Chapter 4078: The Bewildered Vault Division

The High Elder’s expression became noticeably strained. "Senior, that is..."

"An excellent idea, isn’t it?" Zhenyu chuckled. "Don’t worry about thanking me. I’m always happy to help the sect."

Daoist Bone Ruler slowly closed his eyes as he had expected something like this.

From the moment Mengli Zhenyu began asking questions about the cursed artifacts, the Law Division Head had suspected that the ancient body cultivator was preparing another troublesome proposal.

Now his suspicions had been confirmed.

’Truly, a sly old monster,’ Daoist Bone Ruler thought.

He doubted that Zhenyu had any intention of quietly assisting the Vault Division with its research. The offer was clearly designed to eliminate the excuse preventing Taegong from appearing.

If the Vault Division accepted, Zhenyu would gain access to its restricted research facilities. If it refused, the High Elder would have to explain why the assistance of such a powerful senior was unacceptable.

Either outcome would place additional pressure on the Vault Division.

Daoist Bone Ruler almost felt sorry for the High Elder... Almost.

After everything he had experienced that day, he was beginning to find a certain satisfaction in watching other people struggle with Mengli Zhenyu.

The Vault Division High Elder recovered his composure and cupped his fists. "Senior’s willingness to assist us is deeply appreciated. It is reassuring to know that an expert of your experience remains concerned about the welfare of the sect."

Zhenyu nodded. "Of course, of course."

"However, the containment procedures have already entered a particularly delicate stage." The man stated.

"Oh?" Zhenyu raised his brows.

"Yes, Senior. The researchers have established several interconnected sealing formations around the artifacts. These formations are being adjusted according to the cursed influences released by the objects, and the process requires careful coordination between the participating personnel." The High Elder maintained his courteous expression.

"Introducing an additional expert at this stage would require us to interrupt the existing procedures, reassess the formation structure, and ensure that the new participant is familiar with the characteristics of each artifact."

Zhenyu raised an eyebrow. "That sounds simple enough."

The High Elder’s smile stiffened. "Unfortunately, Senior, the situation is rather complicated."

"How complicated?"

"The cursed influences are highly unstable. Certain alterations to the containment environment could trigger unpredictable reactions."

Zhenyu stroked his beard. "Then I’ll be careful."

The High Elder took a measured breath. "Naturally, I have complete confidence in Senior’s abilities. However, the Vault Division is bound by strict regulations concerning the handling of hazardous artifacts."

He continued with practiced professionalism.

"Any cultivator participating in such research must first undergo an authorization process. Their qualifications, cultivation methods, and compatibility with the existing containment formations must be examined. The relevant officials must also approve their involvement."

Zhenyu looked amused. "So you need permission to let someone help you?"

"That is correct, Senior."

"Even when the person offering to help is your senior?"

"The regulations apply to all cultivators involved in restricted containment research."

Zhenyu gave a thoughtful grunt. "What a troublesome set of rules."

The High Elder nodded sympathetically. "I understand Senior’s frustration. However, these procedures were established after numerous incidents involving dangerous artifacts. They exist to protect the sect and ensure that valuable materials are handled responsibly."

"Then perhaps you should make an exception." Zhenyu suggested.

The High Elder’s expression tightened. "Senior, I am afraid that would be difficult."

"Why?"

"Because the current research has already begun, and interrupting it could endanger the artifacts and the personnel assigned to them."

Zhenyu chuckled. "You’ve mentioned that several times now."

The High Elder remained silent for a brief moment. He was beginning to realize that Mengli Zhenyu had no intention of accepting his explanation easily.

Nevertheless, he continued. "Senior, please understand that I am not questioning your expertise. In fact, someone who has survived the Mad Demon Depths for such an extraordinary period, may well possess valuable knowledge concerning unusual curses and ancient sealing methods."

Zhenyu smiled. "Naturally."

"Therefore, should the Vault Division encounter another collection of cursed artifacts requiring specialized treatment, I would be honored to request Senior’s assistance." The High Elder cupped his fists respectfully. "I shall personally recommend that the relevant authorities invite Senior to participate in any future research where his experience may prove beneficial."

