by Zhuang Bifan
The square went silent immediately.
Lin Li took back the blood-vines slowly. His eyes were on the rest of the robbers.
"Does anyone else wants their dinner?"
Apart from the sound of hearts thumping and people breathing, the silence in the surrounding area was deafening. The rest of the robbers looked at each other uneasily. None of them dared to make a sound. Their gazes towards Lin Li were filled with trepidation and helplessness. Since they had no time for escape, who would want to provoke that killer?
"Very good," Lin Li said as he glanced at the robbers before showing signs of satisfaction. "Since everyone is so polite, I'm not going to make things difficult for you. You can go after leaving behind all your things."
"S-sure, sure…" The robbers were already shocked by Marko's death. Now that Lin Li said he would let them off, they had no time to fuss about their belongings. At once, the clattering sound of the weapons dropping on the ground could be heard. Two timid robbers even ran to the long table and brought that heavy wooden box full of silver coins to Lin Li's feet as though in an act of ingratiation.
After all these, the bunch of robbers sighed in relief. Although the Black Clouds Town was small, today's collection of protection fees was too dangerous. They had really seen a monster. Why would such an invincible mage come to the Black Clouds Town? If they'd known about it, they would have joined the other group in robbing the traders. It would certainly be much safer than the Black Clouds Town…
What they were glad for was the little bit of humanity that mage had. Although he killed Marko, he spared their lives…
"Wait a minute…"
When the robbers were secretly celebrating the fact that they were spared, Lin Li's "wait a minute" nearly caused them to pee in their pants. The bunch of burly men stood frozen in fear, and looked at each other nervously like guilty children that were unsure of what they had done wrong. After five minutes of staring at one another, a robber who was braver than others stood out from the crowd. He asked cautiously, "M-most respected Mr. Mage, w-what orders do you have?"
"Do I need to remind you again? I meant it when I said to leave behind all your belongings…"
"…"
When Lin Li said that, the bunch of robbers flushed. Does that mean that we have to take off our clothes?
If this happened in the past, these robbers would let their fists speak for them. How could the robbers from the Syer Bandits expose themselves to such shame? However, none of them said a thing. Everyone was in a dilemma…
In the end, they were overcome by their d.e.s.i.r.e to live…
One leather armor got placed on the grounds of the Cathedral Square after another. Then, the u.n.d.e.r.g.a.r.m.e.n.ts. Not long after, there was a huge pile of clothes in the Cathedral Square.
"Alright, you can go now."
Hence, the group of n.a.k.e.d robbers frantically escaped from the Black Clouds Town. This incident would become a famous anecdote among the people of Black Clouds Town for many years. They would come to love talking about it after their meals, and recount the events of the day President Felic first came to the Black Clouds Town, and how those 10 robbers ran away in shame…
…
The wooden box that was full of silver coins went back to the residents of Black Clouds Town. Old Salatt was the one who distributed them. Since he was one of the top blacksmiths in the Black Clouds Town, no one had any objection. At the same time, Lin Li sneaked back to his house. He knew that if he did not do so, the residents would not let him go that easily. What should he do when a whole bunch of fat aunties rushed towards him to ask about his life aspirations?
Yet, when Lin Li returned to the house, there was something in his hand.
From its appearance, it looked like a key. If Lin Li did not remember it wrongly, it was this thumb-sized key that was found in Garso's possession when he was brought to the Cathedral Square. It became the reason why Lin Li would request that those 10 robbers take off their clothes back then.
"Alright, Connoris. What a petty peeping Tom you are! I have the key you wanted. Come out at once!" After he returned to his house, Lin Li let Norfeller guard the door before opening the Ring of Endless Storm to call Connoris out.
"What peeping Tom? That's not nice…"
"Cut the crap!" Lin Li snapped angrily. "If you are not a peeping Tom, why did you keep nagging at my ear to take this key? Do you know that I had to let the entire bunch of robbers strip just to get it? Unknowing people might think that I have such a weird fetish…!"
"So exciting?"
