an aura that seemed to say to the adventurers: I am here, make way!


    But it has to be said, the neer had the confidence to act this way.


    Lin Da and his group were among the crowd when Kafni, shocked, eximed, "Impressive, must be Level 30."


    Level 30, Star-ranked adventurer!


    In White Dove City, perhaps only members of the White Dove Adventure Group possessed this rank.


    Lin Da looked toward the entrance of the hall with a solemn expression.


    The entrant was a young man with fiery red hair tied in a ponytail, his eyes as sharp as daggers, and a thin sword hanging at his waist.


    The thin sword''s hilt was like golden craftsmanship, embedded in the center with a blood-red Demon Core, its strong magical fluctuations palpable to Lin Da even from ten meters away.


    A short adventurer beside them muttered, "The Second Young Master of The Mands, Dawen, what''s he doing here? The Scarlet Adventure Group should have someone designated to liaise, right? The guild members are ready at his house at all times."


    The Scarlet Adventure Group?


    Lin Da raised his eyebrows in surprise.


    Lia''s father, known as the Bloody Baron, led that very team, the Scarlet Adventure Group.


    Thest he had heard of this adventure group was two years ago.


    Back then, the Scarlet Adventure Group had already reached the 17th floor and was rated as Steel Level. Now, after two years, they might be very close to reaching the 20th floor Sunrise Level Adventure Group.


    As the Second Young Master of The Mands and a member of the Scarlet Adventure Group, Dawen''s strength and status were unmatched in Red Heart City.


    The red-haired Star-ranked adventurer entered the hall, ncing around with furrowed brows, suddenly as if he had spotted something. He strode with purpose toward Lin Da''s side.


    Lin Da could feel that as soon as their eyes met, the other had an ''I found it'' expression!


    What did the Second Young Master of The Mands want with him?


    Could it be—because of Lia?


    Lin Da''s expression shifted slightly.


    He remembered that Lia''s rtionship with her family was not good, often speaking of her half-brother with a hostile attitude.


    The surrounding crowd instantly dispersed.


    "You, you''re Lin Da, right?"


    Dawen''s expression was indifferent, his tone carrying an innate arrogance as he got straight to the point,


    "The Third Lady of The Mands invites you to visit."


    "The Third Lady?" Lin Da puzzled.


    "You should know her, Lady Bellini, Lia''s mother."


    A flicker of impatience shed across Dawen''s face as he grudgingly exined, "The Third Lady heard you were in Red Heart City; at her request, I am to bring you to The Mands for a visit. If you understand, follow me."


    An invitation to visit with such an attitude?


    Lin Da remained expressionless. "Did Lady Bellini ask you to forcibly take guests away?"


    Dawen pondered before replying, "She did not say that. The Third Lady merely mentioned that if you have time, pleasee over, she wants to see you."


    "Well, sorry, I don''t have time right now," Lin Da shrugged, "as you can see, I need to return to White Dove City with the new team members."


    The phrase ''new team members'' conveyed a vast amount of information.


    He clearly saw Dawen''s expression change.


    It seemed that The Mands did not yet know that he and Lia had parted ways.


    Dawen snorted, muttering to himself, "That little sister of mine, truly useless, can''t even keep people."


    Then, looking at Lin Da, he continued,


    "Whatever your rtion with Lia, it''s none of my business. Such a useless family waste might as well die in White Dove City. But the Third Lady wishes for you to visit. So, even if you don''t have ''leisure time'', you must find some!"


    The carriage is outside; it won''t dy you for long. Since your title is "Eye of Wisdom," you should know what to do, right?"


    "Lead the way."


    Lin Da followed him.


    Opposing The Mands in Red Heart City was clearly not wise.


    "Team Leader, are you alright... That man, he seemed fierce," Monica said, her petite frame trembling slightly.


    Lin Da thought for a moment and said, "It''s nothing serious."


    Their invite came from Lady Bellini, who was knowledgeable and sensible, much stronger than the capricious Young Lady Bilya.


    The three followed Dawen and got into the carriage.


    About ten minutester, they arrived at a sprawling estate.


    In front of them was a huge wrought-iron gate with delicate carvings, nked by two warriors in gleaming armor, holding spears.


    Dawen nodded at them, and the two warriors pushed the gates open.


    A clean white stone path led directly to the mansion ahead.


    "When you meet the Third Ladyter, don''t mention your and Lia''s matter for now."


    Walking in front, Dawen suddenly spoke up.


    "Why?" Lin Da didn''t agree immediately, his brows furrowing as he countered.


    Dawen shook his head. "The Third Lady was disced in her early years and unfortunately encountered a witch who harmed her, weakening her body progressively. She doesn''t have many days left. The Lord''s intention is to fulfill her requests as much as possible."


    With an implied look at Lin Da, he added, "That''s why you were invited. Lia... never mind; youing here is a small favor The Mands owe you, and the matter with Luke is settled."


    A small favor... clearly calcted.


    Lin Da mused internally.


    Thinking back,


    No wonder he always felt thisdy was weak and frail during their previous encounters.


    So there was this hidden story.


    Lin Da considered his Purifying Power and sighed inwardly.


    His own hands could only purify a witch; for those harmed by a witch, it probably wouldn''t work.


    Of course, this was just a guess.


    After all, he couldn''t exactly shove his hand into Lady Bellini to see if it could touch the contamination.


    Willing, but powerless.


    "I''ll stay here; you go in," Dawen led them into the mansion and to a room on the second floor.


    "Excuse me," Lin Da knocked on the door.


    "Come in."


    A gentle and mature female voice came from inside the room.


    Just by hearing the voice, you could tell she was a very voluptuous and lovelydy.


    Before entering, Lin Da took the oversized backpack off Monica''s back, or else entering wouldn''t have been easy.


    Pushing open the door, the three entered single file.


    The enticing aroma of food wafted over as Kafni and Monica''s eyes lit up; turning a corner, they saw a long tableden with delicious dishes.


    At the head of the table, on a wicker chair, sat ady with golden curly hair.


    Thisdy wore a gracious and elegant smile, herrge eyes seemed to contain pools of spring water, her plump lips were coated with lipstick, and her cheeks sported a touch of pink blush.


    It appeared she had dressed up meticulously to wee Lin Da, their guest.


    Such formality...


    The displeasure Lin Da felt at being coerced toe dissipated somewhat.


    Ady married to the leader of a Steel Level Adventure Group, who dressed up borately for him, a poor Adventure Team Leader from White Dove City, indeed touched the mark with her gesture.