The two of them began searching cave by cave. The entrance to the first cave was small, only accommodating one person at a time. The ground was covered in moss, making it slippery, with no signs of anyone having passed through.
If the woman had indeed been held captive in these caves, someone would have delivered food to her, leaving traces behind.
Leo merely peeked inside and signaled for Franklin to leave this cave.
After a few more minutes of walking, another cave appeared before them. This time, Leo entered, but the cave was small, extending only about five or six meters before reaching a dead end. It was dark and damp inside, with nothing of note.
Undeterred, they continued their patient search.
Over half an hour later, they ventured deeper into the back mountain, and not far ahead, another cave appeared. If they hadn’t missed any, this would be the last cave in the back mountain.
Outside the cave, Leo carefully examined the ground for signs of activity. His instincts told him that someone had been here.
Without hesitation, Leo switched on his flashlight and slowly entered the cave with Franklin.
Inside, it was dim and surprisingly deep, with the flashlight unable to reach the bottom.
After walking for about seven or eight minutes, they reached a corner. They turned right and walked a bit further until they caught a glimpse of faint light ahead.
They quickened their pace and reached an open area where the terrain changed. Although still inside a cave, the ground was paved with stone slabs, and in the middle, there was a small pool of water. Directly above the pool, at the top of the cave, was a circular opening from which light spilled down.
Apart from the pool, there were two small wooden houses against the wall.
“Who’s there!?” Just as Leo was about to approach one of the wooden houses, a clear voice rang out.
The door of one of the houses opened, and a figure in white emerged. On closer inspection, the person was dressed in a white gown, with a cool demeanor, fair skin, and an ethereal beauty that left Leo momentarily captivated.
Leo had seen his fair share of beautiful women, but the woman before him was still a pleasant surprise.
While Leo and Franklin looked at the woman, she also scrutinized them.
“Who are you, and how dare you trespass here?” The woman’s expression remained guarded as she asked in a cold tone.
“Master Jennifer, I can’t believe you’re alive. I’m Franklin!” Upon seeing the woman clearly, Franklin’s face immediately lit up with excitement, his voice choked with emotion.
The woman’s gaze shifted from Leo to Franklin, and after a thorough examination, she seemed to recall something.
“Franklin, what are you doing here? This is not where you’re supposed to be. Go back quickly!” Her tone held concern and astonishment.
Leo turned to Franklin and asked, “Is she the woman you mentioned?”
Leo had expected the woman described by Franklin to be middle-aged, but she appeared to be in her mid to late twenties.
Franklin nodded vigorously and replied, “Yes, she’s Master Jennifer.”
“Franklin, who is this person with you?” Jennifer looked at Leo, her expression wary.
“Master Jennifer, he’s Mr. Bloomer.” Franklin offered a brief introduction and then asked with concern, “Master Jennifer, were you imprisoned here by the sect leader?”
Jennifer nodded and spoke slowly, “Four years ago, my master was harmed by Jeff and Janet. I was also poisoned by Janet’s Soft Fragrance Powder, which left me powerless and imprisoned here by them.”
After Jennifer finished speaking, there was movement in the other wooden house. The door opened, and a child stepped out.
The child appeared to be only eight or nine years old, with large eyes that conveyed fear as they focused on Leo and Franklin.
The child walked over to Jennifer, attempting to speak but only producing a faint “ah woo” sound from their mouth.
Clearly, the child was mute.
Jennifer reached out and gently patted the child’s head, and the child continued to watch Leo and Franklin with a timid expression.
“I’ve been imprisoned here, and this boy, Little Stone, has been the one bringing me food. Thanks to him, I’ve had company during these four years.” Jennifer looked at Little Stone with affection.
Leo’s gaze swept over the child and said, “This child isn’t naturally mute.”
Jennifer looked up, her eyes showing some surprise. “He’s a child from a family in Greenfield Village at the foot of Hat Mountain. Four years ago, Janet abducted him and brought him to the Seven Stars Sword Sect. After making him mute, she assigned him to be responsible for bringing me food.”
Saying this, a cold, murderous look flashed in Jennifer’s eyes.
Then, Jennifer sighed and blamed herself, “If it weren’t for me, Little Stone wouldn’t have become mute. It’s my fault.”
“Ah woo…” Little Stone shook his head vigorously, his big eyes watching Jennifer as if to say that it wasn’t her fault.
Jennifer reached out to ruffle Little Stone’s head.
“Franklin, why are you here?” Jennifer asked, turning to Franklin.
Franklin hesitated for a moment, then steeled himself and said, “Master Jennifer, I… I’ve betrayed the sect.”
Jennifer’s calm expression suddenly changed. Her gaze turned icy as she asked, “What happened? Explain.”
With the situation at this point, Franklin decided to be forthright. “Master Jennifer, today I brought Mr. Bloomer here with me. First, it was to rescue you, and second, it was because we hope you can assist Mr. Bloomer in taking control of the Seven Stars Sword Sect.”
Jennifer’s previously calm face showed astonishment and coldness. She said in a low voice, “Franklin, you’ve betrayed the sect, and now you want me to help an outsider seize control of the Seven Stars Sword Sect? Do you think that’s possible?”
“Master Jennifer…”
“No need to say more. I won’t cooperate with a stranger. Hurry and leave before Jeff discovers you!” Jennifer waved dismissively, her eyes cold.
Leo furrowed his brow slightly and said, “We have the basis for cooperation. We share a common enemy. Don’t you want to seek revenge for your master?”
Hearing this, Jennifer’s expression froze for a moment, and she clenched her teeth, saying, “I will seek revenge for my master. There’s no need for your pretense here.”
You’ve allowed your enemies to roam free for four years. You’ve not only lost your internal energy but your mobility should also be limited. Otherwise, Jeff and Janet wouldn’t dare leave you unguarded. If you agree to cooperate, I can help you.”
“Do you know medicine?” Jennifer asked.
Leo nodded and replied, “Yes, I understand Chinese medicine. I can not only remove the poison from your body and restore your internal energy but also help the child beside you regain the ability to speak.”