"Shut up!" Lin Li placed the key on the table. "If you don't give me a reasonable explanation, get ready to stay inside the ring for a month!"
"Don't worry! Listen to me first…" Perhaps it was due to him being trapped in the Ring of Endless Storm for too long, but Connoris was unusually straightforward in his words today.
"Your neighbor?" Lin Li asked before realizing its meaning. "You mean, a devil?"
"That's right. A real high-level devil. The Lord of the 10th level of the abyss, Saradus!"
"Oh my God…"
"Young man, calm down. I still have more shocking news than this.
"My neighbor is not an agreeable person. Ever since he was born, he never stopped challenging me. Unfortunately for him, he never succeeded. How would a mighty Soul Trader lose to a pitiful worm? Those times are really making me feel nostalgic; every day was filled with battles. There were always countless devils battling on the 10th and 11th level of the abyss.
"This lasted until one day, when Osric brought his Magic Legion into the abyss. Those darn High Elves were too powerful. Osric's Magic Legion was like a mincer that ground all of the devils into bits and pieces.
"Osric only used an evening to defeat the level-10 of the abyss, and nearly killed my sweet little neighbor…"
"Nearly?"
"Yeah, nearly…" Connoris replied. He was really immersed in his story, and his hoarse voice was filled with emotions. "When the Magic Legion was chasing after him, Saradus shamelessly escaped into my palace…"
"That's so stupid…"
"Heh…" Connoris laughed. "You're right. I killed him, and swallowed his soul. Yet, this was all normal. Only the fittest survive in the abyss. If it was me that tried to hide in Saradus' palace, my sweet neighbor would have done the same without hesitation."
"Cut the crap, get to the main point."
"I'm sure that you know that there would be memory fragments inside any soul. Hence, when I was swallowing Saradus' soul, I obtained part of his memories. One was related to this key. From this memory, I found Saradus had sneaked into the world outside the abyss many years ago and built a personal force there.
"I could not find further information about it. Still, there is something I'm really sure of. That is, my adorable neighbor's special interest in magical metals. He used his own ability to gather many precious magical metals in this world, and hid them in a secret place. As for the key to that place, it was in the hands of a loyal human slave of his…"
"It's a treasure hunt again?" Lin Li interrupted Connoris. He started to understand the situation now.
"That's right."
"Then, did you find the exact location of the treasure in Saradus' memory?"
"Heh, that's why I'm here to discuss some things with you. So, are you keen to be my dear partner in attaining the wealth of a demon monarch?"
"Are you going to tell me or not?" Lin Li asked impatiently. He was extremely clear on the Soul Trader's personality. When he heard the word "discuss", he knew that that fella had ill intentions.
"Goddammit, how could you threaten a mighty Soul Trader?" The stale dimension within the Ring of Endless Storm was Connoris' weakness. When he saw Lin Li open the ring, he started pleading with him. "W-wait, wait, wait… I will tell you everything…"
"That's more like it…"
Chapter 308 - Mayor's Visitation
Actually, Lin Li was not really keen on attaining the demon monarch
's treasure. Since 1300 years had already passed, who knew if the treasure hadn't been dug out by some other people? Furthermore, it did not sound credible that a demon monarch would have a thing for collecting magical metals. Even though Connoris was really serious in telling him that, Lin Li was just treating him as though he was saying a fairy tale. The threat he gave Connoris was just a joke…
Yet, as he heard more of it, Lin Li could not help but feel surprised. Apparently, Connoris was really not joking this time. He talked about the location of the treasure and the types of magical metals really seriously. Lin Li had to believe in his words.
"It can't be so powerful. Connoris, are you joking?"
"I don't have time to joke with you. Do you think that Saradus' collection is a joke? Let me tell you—this is a really rare opportunity that you might not meet in a hundred years. Don't regret it when you think of it next time…"
"Are you sure…?" Lin Li glanced at Connoris skeptically. "I say, the mighty Soul Trader, why are you so passionate in sharing it with me this time?"
