Ishii Hisako was indeed extraordinary. Upon entering, she maintained a calm demeanor, even daring to speak eloquently in the face of Chen Nuo. She was indeed the formidable woman Chen Nuo remembered from his past life, the one who had managed to keep the Truth Society alive even after its near collapse—the third-generation leader of the Truth Society.

"Everyone outside, listen clearly! Without my command, no one is to make any move or any rash action! Everyone, fall back fifty paces! Do not advance! Anyone who moves recklessly again will be charged with apostasy!"

After issuing commands outside with a walkie-talkie, Ishii Hisako calmly walked up to Chen Nuo, bowed slowly, and then gestured to the cushion on the floor.

"Sir, please take a seat. You will not be disturbed again."

With that, the woman also calmly knelt beside him, picked up the tea set on the table, gently arranged it, and with an inviting gesture, said, "Since you have come to the headquarters of the Truth Society, you are an honored guest. Sir, please sit. Allow me to serve you tea."

Chen Nuo narrowed his eyes, observing the woman for a moment before sitting down.

Ishii Hisako swept the fragments of the shattered porcelain cup from the table and retrieved new cups from a nearby wooden box. She added fresh charcoal to the stove beneath the kettle and brewed a new pot of tea.

After pouring a cup for Chen Nuo, she bowed her head respectfully. "Please, enjoy."

Chen Nuo sighed. "You truly are not afraid of me."

"Having dedicated myself to this sacred society, I have long been prepared to sacrifice my life for it. With Heaven above, to die for the society is merely to enter Heaven a little sooner. God will naturally guide my path."

A thought stirred in Chen Nuo. He looked intently into Ishii Hisako's eyes. Instantly, he made a surprising discovery:

Whether it was Kobayashi, the second-generation leader, or Aso, both were high-ranking members of the Truth Society. Even though they had co-founded the society with the original Sect Hierarch, neither of them truly believed in the Truth Sect's doctrines. They knew they were merely following the Sect Hierarch in his grand schemes. In truth, they were just two opportunists who dared to take risks.

But Ishii Hisako was different. She genuinely believed!

This was truly strange. Typically, the leaders of cults that mislead people are aware they are frauds, merely fabricating an enormous lie to deceive others. The common followers might be deceived into believing, but the upper echelons are naturally well aware of the truth. Yet this woman, one of the core figures in the Truth Society's leadership… she actually believed?! This was… very interesting.

Ishii Hisako was middle-aged and, frankly, quite ordinary in appearance—she was likely plain even in her youth. But her voice was very soft, her tone pleasant. She had been the former Sect Hierarch's personal secretary, a trusted confidante. She had entered the Truth Society's inner circle long before the Sect Hierarch was captured and was so deeply trusted that he had put her in charge of the society's finances… Chen Nuo absolutely refused to believe there wasn't something between this woman and the Sect Hierarch. Many people were, in fact, aware of it. Yet, a woman who had risen through such connections to eventually become the third-generation leader of the Truth Society… That was no simple feat.

A cup of tea was brought to him. Chen Nuo turned his head, pulled down the visor of his motorcycle helmet, drank the tea, and then pulled the visor back up.

Ishii Hisako didn't try to peek, instead saying slowly, "You've kept your helmet on this whole time. Is it because you don't want us to see your true face?"

Chen Nuo smiled. "What do you think?"

"So, I surmise you don't intend to kill us all," Ishii Hisako said softly. "That's why you're unwilling to let us see your face… Otherwise, for people doomed to die, there would be no need for such concealment."

While making this bold guess, the woman's tone was remarkably submissive, as if displaying absolute obedience to Chen Nuo.

Chen Nuo remained silent.

The woman continued slowly, "In this hot weather, wearing that helmet constantly must be incredibly stuffy. Why don't you take it off?"

After a pause, she added, "I have a way to ensure your face will not be seen."

"Oh?" Chen Nuo laughed.

