Spy-x-War Showdown
Chapter 1216 - 1221: Hope You Like It

Chapter 1216: Chapter 1221: Hope You Like It

The Freemasons have existed in pulp literature for a long time, and the vast majority of conspiracy theories in this world can be linked to this mysterious yet well-known organization.

As for the Illuminati, it’s similar. Like the Freemasons, it’s the kind of secret organization that everyone ostensibly knows is scheming something.

But the question is, if everyone knows about a secret organization, can it still be called a secret organization? If everyone knows what conspiracies the organization is planning, can those conspiracies still succeed?

That’s why Aaron said the Grey-cloaked People aren’t the Freemasons. However, the things the Grey-cloaked People do are exactly the things the outside world attributes to the Freemasons.

There really are secret organizations out there, and they truly are scheming major conspiracies. It’s just that they’re not the ones the world thinks they are.

The Castle Hermit Society—this was a name Yang Yi had truly never heard before.

It wasn’t the Freemasons or the Illuminati, names so famous that they resound in everyone’s ears. This left Yang Yi feeling a little disappointed.

However, disappointment quickly transformed into intense anticipation, coupled with the satisfaction of finally learning a secret.

Yang Yi looked at Aaron expectantly, because he was waiting for Aaron to reveal more secrets.

Aaron glanced at Yang Yi, his eyes carrying a faint, enigmatic smile.

Yang Yi coughed lightly and asked, "So, the official name of the Grey-cloaked People is the Castle Hermit Society, correct?"

"Yes."

"Then what is your mission? What is your goal?"

Aaron waved his hand and said, "That, I can’t tell you yet. But I want to ask, do you know the real name of the Cleaners?"

Yang Yi felt it was quite unfair not to even know the Cleaners’ true name—it made him seem less like a central figure within their organization. The problem was, he genuinely didn’t know their real name.

"Uh, well, I don’t know..."

Aaron chuckled and then said solemnly, "The Cleaners’ name is Shield of Freedom."

Yang Yi frowned and said, "Judging by the name, it sounds like the Cleaners are the good guys here. Uh, just kidding."

Aaron didn’t seem bothered. He smiled and said, "Names are just codes. The reason we’re called the Grey-cloaked People is because our traditional attire is gray. The Cleaners, on the other hand, are called Cleaners because they do the work of cleaners. Do you understand the difference?"

"You mean you’re more sophisticated, right?"

Aaron nodded and said, "I can’t explain more to you now, because the authority granted to me only allows me to tell you this much. If you want to learn more, you’ll need to go to headquarters and officially join the Castle Hermit Society. Only then will you be qualified, because once you understand our purpose, you’ll know what we’re aiming to accomplish. And that is the Castle Hermit Society and the Cleaners’ shared secret—their jointly guarded secret—the biggest secret."

Yang Yi noticed that Aaron had stopped using the term "Grey-cloaked People," but he still retained the name "Cleaners."

Still, he wasn’t able to learn the Grey-cloaked People’s ultimate goal, which left Yang Yi somewhat disappointed.

But now, it was clear that the Grey-cloaked People and the Cleaners shared the same objective and pursuit. The only difference lay in their methods, or rather, their execution, which led to division and, consequently, opposition.

One thing was certain—there was a major secret involved. However, this secret was jointly guarded by both the Grey-cloaked People and the Cleaners. Even though their ultimate goal was to destroy each other, neither was willing to make the secret public.

Yang Yi thought for a long time before cautiously asking, "If you’re neither the Freemasons nor the Illuminati, then can you tell me about your historical legacy?"

Aaron replied without hesitation, "The Freemasons are an illusion, and the Illuminati is also an illusion. The real secret, or the real actors behind the scenes, are us—the Castle Hermit Society and the Cleaners. Let me tell you, the number of individuals aware of these two names, throughout all of history, hasn’t exceeded one hundred. That means even knowing the names is one of the greatest secrets."

Aaron looked at Yang Yi and shrugged, saying, "Before World War II, the Castle Hermit Society and the Cleaners were one entity. You probably already know this. The true spark that led to their division was the birth and use of nuclear weapons."

Yang Yi took a deep breath and said, "I understand. I get it! Then, were you always called the Castle Hermit Society, with no Shield of Freedom organization? Or was it the reverse—was there always Shield of Freedom but no Castle Hermit Society?"

"There was no Shield of Freedom. Such a vulgar name is clearly unfit for an organization with a legacy spanning centuries. The origins of the Castle Hermit Society are very complex. You could say it is the direct inheritor of the Knights Templar’s legacy, both materially and spiritually. During the unique circumstances of the Middle Ages, the Castle Hermit Society was forced to absorb certain new members, primarily coming from the Illuminati. But the Castle Hermit Society and the Illuminati never had a direct relationship—none whatsoever."

Yang Yi nodded. He was still waiting for Aaron to continue, but Aaron remained silent for a long time.

"And then? What’s next?"

Aaron smiled and said, "Next? There’s no ’next.’ I can’t tell you more than this."

Yang Yi felt disappointed, but Aaron gestured and said, "Now, let me tell you something that’s bound to concern you. You’ve probably been wondering why your mother was a member of the Castle Hermit Society, right?"

This was, of course, something Yang Yi was deeply concerned about. He thought he would have to wait a long time to find out—possibly forever. He hadn’t expected the answer to come much sooner than he anticipated.

"Of course I want to know."

Aaron cleared his throat and then said gravely, "Your mother... was once a Cleaner too."

Yang Yi was shaken to his core.

"Your mother was a traitor. She betrayed the Cleaners. Why? Because she wanted to save you. As a mother, she chose to sacrifice everything—including her life—for her child, for you."

Yang Yi stood frozen, as if struck by lightning.

Aaron continued in a calm tone, "The Cleaners always sought entry into Huaxia. Your parents were the result of their efforts. But after you were born, there was a problem. You were a genius, but did you know that geniuses... are often abnormal? I mean physically abnormal."

Yang Yi stared blankly at Aaron. Aaron continued calmly, "You were a genius, but it came at a cost. If everything had followed its natural course, you wouldn’t have lived past ten years old. Even if you never used your brain, you wouldn’t have lived past sixteen. That’s because there was a tumor in your brain. We don’t know whether the tumor made you a genius or whether your genius brain gave rise to the tumor. Either way, you wouldn’t have lived past sixteen."

The answer was already crystal clear.

Aaron smiled and said, "Yes, just as you’re thinking. To save you, your mother turned traitor. She provided us with your medical reports twice, and when you were five years old, you underwent treatment. That’s why you’re alive today."

Yang Yi didn’t dare think further, as he was beginning to imagine something truly terrifying.

Aaron sighed and said, "You remember many things, but there’s a blank spot in your memory, correct? Yes, that missing memory corresponds to the time when you underwent treatment. But I don’t want to discuss that now. What I want to tell you is this: since we possess advanced medical technology far beyond our era, what does that suggest to you?"

Yang Yi blurted out, "Xiao Ran!"

Aaron nodded and smiled, "Exactly. For us, paralysis isn’t a major problem. In fact, we can cure Xiao Ran. That’s the main point of today’s discussion. I’m happy to share this good news with you. I hope you like it."