He Lingchuan sneered, “Didn’t you notice how State Preceptor Sun insisted that we rush back to the southern gate after we’re done with our sides, with all his warnings and even a strict two-hour deadline? Doesn’t that seem a little too considerate? They’ve always treated you no differently from a beast of burden. Why would that suddenly be so concerning for you?”

Mao Tao instantly remembered Sun Fuping’s repeated, stern reminders.

“But what if—”

“What if what?” He Lingchuan cut him off. “Whenever someone suddenly acts concerned, there’s always something they’re hiding. If something really does go wrong, what difference does it make if we’re here or at the southern gate? If we truly need their protection, we can just run over when the time comes.”

He Lingchuan added, “Do those two look...