The woman slowly pulled a strip of cloth from her sleeve. "Right now, in this courtyard, aside from you, there's only myself, Grandmaster Kobayashi, and His Excellency Aso. The three of us can blindfold ourselves. Those outside wouldn't dare enter without my order, nor would they dare to peek. I can also guarantee that there are no surveillance systems in this courtyard. This place was originally where Grandmaster Kobayashi resided and rested; it's also a secret location for the society. For confidentiality, no surveillance systems were ever installed."

She made the suggestion in an easygoing tone, yet it seemed as though she were genuinely considering Chen Nuo's comfort.

Chen Nuo squinted at the woman, then replied with a smile, "Alright. I'll need to eat later, and wearing this thing is indeed inconvenient."

"Very well, please leave it to me." The woman slowly rose, walked over, and handed the cloth strip to Aso, who had been kneeling silently to the side.

"Aso-kun, please put this on yourself."

Aso silently took the strip. He glanced at Ishii Hisako, who nodded at him. Gritting his teeth, Aso tied the cloth around his eyes.

Ishii Hisako then walked over to Kobayashi, who was still lying on the ground.

"My apologies, Your Excellency Kobayashi."

"It's fine. Go ahead, Hisako," Kobayashi sighed from the ground.

Ishii Hisako took out another cloth strip from her sleeve and personally blindfolded Kobayashi.

Finally, the woman returned to the tea table, gracefully sat opposite Chen Nuo, drew out another cloth strip, and blindfolded herself, tying it securely.

Chen Nuo sighed. "You prepared these cloth strips before you came in, didn't you? You are indeed a thoughtful person."

Ishii Hisako smiled faintly. "My subordinates are crude and thoughtless. Their previous recklessness in offending an esteemed guest such as yourself was our failing."

"You concede defeat quite readily."

"Isn't that as it should be?" Ishii Hisako said slowly, seemingly unconcerned. "Submitting to the authority of the strong is the most natural law in this world. Besides, haven't we Japanese always been like this? You are sufficiently powerful. Showing submission to the strong is the correct stance."

As these words left her lips, Chen Nuo furrowed his brows.

He detected the underlying meaning in her words—'we Japanese people.' She seems to have guessed something…

Chen Nuo exhaled and gently removed his helmet.

He wasn't worried about this woman deceiving him. His perception could easily determine whether there were any surveillance systems in the courtyard. As for distant surveillance… the only structure overlooking the courtyard, the main cathedral where the sniper had hidden, had already been brought down by Chen Nuo. With no other tall buildings nearby, spying from a distance with a telescope was impossible. The people outside the courtyard had retreated, and the area beyond the gate was clear.

Though blindfolded, the woman continued to prepare tea with remarkable skill. Her movements were not impeded in the slightest, and she seemed to know the precise location of every teacup, teapot, and utensil on the table as if they were etched in her mind. At one point, she even rose and walked to a stone sculpture with a water spout in the courtyard to fetch fresh water. It was as if being blindfolded had no impact on her actions whatsoever.

Chen Nuo watched the woman with curiosity.

"You need not be surprised," the woman said, as if sensing Chen Nuo's thoughts. "I am merely an ordinary person, possessing no abilities beyond the norm. However, I previously served as the personal secretary to the Sect Hierarch, attending to him for many years. As you know, our Sect Hierarch was blind. He lived his daily life without lights. After serving him for many years, I've grown accustomed to working in darkness. This courtyard used to be the Sect Hierarch's residence; I lived here for over two years."

Chen Nuo smiled. "I'm quite curious about your Sect Hierarch—what kind of person was he?"

"Him?" Ishii Hisako tilted her head in thought before speaking softly. "The Sect Hierarch… he was a genius, and also a madman."

"Audacious! How can you say such a thing!"

"Ishii Hisako! What are you saying!"

Kobayashi and Aso rebuked her in unison.

Upon hearing this, Ishii Hisako simply smiled. "Did I say anything wrong?"

"The Sect Hierarch is the incarnation of a celestial deity! As a follower, how can you speak like that!"

"This is outrageous, Ishii!"

The two men rebuked her again.

