The scene was bleak and lifeless. The land within the forbidden area was barren, devoid of grass or any signs of life. Exposed rocks jutted out sharply, casting eerie shadows. Separated by an iron fence, the contrast between the two sides was striking. Outside, though autumn had stripped the plants of their leaves, some greenery persisted. Pine trees stood resilient against the seasonal changes. Inside the fence, however, only desolation reigned.

Even the crows circling overhead seemed reluctant to fly over this wasteland, as if instinct warned them away.

The group surveyed the scene with unease. Despite the strangeness, the well-trained subordinates maintained their composure. One turned to Tiffany and asked, "Madam, the path is open. Shall we proceed?"

Tiffany agreed. "Let's go."

She didn't re-enter the car but led the way on foot, Richard walking beside her, his hand in hers. The rest of the group followed closely.

The moment they stepped onto the barren ground, they sensed a change in the air. It was thinner, heavy with a strange, stale quality that made breathing difficult. Tiffany frowned, her discomfort evident.

Noticing this, Richard waved his hand, and a light breeze swirled around them, dispersing the stale air and making breathing easier.

Tiffany glanced at him. "This place is so empty. Could the person we're looking for have been scared off by our large group?"

The note on the knife hadn't specified she needed to come alone. This suggested the figure didn't fear her or her entourage.

Richard didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pulled a lollipop from his pocket, unwrapped it, and held it to Tiffany's lips. "You must be tired from walking. Have something sweet."

Tiffany accepted without hesitation.

Behind them, Garry muttered, "Seriously? That's just cruel. She takes a few steps, and he's already pampering her. No one cared when I was struggling to run ten miles the other day."

John, walking nearby, hesitated before responding dryly, "So tragic."

Gary sighed.

Despite the casual atmosphere between Tiffany and Richard, the rest of the group remained tense. The eerie silence of the forbidden area heightened their senses, and they remained alert, scanning for traps or dangers. Richard, however, walked as if on a leisurely stroll. His relaxed demeanor stemmed not from carelessness but confidence—an assurance that nothing here could truly threaten them.

Seeing Richard's calm, the subordinates felt a wave of relief. Though they remained alert, their earlier tension eased considerably.

After walking several hundred feet, there were still no buildings or signs of people.

'Is it possible we've been led here as a joke?' Tiffany thought. Refusing to believe it, she pressed on determinedly.

After walking some distance, the barren landscape gave way to a structure—an old, grand building looming in the distance. Despite its decay, it still retained traces of its former glory. Its size and intricate architecture hinted at past splendor.

Tiffany stopped, staring at the structure. A strange, uneasy feeling gripped her chest. It was as if something inside was calling to her, pulling her closer with an invisible force.

She turned to Richard, her voice low. "I feel uneasy. There's something dangerous about this place."

Richard took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm here."

Tiffany nodded, and they stepped forward together, entering the building, their subordinates close behind.

Unlike the desolation outside, the building's interior was surprisingly well-preserved. The floors were clean; the furniture—tables, chairs, and antique vases—was neatly arranged. Even the paintings on the walls appeared untouched.

Garry whistled softly as he inspected the room. "The Azure Sea Royal Family was rumored to have incredible treasures, but I didn't expect this. Look at these paintings! They'd fetch a fortune at auction!"

Gary lamented, "It's such a waste to leave them here."

Tiffany smiled. "If you like it, you can have it."

"Really?" Garry's eyes lit up. He eagerly reached for a mural. "Are you sure? I mean, it feels wrong, but if you insist"

As he removed the mural, a small red button hidden in the wall was revealed.

"What's this?" Garry asked, curious. Without waiting for an answer, he pressed it.

Before Tiffany could stop him, white smoke erupted from hidden vents, spreading rapidly.

"Cover your mouths and hold your breath!" Tiffany shouted.

The group reacted quickly, but the smoke was too fast. It engulfed the room in seconds, leaving many coughing and struggling to escape.

Only Tiffany and Richard remained unaffected. An invisible barrier seemed to shield them from the smoke's effects.

Tiffany, seeing Gary coughing violently, said, "Richard, I think you should clear the smoke. It may be poisonous if we stay here too long."