While Tilan and the others leisurely fished and picnicked by the lakeside, the network world on the other side was far from peaceful.
After deducing the identity of the 'Blue Sparrow Mask,' 'Old Skeleton' beca much more withdrawn. However, he didn't outwardly express these emotions; perhaps only 'Silver Green Creation' could truly sense his mood at the mont.
With the reminders and interference from 'Old Skeleton' and 'Silver Green Creation' gone, the 'Council of Seven Sages' appeared to calm down on the surface. Out of the six mbers, two remained silent, while another two followed whatever 'Blue Sparrow Mask' said. Although 'Long-handed Monkey' harbored so private sches, he rarely engaged in overt disputes within the organization. As a result, discussions within the organization dwindled, and most decisions were made solely by 'Blue Sparrow Mask.'
"That cat-eared songstress has been gathering quite a number of people recently, including large corporations familiar to her, forces from the Northern Star Domain, and elite hackers she managed to contact from surrounding regions. Leveraging these resources, she is searching extensively across the network for our real information, which has already drawn a lot of attention from others," a subordinate reported the tracking observations to the six mbers of the council.
"Got it," 'Blue Sparrow Mask' casually waved her hand, signaling acknowledgent.
For so reason, her interest in the cat-eared songstress had decreased significantly compared to so ti ago. This shift in attitude left the mid-tier personnel tasked with carrying out orders sowhat uncertain about their superior's mood.
"Should we take so action, ma'am?" the reporting mber cautiously asked.
'Blue Sparrow Mask' did not respond imdiately. She paused and pondered for a mont before speaking.
"Letting her continue like this obviously won't do, but that songstress… she's like a cat that's caught the scent of fish—it won't be easy to distract her from what she's fixated on."
"Instruct the personnel below to carefully interact with her, probe her true intentions. If it's possible to exchange so information to placate her, then do so for now."
"Additionally, ensure the organization prepares to guard against heightened scrutiny on the network. Handle traces and relationships that need to be dealt with during this ti, and be ready to transition into a state of silence at any mont."
"Understood."
After yet another eting that ended without much resolution and carried a faint sense of oppression, the six mbers dispersed. However, 'Silver Green Creation' unexpectedly received an invitation from 'Blue Sparrow Mask' following the conclusion.
"Should I go? Is there anything I need to be mindful of?" She first sought advice from 'Old Skeleton.'
'Old Skeleton' glanced at the brief invitation ssage and then assured her that there was no need to worry.
"Among us, you are the youngest, and your record is the cleanest—there's practically no background or affiliation tied to you. Ironically, that makes you the safest. Go ahead, I don't think she'll harm you. She's probably looking to recruit you."
"What if…" The silver chanical puppet rotated its gears, attempting to ask further.
"Recruitnt like this is mostly verbal. Just agree directly; she wouldn't go so far as to pressure you over sothing so minor," 'Old Skeleton' replied dismissively, waving his hand with disinterest.
To seasoned veterans like him, this young girl still seed far too green. Saying too much might even backfire; letting her act naturally was far more endearing.
"Just go, it's fine."
Afterwards, Geyin took a brief mont to prepare before transferring herself to the network address provided by 'Blue Sparrow Mask.'
The location was a fortress in the clouds, its architectural style tinged with a sense of fantasy. Various high towers and round pavilions stood among the clouds, connected by long bridges that ford a cohesive complex.
Not long after stepping in, the mist before her began to scatter, revealing a long bridge leading directly to the inner section.
Once the silver chanical puppet stepped onto the bridge, her figure swiftly reached the opposite side, where the noblewoman wearing the 'Blue Sparrow Mask' was already seated by a table in the round pavilion, waiting.
"So, you've arrived," her deep blue eyes shone through the mask, gazing at the girl before her with a hint of hidden aning.
"I apologize for keeping you waiting," the silver chanical puppet moved closer to the table.
"Sit down, there's no need to be nervous," the other gestured, and a steaming tea set materialized on the table shortly after.
"The tea experience here may not quite match reality, but the difference isn't significant—you should try it," the noblewoman welcod her.
She then began to slowly explain the reason behind inviting Geyin over this ti.
"So, you've been with the organization for over a year now. Are you accustod to it?"
"I've adapted for the most part." The puppet's voice resembled chanical tones, devoid of emotional fluctuation.
"Good to hear. You might wonder where 'Hui Fangyan,' the one who initially invited you, has gone, or question your own role within the organization." She picked up her tea, sipping leisurely.
"I've been close with 'Hui Fangyan' for over a century—longer than many people's lifetis. The emotions and experiences from such a long period aren't sothing that can be explained in a re sentence or two."
"He was an incredibly pure individual, passionate about technology, fond of sharing, and even more enthusiastic about the fresh inspiration and opportunities born from exchanges."
"His fervor for network technology gradually attracted others—most of them were geeks who lived through the network as their natural environnt, while rarely engaging in the physical world."
"This group, motivated by the need to communicate and exchange ideas, established a loose forum-like organization to address various challenges encountered while navigating the Ai Jieka Network."
"A lot of the fraworks and systems now commonly seen across the network originated from early discussions in that forum. Yet over ti, parts of it have slowly seeped into reality, becoming so natural that people barely notice anymore."
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