Atkin

Chapter 478: A Trip to the Crane Temple: The Game of Lies and Truth
Cheng Mu looked at A Jing solemnly and said, "Hey, we need to change our clothes later."

Ah Jing looked puzzled and raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do I have to change clothes specially to go to the Crane Temple?"

Cheng Mu nodded slightly and explained: "Well, change your state and dress differently, so that you won't attract attention."

Ah Jing became even more curious and asked, "What will it look like?"

Cheng Mu raised his lips, a sly look flashed in his eyes: "Of course, I will change into the appearance of a confused boy or girl, so that I can better blend in and get information."

Ah Jing suddenly realized and quickly responded, "Oh, oh, okay."

So, the two of them acted quickly and soon changed into clothes that matched the image of confused boys and girls. A Jing was wearing a plain robe, his hair was a little messy, and his eyes showed a hint of confusion and curiosity; Cheng Mu was wearing a simple cloth, with a rough hemp rope tied around his waist, and his face was a little immature. The two looked at each other and confirmed that there were no flaws, so they prepared to set off for the Crane Temple to uncover the secrets hidden behind the heavy fog.

While tidying up his slightly messy clothes, Jing asked in confusion, "Why do we have to dress up like this, confused and messy?"

Cheng Mu looked at him solemnly, and said slowly: "People, there is always a void deep in their hearts. In fact, the power of our spirit race can fill this void. But mortals are different. Most people have a real need, which is to urgently need something to fill their hearts. They may think that things like money can do it. And everyone knows this tacitly when they meet. However, there are always some people with ulterior motives who specialize in studying this. Over time, it has given rise to scammers' dens like the Crane Temple."

Ah Jing looked down at his slightly sloppy and confused outfit, and said to Cheng Mu with a suspicious look on his face: "Are you sure we can sneak in dressed like this? I see that you look very sober now, how can you look like a confused teenager at all?"

Cheng Mu's mouth corners slightly raised, and he explained with a somewhat confident smile: "In fact, these scammers are not that powerful. What they are powerful about is that they are good at guiding others and letting those people step into the trap step by step."

Ah Jing became even more curious and asked, "How do you guide them?"

Cheng Mu crossed his arms and said slowly, "These liars never force others to be deceived. Think about it, a melon that is forced is not sweet, and how can something forced last long?"

Ah Jing couldn't help laughing out loud: "Not forcing? If you don't brainwash them, will they take the bait? It's not that easy."

Cheng Mu answered seriously: "They only target those who have the desire in their hearts and are willing to take the bait. Just like the old saying, 'If anyone is willing, he will take the bait.' They just put the bait there and wait for those who have bad intentions or are greedy to take the bait themselves."

Ah Jing nodded thoughtfully: "Oh, so that's what happened." Then, he seemed to suddenly remember something and looked at Cheng Mu slyly, "Cheng Mu, do you often deal with these scammers? How do you know their tricks so well?"

Cheng Mu waved his hands quickly and said seriously, "I haven't cheated anyone. I just often expose the scams of scammers. I've seen a lot, so I know their methods clearly, so I'm particularly clear-headed." After hearing this, A Jing relaxed and said with a smile, "Okay, I'll believe you this time. Then I'll pretend to believe you and follow you to see if I can pry something useful out of these scammers."

After that, the two checked each other's costumes again, and after confirming that they were correct, they walked towards the direction of the Crane Temple, ready to start a silent battle of wits with those notorious swindlers.

A Jing looked around the unusually quiet entrance of the Crane Temple, and was about to ask Cheng Mu, "Are they taking a break today?" But he swallowed the words back. He thought to himself that today was the middle of the week, and based on past experience, not many people would come to the Crane Temple to "consume" or offer sacrifices during this time period, but the overly quiet atmosphere at the moment was really weird.

At this moment, a man slowly walked out of the temple, wearing simple home clothes, exuding a simple and honest aura. A Jing looked at him carefully and felt that this man did not look like a liar with ulterior motives, but rather like an honest man with good character from a decent family. For a moment, A Jing's doubts deepened.

Cheng Mu also noticed the man and calmly winked at Ajing, signaling her not to act rashly. The two of them stood there quietly, observing the man's every move, trying to find out the secrets hidden behind the Crane Temple from his behavior.

"Oh, you two are here... two destined people, are you here because of your reputation?" the man asked with a kind smile. Cheng Mu reacted quickly, holding A Jing's hand tightly, and took two steps forward. A Jing followed behind Cheng Mu carefully, still with a hint of vigilance in his eyes.

Cheng Mu looked calm, with just the right amount of curiosity and expectation on his face, and replied, "Yes, we came here because of your reputation."

The man's eyes scanned the two of them and paused briefly, as if he was looking at something. Then the smile on his face became brighter and brighter, and he said with a smile: "It's your first time here." The smile seemed kind, but it made Ajing feel that there might be an unknown purpose behind it. She subconsciously held Cheng Mu's hand tightly.

As they stepped into the room, Ajing and Cheng Mu suddenly felt a warm atmosphere surrounding them. The temperature was neither too high nor too low, just right to gently wrap them up, as if a unique atmosphere was specially created. There was also a faint fragrance in the air, which penetrated into the nose, making people unconsciously relax a little at this moment.

However, Ajing and Cheng Mu were not fooled by this seemingly comfortable environment. They exchanged glances and understood each other, knowing that behind this false warmth, there must be hidden unknown conspiracies and secrets of the Crane Temple.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

Ajing and Cheng Mu walked into the room side by side, quietly held hands and gently squeezed them, as if sending a silent signal: "Relax, let's start." The two smiled at each other, their eyes full of tacit understanding, and they relaxed instantly, naturally blending into this seemingly ordinary but mysterious atmosphere.

They thought silently in their hearts: "Just treat it as a play, throw out those preset questions and answers without leaving a trace, follow their routine, and see what can be drawn."

So, Ajing tilted his head slightly, his eyes revealing just the right amount of confusion and curiosity, while Cheng Mu gently shook their holding hands, seemingly nonchalant, but actually observing his surroundings vigilantly.

Their every little movement and every eye contact was like a silent conversation. In this warm and fragrant space, they quietly started this battle of wits, ready to counter each other's moves and explore the unknown secrets behind the Crane Temple from those seemingly unintentional guidance.