Chapter - 5685

At that moment, Charlie surveyed the stack of photocopied contents of the "Apocalyptic Book Preface" and couldn't help but exhale heavily. "If our assumption holds true, then the false teacher last time saved my life."

Maria nodded subtly, then rested her chin on her hand as she mused, "I believe the false teacher likely acted under someone else's orders, with the true benefactor being the person behind her."

Charlie found her perspective quite satisfactory, though he expressed some uncertainty, "This individual, who sees through Morvel Bazin's intricate plans and intervenes at critical junctures, must have an extraordinary background. However, I can't fathom why, if this person is willing to aid me, they remain secretive. If we were to meet face to face, perhaps we could collaborate and confront the Warriors Den together."

Maria offered a gentle smile, remarking, "Perhaps each of them harbors their own secrets, much like myself. Were it not for the Young Master's intervention, saving our lives and bringing us here through my father's ring, I would have concealed my true identity and experience."

She added, "Nevertheless, it's certain this person is observing the Young Master covertly. When the time is right, they may initiate contact."

Charlie nodded, reflecting, "I've often wondered whom Stephen Thompson has been serving all these years. Stephen's sudden departure without a word gives me pause. I can't shake the feeling he's remarkably similar to the false teacher we encountered in Shiwan Mountain. They're likely one and the same individual behind the scenes. What embarrasses me is that this person may have been monitoring me for years, yet I remain oblivious."

As he spoke, Charlie instinctively retrieved the agarwood bracelet he obtained from the nunnery that day from his pocket. The twenty-eight precious Chinan agarwood beads felt warm and smooth in his hands, emitting a fragrant aroma.

Gazing at the bracelet, Charlie sighed, "Fortunately, this individual isn't an adversary. They're unable to reveal themselves presently, perhaps due to their own reasons."

Maria nodded in agreement, remarking, "Master, despite meticulous planning spanning centuries, it's unforeseen that one's schemes could be thwarted and discovered by the Young Master. Presently, as long as the Young Master refrains from venturing to Shiwan Mountain and abstains from practicing the 'The Nine Hidden Soul Paths,' he should remain unaffected by the master's machinations. At present, the Young Master's primary adversaries remain Warriors Den and Morgana."

She then inquired, "What are the Young Master's plans moving forward?"

Charlie responded, "During my encounter with Grandpa in Eastcliff, Inspector Lee proposed an idea, investigating suspicious companies worldwide, rooting out and dismantling Warriors Den's foot soldiers one by one, and ideally, within two or three years, neutralizing the organization's effective forces." He elaborated, sharing with Maria his plan to employ AI models to aid in the investigation.

Upon hearing this, Maria praised Jack's criminal investigation strategy as impressive and wholeheartedly endorsed the approach. "Once this AI model is operational," she added with a smile, "it should be able to dismantle Warriors Den's global power structure systematically."

Charlie expressed his gratitude sincerely, acknowledging, "Your assistance has been invaluable this time. Without your reminder, I wouldn't have thought to obtain an AI model from the Rothschild family. As a modern individual, I feel embarrassed not to be as knowledgeable or as quick as Miss Clark about real-world affairs."

Maria modestly smiled, saying, "Master, over three hundred years of evading pursuit, my primary focus has been gathering information. I began with newspapers, then progressed to radio and television, and eventually turned my attention to the internet decades ago. It's become a habit to stay abreast of emerging technologies worldwide and assess their potential impact on Morgana's plans. That's why I kept tabs on AI."

She added, "Most importantly, the Young Master has gained the trust of the Rothschild family's head. Without that leverage, acquiring such an AI model in today's climate might have proved impossible."

The two exchanged a few more words before Charlie checked the time and informed her, "Ms. Clark, I intend to head to the mountainside villa in Elys-Champ around noon to meet with my grandmother and aunt. It's almost time. I'll take my leave now and visit you later once I've taken care of everything."

Understandingly, Maria nodded and inquired, "Sir, what should I do with these photocopies?"

Charlie pondered for a moment before responding, "I'll leave it to you, Miss Clark. Handle it as you see fit. You can either store them away or dispose of them by burning."

Maria nodded in agreement, affirming, "Understood, I'll take care of it."

Seeing Charlie off, Maria instructed Larry Cole to arrange for Michelle to drive Charlie to the Champs-Elys. Once Charlie had departed, Maria returned to the top-floor courtyard alone and began sorting through the photocopies of the "Preface to the Apocalyptic Book."

Initially considering burning the papers directly, Maria paused her actions after a few minutes of cross-legged meditation on the futon. With a decisive demeanor, she retrieved her schoolbag, stashed all the papers inside, slung the bag over her shoulder, and exited the courtyard.

Descending the stone steps, Maria instructed Marius, who was stationed there, "Please arrange for a discreet car for me. I need to go out."

Marius inquired eagerly, "Miss, would you like me to accompany you? Where are you headed?"

Maria waved off his offer firmly, stating, "No need, I'll manage on my own!"

…

Meanwhile, at Lama Temple Mountain Villa.

