Chapter 499: Inquiry Has Its Way

"Oh, so that's how it is..."

Long Kun glanced at Xu Yang with a mischievous grin, then leaned closer to Boss Xu Yang and whispered, "Boss, I actually know what you're really thinking! These two women are already enough to give you a headache for a while. If all four of them, including Wushuang, were to come, I reckon those four goddesses alone would make your head explode on the spot!"

For the first time, Xu Yang showed a look of apprehension and concession, wiping away a bead of sweat with resignation. "I believe you..."

As one of the continent's unknown regions, Cloud Dream Lake has been the subject of countless incredible rumors over the years, in addition to the highly peculiar battle that took place there ten thousand years ago.

In short, it is a breathtakingly beautiful and dreamlike place, but also an extremely perilous burial ground for powerful individuals, holding countless secrets.

It is often said that the most beautiful scenery in the world is built upon the most extreme dangers, and Cloud Dream Lake, as an unknown region, is the perfect embodiment of this saying.

Even in the continent's most forbidden areas, Xu Yang's team, with its formidable top-tier setup, could swiftly reach any corner of the continent within five days.

To the surprise of Xu Yang's team, Shi Lingyun not only possessed powerful mental abilities to counter curses, but also had an incredibly strong capacity to boost the basic attributes of everyone in the team.

Simply by listening to one of her enchanting melodies, the team's travel speed increased by a full 30%, an effect comparable to that of the continent's most elite mounts.

Moreover, this beneficial effect was entirely independent of a cultivator's personal cultivation level! It did not conflict with the cultivation techniques of any individual, and such formidable compatibility highlighted the unparalleled value of the Nine Aperture Exquisite Mind State.

"Is that the Cloud Dream Lake area ahead? Boss, why does this place feel a bit strange?"

Long Kun spoke suddenly, but his words weren't directed at the forbidden Cloud Dream Lake itself. Instead, he was referring to the incredibly prosperous metropolitan city-state visible not far below.

Indeed, everyone had assumed that Cloud Dream Lake was a forbidden, unknown territory that struck fear into the hearts of continental cultivators, meaning there should be very few people living near it!

However, upon seeing Cloud Dream City before them, their assumptions were completely overturned. The city-state was built to be incredibly prosperous. In terms of scale, it could rival the capital of any imperial lineage on the continent, with a population reaching hundreds of thousands. Thanks to the unique environmental influence of Cloud Dream Lake, the city-state enjoyed a very pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. Furthermore, the spiritual energy concentration in the air was exceptionally rich. Overall, its planning was remarkably well-executed!

"The construction of a city-state absolutely requires a power controlling it from behind the scenes. It's likely that a powerful, hidden force is orchestrating everything here.

Since we intend to enter the Cloud Dream Lake area, it's necessary to interact with the people of this lineage beforehand!"

Xiao Hua's suggestion immediately won Xu Yang's approval.

"Indeed. Before entering the mountain, we must first locate the three survivors of that battle from years ago. Only after thorough preparation can we decide on our subsequent itinerary. We must not act rashly!"

With this resolve, Xu Yang led his group to a steady landing. Disguised as ordinary people, they entered Cloud Dream City.

"Boss, this city is so vast. Where do we even begin to look for those individuals?"

Long Kun couldn't help but ask, seeming a bit bewildered by the sight of the crowds before them.

"It's simple. By following the clues based on each of their unique characteristics, we're bound to uncover some traces."

No sooner had Xu Yang finished speaking than Xiao Hua immediately provided a detailed action plan.

"To save as much time as possible, we'll split into three groups. I'll take care of the blind scout. Once I have information, I'll signal the others!"

Xiao Hua's temper seemed as fiery as ever; the moment her words ended, she vanished.

With her departure, the remaining two task groups became clear.

Naturally, Xu Yang was paired with Shi Lingyun. After all, she had just joined the team and had no rapport with the others, so it was most appropriate for her to stay by Boss Xu Yang's side.

As for Long Kun, he teamed up with his old partner, Ling Yao, to search for the whereabouts of the shepherd boy!

The group of five was once again streamlined into two-person teams, making their movements much more convenient. Most importantly, reducing the team size allowed Xu Yang and the others to better conceal their identities. After all, they were simply too remarkable; no matter how they disguised themselves, it was difficult to hide their presence in a crowd.

"Your Excellency, what should we do next?"

"There's no one else here now, so why are you still so reserved? Am I that intimidating?"

Xu Yang glanced at Shi Lingyun beside him with a hint of amusement.

"Uh... calling you 'Your Excellency' shows enough respect, hehe!"

Without a word, Xu Yang flicked Shi Lingyun on the head, making the girl blush with shyness as if she had been shocked. She quickly covered her head, looking utterly wronged.

"Call me Boss."

"Oh, Boss..."

Boss Xu Yang chuckled softly, his hands clasped behind his back, as he strode towards the densely populated southwestern area. Shi Lingyun stared blankly at Xu Yang's retreating back for a moment, seemingly surprised by this uncharacteristic side of him, but the sense of distance she felt between them also vanished.

"Brother, do you know if there are any well-known chess clubs in this city?"

Xu Yang randomly approached a middle-aged man in a long gown, who looked like a scholar, and asked. As expected, his choice was spot-on.

"Sir, your attire doesn't suggest you're someone who enjoys this sort of thing. Usually, it's only impoverished scholars who dabble in such matters. You, on the other hand, clearly don't lack money."

Shi Lingyun couldn't help but let out a delicate giggle, quickly covering her mouth, her large eyes fluttering as she looked at the honest man before them.

"Alright, just follow this street straight ahead. Look for the most dilapidated temple. There's a crazy old man inside. If you enjoy playing chess, find him; he'll surely make you happy!"

Xu Yang casually tossed out a bag of gold, startling the middle-aged man, who promptly knelt in worship, proclaiming him a living immortal.

The two didn't linger long in the streets. Upon receiving the clue, they immediately followed the southwestern road to its end, where the dilapidated temple stood out noticeably.

Stepping inside, beneath a mass of black cobwebs in the temple hall, an old man was indeed huddled.

"I am A Yang, a player of strategy games, here to seek guidance."

Xu Yang's voice was deep and resonant, neither humble nor arrogant, possessing both the humility of a scholar and the majesty of a sovereign.

As his words landed, there was no response from within.