Zhenyu raised his thick white eyebrows. "Future research?"

"Indeed."

"And what about the current artifacts?"

"For the present assignment, I respectfully request that the existing researchers be permitted to complete their work without interruption." The High Elder’s tone remained gentle and professional.

He had spent several minutes explaining why Zhenyu’s assistance could not be accepted, carefully presenting each refusal as a matter of procedure and safety. He had even offered the possibility of future cooperation, hoping that the gesture would satisfy the ancient body cultivator’s pride.

However, he was becoming increasingly nervous.

The longer the conversation continued, the more difficult it became to predict Zhenyu’s reaction. The man seemed perfectly cheerful, but there was something unsettling about the way he listened.

It was almost as though he was waiting for something, and the High Elder had no idea what that might be.

Lin Mu, meanwhile, was indeed waiting.

His attention was divided between the High Elder’s elaborate explanations and the reports arriving through his mental connection with his beasts. He had already heard enough about the supposed cursed artifacts to understand the Vault Division’s official position.

Now he wanted to discover what its personnel were actually doing.

’Anything new?’ he asked the Yin Yang Twin Serpents.

’The guards are still watching the entrances,’ Xiao Yin replied. ’Some of them have moved farther into the forest, but I haven’t seen anyone important leave.’

’Same here,’ Xiao Yang reported. ’They’re checking the defensive formations and talking to each other.’

Lin Mu nodded inwardly. ’Keep watching.’

He then contacted Ashy. ’Ashy, how far have you gotten?’

’Pretty far!’ the tiny nightingale answered enthusiastically. ’There are lots of people down here. Some are carrying documents, and others keep running between rooms.’

’Have you heard anything about Taegong?’

’Not yet. I’m listening!’

Lin Mu allowed her to continue.

The Vault Division High Elder was still speaking, now explaining how the research personnel had been assigned specific responsibilities that could not easily be transferred to another cultivator.

Zhenyu listened with an expression of exaggerated understanding. "Ah, I see. So Taegong is absolutely essential to the entire process?"

The High Elder hesitated. "His expertise is certainly valuable."

"Valuable enough that the Head of the Law Division cannot summon him?"

"Senior, the matter concerns the safety of the containment procedures."

Zhenyu chuckled. "Of course. Safety is important."

The High Elder nodded. "I am pleased that Senior understands."

"Oh, I understand quite a lot." For some reason, those words made the High Elder feel even more uneasy.

Just then, Ashy’s voice suddenly rang through Lin Mu’s mind. ’Master! Master! I heard something!’

Lin Mu’s attention immediately sharpened. ’What did you hear?’

’Some people were talking about Taegong. They said he has to be sent out immediately!’

Lin Mu’s eyes narrowed. ’Sent where?’

’Another Vault Division branch!’

A faint smile appeared on Zhenyu’s face. ’So that’s what they’re doing.’

The timing was far too convenient.

While the High Elder was explaining that Taegong could not be disturbed because of his delicate research, someone inside the facility was arranging for him to leave. That was enough to confirm that the Vault Division was deliberately concealing his whereabouts.

However, Lin Mu still did not know why.

’Is his backer someone influential within the Vault Division?’ he wondered.

That was certainly possible.

Taegong had previously acted with considerable confidence when framing Little Bull and sending him into the Mad Demon Depths. His actions suggested that he possessed support from someone powerful enough to protect him from the consequences.

If that person held a prominent position within the Vault Division, arranging a covert transfer would be relatively simple. However, Lin Mu could not dismiss the possibility that the conspiracy extended beyond the Division itself.

’Perhaps someone higher up is giving the orders.’ He needed more information before drawing any conclusions. ’Ashy, which branch are they sending him to?’

’I’m not sure, Master. They didn’t say.’

’Can you find out?’

’I’ll try!’ Ashy continued moving through the underground corridors.

The tiny bird had already discovered several passages connecting the administrative buildings to the deeper facilities. She moved between shadows cast by pillars, lanterns, and the cultivators passing through the halls.

Her concealment was remarkably effective and even the guards stationed near the restricted passages failed to notice her presence.

A few seconds later, her excited voice returned. ’Master! I see him!’