Ishii Hisako shook her head and said softly, "That's enough, both of you. There are no other followers here. We are all on the brink of death. At a time like this, why continue the charade? Besides, when you thought no one was listening, haven't you both spoken disrespectfully of the Sect Hierarch and fabricated stories about him countless times?"

Ishii Hisako continued coldly, "Kobayashi, didn't you once secretly tell someone that 'that blind man only got his start thanks to the help of us brothers'? Isn't that what you told one of your mistresses? And you, Aso! After drinking once, didn't you complain that the Sect Hierarch trusted newcomers too much and was gradually neglecting old-timers like you? Are these words, these attitudes… the way to treat a celestial deity? You never regarded him as a god. Everyone has been acting all along. So, let's be frank now. This gentleman is not a member of our Truth Society, nor is he one of those credulous fools you usually deceive. Continuing this act in front of him will only invite ridicule."

The two men fell silent, their expressions grim.

Chen Nuo became even more curious as he looked at Ishii Hisako and smiled. "So… you know that your Sect Hierarch was a man, not a god, right?"

"Of course." Ishii Hisako smiled as well. "If he were a god, he wouldn't have ended up cowering in an underground chamber, only to be dragged out by the police like a cornered rat."

Brilliant! Chen Nuo couldn't help but laugh out loud upon hearing this.

"However, judging by your earlier words, you seem prepared to sacrifice yourself… Your faith appears quite steadfast."

"Is that a contradiction?" Ishii Hisako frowned, then shook her head. "I don't believe it is."

"Oh?"

"That the Sect Hierarch is a god is, of course, false. The doctrines were all his own invention, so they too are false. But…" Ishii Hisako paused, then asked, "May I ask you, sir, which religion in this world is not like that?"

"Hmm…"

"Since they are all false, others can believe with piety. Why can't I be pious?"

Seemingly with a sigh, Ishii Hisako poured herself a cup of tea, then gestured to the cup.

"An empty cup naturally needs something to fill it. Only when a cup is full do we hold it more reverently, more carefully, to prevent it from spilling. Life is no different. A life without faith easily loses its purpose, easily squandered. Those with faith strive all the harder to live a more meaningful life. So… sir, are you satisfied with my answer?"

Chen Nuo pondered for a moment, then smiled.

Though it was somewhat typical of the Japanese stubborn and peculiar way of thinking, this explanation was indeed interesting.

"So, you don't believe in the Truth Society?"

"No, I do believe. I don't believe in the Truth Society's doctrines… because I know they are false. But I consider the Truth Society the faith and pursuit of my life's work. As for the Sect Hierarch… To be blunt, he is a man. When this man has… been intimate with me… it is difficult for me to worship him as some kind of god. As his subordinate, I owe him absolute loyalty. But worship of a god… that, naturally, is out of the question."

Chen Nuo burst into laughter and actually clapped his hands. "Brilliant! I truly didn't expect the Truth Society to harbor someone as remarkable as you."

Ishii Hisako thought for a moment and bowed slightly. "I shall take that as a compliment."

"It certainly is a compliment," Chen Nuo nodded. "You are far more interesting than those two."

And much more formidable, Chen Nuo added silently.

"Well, now that we've spoken frankly," Ishii Hisako said slowly, "shall we discuss something more meaningful, sir?"

"More meaningful? Such as?" Chen Nuo asked with a smile.

Ishii Hisako exhaled, not rushing to answer. Instead, she said suddenly, "It seems… another ten minutes have passed."

She slowly drew a small knife from her person. "Please don't misunderstand. This knife is not intended for you. Carrying it is merely a small personal habit."

"Hmm."

"You said earlier that you would cut off one of Kobayashi's fingers every ten minutes. Another ten minutes have passed. Please allow me to perform this task on your behalf." She then bowed to Chen Nuo.

"Damn it! Ishii! What the hell are you saying?!" Kobayashi, caught off guard by Ishii's words, roared from the side. "You treacherous woman! You…"

"Shut up, Kobayashi! Do not disgrace the dignity of a Truth Society Grandmaster in front of others!" Ishii turned her head, her expression stern as she rebuked him. "Is a Grandmaster only capable of begging and screaming before an enemy?!"

