Chapter 62: Protector Wu Appears Again!
By the roadside, Ya Fei continued observing the Mo Clan's fortress. Another black shadow flashed across her vision, catching her attention.
"Have the Mo Clan's enemies left?" Ya Fei murmured, her enchanting peach blossom eyes reflecting surprise. She could sense the departure of the mysterious figures, yet the pillar of light sealing the Mo Clan fortress remained intact, continuing to isolate the entire compound.
"Jie… the Mo Clan is finished!" Ya Fei's lips curled into a slight smirk, her mood evidently elated. The only regret she had was not being able to get her hands on the Mo Clan's wealth. If she had, her profit from this trip would have skyrocketed.
"Let's go! Head back to the imperial capital!" Ya Fei waved her hand, humming a lighthearted tune as she led her entourage toward the Mittal Auction House.
"Yes, Manager!"
At the Mittal Auction House, after some quick arrangements, Ya Fei informed the head of the Salt City branch of her departure. Soon after, she boarded the Mittal Auction House's private transport a beast drawn railcar.
The Mittal Auction House owned its independent logistics system, capable of transporting not just goods but also people.
Previously, Ya Fei's status hadn't warranted such treatment. However, things had changed. Her exceptional management of the auction house in Wu Tan City had earned her a recall to headquarters and a promotion, granting her the privilege of a private compartment.
"Let's depart!" Ya Fei commanded. This trip to Salt City had yielded fruitful results not only had she collected the balance owed, but she had also witnessed the fall of a once powerful family.
At her signal, the beast handlers cracked their whips, spurring the beasts forward. The train began its journey along the rails, the rhythmic clatter echoing in the air.
On the Dou Qi Continent, numerous professions existed: Dou Fighters, Beast Tamers, Alchemists, Healers, and Poison Masters, among others. While the original novel emphasized Alchemists, giving the impression that they dominated the continent, other professions played significant roles too.
The train sped along, covering a significant distance within half a day. Soon, it left Salt City far behind and entered a vast mountain range. Gazing out at the rapidly retreating scenery, Ya Fei's peach blossom eyes sparkled faintly. This journey back to the imperial capital could very well see her promoted to elder status.
Becoming the head of a major auction house was within her grasp, but expanding its influence… now that was a real challenge.
"So troublesome…" Ya Fei muttered, her slender fingers rubbing her temples in frustration. Just then, a shadow flitted across the sea of green outside her window.
"Hmm?" Ya Fei stiffened, her heart skipping a beat. She instinctively took a step toward the door, preparing to call her guards.
However, before she could act, her body froze. Three black robed figures suddenly appeared inside her compartment two tall and one short.
"Gulp… You… distinguished guests…" Ya Fei stammered, her gaze fixed on the unexpected visitors. She swallowed hard, not daring to make any sudden moves. Though she lacked evidence, her instincts screamed that these were the same individuals responsible for the siege at the Mo Clan's fortress.
"You're a perceptive young lady," Hai Bodong said, removing his black robe to reveal his face.
"Don't! Don't take it off! I know the rules! If I see your face, I won't live to tell the tale!" Ya Fei exclaimed, hurriedly covering her eyes with her hands… though the gaps between her fingers betrayed her curiosity.
Lu Bu's lips twitched in exasperation. Should I grab a clock and apply for office in the imperial capital too?
"Haha, you're quite the amusing girl," Hai Bodong said gruffly, tossing a token toward her. The object smacked against her fair face with a sharp slap.
Instinctively, Ya Fei opened her eyes and picked up the token. Upon seeing its design, her eyes widened as she let out a startled cry. "The Clan Leader's Token?"
The Mittal Clan hadn't had a clan leader in years; its authority rested solely with the Grand Elder, Mittal Tengshan.
For years, the clan had urged Tengshan to assume the title of clan leader, but he had always refused. Few understood why until now. Ya Fei finally realized that the true leader of the Mittal Clan had been alive all along. This man standing before her was none other than that elusive figure.
With a solemn expression, Ya Fei scrutinized the elderly man before her. So, this was the Mittal Clan's leader?
"We're heading to the imperial capital. Arrange three rooms for us," Hai Bodong instructed, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. The train's compartment was more than a simple carriage; it was a double decker with multiple private rooms. The rear compartment housed the escort team.
"Two rooms are enough," Qing Lin interjected immediately. "I'm the young master's servant. I won't be separated from him."
"Oh… Understood," Ya Fei said, glancing curiously at Qing Lin before nodding.
"Go on, then," Hai Bodong gestured dismissively.
Nightfall, Salt City, Mo Clan Fortress
A wisp of black smoke drifted silently through the air, approaching the earthen barrier sealing off the fortress.
"So, it's that brat's handiwork… Finally, I've found you… Jie Jie Jie…" A sharp, eerie laugh emerged from the shadow. After nearly three years of fruitless searching, Protector Wu finally had a lead.
"Brat! You ruined my cultivation. Once I find you, I'll make you taste true agony!"
The black mist coalesced into a humanoid shape, its hand reaching out to strike the barrier only to stop mere inches away.
"Something's not right… This is strange…" Protector Wu muttered, his form flickering. Though he had only encountered that boy once before, he knew the boy was anything but simple: a formidable soul force, an eerie flame capable of incinerating souls, and an endless array of strange formations.
For years, he had tracked the boy without finding a single trace. Yet now, the boy's presence suddenly appeared in such an obvious and unguarded manner? Suspicious.
"I can't afford to alert him," Protector Wu thought, his hand retreating. While he didn't fear any traps the boy might have left, he couldn't risk the boy slipping away again.
With caution, he circled the Mo Clan's fortress, carefully analyzing the residual auras in the area.
"Strange… There's only a trace of icy Dou Qi here. That brat's soul force isn't present. Wait… the formation flags?" Protector Wu's gaze sharpened as he examined the array. His attention shifted northwest, where faint traces of icy Dou Qi lingered.
"Could it be the boy wasn't here, and this was merely connected to an ice Dou Qi user?"
The black mist swirled thoughtfully. Whether it was a false lead or not, his next destination was clear: the imperial capital. If the boy truly was there, this chase would finally end.
"Jie Jie Jie… The Misty Cloud Sect may be useless, but they'll still serve their purpose…" Protector Wu sneered before disappearing into the night.
On Ya Fei's train, Hai Bodong sat across from Lu Bu, his expression a mixture of curiosity and unease.
Initially, he had thought their collaboration would end with the Mo Clan's downfall, and they would part ways. Yet, to his surprise, Lu Bu's destination was also the imperial capital.
"Once we reach the imperial capital, will we part ways?" Hai Bodong asked.
"No rush. I have another deal to discuss with you, Hai Lao," Lu Bu replied with a faint smirk. Run? Not so fast.
Hai Bodong: "…"
For some reason, an ominous feeling crept over him.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Johanssen