Chapter 2448 - 2449: Framed

Chapter 2448: Chapter 2449: Framed

Although Lin Chen wanted to alleviate Xiao Ying’s sadness, he felt powerless, as a troubled heart needs its own remedy.

For now, he could only try to spend more time with Xiao Ying, lying in bed, so that she wouldn’t feel so sorrowful and upset.

Lin Chen stayed in Xiao Ying’s room, accompanying the little girl lying in bed.

After returning, Lin Chen still practiced for a while before going to sleep; his achievements far surpassing those of his peers were gained through hard work and relentless effort.

The next day, before dawn, he was awakened by a commotion outside. Lin Chen got up, his curiosity piqued, wondering why there was so much noise outside.

Getting up, he went outside and saw Zhou Lie standing beside Zheng He, both master and student looking particularly anxious. Even though Zheng He was a renowned elder with extraordinary skills, he couldn’t help but seem anxious at this time.

Lin Chen was quite surprised, never expecting these two to show up here today; it was indeed unexpected.

It seemed something significant had happened.

Lin Chen stepped forward and asked, "I wonder why you two are here so early?"

Zhou Lie glanced at Lin Chen, then sighed and said, "My master’s treasure is missing. We searched on the mountain all night but found nothing! We had to come down the mountain to look!"

As Zhou Lie spoke, his eyes intermittently glanced at Lin Chen, then appraised Zheng He standing beside him, as if deliberately plotting something.

Upon hearing this, Lin Chen wondered silently, not knowing what treasure they were referring to. With such fanfare, it must be something extraordinary.

"What kind of treasure?"

Zhou Lie sighed and said, "My master’s treasure is the Heavenly Spirit Stone, haven’t you heard of it?"

The Heavenly Spirit Stone was Zheng He’s supreme treasure; it played a crucial role in his journey from having nothing to commanding respect and influence now.

Many have coveted this legendary treasure for years, hoping to claim it, but all have returned empty-handed, and now someone bold enough to steal the Heavenly Spirit Stone has appeared. This person not only has great audacity but also impressive skills.

"Is there no clue at all?"

"None!" Zheng He shook his head and sighed. The previously respected elder image was now gone, overwhelmed by worry.

This thing must indeed be important to Zheng He.

"Did the thief leave no clues at the scene?" Lin Chen asked curiously.

Zhou Lie glanced at his master and then replied helplessly, "The thief was very cunning and left no clues at the scene. We searched for a long time but found nothing."

Lin Chen stroked his chin, lost in thought. The identity of this thief is definitely not simple; able to come and go freely under so many watchful eyes means they possess formidable abilities.

"When did the treasure disappear?" Lin Chen asked curiously.

Zhou Lie was about to speak but his master immediately retorted coldly, "Right after you left yesterday!"

Lin Chen was perceptive; the tone and attitude of the other’s words were evident enough. Anyone could see the implication, and Lin Chen, no fool, naturally understood the meaning.

To come here with so many people at the crack of dawn, what this means is already clear.

"Senior, what do you mean by this?"

Zhou Lie stepped forward coldly and said, "You tell me, isn’t this a coincidence? Before you came, my master’s things were fine and never went missing; as soon as you arrived, they disappeared."

Lin Chen remained calm and composed; the other’s implications were as plain as Sima Zhao’s intentions. But it doesn’t matter; truth will prevail, there’s no need to argue.

"We don’t want to believe you did it, but the coincidence is too much; you arrived and our things disappeared, it’s impossible not to suspect you," Zheng He said.

"It’s baseless to accuse someone like this; aren’t you as a senior acting inappropriately?"

"If you’re truly innocent, let us search your room; if you refuse, then it’s a guilty conscience!"

Zhou Lie’s arrogance was particularly off-putting. Though Lin Chen’s heart burned with anger, he did not act upon it.

If you can’t endure a small matter, you spoil the big plans, and in this situation, reacting harshly wouldn’t benefit him.

"I’ll let you search, but what if you find nothing?"

"If we find nothing, you’re lucky; if we do, watch how my master deals with you." Zhou Lie was still bitter about what happened earlier and couldn’t forget.

The guy in front of him embarrassed himself in front of his respected master yesterday; today, he wanted payback.

"Isn’t this very unfair!" Lin Chen answered calmly.

"If we find nothing, we’ll apologize to you, but this matter is too significant to overlook any detail. Please be understanding," Zheng He said.

Zheng He’s anger had slightly abated by now.

"If that’s the case, go ahead and search." Lin Chen said.

Today, if he insisted on refusing, it would only raise suspicions; better to face it openly and honestly.

"If it’s like that, then we might offend you next." After saying this, people entered Lin Chen’s room, and soon the sounds of rummaging echoed from inside.

Lin Chen remained unmoved, still displaying a calm and composed attitude, as always, unwavering.

Zheng He stayed outside; the Heavenly Spirit Stone was indispensable, crucial to him, it must not be lost.

The sounds from inside continued for a long time, yet still nothing was found, making everyone think naturally that the Heavenly Spirit Stone wasn’t inside.

Everyone gradually came out.

But... one person still remained inside.

After a long time, that person finally came out, causing everyone to turn and look at him.

"Found it here!" Zhou Lie said coldly, looking at Lin Chen.

Immediately, everyone focused their attention on Lin Chen, their gazes cold and harsh!