Sister Turk entered the Zen room where Lily was resting and spoke respectfully, "Madam, the Young Master went to Zilian Mountain Villa after disembarking from the plane, presumably to meet Maria."

Lily nodded in understanding and remarked with a smile, "I see. It appears that in Charlie's estimation, Maria might be the most suitable confidante to share secrets with."

Sister Turk concurred, adding, "Both the Young Master and Maria harbor numerous secrets, each possessing revelations that could astound the world. Once they open up to each other, there will undoubtedly be a plethora of shared interests."

Lily sighed, "The crux of the matter lies in Maria's exceptional intelligence. The more Charlie interacts with her, the lower the likelihood of making errors. It's not like anyone else is around him, someone who has lived for nearly four hundred years to constantly guide him and rectify his missteps."

Sister Turk nodded thoughtfully and inquired further, "Madam, Master Bruce also entrusted a photocopy of the "Preface to the Apocalyptic Book" to Peter Cole, whom the Young Master rescued from New York this time and sent back to China with the Four Treasures. I believe he may have obtained a copy of the "Preface to the Apocalyptic Book." Should we find a way to caution the Young Master against practicing it?"

Lily deliberated, "During our last encounter at Shiwan Mountain, our only option was to contact Maria. At that time, it was the final line of defense. If Charlie had proceeded and refused to halt, we would have risked exposing ourselves and potentially faced interference. Presently, we should endeavor to minimize contact with Charlie. I trust in Maria's acumen, she will likely deduce the situation. For now, we need not fret."

Suddenly, Lily's expression shifted to one of concern as she added, "Sister Turk, Maria may come to Lama Temple seeking you. To err on the side of caution, I will depart Aurous Hill later and retreat to Mount Putuo for a few days. You may remain here for another day. If Maria hasn't visited Lama Temple by this time tomorrow, proceed to Putuo Mountain to find me. However, if Maria does come alone, seize the opportunity to meet her and ascertain whether Charlie has practiced the "The Nine Hidden Soul Paths." Also, inquire about the nature of Charlie's collaboration with the Rothschild family during his recent visit to the United States. I received word this morning that several Silicon Valley companies awaiting Nvidia's graphics card shipments have inexplicably faced bans, resulting in delayed deliveries. I have a lingering suspicion that this matter may be connected to Charlie."

Sister Turk appeared perplexed upon hearing Lily's explanation and asked in bewilderment, "Madam, why do you suddenly suspect that Maria might return to Lama Temple to seek me?"

Lily responded with curiosity, "Last time, when you intercepted Maria at Shiwan Mountain, although she was unaware of our identity, she must have realized that our actions were motivated by concern for Charlie's safety."

"This time, Charlie returned with the 'Apocalyptic Book Preface' and promptly headed to Zilian Villa to meet her. Surely, he would have confided in her. Given her intelligence, she likely discerned that Morvel Bazin's trap was the root of the danger facing Charlie, and she would also understand the peril posed by the 'Preface to the Apocalyptic Book'."

"Considering our past intervention whenever Charlie was in peril, while the urgency may not be as great this time, the matter remains equally significant. Maria could reasonably surmise that we are covertly monitoring her activities."

"If she believes we are keeping a watchful eye on her and that she herself is not in jeopardy, she will likely convey her desire to meet us through tangible actions."

"The last time you encountered her, you were disguised as a nun. If she seeks out any temple or nun within Aurous Hill in the next 24 hours, it's a clear signal that she wishes to rendezvous with us. Lama Temple holds prominence as Aurous Hill's most renowned temple. If she intends to convey a message to us, she will likely choose this location."

Sister Turk was momentarily taken aback, struggling to keep pace with Lily's swift deductions. While she may not fully comprehend, she harbored no doubts regarding Lily's judgment. Without hesitation, she affirmed, "Understood, madam. I will await her arrival here throughout the day!"

A young woman disguised as a nun, interjected, "Madam, Ms. Turk, we observed from the surveillance at the foot of Zilian Mountain that the Young Master departed from there ten minutes ago. Exiting through the east gate, his car headed south onto the highway, likely bound for Elys-Champ. Additionally, Maria departed alone two minutes ago, and she has just exited Zilian Mountain."

Lily inquired, "Which direction did Maria take?"

Jingchen replied, "To clarify, Maria proceeded north after leaving through the east gate of Zilian Mountain."

Sister Turk's expression turned apprehensive as she exclaimed, "Maria headed north? Could she be heading towards Lama Temple?"

The young woman responded, "Ms. Turk, it's too early to confirm, but we will track her using traffic surveillance along her route to ascertain her destination."

Lily offered a faint smile and remarked, "Sister Turk, it's likely that Maria is indeed coming to Lama Temple. The journey from Zilian Mountain to here takes at least forty minutes by car. Please make the necessary preparations."

Sister Turk promptly inquired, "Madam, should I receive her as the master's wife, or assume another role?"

Lily suggested, "Given that she likely saw through the identity of our fake teacher long ago, it might be best to await her in the temple's parking lot and engage her in conversation there. Stick to the plan we discussed earlier for your approach."