Chen Nuo, squinting, thought for a moment. "Very well. You may cut off this finger."

Ishii Hisako bowed. "Yes!"

She turned and walked over to Kobayashi. He couldn't help but curse, but Ishii Hisako said coldly in a low voice, "Mr. Kobayashi, if you resist and anger this gentleman, you might suffer even more."

Kobayashi immediately froze.

Ishii Hisako quickly grabbed Kobayashi's left hand, felt for the correct spot with her fingers, and then, with a swift movement, the knife fell!

With a scream, Kobayashi's left middle finger was severed!

Ishii Hisako quickly retrieved gauze she had prepared from her pocket. She tore it open, took out a small spray bottle—likely containing antiseptic—sprayed Kobayashi's severed finger stump, and then swiftly bandaged it.

"Don't hate me. My doing this is only to your benefit," Ishii Hisako said coldly. "At least I will apply medicine and properly dress your wound."

Kobayashi said nothing, merely gritting his teeth.

Just as Ishii returned to the tea table, her walkie-talkie crackled to life.

"What is it?" Ishii asked, picking it up.

"The food the gentleman requested is ready."

Ishii Hisako thought for a moment. "Have someone blindfolded bring the food to the courtyard entrance, then leave immediately!"

"...Yes! Right away!"

The food, arranged on a tray, was brought to the courtyard entrance by a blindfolded person, who then departed.

Ishii Hisako personally rose, went to the courtyard entrance, and carried the tray back. Though still blindfolded, her gait was exceptionally steady. She walked to the entrance and back to the tea table without a single misstep, her movements precise.

After arranging the food from the tray on the tea table, she picked up a white porcelain bottle and a sake cup.

"Although you didn't specify, I took the liberty of having someone prepare a bottle of fine sake. How could we entertain an honored guest without fine wine?" she remarked as she poured Chen Nuo a cup.

She then picked up a teacup from the table and poured herself some sake as well.

"For this first cup, as your host, I apologize for our previous offense against you!" Ishii Hisako declared, then lifted her cup and drained it in one gulp.

Chen Nuo, unsure how to react, took a sip.

Ishii Hisako refilled both Chen Nuo's cup and her own.

"Next, sir, we can formally begin our discussion," she said.

"Alright, go ahead," Chen Nuo replied with a lazy smile.

"Although I'm not entirely clear how our Truth Society offended you previously… that is no longer important at this moment. I only wish to ask, is there any room for us to lay down our arms and reconcile?"

Chen Nuo chuckled. "What do you think?"

Ishii Hisako pondered for a moment. "It seems the crux of our conflict primarily involves Miss Xicheng Xun. Regardless of any past grievances between Miss Xicheng Xun and our Truth Society… to my knowledge, her mother is, or was, a follower of our Truth Society…"

"You seem to know quite a bit!"

"Of course. While Mr. Aso was directing things outside, I had already ordered someone to investigate Miss Xicheng Xun's background. Her mother, Rin Nishikawa, is a follower of our society. Upon learning this, I began to understand a few things."

"What did you understand?"

Ishii Hisako sighed. "I have long advised that our methods of recruiting followers should not be so aggressive. When the society was first established, using certain methods was a necessity. But now that the society has achieved such a scale, resorting to such crude and reckless methods for financial gain is truly counterproductive."

"Including the subway sarin gas attack?" Chen Nuo scoffed.

Ishii Hisako stated solemnly, "Believe it or not, I was unaware of that incident beforehand. I am in charge of finances, but only the Sect Hierarch himself and seven or eight other core leaders were involved in planning that event… I did not know. In fact, I have always opposed such extreme actions. If our society is to develop and flourish, we must strive to earn a good reputation among the populace. A society that lacks public acceptance will find it difficult to achieve long-term viability."

Chen Nuo nodded, acknowledging her statement.

As for whether he believed her, that was a different matter.