"Erm, hehe…" Connoris smiled hideously. "It's nothing. Just because there are not only magical metals in Saradus' treasury. There is something else there that interests me…"
"What is it?"
"Something that once belonged to me. That year, our battle was incredibly intense. There were many a time I nearly died under the hands of my cute neighbor. Those things there are the things I dropped on our battlegrounds. They encompassed part of my personal soul energy.
"I have always been thinking about a certain issue all these years. That is, since Osric used powerful soul energy to seal my body, if I'm able to find those things, they might be of some help to me. It might even separate me from this darn hammer…!"
"Oh, so there's that…" Lin Li was now entirely clear about the situation and the reason behind Connoris' unusual friendliness. He told Lin Li every clue about the treasure, and kept convincing him to go and uncover the treasure c.h.e.s.t. All these efforts were due to his persistence to recover his lost belongings…
But that was good too. Each of them could take what they wanted, minimizing any suspicions between them.
Then, everything became less complex. Since Connoris had told him so many things, there was nothing else he had to hide from Lin Li. Connoris told him that Saradus' treasure was at the north of the Breezy Plains, in some place called Evergreen Valley. The place had barren hills and unruly rivers. There were rolling hills and dark forested regions. Furthermore, the geographical location of the treasure was unique. It was nicely located at the border between the territories of three races—humans, dwarves, and elves—which no one would pay attention to. It was safe to say that this treasure was hidden in a remote region where few people trod. Even those Adventurers who valued money more than their own lives would not want to travel to that miasma-filled area where magical beasts roamed freely just for some money…
Saradus' treasure was in one of the caves. In order to explain more clearly, Connoris even found a map of the Evergreen Valley for Lin Li.
"Do you see that? If you walk up this mountain, I presume you would need two to three days to cut through this primeval forest. So, I recommend that you pack some food with you, and don't be foolish and try to battle those magical beasts. When the High Elves were researching a dangerous spell in this area, an incident caused a great leakage of their poisonous chemicals. It polluted almost the entire forest, and the magical beasts soaked them up for more than 1300 years. I'm sure even a little rabbit would have become a poisonous snake by now. Their meat is going to give you indigestion…"
"Noted," Lin Li replied as he carefully remembered Connoris' words.
"After you pass through the primeval forest, you will be able to see the light of day again. However, please do not stop traveling. If you head in the northeastern direction and walk for about two to three kilometers, there will be a scene of precipitous cliffs. You should walk along the edge of the cliffs, and use either a rope or the Levitation Spell to bring yourself down. After about 200 meters, you will be able to see the entrance of that cave…"
"So complicated?"
"Complicated? That is just the start. My dear neighbor was not a simple-minded demon. How would he let anyone go near his treasures easily? Not to mention other precautions, just the gate of the cave is enough to block you off. That gate is made wholly from the Eternal Adamantine. Without the key, the combined abilities of 10 Legendary mages would not be enough to open that gate…"
As Connoris was immersed in all the descriptions, Lin Li could gradually visualize how the treasury of a demon lord would look like.
The conversation between the man and the hammer continued until late at night. Since Lin Li had to be serious about the Evergreen Valley, his queries to Connoris were very specific. Once Lin Li felt that he had nothing more to ask, he casually placed Connoris beside his bed, and fell into deep slumber…
The next day, Lin Li was awakened by knocking on his door.
When he opened the door, he saw Norfeller's ashen face.
"What is it, Norfeller?"
"Master, there's somebody outside who requested to see you."
"Oh…" Lin Li nodded. He was not surprised. It was not unexpected for people to look for him now. Since he created such a din in the Cathedral Square, the people of Black Clouds Town were applaudable enough to only look for him now…
"Oh, yes…" When he was putting on his long robe and preparing to head out, he remembered Connoris at the side of his bed. "I say, mighty Soul Trader, I have some guest here. Do you want to hide in that dimension first?"
"Pfff!" Connoris jumped up from the side of the bed. "I hate that darn dimension! There is no sunlight nor air inside. You'd better not send me there again!"
