Douluo: A Century-old Legend I Am the Second Uncle Chenxin

Chapter 1442 Shadow Butterfly
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A deeper look of admiration appeared in Chen Surong's eyes. Whether in public or private matters, Tang Yuchen's humble statement, which emphasized the power of the collective, was quite admirable to her.

She nodded slightly, her smile gentle and approving: "That may be true, but to be able to keenly discern the key threads within a vast system and to analyze and connect them in a clear and concise manner, this ability to coordinate and integrate the big picture is itself a rare talent."

"Moreover, without a systematic understanding of the legion, such systematic strategic thinking is impossible, and even Tie Buyi would find it difficult to achieve."

According to Dong Guoda, Tang Yuchen is the chief engineer, and a rather persuasive one at that.

Chen Surong paused, a smile appearing on her face, her gaze softening further. "Now I understand why my father always speaks so highly of you."

Chen Shihua, formerly the head of the Sword Shadow Hall of the Chen family, is now the head of the reorganized intelligence department.

Tang Yuchen was initially interrogated by Xia Ying (the garrison) and Cheng Yun (the Sword Shadow Hall). He was later escorted to Chenlin Village. Perhaps due to the complex background involved, the higher-ups decided to transfer him to Chen Shihua's Sword Shadow Hall for custody and evaluation.

Therefore, the elder of the Chen family who had the most contact with Tang Yuchen over the years and understood the changes in his abilities was Chen Surong's father, Chen Shihua.

Tang Yuchen was praised one after another, especially when Elder Shihua was mentioned. The blush that had just faded from his face reappeared, and he appeared very reserved and humble: "Headmaster, Elder Shihua... you flatter me."

Chen Surong looked at his reaction knowingly, smiled, nodded to Chen Xiaojun, and said earnestly, "Xiaojun, such a blueprint is far-sighted and requires a great deal of effort."

"Moreover, talented people are rare and need to be carefully cultivated. We must not be overly demanding or critical of them."

Finally, she looked at Tang Yuchen: "Brother Yuchen, you bear a heavy responsibility. I hope that you and your colleagues in the workshop can truly transform this responsibility into the sharp edge of our Chen family's future. Thank you for your hard work!"

"Alright, you two continue chatting. Yingdie and I will go check on the children."

After saying that, Chen Surong turned around, gestured to Yingdie who was silent beside her like a background figure, and then left.

"Take care, mountain chief."

"Take care, little aunt."

Almost simultaneously, Chen Xiaojun's gaze naturally and unintentionally drifted toward Yingdie, the woman who had remained silent beside Chen Surong.

He nodded slightly to her, his expression calm and expressionless, revealing little emotion; it was merely a basic gesture to show his status as the host.

Yingdie, who had been keeping her eyes down, finally slowly raised her eyelids after sensing Chen Xiaojun's movement.

It was a delicate but somewhat plain face, with well-proportioned eyebrows and eyes, but the skin had a pale look, as if it had not been exposed to strong light for a long time.

She tried to raise the corners of her mouth into a slight smile, but the smile was extremely faint, disappearing in an instant like a dragonfly skimming the water, without reaching her eyes.

In the morning light, it even appears somewhat ethereal and unreal.

However, what is most unsettling is her eyes.

Those were exceptionally deep eyes, with large, jet-black pupils like two bottomless ancient wells, devoid of any light or ripples.

Even when she slightly bent her knees and performed a standard, almost impeccable curtsy in front of Chen Xiaojun, there was still no emotion in her eyes, not even fear, humility, or gratitude. There was nothing but a deathly stillness.

The act of bowing was like a soulless puppet completing a pre-programmed sequence. Chen Xiaojun silently withdrew his gaze.

The moment Yingdie finished bowing, she immediately lowered her eyes again, returning to that almost frozen silence, that still, tranquil quiet completely enveloping her once more.

She moved silently, almost clinging to Chen Surong's figure, with a strange gait so light that even the dew-covered grass beneath her feet didn't sway noticeably. With one step, she glided into the light and shadow cast by the rising sun over the training ground like smoke and shadow. Her plain dress swayed gently, yet not a speck of dust was stirred.

Chen Xiaojun asked leisurely, "Master Tang, what do you think of Yingdie?"

Tang Yuchen seemed slightly taken aback when Chen Xiaojun suddenly asked about Yingdie.

Immediately, a thoughtful expression appeared on his face as he carefully chose his words: "Young Master, I don't know her very well. I've met her a few times before, and I only know that her mission success rate is extremely high. As for now..."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of certainty and a barely perceptible sigh, "She can't go back."

Chen Xiaojun tapped his arm lightly with his fingertips and murmured thoughtfully, "Judging from her expression, it's not that she's feigning indifference; it's more like... an empty shell whose soul has been drained? Lifeless."

Tang Yuchen nodded in agreement, a slight frown appearing between his brows: "Perhaps they have lost their purpose in life and haven't found the meaning of living yet."

Dieying's situation was much more difficult than Tang Yuchen's.

She was not a direct descendant of the Burenlou family, nor did she originate from a top-tier external family like the Tang family like Tang Yuchen (he at least had a large physical family behind him, regardless of the nature of their relationship). Instead, she was an orphan raised by the Burenlou from a young age.

For this reason, the interrogation she experienced was far more severe and prolonged than that of Tang Yuchen.

To this day, the seal on her soul veins has not been completely lifted, limiting her movement within the village to specific areas.

Her daily routine consisted of teaching basic knowledge, movement techniques, and... perhaps ironically to herself—mental concentration training courses at Zejizhai.

A former top assassin teaches others how to use her techniques, which were originally intended for killing, but within a safe framework.

Surprisingly, she seems to have chosen to settle down in Chenlin Village, far from the turmoil, just like Tang Yuchen.

This peace was less a choice she made, and more a "last refuge" given to her by the Chen family under their tight control.

Here, though she was monitored, restricted, and made to use her resources, she also gained breathing space—a peaceful yet desolate haven she had never experienced in her days of living on the edge.

After all, the stronghold of the Unruly Tower had already been wiped out by the Chen family in the Battle Soul City, and she had lost the motivation to return. Going back would only invite their wrath.

However, no department in the village wanted her. At this time, Chen Surong stepped forward, whether to support Chen Shihua, to pity her, or to have other considerations, and let her come to Zejizhai.

Chen Surong's actions may have contained the will of her family, using Yingdie as a kind of observation sample.

"Waste utilization" and the inherent goodness of human nature? Chen Surong's personality may contain compassion for "those in distress" (although the object is the dangerous Yingdie).

A deeper reason might be that Chen Surong saw the value of her "teaching" – someone who could "de-harm" those top-level assassination techniques and transform them into basic teaching abilities (even if these techniques were used by the Chen family to train elites in counter-assassination). From the perspective of "destroyed weapons," it could be considered a form of "waste utilization."

(End of this chapter)