"So, between us, is there still a chance for peace?" Ishii Hisako spoke slowly. "I can assure you that Miss Xicheng Xun's safety will not be compromised in any way! She sustained some injuries during her capture today. Beyond that, the person in charge in Tokyo had originally planned to treat her more severe injuries before proceeding with any interrogation… They suspect an organization is backing Miss Xicheng Xun and targeting our society. Faced with such a serious matter, they are proceeding with extreme caution, afraid that if Miss Xicheng Xun's injuries are too severe, she might die before they can interrogate her. Therefore, after capturing her, they immediately began her treatment. This, of course, is not out of benevolence—I merely wish to prove to you that Miss Xicheng Xun has suffered no additional harm. Furthermore, I have already dispatched my confidant to Tokyo. If they encounter her en route, my confidant will personally escort Miss Xicheng Xun here!"

Chen Nuo nodded. "On that point, I am no longer concerned."

"Then, the greatest point of conflict between us is resolved," Ishii Hisako said with a smile. "We are willing to offer compensation to apologize for Miss Xicheng Xun's ordeal. So… can we lay down our arms? Kobayashi and Aso have also offended you. You may name your terms, and we will do our best to satisfy them. On this basis, can you forgive them both? Yes or no?"

Chen Nuo looked at Ishii Hisako, then suddenly raised an eyebrow!

Because…

While Ishii was verbally pleading for Kobayashi and Aso, she simultaneously and silently lifted her right hand. Dipping a finger into her drink, she swiftly traced a line of characters on the tea table!

The message read: "Kill these two! I am willing to cooperate with you!"

After writing this, the woman swept her sleeve, erasing the marks from the table!

In the courtyard, Kobayashi and Aso, both blindfolded, were completely oblivious to Ishii Hisako's actions!

Chen Nuo's eyes narrowed!

Subsequently, Ishii Hisako made an even riskier move!

She suddenly lifted her hand and removed the blindfold from her eyes!

Then, the woman calmly looked at Chen Nuo, directly at his face!

Chen Nuo did not stop her.

Ishii Hisako got a clear view of Chen Nuo's face. Surprisingly, she showed no shock at his remarkably youthful appearance—at least, none that was visible on her face.

This woman stared at Chen Nuo, her fingers flying across the table again, writing: "If you do not agree, then please kill me. In any case, I have now seen your face."

One second passed, then two, then three.

Chen Nuo laughed.

He let out a light sigh and then laughed heartily. "Very good. I can feel your sincerity."

Ishii Hisako exhaled, taking a deep breath.

Beneath her clothes, her back was already drenched in sweat.

Chen Nuo fixed his gaze on her. He, too, reached out, dipped a finger in his drink, and began to write on the table.

He wrote a single, simple character: ?

This question mark, in truth, represented a multitude of questions. For instance: What exactly are you thinking? Why do you want to cooperate with me? What can you offer? And so on… But Chen Nuo knew that a woman of her intelligence would understand.

And indeed, after a moment's thought, Ishii Hisako wrote another line.

She wrote: "After today's events are concluded, I will find a suitable place to speak with you in detail."

Chen Nuo looked at Ishii Hisako and nodded slightly.

Ishii Hisako sighed in relief, wiped the text from the table with a wave of her hand, and then said, "Thank you for your magnanimity! Now, I will toast to you once more!"

As she spoke, her hand quickly wrote down a string of numbers on the table.

Chen Nuo glanced at it, committing the phone number to memory.

"Then, I implore you on behalf of Mr. Kobayashi. Since Miss Xicheng Xun is already en route, escorted here, she definitely cannot arrive immediately due to travel time. Please, can you spare his remaining fingers?!"

Listening to her earnest plea, and recalling how she had unhesitatingly written 'Kill these two!' on the table… Chen Nuo sighed internally. What a ruthless woman. Chen Nuo was willing to bet that even though there were no surveillance systems and no one dared to peek into the courtyard, someone outside was undoubtedly using listening devices to monitor their conversation. This woman's performance wasn't for Kobayashi and Aso in the courtyard. It was for those listening in from outside.