Lin Li did not expect Connoris to be so agitated. "Alright, alright. Then don't hide. Can you not be so agitated…" He placated Connoris awkwardly.
"That's more like it!"
After reminding Connoris not to do anything funny, Lin Li and Norfeller went out to meet the guest.
As expected, just when Lin Li stepped out of the door, there were over 10 people crowding outside. The old blacksmith Salatt, the plump landlady, and a stout middle-aged man who looked around 40 years old were there too. That squabby man had very fair skin that made him looked like fermented flour. There were no wrinkles on his smiley face, and that complexion made him appear to be somebody who led a very comfortable life.
Lin Li glanced at him skeptically. Then, he remembered that this man was the highest-ranking chief executive of Black Clouds Town—Mayor Alexir…
"Greetings, Uncle Salatt. Good day, Aunt Margaret. Good morning, Mayor Alexir…" Lin Li smiled as he greeted the people in a friendly manner. However, when it was Alexir's turn, Lin Li frowned a little.
Why is this fence-sitter here…
Anyone who had stayed in Black Clouds Town would know that Alexir fitted the title of a fence-sitter. Mister Mayor did not have much of a stance of his own, and would always gravitate towards anyone with power. Not only that, due to his timidness, any sense of danger would cause him to get insomnia for days. Lin Li knew from Old Salatt the day before that this Mister Mayor made an excuse to attend to a non-existent business in Doland three days ago after knowing that the robbers were going to his town…
Throughout the several past years, he was the same. It had become the joke people of Black Clouds Town would laugh about. They said that the time of this mayor going to Doland to settle some "affairs" was even more accurate than the ladies' monthly period. It was this determination and persistence that paved his road to become the mayor…
Of course, Lin Li was not a righteous man that hated injustice. He did not really have qualms about dealing with the fence-sitting mayor. The reason behind his frown was an instinctive worry. Why would someone who liked to avoid trouble visit him? Since that mayor was so cheery today, it might not be something good. He would need to use a lot of energy to dismiss him now…
&nbs
p; Lin Li pursed his lips as he invited the guests in.
Since the house was rented temporarily, the environment was not too great. The living room was not spacious to begin with, and now became even more crowded when the 10 people went in. Mister Mayor, who had always lived a comfortable life, did not seem to mind it, though. After he sat down, he started to use a very casual tone to talk to Lin Li.
"I hope Mage Felic finds Black Clouds Town comfortable."
"Thanks, Mayor Alexir, I quite like Black Clouds Town. In fact, I'm thinking about settling down here too…"
"Oh? Mage Felic wants to stay at Black Clouds Town? That's great…"
"Hehe…" Lin Li laughed, and did not say much. He saw Alexir's dismay very clearly when he said that he hoped to settle down in Black Clouds Town…
"Oh, yes. Magic Shooter Felic, I heard that you are from the Alanna Guild of Magic? What a coincidence, I went there a few years ago. I had the honor to meet a few noble Archmages. May I know which Archmage was your mentor?"
"My mentor is Andoine, but he is not an Archmage. He is just a random old man who loves to run around…"
"Andoine?" Alanna repeated the unfamiliar name. He was certain that he had never heard that there was an Archmage named Andoine in Alanna. When he looked at Lin Li again, his gaze had less respect now.
It seems that he is just a random mage with no background…
In reality, Alexir was still disappointed with that fact. He'd thought that this young man who could defeat over 10 robbers would be under a well-known Archmage. Now that he knew that he was just an apprentice of a homeless mage, he felt that it was not worthy to risk anything for him despite his great abilities…
"What matters do you have in Black Clouds Town?" Alexir asked Lin Li directly. Since Lin Li had not much of a background, Alexir dispensed with formalities.
"Just a small matter…"
"Hehe, to think of it now, I realize I haven't gotten the chance to thank you. Mage Felic, you are a big savior to Black Clouds Town. If you hadn't been around, we would have faced great damage last night. Mage Felic, if you face any troubles here, please don't mind telling me. I would be able to render some help to you…" Alexir said ingratiatingly. Then, he tried to squeeze out a worried expression.